Seth was still angry at himself for not speaking to Maddie. She was literally a stone throw away from him and he didn't move from his car. Desperate for some advice, he called the only person who would be able to tell him something he needed to hear.

'Hello' came Rachael's voice after several rings.

'I saw her last night.'

'Wait, what?'

'Last night! I couldn't wait anymore so I went to the studio where she worked and saw her. She was there, and you were right, she looks the same as she did all those years ago!'

'Well, what did she say? What did you say?'

'That's the thing Rach, I got so nervous I couldn't actually get out of the car to go and speak to her.'

'You couldn't speak to her? But you're Seth Macfarlane; you're running 3 shows, making a movie, released a classic jazz album during the era of electronic music, and you sing and speak in front of millions of people all the time! You have no reason to be nervous at this!'

'I'd take any of those right now!'

'I'll tell you what, if you are really that nervous, let's meet after work tomorrow night, and I'll come with you to get Bella. That way the three of us can ease into a conversation, I can take Bella straight home and you and Maddie can speak on your own for a while.'

'Really? You don't think it's a bit pathetic having my sister there?'

'Seth, when I first came out here, you helped me get a job and then gave me a main role in American Dad. It's my turn to help you now. Even in the most pathetic way possible!' She heard Seth laugh over the phone. 'I mean, think about it, Glen Quagmire is judging you right now!'

'Thanks Rach, I get it.'

'See you tomorrow at 7pm. And don't be late.'

Seth and Rachael met after work as planned, and drove separately to the studio so that Rachael could take Bella home and Seth could talk to Maddie as long as he needed. They agreed that he and Rachael would go in together, but Rachael planned to make a quick getaway leaving them alone.

When they got there, they had to wait with the other parents picking their children up. Seth noticed (as he always did) some people looking round and whispering. He didn't enjoy this, but decided it was a small price to pay because he was about to meet Maddie again. The time came and pupils came rushing out of the studio to meet their parents. Rachael couldn't spot Bella, so she headed into the dance studio to find her. Seth was about to follow her when he was stopped by someone.

'Oh my! You're Seth Macfarlane, aren't you?! I'm Dean, co-owner of 'A Handful of Harmonies'. I'm such a big fan of your work!' He held out a hand and Seth shook it graciously, but was annoyed. This man was yet another obstacle holding him back from meeting Maddie.

'Thanks very much' Seth said 'Did you say co-owner?'

'Yes I did'

'I'm actually here to see your partner. Do you know where Maddie is?'

'Yes, she teaches in the dance studio behind you' Dean said pointing. As he did so, Rachael came out of the studio with Bella.

'Ok, you're up Seth!' Rachael gave her brother a hug and lifted Bella up so she could kiss her uncle on his cheek. They left briskly leaving Seth standing alone with Dean.

'Go in if you want; she'll be in there tidying but feel free to talk to her.'

'I won't be imposing?'

'For the man who makes my favourite shows, of course not!' Dean gestured for him to go in and then walked away smiling. Seth took a deep breath and then entered the studio.

The room was big with mirrors and ballet bars on the walls. He looked around and saw Maddie with her back to him; her long ginger hair had been let out of its tight knot and was hanging messily down her back. Seth looked at her, and walked in, making his shoes tap on the wooden floor. Maddie, hearing this, looked around and was stunned at who she saw in front of her. 'Hi Maddie.'

Maddie was almost breathless as she looked at her former love. Even though he had only said two words to her, she couldn't believe how his voice sounded the same as it had 14 years ago. She couldn't do anything at that moment but look at him. He was so tall. They locked eye contact and she gazed into those dark eyes she knew so well. She didn't know whether to speak or even smile. Maddie looked in disbelief. She thought that time had stopped, but Seth broke the silence after a few seconds, and all of a sudden time moved again.

'So are you actually going to speak to me?' Seth smiled as he said this.

'I'm sorry. I'm in shock. I wasn't expecting to see you.'

'My sister meets you again after 14 years, and you think she isn't going to tell me?'

'Deep down I knew she would. You just caught me off guard tonight.'

'One of my many talents!' Seth walked until he was only standing a foot away from Maddie. Her bright blue eyes drew him in like a bird to the sky. They both leant in and hugged impulsively, and for a short time, they were teenagers again. When they broke apart, they relaxed. The awkwardness was now over and they smiled.

'So it's been a while!' Maddie said jokily. They both knew to almost to the day how long it had been. 'How is super-stardom treating you?'

'Fine' Seth said quickly, wanting to avoid the subject. 'How about you? You look great! Really great actually!'

'Thanks.' Maddie blushed. 'I've been busy, as you can probably see.'

'Yeah, Rachael said you have a kid now.'

'I do, I have a son.' Maddie took the photo out of her purse. 'His name is Tyler.'

'He's cute! Looks like you!'

Maddie smiled and snatched the photo back laughing 'that is such a stereotype that all gingers look the same!'

'Funny, that's the second time I've heard a ginger woman say something like that!'

The pair had relaxed finally and it felt as if they were catching up after 2 weeks; not 14 years. They made small talk for about half another more, both stunned by each other's appearance. Both thought that time had served each other well and all the while, they couldn't look away.

'I'm sorry but I have to lock up the studio now.'

'Ok, well should we go and get a drink somewhere? Continue our catch up?'

'Oh shoot, I can't. I have to go and relieve my babysitter.'

'Ok.' Seth's face fell.

'But if you want, why don't you follow me home? I have Tyler but you could meet him, I can get us some diet sprites and we can chat.'

'Are you sure? I don't want to impose on you and Tyler.'

'You won't be. If anything I'll be the world's best Mom of I bring home his comedy God!'

'You let your 8 year old watch Family Guy?' Seth asked as they walked out together. 'Aren't you worried about the language and adult themes? I get so many complaints from parents as it is!

'Relax! Besides, I'm not worried about the language, Hell; he'll learn that from me and my brothers anyway. What annoys me is that it's on TV way past his bedtime every night and he sneaks downstairs to watch it, wakes up in the morning really tired; and I'm more worried it will impact his school life!'

Seth laughed at that. Maddie locked the dance studio and waved bye to Dean, who insisted on shaking hands with Seth again. 30 minutes later, they had arrived at Maddie's house in the suburbs. It was an average size, 4 bedroom house with a garden. Seth saw the real reason Maddie had the house, as it was painted olive green with white open window shutters and a matching picket fence, that looked like it had been pulled out of 1952. They both stepped out of the car and began walking towards the door.

'Wow! Your house looks like it's just come off the Desperate Housewives set!'

'Desperate Housewives? Isn't that show a little modern for you?'

'You know, I am so glad you got modern out of that rather than gay!'

'Well the night's young!' Maddie teased as she opened the door. She let Seth in and then closed the door behind her. They had walked in to see Tyler watching TV and Sean sitting next to him reading a fashion magazine.

'Sean, look who found me tonight!'

Seth and Sean also knew each other from school and became friends when he and Maddie started dating. He remembered fondly their performances in the Glee club and Sean's very effeminate yet believable portrayal of Chino in West Side Story. Seth had been a big supporter of Sean in high school when he came out as gay, and Seth was pleased to know that his voice or fashion sense hadn't changed either.

'Oh my Lord, I don't believe it!' said Sean jumping up. He held out his hand, which Seth shook before hugging his old friend. Maddie smiled and then went over to Tyler who hugged his mother and began talking to her in a whispered voice. After a few minutes, Seth and Sean stopped and Sean out his coat on.

'I'll be going now babe' he called from the door; 'you two should totally catch up!' Sean winked and made a "call me" gesture behind Seth's back, before letting himself out.

'Hey Seth, this is my son Tyler.' Maddie's son leapt off the sofa and looked up at Seth with a huge grin on his face revealing dimples on each cheek. He looked a lot like Maddie because of his ginger hair, but facially he obviously looked like his father. Seth crouched down to his level and introduced himself.

'Hi Tyler, I'm Seth. It's really great meeting you!'

'Ha-ha' Tyler laughed 'you sound like the dog on Family Guy!'

'That's because I am the dog on Family Guy!'

'Cool! Are you also Peter and Stewie?'

'Of course I am young man!' Seth said in Stewie's voice. Tyler laughed and Seth began talking to Tyler in all of his different voices. Maddie was in the kitchen getting drinks for them. She smiled as she came back in the room and was pleased to see how taken Tyler was with Seth.

'Ok, Sweetie, time for bed. Go upstairs and brush your teeth!'

'Ok.' Tyler jumped up to go upstairs.

'Say goodnight to Seth please.'

'Night Seth!'

'See you buddy!' Seth replied giving him a fist bump which Tyler giggled at before disappearing.

'I have to go and be a Mom for a little while. Stay here and make yourself comfortable; there are some quality magazines to read, or books. I'll be back down in a minute.'

'Sure, go and be a Mom!' Seth said with a reassuring smile. He watched Maddie as she turned to walk upstairs. He didn't look away until she was out of sight, and when she was he let out a sigh and began looking around her lounge at all the photos she had on the walls. They were everywhere; pictures of Tyler and Maddie together, pictures of her and her brother's, her nieces and nephews, friends, a giant canvas of Sean and Maddie on what Seth assumed to be Sean's wedding day given the fact he was wearing a tuxedo and holding another man's hand. Seth smiled while looking at these pictures, pleased to find out that Maddie had been happy for all of those years they were not together.

He continued looking and came across a photo of Maddie and another man, again he did not recognise. The man looked like he was of Spanish descent because of his olive skin and dark hair. He picked up the photo and looked closer. It looked like they were in Italy. Maddie and this man were standing in front of the Trevi fountain, their arms were around each other in a tight embrace and they were smiling genuinely happy smiles.

Seth was so absorbed taking in this picture he barely noticed Maddie come back downstairs. She stood behind him before he felt her breath on the back of his neck. He turned around and saw her there.

'That's Daniel. He was my husband.'

'Yeah I assumed as much. Rachael said he died.' Maddie just nodded. 'You're a brave woman Maddie, you know that? Not many women could go through that and still raise a child and be as strong as you.'

'Well I have to be, don't I? He lost his Dad. He can't have his Mom moping around, can he? Tyler never got to meet his dad so I like to have that photo down so he could see what he looked like.'

'He's a really great kid.'

'Yes he is.' Maddie and Seth looked at each other and smiled. 'You were a big hit with him too. He won't be able to stop talking about you for a while, you know!'

Seth put the photo back on Maddie's mantelpiece. They stood in silence, again just taking in the sight of each other. They were amazed at how comfortable they felt around each other not saying anything.

'It's getting late Maddie, I should be going. I've got a lot of work to do tomorrow; recording and such.'

'Oh. Ok, let me show you out then.'

Maddie walked to the door with Seth. He opened the door and stepped out.

'Hey, I would really love to meet up with you again Maddie. I mean, if you want to.' Seth smiled at her. She smiled back which was promising.

'Sure.' Maddie leant back to pick something off the table by the door. She handed her card to Seth. 'Here's my number, just give me a call.'

'I'll definitely call you!' Seth saluted her with the hand that held her card and that all important number.

'I look forward to it.'

They smiled at each other again and hugged each other. Their hug lasted a lot longer than before. Maddie and Seth held on to each other tightly, bringing back the memories from their relationship. Neither of them stopped smiling. Maddie lifted her head away from him and they looked at each other one more time, all the while still holding each other. It made them sad when they eventually let go, but at the same time excited knowing they were going to be seeing and speaking again soon.

Maddie didn't close the door until she had seen Seth drive away. She sat on her sofa. She couldn't believe what had happened tonight. Potentially the love of her life had found her again. Maddie leant back on the sofa and closed her eyes for no more than a few seconds; her phone rang immediately. She picked it up, thinking he couldn't possibly be calling already.

'Hello?'

'I waited until I saw him leave!' It was Sean calling to find out the gossip.

'Oh, hi Sean.'

'So, tell me everything!'