Epilogue

Part Two.

Ten years later.

New York City, New York

Miley.

"Yes."

"Yes."

"Yes."

"No." I sighed putting a big red cross next to the answer.

I pressed my finger against my temple staring at the answer to the question, which this student had not only answered incorrectly but also completely screwed to a degree of stupidity. I leaned back on my chair letting out a sigh, staring across the empty classroom before me. I closed my eyes exhausted, putting my hand on my stomach before looking back at the pop quiz, which I'd sprung as a surprise on my freshman history class.

I re-read the answer before correcting it and moving onto the next question. I was thankful to see this student had at least past the test, before placing it on the now complete pile. I sighed in relief, thankful that was done and I'd have the rest of lunch to celebrate my…

The bell filled my ears as I gave a small laugh. Goodbye lunch and birthday cake.

I stood up pulling out the sheets for my junior class, which detailed their assessment for next week. At least I was giving them this class to do private research because I needed to just sit and relax for ten minutes or I'd explode.

The door opened as the stream of students started to spill in, loudly sitting down while I handed the sheets to one of my students Mia, who took them reluctantly. I gazed around the uniformed room, noting some serious violations but ignoring them today. I didn't want to leave them with a bad impression of me, plus it was my birthday no point ruining it.

"Pass them back," I instructed her as she rolled her eyes.

I kept my mouth closed and moved back to the desk standing there. I didn't say anything and just waited while they yelled, it took thirty seconds before James at the back realized I was waiting. He slapped Tom, who told David to shut it, which led to the girls closing their mouths too until finally I had silence.

"We finished?" I asked sternly as I received a few civilized nods, "Right then it's assessment time, I know how much you've all loved this topic on the American Civil War so I decided why not have an oral presentation on it?" The groans throughout the room were instant as I laughed, "Oh come on you guys it's only five minutes each. I could spend seven hours and I wouldn't have even covered half of it."

"It feel likes we've been learning this shit for seven years." someone murmured.

I put my hands on my hips, "Look I know you hate the Civil War, and let's face it it's not the most interesting topic but this is my last week and in a month you'll be finished for the year. So can we at least put some effort in?" I turned looking at the group of boys at the back, "Or at least make it entertaining, because I will give you a extra credit for every history relevant joke you can make corny or not."

"Wait you still haven't told us who are substitute is…"

I looked at Tess who sat at the front. She was like me at school, straight to the point. I shrugged combing my hand through my hair, "I honestly don't know Tess, but I'll find out this afternoon and let you know."

"Will you back next year?" Tess pressed.

I looked at her confused as I saw even the boys up the back looking up eagerly. I gave a nod, and instantly I saw relieved looks around the room. I couldn't help but smile, my bad mood gone almost instantly. It was a moment like that, which reminded me why I loved teaching.

"Yes I will be in March most likely if things go to plan-"

"Will you come visit us before then?" Tess asked as all the girls looked hopeful.

I laughed and put my hand on my stomach looking down, "Sure, but let's not worry about that right now. You all need to start your assessments, now this is what I want you to focus on…"

I took the white board marker and began scrawling down the details, explaining the aspects I wanted them to incorporate. I was thankful that today they weren't a rowdy class because I just couldn't have dealt with it. I loved this job though, even when it had its moment, it was always fulfilling. I'd always wanted this as a child, but after finally getting accepting to college to study liberal arts it had really hit me that I wanted to teach. So I graduated and continued to get another diploma in education, some how managing to score a job at my now co-ed former private school in the heart of the city.

"And then I want you to conclude with-"

A knock on the door sounded as I turned, "Come in."

It opened and I smiled seeing Doris the receptionist who looked confused.

"Mrs. Jonas can I have a word outside for a moment?" I instantly nodded hearing her tone and turned back to my class who all looked elated.

"Right everyone I want you to get started on this, Mia…" I turned to the girl I trusted the least but knew would embrace the power. "You are in charge of the class until I return. I expect you at least to have turned your computers onto a relevant website by the time I have returned- and no Wikipedia is not a reliable source."

Mia stood up smugly as I moved following Doris into the corridor closing the door,

The old woman frowned at me confused, "Ava's here."

I was instantly taken a back, "What? No she's on a field trip-"

"Is in tears in the office, she tried calling you but you didn't answer." Doris explained looking apologetic, "I tried to find out what was wrong, but she seems distraught. Miley she really wants you."

I just looked at her bewildered. How did Ava even get here? I nodded confused, my mind hurting but a pain in my heart consuming me. What had happened to her? I quickly began to move down the hallway, well as quick as my body could take me reaching the office with Doris who opened the door. I instantly felt sick seeing her normal giggly expression gone replaced with red eyes and huge horrible sobbing noises. Oh God.

The second she saw me the relief was instant.

"Mommy!" Ava cried jumping off the seat and rushed towards me as I opened my arms pulling the seven year old straight to my chest.

"Baby it's okay! How did you get here?" I asked holding her tightly to against me, unwilling to let go until I fixed what had happened.

I pressed my hand against the back of her brunette pigtailed head giving Doris an apologetic look as she just gave me a weak smile waving her hand at me. "Mommy I didn't know what else to do, I didn't know where else to go."

I sighed letting go leaning down to my daughter's height while the tears cascaded down her face and her bottom lip stuck out. I moved up frowning wiping her tears away wanting nothing more then to make this okay. Ava was everything I'd hoped for and so much more. I didn't realize I'd even wanted to be a mom, Nick wanted her more then me so I'd allowed it after some convincing. But soon as she was in my arms looking completely innocent, all my priories changed, she became my number one and I loved her more then anything in this world. Seeing Ava like this killed me inside, because all I wanted was to give her the love and happiness I'd received from my parents. I just wanted her to be happy.

"Ava it's okay, shhh it's okay." I whispered.

"I rang everyone and no one answered." She cried, "I rang you, Aunt Demi and Uncle Joe- "

I looked at her confused, "Honey, why? I don't understand daddy was going to pick you up from the field trip you-"

"He didn't come." Ava whispered looking at me devastated. "Daddy didn't come and…I…My teacher thought I'd been picked up and…I was alone. I just I didn't know where to go so I came here."

I looked at her speechless.

"Daddy wasn't there?" I whispered.

She shook her head, as I looked up feeling sick. Something was wrong. Nick would never forget to pick Ava up, not unless something had happened.

I turned to Doris who was watching our interaction. I stood up straight pressing my hand upon Ava's head, "Doris, I'm sorry to do this to you but would you mind asking if I can speak to Sandra-" I began in reference to the Principle and a very close friend of mine who had been my teacher as a teen. Doris just smiled,

"She already saw Ava, told you to take the afternoon off. You're not even supposed be working Miley- go do what ever you need to do and look after yourself for a change we'll find someone to take your class." Doris ordered giving a smile as I nodded.

"Thank you, so much." I turned back to Ava, "It's going to be okay, I'm here now."

I grabbed her school bag wrapping my arm around Ava who had now controlled her tears yet still she looked terrified. I sighed feeling overwhelmed, this was the last thing I needed right now.

"And Happy Birthday Miley." Doris announced.

I turned back and gave her a weak smile "Thank you."

Doris gave me a sympathetic look, "I hope your day improves."

"You and me both, okay Ava lets find daddy."

I left the room holding Ava tightly against me as we moved down the corridor. I retrieved my bag from my office and immediately pulled out my phone. I noticed a candy cane sitting on my desk quickly handing it to Ava, typing nick's number in.

"Honey have this, it'll be make you feel better." I whispered as she took it silently.

I pressed call and waited…listening to the tone…hoping-

"You've called Nick please leave a message-"

I hung up swallowing looking at Ava who was watching my every move. I had to be brave for her. I had to be. I smiled touching her cheek as she sucked on the piece of candy.

"Okay let's…" I closed my eyes Nick was supposed to pick me up too. I opened them seeing the fear in Ava's eyes as I smiled at her, "Let's go for a walk? We might go catch the subway- maybe?" Ava nodded as I offered her my free hand, which she took looking up at me.

"Daddy's okay, right?" Ava asked me.

I looked at her nodding, "Of course, of course he is…of course." I whispered my voice shaking as the weight upon my body increased. What if he wasn't?

We walked down the corridor and out the front doors to the school as I stopped buttoning up Ava's jacket before we descended the stairs. I swallowed trying to think, but I didn't know who to call, Nick should have picked her up. He should have been answering his phone. So should Joe and Demi- unless…

I felt sick at the thought as I released Ava's hand calling the only person who I could think of…

"Mommy who are you calling?" Ava asked as I looked at her smiling.

"I'm just calling Jasey."

She nodded pressing up against me as I motioned for her to keep walking. The first ring was long, the second worse and by the third I didn't know what to think but the forth never came as I heard a sigh,

"Miley." Jase stated slowly. "I'm kind of busy right-"

"Nick's not answering, he was supposed to pick up Ava and… neither is Joe and Demi so…I mean is something happening?"

I said it so quickly I could barely understand what I'd said, but I knew he'd understand. Jason always could hear me. I waited for an answer- for Jason to tell me that Nick was fine, that they all were yet he didn't. Jason didn't say a thing.

"Jason?" I whispered fear constricting my body.

I listened as he sighed, "Miley, hun just-"

I stopped feeling everything in me drop, "Oh My God, oh my god-" I cried covering my mouth, "What- Oh God." I felt tears fill my eyes as Ava's eyes widened,

"Miley stop, stop calm down." Jason snapped, "Just- Miley don't cry. It's going to be fine okay-I'll-"

"Mommy what's going on?" Ava asked scared.

I looked at her panicking, everything in me frozen. "Miley just calm down, the academy is in lockdown okay? I don't know what's happened yet, I'm on my way there and as soon as I know I will let you know. Nick will be fine. He will be fine Miley now you need to just calm down."

"Mommy?" Ava asked crying "Mommy why won't you answer me?"

"Miley? Miley I can hear Ava- Miley?" Jason hissed, "Miley do not freeze up on me. Miley."

I looked at Ava and tried to process what I was hearing. It was just lockdown. Nick would be okay, something had clearly happened, but he'd be fine. I had to be brave. I had to be brave for her. I wasn't a kid anymore, I couldn't have a break down. I was a mother and I needed to look after Ava.

"Miley-"

"I'm going to take Ava to the park." I whispered knowing I couldn't cope being in the subway right now, not like this. "I just…I'll…" I stopped looking at the park just up the road. "I'll just stay there for a while with her."

"Near the school?" Jason asked me immediately.

I nodded, "Yeah I'll be okay, I'm just…" I looked at my stomach panicking. "I'm fine."

"Joe and Demi have just walked in- they are finishing their shift so they'll be with you in twenty minutes tops. Please just stay there Miley, and sit down you need to relax, we don't want anything happening to the-"

"I know. I'll be fine. We'll be fine." I whispered.

"I love you."

"I love you too."

I ended the call and looked down at Ava smiling at her shaking my head, quickly wiping my eyes removing any fear I'd had. "Ava it's fine okay? You and me are going to go the park and Uncle Joe and Aunt Demi are coming!" I proclaimed grinning as her tense posture relaxed.

"And daddy too?" She asked as I smiled.

"No. But he'll be fine baby girl, now let's go play on the slide?"

I took her hand and guided my daughter to the park releasing her as soon as I'd made sure it was safe. I took the closest seat I could find and kept my eyes locked on her, making sure she didn't leave my sight for a second. After ten minutes her smile came back, and some of the heaviness in my chest released itself. I watched her run around with the other kids placing my hand on my stomach, everything in me strained to the maximum. I just wanted Nick. I needed him right now.

I continued to watch Ava pushing my emotions away until I saw two familiar uniformed people heading towards me. I didn't get up. I didn't think I could right now as the both descended. Demi rushed over the last few feet and pulled me into a hug releasing me after a second,

"You feeling okay?" Demi instantly asked sitting down beside me.

I nodded as Joe put his hand on my shoulder, "You sure, everything is fine?"

I looked down nodding, "Yeah, yeah…I think so, I'm just…" I gazed up at both of them,

"Panicking? Miley it's fine okay. He'll be fine-"

"Uncle Joe!" Ava screamed giggling.

"Hey superstar, long time no see!" Joe joked whirling around to grab Ava.

She screamed giggling as he threw her over his shoulder, "You saw me this morning at breakfast for mommy's birthday Uncle Joe!" She laughed as I looked to Demi who took my hand.

"It'll be okay Miles, its just lockdown." Demi whispered squeezing my hand as I watched her exchange a worried glance with Joe, who quickly gave her a smile still holding my daughter in the sky. They'd been married three years now, and still were very much in the honeymoon period obsessing over one another. It was good to see, especially for Demi she deserved the attention Joe gave her and it helped that they were always by each others side at work. It made them feel safer, just like it had working with Nick. I could rely on knowing he was okay by my side, while now…

"I'm just…everything feels worse at the moment." I responded slowly, closing my eyes trying to explain but only Nick would understand. It felt like before.

"I know, but there is nothing to worry about."

I frowned at her, "Lockdown means-"

Joe's phone started blaring as I turned looking at my brother in law hopeful. He didn't let his smile falter as he put Ava back on the ground, answering it.

"Hey, yeah…yeah we're with them." Joe responded as Ava watched him intently. I motioned for her to come over, which she did climbing onto the seat beside Demi. "Yeah sure, we'll stay here. How bad? Okay? Do you need us to come back- do- okay we'll go home too then? Okay thanks, bye."

We all looked at Joe who took in a breath, "There was an accidental shooting-"

My mind blanked as he shook his head panicked, "It wasn't Nick, it was in the infirmary, Miley he's fine. Nick's fine, his name is ticked off the evacuation list." I looked at Joe's eyes, analyzing them to make sure this was true. He'd lied before, but when Joe redirected to Ava and smiled I knew he was telling the truth. "Your daddy is fine superstar."

I let out a sigh of relief, feeling myself fall back into the seat relaxing for the first time in what felt like a century. Demi smiled touching my shoulder supportively giving a smile.

"See, Nick's fine Miley. You got all worked up for nothing. Now birthday girl let's get you home for a sleep." Demi proclaimed, completely babying me but right now I think I needed all the guidance I could get. I'd just been on an emotional rollercoaster that had left me feeling everything buy happy.

"But where is daddy?" Ava asked confused.

"I think daddy's right behind you Ava." A familiar voice proclaimed.

My head snapped around as Ava squealed jumping over the seat throwing herself at Nick. "Daddy you're here! I was so worried!" She yelled wrapping her arms around his neck while Nick hugged her tightly. I watched feeling reprieved, knowing that both my husband and daughter were now within an arm's length. They were safe. It was fine. I closed my eyes feeling my emotions getting the better of me as Demi gave a small laugh wrapping her arm around my shoulders.

"Nick, quick better come deal with you wife she's having a moment."

I heard Ava giggle as I tried to pull in my emotions. I was fine because they were fine. Everything was perfect yet still I wanted to cry. A hand gently touched my cheek, as I opened my eyes feeling a tear fall. Nick looked at me apologetic shaking his head, moving his fingers gently down my cheek.

"Miley I'm so sorry, I left my phone in my locker and couldn't get to it- I'm so sorry Mi." He whispered apologetic. I nodded as he leaned forward wrapping his arms around me. "I never meant to scare you I'm sorry. Don't cry."

"I know. I don't want to cry- I just am." I whispered as he gave a small laugh.

Nick kissed the side of my head hugging me, "Maybe our boy was worried about me too and that's why you're crying?" Nick whispered putting his hand on my stomach as I nodded looking down staring at the hidden baby who was expected in three weeks.

"Yeah, maybe? I just- the idea of something happening, my parents- I just-"

"Stop." Nick whispered pressing his head against mine, "Nothing is going to happen to me. Or to us okay? I promised I'd stay with you no matter what and nothing can ever get in the way of that." Nick kissed my lips pulling me closer to him. "Miley I love you too much to ever let something happen."

"I know I love you too. So so much." Nick smiled kissing my cheek.

Ava's small head suddenly pushed itself between us looking expectantly.

"Can we get ice cream now?"

Nick laughed and nodded, "Sure, will it make up for the fact I didn't pick you up?"

Ava considered it for a moment, looking over to Joe for help who motioned three fingers. Ava looked back hopeful, "Only if I get three scoops and another candy cane!" Nick gave Joe a look but nodded,

"Okay okay! How about you got with Joe and Demi to get it-"

"But I don't want-" Demi began as Nick smiled threateningly.

"Or you could stay with Miley, Demi and I'll go with Joe and-"

Demi was instantly up, "No, no ice cream sounds good."

I frowned evaluating the fact it was clear Demi didn't want my company right now, and by the way Joe was motioning for Ava to move meant he felt the same way. I guess I'd been a bit hormonal this week, or the last eight months actually and today was just one of the many days where things got the better of me.

"I'll get you ice cream mommy, okay? I'll bring it home for your birthday." Ava smiled as I nodded kissing the side of her head.

"Okay, be good for-"

"I will!" She rushed towards Joe taking his hand as I looked back at Nick.

"I had plans for tonight…" Nick whispered looking at me, "Your favorite restaurant, then going up the empire state building but somehow I think you need bed more then a celebration right now." I shook my head,

"I just want to be close to you." I murmured. "I don't want to let you go."

Nick smiled standing up offering me his hand, "Come on, you can hang onto me all night if you want birthday girl anything to make you and my little boy happy." I took his hand moving my head up looking at the man I loved, the one that I'd always be in awe of and the father of my soon to be two children.

"I love you Nick. You have no idea how much." I whispered as he leaned forward kissing my lips.

"I do Miley, because I can see it in your eyes."

I smiled looking down at my engagement and wedding ring,

"Like in Paris?"

"Like in Paris." Nick whispered as I looked up at him, "You were right that day and always will be, we don't need words anymore. I can see how much you love me just in a look, and right now it's written all over your face as I hope it is mine too." I smiled at him and stared at him adoringly,

"I can see it, just like I can see our future in your eyes too. We're perfect."

Nick smiled looking at me, "We are, and don't you ever doubt it."

A/N- Finished! :) Okay a lot of you are asking about posting another new story I will let you know tomorrow...but it's not exactly good news. Don't hate me :P I'll write a small explanation tomorrow and post it! Thanks for the support guys. :)