A/N: This is the twenty-sixth chapter! Special thanks to my amazing beta CMemlovr for beta reading! Please review for the next chapter! I hope you like it!

The night passed peacefully; Nicole had felt comfortable in her room and was content to be with her father and Sharon. As everyone in the house slept on unaware, Nicole was woken by the jarring ring of her phone, disrupting the peaceful night. Rubbing her eyes slowly, she picked up her phone and glanced at the screen, surprised to see her mother's name. Hesitantly, she answered.

"Mom?" her tone was cool.

"Sweetheart, it's so great to hear your voice."

Nicole sighed warily, "What's going on, mom? Why call at such a late hour?"

"I just suddenly got the sense that something was wrong."

"I don't understand," replied Nicole sincerely.

"I felt something strange that told me that you're not well. I needed to check, to make sure that my feeling was incorrect. You are fine, aren't you?"

"I am," Nicole fibbed lightly, "you don't have to worry, and can let me sleep," she added sharply.

"Please listen to me, Nicole," her mother pleaded with her.

"Your 'feeling' should have told you that I'd be asleep and wouldn't want to be called," she bit out, "Please don't call like this again."

"I understand your frustration; I should've realised how late it is. I just…I want another chance with you – I know I wasn't always there for you, but I want to see you and make sure that you're okay. You're still my daughter," she pleaded.

Tired of arguing and desperate to get back to sleep, Nicole assented to meet – "but only for a short time!" she warned.

"So long as I get to see you," replied her mother.

"Then let me call you when I've figured it all out," instructed Nicole, hanging up the phone without as much as a goodbye. Flopping back into her pillow, Nicole knew that her father would not be happy that her mother had called. Still, she needed to talk about this with someone, and thought that Rusty might be the best person owing to his own maternal issues. She resolved to speak to him now, while the call was still fresh.

Meanwhile, Sharon had begun to feel discomfort and was unable to sleep. Sensing her restlessness, Andy woke and mumbled, "Are you sure you don't want me to call a doctor? She instructed us to if you were still in pain."

"She also said that the pain was caused by stress and that it might continue for a few more days," she assured him, "go back to sleep."

"You're so stubborn," he groused.

Sighing with frustration, Sharon snapped back, "You are behaving like a child, Andy."

"Maybe I am, but I'm worried that what you've chalked up to stress might be something more serious," he frowned.

Sharon shut her eyes and murmured, "I am fine, and I'm going back to sleep."

Andy continued to worry silently beside her, too anxious to sleep.

********...********

Nicole crept into Rusty's room and sat on the edge of his bed.

"Hey, Rusty," she whispered. Stirring softly, Rusty opened his eyes blearily.

"Nicole? What's going on?"

"I just really need to talk to someone, right now," she replied, nudging him gently so that he would move over and give her some room.

Noting her distress, Rusty nodded and listened attentively. "What's the matter?" he asked.

"My mom called me – just a few minutes ago." Her voice was hushed, weary.

"You never really talk about your mom. I'm guessing the two of you aren't close?"

"She was never really there for me. Not to mention, though my dad's a recovering alcoholic, my mom never really tried to get better, despite having the same addiction."

"I knew that Andy went to AA, but I'd never thought that your mom…"

"It was the driving force behind their separation – he knew when to quit, and she didn't. Still hasn't, actually."

"Then why'd she call?"

"She said that she was worried about me, but I know in my gut that I can't trust her," then, sighing, she added, "she wants to see me."

"And will you?" pressed Rusty.

"I don't know," she groaned. "I wanted to talk to you because I thought you'd understand – what would you do, in my situation?"

"I've been in your situation," he pointed out quietly, "but you have a dad who loves and supports you like nobody else; I think you should talk to him before you make any big decisions."

"My dad would be furious if he found out that my mom called. Not to mention, he has Sharon to take care of now."

"That doesn't mean anything, Nicole. He'll still be there for you, and you should still talk to him about this," pushed Rusty, "but, if it's too uncomfortable, why not talk to mom?" he suggested.

"I guess that might be worth trying," conceded Nicole, "thanks for the ear." She smiled softly in his direction.

"Any time," he answered sincerely.

*********...*********

The next morning, Sharon woke feeling well enough to make breakfast. As Andy got ready in the bathroom, Nicole and Rusty joined Sharon in the kitchen sleepily.

"Breakfast's ready," she smiled, gesturing to the vacant chairs at the table.

"You should've asked for my help," insisted Nicole, "You shouldn't have to do this all by yourself!"

"I wanted to," she grinned, "Now, come on, it's time for breakfast."

While Sharon was out of earshot, Rusty muttered to Nicole, "Are you going to talk to her about it?"

Nicole nodded imperceptibly before replying softly, "Yeah, think so."

"What are we talking about?" asked Sharon, noting their hushed conversation.

"Not much, just the same old, same old," smiled Rusty easily.

Andy joined them, immediately directing his attention to Sharon – "how are you feeling?" he asked worriedly.

Frowning, Sharon replied, "just fine, though you don't look like you slept a wink."

Andy shifted guiltily before attempting to stifle a yawn. Nicole snickered behind her hand. "What's so funny?"

"Nothing that you'd find funny," teased Nicole affectionately.

Sharon handed a glass of juice to Nicole, smiling warmly as she set it down in front of her before sitting beside her.

"Thanks, Sharon," said Nicole appreciatively. Then, turning to her father, she asked, "Why are you so worried, Dad? Sharon's fine – just look at her."

"Yeah, but she wasn't fine a few days ago, and I just want to make sure that she's actually getting better," frowned Andy.

Nicole wondered, in light of this revelation, whether she should actually talk to Sharon about her mother.

"It was stress related!" insisted Sharon sharply, "stop worrying."

Andy kept his thoughts to himself, not wanting to prolong the argument. Still, he noticed that his revealing the information had had an effect on his daughter's behaviour.

"Everything okay?" he hedged cautiously, his eyes fixed on Nicole.

"Just fine," she fibbed easily.

"Good, I'm glad," he replied sincerely. "Sharon? Ready for work?"

"I'll be along later in the day," replied Sharon, "but you go ahead," she insisted.

"Alright," shrugged Andy before leaving the kitchen to finish getting ready for work. Meanwhile, Rusty left for his room, leaving Sharon and Nicole in the kitchen alone.

Sharon had sensed Nicole's discomfort, and decided that it might be best to talk to her directly about it.

"Is everything okay, Nicole? You seem worried."

Nicole debated telling Sharon, but realised that she needed and wanted her support. "I – uh, I haven't told dad yet, but I got an unexpected call last night…from my mom."

Taking her hand, Sharon squeezed it reassuringly, "Your dad would want to know."

"He'd get so upset, especially since my mom said she wants to see me, too."

"Maybe you should give her the benefit of the doubt?" suggested Sharon cautiously.

"I don't know," sighed Nicole hopelessly. "How do you think he'll react?"

"I'm not sure," she replied honestly, "but I know that he'd want to know."

"Could you be there when I do?"

"Of course I will, if that's what you want." Sharon paused before asking hesitantly, "Your dad never mentioned why he and your mother separated…why did they?"

"Dad's a recovering alcoholic – mom's just an alcoholic. She refused to quit, he refused to continue drinking. It split them up, but I'm thankful for it, because now you're in his life and I've never seen him happier."

Smiling gratefully, Sharon glanced down at her watch before replying apologetically, "I've got to get to work."

"Don't worry," Nicole brushed off her concern.

"I'll see you tonight, then," smiled Sharon, kissing her temple lightly.

"Tonight," grinned Nicole, feeling more at ease now that she'd spoken to Sharon.

********* ... *********

Sometime later, Sharon sat in her office, thankful that they'd finally concluded the case she'd been working on. Andrea's surprise visit had been a pleasant distraction from her fatigue.

"So, what's going on with you?" asked Andrea.

"I wish I could say 'not much', but…" Sharon laughed uneasily.

"What's the matter?"

"Nicole was worried this morning because her mother called her unexpectedly in the middle of the night. She thinks that Andy will react badly to the news."

"Why would he react badly? Was the divorce that bitter?"

"Andy's never really spoken to me about this in detail, but Nicole filled in a few of the blanks for me today. Apparently, her mother's an alcoholic, and Andy couldn't get her to quit when he decided to. Eventually, it became hard for him to be around her, when he himself is still a recovering alcoholic."

Andrea mulled over the information, not entirely surprised by it, though somewhat saddened. "Is Nicole going to tell Andy?" she asked softly.

"She's going to have to; her mother wants to see her," sighing, she added, "Andy's not going to take this well."

"How do you manage to get mixed up in so many problems," teased Andrea, "between Sharon Beck and Andy's ex-wife…" she trailed off, laughing lightly. Sharon chuckled, realising how dramatic it all seemed.

"I wouldn't call her a problem yet."

"I just don't like how suddenly she's decided to come back into Nicole's life. Why now?"

"Why not?" Sharon countered lightly, "Maybe she just wants to see her daughter again."

"Maybe," repeated Andrea doubtfully, "You mentioned that her relationship with her mother isn't the best."

"It could change, if her mother's willing," insisted Sharon optimistically.

They dropped the subject suddenly when they realised that Andy was walking towards them.

"How are we doing, ladies?" he asked lightly.

"Just fine," smiled Andrea.

"Ready for lunch?" asked Andy, turning to Sharon.

"I'd say so, considering how hungry I am," she chuckled.

"Unfortunately, this is where I leave you," teased Andrea, "work calls."

After saying their goodbyes, Sharon turned back to Andy, her arm wrapped around her waist.

"You okay?" he asked quietly.

"Great," she replied, smiling affectionately, "though the baby and I are very hungry."

"Then let's get going," he laughed, leading her away from the office by the hand.

*********...*********

Following her conversation with Sharon, Andrea decided to speak to Nicole to offer her support.

"Something to drink?" offered Nicole.

Declining politely, Andrea broached the subject, "I wanted to talk to you about what you told Sharon."

"It's not really that easy…"

"I understand," she replied sympathetically, "but it might do you good to talk about it."

"My mom's an addict – or at least, she was, the last time I saw her. My dad had the strength to stop drinking and remove me from that environment, at the cost of his marriage."

"And now she wants to see you?"

"Yeah," Nicole nodded slowly, "And I can't figure out why."

"Talk to your dad about it, Nicole," pressed Andrea encouragingly.

"I will, and I'll have Sharon's help, too."

*********...********

At lunch, Sharon and Andy allowed themselves to relax. Despite this, Sharon's conversation with Nicole kept circling around her mind. Andy could feel that she was distracted.

"Everything alright?" he asked, taking her hand.

"I'm fine," she replied absently.

"Are you in pain again?" he pressed worriedly.

"No, no. Nothing like that," she smiled, "Stop worrying," she teased.

"You just seem preoccupied. What's going on?"

"It's not really something I should be talking to you about," she admitted, "you'll find out at home," she promised.

"Okay," he replied, slightly confused.

Their conversation was interrupted by the ringing of Sharon's phone. Noting Rusty's name, she answered it immediately.

"Rusty?"

"Hey mom, just wanted to let you know that I'll be out with friends tonight – don't wait up."

"Don't you think you're staying out a bit too late, young man?"

"It'll just be a couple of hours," he wheedled.

"Fine, but don't stay out too late," she warned, hanging up the phone.

Andy regarded her questioningly. "Rusty's having dinner with friends," she explained.

"It's good that he's so sociable," he commented.

"I guess, I just think that he shouldn't be spending so much time away from home, especially on school nights."

"I'm sure he's got it all figured out," assured Andy.

Sharon nodded, still somewhat uncomfortable with the evening's arrangements.

*********...*********

That evening, Nicole sat in the den impatiently, not having been able to stomach dinner. Andy settled in beside her, hugging her comfortingly.

"Penny for your thoughts?" he asked quietly.

Sighing and fidgeting, Nicole glanced at Sharon for support, who smiled at her encouragingly.

"I have something I need to tell you, I'm just not sure how to put it…"

"I'm here for you," he replied, uncertain as to why she might be so nervous.

"I got a call from mom last night."

"Your mother?" Sharon placed a calming hand on Andy's arm, warning him not to overreact. He shook her hand away.

"She just wants to see me," continued Nicole in a small voice, "She hasn't seen me since before I did my year abroad."

"I know," he replied coolly.

"And it's not so much that I want to see her, but I don't want to worry her more than she already is."

Andy nodded, "You're an adult, Nicole. I'm sure that you've got it all figured out. You don't need my permission." He hugged her tightly.

*********...*********

While Nicole tucked herself away for the night, Sharon and Andy were discussing the evening's events in their bedroom.

"You've got to keep calm, Andy. Nicole knows what she's doing," reassured Sharon.

"I know, I just get nervous when her mom calls. She doesn't remember some of the really bad stuff from when she was younger, and I just want to protect her."

"I understand, but you have to let go of the past; you managed to change, maybe she did too."

Andy hugged her tightly and murmured, "Thank you for being here for me."

"Always, Andy. I'll always be here for you."

*********...*********

The next day, Nicole arranged to meet with her mom. Andy resolved to stay with her, and Sharon decided to support them both by remaining with them. Andy had tried to dissuade her, but Sharon needed to be there to make sure that Andy didn't lose his cool. Finally, his ex-wife arrived. He hadn't seen her in years, and just being in the same place was proving difficult.

"Jennifer," he greeted coldly.

"I'm so sorry to bother you, I just really wanted to see my daughter again."

"Of course you would," replied Sharon understandingly, "She's a great person."

"Thank you," murmured Jennifer, eyeing Andy, "and sorry, Andy, for…well-"

"It's in the past," he brushed away her apology coolly, "You want to see her, so we'll give you some privacy."

Andy left with Sharon in tow, leaving Nicole and Jennifer to sit beside one another awkwardly.

"So, what did you want to see me about, mom?" asked Nicole brusquely.

"I just wanted to see how you are," she replied softly.

"Well, I'm fine," she assured.

Jennifer smiled sadly at her tone, "I'm glad. And you live with your dad and that woman, now?"

"She's dad's girlfriend."

"I'd guessed – anyone can tell that she's pregnant."

"She is, and I've never seen any two people happier about starting a family together," replied Nicole, somewhat bitterly. "She loves her children so much, I'm sure that the baby will be no different." The comparison she'd been drawing was clear.

"I'm so sorry I wasn't there for you, Nicole," her mother apologised earnestly, "I know it's probably hard for you, but I really want your forgiveness, if you could find it in you to forgive me."

"There's nothing to forgive. It happened, and it's over. My request now is that I don't see you again – you've made sure I'm fine, and I don't need you in my life."

Jennifer's eyes welled with tears, but she said nothing in response. After a few moments, she cleared her throat and murmured, "I understand, and I'm glad that you're happy and healthy." Her hands shaking, she continued tremulously, "And, if it's what you really want…I won't contact you again."

Standing with an air of finality, her mother left, and Nicole sat pensively on the couch. She couldn't handle the consequences of their conversation at that moment – she needed time to process.

********* ... *********

That evening, Sharon and Andy returned home to find Nicole on the couch, where her mother had left her. Sinking down beside her, Andy pulled her into his arms tightly.

"Must've been pretty tough," he murmured, smoothing down her hair.

"It was," she agreed quietly, "but it's over now. She's not coming back, and I'm okay with it, because I have you."

"I made mistakes too, Nicole," Andy commented quietly.

"You did, but you also tried your best to fix them. You're here now, she wasn't."

Silence settled between them, broken by Andy asking, "Anyone hungry?"

"I am," Nicole piped up. Then, glancing around, she asked, "Where's Rusty?"

"He said that he wanted to spend a few days with friends," replied Sharon.

"In that case, let's make it dinner for three," smiled Andy, leading the way into the kitchen.

*********...*********

The next day, Sharon and Andrea had a rare moment of quiet to talk.

"I'm glad that everything went well with Nicole's mother."

"Me too," agreed Sharon, "Not least for Andy's sake."

"You must be feeling better too, now," remarked Andrea astutely.

"I am," she grinned, her hand finding her belly.

Andrea's phone rang, cutting their conversation short.

"I've got to go," she mouthed to Sharon as she hung up, "Something urgent came up," she added.

Sharon laughed and waved her friend away, knowing too well that when work calls it can't be ignored.

A few minutes later, Andy knocked quietly on Sharon's door, receiving a smile in response.

"What's with the knocking? Get in here," she laughed, waiting for him to come to her as he shut the door behind himself.

"How are you doing today?" he asked.

"Just fine, and I'll bet you're feeling better too," she smiled knowingly.

"I am," he chuckled, "Now that everything's been solved with Jennifer, I feel like I can breathe easily." A beat of content quiet fell between them before Andy piped up again, "How's my little one today?"

"Very lively. I get the feeling that they're looking forward to meeting everyone," she grinned.

"I can't wait either," he smiled, pressing his lips against hers gently.

~~~ TBC ~~~