Jessica's heart fell when she came out of Bo's office to find John comforting Marcie. "Hey, Marcie." She said. Can we talk for a minute?"
"Sure." Marcie said, turning to John. "Thank you."
"No problem." John replied with a smile.

"Uncle Bo? Can we use your office?" Jessica asked.
"Sure, go ahead." Bo said.

When they walked into Bo's office, Jessica gently closed the door behind them.

"Here Marcie, sit down." Jessica said, pulling up a chair and sitting down next to her friend. She reached over and took Marcie's hand. "What's wrong? I haven't seen you this upset in a long time."

"I-Oh never mind. It's stupid." Marcie said.
"I doubt that." Jessica said, brushing a lock of hair from Marcie's face. "What happened?"
"Oh... Well, Michael called and told me that one of his patients died today of a virus and... it reminded me of Al."

Jessica smiled. "Wow... Al Holden. I haven't thought about him in a long time."
"Yeah, well... I think about him constantly; even when I'm with Michael. Is... Is that wrong?"
"Of course not! You loved him and I know Michael would understand."

"Sometimes I feel like Al is with me all the time, you know? Watching out for me? God, I miss him so much."

"Me too." Jessica said. "Al was my best friend. I really loved him."
"I never thought I could love anyone after Al died." Marcie said.

"But Michael changed all of that, didn't he?"
Marcie looked away.

"Marcie, what is it?"
"Well, sometimes I think that Michael feels sorry for me and that's why he tells me he loves me."
"Marcie! Michael would never do that!"

"I know..." Marcie sighed. "But why else would he be attracted to someone like me?"

Jessica sighed. "Marcie what are you talking about?"

"Michael's a doctor and he's gorgeous and smart. Me, I'm fat and ugly and well... you know..."
"Marcie Walsh, how could you say that?"
Marcie shrugged. "Well, because it's true."

"It's absolutely not true and you know it!" Jessica said. "Marcie you are wonderful. You're such a good friend and a lot of people love and care for you; especially Michael. Antonio and John are always telling me about how you go out of your way to help someone when they need it or work extra shifts when they get really swamped here at the station.

"Yeah? So?"

"You wrote an entire manuscript. That's amazing! I wish I could do that. John was telling us how proud Michael was when you finished it. He was just blown away by your writing talent and said he wants to be the first in line to read your book when it's published."
"Really?" Marcie smiled.

"Absolutely." Jessica said.

"Thank you, Jessica." Marcie said. "I feel a lot better now."

"I'm glad, Honey." Jessica said hugging Marcie tightly. "And if you ever need anything, just let me know. I know you're stuck at the Love House, but at least Riley and Jen are there."
"And Nick." Marcie sighed.

"Who's Nick?"
"Oh, just the person who is always reminding me of how fat I am and is amazed that I actually have a boyfriend."

"God! How could he say that to you?" Jessica said angrily. "No wonder you're so upset!"
Marcie stared at her feet. "It's okay now."

"Marcie! That's a horrible thing to say to someone!" Jessica reached out and took Marcie's hand. "Marcie, you are not ugly or fat. I will always be grateful to you for trying to keep me from getting hurt because of Antonio's undercover police work. You're a really good friend."
"Yeah, but I didn't do a very good job of keeping Antonio's secret." Marcie said.

"Well, I mean I was a little hurt when I found out that he was keeping things from me, but just knowing how much you cared meant a lot."
Jessica looked out the window into the police station.

"Oh, it looks like Michael is here."
"Michael? Oh God..." Marcie stood and walked to the window. "I told John not to call him!"

"Are you going to be okay?" Jessica asked.
"Yeah, I think so. I feel a whole lot better now. Thank you." Marcie said.

"Anytime." Jessica smiled. "Oh Marcie?"
Marcie dropped her hand from the doorknob. "Yeah?"

"Al use to tell me all the time how much he loved you. You made him so happy and I know that you make Michael happy too."
Marcie's eyes filled with tears and she rushed to hug her friend. "Thank you so much."