Hello everyone, thank you once again for all of your reviews, follows, and favorites, they make my day. You are all so wonderful :) I apologize I haven't been consistent with my updates, it's a stressful time of year for me. I also apologize for any grammatical errors, I am super exhausted. This chapter is short and may seem a bit odd but it's important.

After Constance's installment was a hit in New York, she was asked to take it to Los Angeles for ten days, as a result, Gia stayed with Maura. With Christmas quickly approaching, Gia and Maura spent most of their free time doing holiday themed activities. They went to a few light shows, took a cookie decorating class and visited a live nativity scene. Maura never knew that Christmas time could be so fun.

Friday, December 17th 1982

Gia picked Maura up from her last day of school before winter break. Maura ran over to Gia's car. She got in and promptly handed her a Christmas wreath made from the outer part of a paper plate with green construction paper cut outs of her hands for the leaves

"I made this for you," Maura said with a smile.

"I love it, Peanut. Thank you." Gia said as she gave Maura a hug. "So your mom comes home today."

"I know, I've missed her so much, I'm so happy she's coming home for Christmas."

When the two made it back to the Isles residence, Maura was surprised to see her mother's car already in the drive way, as she was expected later that night. She quickly ran into the house, followed by Gia. She saw luggage by the door. Then she saw her mother get up from the couch and approach her.

"Hello, Darling," Constance said as she very lightly hugged her daughter while placing a kiss on each cheek. "I've missed you terribly, my dear."

Maura smiled. "It's good to see you, mommy. How was Los Angeles?"

"Absolutely dreadful, it doesn't feel like Christmas at all there. It's far too warm for this time of year."

"Do you wanna try one of the cookies I made with Gia," Maura said, standing on tip toes trying to reach into the cookie jar.

"No thank you, you know how I feel about sugar, but they look festive."

Maura started to tell her mother about all the fun Christmas activities she attend with Gia, but was cut off by her mother.

"I have a surprise for you dear, we will be spending the holiday in Brussels with your father. We both have some time off and thought that a family get away might do us all some good."

Maura had not seen her father since her birthday in August .

"When do we leave?" Maura asked.

"Immediately, our flight leaves in three hours."

"For how long?"

"Two weeks, you will be flying back on New Year's Eve, because you father and I will be going to Paris for a party. Gia, will you help Maura pack up some clothes and books?" Constance said as she walked away to make a phone call.

Maura sat on her bed as she watched Gia pick out clothes from her closet. She felt conflicted, as much as she enjoyed the idea of spending the holiday with her parents in Brussels, she also wanted to spend the holiday with Gia.

"So, what are you going to do?" Maura asked.

"Probably start a new piece, or finish one of the many I have already started." Gia said as she folded clothes and put them into Maura's suitcase.

There was silence for a few moments as each of the girls were wrapped up in the thought of how they would cope without the other around.

"Oh, I have a present for you, do you want it now?" Maura asked with excitement. Keeping the present a secret for this long was already difficult for the eager six year old.

"Why don't we wait until you come back. That way we can exchange on New Year's Eve and watch the ball drop." Gia responded. Gia had not yet purchased Maura's gift but she had a good idea.

"You're gonna let me stay up to watch the ball drop?" Maura said with delight and surprise.

"Well it's more of a challenge, Peanut, I've never seen anyone under the age of ten do it before, including myself."

"I could do it." Maura responded with confidence.

"Okay, Peanut, we'll see." Gia said with a bit of a chuckle.

"I'm going to miss you." Maura said frowning and hugging a pillow.

"I'm going to miss you too, but you are going to have so much fun in Brussels. Gia said as put her hand on the little girl's shoulder.

"It's time for us to leave, Maura" Constance called up to her daughter.

The two made their way downstairs and said their good-byes. Gia left first. As Maura and Constance were leaving Maura noticed that Gia had left her scarf behind. Seeing that Gia had already driven away, she put the scarf around her own neck and followed her mother as they got in a taxi headed for the airport.

/

Maura's parents took her sightseeing the first two days of their trip, but soon found themselves being invited out by friends who they hadn't seen in years and who didn't have children. Maura was left alone in the penthouse of their hotel. Her mother would arrange an activity for her once a day, like skiing lessons or tennis lessons. Aside from Christmas morning, she spent the rest of the vacation by herself. She wore Gia's scarf everyday, even while sleeping, it made her feel safe and a little less lonely.

/

The next fourteen days were more exciting for Gia than they were for Maura but not necessarily in a good way. Gia was confused as to what to do during her time off. She would have joined Valerie and her family, but Valerie signed up for a habitat for humanity project in South America for college credit, and wouldn't be back until the new year.

Gia was determined to not spend the holiday just hibernating in her house until Maura got back, so she continued to attend Christmas activities held by the city.

On Christmas Eve while attending a tree lighting ceremony in her neighborhood, Gia saved a little boy who ran out into a busy street by pushing him out of the vehicles way. This courageous and selfless act did result however, in her getting hit.

Saturday, December 25th 1982

A groggy Gia wakes up in Massachusetts General Hospital. She is hooked up to an IV and heart monitor.

A woman wearing a white lab coat walks into her room.

"You're awake." She says cheerfully.

"Wh-Where am I?

"In the hospital, I tried to tell you last night, but I think the pain medication made you a little, shall I say, loopy."

"Loopy?"

"Well, you called me a big Peanut."

Gia blushed a bit in embarrassment. "So what happened, why am I here?"

"You were struck by a vehicle, while saving a little boy, everyone at the nurse's station is calling you a hero." The doctor said as she approached Gia's right side. "Unfortunately the accident resulted in a broken clavicle." She continued examining the area.

"How's the little boy?" Gia asked.

"A couple of scrapes, but he's fine. The family stayed with you for some time last night." The doctor lightly touched the site of the fracture. "Are you in any pain?"

"Not at the moment." Gia answered.

"Well, you seem to have stabilized and are ready for discharge, but we were unable to contact a next of kin." The doctor responded.

"You won't, they're dead." Gia said bluntly

The doctor was slightly uncomfortable and upset. "Is there anyone else I can call?"

"The only person I know who could help is in South America right now" Gia sighed.

The doctor knowing all to well the feelings of loss and loneliness offered to help knowing that it was a boundary violation but feeling that it was the right thing to do. "I get off in two hours, I will give you your discharge instructions and take you home. If you need anything in the meantime, have the nurse page me."

"I'm sorry, I forgot your name." Gia said.

The doctor looked down noticing that she forgot to clip her identification on to her lab coat. "I am doctor Martin."

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