I do not own DWP I am just using the characters for inspiration.

Miranda was putting herself together before the day's onslaught.

Andy eyed Miranda, "You know the girls are going to ask you about going to church."

Miranda grunted, and Andy laughed.

Miranda came out of the bathroom. "What is so funny?"

Andy laughed even harder and tears were coming from her eyes. "Miranda Priestly grunted." Andy was dying she was laughing so hard.

Miranda smirked. "I hardly think it is that funny."

Andy could barely speak. "I can't help it."

Miranda sat down next to Andréa. "Do you think I should let them go?"

Andy gained some control of herself. It warmed her heart that Miranda was asking her thoughts regarding the girls. "What is it about the church you do not like? I know you don't go, but I don't know why."

Miranda thought for a few minutes then took a deep breath. "We as children were all forced to go to church, but I never believed in God growing up." Miranda shrugged and bowed her head. "As a child I always heard that God answered your prayers. I constantly prayed for the love of my Mother and Father. I literally thought if I prayed enough God would give me my wish. Those prayers were never answered." Miranda took a deep breath. Andrea realized this was probably the first Miranda had talked about this ever and Miranda trusted her with her fears. "The school we went to was taught by Catholic Nuns. I was always getting into trouble. I realize now it was because I was always seeking attention." Miranda paused. Andrea could tell Miranda was becoming very nervous. Than Miranda let it fall out of her mouth, "I quit school before graduating." There was another pause.

"OH MY GOD! Miranda! You … You never finished school?" Andy had her hand over her mouth and her eyes had shot wide open.

Miranda looked at her, arched an eyebrow and nodded. "Surprised?"

Andy could not speak. "H-How did you …?"

"Become Editor in Chief?" Miranda looked down. "I started from the bottom and worked my way up. No one at Runway knows. Luckily that information … or lack of it as it may be, fell through the cracks."

Andy jumped up. "That is why you looked at your Mother so funny the day the twins asked about you and studying."

"Yes, and just so you know my Mother did not lie to the girls. I did study very hard while I was at school. I was first in my class." Miranda defended.

"But, but why did you quit?" Andy asked.

Miranda got up and strolled over to the window, she pulled the curtains back, and took a deep breath. "I could not stand it here anymore. I had to get out before my soul disappeared." She turned toward Andrea. "I was slowly dying inside. I needed to save myself." Miranda bowed her head. "There were not many choices here while I was growing up. Girls got married fresh out of school and had babies. They did not grow, never left this town. I had dreams, big dreams. I wanted it all." Tears fell from her eyes, she felt drained. Miranda wrapped her arms around herself. She had not discussed with anyone since she was a child.

Andy got up and walked over to Miranda and pulled her close. Andy placed a soft kiss on Miranda's lips. "You are such a strong, smart woman Miranda. The girls are lucky to have you for a Mother. Our children are going to be so lucky to have you for a Mother. You were strong enough to save yourself and I am so glad you did."

Miranda looked sad, perplexed. " I may have saved myself, but I also did things I am not proud of. I never want them to know I did not finish school. I do not want them to think that is the way to succeed in life. It is too difficult. They need their education It may have worked for me, but I was lucky."

"I agree they need school but I do not think you should keep from them your struggles. You have raised them opened minded since they were very young. Miranda you treat them like the growing ladies they are. You explain everything to them. You can explain this. They will listen to you and respect you for it." Andy reassured.

That afternoon the family rested out on the green lawns of the castle. "Bobbseys come here." Miranda called out.

The girls had been wandering around. They never seemed to run out of energy. "What is it Mom?"

Miranda took a deep breath. "Sit down I have something to discuss with you." The girls sat crossed legged in front of Miranda and Andy. "First, I want to let you know that if you wish to go to church with Aunt Bonnie you may."

"Yeaa!" Shouted the girls. "Will you and Andy go with us?"

Miranda looked over at Andréa. "Andréa as an adult, if she wishes to go with you that is her choice. I on the other hand will not go with you, and I want you to know why." Miranda held out her hand to Andréa, it was accepted. Miranda then tried to explain to the girls what she had told Andrea before. A lone tear escaped Miranda's eye. "I never did feel loved by my parents."

"That's why you never saw Grandma until now?" Asked Cassidy.

Miranda nodded holding back any other tears that might threaten to fall.

"But Grandma says she loves you now." Caroline offered.

Miranda was thoughtful for a few minutes. "Yes this is true, maybe my prayers are finally being answered." Miranda looked at both girls, so carefree and young. "There is one other thing I need to talk with you about. Something I think you are old enough to handle." Miranda had to pause again. "I never finished school. I left here, left my family to start my life before I graduated." The girls nodded and entwined their fingers. Andy squeezed Miranda's hand.

"You never went back to school?" Cassidy questioned.

Miranda was worried, "No."

"It must have been hard for you to get your job." Caroline stated.

Miranda was relieved, "Yes it was. I hope that you two will not think that is the way to live your life. I hope you will both go to college. No matter what you want to do with your life I want you both to finish school." The girls smiled and nodded.

"Mom, we have no plans on leaving school. There is no reason to. We like school; we love you; you, Dad, and Andy love us; and we do not want to leave home." Cassidy explained.

Miranda was almost shocked at this announcement from the girls, but why it surprised her she did not know. No matter what had happened her and the girl's Father had always told them they were loved. Grayson and her never put the other one down in front of the girls no matter how mad they were with each other.

The day the girls went to church Miranda and Andy stayed at the castle. Miranda made sure they were off in the car and reminded them her and Andréa would be having lunch with them at their Grandmothers. When Miranda got back to the room Andréa and her cuddled in bed. It was like when they first knew there was more to their relationship than boss and assistant. All they wanted was to be close and live in the moment in each other's warmth and protection. They stroked each other, kissed, and napped.

When Miranda and Andy pulled up to the house the girls came running out. "Mommy, Mommy hurry we've got a big surprise for you." The girls grabbed her by the hands and nearly dragged her into the house.

Miranda was perturbed, "Girls what is the meaning of all this?"

Miranda stopped as soon as she saw him standing in front of her. Taller, much taller, older, older, but just as handsome.

"Michael." Miranda could barely whisper.

The tall handsome man walked over to Miranda and wrapped her in his arms hugging her close. Once again Miranda was brought to tears in this blasted place. She hung on tight afraid to let go. As if he would disappear if she let go.

"Now Miranda, all the tears. If I had known seeing me would present this reaction I would have flown to New York myself to see you." Michael chided. He leaned back and grinned at his sister.

Miranda gathered herself together then slapped the man on his shoulder. He kissed her on the cheek, laughing. "Miranda your girls are wonderful. They have been telling me many stories about you."

Miranda glared at the twins.

"So who is this beautiful young lady?" Came the booming voice.

"Uncle Michael that is Andy." The girls said in unison.

Miranda held her hand out to Andréa and pulled her close smiling. "Michael this is Andréa, my partner. Andréa my Brother Michael."

Michael arched an eyebrow just like Miranda did. He held out his hand. "So you are the pretty thing that has captured the heart of my sister. It is nice to meet you." Andy showed her megawatt smile. Michael bowed toward Andrea. "Well now I can see why. Now everyone outside we are having a picnic it is too nice to stay in." The afternoon went by quickly. Miranda actually enjoyed herself. Seeing her Brother did wonders for her. The girls once again dominated the conversation at the table. They seemed to gather even more ammunition on Miranda from her Brother. Miranda never moved more than a few inches from Michael's side, and her free smile never left her face. Andy's love grew even more for the amazing woman.

The last few days of the trip seemed to fly by. They visited with Miranda's family some more.

Miranda even made a trip to her sister's grave. Miranda vowed to place a proper headstone for the infant. The girls brought flowers to her, Freesia, picked from their Grandmothers yard. Andy did not leave Miranda's side. She was amazed at how controlled Miranda was. Even the girls seemed to be at ease in the grave yard walking among the old tombstones. They were defiantly Miranda's children. Andrea felt she would never totally understand all the intricacies that made up Miranda.

It was a difficult end for Bonnie and the twins. The twins had bonded well with their Grandmother and Uncle in the short time they were there. At one point Miranda had to promise that as soon as Bonnie could travel after her surgery they would all go back for a visit. Miranda even hugged her Mother when they went to the house to pick up Bonnie. She told her Mother if she ever wanted to come visit to let her know and she would arrange it. When they were in the car ready to go Miranda's Mother handed her the box.

"Here you should have this." Sarah whispered.

Miranda accepted it. "Thank you Mother."