"Ernie?" Marisa's voice broke through the dark reminding Ernie that he wasn't actually alone in the car. "You weren't even listening," she said matter of factly.

Ernie frowned. Her voice was so soothing to him that sometimes the meaning of her words got lost in shuffle. "Sorry." There was no use denying it when she knew exactly what was going on. "And what were you trying to say?"

Marisa continued without hesitation. "I found the most perfect dress online. It has a Peter Pan collar that Bryce loves, and the shade of rust matches my peep toe heels perfectly. I've been looking for a dress like this..."

Ernie found himself checking out again. Coming to grips with how he felt about Marisa had given him a more of an appreciation for her heart, but it didn't help him when he felt like she was merely filling the time. "Hey," he found himself saying. "You okay? You're ramblin' again."

"Yes, I'm doing fabulous. Can't you tell?" She was attempting to match her normal enthusiasm, but he knew her too well to be convinced. "I hate it when you don't listen to me. What do you take me for? A dumb blonde?"

Her words stung leaving him momentarily in shock. "Why would I think that? Marisa, you're my partner and my best friend."

Marisa was angry now. "What am I supposed to think when you won't stop thinking about whatever you're thinking about long enough to listen to me?" Marisa's tone was sharp.

"What?" Ernie felt bitterness creep into his tone. He may have been thoughtless, but he meant no harm. "I'm sorry I can't always listen when I'm having a bad day. But if you can't hack that, you can always find a new partner. I'm sure there's plenty of agents who would jump for the chance to work with you."

She took a deep breath. "Ernie, I'm so sorry. I had no idea." Marisa placed her hand on his arm, and Ernie instantly calmed down. "If you ever want to talk about it, I'm right here. And no, I'm not going to take off on you. Why would I leave something that's this good? I know I'd never find another partner like you."

"I love working with you, Marisa," Ernie said with smile.

"Me too," Marisa replied. "So, partner, you're really okay?"

"Of course, I'm not one to fall apart at the drop of hat. It's just the holidays are my least favorite time to be single. I've always dreamed about spending Christmas with a family of my own. I can't wait to make cookies with the kids and kiss….you know….under the mistletoe." Ernie couldn't help feeling embarrassed as he stumbled over his words. If she had been paying attention…

"That sounds really special. You're going to make some girl really happy someday. I'm sure someone is looking for just that. In fact, I know this girl..." Marisa stopped, and silence filled the air. "I'm sorry. I really think you're going to find someone. You're too cool of a guy not to."

"Thanks," Ernie said grateful for her vote of confidence. "And how are you doing? How's the gift shopping going?"

"It's going well. I just need to find something for Bryce. He's given me a few ideas, but I'll have to keep trying until I find something that works." Marisa's words felt genuine, but Ernie sensed an emptiness that worried him. For the past few weeks, she had seemed a little bit off although he had been unable to pinpoint why.

Marisa was solemn when she continued. "I don't know. I'm just not in the Christmas spirit this year. I'm not really sure why. I mean, it's hard being a spy and balancing all of the normal life stuff too, but it's not like I haven't been doing this for the past few years. Lately, my two worlds have seemed so far apart. Maybe it's my tendency to be whoever people want me to be. I've always been okay with being a lighthearted, social butterfly with my friends and a passionate spy here, but I woke up one day recently I felt like I had lost touch of who I really am. I'm just not sure who I really am anymore. I love my work as a spy, but I'm not sure I'm cut out for it."

Ernie was silent for a moment. He couldn't bear the thought of losing her, but seeing her this unhappy was even worse. "You're a first rate spy, Marisa. You wouldn't have won the spy of the year award year your first year if you weren't. And I've always thought you did such a great job balancing your work and social lives. You're not just sitting around moping about not having a family like I am."

"You're not that bad," Marisa laughed. "I can't remember the last time we talked about it."

"Well, today duh," Ernie replied. "If we didn't have the rule about it, I imagine I'd be bringing it up every day."

"But you know who you are," Marisa reminded him. "You're the same wonderfully quirky Ernie wherever you go, and me I'm two people stuck in one body."

"I wouldn't worry if I were you. You seem like the same old Marisa to me. You're still ambitious and passionate and optimistic."

"But that's just it," Marisa whined. "That's not who I am with my friends. I'm the bubbly push over I was in high school. I like that girl, but I don't miss not having her around."

"Well, then maybe you do know who you are," Ernie said. "Don't doubt yourself. Home's inside of you, remember. You can't get away from it even if you run your farthest. You just have to find the courage to face it."

"But knowing me, I'm not sure I will."

Ernie shook his head. "You're a strong girl, Marisa. I know you're going to do the right thing."

Author's Note: If your a Mraz fan, you probably noticed the line I used in this chapter. The whole story is inspired by his song 93 Million Miles. If you haven't heard it, I suggest you look it up.

I hope you enjoyed this chapter. If you're reading this, I'd love to hear from you. The fandom is really dead even though the show is still going strong.