Disclaimer: I don't own.

A/N: Hey, everyone! I revised Chapter 12 because of an inconsistency concerning the first part, where Jude and Lucy are in "Lizzy's" room. Before, I'd written that Jude had painted her name on the door a week before she was born, but obviously that can't be possible because now they're in a completely different apartment. Sorry for the error, guys...and thanks to Eriala for pointing it out to me! P.S.--the next chapter should be up this weekend...

Jude ran his fingers along the bedroom door, tracing the letters painted there, a million different memories racing through his mind. LIZZY. The name that was still so dear to his and Lucy's hearts was written neatly in bright, red paint. A smiling yellow sun peeking out from fluffy, white clouds--all against a vivid, blue sky--was the background behind Lizzy's name. It was Jude's handiwork; although the bedroom was just a guest room, he'd painted it in hopes that maybe Lizzy would occupy it someday.

Lucy didn't have the heart to stop him. It was nice for her to have a visible reminder of her daughter, and like Jude, she was constantly waiting for the day when she found his letter and came back. To them, the room would always be Lizzy's.

The young artist pushed the door open and found Lucy exactly where he'd thought she would be. She was lying on her side on the bed, staring out the window that was directly across from the bed. Lucy went into this room often, while Jude usually preferred to stay out of there; he hated the way it looked so empty. There was nothing but a bed, covered in a large, cerulean blue blanket and pillows--the exact color of Lucy's and Lizzy's eyes--and a small nightstand with a lamp. But it just didn't look right. Nothing would fill that void except their daughter.

Jude ambled in, not bothering to close the door behind himself. He made his way over to the bed, and laid down beside his wife, who had her back turned to him. Jude began running his hands through Lucy's silky, golden hair; she finally turned and rested her head on his chest, draping an arm over him as well. It killed him to see Lucy like this, with a constant sad look in her beautiful, azure eyes--a look that he was pretty sure he carried, too.

"Hey, Jude?" Lucy asked quietly after a long silence had settled between them.

"Hmm?"

"Do you think we'll ever see Lizzy again?"

"Maybe," Jude replied. "Whether or not she wants anything to do with us is her decision."

"Do you think she knows about us?"

"I'm sure she does, love," Jude reassured her, running his fingers gently down the length of Lucy's cheek. "I'm gonna take some drawings over to that new magazine company a couple blocks over. Would you like to come along? Get out of here for a little bit…"

"You're going to walk there in the middle of a snow storm?" Lucy inquired. She'd been observing the weather for the past ten minutes, and it had progressively worsened. "On Christmas Eve? Is the place even open?"

"Yeah, the guy wanted me to stop in," Jude answered. "It won't take long. You're sure you don't want to come?"

"Sorry. I love you dearly, Jude, but I'd rather stay here, where it's warm." Lucy told him, a weak smile managing to grace her lips.

"All right," Jude sighed, giving her a soft kiss. "Don't worry. I'll be back soon." He left the room and went into his art studio, grabbing the manila folder of the work that he had gathered together to take with him. He crossed the apartment and slid into his boots, and pulled on his coat and a hat. Once he was ready, he exited the apartment, preparing himself to venture out into the blustery, winter storm.

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The ride was unusually quiet. Neither of the seventeen-year-olds spoke much after talking to the cab driver, and Paul hadn't made any attempts to strike up a conversation with his friend. He figured Lizzy needed some time to collect her thoughts and settle down before she really met her parents. This whole endeavor was starting to take a toll on each of them, and that was becoming more evident. More than anything, Paul just wanted to see his best friend in the company of her family. It wasn't fair that so many obstacles had been thrown at her, especially since she'd wanted this with all of her heart. However, she did keep going, stubborn and determined as always.

Lizzy sat with her forehead against the cold window, watching the cars crawl past them and the delicate snow falling at an alarming rate. The sky was growing darker, indicating that night was steadily approaching. Lizzy had hoped to be with her parents by now, but things hadn't worked out as originally planned. How was she to know that the address wasn't the right one? Or that Lucy and Jude--and most likely, the rest of her family--had moved? It had crushed her spirits immensely to think that she had been so incredibly close, and instead she ended up completely wrong. But here she was, right back on the correct path, thanks to Paul. If he hadn't been there to reassure her that things were going to be okay, she wouldn't have made it this far.

Right now, all she wanted to do was collapse into Jude and Lucy's arms and stay there. She was physically and emotionally worn out; tired of traveling from one place to another. What was worse was that Lizzy once again felt bad about dragging Paul everywhere, especially on Christmas Eve--and knowing that he wouldn't be with his mother for the holiday.

Lizzy suddenly leaned over and kissed Paul lightly on the cheek. Surprised, he looked up and was momentarily lost in her stunning, sapphire eyes. He managed to tear his gaze from them, all the while hoping that a blush hadn't crept onto his cheeks. "What was that for?" he asked, laughing, albeit a bit nervously.

"I realized I never actually thanked you for coming with me…and sticking by me through everything," Lizzy stated. "Although, I cant help but feel a little guilty that you're not spending Christmas with your mom."

"Don't worry about it, Liz. I openly volunteered to go, and my mom knew that you needed me. She understands. I wasn't about to let you go by yourself."

"You're a good friend, Paul."

"I try." Paul said sheepishly with a smirk.

The teens felt the car pull over to the side of the road, where it stopped. Lizzy sighed and handed the twenty dollar bill to the cab driver. He gave them directions to Blue Jay Way, which was apparently several blocks from where they were now. Lizzy thanked the driver, and the two of them picked up their bags before climbing out of the taxi. Hopping up onto the sidewalk, Paul and Lizzy watched forlornly as the taxi drove out of sight, leaving them in the frigid weather. Lizzy slung her backpack onto her shoulders with a frustrated groan.

"Ya know, I'm really getting sick of lugging this shit around."

Paul laughed. "Well, hopefully we won't have to do it for much longer."

"God, I hope so," Lizzy agreed. "C'mon. Let's get going."

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"These are awesome, man." The editor said as he spread Jude's artwork out on the table. He was the editor of a local, independent magazine called Rain. Rain showcased the work of artists--both well known and not so well known--all over the city. He'd received Jude's name from one of his friends, and after seeing what the artist had done for a bunch of up-and-coming record labels, he decided Jude's style of art was perfect for his magazine.

"Yeah?" Jude asked, smirking. It was always nice to get praise for his work, especially if he'd put a lot of time and effort into it. However, he was pretty humble about any good comments he received--it was just his nature.

"Totally," The man affirmed. "You mind if I pick out a few, and we can run them in our next issue?"

"No, not at all. Go right ahead."

The editor scanned the different drawings, selecting some of the more abstract pieces of art that were right for this type of magazine. He placed them carefully onto his desk while Jude collected the remaining pictures and slid them back into the folder.

"Okay…well, thanks for comin' in, man. I really appreciate it. I'll give ya a call when I know the next issue is going to be out. We'll be keeping in touch, so keep up the great work."

"All right," Jude said, shaking the man's hand. "Thanks, mate."

"No problem."

Jude walked out of the small building, shivering against the icy wind. For once, the news reports had been right; the weather was getting worse by the hour. If it was at all possible, he could've sworn that the temperature had dropped. He pulled his coat closer to him and started for the apartment building, silently hoping that Lucy had a steaming cup of coffee or hot chocolate waiting for him at home.

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"This sucks," Paul deliberated out loud as they made their trek through the storm. "No wonder why we live in Florida…I miss the sun."

"Paul," Lizzy groaned. He wasn't making this journey any easier. "Shut up." She laughed.

But he didn't seem to hear her. Either that, or he was ignoring her. "…and the beach…"

"Paul."

"…and the damn warmth," he continued. "Damn it, I'm freezing my ass off out here."

"You're not alone on that, trust me." Lizzy reminded him. She was keeping a steady pace behind Paul, her head down against the bitter wind. She was able to follow his footprints in the deep snow that covered the sidewalks, although as she trudged on, her sneakers got even more wet. She couldn't exactly think about anything else but the cold and the fact that she was basically frozen to the bone. She'd kill to have some hot soup…or a steaming mug of hot chocolate with those humongous marshmallows. Or any food, for that matter, since she'd become aware of her growling stomach. And maybe a real bed with some fluffy pillows…and warm blankets…dry clothes… Damn it, Paul had her thinking, too.

"I think we're almost there." Paul declared. Lizzy didn't say anything in response; she just kept following the tracks in the snow, taking into consideration Paul's word of warning that they were crossing a street now. They were just at the corner when Lizzy stopped paying attention and slammed right into a guy who was going in the same direction they were. He had been moving pretty quickly himself, probably eager to get somewhere warm. Lizzy attempted to look up, but couldn't see much through the snow and whatnot. Apparently, he'd been carrying a folder of papers, all of which fell out onto the wet ground, scattering into the snow once they'd collided.

"Sorry." The man muttered, bending down to pick up the papers. With her cheeks blushing out of embarrassment, Lizzy got down to help. She began to carefully pick up the papers, which she noticed were drawings--very good ones, really.

"Oh, God, I'm so sorry." Lizzy apologized, somehow expecting an angry outrage, or at least a profanity or two. She'd heard that although the Big Apple was one of the most wonderful metropolitan tourist destinations, some of the New Yorkers' hospitality wasn't always pleasant. However, this man was nice, and smiled graciously at her once she handed him some of the now slightly soggy drawings.

"It's all right. Horrible weather--not your fault." The man replied, in a surprisingly strong accent. He sounded British. Although, at that point, Lizzy couldn't make sense of much.

"Here," she said, giving him the last of the sketches, which he tucked back into the manila folder. She kept her gaze down, away from the wind, pulling her hoodie tighter to her face. "Sorry…I totally messed up your artwork…"

He chuckled. "It's fine, really. No harm done." he reassured her. "Happy Holidays." The man called as an afterthought, before continuing swiftly down the snowy road. Paul shook his head and waited for Lizzy to catch up.

"Real smooth," he said sarcastically, as they started walking again. Paul expected a smartass remark from his best friend in the defense of her klutziness, but got nothing. For a moment, he was afraid that he had hurt her feelings. "Oh, come on, Liz--" He turned to address her, and found that she wasn't beside him. Confused, he turned all the way around to see that she was standing several feet back; stopped completely in her tracks.

"Lizzy…what's wrong?" Paul questioned, approaching his best friend, concern in his voice. When she didn't answer, he shook her arm gently. She was just staring ahead, shocked. "Liz? What is it?"

Lizzy fought the sudden urge to smack herself in the forehead. "How could I be so stupid?"

Paul rolled his eyes. "It wasn't that bad. So, you ran into the guy? Who cares? It was an accident."

"No…no," Lizzy answered, shaking her head slowly, "Paul, you don't understand…that man…he…he had an accent." Paul gave her a 'no duh' look.

"Yes, Elizabeth. Very good," he said cynically. "Thanks so much for stating the obvious."

Lizzy glared and seized Paul's arms. "His accent--he was clearly from Liverpool."

"That doesn't necessarily mean anything…"

"The guy was an artist, Paul," Lizzy's eyes lit up with excitement. "It was my dad--it had to be! C'mon…we gotta follow him!" She grabbed hold of Paul's arm and began dragging him down the street. They proceeded to follow the man whom Lizzy had perceived as her father to the apartment building, which was on the other side of the street. While on the opposite side of the road, they watched as he neared the steps. Lizzy dropped her bag by Paul's feet, suddenly getting a brilliant idea. She crossed the street as the artist started to ascend the steps slowly, being cautious of the ice. Lizzy paused on the sidewalk, took a deep breath, hoped that she was right, and confidently sung the lullaby that had been written at the end of Jude's letter. The words she had memorized, and the melody she had remembered from her past.

"There's nothing you can do that can't be done
Nothing you can sing that can't be sung
Nothing you can say but you can learn how to play the game
It's easy…"

Her voice projected well over the wind, as beautiful and clear as day. The artist was just about to reach for the door handle when he stopped. He didn't turn around, but he paused to listen. Lizzy continued singing, still praying that she wasn't making a complete idiot out of herself.

"There's nothing you can make that can't me made
No one you can save that can't be saved
Nothing you can do but you can learn how to be you in time
It's easy…"

All of a sudden, he turned around to face her. An odd look of surprise passed over his features.

"All you need is love." He answered, singing. Lizzy's stomach started doing flip flops again. She recognized the voice--she knew she recognized that voice. It was really him--Jude Feeny--her father. There wasn't a single doubt in her mind. Jude came down the steps, drawing closer to Lizzy, and their voices blended together, singing the familiar song.

"All you need is love
All you need is love, love
Love is all you need."

They stared at each other, standing on the sidewalk, flakes of snow covering them. Neither one knew what to do, or quite how to react--Lizzy wondered, briefly, what Paul was thinking as he was watching this. The artist took another slightly hesitant step toward her, studying her from head to toe. Jude could hardly believe that this teenager standing before him was his baby girl--his precious Lizzy. It seemed next to impossible, but it was her. He was absolutely sure of it. Her striking, sapphire blue eyes mirrored Lucy's perfectly. She was wearing his hat, and the strawberry pendant was around her neck. This was his child, all grown up.

Jude reached out to hold onto her shoulders. "Lizzy?" he managed to ask, searching the teenager's vividly blue eyes once more. A smile tugged at the corner of Lizzy's mouth, unshed tears burning in the corners of her eyes. She nodded. Jude moved his hands, placing them on either side of his daughter's face, stroking her flushed cheeks with his thumbs. It was silly, but he wanted to make sure she was there--that he wasn't just imagining this. "My God…it's really you."

Lizzy nodded again, not finding the right words to say. Tears began making trails down her face. "You have no idea what it took for me to get to you." She sobbed. Jude immediately pulled her into the tightest embrace he could manage, placing kisses on top of her head and onto her cheeks as he started crying. Lizzy held onto her father tightly, feeling safe, like she was finally home. The smell of charcoal and cigarettes, and the sound of his voice was enough to comfort her.

Jude broke their hug a good two minutes later, and put his hands on her shoulders again. "I've missed you terribly…I-I was always waiting for the day when you'd come back. I knew you would," He told her, giving her another hug. "I love you so much, Lizzy."

"I love you, too, Dad." Lizzy wept, voice shaking. Jude grinned at the thought that he had Lizzy around to call him Dad again. He hadn't realized how much he'd missed that. He placed an arm around his daughter's shoulders, eager to share the wonderful news with Lucy and the rest of the family.

"Come on…let's get you inside," he told her. "You can bring your mate along with you as well." Lizzy smiled, and gestured for Paul to come over. He did so, carrying both of their bags, offering to carry Lizzy's backpack the rest of the way. Lizzy walked beside Jude up to the apartment--apartment number 64; they did have the right place this time. Lizzy knew that she wasn't making this up…she was actually here…this was really happening. Her dad was here with her, and she was about to see her mother again…

Jude motioned for Lizzy to stay in the hall until he motioned for her to come in. She nodded, and Jude entered the apartment, leaving the door slightly open. He saw Lucy sitting on the couch in the living room with two other guests, which he soon discerned as Prudence and Rita--back from their vacation in California. Perfect timing.

"Oh, Jude, you're back," Lucy said brightly. "Prudence and Rita just got in while you were gone…" She trailed off, seeing her husband's slightly bloodshot eyes, and a grin on his face that hadn't fully been there in what seemed like an eternity. "What's the matter?"

"Well, it just so happens that I brought with me a very large, early Christmas present." he beamed.

Lucy stood, eyebrow raised in confusion. Prudence and Rita looked on, curious to see what this "Christmas present" could possibly be. Jude signaled to Lizzy, and she stepped inside, in front of her father. Lucy stared, mouth open, taken aback by the teenager's presence. She clapped a trembling hand to her mouth, tears flooding her vision.

"Lizzy…" Lucy cried. The seventeen-year-old went to her mother, practically jumping into her arms. The two of them embraced, sliding to their knees on the floor. Lucy was bawling, running her hands through her daughter's dark tresses. Lizzy noted how good it felt to be in her mother's arms again. "I can't believe…Jude, how did you…?"

"We found each other on the street," he answered, smiling as he watched the scene. Prudence and Rita were equally as delighted to see the two parents so happy, and the family reunited at last. Paul watched sort of awkwardly from the doorway, a smirk on his face. "She remembered the song, Luce."

"I needed to find you," Lizzy stated, her words breaking somewhat. "It sounds crazy, but I always knew I belonged somewhere else."

"That's not crazy at all, sweetheart," Prudence put in. "You remembered us."

Lucy pulled away, and surveyed her now teenage daughter, grabbing hold of her hand. "Look at you…" she wept. "My baby's all grown up." Lizzy nodded, attempting to brush away her own tears. "Oh, God…Jude, I can't believe this…"

"I know," Jude agreed. "I'm going to get Max…and Sadie and JoJo…and everyone…" He was out the door in seconds flat to spread the good news, all the while thinking that this was definitely the best Christmas Eve he'd ever had.