Trying to stay on some semblance of a writing schedule. The next few days will fly by I'm sure. It's already starting off to be a busy 2015! Please, please let me know what you think! Love, Your loyal author...

Lizzy found herself laying on her back, in a pile of snow, wondering how she was supposed to get herself out of this mess again. Who ever thought it was a good idea to strap long sticks to their feet to glide through the snow? Peering up at her laughing husband, "I think I'm better off with snowshoes. How am I supposed to get myself back to standing this time? My legs are completely tangled"

Popping off his own ski's he reached down to help her straighten out her legs, "Allow me. Now place your feet one on top of the other. The most important thing is to keep your legs parallel."

She rolled her eyes but then attempted to comply. "Alright, just like last time, I'm going to take your hands and pull you towards me as you put your weight on the foot closest to the ground. Then balance yourself on both feet once you're standing." With a quick pull, Lizzy found herself standing again, attempting to remember the instructions he'd just given her.

"Alright, I'm standing again. Now what?"

"The goal is to glide. You do that by shuffling your feet one at a time, using the alternate arm to place your pole and help you along." William calmly instructed. He'd given her this exact same instruction a few times this morning and it always started well but then she'd get going and panic. A fall inevitably resulted and she was positive she'd find a matching pair of bruises on each hip.

"I think I get that part. What do I do when I'm going too fast?"

"Lizzy, you've barely started to get going. I don't think you need to worry about going too fast love."

"But I do. That's why I keep falling. I get so nervous that I won't be able to stop that I make myself stop by falling in the snow."

William laughed. He should've known better. He'd had the same issue when he'd started skiing. Of course, he was five at the time and pretty close to the ground so it wasn't as much of a problem. "Alright, try to put your skis together in the front and pointing away in the back, like a pizza pie slice."

With some effort, Lizzy maneuvered her legs into the shape he'd indicated. "Like this?"

"Yup. Now lean forward pressing your inner thighs towards one another. Can you feel the pressure to stop now?"

"Yea. I think I've got it." Lizzy said, eyes focused on her feet.

"Ok, let me pop my skis back on and we'll try it again."

"Can you remind me why you're behind me again rather than in front so I can see what you're doing?"

"Because I know when you fall right away and can come and pick you up and...I get a better view of your incredibly cute bum in those snow pants."

Lizzy was tempted to reach down and throw a snowball at him for that comment but was afraid she'd fall over again. She'd have to get him back later.

They started again and Lizzy attempted the pizza pie thingy which seemed to work pretty effectively. It was a cold, clear day and fairly quickly they were making tracks along a path that ran into the woods. William had driven them to a cross-country trail near Lambton for her first time on skis as he thought it'd be easier than going out on the less-groomed trails on the Darcy property. She was working up quite a sweat and had to grudgingly admit that this was another great way to get exercise and fresh air in the middle of winter. The two of them were silently swishing along in the snow when Lizzy started yelling and pointing, totally losing control. Quickly she tried to remember how to slow down when William plowed into her. The two of them lay together in a tangled and twisted heap.

"Are you ok? What happened? Why were you yelling?" William asked.

Lizzy's face was buried in his arm. "You're going to laugh at me."

"What? No, I won't."

"Promise?"

"Of course."

"I saw the cutest little family of rabbits in the trees watching us and I wanted to get your attention and slow down to look at them but forgot what I was doing." Lizzy admitted.

William burst out laughing. "You made us fall over for a family of rabbits in the snow?"

"Hey you promised not to laugh. That's no fair."

"I didn't realize it was so ridiculous when I made that promise. I think there's a standing exemption for cute, furry forest animals." William teased before kissing her soundly.

"I'm not aware of any such exemption William. I believe you owe me. What'll you give me in payback?"

"You should've negotiated that before asking for the promise."

"Alright Mr. Lawyer. Don't pull those tactics on me. I demand a full body massage tonight as payback for laughing at me."

"Your wish is my command my dear. Do you want to start heading back? We should probably get on the road soon so we can both get a good night sleep before our exams tomorrow."

"That'd be good. I want to review the editorial I wrote one more time before I submit it tonight."

"Can I read it?"

"Of course. You've been so busy with prepping with finals and Georgie, I hadn't wanted to bother you."

"It's no bother. I want to read it. I know how important this is and I haven't wanted to interfere, but I'm very invested in it."

"Thanks. I'd love your thoughts on what I've written. Your perspective is important." Lizzy smiled up at William. Glad they'd gotten away together. They really had needed this time, and hopefully many more times like it to simply be together and strengthen their new relationship. They'd be back up again on Friday night and would stay until the afternoon of the 24th but this time without the distraction of studying. She couldn't wait.

Their trip back to the car went much more smoothly than their trip into the woods. Lizzy was proud to make it back without a single fall. William strapped their skis to the roof of the truck while it was warming up. Once home, it was quick work to get ready for the drive to Cambridge. Changing into their clothes for the drive home, Lizzy could feel every single muscle she'd used over the weekend, and some she didn't know existed prior to the weekend's start. Maggie had packed a full cooler of food to last until they were back in Maine next Friday and Arthur had unloaded their skis and re-packed the car with their bags while they'd changed. "I could get used to this kind of service William."

"I hope you do Lizzy." For William, he couldn't remember the last time he'd had such a fun and relaxing weekend. Everything with Lizzy was easy. She was so open to trying new things, and had a great attitude along the way. She could laugh at herself and had been teaching him how to laugh at himself. He was actually relaxed.

Monday morning dawned clear on Harvard's campus. Lizzy was sleeping soundly after having stayed up late to review her notes for her exam.

"Good morning birthday girl," William called out while carrying a breakfast tray complete with a pink rose, orange juice, coffee and a freshly toasted blueberry muffin with melted butter.

"It's not fair. I don't want a final on my birthday. There should be a birthday exemption," Lizzy said with a frown.

William reached down to kiss her pouted lips. "I agree. When you're in charge we'll make December 16th a national holiday. Until then, you need your energy to face the day."

Lizzy looked down at the tray to see the Harvard Crimson laying flat underneath the plates. "Is it in there?"

"Yup. It's excellent too. They didn't edit a word of it. It's your letter verbatim. You should be very proud birthday girl." William carefully removed the paper for Lizzy to see. Quickly opening to the editorials page she couldn't find it. William turned her back to page 1. Centered on the page was her letter.

Open Letter to the Harvard Community from an Illegal Immigrant

There are many things a young college student often worries about; grades, roommates, internships, deadlines, or maybe even, a date for Friday night. As a Crimson reporter I've reported on, and joined many of you, in efforts to raise awareness on issues of war, apartheid, and climate change. And so like many of you, I started this school year with these typical personal and global worries. Along the way, I met a great guy who is kind, thoughtful, and became interested in me too. Until November these were the primary issues foremost in my mind. It was a single conversation with my papa which changed everything.

In the fall of 1993, my parents decided to take a trip to visit friends in America. They'd spent their whole lives in Oaxaca, Mexico and, for the first time in their lives, with a 9-month old baby in tow, Tomas and Francesca Benetez took their life savings to experience a world outside their village. Boarding the plane to New York and then onto Boston, I believe they fully intended to return home sometime around Christmas of 1993. But they never did return. And in time, they had three more daughters, all American citizens, bought a restaurant and home, and built a business. The problem was, they never found a path to become legal residents. I'm not sure they really worried about it in the beginning. They're legal status never impeded their life in any meaningful way. But that 9-month old baby grew up, enrolled in Harvard College and began to plan for her future. Imagine her surprise to discover she was an illegal immigrant, having overstayed her visa by some 20 years.

So on that November afternoon, upon discovering my immigration status, I wept, I worried and then, began diligently researching options to become a legal resident. But in 20 years, the environment for people such as myself had changed dramatically. No longer was it an oversight. Many considered my very being in the US a criminal act. My parents wanted me to pursue a visa, resident status, even citizenship. Whatever was necessary to live and work freely in the US. So they left without a word, leaving behind only a letter to say goodbye, trying to not impede my efforts to correct the situation they created. As I write this, I don't know where they are. Thank goodness for the love and support of my closest friends and advisors. Even more, one Fitzwilliam Darcy, who fell in love with me, and I with him, and who asked me to marry him.

I don't know what will happen to me or others like me. Fortunately, I entered the country legally so there is at least some path to pursue for legal residency. If my parents had entered illegally, there would be no path to legal status for me, even through marriage. As it stands, I could still be asked to leave the country, for up to 10 years, but I'm grateful to have the love and support of my husband. I hope my application for residency goes smoothly. I love this country, the only home I can recall. I love my friends and family. And, I love my William.

This is my story. Within the US it's estimated there are 11 million illegal immigrants. Each have their own story. At Harvard we are taught to critically evaluate each situation. I pray you will each take the time to do so.

Elizabeth Benetez Darcy '15

"I can't believe they put it on page 1. What do you think?"

"I'm incredibly proud of you. You've put it all out there. Now we just need to deal with the reaction. I think there'll be a firestorm outside our building again. We're going to need some help to get to our exams today." William said as he wrapped his arms around Lizzy.

"I'm sorry this will make things difficult for you." Lizzy mumbled.

"Please don't apologize again. We were on the same page about this. I'm glad its done. If people have questions, you've said it all in your letter. By the way, my uncle loved the letter too. He emailed this morning to let us know how glad they are you wrote it."

"I love you."

"I love you too. Now let's get up and start on the day. You need to eat this breakfast I so thoughtfully brought to you in bed. I've made arrangements to have us both dropped at our exams and picked up at the end of them. You may want to keep in mind that we're likely to be photographed when we are going into or leaving our exams."

"What's your advice on the press?"

"I wouldn't do anything. Smile, but don't talk to them. Go about your business. You've got nothing to say that isn't in your letter. That should be sufficient right?"

"You're right of course. Alright. Let me eat this food and get ready. We've got exams to take and I can't worry about the rest."

Pulling out from their garage, William and Elizabeth sat silently side-by-side, each lost in their own thoughts. Lizzy was amazed to see the media vans parked around their building. 'What did they think? That she and William would walk out the front door and wave hello?' She felt bad for their neighbors. The news fury had finally died down and she wasn't sure it had been a good idea to restart the news cycle. She'd received some emails and texts however, from old neighbors and friends she'd known from BLS and JP who had their own immigration stories and she felt like she needed something positive to come out of this for them. If her story helped put a face on immigration, then maybe a bit of chaos was worth it. The windows of the car she was riding in had been tinted dark so she felt a bit anonymous traveling through Harvard Square. They were blessed that William had money enough to buy them a bit of privacy. Many weren't so fortunate. They pulled up toward the law school to let William out first.

"Knock 'em dead." Lizzy said as William prepared to get out of the car.

"Thanks." He reached over to give her a kiss before opening the door. "I'll see you in a few hours. Good luck." Quickly William slid out the door and closed it behind him. He needed to get his head focused on his exam and not the myriad other issues that were floating around in his head. Sprinting towards Hauser Hall, he was thinking about getting through this exam so he could prepare for the next one, and of course, continue celebrating Lizzy's birthday. There were a group of his classmates congregating by the front door. Silently, he said a quick prayer that they weren't waiting for him. As he darted up the stairs he realized that they were in fact, waiting to pounce.

"William Darcy. It's about time. First we hear your married and now this? We didn't know you were willing to take on charity cases." Called out one voice. William looked over to see one of his perpetually overdressed and over coiffed classmates. He always sat in the back of the class throwing in chip shots from time to time. Thomas something. William recalled that he had a lot of T's in his name. During their younger years, William often heard him bragging about how much money his family had and about all of the Harvard men in his family. He couldn't stand people like that. He'd grown up with them, and certainly had encountered enough of them at his prep schools and his parents country club. But he didn't have to socialize with them. And he wasn't going to start now. "Thomas right? Nice to see you." After the brief acknowledgement, he continued on his way. His father and uncle had tried to teach him, 'You don't have to like everyone but you can't snub anyone. Acknowledge them and move on. Otherwise you make enemies without even realizing it.' He'd started to forget that lesson but Lizzy, and Professor Gilpin, had pounded it back into him. He was glad to be reminded before it was too late.

He made it safely into the lecture hall. In plenty of time to organize himself for his exam. Charlie slid into a seat two down from him. "Hey Will. Good weekend?"

Grinning from ear to ear, "It was great. How are your parents? Did they get back to NY safely?"

"They did. Thanks for asking. It was a rough weekend and I'm afraid it's only the beginning for them." A look of understanding passed between them and Charlie changed the subject. "Hey, Lizzy's letter was great. Really personal yet also factual. I hope it helps."

"Me too. I can't wait for finals to end when we can disappear for a little while. This weekend together gave me a taste for the quiet life and I'm looking forward to it. You're coming Wednesday night right?"

"If you and Lizzy still want me. I still feel awful about my sister and what she did."

"It's behind us. I'd love to have you at Lizzy's party. I won't know a lot of the people there so I need some kind of ally. And I know Lizzy will want you there - she just doesn't know about the party yet so don't say anything to her about it."

"My lips are sealed."

The two men hadn't noticed that Thomas had slid into a seat on the other side of William. "So you're throwing a party for your wife?"

William spun to see his greeter had followed him inside. "Thomas right? Didn't your mother teach you it's rude to eavesdrop on another's conversation?" It was one thing to be pleasant to clueless people. It was another to deal with people who had decided to be rude.

Thomas Thorndike, III didn't seem to want to take a hint,"I gotta be honest, of all of the people I thought who'd get themselves wrapped up in some kind of controversy, you're probably the last person I'd have suspected. She must be good in bed if she broke through the master of the stare."

William looked around and saw a small crowd forming. He was angry and knew he was in serious danger of exploding all over this idiot. "Thomas, you seem to be under the illusion you actually know me and perhaps that I even want to speak with you about extremely personal matters. But you see, you know nothing about me that I don't want to be known publicly - everything else is some figment of yours or someone else's imagination. We didn't invite you to this conversation or into my life. Don't invite me to get involved in yours."

"I was just trying to make conversation and you're getting all riled up. I think you might even be threatening me. Am I right?" Bingley was getting entirely too uncomfortable with the direction of this conversation. He could tell that Darcy was barely retaining control and knew he should do something to diffuse the situation. Looking around he spotted a few members of their study group.

"Helen, Chris, great to see you guys." Bingley said anxiously waiving them over. The classmates could see the strain on Charlie's face and walked over.

The pair picked up on the tension emanating from William and figured something was going on. The prickly atmosphere, combined with the open letter in this morning's Crimson clued them in to the likely issue. "Hey guys, Thomas? Getting pointers from Darce here for the exam?" Helen asked while Chris came around to stand in front of Thomas.

"No actually. We were just discussing his new wife."

"Funny, I don't remember seeing you at the wedding reception? Have you met Elizabeth?" Chris asked.

"I haven't had the pleasure." Thomas acknowledged.

"Too bad. She's great. Well, we're going to get settled for the exam. Mind if I take this seat?" Helen asked as she slid her backpack in front of the seat Thomas was leaning over.

Surrounded by Darcy's friends Thomas decided he'd leave it for now. He thought it was pretty funny that the unflappable Darcy had something to get ruffled about. "It's all yours Helen. See ya Darcy."

William watched as Thomas walked away. Jaw clenched and ears buzzing it took him a minute to look away and notice his friends anxiously watching him. A bit embarrassed, William looked down and tried to organize himself for the approaching exam. After a few moments passed he looked up again. "Hey um, thanks guys. I appreciated you trying to diffuse the situation."

"No worries Will. I knew Thomas was an idiot but didn't realize he's a jerk too," Helen laughed. "By the way, I loved Lizzy's letter. I hope it helps to put some of the chatter to bed. Of course, there'll always be a few assholes to contend with. Send her my best."

Shrugging his shoulders in an effort to regain his equanimity, William decided to include his study group in his plans for Lizzy's birthday. "Thanks. By the way, I'm having a little birthday party for Elizabeth on Wednesday night. It's supposed to be a surprise. I've rented out the frog pond for ice skating at 7 and then were going to hit Upper Crust for pizza after. Nothing fancy but it should be fun. You two are more than welcome. Charlie's coming."

"I'd love to. Chris? What do you think?"

"Sounds great. I'll be there." Chris agreed. "And Will, I know Thomas a bit. I helped him out in 2nd year and he owes me. I'm going to have a little chat with him offline. I don't want to see him trying to cause trouble for you and Lizzy. You've got enough on your hands and he doesn't need to add to it. I don't know what he's thinking."

"Thanks Chris but don't trouble yourself." William offered.

"Seriously Darce. It won't help him to piss off his classmates and you've always been there to help me. I want to do this. I just wanted to be transparent with you about it."

"Alright. I appreciate it."

A loud ringing pierced the lecture hall. "Excuse me ladies and gentlemen but I believe you're here today to take a final exam. If you are not hear to take an exam for my class, I ask that you exit the hall immediately. Thank you." With that announcement from their professor, the room settled down quickly, each person taking their seat. William was glad the exam would finally start. It would simply bring him that much closer to getting away from all these people who wanted to judge him and his Elizabeth.

Across campus Lizzy encountered a number of friends and acquaintances as she made her way towards the building where her exam was being held. A few gave her high fives as she crossed their path. Others called out from across the Yard with words of support. A professor she'd had freshman year actually stopped her on the path, pulling her into a hug and whispering, "You're in my prayers Elizabeth," before sending her on her way. Lizzy was warmed by the near universal support she felt as she crossed the campus. She was almost floating as she approached the hall where her Philosophy of Religion exam was about to take place. Reflecting on the encounters, Lizzy smiled, 'I need all the good vibes I can get heading into this exam.' The class had been her least favorite all semester. She was far too practical to easily embrace the thought experiments her professor attempted with them, but it was another core requirement and she was glad to have knocked two of them out this semester. Upon entering the room, her professor quickly acknowledged her, little being said and handed her an exam. "Alright then, let's get this one over with," she whispered and settled down booklet and essays in hand.

"How'd it go?" William asked as Lizzy slid inside the car door.

"It was great. You wouldn't believe how supportive everyone's being. I felt a little like a celebrity walking across campus. The exam was fine too. Just glad to have that one done." Lizzy smiled. "How 'bout you?"

"One down, two to go. I'm relieved to hear you didn't have any negative encounters on campus." William gave her a slight smile his chief worry now abated.

"Was everyone ok with you? Did anything happen?" Lizzy's brow wrinkled noticing that William wasn't quite as enthusiastic as she'd expected him to be.

"Everything was fine. Just stressed about the next exam, that's all. Oh and Helen loved your letter. Charlie did too and wanted me to wish you a happy birthday." William attempted to assure her not quite convincingly.

"You know, we don't need to do anything to celebrate my birthday tonight. We probably played a bit too much this weekend and you should focus on studying. I don't like seeing you this stressed out." Lizzy wrapped her arms around him and rested her head on his chest as the rode towards their condo.

Bending his head down to kiss her, he rested his chin on the top of her head. "This feels nice. I needed a hug after my last exam. Now, I don't want to hear anymore talk about delaying your birthday. Let's go back and get settled. I'll study for a few hours and then I'll need a break anyway. We can have a little birthday dinner and cake and maybe a present or two and then I promise I'll get back to studying."

"A present or two? You bought me a million things this past weekend William. I don't need anything. Seriously."

"Who said anything about need? It's your birthday. You don't get things you need as birthday presents and I have a few for you. Remember, for richer for poorer? Right now is the richer part. I'll keep you posted if you need to worry about the poorer part but I think we're ok."

Lizzy rolled her eyes and sighed. "You are impossible Mr. Darcy."

Arriving home, William and Lizzy made their way back up to their condo. Lizzy checked her phone and was pleased to see texts from several friends sending birthday wishes while William settled himself in for a few more hours of studying. A long conversation with Maria went a good way towards relieving a small amount of homesickness that was creeping in. Maria was in the midst of finals also but would be joining them for Christmas and up in Maine for a bit of the break.

Once off the phone Lizzy decided she deserved to relax. A nice long bath, toes and finger nails painted, she curled up on the couch to lose her self in some mind-numbing television. William's various subscriptions gave her access to all of the seasons of Arrested Development: perfect for her attention span at this point. It was when she'd completed the first season that she realized it was past time to begin warming Mrs. Reynolds food for dinner.

Meatloaf, mashed potatoes and a salad was the perfect comfort food to go along with her mood. She quickly prepared two plates and put everything out on the table. With everything set Lizzy went to find William at his desk. Sure enough he had notecards all around him, his hair going in three different directions. "Ready for a break babe?"

William looked up, a smile breaking across his face. "Are you an angel sent to rescue me from study overload?"

"If that's what you need, then that's what I am. Dinner's on the table, courtesy of Mrs. Reynolds."

"Thanks, I'll be there in a minute."

Lizzy left him to wrap up and returned to the dining room to pour out two glasses of water. She contemplated opening a bottle of wine in honor of her 21st birthday but given William's need to study decided against it. There'd be time enough for wine or other spirits on Wednesday. She was just sitting down when William entered with three presents stacked one on top of another. "I can't believe you really got me more presents!"

"Now, now, we've talked through this several times. I want you to enjoy this day and I've already spent too much time dealing with unpleasant things like exams and studying. No grumbling allowed when you get presents. It's a Darcy family rule."

"Alright then, can I open them or do I need to eat first?"

"I think we should eat before everything gets cold, then presents."

William laughed at the gusto Lizzy showed towards her dinner. "Did your parents often bribe you to eat all your food? If they didn't they probably should have. It seems like an effective incentive in your case."

"Who knew you were so effective at teasing? I'm not sure I was prepared for this." Despite all of the teasing dinner was slowly consumed, Lizzy sharing her conversation with Maria and William happily listening. He hadn't realized how lonely he had been before. It was so pleasant to share a meal and chat. There weren't enough presents in the world to compensate for that.

Clearing the table, William placed each of the three presents in front of her. "I'll be right back. Don't open them until I'm back." Like a small child, Lizzy shook and rattled each of the boxes. One of the boxes was quite heavy and she couldn't imagine what was in it. Sitting back, surveying the table, the condo and the world outside Lizzy was amazed by how had her life changed in such a short period of time. She wanted to make sure she didn't take this all for granted. Even more, she wanted to ensure she didn't take William for granted.

"That's a serious look on your face. Are you ok?"

"Yes. Everything's wonderful. Can I open my presents now?"

"Of course." William was surprisingly nervous. He'd placed a rush order to get them and hoped she'd like them too.

Quickly she unwrapped the first. An elegant silver pen rolled into her hand, Elizabeth Darcy engraved onto its side. It was quickly followed with cream notecards, embossed with her name in gold at the top. A red leather notebook followed, similarly embossed. Elizabeth's fingers stroked the letters of her name on the notebook. They were each beautiful, special and singularly hers. Clearing his throat, "You're a writer and I wanted you to have beautiful things to write with. I hope you like them." Nervously he added, "The notebook is refillable and I've purchased some extra notebooks so you have them at the ready when you fill this on up."

"They're beautiful. I've never had such beautiful things before." Lizzy reached over and pulled him into a deep kiss. It was a personal gift in such an unexpected way. She knew each time she used them she'd think of him and of all he had done to help her pursue her dream of writing here in the US. It was too much and she was immediately overwhelmed. Tears began streaming down her face as they kissed. One tear touched his hand as he cupped her face.

"Why are you crying? Are you sad."

"No, definitely not. Just a little overwhelmed. Thank you for the best birthday ever," kissing him again and pouring every ounce of love she could into it.

So? At long last the editorial was written. Lizzy gets support and Darcy gets a mixed reaction. They both are getting a lot from this relationship I think but Lizzy may be winning right now. Did you enjoy the D&E time together? Thoughts? reactions? Disappointments? I wanna hear em...