When Maa has a dream!

Fran is in an euphoric mood. She is packing her suitcase for her departure the next day. She can hardly wait to finally be back in London and with Maxwell. He just called her earlier. This time he didn't have to pretend to be the butler. Fortunately, Fran was alone at home. Maxwell told her over and over again how much he misses her and that he already counts the hours until he can finally hold her in his arms again. Then he informed her, unfortunately he wouldn't be able to pick her up from the airport tomorrow because he has an important meeting at that time. Fran said that is no problem. The two agreed to meet tomorrow night. The Kents would certainly be okay with it.

While Fran is searching her things, something suddenly occurrs to her. She picks up the phone again and calls the Kent residence. She asks Mrs Kent if it's possible for the driver to pick her up tomorrow. While Mrs Kent is on the phone with Fran, the two girls jump around her excitedly. When they realize that their mother speaks with Fran, they snatch the phone from their mother's hand and both start babbling to Fran at the same time. Fran doesn't understand a single word, but keeps assuring the girls that she will really come back tomorrow. Finally, Mrs Kent picks up the phone again and chases the two girls out of the room.

"Oh Miss Fine, you have no idea how relieved I am that you're coming back tomorrow. The two girls are completely out of control and bombard me every day with questions about when you're finally will be here."

Fran smiles; she can vividly imagine the acts Meredith and Susan are putting on. She gives Mrs Kent her flight details and the two say goodbye.

Soon her mother comes home.

"Well Fran, have you packed yet? I just bought everything for the big farewell dinner."

Fran looks at the many bags.

"How many people did you plan for?"

"Nadine and her new boyfriend Gary are coming and then I invited Aaron and his parents."

Fran groans. Even at the wedding, her mother tried constantly to push her to Aaron. Sylvia Fine notices her daughter's reaction.

"I really don't know what's wrong with you, Frannie. You and Aaron always got along so well when you were kids and he's a really a handsome and charming boy. And you know what's best? He goes to medical school and wants to be a dentist! Plus, his family has a mansion in Malibu and a cabin in Aspen!"

"Maa, I'm definitely not getting involved with that creep just so you can lie on the beach in Malibu during the summer!"

"What do you have against him?"

"He's pushy, arrogant and always condescending towards me and thinks he's the smartest. Also, have you ever taken a closer look at him? His teeth are crooked and his ears stick out."

"Now Fran, you're really exaggerating!"

"I don't know what you want, Maa. I thought we had an agreement that I shouldn't date any boys for a while?!"

"I don't want you to get into trouble with some random boys. But with Aaron it would be a completely different matter. This is about your future."

Fran pulls up her face even more, but her mother remains persistent.

"Please be nice to Aaron tonight and put on something fancy."

Fran cannot enjoy dinner, even though her mother had cooked her favorite meal. At first she feels her mother's disapproving glances. She wears a simple decent blue dress tonight. In this dress and with her hair tied back, she looks more like a brave schoolgirl, but not like a young woman who wants to attract a man's attention. Aaron is also irritated by Fran's appearance. He knows her with fancy dresses and wild curls. Fran suffers silently. Her mother cannot stop making little comments to bring Fran and Aaron closer together. The icing of the cake is when she kindly asks Aaron to drive Fran to the airport tomorrow. Fran reacts with horror when Aaron immediately agrees and seems to be happy about it. What worries Fran even more are the looks he is giving her and him touching her all the time. Fran is visibly uncomfortable, but she can't really make a scene in front of the entire family.

After dinner, Nadine and Garry say goodbye because they have plans with some friends. Aaron, his parents and Fran's father retreat to the living room while Fran helps her mother prepare the coffee.

"Try a little harder, Fran. You've been very quiet all evening. Can't you see how smitten Aaron is with you? He really adores you."

"So what? I find him hideous."

"Don't make such a fuss. Just think about the wonderful life you could have with him."

Fran rolls her eyes and follows her mother into the living room. There she is horrified to see that Aaron's parents and her father have made themselves comfortable on the big couch and her mother is heading for the armchair. There is only one seat left next to Aaron and he is smiling at her already. Fran sees only one way out. She yawns.

"Sorry! I think I should go to bed now. I have to get up very early."

Fran's father, who has no idea about his wife's plans, thinks this is very reasonable and says goodnight to his daughter. Fran says goodbye to Aaron's parents and before he has a chance to hug her, she waves to him and flees to her room.