I don't own this characters. I've only borrowed them. This takes place in the 5^th season. Maxwell has not found the couradge to tell Fran he loves her and she has taken a desition that will change everything. Thank you guys.

Changes

by

Carmen Laura
(carmen_laura11@hotmail.com)

Fran looked arround and let a meaningfull sigh come out. She was starting to feel really frustrated with this whole situation. Everytime she thought they were giving a step foward he took two backwards and this was killing her. Just the other night they had been watching T.V. and had ended somehow kissing. She could have swore at that point that it was for real but just as they were ready to pour their hearts out he had excused himself and gone. She had done a lot of thinking after that night and had made the hardest decition of her life. Still the question remained, would she be able? She had to be able. She looked through her woredrobe and found the nanny uniform she had been given at the begining, when she had first moved to the mansion. She looked at it a sighed. She was expected downstairs for breakfast in about ten minutes and so she decided to get the uniform out and have breakfast in the kitchen before the family did. After all that was her real place, with the help. No more familiar manners. She was going to stick to her duties and only to her dutties, unless untill she could find another job. She finished getting ready and went down the back stairs. She took an orange juice and two biscuits and sat down on the kitchen table to have breakfast. Just then Niles came in.

"Miss Fine? What are you wearing that outfit and having breakfast here?"

"Good Morning Niles..."

"Could you answer my questions?"

"I’m only wearing my uniform and I’m having breakfast where the help must have their meals... let’s just say I’ve decided to cut this mouse and cat game from the root. Now when the family come down call me. Thankyou." With that she walked up the stairs to finish getting ready.

Back in the kitchen Niles was surprised but resigned with this new attitude Fran had adopted. He prepared breakfast and just as he was finishing he heard the family entering the dinning hall. He remembered Fran’s requirement and took the intercom.

"The family is coming down..."

Niles finished the conection and moved breakfast into the dinning room. He looked arround, everyone was there. Everyone but Fran.

"Where’s Miss Fine old man?"

"Miss fine will be down any moment now..." Niles served and went into the kitchen. There, standing was Fran. She was still wearing her uniform and her hair was flat and tied up in a bun. She was hardly wearing makeup and there was something in her look that had changed. Something was terribly different.

"The family is seatted."

"Thakyou Niles." She straightened her outfit and moved through the doors into the dinning room. When she entered eveyone was taken aback. Fran saw their faces and decide to be strong and act along.

"Master Brighton remember to take your history homework, Miss Grace remember today it’ll be Miss Martha’s mother that will be picking you up and Miss Margaret this afternoon I’ll take you to buy your party dress for saturday." The children said nothing and simply nodded. "And do be quick or you’ll be late for school."

"Miss Fine, aren’t you having breakfast."

"I already had my breakfast in the kitchen, sir."

"Sir? Since when?"

"I’m just being the right nanny, sir. Oh and when you have a moment there is something I must talk to you about, sir."

"Sure, how about after breakfast Miss Fine?"

"Alright then, Children get your backpacks and get ready for school. The children got up and she folloewd them into the hallway. They took their bags and waved goodbye somehow uneasy.

"If you are ready I have a few more minutes before I meet C.C. Please do join me at my office Miss Fine."

"Yes sir." She walked behind him. She entered the office and reamined standing up with her hands infront of her.

"So, what did you want to talk about Miss Fine?"

" May I speak freely, Sir?"

"Sure, you always have anyway..."

"I have been delivering some CVs arround and I would appreciate it if you would write a recomendation letter."

"You have been doing what? Are you leaving us?"

"Sir, the children are old enough to need a nanny anymore and since my service here will prescidanble I’d like to have my backs covered..."

"I don’t know what to say.. you have always been more than a nanny. You are like a mother to my children and therefore like a part of this family."

"But the fact is, sir, that I’m not their mother and will never be a part of this family."

"Why are you doing this to me and my children?"

"I’m only being fair to myself for once sir, now if you’ll excuse me, Miss Grace needs her costume ready for Friday. Please do write that letter for me it would really make things better. Thankyou for your time, sir."

After two and a half weeks sending CVs Fran finally was called for a job interview not far away from the Sheffields residence. She made an apointment for her free day and got ready for what could lay ahaed. She had kept acting like the perfect Nanny. The day of the enterview came like magic. She dressed up in the most formal outfit she could find and headed to the adress she’d been given.

She knocked softly and was greeted by a very charming british man who claimed to be the butler. She was directed to the main hall where she was asked to wait for the Lady of the house. She nodded and waited. She had to admit that the butler was really handsome and seemed to be very kind. Soon a very charming lady came in with a smile on her face. Fran had been worried that the ‘Lady of the House’ would be an upright, old Lady, but she was gratefully surprised.

"So you must be.... Fran Fine?"

"Yes Madam, here you have..." she handed the lady her recomendation letter.

"Tell me about yourself...." she motioned Fran to sit down. "What is your experience? Are you married? Why are you applying for a new job?"

"I have been the Sheffield’s Nanny for over five years, I’m single which gives me total liberty for work hours and the reason I want to change family is due to the fact that the Sheffield children don’t need a nanny anymore."

"You are very correct and I like your boldness, besides me and my husband are in quite a hurry for a nanny..."

"May I ask why?"

"Well let’s just say that when our last nanny got married she left the states and my husband and myself work all day long. My children need someone to take care of them when we are working or at dinners."

"I see, and... how many children do you have Madam?"

"Two boys and three girls."

"Wow! Oh... I’m sorry but you are a big family."

"Jaja, don’t be sorry Fran... I’m going to be honest with you I like you better when you are offguard."

"Sorry Maddam?"

"You are obviously trying very hard to be ‘correct’ and I’ve also noticed that every now and then you act like yourself and I like it better."

"Really?"

"Yes, be yourself."

"Does that mean I’m hired?"

"Yes when can you move to our house?"

"I’ll have to give my former employer the news but as soon as posible... probably within a week. Oh! I have one more question.... The uniform?"

"No uniform will be required. You are wellcome to wear your own clothes. We’ll keep in touch untill you move definately... and wellcome to our family."

"Bye."

Fran went back into Sheffields’ mansion happy to have achieved the job. She was happy to see they were quite nice and non protocolar. She had felt at home from the first moment she was greeted in. She would give Maxwell her news as soon as she got home so that she could start to move her things. She had already told the children of her plans and they had been sad arround the idea of loosing her but they understood. Fran arrived at the mansion and found Maxwell coming out of his office.

"Oh! Miss Fine I was hoping I would find you."

"Did you need something sir?"

"Uhmmm... well my new show is opening in two weeks and I was thinking... well... that you might want to be my date for the night."

"Sorry sir, but that would not be apropiate. Besides I was on my way to your office. I’ve found a new job and I’m required to start within a week."

"A new job? What as? If I may ask...?"

"As a Nanny of five children sir. It is not far from here and they seem to be a good family. I haven’t discussed the conditions yet but I already gave my aproval."

"Well in that case there’s nothing to stop you from being my date..."

"Nothing but the fact that I’d rather not. If you’ll excuse me sir, I have some packing to do. Sorry."

She left up the stairs with tears on her eyes. She was not crying for him really, she felt like crying for this family. She had grown in love with this bunch, but she had to move on. It had been difficult to deny his offer for his opening night but it had to be like this. No more heartaches, no more tears. She looked arround and decided to start packing up. Taking her bags from her closet she began to fill them with her clothes. Some dresses meant so much for her. Opening nights, kisses with Maxwell, moments with the children, friendly moments with Niles.... so many thing she’d like to go through again... she sighed and continued to pack. As she was emptying her closset she came across a box she had been filling with little memories. She sat down on her bed and opened the box. Before starting to look through the contents she switched her CD player on. Barbra Streisand filled the air.

She picked up the costumes Gracie and her had used in the daughter/mother beauty padget. She smiled at the memory.

She looked at the different photographs she had of the children, Niles Maxwell, C.C. ... there was one in particular where the whole family was together. She had always liked that photograph. They all having a great time on the beach and the smiling faces was a good proof of that happiness.

On her search she found the brochures to many of his plays. She had always felt safe and right whenever they had attended an opening night together. Now, however, things were definitely different. Maybe the way things had complicated between them was the problem. Maybe it was simply too late to move back in time.

As she closed the box she realised that all of the memories she had kept in that box were of the happy times. How could it be that she only had things to remember the good times and yet she could remember so many painfull nights? Why weren’t there any photographs to remember the heartaches? Perhaps bad memeries are always remembered and good ones must be obliged to stay.... she sighed and put the box into one of her bags.

Fran had done two bags and had only left out the necesary things for the few days left at the house. The children were about to arrive from their respective activities and although it was her day off she wanted to be decent and waiting for them when they arrived. She had to tell them. She walked into the bathroom and got ready.

Just as she walked down stairs with her uniforn and flat hair, the children came in through the door.

"Hi Fran"

"Hi Master Brighton, Miss Grace, Miss Margaret...."

"Fran we want to talk to you..."

"Me too but please do go ahead... what is it Master Brighton...?"

"It’s that! The way you call us. We miss your old self..."

Fran sat in the couch and took Gracie to seat with her. Brighton and Maggie sat on the other side of thier loved nanny.

"Children we have to talk..." she looked into there eyes and decided to simply spill it out. "I’ve finally found a new job... you guys don’t need me anymore as a nanny.... Gracie... you are almost 16... Maggie you are in colledge already and B... you are starting colledge next term..." they all thought silently and it was Gracie to break the silenece.

"At least you are calling us by our nick names..."

"Yes... well next week I’ll be your friend and not your nanny... I better get used to that..."

"May we go and see you?"

"Yes Maggie and we can always meet on my free day and chat...." the children huged her and excused themselves. They had to get ready for dinner and Fran had to face her dear friend Niles. She walked over to the kitchen. Niles was cooking when Fran entered and stood like wanting to speak.

"Is everything OK Miss Fine?"

"Yes...yes I just wanted to talk to you. May I?"

"Sure.. what is it?"

"I’m leaving... I’ve found a new job as nanny to five children of one same family. I’ll be gone by the end of the week."

"That is... oh I don’t know what to say... are you sure of what you are doing...?"

"Yes Niles... this is going nowhere and I can’t stay here forever, the children don’t need a nanny anymore and really I don’t want to waste the rest of my life waiting for him to come arround."

"Have you met the family?"

"Only the mother and the Butler... they seem to be a nice a family... I’m meeting the children tomorrow."

"I just hope you are happy... If you are I will be too"

"Thankyou Niles..." they huged for a while and then Fran helped him with dinner. Fran was rather quiet during the time she spent in the kitchen with Niles.

"Hello, hello..." C.C came in just as they were finishing.

"Hello Miss Babcock... may I do anything for you?"

"Actually I was looking for you Nanny Fine... not that it bothers me but is it true you are leaving?"

"Yes Miss Babcock, that’s right... the Sheffield children don’t need a nanny anymore and since my duties here are finished I’ve applyed for a nanny job not far from here."

"That sounds interesting but don’t you think you’ll miss it here... recently you’ve been very correct but we all know that won’t last and not every family is ready to put up with your fair and outrageous behaviour...."

"With all due respect Miss Babcock, I was planning on being as correct as I’ve been arround here during the last weeks, however, I was asked by my new employer to be more of myself and to wear my own clothes. Aparantely the don’t like hard discipline and are only needing a nanny because there are five children in the house and both of the parents work all day long."

"Five children! Nanny Fine this time you’ve toped yourself..."

"Believe me my reaction was not very different to yours... now if you’ll excuse me I have to call the children for dinner." With that she walked up the stairs through the house and knocked softly at each of the children’s bedroom anouncing dinner.

The family was seated at the table, Fran had been invited to join them. The week had gone so quickly they had hardly realised she had already moved most of her things out of the house. It was going to be her last night at the mansion and they had wanted her to have dinner with them as a goodbye present. They all enjoyed dinner and shared different memories of the years together. The time to go to bed came and the children all bid good night with long faces to show their sadness. Fran tug them into bed and went back down to watch T.V. for a while. She reached the hall only to find Maxwell waiting for her. She was only a few steps away from him, he broke the silence.

"Would you mind steping into my office for a minute... Fran..?"

"Of course Mr Sheffield...."

"Please call me Maxwell, after all technically you are no longer my employee..."

"Ok Maxwell..." although she had given in to the first names, she was serious and still irritatingly correct. Maxwell sighed and motioned her into his ofice. Once there he encouraged her to seat on the love seat and he took an envelope from his desk. He handed it to her and sat next to her.

"What’s this?"

"This is your last pay, a little bonus and a letter we have all written together so that you will always have us in your heart...."

"That’s very sweet but I will always have you guys in my heart. Thankyou."

"What for?"

"For these five years, for the good times that gave me laughters, for the not so good ones which made me wiser and for allowing me to be a part of this family if only in my dreams."

"Fran you were, are and always will be a part of this family."

"I’m not realy sure of that... and now if you’ll excuse me I’d better go get some sleep. Tomorrow morning I want to be early at my new job to get settled in. Good night."

Fran left the office and all Maxwell could do was cry. He had been so silly, so coward, so stupid... and now she was leaving. She had left somehow sometime ago, her soul had left several weeks ago but still she was arround. She was never going to smile at him again. This was all his fault.

In her room Fran sat down on her bed silently. She had the envelope in her hands, still unopened. Why did he have to make this decition so much more dificult for her? It had been him to push her away. It had been him afraid of loving her. This was not her fault, it was his. She opened the envelope and took a look at the two checks, she put them into her hand bag. She unfolded the letter Maxwell had mentioned and sat down resting her head on the pillow to read what it said.

Fran dryed the tears that had been falling down her face as she read the letter. She sighed and folded it back into the envelope. She stood up and went into the bathroom where she got ready for bed. Her new life was about to start.

It had been 5 months since Fran had moved to the Johnson’s home. She was enjoying her new job. The children were really nice to her. Her birthday arrived like magic. She walked into the kitchen the morning of her birthday and was surprised to find it empty. It was Saturday and Nigel (the butler) was supposed to be preparing breakfast as usual. Casually she opened the door to the dinning room. ‘Strange’ she thought. The lights were off. Totally unaware she switched the lights on, only to be surprised by the whole family. There was a cake with a single candle and everyone sang the ‘Happy Birthday’ tune. Fran was overwhelmed. She hadn’t expected all of this. Nigel came towards her with the cake on her hands and whispered as he was just in front of her... "Make a wish..." she smiled and he replied with another smile to which she closed her eyes and blew off the candle.

"Happy Birthday Fran, this is my present." John was the eldest of the children he was always very correct but very loving too.

"Thankyou John...." she opened the box to find a beautifull necklase. She took it out and put it on. "This is beautifull darling... thankyou very much..." she kissed him on the cheek.

"My turn, my turn...." Lesly was the second in line. She was always dancing arround and singing throughout the house. She handed her present to Fran and huged her. Fran had sat down. She tore the paper to reveal a portable DVD player.

"Oh Lesly this fabulous but you shouldn’t have spent that amount of money you know?"

"You’ve been the best nanny we’ve known and I’ve been saving up for three months... besides I do expect you to invite me to a movie sesion in your room..."

"Thankyou darling." She huged her and looked arround, "Who’s next?"

"We are, we are next!" Fran looked at the twins and smiled. Carolina and Peter were the next in line. They were as different from each other as could be, Carolina was really sportive and decided while Peter was quiet and mathematically precise. Fran took their present and unpacked it. It was a 4 DVD pack of Barbra’s movies.

"Oh Children this is fabulous.... thankyou vey much." She kissed them and looked at the little one. "Mary? What are you hidding on your back?"

"This is my present..." she handed Fran a paper roll and stood still. Fran picked her up onto her lap and unrolled the paper. It was a picture of the familly and it included her.

"Oh Baby, this is beautifull, thankyou."

"Fran, my wife and I have decided that the best present we could give you would be the day off, well and..." he whistled and like on cue the 3 children of the Sheffields came through the door. Fran gave them a big hug and they all enjoyed breakfast together. When they were finished, Fran said good bye to Maggie, B and Gracie, and then moved into the kitchen. She hadn’t thanked Nigel and somehow she knew it had been partly him who had organised this whole surprise.

"Nigel?"

"Oh Fran! How did you like your small party?"

"Very much, I came in to thankyou, I have a certain hint that you had a lot to do with it..."

"Fran...you know I’d do anything for you..."

"Anything?" Fran walked towards him. They were inches apart. What was happening? Had she fallen in love with him?

"Anything..." he leaned into her and brushed his lips with hers. Fran eagerly accepted the kiss and soon they were pasionately kissing. They broke the kiss and leaned their foreheads one against the other.

"Was that my birthday present?"

"Actually my present was going to be a dinner invitation tonight."

"What time?"

"Is 8 alright with you?" she nodded, "I can’t wait Fran..."

"I can’t wait either."

Fran left the kitchen with a smile on her face. Why was she so happy? Perhaps it was because it had been too long since she had had a date. But she was still in love with Maxwell... or maybe not? Maybe she had learned to live without him. Nigel was a great guy, friendly, handsome, wellmannered and kind. To top it all he was a heck of a kisser. She felt strange. It had been her giving the first flirt and she liked the feeling of being next him. She couldn’t wait for their date that night.

Meanwhile, Nigel was happier than ever. He had liked her from the very begining and as he had come to know her as a person he had fallen in love with her beauty and kind manner. Of course, the fact that she was the greatest kisser he had known did a lot, but there was much more than that. He had been nervous to ask her for a date but after their kiss he had found all the strength he needed, after all it had been her teasing him.

Fran was lying on her bed thinking about Nigel. He was such a nice guy... he knew everything about Maxwell. Not only did he know but had totally understood. Aparently something similar had happened to him with the old nanny exept he didn’t have to move out since she got married to a richman and left. She couldn’t understand how could anyone prefer money to a guy like Nigel. ‘Well,’ she thought, ‘at least she left him for me.’

Nigel finished with the kitchen and continued with the main hall, Fran hadn’t left his mind. She was so nice and so beautifull. All he could think about was that wonderfull kiss they had just shared. He knew she had had a bad time with Maxwell but he was ready to make her forget and really move on. Somehow, he couldn’t wait to finish the hall to pay her a little visit at her room, where he expected her to be. He smiled at the thought of her.

Fran was still in her room thinking when Nigel went up to find her. At the first knock to gave a sweet ‘come in’ and in he came. She was reading a magazine on her bed and turned arround slightly to see him standing there. Almost as soon as she saw him she stood up.

"Nigel... Do you have to change the date or something?"

"No, I had already told Mrs. Johnson about that, it’s just that I couldn’t wait ‘till to night to see you again... not after that kiss we just shared." Fran walked nearer to him.

"I was rather surprised to be honest."

"To be honest I’ve been wanting to do it since the day we first met..."

"I’m glad you finally did..." Fran streched her hand and closed the door behind him and then placed both of her hands on his chest.

"Fran..."

"Shshshshshshs.... just kiss me..." he obliged and kissed her. Their mouths opened to recieve the other’s tongue. His hands romed her back as she carresed his chest. Their kiss ended with sweet pecks on their lips to prolongue their contact just a bit longer.

"That was an easy order to obey..." He smiled at her and she smiled back.

"Where have you been all of my life..."

"Searching for you..." he gave her one last peck and broke the embrace they were in, taking her hands in his, as he did so. "I’ve still got things to do... see you later."

"Before you leave.... is tonight gonna be formal? Or Casual?"

"Casual... I want to be comfortable so that we can chat."

"Sounds perfect.... see you later..."

That night was perfect for both of them and for the next three months their dates and occational kisses repeated. The family was well aware and happy to see them both so comfortable arround each other. Fran felt comfortable and loved and she had to admit it, she loved that man. She couldn’t deny her obvious love for him.

Nigel had been preparing a special weekend for the two of them and there was only one thing left to do to get everything ready. He walked upto Mrs. Johnson’s office and knocked on the door. At a slight ‘come in’ he enterd.

"Mrs. Johnson? May I have a word with you?"

"Sure Nigel... what is it?"

"I was wondering... well... you see... since the children are going to be out and you and Mr. Johnson aren’t gonna be arround much either... well I was wondering if you could give me and Fran the weekend off."

"Sure Nigel but may I ask what have you got in mind?"

"I’m planning to give Fran our first romantic weekend and with a little bit of luck ask her to marry me..."

"In that case you are wellcome to have your weekend."

"Thankyou Maddam... I better go and speak to her then... excuse me..."

Nigel left the office with asmile on his face... he looked for Fran all arround and could not find her. There was only the kitchen left to visit. He entered to find her taking a cup of tea.

"Hello my darling..."

"Nigel" she kissed him slightly and he sat next to her.

"I have something I want to talk to you about..."

"Sure honey, what is it?"

"Mrs. Johnson has given you and me the weekend off as my birthday present which is this saturday and... I was wondering, what would you say to an invitation to a romantic cottage, for a weekend. Just the two of us...?

"Well... I’d say... I can’t wait sweetheart."

"Great! We leave Friday after lunch..."

"Friday? But that’s tomorrow and I should get some new clothes for you..." Nigel leaned closer to her and softly answered to her statement.

"Hopefully you won’t need much clothes anyway..."

"Nigel...." he smiled and gave her a quick kiss.

The day after Fran was ready to leave by the time Nigel came into her room to help her with her bag. Fran was rather nervous but exited at the same time. She walked down stairs behind and got into the car he had hired. The trip was two hours long and as they pulled into the front of their cottage they both took their bags and got to the front door. Just as Fran was about to open the door Nigel stoped her and scooped her in his arms.

"We aren’t married but I’ve always wanted to do this..." Fran kissed him as he entered into hall. He put her down on the bed and went back to get their bags and shut the door. Fran waited for him laying on the bed. He layed beside her and carresed her belly through her top.

"May I be totally honest darling?"

"Of course, Fran all I want is for you to be happy and confortable, what’s bothering you?"

"It’s been a long time since I’ve been with someone in this manner and I’m kind of nervous."

"Don’t be honey, I’d never do anything that would discomfort you... do you trust me?"

"Yes Nigel, I trust you with all of my heart." Nigel kissed her and began to take her top off. She worked her way through his shirt and he unbuckled her jeans. Soon they were both naked. Kissing and carresing every inch of their bodies. Learning every sensitive point. Loving each other. Soon they both released their pasion for one another holding onto each other untill they caught back there breaths. Nigel then rolled on his back and took her with him, holding her petite body in his arms.

"I love you Fran Fine..." Fran looked into his eyes and left out a chuckle. "What’s so funny about my confession?"

"It’s just that... it’s the first time you’ve said those words to me..."

"Well let’s make it a first of two... I love you."

"I love you too..." It was already dark and they were tired from the trip. They were quick to fall asleep in each others arms.

Fran woke up with the first rays of sunshine. She turned arround and faced the man beside her. She smiled and began to place sweet kisses over his mouth untill he began to wake up. He opened his eyes and smiled at her.

"Happy Birthday..."

"Mmmmm what a beautifull present, to wake up by your side."

"I love you"

"I love you too darling... so... what do you want to do today?"

"Well I can think of one or two things... how about having breakfast in bed... then going for a walk arround this beautifull natural park we are surrounded by and tonight... well... we can always think of something for tonight, can’t we?"

"Sounds like the perfect plan..."

The weekend had been perfect but it was sunday already and they had to go back home the following morning. They had just made love and were in each others arms and carresing each other. They were happy.

"Fran?"

"Yes Nigel?"

"Are you happy?"

"More than I can say."

"Will you marry me?" Fran turned to look at him.

"What?" He took a small velvet box and opened it to reveal a golden ring with a small diamond rock on it.

"It’s not much but I’ll get you a bigger one when I get arround to saving a bit of money... will you marry me?" Fran’s face was covered with tears. "What’s wong? If you aren’t ready,, I mean..."

"Shush you silly boy... of course I’m ready and of course I wanna marry you..."

"But you are crying..."

"With happy tears my darling, with happy tears..."

Fran looked at the pictures of her wedding day and smiled at the happy memory... her white dress, the family, the friends... she could hardly believe she had been married for a whole year already. Now something had happened. Something they hadn’t really planed but she was certain he’d be happy about. Nigel knocked in their room and opened the door.

"Honey? Oh! You are back from the doctors! How did it go?"

"I have a bad news and a good one... the bad news is that I’ll be still throwing up for a couple of months and the good one is that well... you are going to be daddy..."

"What?"

"I’m pregnant..."

"Oh Fran! That is the most wonderfull news.... are they sure? Is everything fine?"

"Yes, yes. I’m fine, the baby is fine and evrything is ok."

"I love you, I love you, I love you...."

That night they told the family and they were happy to see the family was still growing.

The next morning they recieved a letter for Fran. She was having breakfast with her husband when she opened it.

"Oh my God!"

"What is it darling?"

"Maggie is getting married!"

"Maggie? The eldest of Maxwell’s children..."

"She sends two invitations.... for you and you company..."

"They don’t know right?"

"Well it’s been over a year since I’ve known from them, how was I to tell her?"

"Well and what are you going to do?"

"Should we go?"

"I think so... besides you do have company..."

"Oh really and who could that gentleman be?"

"Well your husband is always ready to be you partner..."

"I take your offer..." they shared aquick kiss and carried on with their daily duties.

Fran and Nigel arrived at the chapel. Fran was wearing a tul dress in pinks and lylacs, her hair was curles and up in a semi-bun. Her make up was light and according to the summer season. They came off their taxi and straightened their outfits. Nigel payed the taxi driver and Fran looked arround and spotted Gracie and B at the entrance.they smiled and waved at her.

"Who is the guy?"

"I’m not sure... but is that a belly sticking out?"

"He looks like the Johnson’s butler..."

"And that looks like a pregnancy belly..." They looked at each other and shruged their shoulders.

"Hi there!"

"Fran!" they huged her.

"May I introduce you to my husband... you met him on my first birthday away from your haouse..."

"Yes, I recognised him. Please to see you again." Brighton shook Nigel’s hand and Gracie offered hers with the same intention but Nigel took it and kissed it instead.

"Married Fran?"

"Yes, just over a year ago..."

"How long are you.... I mean it’s not really obvious but you can tell..."

"4 months...." They continued the chat for a while and then Fran and Nigel went in to be seated. Immediately after entering, Fran spoted Niles by a nice looking guy who seemed to be the groom. They were by the altar. Niles spoted her and walked towards her through the isle.

"Hi Niles!"

"Fran you look... pregnant" they both shared a short laughter at his comment.

"You’ll never change old friend.. may I introduce you to my husband... Nigel this is Niles..."

"Please to meet you Niles... I’ve heard a lot about you..." they shook hands.

"I hope good things..."

"Sure... Fran? I’m going to sit down..."

"I’ll be right there honey." They shared a quick peck and he left the two friends to chat freely.

"He seems to be a nice guy... how long have you been married?"

"Just over a year... he’s the butler at the Johnson’s home"

"Oh! I’m glad to see you are happy... you are, aren’t you?"

"Very happy Niles... uhm... where’s Maxwell?"

"He’s on his way with the bride. I better go back to my place... I’ll see you at the party..." the huged each other and Fran moved to her husband and sat to his right.

The ceremony was beautifull. Maggie looked a little princess. Fran held her husbands hand all through the ceremony. It reminded her of their wedding. She couldn’t help but smile at the memory of that day. It had been the most beautifull and happy day of her entire life. Nigel was also lost in memories. He was so lucky. Married to a wonderfull woman, about to be dad for the first time and life was promisingly happy ahead. He enjoyed the ceremony with her hand in his. How could life get any better? It couldn’t.

At the party everyone danced, Nigel had been introduced and Fran was proud to know he was hers. Nigel shared daces with Maggie, Gracie, C.C and Fran. Fran shared dances with Niles, Maxwell, Brighton, the groom and Nigel. They were having a great time. Fran was dancing with Maxwell for a second time while Nigel was dancing with Gracie.

"Fran... you really look wonderfull."

"Thankyou... you don’t look bad yourself."

"Your husband seems to be a very kind man..."

"He is..."

"Why didn’t you tell us when you got married?"

"I wanted the wedding to be simple and I was not ready to face you... not on the day of my wedding."

"Do you love him?"

"Yes Maxwell I love him very much... when we first kissed I was confused because deep down inside I thought I was still in love with you.. but perhaps the distance, perhaps his opened heart or perhaps moments in time... I had fallen for him."

"You deserve the happiness you have found with him... I really am happy for you... realy." Fran smiled and continued to sway in silence. The song ended.

"I have to meet Nigel... we must be going... tomorrow is a work day and it’s already late..."

"Ok, I wish all the hapiness in the world Fran."

Fran met her husband, said her goodbyes and they both left. They arrived at the house silently. They climbed the stairs in silence and entered their room. They got ready for bed and lyed down side by side.

"He’s still in love with you..."

"What?"

"Maxwell is still in love with you... I could tell by the way he looked at your eyes..."

"And what could you tell from my look...?"

"That you miss him but not in the same way he would like..."

"You are right I do miss him, but just like I miss Maggie, Gracie, B and Niles"

"Fran, I’m not saying anything but I was a bit jelous by the way he looked at you..."

"You don’t have to be because I’m in love you darling..."

"I know. I love you too. I’m not doubting of your love darling, but you are beautifull and I can’t help to be jelous...."

"We had a chat you know?"

"Really? May I know about what?"

"Well, he said I looked wonderfull and that you seemed a kind man. He then asked for our wedding. Why hadn’t I told them and when I said it had been a simple and intimate he asked me if I love you... I told him I was deeply in love with you and he wished me happiness... that was all."

"I’m very lucky to have you..."

"Let’s sleep. Tomorow we have to be up early." They kissed sweetly and bid goodnight. They fell asleep in each others arms.

The years passed and Fran had three beautifull children to show for her married happy life. However, she had also gone through the worst experience in her life. Nigel had had a car accident that had caused his death. Fran had not been able to recover totally and she had to leave the Johnson’s. To be in the house was too difficult. She was working in a business of her own, a small restaurant that had been going really well. Her children kept a smile on her face. Sara, the eldest was already six. Maxwell was 4 and little Sylvia was 2. She had been born a week after her husband’s death. Their grandmother took care of them most of the time but every sunday Fran would take her children to Central Park where she would play with them and enjoy their laughter.

One of so many Sundays Fran was in Central Park with them when some one spotted her. Maxwell Sheffield saw her playing with three children and was more than happy to go and greet her. He walked towards her surprised to see she was totally dressed in black. It was not like her to dress so dull.

"Fran?" she was startled at first but softened when she saw a very handsome Maxwell behind her.

"Max! How are you?" she huged him.

"Fine, are those your children?"

"Yes. Sara is the one on the right and the other two on the left are Maxwell and Sylvia."

"Is Nigel arround?"

"Nigel died two years ago..."

"Oh I’m so sorry... I had no idea...."

"That’s ok, there was no way for you to know."

"Are you still at the Johnson’s?"

"No, I’m at my mother’s for the moment. She’s helping me with the children. I work all day at my new job. I opened a restaurant that is working really well, I don’t really need to be there all the time but it helps to be busy..."

"Sounds familiar..."

"What is that suppose to mean?"

"I’ll only give you one advice Fran, an advise you once gave me, don’t bury yourself in work... it only complicates things."

"You are right but for the moment it’s the best I can do..."

"Fran, you know you still have a friend in me... don’t you?"

"I know... listen why don’t you and the children come to my restaurant next friday? They can bring their partner if they have and Niles can come too, and CC..." there was hope in her voice. Maxwell could hear it beyond her.

"We’ll be there..." Fran gave him the address and said good bye. Taking her children with her she left the place leaving a very worried Maxwell behind. She was so sad inside. He could tell. He knew her too well not to tell she was deeper into a depresion than what she wanted him to know.

Friday was there before everyone expected. She had reserved a table at her restaurant for all of them. She would join them when they arrived but untill they did she was helping with the orders and the organization. At 9pm the Sheffields came in. Maggie and her husband were happy to announce her third pregnancy and Brighton and his wife couldn’t stop talking about their trip to Paris. Gracie had brought her fianceé and Niles had come with C.C as his partner. Everyone chatted happily and Fran did her best to keep cheery but the secene in front was just too perfect and at the same time sadly overwhelming. She fought back her tears but a very inteligent Maggie and the now well known phocologist Gracie were too wise too miss it. They still knew her well enough to feel her tears at the edge of her eyes. Where had the happy Fran gone? They had to do something.

When they were all settled at their homes Maggie phoned her little sister. She had to talk to her and see if Grace had noticed too.

"Hello?"

"Grace? It’s me Maggie."

"Oh hi!"

"I was wondering if you had noticed how Fran has been fighting her tears away all night....."

"Yes I did. It was sad to see her so depresed... there was a sparkle missing in her eyes... she must have suffered a lot..."

"I wonder if she has spoken to someone about her feelings..."

"I would make a guess and say she hasn’t."

"I’ve been thinking... maybe one of us could... I don’t know talk to her..."

"That’s a good idea..."

"I could go to her restaurant tomorrow morning and kidnap her for a couple of hours... what do say?"

"Sounds like a good idea... want me to come with you?"

"No, I really think it’s best if only one comes... we don’t want her to feel overwhelmed."

"Ok, but do phone me when you are through.. or better even come arround to my office and we can have lunch together..."

"Fine with me... see you tomorrow then sis."

"Take care."

"Bye."

The morning after Maggie got ready and took a cab to Fran’s restaurant. She entered the empty local and spotted Fran. She walked towards her with a smile on her face. Fran was looking the other way and did not see Maggie untill she was right behind her. Fran turned arround to see her.

"Maggie! Darling... what are you doing here?" she kised and huged her.

"I was hoping you’d accept a coffee break with me..."

"Oh well, there’s not much work so... yeah."

"Great!"

"One sec.... Margorie....?"

"Yes Fran?"

"I’ll be out for a while... remember to have a table ready by 2 for the Ray’s and a table for three by 2’30 for the Williams..."

"Ok.. I’ll take care of everything..."

"Thankyou Marge... ok Maggie lets go." Fran took her bag and left with Maggie. They went into a small café across the street and ordered two coffees.

"Fran, I wanted to talk to you..."

"What about?"

"Gracie and I are a bit worried about you... we noticed you were abou to cry last night..."

"How could you...?"

"We know you Fran, better than you think... you had tears trying to come out and you did a good job hidding them but... it’s no use..."

"I’ve learned to hide those tears for so long I can’t remember when exactly did I start to do so."

"Why? Fran you were the one who helped us cry when we had forgoten how to. When our mother died we were lost and you were the one to show us the way... why can’t you find that strength to help yourself?"

"Maggie... I know... but right now I’m doing my best to keep myself going... My children need to live a different life from mine... I want them to go to school and finish school. I want to give them a future and I can’t do it if I fall down into cries. I have to stay strong and carry on. Work to get them a future and accept mine."

"I don’t recognise you... no! The truth is I do. You are dad."

"What?"

"Yes! Dad! He burried himself into work hoping that it was for our best but it was just a lame excuse to avoid the truth."

"And what is that thruth?" Fran was begining to break down.

"That you are afraid to cry because if you do, you’ll realise that he is dead."

"You have no right..."

"Really? I thought you once considered me like you daughter and friend?"

"I’m sorry Maggie... I didn’t mean to answer in that manner..."

"Fran... I’m only trying to help you... you need help."

"Maybe you are right..."

"Listen you have three children who spend with you one day a week... that’s how dad started.... then he would only spend with us one day a month and then... he simply lost contact... you are lucky... you still have a chance... your bussiness is going fabulously well and dosen’t need you there all the time..."

"When did you become so wise?"

"When a wise Nanny moved into our home and gave me and my sibblins that chance to be ourselves..."

Fran took the rest of the day off. She went to her mother’s. No one was there. She figured her mother had taken the children for a walk. She sat on the couch and closed her eyes. Maggie was so right. She wasn’t doing it right, she was avoiding the circumstances and dragging her children with her. Nigel wouldn’t have been proud of her right now. She had to change. She chuckled at that thought. How many times had she changed in the past few years? From the witty, happy Miss Fine to the formal, correct Nanny Fine; from that formal, correct Nanny to the friendly, attentive Fran in the Johnson’s home; later on she became the loving and loved wife which brought her to her other change. She became a mother and then... the worst change in her life... she became a widow. How did her life get so complicated? Maybe if she had waited a bit longer for Maxwell... but... if she hadn’t left she wouldn’t have met Nigel and she would have never had the happiest years of her life, nor would she have had the great feeling of giving life to her three little babies. Her babies... perhaps this was the way it had to be. Perhaps she was meant to go through all of the things she had gone through to find herself. Suddenly something hit her. Maybe this was the way it had to be because it was the only way for her to really understand why Maxwell had been so afraid. She had been happy and she had enjoyed her life but she had never really stoped acusing him of her five years of frustration. Now she could see how difficult it must have been for him.

Maybe she should give him the chance to bring things back together. Nigel had always said he was still in love with her. He always said that if something happened to him she would end up with him. She had shushed everytime but now it made sence. Maxwell and her were meant to be but life had made it too difficult. He had married before they had met. He had lost his wife. She had left him because she felt frustrated and she had married. She had lost her husband and perhaps it was time to get destiny back ontrack. It sounded a bit strange when she first thought of it but was starting to make sence. She picked her hand bag and left the house. She would go into the mansion and face her fears, this was it. She had to deal with the fact that she had never stopped loving Maxwell Shefield.

She took a taxi and drove him infront of the mansion. She stood still infront of the large door for a couple of minutes. She hadn’t been there since the day she left 8 years ago. It had been a long time. She hesitated at the idea of facing the past and future but deep down inside she knew it was the right thing to do. She rang the doorbell and waited.

Niles heard the doorbell and moved to open it. They weren’t expecting anyone he thought to himself. He opened it and was more than surprised to see Fran there. Niles smiled and showed her in.

"How are you Fran?"

"Fine... uhmmm is Maxwell arround?"

"He is in his office... want me to go and announce you?"

"Please do..." Niles nodded and left.

Meanwhile Maggie and Gracie were having dinner together.

"What did you and Fran talk about?"

"This and that. I confronted her. When she spoke she sounded just like dad and it scared me. I told her to stop fighting the tears and to start accepting that her husband was dead and that she and her children were alive."

"How did she take it?"

"Not too well at first but she softened when she understood I was right..."

"Do you think she’ll make a change?"

"I certainly hope so..."

Fran waited for a while and Niles came back in.

"Mr. Sheffield will see you in his office so if you’ll follow me I’ll show the way..."

"Niles, it’s been eight years but I still remember my way arround this house... after all I lived here for five years..."

"Sorry it’s force of habit Fran... you go ahead I’ll make some coffee."

"Ok sweety..." Fran smiled at her old friend and walked towards Maxwell’s office. The office that held so many secrets, so many moments, so many unexpected kisses, laughters, tears, good times and bad times. She sighed at the memories and knocked on the door before she opened it.

"Hello?"

"Fran! Please come in." She did as she was asked and walked inside. Her first instinct was to jump on the coner of the desk as she had done for such a long time but she knew it was not the right way to act. She had come for something. Maxwell bordered his desk to meet her. They huged and sat on the love seat.

"Uhmmm how did you like yesterday’s meal?"

"Very much... Fran? Have you come to get a gastronomic critic out of me?"

"No... no. The fact id that Maggie and I had a coffee together this morning and she made me think. Think of me, you, them, the Johnson’s, Nigel and my children..."

"And..."

"Well I’ve realised that no matter through how many changes I’ve gone through you have always been there somehow... first as my boss, then as my friend, later on as my frustration and now as my model..."

"Your Model?"

"Yes, you made through Sara’s death... how did you? I mean you were so brave... ok it took you five years and a outrageous nanny to help you but you did it.... how did you manage?"

"Fran, I had Niles the children and you to help me... that’s how I got through... you can do it too. I know you can." Fran broke down in tears.

"But how... I don’t know how?"

"How about counting on your friends?... you have three children... three wonderfull children, you have your mother... your father... you have MY children who adore you and you have Niles and me."

"Max... I never stopped loving you." There she had said it. She felt somehow better.

"Fran... I... loved you all along but... I don’t want to think that throwing yourself into a relationship will be the solution... you must resolve your inner thoughts first..."

"I’ve resolved those inner thought Maxwell. I resolved them just before I came to see you. My husband always said that someday when he was gone we would end up together... I used to shut him down but now I see what he meant."

"And what did he mean..."

"He meant that no matter how much we try or how many long ways we take our dead line is bound to be the one with the other."

"Fran I don’t know what to say?"

"How about the three words I’ve waited 13 years to hear from you?"

"I love you...." Fran smiled in relieve and kiss him. He was eager to accept the kiss. The kiss that meant the begining of their life as one and the end of a rope that had been knotted too many time.

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