I don't own these characters. I'm only borrowing them. I hope you like my story.

Goodbye/Hello

by

Carmen Laura
(carmen_laura11@hotmail.com)

Fran looked one last time at what had been her room for the last five years. She felt like crying but there were no more tears. She had wasted all of them during the last years and today was just the day to end this suffering. She could not stand it anymore. She was leaving. Her empty room was the proof. She hadn’t been brave enough to tell the family, Niles and her were the only ones in the house for the day and he had gone to the groceries. This was the perfect time to leave. She placed five letters on her bed and went down to the main entrance. She had called a taxi that was already waiting for her. As she closed the door behind her she could feel the cold feeling of sadness running through her body. She took the cab and headed to her new apartment. Only Val and her parents knew of her whereabouts and they had promised to keep quiet. She had been moving things out of the mansion gradually and no one had noticed.

When she arrived at her new home she realized how much work she’d have ahead. Boxes were all around but she knew she could get through it. She had to be able to go through it. Slowly she began to undo the principal boxes and bags. She made her bed and got her clothes in her closet. By the time she had most of her things in order she was wasted and tired. She droped herself on the bed and tried to sleep but all she could do was think. Think about how the family would react, think about what she was going to do now and specially think about what she had done and how.

Niles came into the mansion and looked for Fran but could not see her anywhere, he thought that perhaps she had felt a bit sick or something and so he went to her room. He knocked twice but he had no answer, he was beginig to feel uneasy and so he opened the door to her room. The sight infront of him broke his heart. It was empty. Not partially but totally. Nothing was there. All he saw were five letters on her bed. His heart skiped a beat as he sat on the bed a took the letters. He read the envelopes one by one. Maggie, Brighton, Gracie, Mr.Sheffield, CC and Niles. A single tear fell down his cheek as he openes his. He was not sure to be prepared to read it but somehow he felt he had no choise.

"Dear, Niles,

Niles folded back his letter and took the others with him. He moved slowly down the satairs and sat on the sofa. He waited there for the family to come. When the door opened he was still there. Still. He hadn’t moved. Maxwell came in with the children and CC, they had been to a barbaque. Fran had not wanted to go for some reason and they had had a very good time. Even CC had enjoyed herself. The first thing they all noticed was Niles. He had stood up to face them, his face was red and his eyes watery.

"What’s wrong old man?" Max had never seen him like this.

"It’s Miss Fine sir..."

"What?" "Is she hurt?" Niles shook his head no and simply gave them their respective letters.

"She’s gone, if you’ll excuse me..." With that he left the room heading for his room. No one spoke, everyone stood still for a moment and then moved to their rooms, CC left the place a headed to her flat.

[Maggie’s room]

"Dear Maggie,

[ Brighton's Room]

"Dear B,

[Gracie's Room.]

"Dear Gracie,

[CC's Flat]

"Dear CC,

[Maxwell's Room]

"Dear Maxwell,

The days soon became months. Eveyone was having a hard time but they had slowly gone back to the rourine. The children were studying hard because they wanted Fran to be proud of them. Niles had tried to keep charming and witty but it was hard to do so, he really missed her and her humour. CC had understood what Fran had said in her letter, she was right. Maxwell would never fall for her. Fran on her side had started working for her cousin Toddy as a designer and was learning from the best to do her new job. As for Maxwell he had tried not to shut down but it had become a nightmare, he didn't want to open his heart to anyone, he had already opened it to her. His heart was Fran's but he had been too much of a coward to admit it to her. They hadn't had news from Fran but the kept hopefull.

One friday morning the phone finally rang. Niles picked up the reciever not really expecting it to be Fran.

"Sheffields' residence..."

"Niles? Is that you? It's me Fran..."

"Oh! Fran? How are you darling? Oh my god this is the best news we've had in a long time..... tell everything.... how are you? Where are you? Are you working?"

"Calm down Niles... I missed you all too. I'm fine... really I'm fine. I'm living in a small flat and yes I'm working. My cousin Toddy is showing me the designing business and I'm having the best to show me. How are you? And the children? What about CC? And Maxwell?"

"I'm fine but I've missed you too much. The children are being very mature about this whole thing and CC is strangely profecional with Mr Sheffield. Mr. Sheffield is having real problems accepting that you've left but surprisingly has not burried himself into work. You must give me your adress..."

"Sure but before I do are the children home?"

"Sorry Fran they have gone out, but Mr. Sheffield is in his ofice... would you want me to go find him?"

"Yes please Niles"

"Hold on" Niles pressed the hold clicker and went into Maxwell's office. He knocked and came in to the room.

"Hello old man what is it?"

"There's a phone call for you sir..."

"Oh just tell who ever it is I'll phone later..."

"It's Miss Fine.... Sir..." Max's face lightened and quickly pased the call to his office telephone.

"Fran?!"

"Hey! How are you big boy...?"

"Fine... Fine... oh this is such a nice surprise... what's been of you?"

They spoke for over and hour. Maxwell was delighted to know of her. She sounded happy but there was an obvious emptiness in her voice. He had guessed it was how much she was missing the children and had inveted her for dinner. She had accepted to go the day after and he was more than glad. That night he would give the children the good news and he couldn't wait to do so. He knew they missed her and they would be more than happy with the visit. That was all he could think of at the time being. She was coming for dinner. Yes!

That night the whole family sat at the table. He had intentionaly invited CC for the night and the children didn't understand why but just accept it.

"Children I have good news..."

"Good news dad?"

"Yes Maggie, Fran phoned this morning."

"What?"

"Fran phoned?"

"Was she ok?"

"What did she say?"

"Well she did phone. She was very well, she sent kisses and hugs afor everyone and well... she is coming tomorrow for dinner."

"Really?"

"She's coming?"

"Yes and she did insist that you'd come CC"

"I'll be here. I'm glad she finally phoned Maxwell"

"Me too."

The rest of dinner was quiet but happy. Fran was finally coming home. She was finally coming home.

Saturday came easily. They were all kind of nervous, specially Maxwell. CC had come early and was pacing the floor. She couldn't stop wondering, why was she so nervous? It was only Nanny Fine. Maybe the letter she had given her on the day she had left had changed something in her. Nanny Fine had given her a real friend's advice and that had changed something. The children were all getting ready for the visit when the doorbell rang. Niles quickly went to open the door. There she was. She had changed somehow. Her hair was rather flat and she was wearing an elegant and formal outfit. Her skirt was short but not as short as he was used to. It was an elegant navy blue skirt with a navy blue plazer to fit it. Underneath her balzer she was wearing a white satin blouse. She looked calm and happy. They huged and just as she came in the children came down to meet her. They were taken apart a bit by her looks, just as it had happened before with Niles, but the were happy because she was home. The huged her and kissed her. When they were through they parted just enough for Fran to see CC in the back. They both smiled and moved closer one to the other.

"You look great Nann... I mean Fran."

"You look great too Miss... CC." They huged just like two good friends and smiled as Maxwell came down the stairs. No words were needed. They huged and found all their answers in the one hug. Almost as quietly they all sat arround the table to enjoy dinner like a big happy family.

"Dad says you are working for your cousin Toddy.."

"That's right Maggie I'm learning from the best and I've almost finished my first set of designs. Hopefully by next month they'll be ready to be transformed into real outfits."

"That sounds great when will they be modeled...!"

"Jajaja... oh Gracie that will take a bit longer but I've been thinking a lot about that day. Actually when the day comes you three will be my first on the list of models..."

They all smiled and looked at each other.

"Im sure they'll be very happy about that."

"Maxwell when is your next show coming up? I'd love to go with..."

"Go on Fran with whom?"

"With Mathew."

"Mathew?"

"Mathew is a friend of mine. We are sort of starting to know each other."

"You are going out with some one?" Brighton was taken aback, he somehow wanted to believe that his father would be the one for Fran, he was not ready for this news.

"That is none of your bus...."

"No Max, it's ok. B I'm not going out with anyone. But I am knowing new people and Mathew is a great guy."

"What Fran is saying is that she can't stick onto the past. That has never worked out, right?" There was certain regret tone in Maxwell's voice.

"There is a part of my past I will always stick onto... besides Mathew is justa friend and for the time being it will stay as that. Right now I'm only concentrating on my new job and myself."

"Sorry to shift onto another subject Fran but where are you living?"

"That's O.K CC, I'm staying at my own place. I hired a small but really cozy flat not far away from central park. I've just bought myself a car since it is not the nicest place at night to walk alone. I really am happy with it though."

"And sorry to ask Fran, are you cooking yourself?"

"Very funny Niles... yes. I've learned to cook somethings. Actually I've become rather good at some dishes.. lets do something... next dinner at my house." Maxwel smiled at her and nodded.

The rest of dinner was quite the same. Small chatter, some laughs and a few jokes. By the time the clock stroke 9 the children excused themselves. Brighton was meeting a group of friends, Maggie had a date and Gracie was being expected at her friends home for a pyjama party. CC left too. Niles ofered to take her and so Maxwell and Fran were left alone. They had alot of things to tell each other but somehow words were hard to let out. They moved into his ofice for some privacy and he served two cups of wine. They sat in the love seat and looked at each other.

"I'm glad to see you look as you did when you left."

"I don't think I look quite the same... you might have noticed that I'm more confident...."

"I've also noticed your clothes are less Miss Fine type."

"Yes well... I guess I'm being consequent with my age..."

"Now that's a shoker... sorry just a joke..."

"Don't feel sory... you're right. That is a real shoker.. but you see when I moved out I desided to change my priorities in life. As I said before right now all I want is to concentrate on my job and myself. No more searching for Mr. Right."

"And why is that"

"Perhaps because I already found him..."

"Fran I....."

"Don't! You have no lines here... this is my part. I found Mr. Right but I was stupid enough to push him too far. I told you in my letter I love you. When I wrote that letter I was sure that I was the victim. I had no doubts. Now I see I was just as guilty as you were. I had no right to push you... I knew what you were going through and all I had in mind was me and how much I wanted to be with you. Now I know and I apologize. Sorry."

"You might think you were partially guilty but I was the coward here. You are a beautifull, loving woman and all I did was play with your feelings. I've tried to look at other women as you said in your letter and each time I tried I found myself comparing them with you. I guess that's what happens when you fall in love."

"What is that supposed to mean may I ask?"

"That means I was silly to think a could ignore facts by simply taking back I love you... when the reallity is I do love you Fran."

"So... where do we go from here?" Maxwell didn't answer. He moved slowly towards her. Their lips got nearer and nearer and just like magic they kissed like they had never done before. His tongue darted into her mouth parting her lips. Almost immediately she darted hers into his mouth. They parted for just one minute.

"Ask me again..." Maxwell was almost out of breath by the kiss and he almost whispered the phrase.

"What?"

"What you asked before the kiss... ask me again..."

"Where do we go from here?" Just then he took her in his arms and carried her through the living room and up the stairs.

"We go to my room from here..." he opened the door to his room and landed her on the bed. He layed besides her and simply looked into her eyes. He carresed her body slowly. "I love you Fran..."

"I love you Max" he leaned down towards her and kissed with pasion slowly carresing her through the clothes. He opened her plazer and blouse not stopping to kiss her. She was busy with his buttons. Once she was free of her upper dressing, only wearing her bra, Maxwell unziped her skirt and pulled it down. He broke his kiss to taste her delicate body. As he kissed her collar bone he unbuckled his trousers and pulled them away. Fran kicked her skirt in turn. Max's lips moved down to kiss her breasts. Fran left out a moan and pulled his face to meet his lips with hers. Casually he unhooked her bra and she kicked off her thongs. She began to play with his underpants. He helped her to take them off. Now totally nude they carresed, they learned new places of their bodies and indulged in their passion for hours.

They woke up spooned in each others arms. As the firts rays of sunlight peared through the window Fran turned arround to face Maxwell who woke to the sight of her lovely, sleeping face. He didn't want to wake her up but he could not resist the temptation of kissing her. She woke up slowly to the feeling of his kiss and smiled. She sighed and looked deep into his eyes.

"Good morning darling.. how did your majesty sleep?"

"Woderfully Maxwell... I mean it...."

"Well it's Sunday and we are suposed to rest as so did the Lord but.... what do you say we go to your apartment and start packing your things...?" Fran sat up a bit and looked seriously into his eyes.

"I'm not moving back...."

"What? But.. last night..."

"Last night was perfect and I hope it's the first of a long list of perfect nights sweetheart but... I can't come back... if I do what will I be? Hmmm?"

"My fianceé of course... what do you what will you be?"

"I'd be your lover that's all... listen I really want this relationship to work out and the only way that is gonna happen is if we take each step at a time...."

"But I thought you..."

"I told you... I don't want to get married not yet... I told you my priorities in life have changed.... I want to finish my set of designs and put it together to present myself in the designing business.... I love you. I really love you.... but we need to take it step by step... I no longer want to be Miss Perfect Wife. I want to be Fran Fine. Please say you undertand... please... I can't do it without your support..."

"I guess you have a point there... I do understand.. It's just that I was so happy to wake up with you by side..."

"I promise it won't be the last time... believe me. As soon as I get my first designs out to the public we'll get married... and for the time being you could date me from time to time and maybe spend some night at my place.... what do you say? Do I get a breakfast invitation this morning?"

"Sure darling...anything you wish...." he leaned and kissed her. Fran got dressed and so did Maxwell. The family would surely be taken aback to see her at the breakfast table with the same clothes she was wearing the night before, but they would be happy, that they were sure of. The decended the stairs slowly hand in hand. They felt happy but Maxwell was still a bit uneasy. She was so much diferent. If what had just happened the former night would have happened before she had left things would have been totally diferent. It had been him to turn her down and she would have waited for the mariage proposal. Somthing was trribly wrong. She was not willing to fall in his arms. She had not wanted to move back into the house. Fran on the other side was trying to get her feelings sorted. She hadn't confessed what was truly going on between Mathew and herself. They were not a couple, nor lovers, but they had dated twice and before last night she had thought she was starting to really like but... last night. Oh it had felt wonderfull to make love to him. It had felt wonderfull to have him admit his feeling to her. She had been happily surprised that he had not taken it back this time. He was actually holding hands with her and taking her to the dinning room to sho the whole family they were 'together'. But, what about Mathew? He was a nice man. She didn't wnat o hurt his feelings but she really couldn't love him, she was still in love with Maxwell and that was to obvious to deny. She would phone him and tell him all about it and he'll hopefully understand. After all she had talked to him about Maxwell before and they way she felt for him. Maxwell looked at her and smiled before entering the dinning room where the children's noise could be heard. Fran returned his smile and took a big gulp of air. Maxwell opened the door and everyone stood still.

Not only was she home really early for breakfast, but she was also wearing the same outfit she had worn the night before. This could only mean two things, she either didn't have anything else to wear or else she had spent the night at the house. Knowing Fran the first option was out of question and so there was only one left. Now the question remained, did this mean what they wanted it to mean? Looking at there questioning eyes Maxwell and Fran looked at each other and silently decided to tease a bit further. She sat quitely and took a napkin. Niles served her some dinner and retreated with a grin drawn on his face. Maxwell took his own napkin and started on his own breakfast. Fran took the first step.

"Darling would you like to come along to my place after breakfast? I could do with you opinion on my designs."

"Sure sweetheart, that way I'll be able to see your place." The children looked at them with opened mouths.

"B, you should close your mouth before a bee gets in."

"Wait, wait, wait. I am the older of my siblings..... what the hell is going on here?"

"Margaret watch you mouth young lady!"

"Sory dad but this is ridiculous, first you pretend that you and Fran have a strictly business relationship, then you say you love her beut take it back, after that you play the cat and mouse all around only to end up with Fran leaving. She comes back and everything seem to be as tense as ever but! Surprise! Fran appears to have slept home but the two of you don't tell us exactly what it means! You just act as if these last almost six years have been a joke." Everyone stood still for a moment. that certainly was a speach.

"Maggie I owe you an apologie. Your dad and Iwere just teasing you guys but I guess it's not easy for you guys to actually go through all of these chages of moods."

"Does this mean you coming back?" Brighton's voice was serious and stern.

"No B, not yet at least"

"Fran and I will take this realtionship a small step at a time."

"Children your father and I love each other and we want this to work and that can only happen if don't rush too much."

"Ok, but you must promise us something... if this whole thing does not work out Fran won't desapear again."

"Oh Graccie I promise I won't disappear again..." The three children looked at each other seriously and nodded to their aproval. They smiled and wellcomed her back into their lives.

The months passed like magic. Maxwell and Fran had discovered a new wonderfull world together. It had been three weeks since Fran's design exhibition and Maxwell could not understand her. She was avoiding him whenever he mentioned engagement, marriage of moving back into the house and everytime he asked her to at least accept the engagement ring he'd bought for her she would give some akward excuse. Fran on her side was really happy with Maxwell but was still not ready to give up this new life she had found. The freedom of her flat. Not to have to depend on anyone but herself. However she could feel how sad this distance was causing to the man she loved and knew she had to do something. That evening she would invite him to have dinner and her place nad give him the final word.

Maxwell arrived on time and entered. Fran had given him a copy of the key a month ago. He walked in and called for her, she was int he kitchen and poked her head out to give him a blown kiss.

"You may seat down sweety, this is almost ready. I'll be out in a minute." Maxwell smiled and sat down at the table that was already set.

"Whatever it is you are cooking, it smell wonderfull." Just then she came out with a pot roast with potatoes.

"Let's just hope it tastes just as good." She put the plate down and leaned to kiss him. He accepted the kiss and led her to her chair.

They eat happily while they chated about the children, Maxwell's last show and Fran's new designs and about them. Maxwell wasn't sure of why she had had asked him over this particular night. She had said she had something to tell him but she hasn't really said anything special. Their chatter had been untill now rathe casual. Fran could see in his eyes he was waiting for her to speak but she wanted her talk to come after dinner. The finished dinner and she showed him to the sofa where they sat with their cups of wine. She smiled and looked deep into his eyes.

"I've got to talk to you Max"

"Yes well you did something about it on the phone, what it is darling?"

"You know I love you. I'm very sorry that I have made everything that's posible to avoid the matter I've been thinking quite a bit about the next step in our relation..."

"You mean what I think you mean?"

"Well, I know this is not the way that it should be but... will you marry me?"

"Fran, of course I'll marry you. This is the happiest day in my life." He took her glass of wine and left both of them on the cofee table. He leaned towards her and kissed her. It was meant to be a delicate soft kiss but they were soon pasionately kissing one another. Maxwell began to roam her body with his hands. She let herself lay down on the couch leading him to lay on top of her. She was really turned on. She could feel his arousal over her dress and he could feel her nipples getting harder as he massaged her breasts through the thin cloth of her dress. He moved his right hand down and pulled her dress over her head. She was busy unbuttoning his shirt. Soon they were naked. Maxwell played with his tongue all over her body. Fran moned in delight as he professed his love to her physically.

"I con't stand it any more.... make love to me Max...." she was out of breath. To her plead he penetrated her. The swayed in unison indulging in their desire for one another. They both exploded in pasion for each other and layed on the sofa spooned together. Maxwell was softly kissing her arm, she could feel his body next to her.

"That was wonderfull Max."

"You are wonderfull darling..."

"Thankyou...."

"May I stay tonight here with you?"

"MMMM that sounds great but.. aren't you spected at the mansion? They may worry if you don't appear..."

"I could call... it's not too late and I'm sure Niles is still up..."

"I'd love for you stay...." Maxwell picked his call phone and dialed the mansion number.

"Sheffield's residence?"

"Niles? This is Maxwell I won't be coming home tonight..."

"Staying with Fran?"

"Yes old man... see tomorrow."

He hung the phone and looked arround. Fran had disapeared. He heard the shower on and decided to get in with her. That night they made love over and over again and they were married the month after that.

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