Disclaimer: The Nanny and all characters are owned by Fran Drescher, High School Sweathearts, Sternin and Fraser Ink, Inc., CBS Television, Sony Pictures, Tri-Star Columbia Pictures, etc. No infringements are meant.

To all Nanny Fans: I thought of this last night and decided to write a story that had a different twist to it. Fran for the most part was a doormat, so what if she just decided one day to let fate take its course and move on. What could possibly happen? Would it all work out at the end? At times during this story it could be considered sad but I think by the end it's more of a promise. This will be a multi-part story that each part will be able to stand on their own…so enjoy.

If Our Paths Ever Cross

Part 1: Ending the Old

by

Caryn
(crusher_picard@yahoo.com)

Fran Fine walked down the back stairs leading to the kitchen. It was one of those days. She was feeling depressed again. Feeling this way was not a stranger for Fran. Lately only one thought occupied her mind…what did she do wrong in her life making her undeserving of Maxwell Sheffield’s love. Hell, forget love, she couldn’t even get his attention. No matter what she did, she just couldn’t succeed. It just didn’t matter, all the short skirts, the all-but-too-subtle hints. He never paid any attention to her. She was nothing more than the children’s nanny.

She could handle that if she believed that was all there was to their relationship. But there was something there. She was in love with him and there was no denying that fact. That thought only made her more depressed. By the time Fran made her way into the kitchen, instantly she went for the Chunky Monkey ice cream in the freezer. Sweets, chocolate, you name it…food, was the only thing that kept Fran’s sanity intact.

As she sat down at the table drowning her sorrow spoonful by spoonful, her thoughts went right back to the man who caused the pain she felt day after day.

"Why?" Fran squealed as she looked inside the carton of ice cream, as if it had all the answers.

"Why what, Miss Fine?"

Fran looked up and saw the one person who knew what she was feeling. Niles, even though he was the Sheffield’s butler, he was Fran’s best friend in the world. He understood her and never once judged her like the rest of the world seemed to do.

"Oh, Niles. I was just thinkin’. Where did I go wrong in life?"

Fran’s sad eyes ate at Niles’ heart. He knew what she was referring to. It didn’t take a genius not to know. He of all people wanted Fran and Mr. Sheffield together. They were made for each other, but it seemed that Mr. Sheffield never noticed or never cared to. He didn’t know how much more Fran could take and he wouldn’t blame her if she just up and left one day. But he shook that last thought off, she would never leave him or the children.

"Niles, it’s been four years. And all I have to show for it is: one ‘I love you, but I’m taking it back’, a proposal that proved to be the axe in his mother’s back, a million ‘I’m sorry’s’, constant yelling, and a broken heart that is beyond repair." Tears flowed freely down Fran’s face as she relives history.

"Miss Fine, you never did anything wrong. It’s not you. Please don’t think its you." Niles reached over and squeezed Fran’s shoulders, trying his hardest to comfort her, "The only thing you did, was fall in love with a man who will never see the light of day. I know he will someday, you just have to hold on."

"For how much longer? I’ve held on longer than any woman would have."

Just than CC walked into the kitchen only to walk back out, throwing over her shoulder, "Get over it, whatever it is this time, Nanny Fine."

Niles just rolled his eyes. Some day CC would get what was coming to her and he would be the one to do it.

"Okay so almost any woman." Fran motioned toward the swinging door.

Fran laughed for the first time that afternoon, but it didn’t last long as her face fell once again.

"He loves you, Miss Fine. He really does."

"I thought that once, Niles. I really did. But now I’m not so sure." Fran pushed her chair out as she stood up.

"He just needs time to figure out…"

"He’s had four years." Fran stated as a matter of factly.

"He’s just doesn’t know how to express his emotions. After Sarah…"

"That’s the problem, Niles. He’s still in love with her. He’s in love with a ghost. I’m here, I’m not dead but he still chooses her. I understand she was his first love," Fran breaks off, trying to gain some control over her emotions, "but I have to face the fact he’ll neva move on."

"But I think he wants to." Niles tried to restore hope to Fran, but it wasn’t working.

"I think it’s too late. He broke my heart too many times." Fran’s words were getting less and less coherent by the the end of her sentence.

Niles held her until her body stopped shaking. He pulled back to look at her.

"I need to think." Fran sniffled out.

"Do you want some company?" Niles gave her a sad smile.

She only shook her head no as she tried to hold back the tears but she failed as they came down once again.

"Miss…Fran, it’ll work out. You’ll see." Niles gave her another heartfelt hug, "He does care for you."

"You’d neva know, would ya?" Fran hurried out of the kitchen leaving Niles in her wake.

"No, you wouldn’t." He wiped the tear in the corner of his eye as he headed up the back stairs.

~~~~~~~~

Maxwell Sheffield sat in his office focused intently on the paperwork in front of him. He seemed to have nothing but paperwork and contracts on his mind lately. What he wouldn’t do for a long leisurely night off, but that right now was impossible. His new play was almost on time and would be opening with in the next week, but there was still so much left to do.

He realized he had been neglecting his family lately. He missed the sound of laughter or the fights between Margaret and Brighton. His two oldest children seemed to disagree on everything. He found himself laughing as he thought of Miss Fine breaking up their fights long enough only to get herself involved with the argument.

Suddenly he realized he was no longer thinking of work. He let his mind wonder for a while. He needed the break. And soon his thoughts were right back on Fran. Funny, how they always seem to end up on her.

The children had changed thanks to Fran and her unique ways of handling them. She immediately became a mother figure for them and for that alone he was amazed by her. He had admitted to himself some time ago that he was in love with this woman, but letting the feelings go was another thing.

Max sat back in his chair as he stared at nothing in particular. He wasn’t ready for a commitment; he wasn’t ready to love someone yet. Something was holding him back. It was nothing but yet it was everything. He knew he would tell her someday, just not today. Besides, he knew Fran loved him and knowing that gave him comfort that he had all the time in the world.

She’d never leave him.

~~~~~~~

After three hours had gone by, Niles was starting to get a little more than worried. He tried to call Fran’s mom, Sylvia, but it seemed that her parents once again took off to Boca for vacation. How was it when Fran’s life seemed to be falling apart, Sylvia and Morty were nowhere to help?

*Oy!* Niles mentally screamed.

"Niles, where’s Fran?" Gracie, the youngest of the Sheffield children, Fran’s baby as she called her, asked as she trotted in from school.

"Miss Fine will be back shortly. She had some errands to do." Niles lied, not wanting to upset the children.

"Good, I need to tell her about Billy." Gracie ran up the stairs to her room, happy in the simple fact that Fran would be home in a few minutes.

"Oy!" Niles threw up his hands and found himself willing Fran to be home soon.

"Hey Niles. Where’s Fran?" Brighton came traipsing in the front door.

"On errands." Niles rolled his eyes, these children would be so lost if Fran wasn’t here for them. He smiled as he realized how much of a mother she truly was to them.

"Will she be back soon?"

"I hope so…er, uh, I mean, yes, Master Brighton, she should be back in a few minutes." Niles really didn’t know how long Fran would be gone, but if she didn’t get here soon, he was going to have to go look for her.

He never should have let her leave in her state of mind. This was all Mr. Sheffield’s fault and he would let him know it too.

"Great. I have to ask her if I can go to the Hamptons with Jeremy tonight."

"Don’t hold your breath, B." Fran’s voice was loud and clear behind him.

Brighton turned around and gave his nanny one of his big innocent smiles.

"Fran, did I forget to mention that I’m going with Jeremy’s parents. Yeah, his whole family is going."

"B…" Fran warned.

"No, really. You can call them if you don’t believe me." Brighton handed Fran the phone number.

"Okay, I will. First go ask your father." Fran pointed to the office.

"Can’t you? He likes you better." Brighton smiled again.

"Sorry. You go ask him and then we will discuss it." Fran smiled back, but as Brighton was heading towards his father’s office, Fran yelled, "And no telling him ‘Fran said it was okay.’ I’ll find out. I have my ways."

Brighton just moaned as Niles and Fran laughed.

"I’ve taught these children way too good."

"That would be an understatement." Niles looked at Fran for the first time since she can in and frowned, "Are you okay?"

"I am now. I needed some time to think things over."

"I was starting to get worried. You’ve been gone for almost four hours."

"I’m sorry Niles. I didn’t realize it was so late." Fran walked around the sofa and sat down as Niles joined her.

Neither her nor Niles noticed Maggie behind them.

"So?" Niles prompted but at Fran’s look he added, "Hey, you’re the one who taught me how to be a yenta."

"No, you were doing fine long before I even stepped foot in this house." Fran slapped Niles in the arm.

"True, but I’m better than I used to be." Niles smiled at her, making Fran love her best friend even more. Here he was still trying to cheer her up.

"I’m not sure, but I think things will be better from now on." Fran touched Niles hand softly.

The calmness in her words scared Niles more than the words themselves. He was about to ask more, but the unknown person was making herself known.

"Hi Fran. Hey Niles." Maggie walked over to Fran.

Niles caught the look in Margaret’s eye. It was unmistakable. He knew she heard the conversation and was wondering what they were talking about.

Maggie mouthed one word to Niles as Fran hugged her oldest, <DAD?>

Niles nodded his head in agreement as he thought to himself, *These kids don’t miss much do they?*

"I’m going to Stacy’s for the weekend." Maggie informed her.

"What ever happened to asking?" Fran looked at her, wondering when it was Maggie grew up. It seemed she had right before her very eyes.

"Fran, I am eighteen now."

"Okay, okay. But Seth, Sean or Steve will not be there right?" Fran asked, but already knowing the answer.

She watched Maggie’s face turn pink. Yep, that’s what she thought.

"I take that was a no." Fran stated sarcastically. Maggie was of age now and even beyond her better judgment, Fran trusted her. Besides what Max didn’t know would never hurt him. It would only be her he would take it out on…nothing new.

Fran sighed slightly, "Okay, but I would suggest if your father asks, there are no boys."

"Fran, you are the best. I love you." Maggie hugged her and was up the stairs in a flash.

"I love ya too Sweetie. But remember this when your father kills me okay?" Fran stated more to herself than anyone in particular.

"Fran!" Gracie yelled from upstairs.

"Miss Fine!" Came Mr. Sheffield’s voice from across the house.

"Oy! When it rains, it pours." She started to get up as she watched Niles retreat through the kitchen, "Niles, I’m so glad I can count on you." Fran rolled her eyes at her friend as she was making her own way towards Max’s office, "Time to face the firing squad."

"Fran!" Gracie called out again.

"Miss Fine!" Max shouted impatiently.

"Hold your pants on!" She yelled to Max, and to Gracie, "Sweetie, I’ll be up in a minute!"

Fran trotted in but slowed her pace down as she saw the look on Mr. Sheffield’s face. She knew she was in for it this time, but like normal, she had no idea what she had done to get such a rise out of the man. If only he could direct his emotions in a different way.

"Miss Fine. What is this about Brighton? He said this trip could be discussed. I told him yesterday he couldn’t go."

"Mr. Sheffield, I didn’t know he asked you yesterday. I’m sorry. I told him to come in here and ask you." Fran took a long look at Max and sighed. Suddenly this her fault once again. She was sick of this dance.

"It can’t be discussed." Maxwell went on.

It was like he hadn’t heard what Fran just said.

She choose another tactic, one that would get her off his case.

"Fine. I guess I don’t have to call Jeremy’s parents after all."

"Why would you?"

"I wanted to make sure everything was okay. Jeremy’s parents are the ones taking the boys to the Hamptons, but if ya want Brighton home all weekend moping then that’s fine…" Fran smiled at herself, she knew she’d get Max to let Brighton go.

"Oh…well, if Jeremy’s parents are going then I suppose it would be okay. Can you inform Brighton that I’ve changed my mind?" Max dismissed her with a wave of his hand.

One moment his furious at her and the next he doesn’t even notice that she’s in the same room. That only made her decision easier and easier. Fran sighed heavily as she left Max’s office to head up to the last of the kids. At least she had them…for a little while any way.

~~~~~~~

Midnight had just struck and Fran was still up. She couldn’t sleep and who could blame her. She had so much on her mind that nothing anyone said could make her smile at this moment. And it didn’t help that all three kids were gone for the weekend.

Gracie was the last hope Fran had for an enjoyable weekend, but as she went up to talk to her little one, she was disappointed once again. Gracie too was invited to a friend’s for the weekend.

"Oy." Fran stated as she sat huddled in an afghan on the couch watching "Breakfast at Tiffany’s". She sniffled as she finished it for the second time that night. Fran in two words could be described as an emotional wreck. She clicked off the TV and looked around. There was nothing here for her. Not anymore.

For the first time she realized the kids were too old for a nanny…they only asked her things to make her feel important. They could answer everything for themselves now. Max, well that was a never-ending heartbreak and well he was never around anyhow. What was the point still trying for something that was never going to happen?

All this just reinforced her decision she had made that afternoon. While she sat in Central Park, Fran made up her mind to leave. She needed to do this for herself. She had never put herself first in her entire life and for once she needed to or she would never know who she was. She needed to mend her heart so that someday she could truly find that one person that she could love that would love her back.

Even though it hurt to admit it, Fran realized it wasn’t Max who she was meant to be with. If it had, then he never would have hurt her the way he had, he would tell her he loved her and not take it back. But he didn’t and he never would. Niles was wrong…nothing anyone did was going to change what Fate had in store and nothing was going to change her mind. Not this time.

Max had his chance…he had four years. Fran couldn’t just wait around forever. It hurt too much. Love was never supposed to be like this. She only wished he knew what he was losing, but maybe that was the irony…maybe he never would.

Fran pulled herself together and wiped the tears out of her eyes. She slowly walked upstairs and looked around. She knew she was putting it off. She had already packed everything and with the kids gone, now was a good a time as ever. Niles was out at his Butler Association Meeting and well Max, who the hell knew where he was hiding. He left hours ago for the studio. But that was a surprise wasn’t it?

She looked at her watch and picked a piece of paper. This is what she had been putting off. She had to get this done, but nothing ever prepared her for what she was about to do.

~~~~~~~

Dear Mr. Sheffield,

~~~~~~~

Fran reread the letter as tears stung her eyes. She never thought it would come to this, but it had. And nothing she could do would change it. It wasn’t her fault, she knew that, but it didn’t make her feel any better. She picked up the phone and dialed for the last cab she would ever be taking from this house. Tonight was the time to go. It was guaranteed she would not have to face anyone if she left now.

She sighed when she hung up. Ten minutes and this all would be over. Fran picked up the three suitcases and bag she was going to take with her and the rest she packed would be gone by morning. She would get her best friend, Val, and maybe Niles would help her move it out. But right now she was taking what she needed.

She walked out of her door and looked directly across the hall. There was Maxwell’s room. The one room in the whole house she dreamed of being in, but now that was a distant dream. She turned and walked slowly by the rest of the rooms: Maggie’s, Brighton’s and little Gracie’s. Fran couldn’t stop the tears from flowing down her face. Why did this have to happen…all she was asking for was the love of one man.

She made her way down the main stairs and stood by the door. She set her bags down and started for Maxwell’s office. She would leave his letter there. More than likely that would be the first place he would go upon arriving home. She slowly walked in and stared at the green chair behind his desk, half expecting him to be there.

She walked around and like a ritual, she hopped on the edge of his desk, the way she did for the last four years. The way she did to drive him crazy. But what a waste of time, he never noticed it. Fran ran her left hand along the top of the desk and smiled as she thought of his face but instantly chastised herself for smiling. She hopped back down and leaned the letter she had written against his lamp. He was sure to see the letter there.

She made her way out of the office and back through to the living room. She took one last look around, memorizing every picture that hung on the wall, every piece of furniture, and every memory that would accompany every room of this house. The tears made it hard for her to keep looking as soon she turned away and ran outside to the awaiting cab that would take her away. This would indeed be her last time in this house.

As Fran made her way into the back of the cab, making sure never to look back. Her life would start over from this moment on and she would find happiness again.

~~~~~~~~

Maxwell walked in the front door at two in the morning. He looked haggard and tired as he set down his briefcase and hung up his jacket. All the long hours these last few months have finally paid off. His play was all set and things were finally going his way. It was a sure fire hit and he couldn’t wait for opening night.

He smiled as he realized it would be another opportunity to see Fran in one of her beautiful sexy gowns and he would have the pleasure of escorting her to his opening. He could watch her as she watched the play without her ever knowing—however, that last thought was forgotten the second he ran into a very upset teary-eyed Fran.

Fran, for her part was surprised to see him as well. She had forgotten her suitcases, having to run back into the townhouse to retrieve them. She wasn’t expecting this. This just made it all worse.

Max looked from her face down to her hands. He saw the two suitcases she was carrying and suddenly like a fist slamming into his stomach, he felt sick. His heart started to squeeze the life out of him as he realized the situation. She was leaving, wasn’t she?

*Oh God, no. *

Suddenly Fran couldn’t get out of the house faster and tried to walk past Max but he caught her arm before she got to far away.

"Miss Fine, what is all of this?" He tried to sound calm.

Fran closed her eyes at his words, *Miss Fine. He still can’t call me Fran. *

She took the deepest breath she could and tried to calm herself from breaking down completely and losing her control.

"I’ve explained everything in the letter. It’s on your desk. I’m sorry but I have to leave. If you will…"

"What?" He yelled, but as he felt her cringe, he calmed himself down, "Why are you leaving? Is your mother sick?"

"No, Mr. Sheffield, this is not temporary." Was all she offered.

She shrugged off his touch…one of the hardest things for her to do, when all she wanted was for him to hold her. Fran knew that wasn’t a possibility now. She couldn’t bare to look at him, for her tears would start once more. She didn’t want him to see her like this. Dammit he wasn’t supposed to be here.

"Fran…" He used her first name but it was too late. Fran didn’t even flinch. She couldn’t. He would only hurt her again and she couldn’t take being something to him one day and nothing the next.

"Mr. Sheffield, don’t."

"Why?" He was almost in tears, "Why are you leaving me?"

"What does it matter?"

"Because it does…because…" But the words wouldn’t come out. He couldn’t say he loved her; his fear pushed wouldn’t let them escape and hid them once again.

"Don’t." Fran tried to hold her voice together.

"But I don’t understand." Max was pleading now. He would beg if he had to. This wasn’t happening to him…not now.

"What’s so hard to understand? You left me along time ago…no, you were neva here to begin with." She looked at him for the first time. Somehow it was becoming easier.

"What are you talking about?" He truly didn’t understand or didn’t want to, for he would know how wrong he had been all these years.

"I have to go…I’m sorry."

The moment was here…

"Fran you can’t leave, I love you."

She stopped dead in her tracks. Her hand stopped in mid rotation to the doorknob as his words hit her brain. He finally said it…but it was too late.

"No you don’t. You’re only saying that to keep me here." She turned with a fire in her eyes, "You’ll take it back. You did it once, you’ll do it again. And then things will go right back to how it was. Nothing will change. Don’t say something you’re not really or willing to give. Maybe if our paths ever meet again, it will be our turn, but now is not that time. I need to move on with my life. No, I need to start a life." She firmly stated as tears rushed down her face.

She looked at him one last time as she turned and left the mansion.

Maxwell stared after her, unbelieving what just happened. She had just walked out on his love. How could it have come to this? How could he not see it? He didn’t know the answers and he didn’t have the strength to find any. He was numb.

After an hour of just staring at her wake and the closed door, Max dragged himself to his only sanctuary left, his office, where he found the letter. And for the first time in his life, Maxwell Sheffield wished the world to swallow him up into darkness.

~~~~~~~

Fran never saw the streets or the cars whizzing by, she just stared out the window replaying the last hour in her mind. She couldn’t believe she had left, but she also knew it was the best thing for her to do. She needed to be someone. A someone she was proud of. A someone to somebody else.

And this was her beginning…

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