Gone Too Long

[MAXINE MCMANUS]

Maxi still didn’t feel like herself. When August had left her crying in the hallway, she had collapsed to the floor and cried for hours. It wasn’t until the sun began creeping up that she hauled herself to bed. There she remained for the rest of the day. She only got up to go to the bathroom and brush her teeth—she didn’t bother eating. She had no appetite to speak of. On and off she cried throughout the day. Maureen came over the next day, which prompted more tears and exhaustion from talking about the pain she was feeling. Her sister made sure she ate, but it took all of her energy to do so. Maxi had never hurt so deeply before. The love of her life was over. He could never accept her for what she was. How could she not see it coming? How had she been so blind for two whole years? They’d had their fights, but it had never seemed as final as it did now. That chapter of her life was over and all Maxi wanted to do was burn the pages. Everything August had bought her, besides her car, was stowed away in a box (with Maureen’s help) and hidden in the attic. At least then she wouldn’t have any physical reminders of him outside what she needed for transportation. Perhaps in the next month she would trade in her car.

The weeks dragged on as summer school finished just days after her break up. Thankfully she didn’t have to do anything but administer a final test and grade them. Even her students caught on to her depression, but she brushed it off with promises of seeing them in a month when she felt better. It felt like an empty promise in spite of her optimism. So the days moved at a snail’s pace, leaving her alone too long and too much with her thoughts. She often went to the beach just for an opportunity to be in the sunshine and feel like she was doing something. Ignoring all of the couples was hard to do, but after so many she was numb to it. She felt numb all the time, actually. It was like nothing would make her happy again.

Thankfully, she was wrong about that. Jamie called her with an announcement that Charlie was going to be visiting for the next couple weeks. It was the first time she’d actually looked forward to something since her break up. They decided that Maureen, Drew, Jamie and Charlie would all have dinner at Maxi’s house the day after he arrived. Drew and Maureen wanted to host it, but their place was a mess with the updating and painting they were doing. Maxi was happy to be hostess, though. She needed some new energy in her house. Even better, she would be surrounded by people she knew all loved her and were of her own kind. Perhaps that was what she had needed all this time—more Blurr contact! Just to reaffirm that she had made the right choice in separating with August because he couldn’t accept what she was…

Of course, thoughts of her bizarre alternate universe dream came to mind as she prepared for everyone to arrive. Maybe this was meant to happen all along? It was a silly thought and she blushed just letting it bounce around her head. Charlie was handsome enough that he probably had a girl with a cute British accent. He’d never expressed any returned feelings for her anyway. Shaking her head, she set the last glass on the table, taking a deep breath. She had steaks out on her grill, potatoes baking in the oven and fresh summer squash and green beans steaming on the stove. This was going to be a great dinner and a great night! The doorbell rang and she rushed to answer it, clad in shorts and a cute wide horizontal striped tank top with a birds, stars and anchor design printed in the middle, her red hair falling in long curls down her back. When she swung the door open, she was greeted by Jamie wearing a big grin. She immediately put her arms up around his shoulders with a big smile, hugging tightly. “Hey Strawberry Jam!” Her eyes floated over Jamie’s shoulder as he hugged her, greeting her with his own silly nickname, and found Charlie standing there. He was as handsome as ever with a big smile on his face. She smiled brightly at him over Jamie’s shoulder. When Jamie released her, she bounced over to the man who was like family and threw her arms around his shoulders. “Charlie! It’s so good to see you again! It’s been way too long!” It felt like it had been a century.

[CHARLIE MILLER]

Jamie had not shut up since he'd gotten back from the US on his last trip out. He'd been going back and forth quite a bit, and Charlie had the sinking suspicion his parents were helping his kid brother out with his travels, or maybe it was Mary.. she'd always been a sucker for Jamie. Either way, when the kid insisted he come home with him this time, Charlie caved, and quickly.  It had been far too long since he'd been to the states and he wanted to see his, which of course included his siblings who were not actually his blood siblings.  He of course kept in touch with Drew via email, and occasionally threw a letter to Maxi, but they have been few and far between as of the last few years.  And of course there was Maureen.  It had been a strange miracle that she had magically wandered back into their lives, a story book ending to a tragic tale.  He'd been eager to see the girl, but knew she'd been having difficulty remembering everything.  She'd recently moved back to the city they'd all grown up in though, and with Drew of all people, and rumor had it that her memory, though still very hazy, was returning somewhat.  Heck, there was a chance she might even remember him.  Or, at least a child version of him.  Besides, he needed a break.  Work had been chaotic and it didn't help that he was intentionally drowning himself in it to preoccupy himself from his breakup with Tori.

Charlie had been dating Tori for nearly three years.  He was sure she was the one.  Yeah, they weren't perfect, and they fought a lot, and of course he was neglectful when work got nuts, but whatever the reasons were, none were good enough to excuse her cheating on him.  For over a year.  With at least three different guys.  The blow had hurt.  Charlie wasn't the nicest guy, he knew that, but he was good looking.  He worked out and ate right, and was nice enough, but cheating on him? It had hurt, and though it had been three months since they split, he was still bitter and trying to get himself together.  Honestly, a little vacation might do him good.

The flight was made that much longer by sitting next to his brother the whole time, who didn't know how to sit still.  He was constantly telling Charlie to look out the window, showing him some video on his laptap, or falling asleep and drooling on his shoulder.  Being the kind older brother he was, he allowed Jamie to be as obnoxious as always but mostly because he was actually excited for some time off in the states.  That sort of comfort, that homey feeling, was just what he needed to get his head back in the game.  He brought work with him, which he worked on during the long flights, mostly while Jamie slept, but even then he was a bit preoccupied.  They finally landed in Portland and got their luggage before heading to the car rental.  Jamie was the one to drive since he knew where most everything was by now, and headed towards Maxi's house.

"It's stilluh bit weird." Jamie explained, peaking over to Charlie who returned his look with a cocked brow, a curious look on his face.  "Drew an' Maury.  Who'd have thunk them two?" No one thought Charlie, since Maureen had been classified as dead for how many years? He never thought much of the two of them being together as kids, though they'd hit it off famously even back then.  He himself had always crushed on Maxi, but rumor had it she was in a long term relationship with a Gargoyle of all people.  "As long as they're happy." Charlie shrugged, looking out the window at the city skyline in the distance.  "Is Mary coming by tonight?" Jamie shook his head, "Nah, she said t'morrow." It had always struck Charlie as odd that Jamie had picked up so much more of the British accent than he had.  Sure, he spoke far more properly than he did when he was a boy, but he didn't sound anything like Jamie.  "Who's going to be over, then?" "Hmm.." Jamie pursed his lips and then ticked off the names.  "Drew, Maureen, Maxi, me an' you.  Nice easy night.  Drew said they have photo albums already out.  Think they're plannin' tuh reminisce a bit." Jamie laughed and Charlie looked over. "What about Maxi's guy? He working or something?" Jamie cocked a brow at his brother.  "Oh, no.. don't mention him infront've her.  They just broke up." His heart broke somewhat for his old friend at the news.  He knew that hurt.. he couldn't remember how long Maxi had been with the guy, but knew it had been a while.

The brothers chatted the rest of the way on and off, Charlie not entirely thrilled with the prospect of conversation, but allowing Jamie to carry on.  His brother loved talking.  Finally they arrived and the boys got out of the car.  A strange sense of familiarity engulfed Charlie even though he had never been to Maxi's home before.  Probably just being back in the city; something about the air.. maybe it was the magic..  Jamie rang the bell and Charlie took a step back, his heart racing as Maxi answered the door.  It was strange seeing her, but in the best of ways.  "Maximilian!" The boy cried and Charlie grinned before rolling his eyes, his kid brother scooping the girl up and hugging her tight as she greeted with the same enthusiasm, calling him her own nickname for him; Strawberry Jam.  When Jamie finally set her free, Charlie took his turn, wrapping his arms around the excitable red haired beauty.  “Charlie! It’s so good to see you again! It’s been way too long!” She was right; it had been.  "You're telling me."  He squeezed tight, somehow feeling freer and more relaxed than he had in ages. More.. himself. "God it's good to see you.." She even smelled the same, an odd thing to recall when hugging someone you hadn't seen in ages.  Finally she pulled back and he beamed at the tiny ball of energy.  "Where's Drew and Maureen?" He asked, peaking over her shoulder as she invited them in.  She told him they hadn't arrived yet and he sighed, wanting to see his old friend again.  "So how's it been having her back? I still can't believe it.. that's just insane." He laughed, looking over at her.

Had she gotten prettier?

[MAXINE MCMANUS]

“You’re telling me.” Charlie squeezed her tight and Maxi felt her heart beginning to beat faster. “God it’s good to see you…” The soft, raspy voice at her shoulder pushed heat into Maxi’s face as she held a little tighter. Charlie smelled so good and he felt so warm and familiar, she sighed gently with a wave of gratefulness. She was happy to have such an old friend here to take her mind off her pain. Even though it felt so good to hug Charlie, she nudged herself back at last and beamed up at him. He did the same and Maxi admired the dimples she’d always liked. Blinking, she forced herself to snap out of it and invite the brothers inside. “Well, come on in! Dinner is almost ready.” She led the way in with a big smile, though she felt a little breathless. How could she still have a crush on Charlie after all these years?

“ Where’s Drew and Maureen?”[/i] Maxi turned and looked at him, closing the door behind him and taking up her stride beside him. “Oh, they aren’t here yet. They shouldn’t be too far behind you guys, though.” She smiled reassuringly, but Charlie sighed in return. It only made her smile warm as she could see how anxious he was to see Maureen again. “So how’s it been having her back? I still can’t believe it…that’s just insane.” She laughed in response to his, looking up at Jamie as he turned for her answer. “It definitely took some getting used to. It still does from time to time! But it’s so great at the same time. She’s not quite the Maureen that she used to be, but she’s a lot closer to it now than she was when we first met again. Her memories are coming back little by little. Maybe she’ll remember you when she sees your face! She’s had some memories about Jamie and a bunch of other kids coming over to our house, but she can’t remember their names. Maybe one of the kids she remembered was you.” She could tell that it made him sad to think she didn’t remember him, and she bit her lip gently, turning to him fully when she came into the kitchen. “I’m sorry, Charlie. It sucks not being remembered by someone you love. But it’ll come back to her in time.” He thanked her and she gave a sympathetic smile, reaching out and squeezing his arm gently as a soothing gesture. When she was sure he was fine, she walked off to check the potatoes and vegetables.

“It is weird having Drew and Maureen together, though. They’re a really cute couple, but I keep thinking, ‘He’s like our brother.’” She wrinkled her nose and stuck her tongue out, shaking her head in mild disgust. The guys found it funny and she grinned, slipping an oven mitt on to take out the potatoes. They were scalloped and arranged neatly in a glass pan with simple and flavorful seasoning on them. Her stomach rumbled with just the smell as Jamie made her laugh with his own comment on Drew and Maureen. As they laughed, the doorbell rang and Maxi made a humorously nervous face. “Speak of the devil!” She pulled her oven mitts off, but only after she had left the counter behind her. So instead she placed them in Charlie’s hands, giggling, “Sorry, can you place those on the counter?” Why did his smile keep making her heart skip? She hustled to the door and found her sister and Drew there, hand in hand. “Heeeeey!”[/i] Drew put his arms up and Maxi greeted him with an added chorus of “Heeeeey!” They hugged before laughing and then Maxi hugged her sister’s neck. “Come in! Come in! They’re already here!” she piped, grinning at Charlie as they came back into the kitchen. Drew immediately grinned and took several long strides until he wrapped Charlie in an enthusiastic hug. Both men were grinning and laughing, a sight that made Maxi’s heart feel so full. “You’ve been gone way too long, Charlie! Welcome back!”[/i] As soon as Drew let him go, though, Charlie’s pale eyes were on Maureen. Maxi bit her lip to keep her eyes from getting too moist. Maureen had no idea how precious she was to all of them.

[CHARLIE MILLER]

“It definitely took some getting used to. It still does from time to time! But it’s so great at the same time. She’s not quite the Maureen that she used to be, but she’s a lot closer to it now than she was when we first met again. Her memories are coming back little by little. Maybe she’ll remember you when she sees your face! She’s had some memories about Jamie and a bunch of other kids coming over to our house, but she can’t remember their names. Maybe one of the kids she remembered was you.” It was hard to even imagine her being different.  Maureen was such a spunky little thing, scabby knees and a rambunctious attitude.  Nothing got in her way.  When the world told Maureen no, Maureen told the world to go suck it and did it anyway, and it was that spirit he remembered so fondly.  Was it really possible she wouldn't remember him? Jamie had said she didn't remember him when she'd first seen him.  Hell, she didn't remember anyone, but who knew.. Honestly, he would be sad if she had forgotten, but he would understand because in the end she was alive and well, and that was what was important to him.  “I’m sorry, Charlie. It sucks not being remembered by someone you love. But it’ll come back to her in time.” He laughed and shook his head, "Thanks, but it's fine if she doesn't.  I just want to see her, yah know? Whether she knows who I am or not, I know who she is and that's sort of enough."  Her hand was squeezing his arm and he was reminded of just how different the girls were.  Maxi had always been more gentle, though a firecracker in her own right.  He'd always had a soft spot for the McManus girls.  Who wouldn't?

“It is weird having Drew and Maureen together, though. They’re a really cute couple, but I keep thinking, ‘He’s like our brother.’” Maxi wrinkled her nose and Charlie had to do the same, laughing afterwards.  "I just don't see it." He laughed, shaking his head.  "I mean, Drew.. Drew's great, I love Drew don't get me wrong, but Maury? I don't see how he could keep up." He laughed, still remembering her childhood self.  Max and Jamie had both explained she wasn't the same, but he had a hard time thinking of her as anything but the crazy kid she'd been.  "It's true, though!" Jamie piped up, his accent too thick for the amount of time he'd spent in Europe.  "They're lovely together." The boys both laughed and Charlie hit his kid brother playfully in the arm.  The doorbell suddenly rang and Charlie felt his stomach leap into his throat.  Show time!  Maxi bopped off to the door and Charlie had to stop himself from throwing a tickle at her side, reminding himself that maybe that wasn't the most appropriate thing to do right now.  Why was he suddenly feeling so giddy?

Charlie heard Drew first and followed his kid brother down the hall towards the front door, ready to meet their guests and trying to get a glimpse of Maureen.  Pictures were all well and good, but he had to see her for himself.  “Come in! Come in! They’re already here!” It was Drew who saw him first and Charlie felt his heart swell in a weird sort of way.  It had been ages since he saw the guy, and Drew had always been like a real brother to him.  The guys large, muscular arms wrapped around him and Charlie had no problem doing the same.
“You’ve been gone way too long, Charlie! Welcome back!” He laughed a little as the other man let go, shrugging a little.  "I know, I know.. but I'm glad to be home again.  I needed a little R&R, yah know?"  He gulped, his eyes finally locking on the young woman who had been lost at see so very long ago.

Charlie felt the air leave him.  It was like looking at a ghost.. though much older than the last time he'd seen her, there was no mistaking who the girl was. Her sapphire eyes and auburn hair were the same as they had always been, her skin still white as porcelain.  It gave him chills.  "I guess you don't remember me.." He smiled, though his eyes were a little sad.  He felt like he might know the answer before she said anything.  "Please, with the way these three have been shoving photo albums in my face?" His smile became more genuine suddenly.  "Of course I remember you!" Maureen wrapped her arms tightly around him and Charlie couldn't help but do the same, feeling his eyes actually moisten.  He wasn't the type to cry.  Not ever, and even now he wasn't crying, but it was all so surreal.  "You still owe me half your golden ticket." Charlie laughed and hugged her tighter.  "Jeez, I didn't even remember that until now!" He laughed, pulling back and furrowing his brows as he took her all in.  Finally he nodded, "Yeah, I still owe you half that golden ticket. Yah know, I never did find it.." He laughed a little, though his smile had faded.  He'd always promised when he found the golden ticket to Willy Wonka's factory she could have half and go with him to the factory.  Of course they knew it was pretend, but it was a silly joke between them, one they'd laughed about until the day she'd disappeared, and she remembered. He gripped her shoulders and looked up at Drew before back at Maureen.  "You really dating this big oaf?" He teased, his grin widening as Maureen laughed.  "Yes! No teasing, we're in love." The way she said it was playful and just so..Maureen. As if she knew herself it was silly on some level.  She seemed the same to him so far!  Charlie wrinkled his nose.  "I wouldn't date him." He teased back, dodging Drew as he swatted at him.

Charlie suddenly felt whole again, as if a part of him had been missing all along.  This was where he belonged..

[MAXINE MCMANUS]

“I know, I know…but I’m glad to be home again. I needed a little R&R, yah know?” Drew clapped Charlie on the shoulder with a big grin. “Well it’s good to have you home. There’s someone who’s been anxious to see you!”[/i] With that Drew turned his eyes on his beautiful girlfriend. Maureen in turn had her eyes locked on Charlie and the long lost friend returned her gaze. Maxi was still biting her lip, looking between the two, her heart pounding. “I guess you don’t remember me…” Her sapphire eyes darted back to Maureen. “Please, with the way these three have been shoving photo albums in my face?” Charlie’s handsome smile spread across his face and Maxi’s did too. “Of course I remember you!” Watching her sister put her arms around the old friend she hadn’t seen in twenty-five years brought tears rushing to Maxi’s eyes. Seeing Charlie’s pale eyes moistening didn’t help and she put a hand to her lips to hold in her sobs. “You still owe me half your golden ticket.” Maxi’s eyes widened as a tear streaked her cheek. She remembered that? “Jeez, I didn’t even remember that until now!” They pulled apart and the way Charlie stared at Maureen just brought more tears to Maxi’s deep sapphire eyes. “Yeah, I still owe you half that golden ticket. Yah know, I never did find it…” Maxi let out a soft laugh, but when she breathed in again it was a quiet sob. Jamie put a hand on her shoulder and she smiled wide at him and shook her head. She was okay, but she was damned if this reunion didn’t remind her just how lucky she was to have her sister back.

“You really date this big oaf?” Drew narrowed his eyes slightly at Charlie as Maureen laughed. “Yes! No teasing, we’re in love.” Drew grinned wide and slid his arm around Maureen’s shoulders. “That’s right.”[/i] Charlie wrinkled his nose and Maxi giggled as she brushed away her tears. “I wouldn’t date him.” Drew swatted at Charlie and missed, but it made them all laugh. “Rude.”[/i] Drew’s playful response also called laughter from them, but even as she laughed Maxi couldn’t stop her tears. She sniffled and suddenly all eyes were on her. Her cheeks were flushing as she struggled to wipe the tears from her reddening cheeks. “You okay, Max?”[/i] Drew asked, worry etched on his face. She waved her hand and shook her head, smiling wide. “Don’t worry about me. I’m a big crybaby, you know that. I’m just so happy we’re all together again.” The last of her tears dripped from her eyes as she smiled wider and then she laughed as Maureen wrapped her arms around her little sister. She blushed even more as her eyes caught Charlie’s and she couldn’t help being embarrassed about how emotional he was. His first day back and Charlie was already seeing her cry. “Let me go grab the steaks off the grill. Do you mind getting the potatoes out of the oven?” she asked her sister sweetly, knowing with some fresh air she would be okay. Anything to get her away from everybody else and collect herself again.

Outside, the steaks were beautifully done and Maxi busied herself with pulling them hissing off the grill. Some were a little more well done than others, but she liked her steak more well done anyway. Bringing them inside, she saw that Maureen had already spooned the scalloped potatoes onto a serving dish and she was already putting the vegetables in a bowl. Drew was popping open the wine bottles, one a dry Chardonnay and the other a robust Merlot. Maxi asked for some of the white while the others gave him their orders. Soon enough they were all seated around the table, the smells of a delicious dinner wafting from the food in the center. Maureen led grace, something that Jamie and Charlie might have found curious, but Drew and Maxi were used to it. When they were done, Maxi insisted Charlie get his food first because he was the guest of honor and Jamie after him. “So how was the flight for you two? Any crazy passengers? Maybe there was a stewardess forcing you to eat black pudding?” Just the thought of the stuff made Maxi wrinkle her nose, a playful smile on her mouth.

[CHARLIE MILLER]

“Rude.” Charlie laughed with the others, but his attention turned to Maxi as she sniffled.  Was she crying? She claimed she was just happy they were all together, and knowing Max, it was probably true.  She was a bit of a crybaby, but why would him being there complete everything? He'd never been the center of the group, even though he was close in age to both McManus girls. Jamie had been around plenty in the last year, even talking about maybe moving back.  If Jamie moved back home.. Charlie could consider it.  If there was a reason for him to come back he might.  Though he did like the UK and the ability to do so much traveling while there.  Maureen wrapped her kid sister in her arms and Charlie bit his bottom lip as he looked on.  It was a sight he had at one time knew he'd never see again, and there it was; those beautiful redheaded girls all grown up and doing what they'd always done before.  His eyes caught Maxi's sapphires and he could see the red in her cheeks.  He turned away, wiping at his own eyes and trying desperately to hide the emotion that had been there.  No one needed to see that.

“Let me go grab the steaks off the grill. Do you mind getting the potatoes out of the oven?” Max was delegating and he suddenly felt like he should be helping more, or checking on Maxi, or.. doing something so that he didn't feel so idle.  He went to the table and neatened things up as if they were messy, straightening a fork or pushing a plate into a more centered spot on at the place setting.. stupid stuff to feel like he wasn't just standing there.  Of course Jamie started telling Drew some anecdote as he opened the Chardonnay and soon the group was making their way towards the table, sitting down and getting ready to eat.  His stomach grumbled appreciatively as the steaks were set down, and he realized how crazy hungry he'd become.  


Maureen led the group in  grace, something that struck him as extremely strange, but he silently went along with it, recalling how Jamie and Maxi both had warned him of this new, holy, goody two shoes version of the girl they'd once known.  Jamie, having known Maureen already, still looked a bit intrigued by the grace, but neither man said anything.  Maxi then insisted he serve himself first, something he tried fighting, but in the end decided it would just make her happy if he did it, so he did.  He chose a medium sized steak and then sent the plate around the table, cutting into the meat but not daring to take a bite until everyone was served.  He had some manners.  “So how was the flight for you two? Any crazy passengers? Maybe there was a stewardess forcing you to eat black pudding?” Jamie immediately wrinkled his nose.  "'f all the rubbish I've had there, black puddin's somethin;  I can't bring m'self to try." Charlie shook his head.  "It's not that bad." Charlie insisted.  "As long as yah don't think about what's going down your gullet, everything's just dandy." He offered a wink but Jamie was already shaking his head and waving his hands.  "We 'aduh screamin' baby fer the first leguh the trip, didn' we, Charlie? Oh man, this baby.. it just wouldn' quit!" Charlie shut his eyes and shook his head, "Ugh. don't remind me, huh? My headaches finally gone away." "Ah, but the rest wasn' so bad, huh? Quiet.. Sept the bloke a few rows back who was snorin'"  Jamie snored loudly, mimicking the other passenger to the delight of the group.  "It was as good a flight as to be expected." Charlie gave his brother a dirty look.  "How're you settling in, Maury? Is the city suiting you?"  Maureen wiped ta her face and then nodded, grinning at the man.  "Definitely.  I'm still getting used to certain things, like the traffic and, well, all the people, but it's wonderful being around people who know me, like, really know me.  I learn something new about myself everyday." The words were said playfully, though he knew it was likely to be true. He shook his head, digging into his steak.  "I still can't get over the fact you two are together.  Definitely not what I would have imagined." He nearly teased her for getting knocked on the head too hard, but realized before the words left his mouth that they would be in severe poor taste, so he kept the jab to himself. He opened his mouth to ask Maxi about her boyfriend when he remembered what Jamie had said and shut his mouth again.  "Oh, uh.. were Jamie and I staying here or with you two?" He asked, realizing he never pegged down with McManus he'd be crashing with.

[MAXINE MCMANUS]

b] “’F all the rubbish I’ve had there, black puddin’s somethin’ I can’t bring m’self to try.”[/b][/i] Maxi looked indignant. “But you’re perfectly fine with making me try it blind!” She would never get over the horror she felt when she discovered what Jamie had tricked her into trying. Insisting it was chocolate pudding, she took one dissatisfied bite and asked the waitress what the pudding was made from. She almost punched Jamie as he laughed at the green color her cheeks turned. “It’s not that bad. As long as yah don’t think about what’s going down your gullet, everything’s just dandy…” Charlie winked and Maxi made a face and shook her head in response. “I disagree wholeheartedly.” She stuck her tongue out at him playfully before grinning and listening to Jamie mention a screaming baby. Charlie shook his head and closed his eyes, making her grin more. “Ugh, don’t remind me, huh? My headache’s finally gone away.” “Ah, but the rest wasn’ so bad, huh? Quiet…’Cept the bloke a few rows back who was snorin’.” Jamie snored loudly and they all laughed in response. All but serious Charlie, who simply gave his brother a dirty look. He’d always been so serious. Maxi giggled inwardly at how little Jamie and Charlie had changed over the years. She supposed she’d always had a thing for serious men.

“How’re you settling in, Maury? Is the city suiting you?” Maxi ate as Maureen talked about all that she was getting used to and delighting in. Obviously the pros outweighed the cons for her moving back. Maxi and Drew certainly couldn’t be happier with it. Charlie shook his head. “I still can’t get over the fact you two are together. Definitely not what I would have imagined.” Maxi grinned over at Maureen and Drew who were exchanging secretively satisfied smiles. “It definitely takes a lot of getting used to. And then you realize it couldn’t have been any other way.” Tilting her head to the side, she wrinkled her nose with a big smile as Drew wrinkled his nose and tilted his head too like she’d made a disgustingly cute comment. “Awwww you’re going to make me blush.”[/u] He then turned to Maureen and blew a kiss then winked at her. The girls giggled while Maxi shook her head. “You guys are gross.” It was a playful comment that made the others laugh. When she looked to Charlie, he seemed to be at a loss for what to say. His mouth opened and then closed again and she couldn’t help wondering what was stuck to the back of his throat. She hoped it wasn’t the food as she popped another piece of steak in her mouth. It definitely couldn’t be that—it was delicious! Worth being proud of.

“Oh, uh…were Jamie and I staying here or with you two?” The question threw Maxi for a loop and she looked to Drew with a surprised frown. He gave her the same look, silently asking if she had forgot to mention something. Her big blue eyes swiveled back to Charlie as she shook her head gently. “We assumed you guys would stay with your parents.” Apparently, they weren’t. The Millers were out of town—all of them. It was vacation time, after all! They wouldn’t be back in town until the end of the week. Charlie was glaring at Jamie who was trying to avoid eye contact with his older brother. The sleeping arrangements were supposed to be his responsibility and his only excuse was that he’d forgotten. Maxi could feel the tension rising, as could Drew, and the big man stepped in. “Well, it’s no problem, really. We have room for one at our place and Maxi has room for the other.”[/u] Jamie immediately called dibs on the Solomon/Aberdeen household like an overexcited ten year old calling shotgun. Maxi felt her stomach tighten nervously, though it wasn’t exactly a bad feeling. She gave Charlie a broad smile, hoping she was masking the way her stomach was doing flips. “So I guess that means you’re staying with me, Charlie! I don’t have a guest room, but the pullout is really comfortable down here.” Charlie seemed satisfied with that and she nodded with a grin before putting a finger to her lip as her face sunk almost apologetically. “But I should apologize in advance…” Now she had everyone’s attention and she lowered her bottom lip with uncertainty. “I have craaazy parties like…every night. Loud music, dancing, alcohol, drugs—you name it, it’s happening here.” The others laughed and she put her palms up with confusion. “How else do you think I get students to like me?” Drew tilted his head side to side as if weighing her words. “She has a point. She kinda stinks.”[/u] Maxi threw a small piece of bread at him just as Maureen pushed his arm, both laughing. When Maxi looked back to Charlie she shook her head with a grin. “I’m just kidding. I’m as boring as they come, but I hope I’m able to keep you entertained.” Again her stomach clenched a little in anticipation and nervousness. It was just going to be her and Charlie in the mornings and evenings! Good thing she had plenty of wine stocked to calm her nerves.

[CHARLIE MILLER]

The look that washed over Maxi's face told Charlie immediately that she was confused by the question, and when his eyes followed hers to Drew's he knew for sure something wasn't right.  “We assumed you guys would stay with your parents.” Charlie's brows furrowed slightly as he looked to his kid brother, who was looking anywhere but at Charlie, that shit eating little smirk on his face that told Charlie that he was equally embarrassed and amused as if this was some silly prank he'd pulled, only it wasn't.  He'd foolishly assumed Jamie was taking the lead in the housing department, knowing full well his parents were out of town for the next couple of days.  Of course they could stay at their home without them being there if they had a key, but something told Charlie that Jamie hadn't arranged to get the key and his parents knew better than to hide one outside somewhere.  "What happened to Oh, I'll take care oav it?!" He said the last bit in an obnoxiously heavy accent to make fun of Jamie, though it was stronger than Jamie's accent.  "It, er.. must've slipped my mind?" "A lot more's going to slip your mind when I'm done with you." He threatened suddenly feeling angry as well as embarrassed for not being more prepared.  He should have known better than to trust Jamie with the simplest of tasks.  He'd taken care of all the other plans, it was really not difficult for Jamie to do this ONE little thing!

“Well, it’s no problem, really. We have room for one at our place and Maxi has room for the other.” Jamie looked excited and before anyone had a chance to say anything Jamie was practically jumping out of his seat with excitement.  "I call dibs on Drew's place!" It's not that Charlie minded either way, but the fact that he had no say in the matter, especially considering what Jamie had just done, pissed him off more.  He was more than happy to stay with Maxi, and in some ways preferred it since he was still a bit weirded out by Maureen's resurrection, but he wished he could have simply gotten the chance to choose first! Jamie was such a prick. 

“So I guess that means you’re staying with me, Charlie! I don’t have a guest room, but the pullout is really comfortable down here.” Charlie gave a kind and semi forced smile, obviously still brooding about the situation, but gracious for Maxi's hospitality.  “But I should apologize in advance…” His eyes along with everyone else's shifted towards Maxi.  “I have craaazy parties like…every night. Loud music, dancing, alcohol, drugs—you name it, it’s happening here.” The tension keeping him tight and rigid loosened some by her jesting, his shoulders loosening slightly.  “How else do you think I get students to like me?” “She has a point. She kinda stinks.” Jamie laughed loudly, totally relaxed again and Charlie chuckled a little.  "Well, when you put it that way, I'll definitely take your place over theirs." He teased lightly, trying to push his grumpiness away.  It was hard for him to do, being the grudge holder he was, but it wasn't fair to be on edge during a dinner party he'd traveled all day to attend, either.  “I’m just kidding. I’m as boring as they come, but I hope I’m able to keep you entertained.” He smiled politely.  "Oh, you've never been boring." There was a playfulness in his eyes and he smirked at her.  She'd been a good girl, but she'd been fun and wild at times, too.  Even as they spent time growing up after Maureen's disappearance she had her moments.  He wasn't all that concerned, though he did wish there would be more than just the two of them.

"Either way thanks for your hospitality, and sorry for inconveniencing you.  Clearly Jamie is incapable of even the simplest tasks." He shot his brother a dirty look who wrinkled his nose back, teasing Charlie for being so serious no doubt.  Ass.  Maxi insisted it wasn't a problem, and though he believed she was being genuine, he certainly couldn't help but feel like he was putting her out since she wasn't planning on him staying.  She was a gracious host, as her parents had always been.  "Anyway, what sorts of things would we all like to do while the old Millers are back in town?"

The meal was spent discussing what was going on during the next several days and Charlie made a point to speak to his brother as little as possible.  Hopefully by the time he had a chance to actually lay into him, he would have cooled off some.  After all these years he knew he shouldn't be upset with Jamie being typical Jamie, but it wasn't that simple.  He expected more out of the boy, especially considering his numerical age.  But the rest of the meal was pleasant enough and it sounded like they had a good plan for the trip.  It was weird talking with Maureen and equally strange watching her make googly eyes at Drew.  He was having a hard time really getting over it, but he supposed it was nice in a sense.  

Once the dishes were cleared and the leftovers stored away in the fridge, the group settled down into Maxi's comfy little living room.  Charlie wondered if she was doing well with the breakup, but didn't think it was an appropriate question, especially in front of the large group of friends.  "Hey, did that woman who put you in a coma ever get tried?" He asked randomly, remembering that Maxi had briefly slipped into a coma.  He'd considered coming in for that too, but things were busy at the time and it was hard to slip away.  In fact it was one of the factors fueling his current trip; he needed to see these two girls! Maureen looked to Maxi, actually curious about it.  She hadn't really talked about it since it had happened and if she'd received any calls she probably discussed it with August over her.  "Oh yeah! How'sit seein' Charlie after that?" Jamie asked, amused with his goofy grin, which faded quickly at the dirty look Maureen shot him.  "Jamie!" Maureen snapped while Jamie uttered a defensive "Wha'? He knows!"  "Knows what?" Charlie suddenly felt out of the loop.  Why would it be odd for Max to see him after her coma. "The dream!" "JAMIE!" "WHA'! He knows abou'it! Don'tchu Charlie?" He didn't.  He furrowed his brow and then looked at Maxi.  "What dream?" He suddenly felt like he was the butt of some big joke..

[MAXINE MCMANUS]

“Oh, you’ve never been boring.” The compliment made Maxi’s ears heat up as she gave a sweet, shy smile. Charlie was just being nice, but it was nice to hear she wasn’t boring. Sometimes she felt that way compared to others since she vastly preferred to curl up with a book than go out and mingle. “Either way thanks for your hospitality, and sorry for inconveniencing you. Clearly Jamie is incapable of even the simplest tasks.” Maxi’s lower lip exposed her teeth a little as her wide eyes fell in playful anxiety on Jamie. He simply wrinkled his nose and Maxi grinned again. “It’s not a problem, really,” she insisted with a soft laugh. “I think we should have all come to expect the unexpected when it comes to Jamie.” She wrinkled her nose at her best friend to indicate she was teasing him, but there was certainly a grain of truth in what she said. He in turn curled his lip at her in playful return. It was the same look he used to give her when he accused her of being a kiss-ass. “Anyway, what sorts of things would we all like to do while the old Millers are back in town?” What a great question!

The group spent the rest of the meal turning over ideas for Charlie and Jamie’s return to their hometown. It was a shame the new mall wasn’t built yet. There was an article in In Style of all places about how awesome and eco-friendly it was going to be! But while the guys were there, they could enjoy some time on the pier and the beach just like they used to when they were kids. Maxi could host a bonfire one night in her backyard. There were a hundred other ideas tossed around about what was new in town and what would be a nice walk down memory lane. The only thing they set in stone was a beach day the following day. Maureen hadn’t had much of a chance to see the beach during the day since she’d moved back and Maxi wondered if anymore memories would be jogged by the day. They continued to chat about all of the places they would go as Drew and Maureen took over clean-up. When everything was cleaned up and packed away, they all migrated into the living room. Maxi took her seat on the couch between Jamie and Charlie while Maureen and Drew got cozy on the loveseat. It was comfortable and warm and Maxi relaxed with her glass of wine between her two old friends.
“Hey, did that woman who put you in a coma ever get tried?” Maxi blinked a little at the randomness of the question, but she supposed it was legitimate. It was nice that Charlie even remembered that incident! And a strange coincidence too… “Well…” Maxi started, prepared to go into what she knew of the case. Rebecca had filled her in on the follow-up since the whole incident was left out of the papers. “Oh yeah! How’s it seein’ Charlie after that?”[/i] Maxi’s eyes widened and the little color she had in her face drained as she turned a disbelieving look to the man on the other side of her. Seriously?! “Jamie!” At least Maureen was sticking up for her! “Wha’? He knows!”[/i] Maxi’s stomach fell to the floor and all of the color came rushing back into her face as a bright red. “Knows what?” She turned and looked at him pathetically, her shoulders drooping as her mouth pouted. He knew? “The dream!” “JAMIE!”[/i] “Shut up!” “WHA’! He knows abou’ it! Don’tchu Charlie?”[/i] Maxi looked at Charlie again, his handsome brow furrowed as he was totally lost. He didn’t know. Fucking Jamie! “What dream?” She sighed and covered her very red face with her hands, absolutely mortified. “I’m so embarrassed…” she moaned softly. Jamie tried to brush it off with a comforting comment about how they were all friends, it didn’t matter. She removed her hands to glare at him and hit his arm. “It’s embarrassing, you ass! I told you not to tell him!” Sighing again, she turned back to Charlie with a lopsided, mortified smile.

“I had this dream while I was in the coma. My parents were alive, Drew and Maureen were married with four kids already, and…well, we were married too. And we had a daughter named Ruby.” Her face flushed more as she gave a nervous laugh, finding it hard to hold Charlie’s gaze. This was so ridiculous! Jamie was laughing and she kicked him, this time finding a little more humor in the situation. “We were living in England but we came back for a visit. Everyone thought I was weird because I couldn’t remember marrying you or our daughter or those two getting hitched and having kids or my parents being alive.” She motioned to Drew and Maureen. Drew grinned, but he felt bad for how red she was. He would be embarrassed at having that dream about Maureen if they weren’t dating! “I have to say, the weirdest part was seeing my parents.” There was a sadness that fell over the room at that remark and Maxi felt the need to correct it. “But being married to you was a close second.” She grinned at Charlie, teasing him, and some of the color came out of her face. Now that it was out there, she couldn’t take it back, so she might as well accept it. “It was a nice dream, overall! But definitely weird.” Turning to look at Jamie, she hit him again, more gently and playfully this time. “Thanks for hanging out my dirty laundry, jerk.” She stuck her tongue out before smiling. But would Charlie find her dream as embarrassing as she did?

[CHARLIE MILLER]

Charlie furrowed his brow watching her cover her now red face, sighing into it.  “I’m so embarrassed…” she moaned and Charlie looked around for some sort of clue.  Did she have a dream about him? Better yet, why did everyone know?  "Aw, c'mon, Maximus.. it's not so bad, really." Though he was completely intrigued, he wished Jamie would shut his gob.  Charlie got no greater pleasure than seeing Maxi slug his brother in the arm, Jamie reeling back and holding his wounded spot.  “It’s embarrassing, you ass! I told you not to tell him!” Jamie was clearly trying not to smile.  He knew that look all too well.. Maxi's eyes turned to him and he saw the color in her cheeks brighten fiercely as she gave her embarrassed little smile.  He looked around the room one more time, all eyes on him, before back at Maxi.  This wasn't what he was expecting.. 

"I had this dream while I was in the coma. My parents were alive, Drew and Maureen were married with four kids already, and…well, we were married too. And we had a daughter named Ruby.” His brows rose at the news, but his face stayed otherwise stoic.  He and Maxi married? That was an interesting combination.  Not that he didn't necessarily see it happening ever but he knew that Max saw him as a brother which was the strange part.  Granted, he'd had a crush on her as a teenager, and had even toyed with the idea of telling her, but thought it would make things awkward in the end so had always stayed away.  As for having a kid with her, well.. if they'd been married he would definitely see himself having a baby with her.  Maxi was what most men wanted in a wife; smart, beautiful, docile, attentive and not too shabby in the kitchen.  She'd make a fine little wife.. It was a wonder she wasn't taken yet.

Jamie was cracking up like the idiot he was and he offered his younger brother an incredulous look while Maxi laughed nervously.  Jamie was making this far worse than it had to be.  To his surprise Maxi continued, still not knowing what to say about the news.  “We were living in England but we came back for a visit. Everyone thought I was weird because I couldn’t remember marrying you or our daughter or those two getting hitched and having kids or my parents being alive.  I have to say, the weirdest part was seeing my parents.” Though she mentioned them being alive before, it finally hit him what she was saying.  Her parents were always so kind and generous.. He remembered clearly playing ball with Sean as a boy.  He was pretty young, it was a blurry memory, but his older brothers were there and so was Drew, so he couldn't have been that young.  He thought of Margot's baking as well. It would be nice to have the McManus family all together.. No wonder she didn't want to talk about all of this.  But it was just a dream, could it have been that vivid?  “But being married to you was a close second.” Her grin was returned by slightly narrowed eyes, a playful look though his lips didn't curl in the telltale smile.  “It was a nice dream, overall! But definitely weird. Thanks for hanging out my dirty laundry, jerk.” Maxi jabbed Jamie again before looking back at him shyly. "Sorry, I thought he knew! Everyone else did!" Jamie defended himself, holding his hands up in a show of surrender.  "But she wasn't married to everyone else in the dream you doofus!"  Charlie cracked a little smile at Maureen, who was grinning as she scolded his brother.  Jamie could be such an idiot.

"Honestly, I think it sounds ludicrous." He offered, looking back at Maxi.  "I mean, never in a million years would I ever let you name our daughter Ruby.  That's just preposterous."  Now that he said the name out loud, he decided it actually wasn't such a bad name.  It slid off the tongue nicely.. It would be interesting to see a girl named Ruby with Sapphire eyes, though.  Their little gemstone.. was he really thinking about his and Maxi's kid?! That was an odd thought.  He finally grinned, trying to break some of the tension before reaching over and ruffling her hair playfully, which wasn't something he often did, but seemed playful enough for the moment.  "Was I at least a decent husband?" He teased, smirking now.  This would be one of those things he might not let die, which was probably why no one bothered to tell him.

[MAXINE MCMANUS]

“Sorry, I thought he knew! Everyone else did!”[/i] Maxi rolled her eyes at Jamie’s lame excuse. How would Charlie know?! Maxi only really communicated with him via the occasional email and Facebook exchange these days, same with Drew. And Maureen had only recently begun to remember him! Jamie was so ridiculous. “But she wasn’t marries to everyone else in the dream, you doofus!” Maxi giggled, appreciating her sister’s defense. She was still embarrassed, but the color was starting to come down in her normally pale cheeks. “Honestly, I think it sounds ludicrous.” Charlie’s voice drew her eyes back to him and she furrowed her brow. Was it really so crazy to be married to her? “I mean, never in a million years would I ever let you name our daughter Ruby. That’s just preposterous.” She laughed, shaking her head. “Hey, maybe you named her!” she teased back. Honestly, it was a strange name for her to name her kid. She tended to prefer more traditional names. These days, she really wished one day she could name a son Sean and maybe give a daughter the middle name Margot. Some remembrance of her beloved parents. Charlie would probably go along with that. Wait, no! She wasn’t really going to have kids with him! Just that thought flustered her further.

But the thought of her and Charlie’s children didn’t fluster her as much as his hand in her hair. Their eyes locked, hers wide and his amused. He ruffled the red strands, which made her giggle, but she couldn’t deny her heart was jumping a little and the color crept back into her cheeks just as it was fading. “Was I at least a decent husband?” He was teasing her and his smirk made her wrinkle her nose cutely as she shrugged and nodded. “Yeah. I guess you were alright.” She grinned, knowing he’d actually been more than a decent husband. They’d had their spats, but she had loved him dearly. And he had loved her…A flash of the racier portion of her dream darted through her mind and she blinked in surprise and broke eye contact. She ran her hands through her now messy hair, tucking the strands behind her ears as she brought herself back to reality. Maybe her eyes had lingered on Charlie too long because when she looked away, Maureen and Drew were both looking at her with a knowing glint in their eyes. Drew raised his eyebrows and Maxi rolled her eyes at him before grabbing her glass of wine. She finished it before sinking back into the couch. “I’m never going to live this down, am I?” “Nope.”[/u] Drew threw her a wide, amused grin and it appeared he spoke for the whole group.

Sighing with a smile, she glanced at the clock and saw it was nearing nine o’clock. Time sure knew how to fly! Drew also focused his eyes on the clock and he heaved a sigh. “Should we head out, dog face?”[/u] he asked Jamie with a grin. “We still have to make it home and get you settled in before this old lady goes to bed.”[/u] The look Maureen shot him made Maxi laugh. “Get ready to share the couch, Strawberry Jam.” Drew scoffed. “Dibs. Jamie, you can sleep on the floor.”[/u] Maxi laughed, looking over at the displeased look on Jamie’s face. If only she could be there to see the hilarity that would go down in the Solomon-Aberdeen household tonight. Then again, she was sort of looking forward to having one-on-one Charlie time. Even if she’d just been embarrassed beyond belief in front of him, he was still one of her best old friends. She could find out more about what was going on with his personal life, since he didn’t seem so keen on talking about it in front of all the others.

[CHARLIE MILLER]

“Yeah. I guess you were alright.” She grinned and he had a feeling she was teasing back.  He grinned in reply, noting the way she gazed into his eyes, seeming almost lost.  His brow cocked questionably and her eyes pulled away from his as she fixed the hair he'd been messing with.  His eyes wandered to Maureen and Drew who were watching Maxi, and suddenly he felt like they were having a private conversation he wasn't privy to. He brushed it off, reaching for his own glass of wine and downing it, wanting more suddenly.  He couldn't help but look at her a little differently now, knowing on some level that maybe she had liked it.  Or maybe that was weird.. The last thing Charlie wanted was to make things weird with his host, especially since he'd be spending the night there with her alone.  Just them.  By themselves.  

“I’m never going to live this down, am I?” “Nope.” Drew answered before he had a chance to and Charlie smirked in reply.  "Not a chance." He added, twirling the stem of the wine glass between his fingers.  
“Should we head out, dog face?”  Drew asked his little brother and Charlie looked at the clock.  It was only nine! His body felt worn and ragged, though.  It was five in the morning back home, and even with his naps he was feeling a bit tired, that strange groggy way that you feel when being awake for far too long.  If anything he was just grabbing a second wind, maybe third or fourth by this time, but knew his body was exhausted from the days travel.  "Wha', already?" The disappointment was obvious in his tone and Charlie was glad Maxi was sitting between them.  “We still have to make it home and get you settled in before this old lady goes to bed.” Maureen shot Drew daggers, and Charlie, though he found the humor in it, still found the entire thing very strange.  “Get ready to share the couch, Strawberry Jam.” Maxi teased and he finally grinned a little.  “Dibs. Jamie, you can sleep on the floor.” "You can both sleep outside in the backyard if you keep this up." Maureen shot back, getting up.  The girl stood up and stretched her arms up.  "Besides, you both should get some sleep.  We have all sorts of stuff planned and you're going to want to be well rested." Jamie's eyes lit up.  "Oh yeah, like what?" "Get your shoes and I'll think about telling you on the way home." She winked at the younger boy who acted much younger than he actually was.  "Alrigh' alrigh."  Jamie leaned in and pecked Maxi on the cheek.  "Was lovely, as always.  I'll be seein' yuh in the mornin', yeah?" Jamie got up and smacked Charlie on the shoulder as he passed, Charlie turning around and flailing his arm in his brothers retreating direction, missing the man as he scooted towards the door, laughing childishly loud at the way he dodged Charlie's hand.  "You're lucky we're with company, little man." He growled and Jamie laughed in return, grabbing his shoes to slip on.

Charlie said his farewells to Maureen and Drew, bidding them both goodnight and letting his hug with the woman linger a little.  It was still so strange to be with her, as though she really had rose from the grave.  Jamie was right, though.. she was nothing like what he remembered.  Well, maybe a bit.  She didn't have that air of mischief about her anymore.  She'd truly grown up, and he could see the new Maureen with a guy like Drew, though he didn't see the younger version with him so much.  

The three finally left after some lingering farewells, leaving him alone with Maxi.  Once alone he turned to his host and pursed his lips a little, before smacking his lips and digging his hands into his pockets.  "Can I help you tidy up a bit? Or.. grab the linens? I know you weren't really expecting company this evening.  Sorry about that, by the way.  Really, I should have called first.  I know Jamie better than most, I should've known better." He offered an apologetic look as Maxi insisted it wasn't a big deal.  "Thanks for being so accommodating." He looked back into the living room area and headed back in, grabbing the empty wine glasses.  "Was I so willing to clean up as your husband?" He asked, that mischievous glint in his eyes as he teased her.

[MAXINE MCMANUS]

“You can both sleep outside in the backyard if you keep this up.” Maxi laughed before mimicking her sister in getting to her feet. Drew did the same, grinning mischievously at Maureen. “Besides, you both should get some sleep. We have all sorts of stuff planned and you’re going to want to be well rested.” “Oh yeah, like what?” “Get your shoes and I’ll think about telling you on the way home.” The way Maureen spoke to Jamie reminded Maxi of the way a mother talked to her child. Someday her sister was going to make a great mother. But hopefully her children would be better behaved than the sly, impish Jamie. “Alrigh’, alrigh’.”[/i] Jamie leaned down and planted a kiss on Maxi’s cheek, one she returned quickly with a grin. He really was just like a brother. “Was lovely, as always. I’ll be seein’ yuh in the mornin’, yeah?”[/i] “If you’re lucky,” she teased. Just as she was going to follow the others into the hallway, Jamie stopped her by reaching in front of her to smack Charlie on the arm. Charlie’s arm flailed out and missed his little brother, making the younger brother laugh and Maxi grin and shake her head between them. They were certainly brothers. “You’re lucky we’re with company, little man.” She shuffled between them just in case either one of them got the idea to start rough-housing in her house. Sure, it was doubtful that Charlie would entertain something like that with his brother, serious as Charlie was, but crazier things had happened with all of them together. As Jamie laughed, Maxi gave him a playfully stern look telling him to stop causing trouble. She knew it was worthless trying to stop Jamie.

At the door they all said their goodbyes for the night. Maxi kissed Maureen’s cheek as they hugged goodbye and she did the same to Drew. When she turned to look at Charlie saying his goodnights, though, she noticed how he lingered in holding Maureen. It must have been very strange for him to see her again. The magic of having her sister back in her life would never be lost on Maxi, but she supposed she didn’t think about it as much these days since she saw Maureen all the time. But it was heartwarming to be reminded of how many blessings she had in her life. Like all of the people surrounding her now…If only Charlie and Jamie would move back, it could be like this all the time. These thoughts faded as the other three wandered into the night, leaving Maxi alone with Charlie for the first time in a very long time.

When she’d closed the door, Maxi smiled at Charlie, suddenly feeling a little lost for words. This was no time to get choked up! It was just Charlie…Now that he knew the dream, at least it was out in the open and they’d made it a joke. It didn’t have to be in the forefront of her mind every time she looked at him. He made a funny face, pursing his lips and provoking a giggle from Maxi. “Can I help you tidy up a bit? Or…grab the linens? I know you weren’t really expecting company this evening. Sorry about that, by the way. Really, I should have called first. I know Jamie better than most, I should’ve known better.” Maxi laughed, shaking her head. “It’s fine, Charlie, really. We all should know better when it comes to Jamie. You’re just lucky I have plenty of room for guests.” His apologetic smile was enough for Maxi as they headed back in. “Thanks for being so accommodating.” “You know me! Always willing to help.” As they went into the living room, he immediately started to pick up wine glasses, which made Maxi want to tell him to stop. He was a guest! But then, she was grateful for the extra hands. “Was I so willing to clean up as your husband?” Maxi’s blushed returned slightly as she rolled her eyes and sighed, grinning at him finally. “Keep it up, Charles. You’ll wake up to a nice big bucket of cold water splashing over you tomorrow morning.” She raised one of the glasses in her hand as if she was making a promise, still grinning.

Once in the kitchen, she set her own glass aside before turning on the water to handwash the other two glasses she had picked up. Charlie followed in after her and she gave a soft thank you when he handed over the extra glass in his hand. “Mind pouring me some more wine?” she requested with a big sweet smile. He didn’t of course and he did so as she washed the dishes and placed them in the drying rack. When she turned around once more, she wiped her hands on a towel before taking her wine in hand. “Cheers!” she chirped before clinking her glass delicately against Charlie’s. At least the wine would help calm her nerves a little. “All this talking and I didn’t hear much tonight about how you’re doing in London. How’s your job? Seeing anyone special? When Jamie was here the last time, I think he said something about you having a girlfriend.” She would be happy for him if he did, but maybe a little disappointed if only because she didn’t have somebody to commiserate with about bad breakups. How sad that she couldn’t even stop thinking about August when she had such an old friend staying with her.

[CHARLIE MILLER]

“Keep it up, Charles. You’ll wake up to a nice big bucket of cold water splashing over you tomorrow morning.”  She raised a glass at him as if warning him she would actually do that, but he could only laugh gently in response, grinning at her as she walked towards the kitchen.  They both knew she wouldn't dream of doing that.  Charlie picked up a few stray glasses and brought them into the kitchen, placing them on the counter by Maxi as she began washing the dishes.  She offered a soft word of thanks and he nodded in reply, leaning against the counter and watching her work.  “Mind pouring me some more wine?”  Of course he didn't. and he reached for the bottle and poured their glasses full once more.  He could definitely use a little more wine after the night he'd had so far, and it would certainly help him wind down a bit and get him good and tired, as he should be.  Charlie held out Maxi's glass as she finished the dishes, offering a small smile as she accepted it.  “Cheers!” she chirped, clinking her glass to his and sipping her dry beverage.  Charlie followed suit, practically draining his glass.  He was suddenly very thirsty.. 

“All this talking and I didn’t hear much tonight about how you’re doing in London. How’s your job? Seeing anyone special? When Jamie was here the last time, I think he said something about you having a girlfriend.” He cocked a brow at her questions and then furrowed them lightly.  Jamie shouldn't be talking about him.. then again, Maxi would likely have asked and it wasn't as if his brother had a filter on him.  "The job's a job." He started, looking into his glass and swirling the deep red wine around, hesitating a moment before continuing.  "It pays the bills."  He looked up and sighed softly, giving her a warm, half smile.  "My love life isn't so successful on the other hand.  It's a tad difficult to find a woman to be with long term when you're not human. Though there were issues other than that which led to our demise."  He tried to give off that the breakup didn't bother him, though it did.  He missed his ex sometimes.  Sure, he could do without the arguing, but it was nice having a warm body to slide next to at night, and hers was a nice one.  "But i'll live.  I wasn't supposed to bring this up, but since we're on the topic it has been brought to my attention that you are recently single."  He felt bad bringing it up, but she'd asked.  It was only right he do the same.  "You were with him for quite some time.. how're you holding up?" He drained his glass and reached for the bottle.  Not much left.. He poured half of what was left and then offered the rest to Maxi.  She might need it.. 

[MAXINE MCMANUS]

Charlie didn’t look too thrilled with her line of questioning and Maxi suddenly wished she take it back. She wasn’t being nosy, was she? They were old friends, after all. Then again, he was a pretty private person. “The job’s a job. It pays the bills.” She nodded, sipping her wine and trying to think of a way to brush off the second part of her question. But he sighed and gave her a warm half smile that made any words stick to the roof of her mouth. “My love life isn’t so successful on the other hand. It’s a tad difficult to find a woman to be with long term when you’re not human. Though there were issues other than that which led to our demise.” Her heart gave a sharp ache as she realized she’d opened the same wound in Charlie that she was trying to close up in herself. Then again, she couldn’t help but be a little hopeful at hearing he was single. Immediately she wiped that thought away, convinced there was no way she could ever be intimate with Charlie. Sure, the dream had been nice…but she couldn’t think like that! He was her friend and that would be weird. Right…?

“But I’ll live. I wasn’t supposed to bring this up, but since we’re on the topic it has been brought to my attention that you are recently single.” It felt like a knife cutting into her stomach and she immediately looked down into her glass of wine to avoid him seeing the pain in her eyes. Then again, it was only fair that he bring it up when she’d done the same. In a way, it was better that Jamie had told him not to ask about August, otherwise he might have brought it up at dinner and caused a scene. “You were with him for quite some time…how’re you holding up?” She drained her glass before giving a shrug and staring sadly into the empty glass. “Not well, if I’m being honest.” Looking up, he offered her the last of the bottle and she held her glass out with a half smile. At least he could tell when she needed another drink. “For the last couple of weeks I’ve just been stewing at my own pity party. You can’t even imagine how happy I am to have you and Jamie around to give me a good distraction.” She gave a genuine though somewhat sad smile before she took a sip of her drink. Again her eyes fixated on the liquid in her glass as she began to speak. “It just sucks when you’ve put so much effort into a relationship and it doesn’t work out. And I put way more into this relationship than I have into any other in my life just to have it fail.” She drained the rest of her glass since there wasn’t much and then set it on the counter before looking up at Charlie. “If I’m going to keep talking about this, I’m going to need more wine. What do you think?” His smile brightened her mood a little and he agreed to share another bottle.

Maxi went to the fridge and pulled out an unopened Riesling she had chilled just in case anyone wanted it. With the wine key already out, Charlie offered to open it and she gladly accepted. Sighing, she leaned on the counter again and watching him work on loosening the cork. “It was a species issue for us too. He was a Gargoyle. I was surprised he even wanted a relationship with a lowly Blurr like myself. I knew he had a little bit of a problem with it, but I thought he’d grow out of it. And he did for the most part. But of course his family was traditional—no interspecies mingling. They found out he was dating a Blurr and all hell broke loose. He couldn’t handle the pressure he was getting from his family and I was tired of being a dirty little secret.” Charlie handed her a full glass and she took a nice long gulp to wash down the tears that were threatening. “I guess it was for the best in the end. Even if it feels like my heart’s been run over by about a thousand eighteen wheelers.” She sighed before looking up at Charlie. His eyes were fixed on her and she bit her lip shyly, realizing she’d just poured her heart out. “Sorry. I shouldn’t be talking your ear off about sad stuff, especially with the long day you’ve had.”