All I Want Is You 13/?
SLOW NIGHT, SO LONG.
A Week Later.
The girls were particularly needy today, being quite emotional about their Daddy, wondering why they aren't allowed to see him.
That evening as she came home early to be with them Miranda realised that tonight was the night she had to be honest about what was really going on.
Looking at the clock on the mantel piece as they wandered into the entertainment room she was glad to see it wouldn't be much longer until Andrea would be home.
Sighing she opened her mouth and began speaking. “There's something I haven't told you about your Father...” She said, sitting down with her girls, trying her best to prepare herself for the outburst which would come.
~*~
Cassidy and Caroline stared at her speechlessly.
“Are you joking?” Cassidy asked.
“Because if you're joking this isn't funny!” Caroline chimed in.
“I wouldn't lie about something like this.”
“I hate him!” Caroline yelled, getting up from the couch. “I hate him so much! I'm never seeing him again!”
Miranda tried to reach for her daughter but Caroline shrugged her off, storming from the room, nearly knocking Andrea over. Her eyes connected with her lover's and saw the brunette connecting the dots that she had told them the truth.
Andrea looked hesitant. “Should I go after her or?”
Smiling at the thoughtfulness Miranda shook her head. “I think she just needs a few minutes alone.” She replied, motioning for her lover to enter the room before turning back to Cassidy who had tears in her eyes.
“Are we poor now?”
“Oh no, no no. We're not poor. We can still continue on living the way we do we just... we might have to cut back on a few things.”
“Can I still help Adisa, Zaida, and Uschi with the monthly payments?” Cassidy worriedly asked.
Miranda's heart swelled with pride that the main worry her eldest had was for her Sponsor Children in Africa. Cassidy donated three thousand a month from her personal trust fund account which had been cleaned out without a care in the world by Eric. “Oh, sweetheart, yes we can still continue with the monthly payments.”
“And what about Caroline's tigers and the orangutans? Then there's your monthly payments to the Red Cross and that other one I always forget the name of for the women who are homeless... and the AIDS one!”
Miranda bit the inside of her lip. “I'm honestly not sure, sweetheart, I need to sit down with the bank before I can confirm anything.” She responded, hating that she was going to have to halt a lot of her own charity payments for god knows how long. You've done so much over these last couple of decades... a few years cutting back with donations won't hurt. If you continue to feel that bad about it you can do more hours at the Soup Kitchen. She tried to tell herself, but she still couldn't shake herself from feeling guilty.
“Can we still go to Columbia?”
“I'm not going to let that despicable man get in the way of your education. Your school fundings will be fine. I promise.”
Cassidy wiped her tears as Andrea sat with them. “I can't believe he's done this. You've worked so much for so long for the money you had!”
“All that matters is that I have you and Caroline... that you're happy and healthy. The money... as nice as it is could be all gone and I wouldn't care because I still have the two of you, and Andrea.” She turned to her lover, taking the brunette's hand.
“Will we lose the house?”
“I paid the home off decades ago, bobbsey. This will always be our home. You don't have to worry about that. You're still going to be able to live the same lives you do.”
It took Cassidy a little while to calm down but she held her daughter tightly until her tears stopped.
“I know I shouldn't be butting in, but I'm feeling quite sad myself actually.”
Miranda and Cassidy frowned.
Instantly concerned Miranda turned to her lover. “Why... what's wrong?”
“These are the last three articles I'll write for RUNWAY.” Her brunette beauty explained, putting the slip of papers on her lap.
“Oh nonsense, you might have the desire to come back and grace RUNWAY with your phenomenal talent again. Never say never.” She nudged Andrea, she and Cassidy smiling.
“You have a point.” Andrea grinned.
“I look forward to reading them.” Miranda replied.
“I'm going to check on Caroline.” Cassidy said, standing up.
Squeezing her daughters hand she let go. “Alright, I'll be up shortly. Tell her it's definitely a popcorn, marshmallows, and dipping chocolate night tonight with GILMORE GIRLS on the TV.”
At her words Cassidy's eyes widened in delight. “Yes!”
Smiling Miranda was glad she was able to distract her girls with treats and TV if only for a little while.
“Is everything okay?” Andrea asked when Cassidy left, searching her eyes, still looking concerned.
“It will be especially now you're home.”
“Sweet talker.” Andrea replied, kissing her.
Miranda looked down at the articles. “I can't believe how fast your last week at RUNWAY went by.”
“Time flies when you're having fun.” Andrea winked.
Licking her lips Miranda's cheeks flushed thinking of all the times Andrea has taken her up against various walls in most of the offices when no one was around. “Yes, well...” she cleared her throat. “It seems I'll miss those... moments.”
Andrea chuckled, running those long fingers through her iconic hair. “I'll still be in the building for another two weeks.” She winked, her AUTO UNIVERSE contract not finished yet.
Miranda smirked. Oh, I'm going to miss not having her in the building, but I am so thrilled she's gotten the job she has been dreaming of!
~*~
Three Weeks Later.
“Did you find out what your first article assignment is for the NEW YORKER?” Miranda asked as she walked into the entertainment room where her lover was laying on the couch with her laptop resting on her stomach.
“I did.” Andy looked up, smiling at her lover, and stood. “You'll never guess where they want me to go!”
~*~
“Lebanon, Israel, and Iran. I'll be meeting two inspiring people, a gay male couple, coming from Afghanistan!” Andrea excitedly said. “Can you believe it?! Just imagine all of the stories I’m going to hear!”
It took a while for those words to sink in.
“What you're telling me is... For your first NEW YORKER assignment they want you to go to the Middle East.” Miranda said, taken aback and completely concerned by this.
“How exciting! I didn't expect this one bit but my article series is going to be amazing! Emotional... but amazing. I'm going to be meeting all these different families... living in their homes... seeing what their day to day lives are like!”
And risking your own life while you’re there! Miranda knew she couldn't stop her lover from going and she wasn't going to try. I simply have to have faith she'll come back home safely. “How wonderful.” She said, forcing a smile.
“You aren't excited.”
Sighing Miranda looked to her lover. “I'm worried. It's dangerous over there. Anything could happen.”
“I'm not going out onto the battlefield.” Andrea laughingly replied.
Still dangerous. Miranda didn't say. Her lover had her mind set and there was no point arguing.
“The only thing is...” Andrea bit her lip. “They want me to leave tomorrow.”
“You've got to be joking!” Miranda responded, furious. “They only gave you a days’ notice!”
Andrea shrugged. “It's journalism. Stories come up at the drop of a hat. That's how it works.”
Miranda sighed, rubbing her face. She couldn't believe this.
“Can you try to at least pretend to be excited for me?” Andrea questioned.
“Honestly...” Miranda shook her head. “No. I don't think I can.”
“Well... that's that then, isn't it?” Andrea replied, beginning to walk out of the room, but not before picking up her shoulder bag and laptop.
“Where are you going?” Miranda asked.
“To my apartment.”
My apartment. The words echoed through her mind as she opened and closed her mouth. The apartment her lover hasn't been to in weeks. “Darling, come on, let's talk about this more.”
“There's no point when you've already made your mind up and I don't need to hear all the reasons of why I shouldn't go there and all the scary things that won't even happen. I'm going to be safe and sound with several different families who are used to those conditions.”
Miranda snorted. “You're being incredibly naive.”
“See! You've done it again!” Andrea snapped, moving faster down the staircase. “Don't contact me unless you have something more positive to say because I need a clear mind frame and not your incessant negativity.”
Miranda stopped half way down the staircase and watched as Andrea stormed out of the house. You've really done it this time!
Not knowing what to do because she wasn't going to change her thoughts about this she turned around and went back into the entertainment room to the drinks trolley for a much needed shot or two of McAllen's whisky. If only she still worked at RUNWAY...
~*~
Early the Next Morning.
After continuous tossing and turning Miranda decided to give up on the idea of sleeping after the clock chimed 2am.
She sat up doing various amounts of work, research, and came up with lots of new idea's for upcoming RUNWAY issues, but the whole time she couldn't shake the thought of Andrea going to the Middle East and the horrors she would see and hear, and the possibility of something happening to her lover... that was unthinkable.
Stopping what she was doing at 3:30AM as her mind filled with horrofic thoughts she began pacing the room before picking up her phone which had finally finished charging. She saw a text from Andrea and chewed on her lip whilst opening it, dreading what it may or may not say.
Flight details came in. I was meant to leave at 10am but I got it changed to 12:45am. I'm excited about this, I can't sleep, and so I just need to get over there and do my job. I'll message when I have landed in Istanbul.
Miranda's stomach dropped. This message must have come through whilst her phone had turned itself back on after going dead and or when she went down the hall to grab a bottle of whisky. She's actually doing it. Going without saying goodbye. She let out a shaky breath. Because she isn't afraid. She believes nothing will go wrong. That we don't need to say goodbye because she'll come home safe.
Yet Miranda couldn't shake this unnerving feeling.
Pressing her speed-dial number she wasn’t at all surprised when it went to Andrea’s voice-mail. Her lover would have turned it off due to sitting on a plane right now thirty thousand feet in the sky.
“I have to have faith.” She whispered as she looked to the photo of them that the girls took a couple weeks ago. “Please come back to me safely.”
~*~
Two Hours Later.
Miranda was making her way down to the kitchen for a mug of warm milk in the hopes that might help her sleep when there was a knock at the door causing her to jump.
Slowly turning around she hoped and prayed it wasn't the police because that was the last thing she needed right now.
“Who is it?!” Miranda called out in a male tone of voice much like her lover did when they were at the apartment. It was still dark outside and she was home alone and due to her famous stature she could never be too careful.
“It's the AVON lady!”
Miranda's eyes widened at that voice as she quickly walked down the foyer stairs to the door she pulled open. “What are yo-“
Andrea's lips met her own before she could continue, pushing them inside and the brunette closed the door with her foot.
“What happened?” She instantly asked, concerned.
“I couldn’t find my keys and I saw your figure through the window.”
Miranda ignored those words. “You're supposed to be on a plane to the Middle Ea-“
“I changed my mind!” Andrea cut her off.
“You changed your mind?!” Miranda frowned. “You never change your mind!”
“You hated that I was going there! I can't have you hating me!”
“I don't hate you. I simply hated you were going! Where have you been all this time?!”
“At the airport where I freaked out as I was walking onto the plane and turned right back but then chaos erupted in one of the terminals due to a fight and the whole place was put into lock down so the police could find the two suspects and then I fell asleep and woke up to realise my phone is dead and I wasn't able to contact you and I worriedly freaked out when I realised you had no idea that I wasn’t on the plane. I high tailed it to a taxi, which funnily enough happened to be Max hoping for an expensive fare into the city… which he got, and now I'm here...”
“Oh darling.” Miranda cupped her rambling lover’s flawless face.
“And Max is still waiting outside for money which I don't have.” Andrea whispered, a little embarrassed. “I knew you wouldn't have liked knowing I caught the subway from JFK so I got the taxi however it's a really hefty price!”
“It doesn’t matter. I’m glad you got a taxi.” Miranda replied, picking up her hand bag for her wallet. She looked at her lover again. “I’m just glad you’re safe and home where you should be.” She said, leaning in to kiss her lover. “Which I know sounds incredibly selfish, but I can’t help it.”
Andrea smiled beautifully at her as they kissed soundly. “I’m glad I’m home too.” She whispered, before she began moving backwards to the staircase. “I've already said goodbye to him and I'm bursting for the toilet!”
“I'll meet you upstairs.” Miranda replied, her lover kissed her cheek before rushing upstairs.
Chuckling and extremely relieved and pleased her darling was back home safe and sound her body relaxed as she reopened the front door and went down to speak with Max and thank him for delivering Andrea home to her. Her night was made even better when he was absolutely stunned at the generous tip she gave him.
~*~
“I was scared.” Andrea confessed later that morning after a couple hours of love making. “I heard on the radio on my way to the airport about an Iranian neighbourhood being attacked by the militia. I just thought... what if I had of been in one of those houses? You and I are still so new, so exciting, and I nearly put all of that as well as my own life in jeopardy!”
Miranda was glad her lover had opened her eyes up to the reality of the situation she had very nearly put herself in. "I understood why you wanted to go, Andrea, really... your story would have been an amazing piece, ground-breaking even, but it's so dangerous there... I wouldn't have been able to sleep until you came back home.”
“I really wanted to speak to that Afghan gay couple.”
“You could probably still do your article. Just do it from here, your home, over SKYPE.” Miranda suggested.
“I will, but also there is that homelessness piece I want to do. The number of people living on the streets has risen to an alarming rate.”
Miranda nodded. She would support whatever Andrea would want to write as long as it meant she was closer to home. Again, she knew it was selfish, but it is the first time she has truly been in love and she didn’t want there to ever be a world without Andrea Sachs in it.
A Few Minutes Later.
“The new boss was super understanding, says it's not the first writer he's had that has gotten cold feet, but unfortunately I can't do the article from home. He's sending another writer over.” Andrea said, sounding disappointed. “But on the plus side he gave me the go ahead for the other article ideas I have. He wants me to do a whole series each week on the homelessness...”
“That's wonderful darling!” Miranda replied, still so relieved.
Knowing she could sleep easy again tonight Miranda got up out of bed as Andrea followed her into the ensuite.
~*~
Eight Weeks Later.
Breezing into the kitchen after a delightful swim (she had to keep her fitness up now more than ever since involving herself with a younger woman) she looked around, confused and frowning when she didn't see Andrea at the island counter like she normally would be this time of evening with a beer or wine with her laptop open and typing away whilst still managing to pester Cara on and off for when dinner would be ready.
Looking over to her girls who sat at the table doing their nightly homework she wandered closer. “Ummm hello.”
“Hi.”
“Hey.”
“It's great to see you doing your normal routine, sweethearts, but...” she looked around again. “Where's Andrea?! Is she not home yet?” It was so strange not seeing her lover in her favourite spot to wind down every night after a busy day.
“Andy's upstairs.” Caroline responded distractedly as she continued working on her algebra test.
“She didn't come see us. She went straight upstairs.” Cassidy said. “Ignored me when I said hi. I think she's sick.” She added with a shrug, returning to her task at hand.
“I hope she's not contagious.” Caroline worriedly chimed in, having a massive phobia when it came to germs.
“You'll be right, bobbsey, just don't come near our bedroom if she is.” Miranda responded, checking her email to see if she has a message back from Lagerfield yet before looking to her girls again. “What is Cara cooking for dinner?”
“Spaghetti Bolognese.” Caroline replied.
“Can Louise come over? She needs my help on her geography test.” Cassidy asked.
Caroline rolled her eyes. “Oh, I'm sure.” She muttered.
“Yes, okay, but just keep it quiet if Andrea is unwell.” Miranda responded, grabbing out a small bottle of PELLEGRINO and taking a few sips.
Cassidy grinned and quickly sent a text to Louise.
"You better not have forgotten that Alecia and Emma are coming around to study as well." Caroline said. "We have that project we need to work on, and tonight was the only time they could both come around at the same time."
“That's alright, bobbsey, I do remember you telling me last night." Miranda replied, kissing the both of them on their foreheads before wandering back to the door. "I'm going to go and check on Andrea.” She said and just as she was heading upstairs the doorbell rang. “I'm assuming that's for you two.” She said over her shoulder as Cassidy came racing down the hall skidding to a stop before reaching the steps down to the foyer. “You know if you aren't careful one day soon you'll hurt yourself doing that in those socks.”
“Oh please, you have no faith in my skills, Mom.” Cassidy responded.
Shaking her head and chuckling she began walking upstairs.
“Darcy's coming over now too.” She heard Caroline excitedly say from the kitchen.
“Acceptable.” Miranda responded, it was only fair after all.
Once on the second floor she frowned upon seeing the French bedroom doors shut. The only times they closed them over was if they were making love, the rest of the time it was cracked open slightly because Miranda the worrisome mother always liked being able to listen out for her daughters.
Reaching out for the door handle Miranda knocked gently so as not to scare her lover if she was resting. Her concern only deepened when she found the room completely dark. She could just make out her lover curled up on the bed.
“Andrea, darling, is everything alright?” The editor asked softly as she reached the bed. She sat down on the side Andrea was facing and tried to take Andrea’s hand but her lover pulled away and cocooned herself further under the blankets.
“Are you sick?” Miranda questioned. “Is there anything I can get for you?”
Andrea remained silent. Miranda was at a loss. She reached out and Andrea thankfully allowed her to place her hand on her forehead. She wasn't hot, but that did not ease Miranda's concern, it amplified it.
Worrying Miranda scrambled through her thoughts and tried to think of something she might have done or said to upset her lover. She came up empty though. The last few weeks have been absolute bliss, they’d had a week alone just last week as the girls had been away with School, and even though it was hard to get alone time with the girls constantly being around it never seemed to phase her lover. Until now, maybe?
Maybe that was it. Andrea had finally had enough of having teenaged daughters and couldn't handle having no space to herself or alone time just the two of them.
“Please talk to me, Andrea, you're scaring me.” Miranda said, her voice trembling. The thought of losing her Andrea again was too much for her to handle.
Seconds went by and sick of sitting in the dark and wanting questions Miranda leaned forward to click on the lamp. She had to control herself from gasping when she saw Andrea’s face, silent tears running down those flawless cheeks with mascara smudged around her red eyes.
“Darling. What's wrong?” Miranda asked, her worry tenfold now. She watched as Andrea reached out and grabbed her cell, handing it to her.
Miranda pressed a button and the screen lit up with a photo of the two of them with the girls including Patricia. It was one of their favourite pictures together. She then looked at the missed calls where there were over a dozen from her father. She clicked the voice mail and listened, her stomach dropped and heart race picked up. It was clear something bad happened.
“Andy, I was hoping to have caught you, but with your busy schedule and Miranda and the kids I'm not surprised I wasn't able to, but I suppose it's better this way because I... I... I don't think I'd be able to keep my emotions in order had you picked up.”
Richard fell silent and Miranda could hear the aching pain in his voice as he tried to stop himself from crying.
“There's no easy way to say this so I just have to say it. Your brother, Dylan… he… he passed away.”
Miranda couldn’t believe her ears. Passed away? What on earth?!
Richard fell silent again. “He… oh god…” he began crying. “He... He took his own life. You need to come home, honey.” And with that Richard broke down even more before ending the voice message.
Miranda silently placed the cell back on the bedside table, she noticed her hands were shaking, before she looked at her lover who was looking at her now.
“Andrea, I...” But before Miranda could continue, even though she had no idea what she should say to Andrea, the brunette burst into sobs, and held trembling hands out for her. “Oh, my darling, Andrea.” She whispered laying down with the young woman, pulling her impossibly tight against her.
“I don't understand how this could have happened.” Andrea whispered, voice cracking, as more sobs ripped through her. The tears weren't going to stop any day soon, this Miranda knew.
Running her hand up and down Andrea's back, she opened her mouth before closing it. She had no idea what to say so simply remained quiet and held Andrea close.
What were you to say to someone who lost their youngest brother to suicide?
~*~
Notes: That was a shock, I know! I wanted to shake things up and challenge myself with a storyline like this!
~*~
http://pure-ecstasy6.livejournal.com/46158.html
A Week Later.
The girls were particularly needy today, being quite emotional about their Daddy, wondering why they aren't allowed to see him.
That evening as she came home early to be with them Miranda realised that tonight was the night she had to be honest about what was really going on.
Looking at the clock on the mantel piece as they wandered into the entertainment room she was glad to see it wouldn't be much longer until Andrea would be home.
Sighing she opened her mouth and began speaking. “There's something I haven't told you about your Father...” She said, sitting down with her girls, trying her best to prepare herself for the outburst which would come.
~*~
Cassidy and Caroline stared at her speechlessly.
“Are you joking?” Cassidy asked.
“Because if you're joking this isn't funny!” Caroline chimed in.
“I wouldn't lie about something like this.”
“I hate him!” Caroline yelled, getting up from the couch. “I hate him so much! I'm never seeing him again!”
Miranda tried to reach for her daughter but Caroline shrugged her off, storming from the room, nearly knocking Andrea over. Her eyes connected with her lover's and saw the brunette connecting the dots that she had told them the truth.
Andrea looked hesitant. “Should I go after her or?”
Smiling at the thoughtfulness Miranda shook her head. “I think she just needs a few minutes alone.” She replied, motioning for her lover to enter the room before turning back to Cassidy who had tears in her eyes.
“Are we poor now?”
“Oh no, no no. We're not poor. We can still continue on living the way we do we just... we might have to cut back on a few things.”
“Can I still help Adisa, Zaida, and Uschi with the monthly payments?” Cassidy worriedly asked.
Miranda's heart swelled with pride that the main worry her eldest had was for her Sponsor Children in Africa. Cassidy donated three thousand a month from her personal trust fund account which had been cleaned out without a care in the world by Eric. “Oh, sweetheart, yes we can still continue with the monthly payments.”
“And what about Caroline's tigers and the orangutans? Then there's your monthly payments to the Red Cross and that other one I always forget the name of for the women who are homeless... and the AIDS one!”
Miranda bit the inside of her lip. “I'm honestly not sure, sweetheart, I need to sit down with the bank before I can confirm anything.” She responded, hating that she was going to have to halt a lot of her own charity payments for god knows how long. You've done so much over these last couple of decades... a few years cutting back with donations won't hurt. If you continue to feel that bad about it you can do more hours at the Soup Kitchen. She tried to tell herself, but she still couldn't shake herself from feeling guilty.
“Can we still go to Columbia?”
“I'm not going to let that despicable man get in the way of your education. Your school fundings will be fine. I promise.”
Cassidy wiped her tears as Andrea sat with them. “I can't believe he's done this. You've worked so much for so long for the money you had!”
“All that matters is that I have you and Caroline... that you're happy and healthy. The money... as nice as it is could be all gone and I wouldn't care because I still have the two of you, and Andrea.” She turned to her lover, taking the brunette's hand.
“Will we lose the house?”
“I paid the home off decades ago, bobbsey. This will always be our home. You don't have to worry about that. You're still going to be able to live the same lives you do.”
It took Cassidy a little while to calm down but she held her daughter tightly until her tears stopped.
“I know I shouldn't be butting in, but I'm feeling quite sad myself actually.”
Miranda and Cassidy frowned.
Instantly concerned Miranda turned to her lover. “Why... what's wrong?”
“These are the last three articles I'll write for RUNWAY.” Her brunette beauty explained, putting the slip of papers on her lap.
“Oh nonsense, you might have the desire to come back and grace RUNWAY with your phenomenal talent again. Never say never.” She nudged Andrea, she and Cassidy smiling.
“You have a point.” Andrea grinned.
“I look forward to reading them.” Miranda replied.
“I'm going to check on Caroline.” Cassidy said, standing up.
Squeezing her daughters hand she let go. “Alright, I'll be up shortly. Tell her it's definitely a popcorn, marshmallows, and dipping chocolate night tonight with GILMORE GIRLS on the TV.”
At her words Cassidy's eyes widened in delight. “Yes!”
Smiling Miranda was glad she was able to distract her girls with treats and TV if only for a little while.
“Is everything okay?” Andrea asked when Cassidy left, searching her eyes, still looking concerned.
“It will be especially now you're home.”
“Sweet talker.” Andrea replied, kissing her.
Miranda looked down at the articles. “I can't believe how fast your last week at RUNWAY went by.”
“Time flies when you're having fun.” Andrea winked.
Licking her lips Miranda's cheeks flushed thinking of all the times Andrea has taken her up against various walls in most of the offices when no one was around. “Yes, well...” she cleared her throat. “It seems I'll miss those... moments.”
Andrea chuckled, running those long fingers through her iconic hair. “I'll still be in the building for another two weeks.” She winked, her AUTO UNIVERSE contract not finished yet.
Miranda smirked. Oh, I'm going to miss not having her in the building, but I am so thrilled she's gotten the job she has been dreaming of!
~*~
Three Weeks Later.
“Did you find out what your first article assignment is for the NEW YORKER?” Miranda asked as she walked into the entertainment room where her lover was laying on the couch with her laptop resting on her stomach.
“I did.” Andy looked up, smiling at her lover, and stood. “You'll never guess where they want me to go!”
~*~
“Lebanon, Israel, and Iran. I'll be meeting two inspiring people, a gay male couple, coming from Afghanistan!” Andrea excitedly said. “Can you believe it?! Just imagine all of the stories I’m going to hear!”
It took a while for those words to sink in.
“What you're telling me is... For your first NEW YORKER assignment they want you to go to the Middle East.” Miranda said, taken aback and completely concerned by this.
“How exciting! I didn't expect this one bit but my article series is going to be amazing! Emotional... but amazing. I'm going to be meeting all these different families... living in their homes... seeing what their day to day lives are like!”
And risking your own life while you’re there! Miranda knew she couldn't stop her lover from going and she wasn't going to try. I simply have to have faith she'll come back home safely. “How wonderful.” She said, forcing a smile.
“You aren't excited.”
Sighing Miranda looked to her lover. “I'm worried. It's dangerous over there. Anything could happen.”
“I'm not going out onto the battlefield.” Andrea laughingly replied.
Still dangerous. Miranda didn't say. Her lover had her mind set and there was no point arguing.
“The only thing is...” Andrea bit her lip. “They want me to leave tomorrow.”
“You've got to be joking!” Miranda responded, furious. “They only gave you a days’ notice!”
Andrea shrugged. “It's journalism. Stories come up at the drop of a hat. That's how it works.”
Miranda sighed, rubbing her face. She couldn't believe this.
“Can you try to at least pretend to be excited for me?” Andrea questioned.
“Honestly...” Miranda shook her head. “No. I don't think I can.”
“Well... that's that then, isn't it?” Andrea replied, beginning to walk out of the room, but not before picking up her shoulder bag and laptop.
“Where are you going?” Miranda asked.
“To my apartment.”
My apartment. The words echoed through her mind as she opened and closed her mouth. The apartment her lover hasn't been to in weeks. “Darling, come on, let's talk about this more.”
“There's no point when you've already made your mind up and I don't need to hear all the reasons of why I shouldn't go there and all the scary things that won't even happen. I'm going to be safe and sound with several different families who are used to those conditions.”
Miranda snorted. “You're being incredibly naive.”
“See! You've done it again!” Andrea snapped, moving faster down the staircase. “Don't contact me unless you have something more positive to say because I need a clear mind frame and not your incessant negativity.”
Miranda stopped half way down the staircase and watched as Andrea stormed out of the house. You've really done it this time!
Not knowing what to do because she wasn't going to change her thoughts about this she turned around and went back into the entertainment room to the drinks trolley for a much needed shot or two of McAllen's whisky. If only she still worked at RUNWAY...
~*~
Early the Next Morning.
After continuous tossing and turning Miranda decided to give up on the idea of sleeping after the clock chimed 2am.
She sat up doing various amounts of work, research, and came up with lots of new idea's for upcoming RUNWAY issues, but the whole time she couldn't shake the thought of Andrea going to the Middle East and the horrors she would see and hear, and the possibility of something happening to her lover... that was unthinkable.
Stopping what she was doing at 3:30AM as her mind filled with horrofic thoughts she began pacing the room before picking up her phone which had finally finished charging. She saw a text from Andrea and chewed on her lip whilst opening it, dreading what it may or may not say.
Flight details came in. I was meant to leave at 10am but I got it changed to 12:45am. I'm excited about this, I can't sleep, and so I just need to get over there and do my job. I'll message when I have landed in Istanbul.
Miranda's stomach dropped. This message must have come through whilst her phone had turned itself back on after going dead and or when she went down the hall to grab a bottle of whisky. She's actually doing it. Going without saying goodbye. She let out a shaky breath. Because she isn't afraid. She believes nothing will go wrong. That we don't need to say goodbye because she'll come home safe.
Yet Miranda couldn't shake this unnerving feeling.
Pressing her speed-dial number she wasn’t at all surprised when it went to Andrea’s voice-mail. Her lover would have turned it off due to sitting on a plane right now thirty thousand feet in the sky.
“I have to have faith.” She whispered as she looked to the photo of them that the girls took a couple weeks ago. “Please come back to me safely.”
~*~
Two Hours Later.
Miranda was making her way down to the kitchen for a mug of warm milk in the hopes that might help her sleep when there was a knock at the door causing her to jump.
Slowly turning around she hoped and prayed it wasn't the police because that was the last thing she needed right now.
“Who is it?!” Miranda called out in a male tone of voice much like her lover did when they were at the apartment. It was still dark outside and she was home alone and due to her famous stature she could never be too careful.
“It's the AVON lady!”
Miranda's eyes widened at that voice as she quickly walked down the foyer stairs to the door she pulled open. “What are yo-“
Andrea's lips met her own before she could continue, pushing them inside and the brunette closed the door with her foot.
“What happened?” She instantly asked, concerned.
“I couldn’t find my keys and I saw your figure through the window.”
Miranda ignored those words. “You're supposed to be on a plane to the Middle Ea-“
“I changed my mind!” Andrea cut her off.
“You changed your mind?!” Miranda frowned. “You never change your mind!”
“You hated that I was going there! I can't have you hating me!”
“I don't hate you. I simply hated you were going! Where have you been all this time?!”
“At the airport where I freaked out as I was walking onto the plane and turned right back but then chaos erupted in one of the terminals due to a fight and the whole place was put into lock down so the police could find the two suspects and then I fell asleep and woke up to realise my phone is dead and I wasn't able to contact you and I worriedly freaked out when I realised you had no idea that I wasn’t on the plane. I high tailed it to a taxi, which funnily enough happened to be Max hoping for an expensive fare into the city… which he got, and now I'm here...”
“Oh darling.” Miranda cupped her rambling lover’s flawless face.
“And Max is still waiting outside for money which I don't have.” Andrea whispered, a little embarrassed. “I knew you wouldn't have liked knowing I caught the subway from JFK so I got the taxi however it's a really hefty price!”
“It doesn’t matter. I’m glad you got a taxi.” Miranda replied, picking up her hand bag for her wallet. She looked at her lover again. “I’m just glad you’re safe and home where you should be.” She said, leaning in to kiss her lover. “Which I know sounds incredibly selfish, but I can’t help it.”
Andrea smiled beautifully at her as they kissed soundly. “I’m glad I’m home too.” She whispered, before she began moving backwards to the staircase. “I've already said goodbye to him and I'm bursting for the toilet!”
“I'll meet you upstairs.” Miranda replied, her lover kissed her cheek before rushing upstairs.
Chuckling and extremely relieved and pleased her darling was back home safe and sound her body relaxed as she reopened the front door and went down to speak with Max and thank him for delivering Andrea home to her. Her night was made even better when he was absolutely stunned at the generous tip she gave him.
~*~
“I was scared.” Andrea confessed later that morning after a couple hours of love making. “I heard on the radio on my way to the airport about an Iranian neighbourhood being attacked by the militia. I just thought... what if I had of been in one of those houses? You and I are still so new, so exciting, and I nearly put all of that as well as my own life in jeopardy!”
Miranda was glad her lover had opened her eyes up to the reality of the situation she had very nearly put herself in. "I understood why you wanted to go, Andrea, really... your story would have been an amazing piece, ground-breaking even, but it's so dangerous there... I wouldn't have been able to sleep until you came back home.”
“I really wanted to speak to that Afghan gay couple.”
“You could probably still do your article. Just do it from here, your home, over SKYPE.” Miranda suggested.
“I will, but also there is that homelessness piece I want to do. The number of people living on the streets has risen to an alarming rate.”
Miranda nodded. She would support whatever Andrea would want to write as long as it meant she was closer to home. Again, she knew it was selfish, but it is the first time she has truly been in love and she didn’t want there to ever be a world without Andrea Sachs in it.
A Few Minutes Later.
“The new boss was super understanding, says it's not the first writer he's had that has gotten cold feet, but unfortunately I can't do the article from home. He's sending another writer over.” Andrea said, sounding disappointed. “But on the plus side he gave me the go ahead for the other article ideas I have. He wants me to do a whole series each week on the homelessness...”
“That's wonderful darling!” Miranda replied, still so relieved.
Knowing she could sleep easy again tonight Miranda got up out of bed as Andrea followed her into the ensuite.
~*~
Eight Weeks Later.
Breezing into the kitchen after a delightful swim (she had to keep her fitness up now more than ever since involving herself with a younger woman) she looked around, confused and frowning when she didn't see Andrea at the island counter like she normally would be this time of evening with a beer or wine with her laptop open and typing away whilst still managing to pester Cara on and off for when dinner would be ready.
Looking over to her girls who sat at the table doing their nightly homework she wandered closer. “Ummm hello.”
“Hi.”
“Hey.”
“It's great to see you doing your normal routine, sweethearts, but...” she looked around again. “Where's Andrea?! Is she not home yet?” It was so strange not seeing her lover in her favourite spot to wind down every night after a busy day.
“Andy's upstairs.” Caroline responded distractedly as she continued working on her algebra test.
“She didn't come see us. She went straight upstairs.” Cassidy said. “Ignored me when I said hi. I think she's sick.” She added with a shrug, returning to her task at hand.
“I hope she's not contagious.” Caroline worriedly chimed in, having a massive phobia when it came to germs.
“You'll be right, bobbsey, just don't come near our bedroom if she is.” Miranda responded, checking her email to see if she has a message back from Lagerfield yet before looking to her girls again. “What is Cara cooking for dinner?”
“Spaghetti Bolognese.” Caroline replied.
“Can Louise come over? She needs my help on her geography test.” Cassidy asked.
Caroline rolled her eyes. “Oh, I'm sure.” She muttered.
“Yes, okay, but just keep it quiet if Andrea is unwell.” Miranda responded, grabbing out a small bottle of PELLEGRINO and taking a few sips.
Cassidy grinned and quickly sent a text to Louise.
"You better not have forgotten that Alecia and Emma are coming around to study as well." Caroline said. "We have that project we need to work on, and tonight was the only time they could both come around at the same time."
“That's alright, bobbsey, I do remember you telling me last night." Miranda replied, kissing the both of them on their foreheads before wandering back to the door. "I'm going to go and check on Andrea.” She said and just as she was heading upstairs the doorbell rang. “I'm assuming that's for you two.” She said over her shoulder as Cassidy came racing down the hall skidding to a stop before reaching the steps down to the foyer. “You know if you aren't careful one day soon you'll hurt yourself doing that in those socks.”
“Oh please, you have no faith in my skills, Mom.” Cassidy responded.
Shaking her head and chuckling she began walking upstairs.
“Darcy's coming over now too.” She heard Caroline excitedly say from the kitchen.
“Acceptable.” Miranda responded, it was only fair after all.
Once on the second floor she frowned upon seeing the French bedroom doors shut. The only times they closed them over was if they were making love, the rest of the time it was cracked open slightly because Miranda the worrisome mother always liked being able to listen out for her daughters.
Reaching out for the door handle Miranda knocked gently so as not to scare her lover if she was resting. Her concern only deepened when she found the room completely dark. She could just make out her lover curled up on the bed.
“Andrea, darling, is everything alright?” The editor asked softly as she reached the bed. She sat down on the side Andrea was facing and tried to take Andrea’s hand but her lover pulled away and cocooned herself further under the blankets.
“Are you sick?” Miranda questioned. “Is there anything I can get for you?”
Andrea remained silent. Miranda was at a loss. She reached out and Andrea thankfully allowed her to place her hand on her forehead. She wasn't hot, but that did not ease Miranda's concern, it amplified it.
Worrying Miranda scrambled through her thoughts and tried to think of something she might have done or said to upset her lover. She came up empty though. The last few weeks have been absolute bliss, they’d had a week alone just last week as the girls had been away with School, and even though it was hard to get alone time with the girls constantly being around it never seemed to phase her lover. Until now, maybe?
Maybe that was it. Andrea had finally had enough of having teenaged daughters and couldn't handle having no space to herself or alone time just the two of them.
“Please talk to me, Andrea, you're scaring me.” Miranda said, her voice trembling. The thought of losing her Andrea again was too much for her to handle.
Seconds went by and sick of sitting in the dark and wanting questions Miranda leaned forward to click on the lamp. She had to control herself from gasping when she saw Andrea’s face, silent tears running down those flawless cheeks with mascara smudged around her red eyes.
“Darling. What's wrong?” Miranda asked, her worry tenfold now. She watched as Andrea reached out and grabbed her cell, handing it to her.
Miranda pressed a button and the screen lit up with a photo of the two of them with the girls including Patricia. It was one of their favourite pictures together. She then looked at the missed calls where there were over a dozen from her father. She clicked the voice mail and listened, her stomach dropped and heart race picked up. It was clear something bad happened.
“Andy, I was hoping to have caught you, but with your busy schedule and Miranda and the kids I'm not surprised I wasn't able to, but I suppose it's better this way because I... I... I don't think I'd be able to keep my emotions in order had you picked up.”
Richard fell silent and Miranda could hear the aching pain in his voice as he tried to stop himself from crying.
“There's no easy way to say this so I just have to say it. Your brother, Dylan… he… he passed away.”
Miranda couldn’t believe her ears. Passed away? What on earth?!
Richard fell silent again. “He… oh god…” he began crying. “He... He took his own life. You need to come home, honey.” And with that Richard broke down even more before ending the voice message.
Miranda silently placed the cell back on the bedside table, she noticed her hands were shaking, before she looked at her lover who was looking at her now.
“Andrea, I...” But before Miranda could continue, even though she had no idea what she should say to Andrea, the brunette burst into sobs, and held trembling hands out for her. “Oh, my darling, Andrea.” She whispered laying down with the young woman, pulling her impossibly tight against her.
“I don't understand how this could have happened.” Andrea whispered, voice cracking, as more sobs ripped through her. The tears weren't going to stop any day soon, this Miranda knew.
Running her hand up and down Andrea's back, she opened her mouth before closing it. She had no idea what to say so simply remained quiet and held Andrea close.
What were you to say to someone who lost their youngest brother to suicide?
~*~
Notes: That was a shock, I know! I wanted to shake things up and challenge myself with a storyline like this!
~*~
http://pure-ecstasy6.livejournal.com/46158.html