Fanfic part two- Friends WithOUT benefits

[Dannie IsNotHere]

Part 2 is here! Tell me what you think!



Fran was so excited. The one man she had adored for all these years had finally proposed to her! After all she’d been through in the past-the love, the hates, the hurt- they were finally together! The only problem that Fran could sense was that Maxwell hadn’t been himself lately. She figured it was just “after-proposal” jitters.
Meanwhile, Niles and C.C. were planning their own wedding. They couldn’t believe that the entire time they despised each other, it was really love. What a strange relationship. But they didn’t care.
One night, Fran was drifting to sleep when she heard noises coming from Maxwell’s office. She tiptoed to his office and walked over to him. She kissed him lightly on the neck.
“Sweetie? you okay?” she asked softly.
“I’m fine,” he replied. He stood up and put his arms about her waist. She smiled and realized that nothing was really wrong with him- it was just her imagination.
“Fran, darling?” asked Maxwell after a moment of silence, still not letting go.
“Yea?”
“I, uh, want to tell you something.”
“What would that be?” Fran had a feeling that what he was going to say, but she thought fast.
Maxwell sighed. “I have something I need to-” he was cut off when Fran moved closer to him and kissed him with all her might. She kissed him for a long time, and though he had something to tell her, Maxwell didn’t make her stop.

While this was all happening, Niles and C.C. were in the middle of a fight.
“Niles, if we get married, I want our own house, I don’t want to live here all the time,” C.C. was saying.
“I’m sorry dear, but I’d like to stay with my lifetime friend Mr. Sheffield,” replied Niles.
“But he and Nanny Fine are getting married, though! Why would they want us tagging along with them?”
“Well, me because I’d like to continue being the butler. I have no idea why they’d want you tagging along.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Oh, nothing...”
“Oh, Niles, you know what? I can’t take this anymore! I guess our little insult relationship isn’t going to work out after all!”
“Fine, C.C. I’ll just start calling you Miss Babcock again.”
She stood there, shocked. “You wouldn’t dare,” she said through clenched teeth.
“Wait and see, MISS BABCOCK.”
“Nooooooo! Well, that’s it! I can’t take it anymore! I want OUT of this engagement!”
“Fine.” Niles walked to the door and held it open as C.C. stomped out the door. When she was out of sight, Niles’ face fell and he left the room, too.

Maxwell was still enjoying his kiss. He was still trying to figure out how to tell Fran what he was going to tell her.
Fran could pretty much read his mind. If I stop now, she thought, I’m gonna get hurt. But she stopped anyway. Maxwell looked dumfounded. Fran decided to torture him and just leave. She ran back to her room, not knowing what the point of seeing him was. She fell asleep right away.
The next morning, Niles was looking miserable, and so was Maxwell. Fran had a gut feeling that something was going to happen that day.
Unfortunately, her gut feeling was right.
“Miss Fine?” Maxwell called.
Fran was startled to hear him say that. “Y-yes?” she replied, feeling guilty for something she hadn’t even done.
“Can you come here?”
“Uh... sure.” She walked to where the sound of his voice was coming from, his bedroom. “Oh... so THAT’S what you want,” she said, shutting the door and walking close to him. “Did that kiss put you in the mood.”
Maxwell hesitated and stared for a moment. “Yea, I feel- no, no, no, no, no! What am I doing? Miss Fine, there’s something we need to discuss.”
“Miss Fine? So we’re gona have a little fun, are we?”
“JUST LISTEN TO ME!”
“Okay, okay, my God. You’d think he’d be nicer to his fiancee.”
Maxwell sighed. “That’s what I wanted to talk to you about.”
“What do you mean?” asked Fran with a gasp.
He placed his hand on her leg. “There’s nothing againts you, remember that. But, Fran, I don’t want to get married.”
Fran said nothing.
“Fran?”
Still nothing.
“Fran, I-”
“So... you were using me?”
“No, I would never use you.”
“I don’t care.”
“Oh. Listen, I don’t want to hurt you.”
“Well, you didn’t do a very good job of that!”
“Just listen to me!”
“Fine.” Fran was thinking of a revenge.
“I do still want to be yours, but I don’t want to be an official boyfriend. So I was thinking... maybe that whole ‘friends with benefits’ thing?”
Fran thought. This would be ther perfect time for revenge, she thought.
“All right. Friends.” Maxwell couldn’t help but notice the sneakiness in her face as they shook on it.

[Dannie IsNotHere]

Chapter 2



C.C. came back the next day to work with Maxwell. She tried her best to avoid Niles, but it was tough considering that Niles was Maxwell’s butler. C.C. felt very awkward around him, but figured it was the chance to get “back together” with Maxwell.
“So... Maxwell. I heard about you and Nanny Fine,” she said slowly walking over to the edge of his desk and sitting on it as Fran had always done.
“Yes. And I heard about you and Niles. I’m terribly sorry,” Maxwell replied, ignoring her come-on.
“I guess this means a new start for us, huh?” she said, beginning to play with the buttons on Maxwell’s shirt.
“I suppose...” he looked at her hands on his shirt. He put his hand over hers, and C.C.’s heart melted. But he pushed her hand away, and disappointment spread over her face. She and Maxwell stood up at the same time, and walked over to the file cabinet next to the couch. She leaned against it, playing with her hair while Maxwell went searcing for something.
“Oh, Maxwell. All these years... don’t you think we have just a tiny bit of sexual tension between us?”
At that moment, Niles walked in. He walked past C.C. and C.C., thinking it was Maxwell grabbed him and gave him a “Nanny Fine” kiss. Niles didn’t know what hit him at first, but got into it, wrapping his arms around C.C. They pulled apart, and Maxwell saw them and exclaimed, “C.C.!”
“Oh, you want more?” her eyes were still closed, and she kissed Niles again. for the second time, they pulled apart. She opened her eyes and her mouth widened. Niles did his little wave and walked out of the room. “Shoot,” she said in response to what just happend. “I just gave the best kisser ever up.”
“C.C., listen to me. Could to talk to Fran and figure out what’s wrong with her?” asked Maxwell.
“I guess.” C.C.’s face fell as she walked to find Fran. She found her sitting on her bed in her room. “Nanny Fine?”
“Oh, it’s you. Come on in, I guess,” replied Fran.
“Nanny Fine, Maxwell wants me to talk to you, but I was wondering if YOU could help ME.”
“Why?”
“Well, Niles and I had this huge fight, and I thought I didn’t love him anymore-”
“And you realized you still love him?”
“Yes.”
“I feel ya. I felt the same when Mr. Sheffield took back that thing on the plane. And right now...”
C.C. sighed. “Nanny Fine, what should I do?”
“Try to win him back. Show him you’re sorry. And I mean SHOW.” Fran winked.
“Hahahaha. You’re not so bad, Nanny Fine. I think I actually like you.”
“Well, that’s good to know. Meanwhile, how would you like to help me with my revenge to Mr. Sheffield.”
“Sure! What are you doing?” C.C. eyed all the papers on Fran’s bed.
“Well, that’s what I’m trying to figure out.”
“Oh. Well, let’s see. What exactly happened.”
Fran told her the story. “Friends with benefits. Ha! Those relationships are so dumb. Not to mention they never work out.”
“Yea, you’re right. Well... you could change it to just friends.”
“What do you mean?”
“Friend without benefits, that is. Whenever Maxwell leads you on, don’t go along with it. He’ll realize what he let go of after awhile.”
“What a great idea!” Fran stood up. “Thanks! I’m gonna go talk to Mr. Sheffield and see if I can end up putting the plan into action.”
“Meanwhile, I’ll get Maxwell when he gets lonely... forget Niles!” She gave and evil laugh and walked out of the room. Niles walked by, and C.C. felt a flutter in her stomach. She shook it off, just smiled and skipped off.

[smokeypeach]

lol i like it

[CheersChild4life]

It's really good I'm likin it!~

[JDS84]

I love it.

[Dannie IsNotHere]

Thanks for the feedback, guys. Here's more. :D





Fran made it to Maxwell’s office just as he was finishing his work.
“Hi, Fran,” said Maxwell, jumping to his feet.
“Hi, Mr. Sheffield,” replied Fran.
“Mr. Sheffield? Why so formal? Maxwell, please.”
Fran thought for a moment- Maxwell would indicate that I really like him.
“Mr. Sheffield I was thinking about yesterday evening...”
Maxwell listened at first, but couldn’t take his eyes off of Fran. How could I ever let her go? he asked. Maybe this is the part where the “with benefits” deal comes in.
“Fran... do you want to do something this evening? Just you and me?” he interrupted her.
“No,” she replied, flat out.
“Oh, um, all right.”
“So, uh, I guess I’m sorry.”
“That’s all right, sweetheart.” Maxwell got up to hug her, but she ran out of the room before he could get close. “What in the world?”
C.C. walked in. “Hello, Maxwell.”
“Hey there C.C. Do you know what’s wrong with Fran? I asked you to talk to her.”
“Well, she told me nothing was wrong. She actually said that I was a better woman for you.”
“Oh, C.C. You’re not the woman for me,” Maxwell replied, leaving his office. C.C.’s face fumed. Niles walked by again. C.C. muttered to herself, “Just a coincidence.” She followed Maxwell out of the office and into the kitchen. “But, Maxwell, we’ve been working together for so long! Can’t you even give me a chance?”
Maxwell stared at her for a moment. “I- I can’t,” he said, his face lowering.
“Why not?”
“Because... Istwufur,” he mumbled turning his head away.
“What?”
“I said, I still love Fran! Are you happy? I still love her! I can’t help my bloody feelings! I just don’t want to get hurt!”
C.C. didn’t say anything. She just turned and walked out of the kitchen. She opened the door, which bumped into Fran, who stumbled across the floor. Fran looked up and smiled guiltily. “Hi,” she said, giving a little wave. C.C. just walked on. “Aw, Miss Babcock! Thanks for talking some sense into him. But he told YOU he loves me! I want him to tell ME! Thanks anyway, though.” She skipped into the kitchen. C.C. looked in, making a face. I guess there’s no perfect man for me, she thought. Niles walked by yet again. “Okay, that’s it!” She grabbed Niles and kissed him. He was once again surprised, and pulled away, looking strangely at her. Her face turned red and she walked out of the house.
“Hi, darling,” said Maxwell when he saw Fran skip into the kitchen.
“Hi.” Fran didn’t look at him.
“Listen, I was thinking...”
“Yea?” Fran turned around, looking interested, hoping it was big news.
“Maybe right now we should start the ‘with benefits’ portion of our relationship.”
“Oh. I don’t think so.”
“But why not?”
“Because I don’t feel like it.”
“Miss Fine, may I ask you something? And please remember, I’m only saying this as a friend.”
“Yes?”
“Just what is your bloody problem?” The phone rang in the background, but nobody paid much attention to it.
“Ha, that must be your favorite phrase or something, because that’s all I ever hear from you.” She managed to smile.
“Sir, I received a phone call. Miss Babcock is missing,” explained Niles, walking into the kitchen.
“What? When did she leave?”
“Well, the man on the phone said that she had an appointment with her therapist, but never showed up.”
“What is she doing at therapy?”
“Probably trying to become a woman again.” He chuckled.
“Niles, you’re losing it,” Fran replied after hearing what he said.
“Yes, I know. And I know why.”
“Yea, it’s because you love her.”
Niles nodded miserably. “It’s true. I miss her. I can’t believe I let her go. And now she’s gone.”
“Oh, Niles, she can’t be gone for good. If she loves you, she wouldn’t leave you.”
“But if she comes back, how will she know that I truly love her?”
Fran paused. “You have to show her. Just act nicely toward her, and she’ll know that you love her.”
“Thanks for the advice, Miss Fine.” Niles walked toward the door to the kitchen. “Now I’m off to find my girl.”
“Aww...” Fran followed Niles out of the door.
“Hopefully Mr. Sheffield will take your advice,” said Niles, putting his coat on.
“Gee, I, uh, didn’t really think of that...” Fran replied.
“Thank you so much, Miss Fine.”
“No problem.” She went back to the kitchen, hoping that Maxwell payed attention to her “speech.”
He did, but he obviously didn’t listen well enough.
“Miss Fine, listening to you made me feel all... I don’t know, strange inside. Listen, the children aren’t home... do you want to uh...?”
“Ha!” She stomped out of the room, feeling incredibly frustrated.

[CheersChild4life]

Men are pigs(Maxwell) But sometimes they're perfect(Niles) They are mostly pigs though!

[Kristen]

You just keep adding more and more twists to this story! It definitely keeps it interesting, LOL!

[Dannie IsNotHere]

Twists are fun :D

[Dannie IsNotHere]

This is a really short part, but oh well.


“Fran? Are you okay?” asked a voice.
Fran looked up. “Maggie, what are you doing here? I thought you were out for the night.”
“I started feeling a little sick,” replied Maggie. “So I decided to come home. Are you okay? You look a little weird.”
“Thanks a lot!”
“I didn’t mean it like that. But it’s nice to see you smile.”
“Aw, sweetie. It’s nothing really. Just something that happened between me and your father.”
“Fran, how come I can’t know anything that goes on between you and Dad?”
“Because it’s personal stuff. Nothing you really need to know.”
“Oh, all right. But if you want to talk, just call me.”
Maggie stood up to leave, but Fran stopped her when she got to the doorway by saying, “I love him.”
“What?” Maggie turned around.
“I love your father.” Pretty soon the entire story was spilling out. It was as if Maggie and Fran had switched roles. Maggie was the “mother” and Fran was the “daughter.”
When Fran finished telling the story, Maggie just sat there, looked at the floor, then to the doorway. Then she sighed and looked at Fran. “Dad can be weird in that way. Ever since Mom died, he hasn’t been the same. He used to prance around the house in the best moods, and he was so laid back. With Mom around...” she paused, feeling a little emotional. “He didn’t really care about the things that happened. Personally, I think you and Dad are perfect for each other. I mean, you’re already like a mother to me- to all of us. You’re so great, and if you and Da-”
“Miss Fine, I’d like to talk to- Maggie, when did you get home?” Maxwell had come up. He wondered what the girls were up to.
“About fifteen minutes ago,” replied Maggie. “I felt a little sick.”
“Oh... I didn’t hear you. Now let Miss Fine and myself have some time alone, please. Then you may get back to whatever you were doing.”
“Okay.” Maggie winked at Fran and walked to her own room to rest.
When they were alone, Maxwell began talking. “Miss Fine, I was just wondering if anything was wrong. You haven’t been yourself lately.”
“Oh really?”
“Yes really.”
Fran sighed. “I’m just a little upset because you took back yet another thing, and now all you wanna be is friends. You know, we’re both not gonna be around forever.”
Maxwell didn’t say anything at first. He thought for a moment. “I don’t want to be just friends, I’m just afraid-”
“-Of being hurt,” she finished for him. “But if you really love me, then why would I hurt you?”
“I don’t think you would hurt me. It’s just that...” Maxwell sighed. “Oh, I don’t know what it is exactly. I guess I better go.”
As he walked out, Fran said, “If you wait too long, then it will be too late.” He stopped for a minute then continued and said to himself, “I won’t wait too long.”

[Dannie IsNotHere]

The next day, Fran found herself at a club with Val. She was extremely upset about what had happened the night before. She was disappointed in Maxwell for not understanding what she was going through.
“Fran, I’m gonna go to the ladies room real quick, k?” said Val.
“K,” Fran turned away and thought some more. “Why is he doing this to me? It’s been this way forever. It just seems like nothin’s ever gonna change.” She felt hot tears stinging her eyes.
“’Scuse me, ma’am. Are you all right?” asked a voice.
“Not quite,” Fran replied.
“Well, is there anything I can help you with?”
“Oh, I don’t think so.”
“Okay, well, let me buy you a drink.”
“No, it’s okay.” Fran turned around and found herself face-to-face with an incredibly handsome man. “Well... maybe just one.”
The man sat next to her. “I’m George.”
“I’m Fran.” They shook hands. “I’m here with my friend, but she’s in the bathroom right now.”
“Oh, okay. So, uh... what do you do?”
“I’m a nanny. I work for a man and his three children.” She turned away and said, “But right now I seem to only be working on the man.”
“What was that?”
“Nothing.”
“Oh, well, I’m a doctor.”
“Wow!” Once again, she turned away and muttered, “What luck!”
“But right now I have time off to get ready for Hanukkah.”
“You’re Jewish, too?!?” She paused and thought for a minute. “We’re not related are we?” she asked, remembering the time she dated her cousin, Bob.
“Uhh... I don’t think so. No one in my family is as beautiful as you are.”
“Aww... you’re so sweet.”
“Do you want to have dinner some time?”
“Of course!”
“Okay. How about this Friday? I’ll pick you up at 8:00.”
“Sounds good.” Fran gave George the Sheffield’s address, and George left. Val came back. “Wow, that was good timing.”
“What do you mean?” replied Val.
Fran told Val about George.
“So, are you usin’ him to make Mr. Sheffield jealous?” asked Val.
“Uh... no,” replied Fran in a “no duh” tone.
“Wow, Fran. Right when you start to get Mr. Sheffield to like you, you find another man just like that. What is it about you?”
Fran just looked at Val weirdly.

“Miss Babcock... Miss Babcock... C.C.?” While Fran was out with Val, Niles was continuing his search for C.C. “Oh, where could she be?” He stopped in the middle of two buildings and slid down the side to a sitting position. “It’s been two days now, and no sign of her anywhere. Oh, my God, I hope she’s not...” Niles closed his eyes, grasping the thought that his beloved C.C. might possibly no longer be on the earth. He wiped the thought out of his head, stood up, and continued to search. He went to C.C.’s favorite store, hoping that she had gone there since he last looked.
He walked into the store and to the jewelry section, where she loved to drool over the diamonds and sapphires that no one would be able to afford in another lifetime. He looked in the electronics section, where the two of them had danced once before. He looked in department after department, with no trace of C.C. Finally, he found himself in the food court, feeling like Fran. He ordered a large stash of food, and sat down by himself, feeling depressed. He began to unwrap a cheeseburger, when he noticed a tall woman standing a many yards away from her. “C.C.” he said quietly, putting the food down. He watched her as a man came up beside her holding a bag. C.C. took the bag from him, jumped up and down a few times, looking excited, and kissed the man on the cheek.
Niles couldn’t believe what he just saw. It was something he’d only seen in his nightmares. “Oh, my God. Pinch me, I’m dreaming.” He pinched himself and felt nothing. “Good, it’s just a dream...” after a pause, he said, “Or I didn’t feel anything because my body feels numb.”
All of a sudden, C.C. spotted Niles. “Niles, sweetie!” she cried.
Niles got up and walked out of the store with no reply.

Friday came so quickly, Fran almost forgot about her date. At 7:00, she got ready. When 7:45 rolled around, she headed downstairs, ready for a reaction from Maxwell. She was wearing a short, shimmering purple dress underneath of a black jacket. She walked down the stairs with a model-like walk, hoping Maxwell was around.
He was.
“Wow, Miss Fine. Have you decided to forgive me for the other night or something?” he said.
“Nope. I gotta date,” she replied.
“What? But I thought you and I were together...”
“Nuh-uh. We’re just friends, remember? Not boyfriend and girlfriend. So we can date other people.” The doorbell rang. “Oh that’s probably George.” She opened the door and found Niles, looking positively miserable.
“Niles, old man! What’s the matter?” exclaimed Maxwell, still eyeing Fran.
“Miss Babcock... I saw her... with another... man,” Niles replied, taking deep breaths.
“Are you sure it was her?”
“Positive.”
Fran jumped in. “Aww... it must be hard for you.” The doorbell rang again. “Listen, I’d love to talk more, but I gotta go. Bye, guys.” She opened the door and in came George, looking fabulous as ever. Fran glanced at Maxwell, whose mouth and eyes were wide open. She let out a small giggle and left with George.
“Oh, sir, I’ve learned something tonight. If you feel something for another person, act upon it, don’t wait. It might slip right through your fingers,” said Niles.
“You’re absolutely right, old man,” replied Maxwell, still staring at the spot where Fran had been standing. “You’re absolutely right.

[Kristen]

Very good, I like it!! I just love when Max is jealous hehe. I also enjoyed the part when Fran asked George if they were related LOL.

[CarJackSnyder]

i like it !!! :D Keep it comin !!!:)

[Dannie IsNotHere]

Finally wrote some more!




Fran came home late that night, and it was obvious that she’d had a good time. Maxwell was waiting up for her, pretending to be asleep on the couch. She didn’t want to disturb him, so she quietly walked up the stairs.
“Oh, Miss Fine, when did you get in?” Maxwell said, pretending to sound tired.
“I just came in. Oh, Mr. Sheffield, I had a fabulous time! George is unlike any other man I dated. It seems like he’s really ready for commitment. He likes me for who I am. He told me that I was a beautiful woman. I think I’m in love with him,” Fran replied.
“Oh.” Maxwell’s face fell. “Well, good night.”
“’Night.” Fran ran up the stairs.
Maxwell stayed downstairs for a few minutes. “Well, Max,” he said to himself, “you’ve really done it this time. You let the woman you love get away. You waited too long. You said you wouldn’t, but you did.” He straightened up a little, and then walked up to his room. On the way, he checked on each of his children to find them sleeping soundly. He reached his own room, got himself together, and climbed into bed.

“Oh Mr. Sheffield, I was wrong about George. He’s not the right guy for me! I don’t think I’ll ever find the right guy!” It was the next day, and Fran had just been dumped by her boyfriend. She put her head into his shoulder and sobbed.
“There there, Miss Fine. Everything will work out... because I want you with me,” replied Maxwell.
“What?” Fran sat back.
“Fran, I miss you.” He took her hand and kissed it. Fran was speechless, so he put his arms around her and kissed her.
“Maxwell, oh, Maxwell.”

Maxwell woke up and found C.C. standing next to his bed saying, “Maxwell? Oh, Maxwell?”.
“C.C.? What on earth are you doing here? It’s nearly 3 am!” Maxwell asked, sitting up.
“I want to talk to you. Listen, Niles doesn’t know I’m here- he’s still asleep. Do you have any idea what’s wrong with him? I know you guys... talk a lot...”
Maxwell sighed. “Niles told me that he saw you and another man at the department store where he was looking for you.”
“Why was he there anyway?”
The whole story came out- the phone call, Fran’s advice, and how he saw her kiss the man.
“What? Aw, man, I can’t believe he saw that!”
“You can’t believe it? How would you feel if you saw Niles kiss another woman!”
“No, no, listen. That man was Ryan Phillips. He was helping me pick out a gift for Niles to say ‘I’m sorry.’ Ugh! Now I feel terrible!”
“Well, you better explain it to him. But not now. Wait until the morning.” Maxwell laid back down and rolled over.
“No... I think I’ll tell him now,” she whispered, sneaking out of the room. The next morning, everyone woke up around the same time. Except Niles.

Fran was expected to go out with George again. Maxwell disapproved, of course, but he was going to let her go anyway. He couldn’t resist how Fran’s face whenever she mentioned George. He wished it was the same when she thought about himself. But it was useless.
Later that evening, George came and Fran, looking gorgeous as ever, left with him. Maxwell once again just stared off at the spot where she was last standing. He seemed to be stuck in that position, until he snapped out of it saying, “Get a grip. You’ve needed to do this once before, and you have to do it again.” He walked away, feeling more confident, but he still had a bad feeling inside of him.

“Fran? I love you,” said George.
“You know what? I love you, too,” replied Fran.
“No, I’m serious. And you know what I realized? you’re the one I wanna be with the rest of my life. So...,” he kneeled. “Will you marry me?”
Fran gasped a little as her hand went over her heart. “Of course I will!” She accepted the ring, then kissed George.
When the date was over, Fran went back to her home. She told Maxwell what happened, and a look of shock came over his face.
“What’s wrong?” asked Fran.
“I, uh... nothing,” replied Maxwell.
Fran looked skeptical, but let it go as she walked into the kitchen, assuming her mother would be in there.
Sure enough, she was. “Ma, what are you doing here?”
“I was looking for you but I got lost,” Sylvia replied.
“Oh really? You got lost at the fridge?”
“Hey, it’s not my fault you live in such a big house.”
“You know what? I don’t care anyway because I was looking for you. Ma, I’m getting married!”
“What?” Sylvia stood up, looking stern.
“What’s wrong, I thought you wanted that.”
“I didn’t even meet the man!”
“He’s Jewish... and a doctor.”
Sylvia looked thoughtful, then gave a little squeal. She hugged Fran, and they began to jump with excitement. “Wait!!!!” Sylvia said, pulling away.
“What?”
“Is he related to you?”
“Nope, I found the right guy!”
They went back to where they were.

[Kristen]

Great story, Dannie! I'm glad you brought Sylvia in, she's one of my favorites. Max better make a move soon!! I love it when he gets jealous LOL!

[CheersChild4life]

I think Fran should end up with the hunk! It's Max's fault he should of made a move earlier and NOT taken it back!~

[Dannie IsNotHere]

This isn't much... but there will be more soon!



It was 3 in the morning, and Maxwell was still awake. He was up thinking. Tomorrow would be Fran’s last day living with them. She would be moving in with George. Maxwell knew by then it was too late for him to make a move. He also knew that he was jealous. He could have had Fran, but once again, his feelings got the best of him, and he backed out. But still... couldn’t Fran have waited just a little longer?
Finally, he couldn’t take it anymore. He got up out of bed and marched to Fran’s room. He saw her lying in bed, and heard sniffing. He turned on the light and whispered, “Miss Fine?”
“Mr. Sheffield. Um... I was, um, having a nightmare and... oh, what’s the use?” She sighed, and sobbed. “I’m torn apart.”
“Why?” asked Maxwell. He sat down next to her on the bed.
“I don’t know if I’m making the right decision! I mean, I was engaged to you just a few weeks ago and it suddenly seems too soon to be engaged to a whole nother guy.”
Yes! Maybe I can talk her out of it! Maxwell thought.
“If it’s really what you think, you’re probably right,” said Maxwell, trying to sound supportive and not eager.
Fran looked at him as if he were crazy.
“What?” he said, after a long pause.
“You just said I might be right... are you feeling okay?”
Maxwell sighed. “Actually... I’m not.”
“I thought so. Tell me what’s wrong.”
“Fran... I feel so guilty about taking back wanting to marry you. I was thinking last night and realized that... I still love you dearly. It was unfair of me to assume that you were going to just wait around.”
“Well, that’s why you never assume. You made an ass out of ‘u’ and ‘me’.”
“What?”
“You haven’t heard that?”
“No.”
“Wow. You English people need to get lives.”
Maxwell didn’t say anything. After a moment, he finally broke the silence by saying, “I love you. Please don’t leave me.”
“What?” replied Fran.
Maxwell leaned over and kissed her. She kissed back, but felt guilty and pushed him away. “Mr. Sheffield, what are you doing?”
“I don’t want you with another man. I want you with me.”
“No! I love George. You waited too long, and you’re too late!”
“I know, I know. Fran, I can’t tell you how awful I feel about everything that’s happened between us.”
“You haven’t told me, so I’ve just been assuming... so why don’t you start telling me now?”
Maxwell sighed deeply. “I know you’re mad at me-”
“Mad? Why the hell would I be mad at you? I’m in love with someone else. I have no reason to be mad.”
“But... you just seem like it...”
“Fine! I am mad, okay? And thanks to you, I realized that marrying George is the right decision, and I want to marry him ASAP!”
“E-Excuse me?”
“Good night, Mr. Sheffield,” said Fran, pushing Maxwell off his bed.
Maxwell hesitated, then turned off the light for Fran and kissed her cheek softly saying, “Good night, Fran.”
“That’s MISS FINE to you!” she said, pushing him away. When he left, though, hot tears stung her eyes. That’s when she realized something. She was using George to make Maxwell jealous. Still... deep down... she did love him, even if it wasn’t a true love. She figured that it was too late for her as well as Maxwell, so she might as well go through with the wedding. Who knew, maybe she’d realize that she really LOVED George, and wasn’t really lying about it.
Feeling overwhelmed, she turned over and fell asleep.

[Dannie IsNotHere]

The next day, Fran and Maxwell woke up feeling the same as the night before. They didn’t speak to each other much in the morning except to say, “Please pass me the butter.” while they were eating breakfast.
Nobody was happy with the idea of Fran leaving. They didn’t really like George either, only because he was “taking her away” from them.
Everyone ate in silence. Fran finished and broke the silence by saying, “Well, I better get ready.” Everyone else froze, and waited until she left the room. Then they all finished eating quickly, and ran to find Fran, who was getting some things together. When she spotted them at her door, she invited them in and hugged them one by one. She was going to miss them so much. Finally, it was Maxwell’s turn to say good-bye. As the others left, he hung around and thought of something to say. Fran stood and stared back at him, feeling awkward.
“Umm... the children are going to miss you dearly, Miss Fi- er... Fran,” Maxwell said.
“I know. And I’m going to miss them, too... Maxwell,” replied Fran.
“You can come visit anytime.”
“Thanks. I definitely will.” The silence returned.
“I just wanted to say-” they both said at the exact same time, then laughed.
“You go first,” said Fran.
Maxwell sighed. “Fran, I really do love you. Even though you love someone else, I will always care for you very deeply.”
Fran gaped at him. “I was going to say to you... I love you, even though I’m getting married.”
They looked at each other and laughed.
“But really, Fran. I will miss you,” said Maxwell, and he walked toward her for a hug. She hugged back, and then gave him a kiss on the cheek. He kissed her on the lips. Then they kissed again. Then they kissed one final time, this one becomming a passionate kiss. Fran pulled away.
“Oh... what am I doing?” She looked at Maxwell. “I’m going to be married.”
Maxwell, who had obviously enjoyed the kiss, said, “I don’t think you’re making the right decision,” very softly.
“What was that?”
“Um... nothing!” Maxwell escaped from the room.

About an hour later, Fran was ready to leave. Her stuff was loaded in Maxwell’s limo. He was going to drive her. Everyone lined up to say good-bye to Fran one last time. When Maggie hugged her, she seemed a little mad, but tried not to show it. Brighton was the same. Grace, on the other hand, didn’t want to let go of Fran when she hugged her.
“I’ll miss you,” Grace said.
“Oh, I’ll miss you too, sweetie. I’ll let you know the date of the wedding... and you can be the flower girl,” replied Fran. “How’s that sound?”
“Okay.” Grace sobbed.
Niles was next. “Oh, Niles,” said Fran, holding her arms out. “you’re my best friend... I’ll miss you so much!”
“Miss Fine... you’ve made the right choice. If you had waited for Mr. Sheffield any longer, then-”
“Niles...” Maxwell interrupted.
“Good-bye, Miss Fine.”
C.C. even wanted to say good-bye. “Nanny Fine, I don’t know what I’m going to do without you.”
“Probably die an old woman,” replied Niles.
“Oh, get a life.” C.C. smiled at him, and it made Fran realize that something serious was going on between the two of them.
“Don’t you two get into any trouble,” said Fran, giving a little wink.
“Come along, Miss Fine,” said Maxwell.
Fran took one last look at the house. “Good-bye everyone,” she said.
“Bye, Fran,” replied everyone, including Niles and C.C. Fran’s eyes filled with tears as she walked to the limo. She climbed in the front next to Maxwell.
“Fran, you know that you should be riding in the back. That’s where the passengers sit,” said Maxwell, sitting down.
“I know. I just wanted to spend my last moment with you... NEAR you,” replied Fran, wiping her eyes.
“Oh... come here, you.” Maxwell slid to Fran and hugged her. She sobbed as she hugged back. They pulled apart, and they smiled at each other as Maxwell started the car.
They drove in silence, and just thought.
What am I going to do without her? thought Maxwell. She’s the only one I’ve ever loved other then Sara. How could I have waited so long?
Maxwell... I love you, Fran was thinking. No... it’s too late now. He’s made his choice, and I’ve made mine.
When they made it to George’s house, Fran said to Maxwell, “Well... I guess this is it.”
“Yes, I suppose,” replied Maxwell.
“I’m gonna miss you so much.”
“And I you.”
Maxwell helped Fran get her stuff out of the car, and she walked to the door after one last good-bye. She stared at the door for a moment, her hand posed to ring the doorbell, then turned around and ran back to Maxwell and kissed him a long kiss one last time. They held each other for just a few more minutes, then Maxwell let Fran go. “It’ll be better once we get this over with,” he said.
“You’re right. Bye, Maxwell!” She skipped to the front door and rang the doorbell. When George answered it, she turned around and waved.
“Good-bye, Fran,” he said softly, as he turned to get back to the limo.

Fran went into the house, ready to begin her new life. “So... sweetie... let’s talk about the wedding a little bit,” she said.
“Well, I want to get married as soon as possible. Like... how about at the end of this month?”
“Wow, it’s all so sudden... but I don’t see why not!” They discussed the wedding a little more. She then thought of Maxwell and felt guilty. “Let me call Maxwell and the kids.”
“Ok...” George got her the phone and she dialed the numbers.
“Sheffield residence,” said a voice.
“Niles? It’s Fran. Is Maxwell there yet? I have to talk to him.”
“Oh... all right. He’s just walking in.” There was a long pause, and finally Maxwell’s voice came on the line.
“Fran?”
“Maxwell? We set a date for our wedding.”
“Oh really?”
“Yea.” She comtinued talking about the date, and who was going to be the bridesmaid. then she said, “Maxwell... I love you all. Listen, I want Grace to be the flower girl, since she’s 7 and the youngest. And Brighton can be the usher. And I want Maggie to be my bridesmaid. I’m gonna ask Val to be my maid of honor. And... Niles will be another usher, and Miss Babcock can be another bridesmaid.”
“Oh.. All right, I’ll let them know.” Maxwell couldn’t help feeling a little dissapointed that she didn’t mention him.
“I’d give you a job, but there’s not really anything for a man to do for the bride. I’m sorry.”
“Oh... it’s okay.” But Maxwell still felt a little hurt.
“You’re invited, of course.”
“I thought so.” He managed a tiny smile.
“Well... I better go. I have to call Val and Ma. And George and I have to make more plans.”
“All right. Talk to you later.”
“Bye.”

[CheersChild4life]

Hey in the first part Fran was gettin a little PMSish lol just jokin. It's good write more. Now I think Fran should like end up with Max and George should leave her at the alter cause he's gay lol~ That's be classic!~

[Kristen]

It's really, really good, but remember what you told me on AIM, about who she's gonna end up with!! hehe. Seriously, though, the kissing thing reminded me of "The Tart with Heart." Very cute! Keep it up!

[Dannie IsNotHere]

Maxwell hung up, and felt really down. Why wasn’t HE marrying Fran? He asked her first. Of course, his nervous feelings got the best and he HAD to back out.
Then, all of a sudden, he thought that maybe this was the best thing for her. And maybe him as well. If she had waited any longer, by the time he’d proposed, she might be upset.
He was torn apart.

Fran was, too. As she hung up, she thought about whether or not she really loved George. She stood up and told George she was going to look around before she called everyone else. George offered to take her things to their room, but she said no, claiming that she didn’t want him to hurt himself. But in reality, she wasn’t sure she really wanted to stay.
As she looked around, she saw how beautiful George’s house was. It wasn’t very big, but it was certainly beautiful. She decided she could live with it.
Once she was done, she found George and kissed him.
“I can’t wait to be married,” she said to him.

Meanwhile, Niles was angry that Maxwell hadn’t made a move earlier, and now it was too late. When Maxwell told him about who she wanted to be a part of her wedding, he decided not to be a part of it. C.C. agreed with Niles, mainly because she was jealous that Fran was getting married before her.
The end of the month was near, and no one was quite ready. Especially Maxwell. He was still upset that he lost her. And all because he was afraid of commitment.
He still agreed to go to the wedding, however. If he couldn’t see her being happy with him, then at least he could see her happy with someone else.
Fran was all set. As the month went by, she fell in love with George more and more. She even managed to forget about Maxwell.
Well, almost forgot.

Before they knew it, it was the day before the wedding. Fran was desperately trying to get herself together before everything went wrong. Anyone who was a part of the wedding stayed over at George’s house, while George stayed in a hotel, claiming that Fran should get used to her “new environment”. Maggie, Brighton, and Grace were there, too, and were thrilled to see Fran. She was thrilled to see them as well, and when they came over, she got a little emotional thinking about how she’d had to leave them.
Once everything was together, it was time to get ready for the big day by getting all rested up. Everyone was so excited.
Except Fran.
Seeing the children she had helped raise made her remember all the times she’d had with Maxwell, which made her miss him even more. She didn’t sleep very well that night. There was a mix of excitement and loneliness. She thought about how much Maxwell meant to her, and how much he’d given her for the past few years. After many hours of lying awake, she finally fell asleep.
When the Big Morning came, Fran forgot about her worries and got up feeling happy. She couldn’t wait until that afternoon, when the wedding would take place. The morning went by fast and before they knew it, it was time for the ceremony.
About half an hour after Fran and George arrived, the church was crowded with people. Everyone took their places, and Fran lined up at the back. She looked into the church to see all her guests. As she looked around, she spotted Maxwell. She could feel a lump in her throat as she looked at him. He was turned and talking to Niles, who was looking at Fran and sensing her feelings. Niles excused himself, and walked back to Fran.
“Hi, Miss Fine. Oh, I’m so happy for you,” he said, giving her a hug.
“Thank you Niles,” she replied.
“I’m sorry I couldn’t be a part of this... it just... didn’t really... umm...”
“I understand. Listen, how’s Max taking this?”
Niles sighed. “He managed to convince himself that this is the best thing for you, rather then waiting around for him.”
“Really?” Fran’s lump was growing bigger. “That’s so...” she stopped, and just kind of let it go.
“Well, I’m going to go sit down now. It’s about to begin, and I just found Miss Babcock. Congratulations again, Miss Fine.” They hugged again.
Niles left, and the music started. Fran took one last look at Maxwell, and held back her tears as she got ready to begin her new life.
The bridesmaids walked down the isle, followed by Val, the maid of honor. Finally, it was Fran’s turn to go. She walked slowly, and as she passed Maxwell, the lump went back into her throat. She made it down without any incidents, though.
The ceremony went on. Talk about love and relationships, a few words from her mother (including the classic, “I’ve been waiting so long for this moment.”). The vows came, and right before it was Fran’s time to say “I do” Maxwell got up and left. She turned a watched as she walked out the door.
It had been one thing when he didn’t object to them getting married, but this was another. She shrugged it off and figured that it was time to let go, no matter how much it hurt. She watched Maxwell for the last time as she walked out of the church. After a moment to recover she turned to George and said “I do.”
The minister paused, then said “You may now kiss the bride.” George and Fran both leaned in to kiss, but then Fran pushed him away and said, “No. I can’t do this.”
“What?” replied George.
“George, this is very hard for me to say, but there’s someone else I love... and I can’t marry you.” Fran didn’t want any reply, so she ran out of the church, trying to find Maxwell. She couldn’t find him, so she ended up on a bench in the park and just cried. People saw her and stared, but didn’t say anything. That was fine with her, because she didn’t want to talk to anyone.
Then someone walked up. “Come here often?”
Fran looked up. “Oh, Niles, it’s you.”
Niles sat next to her. “That was a very brave thing you did, you know.”
“Yes, I know,” replied Fran. “But I’m afraid that Mr. Sheffield’s going to feel awkward around me.”
“Well, that might be true, but you love him, and you know he loves you.”
“Yes...”
“So if it doesn’t work out now, it will work out eventually.”
“You’re right, Niles. I’m going to talk to him... but I’ll have to talk to George first.”
“Good luck, Miss Fine.”

[Kristen]

Well, you know how I would've handled that scene ;) But it's still very good! I like the Niles/Fran bonding. Very sweet.

[CheersChild4life]

Great!

[Dannie IsNotHere]

“Thanks, Niles,” she replied, and ran off.
She figured she may as well talk with George first. She went back to the church, where she assumed he would be. Her assumptions were right, he was still there. His back was turned toward the altar, and he seemed to be in a daze. She walked up to him.
“George?” she said.
“Hi, Fran,” he replied coldly, without turning around.
“I just came to... apologize. I can’t tell you how hard it was for me to-”
He cut her off, “Do you know how much you embarrassed me and hurt me? I thought we loved each other. I mean, this is the day I was looking forward to, and you go and ruin it.”
“There was a reason for that.”
“Oh yea? And what would that be?”
“Because first of all, you proposed to me too soon. I didn’t think we were ready for this.”
“Then why did you accept?”
“Because it seemed right at the time.”
“Fran...”
“The second reason is that I realized I wasn’t in love with you like I thought I was. I mean, I was in love, but not with you.”

Maxwell realized that he had left his jacket in the church, so he walked back in. When he saw Fran and George standing at the altar, he froze, and stayed silent and out of sight.

“So you were in love with someone other than me?”
“That’s what I said.”
“Who?”
She sighed. “Maxwell.”
“That jerk who can’t keep any commitments to you?”
“Okay, buddy, now you listen here. Maxwell is not a jerk, he’s the sweetest and most caring guy alive. If he were a jerk, then he’d have gone and waited until our wedding day to take back his propsal. Taking back his commitment showed that...”
“Showed what?” George challenged her. Maxwell squeezed his eyes shut, hoping that she wasn’t going to say anything negative about him.
“It showed that he loved me too much, and didn’t want to rush into things,” she realized for the first time. “He wanted to make sure that I was really The One. He wanted to wait awhile before we actually went through with it. And if you got a problem with that, mister, then I never want to see your face again!”
“I do got a problem with that.”
“Then get outta my life.” She walked off, proud of herself. Once she reached the front of the church, Maxwell pulled her and gave her a huge kiss.
When they stopped, Fran asked, “How long have you been there?”
“Just a few moments,” he replied, and bent her backward, and kissed her again. She put her arms around him and knew that Maxwell really did love her, and everything she said was really true.
“Fran, I’m serious this time,” he said, stopping the kiss. “Will you marry me?”
“Oh, Max, of course I will!” She gave him a huge hug and kissed him on the cheek as he proceeded to take out a ring from his jacket pocket, which he had finally claimed.
“Why is that in there?” asked Fran.
Maxwell smiled. “I had it just in case.” Secretly, however, he knew that she was going to end up realizing that George wasn’t The One. He slipped the ring on her finger, and they walked out of the church and headed home.

Back at the Sheffield home, the children were ecstatic to see her.
“Fran, after you ran out of the church like that, we thought we’d never see you again!” said Maggie.
“Yea, we thought you were mad at Daddy,” added Grace.
“Oh... you kids,” said Fran, hugging all three of them.
Brighton then said, “Will you still be working for Dad?”
“You could say that,” Fran said, winking at Maxwell.
Maxwell smiled, “Kids, Fran and I are finally getting married. And I’m NOT taking it back this time.”
“YA-HOOOOOO!!” screamed Niled, running into the room. “Excuse me I have to make a phone call. He picked up the phone and dialed C.C.’s number. “Miss Babcock, Miss Fine and Mr. Sheffield are getting married.” He held the phone away, waiting for a scream from C.C. There was silence. “Didn’t you hear me?” He was cut off by the dial tone, and thirty seconds later the doorbell rang. Niles answered it, and C.C. ran in and kissed Niles a long, passionate kiss. Maxwell, Fran, and the kids looked on, astonished.
“What was that for?” Niles asked, when C.C. pulled away.
“That means I’m free to marry you!” replied C.C.
“You’re not upset?”
“No way!”
“Wow...” said Fran. “Maybe we should leave the room...”
“No,” replied Niles. “I want you all to witness this.” He turned to C.C. “Miss Babcock, will you marry me?” he pulled out a beautiful diamond ring.
“On one condition.”
“What’s that?”
“Call me C.C.” she hugged him and accepted the ring.
“Wait, where the bloody hell did you get that huge diamond?” asked Maxwell.
“I’ve been saving for such a long time” said Niled, patting his pocket, which held his checkbook.
“Oh...” Maxwell just shrugged as Niles and C.C. kissed each other again. “Fran, come with me.” He took her hand and led her to the office. When the got there, he took her other hand.
“This isn’t another... take-back, is it?”
“No way. I just wanted to tell you that what I said was completly true. I do love you, and I don’t want to lose you like I almost did today.”
“Aww... that’s the sweetest thing you’ve ever said to me.” And for a third time, they kissed each other.

THE END... part 3 coming soon (and no more take-backs from Maxwell!)