Resistance (Read 1,252 times)

[lorna97]

This story is a world all about Maggie Horton and Neil Curtis. Will the safety of their friendship and Maggie's rocky marriage to Mickey be enough to keep her and Neil apart?

I am a college student and I am taking summer courses so my posting schedule may vary from week to week. I will always post and update on here if I am not able to post. Since summer is my least busy and least stressful time I will try to post 3 times a week. If I find myself with extra time on my hands I will also post on Tuesday and Thursday. I plan to use weekends for writing and posting if I have missed a scheduled week day.

Summer Posting Schedule:

• Monday, Wednesday, Friday
• Tuesday & Thursday (Bonus Chapters) *Only when possible*

*Disclaimer* This posting schedule is subject to change when the fall semester begins.

[kathyj]

lorna97 - I would love to read your story. Maggie and Mickey are 2 of my favorite characters and I thought Neil was so handsome.

[lorna97]

Due to a busy college schedule with summer classes I will post weekly with hopes of including additional chapters here and there when possible. If I cannot make a weekly post I will notify and post an explanation on here. I hope you enjoy! 

P.S. If you have any ideas or thoughts please leave them! I love hearing from the minds of other DOOL lovers!

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Resistance -  Chapter 1
 

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Loneliness is a horrible emotion to experience. Many suffer it from being without a significant other to share their lives with. Experiencing the very unpleasant feeling of disconnection and loneliness when there is a significant other in the picture only makes the grief worse. In Maggie's case, she was experiencing just this. She was married and legally bonded to a man she had known and loved for years but the emotional ties had been broken. Mickey had begun to pour his heart and soul into his career. He had opened a new law firm that was taking each and every minute of his day. He was working close to 12 hours a day. When he did finally come home, he was on the phone with other lawyers, clients, and firms conversing over the next hot case. The quick, "Good morning, Red. I have to run." was getting old. Maggie was no longer able to pass off his absence. She was becoming lonely and bored in her marriage. She had begun to feel more connected with his receptionist, that would call and cancel their dinner dates or explain his working overtime, than with her own husband. It wasn't long before Maggie had wanted to find her own purpose in the world and bring some joy and happiness back into her life. Her first move was volunteering at the hospital once again. When the doctors first diagnosed her with Myasthenia Gravis Maggie had to give up her volunteer job. She loved being a candy striper as she was able to help and aid others. She felt needed and it always gave her the sense of purpose she was currently looking for.

Weeks had gone by and Maggie was spending all the time she could at the hospital all the while making time for her girls. Melissa, Sarah, and Maggie had a wonderful bond. They shared everything. With Sarah being a young pre-teen and still living at home Maggie and Sarah had dinner together every night. Melissa made it a point to come over for dinner or meet them at Wings at least a couple of times a week just to spend time together. Even being so close to her daughters Maggie had never felt so alone. She rarely ever seen Mickey and they lived under the same roof and slept in the same bed when he did sleep. Sarah and Melissa had begun to notice the strain on their parents' marriage. It worried them but knowing their parents they did not put too much thought into it. Maggie and Mickey have had problems before and seemed to find a way to always work through them, Melissa and Sarah though this time would be no different.

While working at the hospital Maggie was paged so she made her way to the nurse’s station.

“Mrs. Horton, there is a phone call for you. It’s your husband’s office.” One of the receptionists said.

“Thank you, Mary.” “Hello.”

“Mrs. Horton, this is Wendy, Mickey’s receptionist, he asked me to call you and tell you he cannot make dinner again tonight. He and Leslie are working on a very important insurance case and he will be working late once again. I am sorry.” Wendy felt so sorry for Maggie. She had made so many cancellation calls to Maggie she was hurting for her, she couldn’t imagine what Maggie had to be feeling.

“It’s okay, Wendy. Tell Mr. Horton I will be working late also.”

“I will Mrs. Horton. Take care.”

“Thank you, you too!”

Maggie hung the phone up and walked to the lounge. As she entered the room and found it empty, she could not contain her hurt any longer. Tears of pain, betrayal, and abandonment took her over. She sat on the couch with her elbows resting on her knees and her tear stained face pressed into her hands. She couldn’t stop repeating out loud to herself, “How did this happen?” She and Mickey had been happy for so many years. Since they reconciled and married several years ago, they had been so happy and had experienced a wonderful marriage and raised two beautiful daughters. Now they hardly even spoke let along seen one another, she was receiving messages from a third party rather than her husband, she could not remember the last time they had dinner together let along the last time they had been together as husband and wife. They had become long distant acquaintances rather than husband and wife.

Mickey's long hours and dedication to his job was only part of their problems. Maggie had begun to have her suspicions of another woman. While doing laundry Maggie had found several makeup stained collars, shirts drenched in his favorite cologne as if he was trying to cover another scent, receipts to very fancy and expensive restaurants out of town. There were so many clues leading up to what Maggie feared the most. She kept asking herself, "Is the distance because of a job or because of a woman?" She couldn't answer her own questions as all she had was circumstantial evidence. However, she could not lose the gut feeling that Leslie was more than his law partner. She worried they were partners, but it had nothing to do with the law firm.

[Kpatch]

Great start lorna97 . You are clearly very talented!

Good luck with college classes.

[heroicmuse]

This is a great start! I can't wait to see what Maggie is going to do.

[fluffysmom]

Great beginning to the story lorna97.

[lorna97]

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Resistance -  Chapter 2

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Maggie finally made her way home. After working 10 hours at the hospital she was exhausted. She made her way into the house, removed her shoes and instantly found her spot on the couch. She picked up the latest Salem Style Magazine off the side table and began to relax. That is until she heard the loud trailing footsteps coming down the staircase. Sarah ran into the living room excitedly screaming, "Mom! Mom! Mom!"

Removing her feet from the coffee table Maggie sat up to talk to Sarah.

"What is it, Sarah?" From Sarah's reaction and the sound of her voice, Maggie had become concerned.

“Guess who came to spend the week in Salem?” Sarah could barely talk from the excitement in her voice.

By now Maggie had realized nothing was wrong instead Sarah was overly enthusiastic. She loved seeing that beautiful smile on her daughter’s face. Mickey’s absence from the family had played a part in the absence of Sarah’s contagious smile.

Maggie giggled at her hyped daughter and responded, “I have no idea. Who?”

“Do you think we could have a movie night for old times sake?” Said the very sweet and familiar voice as it turned the corner.

Maggie's eyes widened and a smile crossed her face as she comes to realize who was hiding in the hall.

“Noelle!! Oh, my stars! It is so good to see you! You are so beautiful and grown! How have you and Sarah gotten so old?” Maggie exclaimed as she rushed to embrace Noelle.

"Oh, Maggie! I have missed you!" Maggie held Noelle for a little while before breaking their embrace.

“I can’t believe you’re in Salem. Did Liz come with you?” Maggie asked as they all sat in the living room.

"No. I came back to spend some time with Dad. I am only here for a week but hopefully, now I can start making more frequent visits. Until I got back here with Sarah, I had forgotten how much I missed Salem.”

“Well, I am so glad you are here. It will be nice having you around especially for Sarah. She has missed you so much.”

“It’s true! I have! School is not the same without my partner in crime.” Sarah giggled.

“Maybe you shouldn’t be saying that while I am in the room.” They all laughed at Maggie’s response. “Noelle, Neil must be ecstatic to have you back in town.”

Noelle smiled, “About that, he doesn’t know yet. I had Jo pick me up from the airport. He was not at home; he had a board meeting at the hospital, so I called Sarah and she wanted to surprise you.”

“He will be so happy! I actually just got home from the hospital and the board meeting had just ended if you would like me to drive you home so you could surprise him.”

“Really? That would be wonderful. Would you help me with the surprise?”

“Of course! You and Sarah go get your things and we will head over there now.”

Maggie, Sarah, and Noelle made their way to Neil’s house. In the care they discussed their plan in hopes it would go off without a hitch. Noelle had missed her father like crazy. He had never been one for surprises, but she hoped this one was good enough he would overlook being in the dark about her visit plans. In the midst of all the joy that had been expressed since they surprised Maggie, she could not help thinking some was wrong. She wondered why Mickey wasn’t home at almost eight o’clock. Maggie seemed off, but who was she to judge? It had been months since she had spent time with anyone from Salem. Her last visit was very brief, two days brief. Her mother had agreed to play a show at Shenanigans, and she tagged along to visit with Neil.

Finally, after what seemed like forever, they made it to the large Curtis Estate. Maggie, Sarah, nor Noelle could believe how big the house was for only one person to live in it. Maggie couldn’t help but think how lonely it must be from time to time not having anyone to share the space with. She was beginning to believe loneliness had become contagious in Salem. Well, for everyone but Mickey, he wasn’t acting lonely in the least. In fact, he was acting as if nothing was wrong.

Maggie cleared her thoughts and she and Sarah made their way to the door to follow through with their plan. They had seen Neil’s car in the drive was so their question of whether or not he had made it home or not had been answered. Maggie rang the doorbell. No answer. They waited several minutes and rang it once again. This time they heard loud footsteps as if someone was running. Jo soon answered the door, but it was not long before Neil followed behind her asking who was at the door. Nearing the door, he heard Jo say, “Mrs. Horton and Sarah are here.”

“Maggie, Sarah! Please, come in!” Neil nicely greeted them.

“Actually, Neil I came to drop off a package that arrived today and somehow missed you. It ended up at my house and Sarah and I thought we would bring it over to you.”

“A package? I haven’t ordered anything.”

“I am sure it belongs to you. Sarah, go get it.” Maggie said cracking a smile.

Sarah walked a couple of steps walking behind the hedges only to quickly return with Noelle following behind.

"You might not have ordered anything but hopefully you will not return this package," Noelle said with a big smile and slight laughter escaping her.

Neil stood in shock. He could not believe Noelle was there with him. How? When? He had so many questions but there would be time for that right now he only wants to hold his baby girl in his arms. He quickly ran to Noelle whisking her in his arms and spinning her around.

Sarah stood back watching the reunion. She was so happy for both Noelle and Neil but could not help feeling jealous. Maggie watched as she could see her daughters bright smile slightly fade. Sarah could not remember the last time her father had taken her into his arms. They used to be so close and recently had become so distant. She tried to ignore him working so often but it was getting harder each day and now seeing Noelle with Neil it was even more difficult.

“Oh, my goodness, Noelle! Look at you! I can’t believe you are here!” Once again, he hugged her tight. He finally broke their embrace and asked Maggie and Sarah inside. While they were hesitant at first thinking Noelle and Neil needed time to themselves Neil and Noelle each insisted, they come in if only for a moment. There was a lot of catching up to be done and Noelle wanted to waste no time.

[lorna97]

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Resistance - Chapter 3

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Maggie, Neil, Sarah, and Noelle had spent the last three hours reminiscing about old times and when the girls were younger. Laughter, tears of joy, and smiles filled the room. Having Noelle and Sarah back in the same town let along the same room made Maggie and Neil very happy. They had always been so close growing up. They were the best of friends, more like sisters. If only they knew they were. Neil hated knowing the truth about the girls and keeping it from Maggie and Mickey but especially keeping it from the girls. He had regretted not telling Maggie so the girls could be raised as sisters. He had sat back and watched Sarah grown into a beautiful and bright young lady. He grieved wanting to reach out to her and hold her as a father should. Knowing Sarah was his daughter was the hardest thing he had ever faced. It was so hard to watch Mickey, Maggie, Sarah, and Melissa live as a family knowing Sarah was his. But in the hindsight, he had done what he thought was best. When Maggie had decided to go forward with the artificial insemination and Evan Wyland was going to be the donor Neil could not bear the thought. He cared for Maggie and did not want her nor her daughter to be linked to the Wyland family, therefore he became the donor himself. He loved Sarah just as he did Noelle. She was his daughter even if he could not show it publicly. He watched as Maggie laughed and held Noelle, it warmed his heart to see her treat Noelle as her own. He had always been in awe of her kind heart and this was just a small example of how kind it is.

Maggie looked down at her watch and realized it was almost 11:00 PM. She gasped as she thought she had not told Mickey she and Sarah were going out.

“Neil, could I use your phone? I did not tell Mickey we were going out and I am sure he is wondering where we are.”

“Of course, Maggie. You can use the one in my office.” Neil stood as she raised from the couch to go use the telephone.

As she was leaving the room, she heard Sarah say, “Why bother? it’s not like he cares.”, under her breath.

Maggie’s stomach turned hearing her daughter express the pain and neglect her father had caused. Still, she dropped her head and made her way to Neil's office. She dialed their house and there was no answer. All of the joy and happiness she had felt earlier soon vanished as she dialed his office. He was in fact still at the office. When he answered the phone, Maggie heard a quite feminine laugh followed by, "oh Mickey…". Maggie was stunned. Tears escaped her eyes and her hands began to tremble. Are her suspicions real? How could he do this?

Maggie was not able to respond to Mickey's phone greeting, instead, she quickly ended the call and fell into Neil's dark leather desk chair. Maggie tried so hard to control her tears and emotions but the thought of Mickey not coming home and simply hearing him laugh and carry on with another woman cut deep. She could not remember the last time they had laughed together. Not only was he not enjoying time with his family, but he was doing it with someone else.

It was not long before she heard Neil’s voice at the doorway. “Maggie, the girls are upstairs, is everything alright?”

Maggie quickly raised from his chair and turned away hoping to clean her eyes and hide the fact she was crying. While she might have cleaned her eyes, she was not fooling Neil. He knew something was wrong, they had been friends for years, he had her number.

“Everything is fine.” Maggie lied hoping he bought it but deep down knowing he didn’t.

“Okay, don’t lie to me. You are an awful liar, but you know I can see right through you.”

“Neil, I don’t want to burden you with my problems.”

“Maggie, we are close friends. Let me help you. You are no burden. I want to help you.”

"Please keep this confidential. I need a friend. Neil, its Mickey. I am sure you heard Sarah just a few moments ago. Well, things have not been so well at home recently. Mickey has started working long hours and when I mean long hours, I mean 12-hour shifts and sometimes later. He comes home when I am in bed and sometimes, he doesn’t come home at all. Well, he comes home long enough to shower, change suits and go back to the office. I have tried so hard to make my marriage work and it is like he doesn’t see that we are drifting apart. I cannot tell you the last time Mickey, Sarah, and I ate a meal together. I cannot tell you the last Mickey complimented me, called me for no reason, took me out, or just held me. It is like living with a roommate rather than my husband.”

"Oh, Maggie. I had no idea. I had noticed he was working more but I did not know it had come to this." Neil rested his hands upon her and held them lovingly. "Maggie, Mickey is a good friend of mine, but you do not deserve this."

Maggie did not mind Neil’s act of comfort instead she enjoyed being held, even if it was only her hands. It had been so long since she had felt the loving touch of another.

“To make matters worse, I am becoming concerned with his fidelity and suspicious of him and his partner, Leslie.”

Neil was stunned. He never dreamed Maggie and Mickey’s marriage would be in such a rough spot. They had always seemed so happy, but I guess the old saying, “you never know what goes on behind closed doors”, is true.

His hurt for Maggie caused him to take his comfort further. He squeezed her hands and quickly pulled her into a tight embrace. Maggie couldn’t help but cry and she was so grateful Neil was there to be her soldier to cry on.

As Maggie rested her head on Neil, her tears began to dry and she hurt somewhat subsided. Neil held her tight and stroked her long, soft, red hair. Maggie had always been such a good friend to him, he cared so much for her and seeing her hurting like she was broke his heart. Maggie was comfortable with Neil, she always had been, but the comfortable feeling was even stronger now. She had been so lonely but opening up to Neil had given her a sense of relief. She was no longer holding in her pain. Neil was very understanding, and Maggie could not be more thankful for him.

Maggie soon broke their embrace knowing she needed to head home. She worked early in the morning and need as much sleep as she could get. Insomnia had taken over her nights recently and being at Neil’s until 11:00 PM was not helping the problem.

“Neil, thank you for listening. I felt good to get that out. It has been so hard to hold it in and hearing her in the background of that phone call pushed me over the edge.” Maggie explained as she and Neil parted.

Neil took Maggie’s hands in his, “Maggie you do not have to thank me. I am here anytime you need to talk. Call my office, my house, page me, anything. Please. You and Mickey have always been there for me. Let me be there for you.”

Maggie looked down at his hands in hers and stroked them softly before kindly gazing into his eyes. "You don't know what that means Neil." Once again, she pulled him into a tight embrace. After a few moments, they parted ways and Maggie went to call Sarah down.

Sarah and Maggie made their way to the car and before getting inside Sarah asked Maggie the questions, she hoped she wouldn’t answer, “Is everything okay with you and Dad?”

“Get in, we will talk on the way home.”

Maggie and Sarah got in the car and started on their way home. Sarah repeated her question after not getting an answer the first time.

“Sarah, your father has been working a lot recently, but everything will work out.”

"Mom be honest. I see what is going on, Melissa sees it, anyone, who knows our family sees it. He is never at home, never with any of his family, and always with Leslie. What is going on?"

“Sarah, I told you he has just been working a lot lately trying to establish this new firm and that requires him to work with the new firm partner, Leslie.”

Sarah was still reluctant to believe her mother but did not want to push her any further. She knew he was working on the law firm but like Maggie, she was secretly having her doubts. Along with those doubts came resentment. Mickey had pushed his family away, including his children. Still, she said nothing more and patiently waited for their arrival at home.

Driving home from Neil’s seemed life forever to Maggie. She looked into the passenger seat to find Sarah’s slumped body sleeping peacefully. Ballet practice and catching up with an old friend had taken its toll on the active teenager. Maggie smiled at the peaceful look upon Sarah’s face. Oh, how she hoped that peace would stay within her, but she knew deep down Sarah was beginning to feel the emotional effects of Mickey’s absence.

Back at Neil’s Noelle came downstairs to talk with her father. After checking several rooms, she found him in the study reading a medical magazine. Neil noticed her in the doorway and looked up over his glasses.

"I thought you were asleep. I asked Jo just a moment ago where you were, and she said you were exhausted and had already gone to bed."

“I couldn’t sleep. I kept thinking about something Sarah said. She made the comment that Mickey did not care. Dad, do you know what is going on? I know I have not been around them in quite some time and people change but the Horton house was not the happy, warm, and loving home I remembered.”

“Come here, sit down with me.” Noelle joined her father on the brown leather sofa and rested her head on his shoulder.

“Do not mention anything to Sarah. Mickey has been working a lot lately and I think they have hit a little bump in the road. Let’s just try to be supportive of Maggie, Sarah, and Melissa. I am sure this is a hard time for them.”

“Of course. I won’t mention anything. Do you think we would invite them over for a movie night or just another night to catch up before I go back to LA?”

Neil gave her a tight squeeze and responded, “Of course, you just name the day.”

Noelle smiled brightly. She had missed being with her father and she only hoped their visits could be more frequent. She had only been back in Salem for one day and she already loved everything about it.

[kathyj]

I’m enjoying your story.

[lorna97]

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Resistance - Chapter 4

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As the dreadful, annoying sound of Maggie's alarm clock blared throughout the room she grunted and groaned. She had only had a couple of hours of sleep as they had stayed so late at Neil's the night before. Normally she was relatively a morning person and did not mind waking up so early for work but this morning was an exception. Since she had returned to volunteering, she had been given the Chief of Volunteers’ position, so she worked the day shift. While most of her work was office work, she always made it a point to go above and beyond to visit and work with the patients. Still hearing that awful sound, she rolled over and slammed on the snooze button. She noticed Mickey was not in bed. In fact, it looked as if his side had not been touched. Her mind roamed with questions the main being, “Did he not come home?”. Maggie laid in bed for a moment gathering the thoughts. She was getting tired, not physically but mentally. She was tired of being the only fighting this fight. She had tried to understand Mickey working so much, she had tried working around his schedule to find time to spend together, had panned dinners only for them to be canceled, waited up for him just to talk only for him to not come home at all. Maggie's attempts at saving her marriage were that of failed attempts. He marriage was in a downward spiral and as much as she tried, she could not change it.

After realizing a few minutes of extra sleep was not going to happen Maggie turned the alarm clock off and got out of bed. Thinking Sarah was probably still in bed she tried to be as quiet as possible. She jumped in the shower and began getting ready. Once she had finished getting ready, she quietly made her way to the kitchen only to find Sarah and Noelle seated at the bar eating cereal.

“Noelle, what are you doing here so early? I figured with it being summer you would both be fast asleep.”

“Mom, Noelle came over because we wanted to get an early start. Melissa is coming over and we are going to go shopping and see a movie later. Do you mind?”

“No! I don’t mind. Did you tell your father?” Maggie asked hoping her suspicions were wrong and he had been home.

“No, he didn’t come home last night. I guess he worked all night again.” The hurt Sarah was feeling from her father’s neglection was written all over her face.

“I know it is hard to handle honey, but your Father is working hard right now. He has several cases going and he and Leslie are working to get their firm’s name out there. Horton & Johnson Law Firm won’t be a success without hard work and dedication.” While Maggie was beyond angry with Mickey, she defended him to Sarah as he was her father, so she thought. She knew Sarah was hurting and was irritated with Mickey; however, she did not want Sarah to say things she would regret nor resent Mickey.

"A marriage and a relationship with one's child don't exist without work either. Mom, you, Melissa, and I are becoming figures of speech to give him the loving family image he longs for. I know you are just trying to make me feel better but the only thing that will change my feelings change in Dad's priorities. Melissa will be here any minute, I am going to go grab my things..." Sarah jumped from the tall barstool and ran to collect her things. Noelle sat quite waiting for Maggie to talk. She was hurting for Sarah. She knew what being distant from her father felt like however, Sarah's case was much worse. At least in Noelle and Neil's situation, they were distant because of physical distance and being on opposite sides of the country; Sarah was distant because Mickey had allowed and career to become his life.

Maggie was hurting for Sarah; everything she had just said was true. There was no helping her with talk. Maggie could talk and defend Mickey all day long but one he could save their family. Maggie cleared those thoughts and turned them toward Noelle. She leaned onto the bar where Noelle was sitting and broke the silence.

“So, Noelle, how are enjoying being back in Salem?”

Noelle was relieved Maggie had changed the subject and broken the awkward silence, responded, "I am really enjoying it. To be honest I was nervous to come back to Salem. It had been so long since I was in town to actually observe and enjoy the town that I was afraid it wouldn't feel like home. I was so wrong. When I stepped off the plane and looked around, I instantly felt at home."

“I am so glad Noelle. We have all missed you. I am just sorry Liz and Neil could not work things out. It is so strange not having you all three together in Salem.”

"Mom and Dad just weren't meant to be. They are both so much happier now. Sure, I would have like to have the picture-perfect family like you and Mickey have but knowing Mom and Dad are each happy is enough for me."

Maggie fought to keep the tears from her eyes at the mention of the perfect family, her family was far from perfect. Some may question if they are a family at all.

Maggie regained her composure and quickly responded, “Noelle, I am so proud of the beautiful and kind young lady you have become.” Maggie smiled reaching out to hug Noelle.

“Thank you, Maggie! You have always been like a mother to me, I love you all so much!”

“We love you, sweet girl!”

Sarah returned from her room just in time to hear Melissa come through the door.

“Mom, Dad, Sarah!” Melissa called as she walked into the living room looking for her family.

"We're in the kitchen, Melissa," Maggie called back.

“Where’s Dad?” The facial expressions from everyone in the room told Melissa enough. At least enough to know she should drop it and not press the question anymore.

Changing the subject fast Melissa asked, “You girls ready to shop till you drop?”

“We’re ready sis! Mom can I have some…” Sarah began to ask for extra money, but Maggie knew what she was going to ask before she did and answered with, “It’s in my wallet.”

Sarah ran and hugged Maggie screaming, “You’re the best!” Maggie playfully rolled her eyes with the sarcastic remark of, “sure!”.

“You girls be careful. I love you!” Maggie called as they were leaving the house.

“We will, we love you!” The three amigos responded as they faded out of sight.

Now alone Maggie quickly cleaned the dishes, grabbed her things, and headed for work.

[lorna97]

I apologize for not updating Resistance I encountered some family issues that had to be taken care of. In addition my summer classes began last week and I was beyond busy.

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Resistance - Chapter 5

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Maggie's day was going by slowly. While it could be the fact, she was trying to plan a complete private auction fundraiser and ball for the hospital or the fact she was running on coffee and any caffeine substance she could get ahold of. With Mickey not coming home at all, she was stressed and drained mentally and physically. She still had not talked to him and it was almost 11:30. She feared where he could be. What if he was hurt? While she had no proof her gut feeling was telling her exactly where he was; with Leslie. However, as hard as it was to admit she almost hopped something was wrong and her suspicions of infidelity were just that of suspicions.

Maggie and Dr. Curtis were both making their way toward the staff lounge but coming from opposite directions. As they both continued walking at a fast pace and flipping through the documents, they were carrying they collided. The human collision caused several grunts and the explosion of documents in the hallway. Maggie and Neil looked up realizing who they had literally run into and couldn't help but laugh. They fumbled to collect and separate their documents and finally made their way into the lounge.

“Maggie, it is good to see you! I am sorry for running into you.”

“Don’t apologize. I should, I was paying more attention to these crazy files than I was to where I was going.”

Neil brought Maggie and himself a cup of coffee and sat at the round table where Maggie was already seated.

“Thank you.” Maggie’s bright genuine smile was contagious, and it wasn’t long before it caused one to cross Neil’s face.

Neil, trying not to be nosey, couldn’t help but notice the files in front of Maggie. He had heard she was in charge of planning the annual fundraiser and was impressed with Maggie’s work. She had managed to collect over 80,000 dollars in auction donations for the event.

“Maggie, I couldn’t help but notice your spreadsheets. If you don’t mind me saying you have done some wonderful work planning the hospital fundraiser and ball. 80,000 dollars is impressive. You must have worked nonstop on this for weeks.”

"Thank you, Neil. I guess I have. With Melissa out on her own, Sarah volunteering here at the hospital and spending time with her friends, and Mickey doing God knows what I have had plenty of free time." Maggie's bright eyes dimmed with the mention of Mickey's name.

Neil reached out and gently squeezed her hand.

"I am so sorry you are going through this Maggie. Were you able to talk to him last night?"

“I had every intention except he never came home. I still have not heard from him.”

Neil could not believe how bad Maggie and Mickey’s situation had become. They had experienced marital problems before. Being best friends with not only Maggie but Mickey he had heard about several of their rough patches, but they were none this extreme. Mickey not coming home nor calling to check in with Maggie was a whole new issue. He knew he could not do anything about her situation with Mickey but wanted to help her in some way.

“Maggie, with the auction and ball Saturday night is there anything I could do to help?”

“Neil, I couldn’t ask you. You are so busy with the hospital.”

“Maggie, I have a very slow week coming up and would love to lend a hand. Besides, you wouldn’t be asking, I am offering.” Neil gave her a bright wink and placed his hand on hers. “Maggie, let me help. Let me take some stress off of you, Lord knows you have enough.”

Maggie smiled at his generous gesture and her eyes made their way to their hands. She stroked his hand with her thumb and softy accepted his offer.

“If you are sure, I would love some help. Finding the funds and auction donations was what I was most worried about, but it has turned out to be the easiest. Catering the event and actually planning the sequence of the night has my mind in shambles.”

"Then it's settled. How about you come over tonight and bring Sarah. She and Noelle can spend time together and we can work on the event details."

Maggie smiled her famous smile that never failed to light up the room and Neil’s eyes.

“That sounds wonderful.”

“Does 7 sound good?”

“That is fine with me.”

“Good! Come hungry, we can all have dinner and talk before getting down to business.” Neil looked at his watch and realized he had an appointment in just a few minutes. “Maggie, I got to run. I will see you tonight.” He gave her a bright smile and once again grabbed her hand and gave it a firm squeeze before rushing out of the lounge. Maggie was left with a smile on her face. Neil always could make her feel better. She was so grateful to have his friendship.

Back in her office, Maggie was still working on the financial spreadsheets for the event. She was down to the final edits and could finally see the light at the end of the tunnel, well this one at least. She glanced around the room giving her eyes and mind a break and saw an image of her and Mickey from their wedding day. She missed the happy people that was looking back at her. She couldn't understand how so much had changed in just a few years. Still furious from his recent behavior and neglection she picked up the phone and dialed his office.

“Wendy, this is Mrs. Horton. Could I speak to Mickey?”

Wendy was stunned by her question but managed to respond. “Hello, Mrs. Horton. I am sorry but Mickey isn’t in the office, he took the day off. He and Leslie both did.” Wendy could not believe Maggie did not know Mickey had the day off. Mickey was a wonderful boss and she thought very highly of him but was so disappointed in how he was treating his family.

Maggie fought back the tears hoping Wendy wouldn’t notice, “I am sorry for calling, Wendy.”

“Please do not apologize. Goodbye, Mrs. Horton.” Wendy tried to be comforting but she knew nothing would help. Maggie was hurting deeply but with valid reason.

Once she ended the call Maggie slammed the phone onto the receiver. “Dammit, Mickey!” Maggie couldn’t contain her anger any longer. In a split second of rage and with one sweep she vanished everything from her desk. She was hysteric. She fell back into her chair cried; the only she could do. Her anger and hurt had taken over. She was lost and had no idea where to turn.

Neil had come to see Maggie to discuss the event since he had a break between patients. Nearing her office door Neil heard the loud crash and barged through the door. When he cleared the door, he saw the once perfect office dismantled. But the paper covered floor was nothing compared to the broken woman that sat behind the desk.

“Maggie, are you okay?” Neil exclaimed making his way to her side.

Maggie’s only response was tears. Neil leaned down and pulled her up to him in an embrace. The two stood entwined while Maggie cried, and Neil reassured her he was there. Seeing her in such pain broke him. Maggie had always been such a strong woman. She seemed to be made of steel. She never let anything get her down. However, he was holding living proof that if pressed enough even steel can break.

[lorna97]

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Resistance - Chapter 6

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Maggie and Neil stood near her desk entwined with one another. She felt so safe and so guilty in his arms. She was a married woman allowing another man to hold her. Even though she suspected Mickey's affair with his law partner she couldn't shake her guilt. However, she was physically shaking from anger, emotional pain, and betrayal and because of that, she couldn't let go of Neil. Just being wrapped in his arms and knowing he was on her side was therapy to her. Of course, it didn't diminish the pain she was felling or erase the anger she had but it was the only relief she had gotten in days.

As they both grew tired of standing Neil took Maggie’s hand and lead her to the small sofa in the corner of her office.

“Maggie, you don’t have to tell me anything. If you want, we can just sit here together. But if you don’t mind me asking, what happened?”

Maggie was still in tears. As Neil saw them begin to stream down her face once again, he grabbed a tissue from her desk.

"Thank you." Maggie wiped the tears from her face and paused for a few moments talking once more.

“I called Mickey’s office. I still had not heard from him and I began to worry. His receptionist answered and informed me that Mickey was not a work. In fact, he had taken a personal day off as well as Leslie.” Repeating her and Wendy’s conversation opened the floodgates once more.

“Neil, what did I do? Why? Why is he doing this to me?”

Not having an answer to her questions, he once again grabbed her and simply help her. He stroked her beautiful fiery red hair and whispered to her repeatedly, “I am so sorry, Maggie.” “I will always be here.”

Maggie was finally able to regain her composer and the two broke their embrace and rested upon the couch. Maggie, still with tears in her eyes rested her head upon Neil’s shoulder and thanked him for being such a good friend.

"Neil, I don't know what I would do without you. I try so hard to be strong for my girls, but it is getting harder and harder. At first, I would talk to Mickey about him working so much and he would change his routine and schedule for a couple of days and spend more time at home with us. Now I don't even get the chance to say hello or goodbye much less talk about our problems.”

Neil gently put his arm around her, and she settled into the crook of his arm. Still resting her head upon him she looked up to him with her tear-stained faces and bright brown eyes and once again sent a genuine thank you to him.

"Maggie do not thank me. This is what friends are for. I will always be here for you. I hate seeing you like this and I hate how Mickey is treating you even more. You deserve the world, Maggie."

“He has been working so hard to get his and Leslie’s firm name out there and make it a success. Maybe he is right, and I am just overacting.” Maggie still loved Mickey and tried to defend him to Neil but who she was only kidding herself. She was only defending him hoping she would believe it for herself.

“Maybe. But Maggie you still don’t deserve how he is doing you. You have not heard from him in almost 24 hours. He took work and didn’t even bother to tell you. Maggie, you are not overreacting.”

“Neil, I don’t know what else to do. The kids are starting to notice especially Sarah. Sarah constantly asks why he comes home so late and why we don’t eat dinner together as a family. I have no answers for her, and she sees right through him working late. She has started to notice how distant he and I are any questions about our marriage. I can't respond or reassure her because I am also questioning it. So, to deal with it we both keep ourselves occupied. We have dinner together every night and hang out often and as individuals, we each dedicate ourselves to the hospital and she makes time for friends. However, for me, it is becoming more difficult. While I am extremely busy and occupied with the fundraiser right now most days I only work half days. The volunteer department practically runs itself these days. So, in my downtime, my mind goes back to Mickey and his absence. Neil, it is like I am mourning a living man."

Hearing that last phrase cut deep but he could see where she is coming from. He has been in her shoes. When Liz began her music career, she devoted her entire life to it. He even bought Doug’s Place and turned it into Blondie’s so she would have somewhere to express her music and they could spend time together but even that didn’t help. He music career began to grow and expand, and she wanted to explore, and her exploration landed her in LA and her move landed them a divorce.

"I know exactly what you mean Maggie. I have been there. From my own experience, the best thing you can do is wait for Mickey to realize what he is doing. Mickey is convinced he is doing nothing wrong and until he realizes his neglection of his family I don't think anything will help. I know it is hard but keeping busy and your mind off the situation may be the best thing for you. In fact, what would you say to a job offer?"

“What do you mean?”

“Well, you said the volunteer department is slow and requires very little of your time what would you say to be my assistant? My assistant now just put in her 2 weeks’ notice and I am going to need someone I trust and someone that is dependable.”

“Neil, I have no experience as an assistant. I couldn’t take this job. I don’t want you to just give me the job because you feel sorry for me or because I need something to distract me.” Maggie narrowed her brow and got up from the couch. She made her way to her desk and tried collecting the items she had thrown into the floor. Maggie had become slightly agitated at Neil’s offer. She hated pity and was insulted and the thought of him taking pity on her due to her situation.

Neil jumped up and rushed to her. He grabbed her shoulders and turned her to face him. “Maggie I am so sorry. I never meant to offend you. I was offering because I think you would be perfect for the position. I have seen your work on the fundraiser, and it is impressive. You are exactly what I am looking for. You are loyal, dependable, and there is no one I would trust more. Again, I apologize if I have offended you, that was never my attention. I only wanted to give you the opportunity.”

Maggie’s frowned face began to develop a slight smile. She was embarrassed at her reaction to his offer. She knew he was only trying to help and would never want to insult or offend her.

Neil noticed the change in her face and was relieved. He truly wanted Maggie as an assistant. He was very impressed with her work and thought they would make a great team. “Also, I know how much you love working with the volunteer department I would never ask you to give it up. With that said you can keep this job since it is not very demanding and could work from this office. Or if you would rather you could move all of your work to the office adjacent to mine.”

Maggie was taken by his offer. She was shocked by his offer but even more shocked with herself. She liked the idea of a different job. Especially with Neil. Maybe a change would be good for her.

---

[lorna97]

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Resistance - Chapter 7

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Maggie took his hands in hers and gave them a tight squeeze, “Neil, I am sorry I overreacted. I think I am just a little on edge lately. I know you never meant to offend me. However, this is a big decision and I am going to need some time to think about it.”

"There is no need to apologize to Maggie. Take all the time you need." Neil pulled her into a tight embrace as she once again thanked him.

“Thank you, Neil!” Maggie smiled a bright smile and broke their embrace. They each looked around the room and couldn’t help but snicker at the once tidy office.

“I guess I let my anger get the best of me today.” Maggie dropped her head and begun to chuckle.

“Maybe a little.” Neil soon followed in with the laughter. “Let me help you clean this up.”

Maggie and Neil picked the papers and desk materials up off the floor and placed them back in their original places.

“I hate to run but I have a couple more patients I have to see today. Are we still on for tonight?” Neil asked.

“You bet. Sarah and I will be over around 7 o’clock.” Maggie gave him one last bright smile as he made his way from her office.

She had completed her rounds for the day with the volunteers and finished making the schedule for the next week. With her day's work being completed Maggie sat down at her desk and finished logging the events funds into the spreadsheets she had started.


Maggie arrived home to find Sarah, Melissa, and Noelle in the living room listening to music and talking. Their laughter and smiles filled Maggie’s heart with love. She loved each of them so much. Two of them were her daughters and the other young blonde she loved like a daughter. Seeing her three girls in the same room warmed her heart. She loved having Noelle back in town especially for Sarah’s sake. There was an inseparable bond between the two girls that could not be broken.

“Hi, girls! Did you have fun shopping?” Maggie asked as she kissed them each on top of the head.

"We had so much fun

Mom. I already took my stuff up to my room; I will show you what I got later." Sarah replied.


“I can’t wait.” Maggie smiled to her daughter as she made her way to the other end of the couch and relaxed beside Noelle.

“I hate to leave since you just got home Mom but, I promised Emilio I would meet him at Blondie’s to work on our set for tomorrow night.”

“I understand. Don’t worry about it.” Melissa gave her mother a tight hug and kiss on the cheek before heading out the door.

“Melissa, if it isn’t too much trouble would you mind dropping me off at home?”

“Of course not! Come on, we can finish our jam session in the car.” Noelle smiled and rushed to Melissa’s side.

“Goodbye Sarah, I will see you later. Goodbye Maggie.”

“Goodbye, Noelle!” Maggie and Sarah said in unison.

“Well Sarah, it looks like it’s just us.”

“Mom, could we go see a movie tonight and bring Noelle?”

“Actually, Neil has invited us to dinner tonight. He has offered to help me with the hospital fundraiser, and I need all the help I can get. I thought you and Noelle would like to spend some time together and we could all have dinner together and catch up.”

“That sounds good to me! Is dad coming? Or will he even be coming home tonight?” Sarah asked with an irritated tone.

"I haven't spoken to your father. It will probably be just me and you tonight sweetie."

“You mean like it is every night. Mom, you don’t have to make excuses or act like everything is okay. I know it isn’t.”

Maggie’s face frowned and her eyes dimmed. She wanted so much to protect her daughter from the hurt and neglection Mickey was causing but she knew she couldn’t. Sarah was a young girl but still noticed the fact her father would rather be in the office or with his law partner than at home with his wife and children.

“You’re right Sarah. I shouldn’t make excuses. I tried calling your father today, but he took the day off today. He was not in the office.” Maggie hated telling Sarah the truth, but she needed to know. She was tired of keeping things from her especially regarding Mickey.

“Wow, he doesn’t come home at all and then he takes a personal day off from work and doesn’t even tell his family. Thank you for telling me. If you don’t mind, I would like to go to my room and watch some TV.”

"That's fine sweetie." Maggie saw the tears begin to form in her daughter's eyes and nothing Mickey had done or said had broken her as much as seeing Sarah broken and in tears. "Come here, sweetie." Maggie hugged Sarah tightly and kissed her head. "I love you, my sweet girl. Don't ever forget that." She whispered to Sarah. "If you don't feel up to dinner at Neil's we can stay home."

“No. I won’t let Dad keep me from enjoying myself and spending time with you, Noelle, and Neil.” Maggie tried to smile her best smile, but she was breaking on the inside. She wiped a tear from Sarah’s face and watched as an innocent smile appeared.


Maggie stood in front of the floor length mirror in her room where she had tried on several different outfits. She had finally decided on a casual look with navy ankle slacks, a white long sleeve button up and a pair of nude pointed suede pumps. Giving herself one last look, she checked her makeup and touched up her hair. Finally, she was ready, and she made her way downstairs to the living room to grab her purse. "Sarah! It's time to go." Maggie yelled up the stairs to Sarah.

“I am coming!” Sarah loudly replied. Sarah ran down the stairs and she and Maggie grabbed their things and headed to Neil’s.


*Across town in a small studio apartment*

“Leslie, I better be going. Maggie nor Sarah have heard from in over 24 hours. They are going to be furious. I can’t wait to get the lecture from Maggie that I know is coming.” Mickey rolled his eyes and rose from the couch where the two had been seated.

“Then don’t go. Stay here. You can call her and tell her you are finishing the Davis case and don’t know when you will be home tonight.” As she pleaded with Mickey to stay, she moved closer to Mickey. She began to fumble with his tie and flash her best seductive look. That same look that had gotten her 24 with him. Mickey smiled in return and placed his hands on hers.

“I can never say no to you.”

“That’s my goal!” She giggled.

With Leslie Mickey was comfortable. Not that he wasn’t with Maggie, but Leslie understood how important his work was to him. Maggie could not seem to understand how much this firm meant to him. He had tried to explain himself and why he had put so many hours into the practice, but she never understood but Leslie did understand. They shared those feelings; they were each dedicated equally to the law firm.


*At the Curtis House*

Neil, Maggie, Sarah, and Noelle sat around the large dining room table enjoying a wonderful meal Neil's kitchen staff had prepared. The room was filled with laughter, memories, a few occasional tears, and most importantly joy. Each heart in the room was overflowing with love and happiness. They had each been dealing with their own problems but at that dinner table, there were no problems.

Amongst all the laughter Noelle couldn’t help but notice how her father was looking at Maggie and the returned looks she was giving. She was thrilled that her father had Maggie in his life. She knew he had been so lonely since her mother left and seeing his and Maggie’s friendship warmed her heart.

“Thank you for having us over Neil.” Sarah had enjoyed being with Neil and Noelle. It reminded her of having her father at home with them.

“Sarah, you and Maggie are welcome here anytime! I have loved having you both over.”

“Dad, if it is okay Sarah and I are going to head up to my room.”

“Of course! Noelle, I think Jo rented you girls a few movies to watch.”

“Awesome!” The girls exclaimed.

Once the girls went upstairs Maggie and Neil retired to Neil’s office.

Maggie and Neil began work on the hospital fundraiser. While Maggie had already finished the financial part of the planning finding a venue and planning the sequence of the night had begun to be a large task. The two sat at the large wood desk going through location options.

“What about Shenanigans?”

“That is a thought, but would that be a large enough place for both a silent auction and a formal ball?” Neil asked.

“I guess you’re right. We need something slightly bigger.”

“How about the Salem Community Center? It is large enough and a central location.”

“I think the Community Center would be a perfect place.”

Maggie and Neil continued discussing and going over plans for the event. They made schedules for the evening based on the performers and guest speakers. While they were not able to completely plan the evening in one night their two minds had put a dent in what needed to be done. After several hours Maggie began to grow tired and glanced at her watch noticing it was 12:30 AM.

“Neil, I better be going. I am very tired, and I am sure the girls are too, especially after shopping all day with Melissa.”

Maggie and Neil each rose from the couch and stood face to face.

“I guess we did lose track of time. Let’s go check on the girls!”

Maggie and Neil made their way up the stairs to Noelle’s bedroom only to find the two girls fast asleep on her bed. Sarah had changed into some of Noelle’s joggers and a T-shirt for comfort when they started their movies. The girls were resting peacefully on the bed while the TV played Steel Magnolias.

“If you don’t care Sarah can stay the night. She is sleeping so peacefully I hate to wake her up.” Neil pulled Maggie outside of Noelle’s room trying to not wake the girls.

“Are you sure Neil?”

“Of course. Besides, the girls will love being able to spend tomorrow together too.”

"If you are sure, I don't mind. This way if Mickey doesn't come home again, she won't have to know."

"Then it is settled."

Maggie and Neil entered the room and gently covered the girls up. They kissed each of their heads, turned the TV off, turned the lights off, and quietly made their way downstairs.

“Thank you for letting Sarah stay over. Having Noelle back in town has helped her so much with the Mickey situation. I don’t know what she will do when she returns to LA. When will she be going back?”

“She is scheduled to fly out on Sunday, but I heard her on the phone with Liz today asking to stay another week.”

“I hope she does. I know you have missed her.”

“More than anything. When Noelle is in LA it is like a piece of me is missing. All the phone calls, letters, and postcards are never enough.”

Maggie hugged Neil. He was such a good father and knew how much it hurt him to see Noelle leave and how much it hurt to be separated from her.

The two soon broke apart and said their goodbyes.


Maggie had finally made it home. Exhausted, she stumbled into the house and made her way to the living room where she disposed of her heels pumps and sunk into the long sofa. Her family was and life was a mess and spiraling out of control before her eyes and she was tired of holding on. As she sat with her eyes closed and her mind filled with thoughts, she heard the front door open. She turned and saw Mickey. Seeing him only made her fury stronger.

"Hello, Mickey." She greeted him with a not some welcome tone.

“Hello.” He replied simply like nothing was wrong and grabbed the mail from the sofa table.

"Well, it is nice you could find time to come home. How long are you staying this time? Will you stay the night?" Maggie's sarcasm-filled the room and the tension could be cut with a knife.

“What are you talking about Maggie?”

Mickey ignoring the elephant in the room and not taking responsibility for his actions cause the redhead’s temper to explode.

“What do you mean what am I talking about? I am talking about the fact you have been gone for over 24 hours and I have not heard as much as a word from you. I was worried when you didn't come home. I called your office and received no answer. I called again only to find out you and Leslie had both taken personal days off from work. You took a personal day off from work after you did not come home for 24 hours and do not even bother to check in with your family. Your daughters have noticed your absence and are hurt immensely. It hurts me to see my daughter cry and ask why her father doesn't want to spend time with her and would rather be at the office working. That’s what I am talking about, Mickey! I am talking about your Neglection. I am talking about your absence. I am talking about your lack of respect and consideration of your family. I am talking about us, Mickey.” Maggie screamed and cried knowing it would not help the situation, but she had held it in long enough.

Mickey stood in shock. He and Maggie had been into fights before, plenty as a matter of fact, but he had never seen her so angry.

"Maggie, what do you want me to say? I am doing my best. I cannot help that my job is requiring me to work overtime. Can't you understand how important you, Sarah, and Melissa are to me? But Maggie my job and this firm are as a child of mine." His last statement stung Maggie. She had no words.

"If this job and firm are like a child to you why don't you treat your other children with the same commitment." Maggie stormed out of the room and into the kitchen, but Mickey was close behind.

“Maggie, I have to focus on my job right now. Leslie and I are trying so hard to get it off the ground and running. It’s not like I have abandoned my family.”

“Oh really? Where are your daughters right now?”

“I am sure Sarah is in her room asleep and Melissa is at her apartment.”

“Wrong and Wrong. Sarah is staying at Neil’s tonight since Noelle is back in Salem and Melissa is playing her Friday night late set with Emilio at Wings tonight.”

“Noelle is back in town? And you let Sarah stay without asking me?”

"Yes, she has been here a couple of days. How would you have liked for me to ask you? By carrier pigeon? I had no way of contacting you, Mickey. Like always you had more important business. Now if you would excuse me, I need to make a phone call."

“At almost 1:00 AM? Who could you possibly be calling?”

“My new boss.”

Maggie stormed into her office leaving Mickey stunned and in shock. Her new boss? He thought to himself. Mickey, although knew he was unwanted, chased after her.

"What do you mean a new boss? You are your own boss. You are the director of volunteers. Your only boss is Dad and I don't think he gave up his Chief of Staff position without telling me."

“No, he didn’t but if he had how would he tell you since the only people that ever know where you are is Wendy and Leslie. But if you must know I have decided to take a second job.”

“Why? We don’t need the money.”

“Because Mickey I am getting tired of being here alone. The volunteer department practically runs itself and I could get a week’s work done in 2 days. Between volunteering at the hospital, being a teenager and hanging out with her friends Sarah is hardly home, other than when she and I make plans. Plans that neither she nor I break because we respect one another if I might add. You are never home, and it gets lonely. So, I decided to do something about it.”

“Maggie, I don’t want you overdoing yourself. I don’t think you should take this job. Stress is not good for you or your MG.”

"You think this job could bring me any more stress than you have been?"

“I am tired of always being blamed for everything Maggie. Sure, I may work a little too much, but I still love you and only want the best.”

"Well, you should have thought about that before you started staying out all night and not checking on your family. If this is what you call love and caring I would rather do without it."

Once again Maggie raced out of the room but this time it was a further journey than just the next room. Mickey heard the front door slam and threw his hands in the air.

“She can’t be pleased.” He thought out loud.

Outside Mickey and Maggie's house, Maggie stood drowning in her tears. How did things become so bad? How did she and Mickey become strangers? She wondered where the man she had once loved more than herself had gone because the man standing inside that house was not her husband.

After running out of the house jumping in her car and driving while having no idea where she was going Maggie ended up at the last place she would have imagined.


Maggie looked through the windshield of her parked car to find the large house looking back at her. There was like another force controlling her. Maggie had no idea why she had ended up here. Still hysterical she made her way to the front door and without even thinking rang the doorbell. Starting to come to her senses she began to walk away when she heard the door open behind her.

“Maggie!” Neil stood shocked at the sight of Maggie on his door step at 2:00 AM

“I am so sorry, Neil. I shouldn’t be here” Maggie stuttered. Her tears were taking a toll on her and talking was not the easiest task at the moment.

“Don’t be crazy. Come in!” Neil motioned Maggie in and lead her into the living room where they both took a seat on the couch.

“Maggie what’s wrong?”

“You don’t need bothered with my problems Neil.”

Neil gently touched her hand and responded, “That’s what friends are for Maggie.”

With tears still flowing she managed to say a few words. “Mickey finally came home but we had a huge fight.”

“Oh Maggie, I am so sorry!” Neil pulled her too him and she rested her head upon his chest.

“Do you want to talk about it?” Neil asked as they parted.

Maggie, between tears, gave Neil the details of her and Mickey’s night.

“He had the nerve to say his firm was a like a child to him. So, I told him he should start treating all of his children equal. Neil it is so hard to hear your daughter say she knows her father doesn’t want to spend time with her. What do you say to that? I don’t know what else to do.”

“Maggie, I know it is hard to hear because it is your family, but you have done all you can. You have tried with Mickey and it is getting you nowhere. You have to let Mickey make the decision to be there for the family. He is one of my best friends, but he is an idiot. If I was Mickey, I would be with you, Sarah, and Melissa every second I could.” Maggie’s eyes shined with tears. Neil reached to brush one from her cheek and their eyes locked. In that moment the entire world stopped turning. Maggie’s problems vanished she only had one thing on her mind; Neil. The two each leaned in further until their lips met. Locked in an embrace neither had seen coming Maggie’s hands found their way to the back of his neck. They stayed entwined in each other’s arms and locked in a moment of passion for some time.

The two broke their embrace and Neil’s initial reaction was an apology.

“Maggie, I am so sorry. I should not have done that.”

“Neil, please don’t apologize. I kissed you.” Maggie reassured him.

“I am tired and need to be going. I am sorry I woke you up, I shouldn’t have come.”

Maggie got up to leave but Neil grabbed her arm pulling her back.

“Nonsense. Maggie my door is always open to you. Never apologize for coming to me. I just wish I could be more of a help. And its late and you are in no shape to drive. Please stay here.”

Neil noticed her trembling and had no intentions of allowing her to drive. Besides it was almost 3:00 AM and they were both tired.

“I couldn’t.”

“Maggie, I insist.”

“What will we tell the girls?”

“We will tell them the truth. You were very tired and in no condition to drive home. Now Let me show you to the guest room and get you some clothes to change into. Do you mind wearing my joggers and one of my T-Shirts?”

Maggie snickered slightly embarrassed at the offer. “No, I don’t mind.”

“Good, let’s go!

“Neil.” Maggie’s stopped him before they headed to her room. “Thank you.”

“It’s my pleasure Maggie.” 

Neil lead Maggie to the guest room in hopes she could get some rest and her mind of Mickey.

[lorna97]

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Resistance - Chapter 8

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The sun peered through the windows, Maggie’s eyes fluttered, and a quiet yawn escaped her mouth. A knock on the door brought Maggie to her feet. She opened the door to find Neil with a tray of breakfast.

“Neil! What is this?”

"Let's call it room service," Neil responded with a bright smile.

"You shouldn't have gone through so much trouble, Neil."

"Nonsense. You had a rough night and it was the least I could do. Besides, I only brought it to you. My cooking skills are, well, non-existent."

“Well don’t just stand there. Come in.” Neil entered the guest room and sat the tray on the bedside table. He took the two coffee cups from the tray and handed one to Maggie

“Thank you. Neil, about last night.”

“Maggie, no need to explain. You were under a lot of stress, I understand.” Neil stopped Maggie.

“Thank you! I just have so much going on. But I actually came over last night to talk to you about something completely different. Neil, if the offer still stands, I want the job.”

Neil couldn’t do anything but smile.

“Maggie that is wonderful! When would you like to start?”

“As soon as you need me. Maybe a change will be good for me.”

“How does Monday sound?”

“Sounds good to me. I will be there with bells on.” The two brought their cups to a toast and gave each other their brightest and biggest smile.

“Neil, where are the girls?”

“They are still sound asleep. I guess movie night got the best of them.” Neil chuckled.

“I guess so.” Maggie returned the laughter.

"You know I may just let you keep those pants and t-shirt. They look a lot better on you. Even in sleepwear, you are beautiful." Neil winked. His compliment caused Maggie to blush.

"Well thank you. You're not so bad yourself." Maggie returned with a genuine compliment. While they were only friends, she had always thought Neil was a very handsome man.

“Well, I am going to go and let you enjoy your breakfast and get dressed. There are clothes in the closet, and your bathroom has fresh towels and everything you will need. Liz left most of her clothes here when she moved to LA, you’re welcome to anything.”

“Thank you, Neil. You do not have to go out of your way like this. I can just head home before anyone else wakes up.”

“Maggie, this is no problem. I care about you. For once let someone care for and help you.”

“I’m sorry, Neil. With everything going on I am becoming protective of myself. I don’t let people in, I am afraid of being hurt.”

Neil took her hands in his and offered a sweet smile.

“Maggie, I hate seeing you like this. I want to help if only by offering you a room and a change of clothes.”

“I am so thankful to have you as a friend. I don’t know what I would do without you right now.”

“I promise you won’t have to find out.” They exchanged smiles and he gave her hands a slight squeeze.

After Neil left the room Maggie jumped in the shower and began getting ready. When she had showered and dried her hair, we examined the closet for something to wear. Knowing she wasn't going anywhere but home she chose a very casual outfit. She slipped into a pair of dark wash blue jeans which she paired with a white button-up blouse. She folded her clothes from the day before and stuffed them inside her purse. After some time, Maggie was finally ready. She was worried about explaining her overnight stay to Sarah and almost hoped she was still asleep. Much to Maggie's dismay, she heard the sweet chuckle of her daughter as she came downstairs. Upon entering the living room, she instantly heard the question she had dreaded so badly.

“Mom? What are you doing here?”

"Your mom and I worked very late last night and lost track of time. Maggie was very tired, and I asked her to stay in the guest room so she wouldn't have to drive home."

“That was very nice of you Neil.”

“I try.” Neil joked.

Maggie, Neil, Sarah, and Noelle talked for a while before Maggie and Sarah headed home.



Maggie and Sarah arrived at home only to find Mickey gone. The guilt of lying to Sarah was killing Maggie.

Sarah reached to open the car door only to Maggie to grab her arm and stop her.

“Sarah, I would like to talk to you.”

“Is everything okay?” Sarah asked concerned.

“Everything’s fine but Neil and I didn’t reveal the entire truth about me spending the night. Last night I did come home. You were sleeping so peacefully I didn’t want to wake you, so I let you stay with Noelle. Just after I got home your dad arrived home. We got into a huge argument and I ran out. I jumped in my car and just started driving and somehow ended up at Neil’s. I was so hysterical when I got there Neil offered for me to spend the night because I was in no shape to drive. I am sorry we lied but I want to protect you so much from everything going on.”

Sarah saw the tears run down Maggie’s face and she grabbed her hand.

“It’s okay Mom. I am not mad. I know you are only trying to protect me. But Mom, there is no protecting me. Dad never comes home and when he does you two are fighting. He never talks to Melissa or I. Mom I know what’s going on and I am hurt. I am angry.”

“Oh, Sarah I am so sorry!” Maggie hugged her daughter tightly.

The two soon broke their embrace. "Sarah, there is something else I would like to talk to you about. Since you are so busy at the hospital and with your friends and since my job at the hospital isn't very demanding I have decided to take another job. I need some change in my life. But I promise it will not affect our time together. We will still have dinner every night and twice a week with Melissa, we will still hang out, talk, and just be together. The only difference will be that I won't be sitting in my office all day long with nothing to do."

“Mom, I think that is great. Whatever makes you happy I am fine with it. So, what is the job?”

"I will be Neil's new assistance. He saw my paperwork for the hospital fundraiser and was impressed. His old assistant quit, and he offered me the job and I took it."

"Mom, I know how to hurt you are. I want you to be happy. I will support any decision you make."

“Let’s go inside.” Maggie smiled. She was so glad Sarah had taken the news of her new job good. Mickey had not responded so kindly to the idea, but Maggie was to the point she did not care what Mickey thought anymore. She was tired of being the only one holding onto this family and was exhausted from her efforts. She was finally doing something for herself.

Monday finally came around and Maggie's nerves were raging. While she was excited to begin this new job, she couldn't help but be nervous. Maggie carefully picked out an outfit. After several different changes, she decided on a sleek beige pencil skirt, a matching blazer, and a cream-colored camisole. She finished her hair and makeup, slipped on a pair of nude pointed-toe pumps and gave herself one last look in the mirror. Mickey had already

When Maggie got out of her car at the hospital, she heard her name being called.

“Maggie!” The very familiar voice sounded.

“Neil, good morning!” Maggie greeted Neil.

As the two made their way into the hospital they made small talk.

“Are you ready for your first day on the job?”

“You bet.” Maggie faked a smile. While her nerves were getting to her masked face was due to her never-ending thoughts about her failed marriage. She still couldn’t understand how her marriage had gotten so bad that she couldn’t even talk to Mickey about something that was so important to her.

As they entered Neil’s office, he noticed Maggie was not herself.

“Maggie, is something wrong?” He asked sitting his briefcase on his desk.

“No.” Neil seen through her lies but wondered if he should push any further.

“Maggie, you know you can talk to me about anything. Just because you are working for me doesn’t mean we can’t still be friends and keep the relationship we have.”

Most of Maggie’s nerves was brought on by fear. Fear that she would lose her best friend and the only one that seemed to understand what she was going through. Fear that she would no longer have Neil by her side when she needed him. It may sound selfish, but she was afraid of losing Neil to a professional relationship.

“Thank you for the reassurance. Neil, I hate to keep burdening you with my problems.” Maggie shyly dropped her head.

Neil gently raised her chin and softly responded, “Maggie, one day I will make you realize you could never be a burden. My ears and arms are always open to you.” Maggie smiled as a tear traced her face.

"It's Mickey. Like always. It's Mickey. We didn't even speak yesterday. He worked in his office all day and when I tried to make conversation, he would say it's not a good time. Neil, what did I do to deserve this? Was I not a good wife? Was I not supportive enough? What did I do wrong?"

Like so many times before he pulled her into a tight embrace. Neil was lost for words. He cared so deeply for Maggie and Mickey. They had been his best friends since he moved to Salem and he couldn't stand seeing them in such a situation. Especially Maggie. He wouldn't stand seeing her so broken. With each tear, he saw her shed his anger toward Mickey grew. While he hated to see them both struggle in their marriage, he couldn't help but blame and resent Mickey.

"Nothing. You have done nothing wrong. Mickey is in a place right now where he doesn't have his priorities in check. He can't see what he is doing to you, Sarah, and Melissa. But Maggie please believed me when I say this, you did nothing wrong. Do not blame yourself for your marital problems.”

Maggie knew he was right, but it was easier to blame herself than to admit the fact her husband had chosen a job and possibly another woman over his wife and two children.

The two continued to talk a while before beginning the workday. Neil showed her around her new office, gave her access to the files, and trained her for the job. She picked up on the job rather quickly and by the end of the day she was smooth sailing.

As the week progressed Maggie became more comfortable in the job with each passing day. She and Neil had made a great team just as he expected. Working with friends and having one as your boss can sometimes be catastrophic but for Maggie and Neil, it simply works.

[billiereed]

I just started reading this and have a ways to go, but I am enjoying it very much!