You can not take back love!

Trying to accept reality!

Maxwell comes home from his walk. The fresh air served him well. He came to a decision. He goes to his office. The answering machine is blinking. CC left him a couple of messages. He deletes them all. He has more important things to do. He prepares a large cardboard box and all the things, pictures, gifts, etc. everything that reminds him of Fran ends up in the box. Also, her scarf.

After cleaning his office of her, as he calls it, he rushes upstairs to his bedroom with the box. There, a few items wander into the box, too. From the bathroom, he retrieves the bath lotion, candles and the CD from last night and packs all that up as well. With some effort, he changes his bed. He stuffs the used sheets into a plastic bag. With the bag and box, he marches back downstairs. He rummages in the kitchen until he finds the number of the dry cleaner. He orders a driver to pick up the bag. When he can't find anything more that belongs in the box, he closes it and taps it shut. He carries it to the basement and puts it on the back shelf. Now, he feels better. He heats up some pies Niles had prepared for him. He sits down at his desk and takes out the manuscript.

Fran is in the elevator on the way to her suite. She reapplies her lipstick, wipes the residue from her teeth, and arranges her hair. She is terribly nervous. Outside her door, she pauses for a moment, shakes herself again, and then she finally steps into the room.

"Nigel? Are you there?"
"Fran baby! There you are. Where were you for so long. Didn't you get my message?"
"I met Val for a late breakfast. She's not doing so well. What message are you talking about?"
"I left you a message about when I'd be back."
"Really? There was no message. Well, the technology in hotels is never quite the best. It doesn't matter. How was your appointment?"
"All settled!" He takes her in his arms, hugs her tightly.
"I missed you!"

He begins spreading kisses up her neck until his lips touch hers. Fran deepes his kisses. Just as Nigel slides his hand under her sweater, she gently pushes him away. All at once, everything inside her rebells. She suddenly can't stand his presence any longer. His scent, his closeness, his touches and kisses trigger a kind of disgust in her. Nigel stares at her in irritation. "Sorry, I'm not feeling well."

She rushes to the bathroom and locks the door. She cools off her burning face with ice-cold water. She has to hold herself on the sink. She feels dizzy. Fran stares in the mirror. What is the matter with her?"
"Fran! Baby! What's wrong with you?"
Nigel rattles on the handle and knocks on the door.
"I'm ok! I'll be right there."
Fran presses the toilet flush. She runs a quick brush through her face and hair. Nigel is concerned when he sees her.
"My God, Fran! You're so pale! Are you sick?"
"Maybe. Val just had a virus. It's possible I caught it from her. But don't worry about it. I just want to lie down and rest for a while."
"And the boat trip? You know, the harbor cruise with my old college class?!"

Fran sighes, she isn't in the mood for that at all right now.
"Why don't you go by yourself, I'll rest in the meantime. I don't know anyone there anyway, but you are looking forward to this for days."
Nigel is disappointed. The reason why he was looking forward to this was to introduce Fran to all his old friends and to show her off. But well then, he also could enjoy himself without her.
"Whatever you say. I'll get ready now. Call the room service if you need anything."

Fran is more than relieved when the door shuts behind Nigel. Finally, alone. She gets ready for bed. She  doesn't want to sleep in the big bed with Nigel. She feels queasy at the idea of him snuggling up to her during the night. She heads to the small bedroom they use for their luggage. She lies down in one of the twin beds. She feels excruciatingly bad. In her head bumbs the question, how shall she be supposed to create a happy future with Nigel when she can't even stand one hug from him? Besides, she lied to him more often in the few minutes they were together than in their entire relationship. She wishes everything could be like it used to be. But deep down, she knows the happy days with Nigel are in the past.