Aaron looked around his apartment. All had gone dark and quiet, but he -was- home. He flicked on a light, then squinted. Too much being in the dark. Aaron looked at his watch. Four A.M. He couldn't call her. it was still too early. Instead, Aaron went over to his piano. He had an idea... He couldn't sleep. Not after that night's events!

Two hours later, he showered and changed, getting dressed up. Through all of this, Oscar's party was on his mind. Of course he had Georgia's present all ready. The question now was...would she like it? He hoped she would at least give him a chance. Aaron impatiently waited for a more reasonable hour before picking up the phone and dialing Oscar. "Hello?" a sleepy Oscar replied after several rings.

"Oscar?"

"Yeah?"

"It's Aaron"

Oscar blinked. "Aaron? What time is it?" He fumbled for his watch.

"I... uh..."

"7 am?"

"Is it?" Aaron blinked at the clock, "Oh, sorry"

"Don't worry about it" Oscar brushed it aside with a yawn

"I just had something to ask you"

"What is it?"

"... could you still use a piano player at the party this afternoon?...And... do you know... is Georgia going to be there?"

princesssaturn59: "I always could and she is. She never misses it."

"Alright. What time was it at again?"

Oscar gave the time. "I'll see you there for certain?"

"I'll be there."

"Okay" There was a smile in his voice among the sleepy.

"Oh, and can you do me a favor?"

"I can"

"Don't tell Georgia I'm coming?"

"Alright" Oscar agreed.

"This year... no matter what she throws at me... I'm not leaving"

"No?"

"At least... I'm not leaving without her"

That made Oscar chuckle good-naturedly. "See you later then"

"Same. sorry I woke you"

"It's forgiven"

Aaron smiled, "Merry Christmas, Oscar"

"Merry Christmas, Aaron" he chuckled. "What got into you?"

"That show you wanted me to write, I think."

"Oh?"

"Yeah. I had a dream about it, I guess"

"Well, good to hear you've come round." Oscar yawned. "Talk to you later." Aaron said his good byes and hung up the phone. What a gift he'd have in store for Georgia in an attempt to win her back!

Some how, the day passed and it was party time at last! Aaron stopped to get some flowers. True, they were more expensive in the winter, but she was worth it. Once he had gotten them, he raced to Oscar and Carmen's. Oscar was assuring Georgia that Aaron would come. Georgia had gone off to try to call Aaron in an attempt to open up conversation but no one had answered the phone. She ended up running out of the room in tears. Oscar hurried after her, "Georgia? What is it?"

"Why do I even -try?!"

"Maybe he's on his way?" Tears continued to roll down her cheek.

Aaron had just arrived and given his coat and hat to the housekeeper, after a rather amusing juggling routine with the flowers and his music book. The housekeeper directed him to where the party was. Georgia had been calmed by Oscar by now, but her tear-stained face was still obvious. Aaron stopped in the door way and caught Oscar's eye and Oscar nodded. Aaron slowly walked over. Georgia was wiping her eyes. "Georgia?..." She turned quickly. "...Aaron?"

"May I join you?"

"..Of course"

The composer brought out the flowers from behind his back, "These are for you"

"For...me?"

He nodded and Georgia took them.

"Merry Christmas"

She blinked. "You too..."

"I...I have a present for you"

"Me?"

He nodded "Of course"

"...You didn't have to..."

"I know that"

"And you have it...-with- you?"

"Of course but... not here... I..." Aaron took a breath, "I sort of need a piano."

"Oh..." She turned to look to Oscar. The man nodded. "You remember where it is, Aaron?"

Aaron nodded, "If you'll come with me?..." They both agreed and Aaron led the way. Aaron sat down at the piano. Georgia moved beside him. He gave her a notebook.

"if... you want to read it..."

Georgia nodded, opening it up.

"You don't have to sing it though..." Aaron started to play, "but if you'll read it..."

"I will.."

Aaron smiled, and went back to the piano. Georgia looked down at the notebook. It was a song... a ballad... a duet actually.

A song of love, of lost love, and of the magic of Christmas, the magic of Christmas to bring forgiveness and healing. As he played, she mouthed the words. Her eyes became teary... This... was Aaron's heart... laid out in print. A tear rolled down her cheek. He really missed her... he wanted her back... She looked back to him. Aaron was determined to get through this song... although for the first time since she had met him, he seemed to be having a hard time playing one of his own songs. Georgia put the book down on top of the piano. His eyes went to it. Suddenly, Georgia embraced Aaron. His fingers hit the keys, and then he reached up and put his arm around hers. She held him, tears falling onto his shoulder.