I do not own DWP I am just using the characters for inspiration.

Sequel to The Beginning of an Exploration. I hope everyone likes this as much as the first.

The trip had been planned. Miranda looked outside and the weather was beautiful. The sun was shining but a cloud hung over her head. The last time her stomach was this upset was when she was pregnant with the twins, but then she was happy. If it had not been for Bonnie she would cancel this whole charade. She heard Andréa's footsteps coming down the stairs. If it wasn't for the love of her life she would not be able to do this. No matter what happened in Scotland she knew love and home would be waiting for them back here in New York.

The day was a rush of activity. Kara showed up very early to make breakfast for the family. The twins were chatting non-stop asking Bonnie all kinds of things about Scotland. Andy came down the steps with her luggage and found Miranda in front of the window. "Babe, you need to eat just a little." Miranda shook her head. "I can't." Andy hugged her tightly from behind and kissed her neck. Roy will be here soon are you ready?" Miranda nodded. Andy went out to the kitchen and grabbed some food to go. "Thanks for coming Kara." "My pleasure Andy." There was knock at the door. "O.K. you guys say good bye to Kara and help Roy get the luggage out to the car. Your Mother and I will be out in a minute." Bonnie nodded. Andy turned to Kara. "Enjoy your vacation." The girls ran to the door and flung it open "HI Roy." They started dragging pieces of luggage out the door. Roy had to laugh. Andy went into the living room. "Miranda." Miranda turned wiping her face. "I am coming." Andréa walked over to Miranda gather her in her arms and kissed her. "I love you."

The plane ride was difficult but luckily it took off on time. The girls spent time on their phone and Bonnie was able to lay down and rest. Miranda spent the entire take off staring out the window. Andy could see she was shaking. Andy had some idea of what Miranda went through as a growing child but obviously not everything. Andy held Miranda's hand and occasionally would bring it up to her lips and kiss it. Miranda would look at her and smile but the eyes would turn sad again and she would look out the window. All Miranda wanted to do was head back to New York where she was in control and it was safe. Andréa whispered into Miranda's ear. "Babe lay back your seat and try to get some sleep. Everyone else has dosed off."

Miranda looked around and pushed the button that laid her seat back. Much to Andy's surprise Miranda soon feel asleep. Andy jerked awake. "No. Why? Please. Don't say that." Miranda was sobbing. Her eyes were closed. Andy went to her and held Miranda's head between her two hands. "Miranda, Babe, wake up. You're safe. It is just a dream. Please wake up." Andy was scared. Miranda finally woke with a jerk. "The girls, where are the girls?" "Miranda, they are right over there, sleeping. They are O.K." Miranda's eyes were wild, and dark. "Miranda? The dream. What was it?" Tears began to fall from her eyes. "I thought they were gone, I had them and then it was like they were never here." Andréa nuzzled close to Miranda's neck. "You have the girls, and nothing is going to take them away from you."

Andy was relieved that Miranda had just that one nightmare during the flight. A car was waiting when the jet landed. Andy mused, two gold stars for John. The car pulled into a lane off the main road, as it rounded the curve the girls screamed. "Is that ware we are staying?" Andy looked out the window. "Holy cow! John really out did himself." Miranda peered out the window. "Acceptable." The girls laughed.

That night Miranda was more than nervous. Andy did not know what to do. Miranda barely ate any dinner. The girls wanted to go exploring and Miranda did the best she could. She walked around with them but mainly let them explore and she just kept an eye on them. When they got back to their room Andy ordered lavender tea but Miranda did not even try any. Andy finally sat down next to Miranda, and took Miranda's face in her hands. "Miranda you have got to talk to me. I mean it. Start talking now!" Andy was scared, and mad. Why did this lady not trust her enough to tell her what was going on? This was the Dragon Lady.

"Miranda what happened while you grew up here? What has you acting like this? The girls are worried." Miranda sat up and wrapped her arms around her bent legs and laid her chin on her knees. "I'm sorry." Andréa laid her forehead against Miranda's. "Babe, you don't have to be sorry. There is obviously something terribly wrong. I just want to understand what you're feeling so I can help you." Miranda closed her eyes. "It is silly. I don't want to bother you with it."

Andy stood up and started to pace. She was getting very frustrated, but she knew she had to take it slow. "Andréa please." Andy turned around and looked at Miranda. "Miranda do you love me?" Miranda nodded. "Miranda do you trust me?" Miranda nodded. "Miranda whatever we say in trust to each other is not going to go anywhere else. I do not care how stupid you may think it is, it is bothering you, and I want to help you if I can. If I can't help you at least I will know what is going on and I can be here with you, to support you."

"I don't know what it is Andréa. I don't know why I feel like this. I thought I was over it all. I am successful, I have a wonderful family, and yet I am scared to death to see my Mother tomorrow. My stomach feels like it has turned inside out. I just know when we get there she will have nothing good to say to or about me." Miranda looked up at Andréa with tears in her eyes. "I do not know why I am subjecting you and my girls to this. It is not fair to expose the three of you to something like that." Andy went over to Miranda and wiped the tears from her face and kissed her softly.

"Miranda, I do not care what your Mother thinks of me. Knowing that you and the girls love me is all I need. Miranda I am a grown woman and I have learned from the best. As for the girls maybe they should not go tomorrow. Maybe we should see your Mother first. If she behaves then you can take the girls." Miranda shook her head. "If I do not let them meet her they will never forgive me. I just have to believe they will understand anything that happens." Andy sat next to Miranda and placed her arm around Miranda's waist. "They love you more than anything Miranda. They trust you and if something does go wrong you will be able to explain it to them. Your girls are very bright." "Our girls. When you accepted that ring." Miranda picked up Andréa's hand and fingered the ring on her left hand. "You promised to be their stepmother." Miranda looked at Andréa and smiled. "You cannot get out of it now." Andy laughed. "O.K. our girls."

The two women slept in each other's arms once again. No sex just love and protection. Surprisingly they slept well.

I feel so sorry for Miranda. She is really out of her element here.