"Silence"

Maureen's soft yet captivating voice echoed through the crowded lot.

"Everyone, close your eyes and listen. Listen to the person next to you. Hear them breath. Listen to the sounds of the people outside. Hear them live. Everyone just take a moment, to listen."

Joanne's eyes fluttered shut, in the silence, her thoughts drifted.

"You know I love you."

Joanne laughed softly, her arm wrapping around Maureen's waist, pulling her closer.

"Joanne, seriously, you know I love you right?"

Joanne pulled back, the bed sheets shifting lightly as she moved so she could look Maureen in the eyes.

Maureen looked up at her, her emerald eyes filled with…with an emotion Joanne couldn't quite place.

"You know no matter what I say, no matter what I do. I love you…and…I always will."

Joanne's eyes filled with tears, as she leaned down to press her lips to Maureen's.

"I love you too."

Joanne's eyes shot open, she took a moment to look around, realizing that everyone else's eyes were still closed.

"Listen to the people around you." Maureen's soft voice continued.

Joanne's eyes moved to the stage, only to find that Maureen was looking right at her, their eyes locked. Joanne was unable to break the connection.

"Listen. Because tomorrow, that person, might not be there and you'll find yourself wishing that you'd taken the time, to listen."

The light on the stage shut off as the rest of the room was lit up, signaling the end of the protest.

"Wow…"

Joanne was startled out of her revere by the voice next to her, and she felt a hand reach out to clasp her own,

"Wow Joanne…that was…she is…wow…"

Joanne smiled softly, leaning down to press a soft kiss to her companion's lips.

"I'm glad you enjoyed it." Joanne said.

"We have to meet her."

"I uh…she's busy…we uh…probably…"

Joanne felt a hand on her shoulder she turned to see who it was.

"I'm glad you could make it." Maureen said with a smile.

Before Joanne could reply, "Hi, I'm Joanne's girlfriend, Mariah. You were wonderful."

Maureen's eyes widened only for a moment, as she shook Mariah's hand. "Oh...it's great to meet you. Joanne's an…old friend. Thank you so much for coming, I'm glad you enjoyed it."

Maureen nodded to Joanne, then to Mariah politely excusing herself.

"Oh shoot." Mariah said, as she pulled her pager out of her purse. "The hospital is paging me. I've got to go."

"Okay." Joanne said. "That's yeah…I'll see you tomorrow."

"Bye." Mariah said with a quick kiss before disappearing into the crowd.

Joanne stood outside of the lot, she'd spent about an hour after everyone had left looking for Maureen, but she hadn't been able to find her.

"Share a cab?

Joanne turned, her mouth beginning to form the 'No'. But she paused upon seeing who had asked.

"Sure…Maureen…no problem…"

AN: I'm so sorry for the incredibly long delay for this chapter. But I'm having huge writers block for this story I have no idea where I'm going with it. Thank you to everyone who reviewd the last chapter and I hope there are still a few people out there interested enough to review this new chapter. I'd also appreciate some ideas. Thanks for reading everyone.