Maggie and Kian had been friends since they were in diapers. Their mothers became close when Maggie’s family movie next door to the Egans in Sligo. Maggie’s mom, Kelly, was an American women who was used to working so when she became pregnant with Maggie and had to leave her job being at home was tough. Patricia was a huge support and the women bonded while learning to cook new foods. Kian was born a month before in April. Maggie was born in May. The mothers always joked about how someday they were going to be a cute couple. While growing up Maggie was always trying to out do Kian in everything. She did really well in school while he was more of a social person.

We both know that I shouldn't be here
This is wrong
And, baby, it's killing me, it's killing you
Both of us tryin' to be strong
I've got somewhere else to be
Promises to keep
And someone else who loves me
And trusts me fast asleep
I've made up my mind
There is no turning back
She's been good to me
And she deserves better than that

At the start of high school Maggie and Kian weren’t in the same classes for the first time. Maggie was in higher level classes so she only saw Kian before and after school. It didn’t take long until he had a new group of friends and Maggie was left walking to and from school alone. Over the summer a boarding school in London came to Sligo to meet with Maggie. When they accepted her into the school she didn’t think twice about going. On the day she left Kian looked out his bedroom window as a silent tear fell from his eye. He knew that he hurt her but his pride kept him from apologizing. Maggie’s mom knocked on the door with a letter in her hand. ‘Hi Patricia.’ Kelly said wiping the last of her teachers off her cheek. ‘Kelly, Maggie’s not leaving forever. She’ll be back during semester break.’ ‘She wanted me to give this to Kian.’ ‘I don’t know what’s gotten into him.’ ‘I remember when I was that age. Boys want to run with the boys, it’s not cool for them to be friends with girls unless their dating them.’ ‘They’ll come to their senses soon enough.’ Patricia said smiling as Kelly nodded.

It's the hardest thing I'll ever have to do
To look you in the eye and tell you I don't love you
It's the hardest thing I'll ever have to lie
To show no emotion when you start to cry
I can't let you see what you mean to me
'Cause my hands are tied and my heart's not free
We're not meant to be
It's the hardest thing I'll ever have to do
To turn around and walk away
Pretending I don't love you

Three years later Maggie came back to Sligo for the summer. She was going to Oxford in the fall on a full scholarship. When Kian saw the beautiful brunette walk up the driveway next door he stopped to watch her. ‘That can’t be Maggie.’ He thought to himself as he got into his car. Maggie smiled to herself. Kian still looked the same and maybe after all this time he’d finally give her some attention. After being in London for a year Maggie finally caught up to her classmates physically. She also came out of her shell and became one of the most desired girls at her school. Since leaving for school Maggie spent her summers in America with her grandparents and during school breaks her parents came to London. The next day when Maggie went out to get the mail Kian stopped to talk to her. ‘Long time no see.’ Kian said grinning as he walked over from his door step. ’Hi, Kian. How are you?’ Maggie asked not looking up from what she was doing. ‘Good, how was London?’ ‘Great, I’m going to Oxford in a few weeks.’ ‘That’s what my mother said.’ ‘What about you? What are your plans?’ ‘Well... Shane, Mark, and a few other guys are starting a boy group.’ Maggie started giggling. ‘Hey, we’re pretty good. We have a meeting with Louis Walsh next week.’ ‘I wish you luck. I better be going.’ ‘Mags?’ ‘Yea.’ ‘I was wondering if you wanted to go out for pizza and a movie sometime...to catch up.’ ‘Sure, let me know when’s it good for you.’ Maggie walked into the house as a huge smile crossed Kian’s face.

I know that we'll meet again
Fate has a place and time
So you can get on with your life
I've got to be cruel to be kind
Like Dr. Zhivago
All my love I'll be sending
And you will never know
'Cause there can be no happy ending

Later that week they went out for pizza. They spent most of the movie joking and laughing. That night when Kian walked Maggie to her door they kissed. From then on their romance blossomed. When Kian wasn’t working with his group he was with Maggie. Louis Walsh liked what he heard and became the group’s manager. During their time in Dublin Louis removed a few guys and replaced them with Nicky and Bryan. Before long they were signed by Simon and Maggie was at University. She was a premed major. Maggie didn’t have class Fridays so she spent her time with Kian and hung out while the guys recorded. Westlife became huge fast. Maggie stayed out of the spotlight and when asked she was “an old friend”. After 4 years Maggie finished at Oxford and graduated 5th in her class and was accepted to Harvard Medical school in Boston, MA USA. Kian wasn’t able to make her graduation so she flew out to see him in Paris the next week.

It's the hardest thing I'll ever have to do
To look you in the eye and tell you I don't love you
It's the hardest thing I'll ever have to lie
To show no emotion when you start to cry
I can't let you see what you mean to me
'Cause my hands are tied and my heart's not free
We're not meant to be
It's the hardest thing I'll ever have to do
To turn around and walk away
Pretending I don't love you

‘Hey Kian! Maggie’s here.’ Mark said walking into the backstage area of the arena with Maggie. ‘Congrats on your graduation. I hear your going to Harvard, that’s one of the best schools in the states. Isn’t it?’ ‘Yea, it is. My grandparents live nearby so I’ll live with them.’ ‘Hey Mags!’ Shane said giving her a hug. ‘Hey Shane. How yea been?’ ‘Great, how’s it feel to be one step closer to becoming a doctor?’ ‘I still have 3 more years of school then a few years of practice before I’m a full doctor.’ ‘I’m sure you’ll be great.’ Nicky joined in before giving her a hug. Kian strolled in the room a few minutes later. He looked tired and something was bothering him. ‘Hi Kian.’ Maggie said as he half smiled. ‘We’ll let you two spend some time together.’ Shane said as the others left the room. ‘How’s the tour been?’ ‘Long.’ He said sitting on the couch. ‘I’m glad I get to spend some time with you before I start summer classes in Boston.’ ‘Mags...this, us...’ Kian looked at his hand as he started to choke up. ‘Kian, what’s the matter?’ ‘I think we should break up. It was hard enough with you at school while I’m on the road. Now your going to be in the US and-’ ‘Kian, your crazy.’ Maggie said shaking her head. ‘We can make this work.’ ‘No, I think this is what’s best.’ Kian looked away as Maggie broke down in tears. ‘Don’t do this.’ She sobbed. ‘Good luck.’ Kian got up and walked out of the room hoping that he did make the right choice.

Maybe another time, another day
As much as I want to, I can't stay
I've made up my mind
There is no turning back
She's been good to me
And she deserves better than that

THE END

Lyrics from “Hardest Thing” by 98 Degrees