| Chapter 18 "OK, we have to work out some way to let the others know what's going on in here," Tara whispered. Nick nodded, "Yeah, I've been thinking bout that. What if we sign to them?" "That's good, but how are they gonna see it?" she asked. "We'll just make it a habit of sitting on the patio every night. We can talk about things, and while we're doing that, we can sign. The light will be on, so they will be able to see us," Nick said. Tara laughed, "Why do I even worry?" Nick shrugged, "I dunno, but you're cute when you do." Tara laughed shaking her head. Nick turned his head to the door, "The girls are coming." Tara smiled, "OK, let's make this look good then." Nick grinned, "Always." They both jumped on the bed, wrapping themselves in each others arms, engaging in a passionate kiss. The girls walked in without knocking, stopping at the sight. Evi and Serenity glanced at one another, smiling. Tara and Nick broke the kiss, both of them glaring at the girls. "Don't you guys knock?" Nick asked, annoyed. "Sorry," Evi said, not wanting to be on Nick's bad side again. "Well, you came in here for something, what is it?" Tara asked, just as annoyed. "We, um, well, we wanted to talk with you for a minute," Serenity said. Tara sighed, "It couldn't wait?" Both girls shook their heads. Tara rolled her eyes and started to get up. Nick grabbed her hand, "You stay, I'll go. I think I need to talk with the dynamic duo anyway." Tara smiled at him as he got up and walked past the girls, "Next time knock," he said on his way out the door. Both girls cringed at his tone of voice, and Tara knew there would be no more interruptions. "OK, you have me all to yourselves, what was so important?" Tara asked. Both girls walked over to the bed and sat down. "We just wanted to make sure of something," Serenity said. "And what is that?" Tara asked, looking between the two. "We want to make sure this is what you want," Evi said. Tara had to consciously keep her mouth from dropping open in shock. "You mean coming back here and becoming your �sister'?" she asked. "Yes," Serenity said. "If I didn't do you think I would be here?" Tara asked. "We just wanted to make sure that Nick didn't um force you to," Evi said. Tara looked at her, "Why?" "Because to become one of us, you have to want it. It doesn't work if it's forced," Serenity said. Tara grinned at them, sending chills down both their spines, "Oh I want it." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Nick sat down on the couch, looking at the two men. "So, what'd I miss while we were gone?" he asked. "Not much," Ephah said. "Um huh, why do I get the feeling that's not exactly true?" Nick asked. Ephah and Jered glanced at one another for a moment. "We um just did a couple of assignments, nothing big," Jered said. "Yeah, we actually just got back ourselves," Ephah said. "Which brings me to my original question that you never answered," Nick said, "Why didn't you guys come and find us?" Jered shrugged his shoulders, "We figured you either took off, or you got caught. Why waste our time?" Nick lunged off the couch, grabbing Jered by the throat, choking him. "Waste your time?! Do you know what we went through when they had us? Do you?! Do you know what it's like listening to that mindless babble non stop? I thought I was going to go nuts before we got out of there," Nick yelled. Jered was looking at him through wide eyes, gasping for air, "Sorry, we ... didn't ...." Nick let go of him, "You're right. You didn't think. Well next time damn it, I expect something more!" Jered dropped to his knees holding his throat. He nodded, letting Nick know he got the message. Nick turned and pointed at Ephah, "And you. I thought you were more than this," he said, pointing at Jered. "You should have taken charge of the situation and done something. Instead you let this mindless fool lead you around," Nick said, shaking his head in disappointment. Ephah glared at him, taking offense to his comments, but didn't say anything. "I expect more from you," Nick said, "You are the experienced one here. You should be leading us." "Are you willing to let me?" Ephah asked. Nick nodded, "That's why I came back. I need to learn, and I want you to teach me." Ephah stared at him for a moment, "You'll do what I say without question?" Nick smiled, "I'm not gonna say without question. I want to know why we do what we do. I want to know the reason behind everything. You don't truly learn anything until you know why you do it." Ephah smiled, "I've been waiting for someone to say that." Jered slowly stood up, "I don't see why you have to know everything. Just do it and get it over with. That's my motto." Nick and Ephah both looked at him. "Then you've learned nothing," Ephah said. Jered glared at him, "I learned enough to turn plenty. I'm doing my job, so back off." "But you could be doing it even better," Nick said. "Listen," Jered said, sticking his finger in Nick's face, "I don't need some newbie coming in here and telling me how to do my job. Especially when I turned you!" Nick slapped Jered's hand away, "I think you better rethink that. You didn't turn anyone. I believe your siren bitch did that for you." Jered started to say something else when Ephah stepped between the two. "I don't think fighting among ourselves is going to accomplish anything," he said, looking back and forth between Nick and Jered. "Nick came back to learn, so let's teach him," he said, glaring at Jered. "And even though Jered is a pompous ass most of the time, he does have experience that you can learn from," he said, staring at Nick. "So, we need to work together on this. We aren't enemies here. We need to learn to work together so we can fight the real enemy, alright?" he said. Jered and Nick glanced at one another, then at Ephah, both nodding in agreement. Ephah smiled, "Good, now let's get started." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Howie and Kira sat in the doctors office waiting room. Kira quietly looked through a magazine, waiting her turn. Howie on the other hand, was a nervous wreck. He sighed, shifting in his seat for the tenth time in as many minutes. Kira looked over at him, "Honey, if you're this nervous now, I don't see how you're gonna make it when I actually go into labor." Howie's face went pale, "Oh God, please don't talk about that right now." Kira laughed at him, "Baby, all you have to do is sit there. It's not like the doctor is gonna examine you or anything." "I know, but this is probably the most important thing I'll ever do," Howie said. Kira smiled at him, "And I love that you're so worried about it, but you need to relax. What good are you gonna be to me if you worry yourself into an early grave?" "I'll try," he said, gently squeezing her hand. Howie got up to look through the magazine rack. "Your first?" a woman sitting across from Kira asked. Kira smiled, "Yeah, that obvious huh?" The lady laughed, "Reminds me of my husband with our first. He was so nervous. You know he actually passed out at the first exam?" Kira laughed, "Howard passed out when we found out I was pregnant." They both laughed. "Well, don't worry honey. He looks like great daddy material. If he loves that little one even half as much as he does you, you'll have it made," the woman said. Kira smiled, "Thank you." "Kira, the doctor will see you now," a nurse called. Kira got up and retrieved Howie, walking back to the exam room. They sat in the small exam room for several minutes. Howie paced in front of the window and almost jumped out of his skin when the door opened and the doctor walked in. Kira laughed at him, as he walked over and sat down in the one chair in the room. "Afternoon Kira, we feeling alright today?" the doctor asked. "Yup, doing fine," she said. The doctor smiled, "I presume this is the father?" "Oh sorry," Kira said, "Doc, this is my husband, Howie. Howie this is doctor Smith," Kira said, introducing them. Howie got up and shook the mans hand, "Nice to meet you." "Likewise," Dr. Smith said, "You look a little nervous." Howie laughed, "I am." Dr. Smith laughed, "If I had a dollar for every nervous new daddy, I'd be a wealthy man." Howie smiled, "I'm sure." "If it makes you feel better, you're not alone. Almost every new dad has felt what you do now. It's OK to feel nervous about this. This is something that will alter your lives forever, if you can't be nervous about that, then I don't know what there is to be nervous about," Dr. Smith said. Howie laughed and blushed, "True." "OK Ms. Kira, let's get this done so you can get outta here. I'm sure you have better things to do than hang out here all day," Dr. Smith said. Kira nodded, "No offense, but yeah I do." The doctor quickly examined Kira and sent her on her way. She stopped by the desk and made her next appointment, then left, with Howie in tow. They walked out to the car, getting in. "That's all they do?" he asked, still in awe over the whole thing. "Yeah, what'd you expect?" she asked. "I dunno, just um more than that," he said, laughing. "See, now you worried about that for nothing," she said. Howie smiled, "Well, you are worth the worry." Kira leaned over and kissed his cheek, "So are you honey. Ohhhh pull in over there!" she said, seeing the local ice cream store. Howie laughed as he pulled the car into the parking lot. "What kind today?" he asked. Kira licked her lips, thinking, "Rocky Road." Howie grabbed his wallet out of the console and opened the door, "Be back in a sec." "Ohh baby, get two pints this time," Kira called after him. Howie laughed as he headed into the store, "OK," he called back. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Lyn came downstairs from working. She had finally gotten caught up again. She noticed Brian sitting in front of the windows, staring out at the water. She made her way over to him, "Hey." He looked up at her and smiled, "Hey." "Whatcha doing?" she asked, sitting down next to him. "Praying, and enjoying the view," he said. Lyn nodded, "I know, I was doing some of that myself earlier." "You think they're OK?" Brian asked. "Yeah, I'm sure they are. This is Nick and Tara we're talking about here," she said. Brian smiled, "Yeah, poor demons won't know what hit them," he laughed. "Or siren's either," Lyn added. Brian smiled, looking back out at the setting sun. Lyn watched him for a moment, knowing something else was bothering him. "Spill," she said. Brian shook his head, "Nothing, I'm just getting tired again." Lyn looked at him concerned, "Since when?" "Few hours ago," he said, "That's kinda why I'm sitting here." She looked at him confused. "I came over here just looking around, then I got really tired, so I just sat down. Been here ever since," he said. "Bri, why didn't you holler for me?" she asked. He shrugged his shoulders, "I dunno. After I sat down I figured it was a good time to pray for awhile, so I just started doing that." "Are you still that tired?" she asked. "A little, not as much now," he answered. "Can you get up?" she asked. "I think so," he said, slowly standing up. Lyn walked with him over to the couch, and sat down with him. "I'm really OK now," Brian said, seeing the worry in her eyes. "Well, don't blame me if I don't believe you," she said. "Is Ted coming by today?" Brian asked. "Yeah, he should be over before to long," she answered. "Good, I need to ask him about the tests," he said. "Oh I forgot to tell you. He's set them up for Monday," Lyn said. Brian nodded, "Good. The sooner the better." "You feel like eating?" she asked. "Are you kidding? When have you known me not to eat?" he laughed. Lyn shook her head, "Never, come to think of it. I'll go fix something." "OK, I'm gonna lay down while you do that," Brian said, getting comfortable. Lyn bent down and kissed his cheek, "You yell if you need anything, OK?" Brian smiled, "I will." Lyn went into the kitchen, quickly finding something to cook for supper. She got it in the oven, then went back to check on Brian. Just as she had suspected, he was asleep. She debated on calling Ted and asking him to come over sooner, but she knew Brian wouldn't want them fussing over him. He was just tired, it wasn't like he was dying. Lyn walked back into the kitchen, checking on the food. Ted walked in, "Evening," he said, walking over to her and hugging her. "Hey, you want some supper in a minute?" she asked. "Why thank you, yeah I'd love some," he said, "So, how's our patient today?" "Not good," Lyn said, nodding toward the couch. Ted looked over, seeing Brian. "What's up?" he asked. "I guess sometime this afternoon he started getting tired again. I went upstairs for a few hours and got some things done, and when I came down, he was sitting in front of the windows. He said that he had gotten really tired, and just sat down there. I have no idea how long he was there before I found him," she said. Ted looked at her, "He didn't pass out or anything?" "No, he just sat there. He said that he prayed while he was there, and that he was feeling better now. But..." Lyn said. "But, you're still worried," Ted finished for her. She nodded. "OK, you finish supper and I'll check on him," Ted said, walking into the living room. He knelt next to the couch, gently shaking Brian. Brian opened his eyes, "Hi." Ted smiled, "Hi. How long you been tired?" "Few hours," Brian answered. "Any other symptoms?" Ted asked. Brian shook his head, "Nope, just tired." Ted checked Brian's heart rate and blood pressure, not finding anything unusual. "You are becoming a mystery to me," he said. Brian laughed, "I've been called worse." Ted shook his head, "Somehow I don't doubt that. I'm gonna see if I can get the tests moved up, we need to see what this is." Brian sat up, "OK." "Foods ready," Lyn said from the kitchen. Brian looked at Ted, "Would you like to stay?" Ted smiled, "Already been asked and accepted." "Great," Brian said, getting up, "It'll give us time to get to know each other better." "Yeah, I've been meaning to ask you what you're intentions toward my niece were," Ted teased. Brian blushed, "You mean it's not obvious?" Ted shrugged his shoulders. "I love her," Brian said, "And if I have my way, I intend to be in her life for a very long time." Ted smiled, "Good, now let's talk about how you plan on supporting her," he laughed, putting his arm around Brian's shoulders as they walked to the table. Brian looked surprised, "You mean she's not gonna support me?" he teased. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Nick and Tara sat on the patio, looking up at the stars. Their first day had gone better than expected. They didn't get the fight they were looking for. Everyone just seemed to accept their story, of which they were very relieved. The girls had started Tara out on some basic training, as well as the guys with Nick. Everything seemed to be going smoothly. "Well, it's been a day huh?" Nick asked. Tara nodded, "It sure has, one I'm glad to have behind us." "Me to," Nick said. He glanced at the door, then down at his hands. Tara nodded, watching the door. "Yeah, first we fight our way out of Gideon's clutches," Nick said, all the while signing, First day went well. They bought the story. "Then we find our way back here," he continued, Started training for both of us. "And now, we're back, learning what we should be," he finished, Will inform you like this from now on. "Yeah," Tara said, taking her eyes off the door, and looking out into the desert. Nick followed her gaze, also looking for some sign that they had understood. They both saw it at the same time. One tiny sparkle of light, lasting for a brief moment before it faded. They both smiled at one another. "Well, I'm beat," Nick said, standing up. "Yeah, so am I," Tara said, taking the hand Nick offered, and standing as well. "Let's go get some sleep. I'm sure we're gonna need it," he said. "Yeah, but I'm not sleepy," Tara pouted. Nick grinned at her, "Well, we don't have to go right to sleep. We could um, I dunno, talk?" Tara laughed and shook her head. "Sing?" Nick teased. Tara wrapped her arms around him, pulling him close, "Try again." "Um, let me see," Nick said, "I know! We can play I spy...... I spy something green." Tara burst out laughing, "Carter, you are to much." Nick smiled at her, "You love me." Tara nodded, "Yes I do," she said, pulling him into a kiss. After they broke the kiss Nick laughed, "Ohhh so that's what you wanted to do?" Tara stared at him, "Run Carter." Nick caught the playful look in her eyes, and took off running through the house, with her right behind him. Chapter 19 |