There's still more mystery to solve about Clara. This is the second in a series of stories of Hawke's new life as a single dad and top ace combat pilot. I hope you enjoy!
A/N: For those of you who have already read this chapter, I have revised this chapter and made a change in the direction of the storyline. It's a major change and I hope this will be well received.
CHAPTER 1
"My daughter." Hawke smiled as he carried a sleepy Clara back to the cabin. He knew that in the beginning it was premature to consider each other as father and daughter, but to him she felt like his daughter the first night he sat with her, holding her tiny hand felt natural and brought warmth to his heart that he had not felt in a long time. It was still surreal, just a few hours ago he almost lost her forever to her real family. A family more concerned about wealth and status than the welfare of a defenseless child. Now she was to be loved and cared for even spoiled unconditionally, after all the terrible hardship she had endured no one deserved it more. As Hawke approached the cabin Clara started to stir in his arms. Opening her eyes to see she was back home, she smiled as Hawke felt her relax even more.
When Hawke opened the door Tet was there excited to welcome them home. Clara squealed with happiness at Tet as he showered her with frantic kisses, with Hawke holding her to protect her still fragile little body from Tet's overzealousness. How he missed the sound of her laughter, bright and cheerful. He had not laughed in a long while but her's so gleeful and pure set his free.
"Ok Clara, it's time for bed your exhausted and so am I." Hawke said.
"Ok." She said as she headed for the stairs. Before she could start to climb Hawke grabbed her and picked her up.
"Hold on there kiddo, no climbing the stairs until Rudy says so." Hawke said as he carried her up to the loft.
"Daddy, you look so tired. I can put myself to bed." Clara said.
"I'm ok Clara, I have to make sure your band-aid is ok." Hawke said.
While helping her get ready for bed Hawke gently cleaned her incision with warm water and a mild soap. He softly patted her dry before putting on her pajama top. Clara looked down at her wound, she had not seen it until now. A look of hurt spread across her face. Hawke picked her chin up and looked into her eyes, the pain and anger he saw in them tore his heart to pieces.
"Hey, don't let this defeat you, this is a reminder that you're a survivor. It shows of the great strength and strong will you have to get you through all the bad things that happened. You're a lot stronger than me. But I want you to promise me you won't let that happen." Hawke said as he wiped the small tear from her cheek.
"I promise. Can you read to me before I go to sleep?" Clara asked.
"You don't have to ask Clara, I have the book right here." Hawke said.
Clara climbed into bed and snuggled underneath the blankets clutching Lucy as Hawke tucked her in, happy to be back home.
"Daddy, I can stay with you forever now? I'm scared that someone will try to take me away again. I never want to leave here ever." She said. As Hawke sat down next to her on the bed.
"Clara, nobody can take you away from me ever again, because you are my daughter now and forever. Which makes me the happiest dad in the universe." Hawke said as he gave her a loving kiss to her forehead.
"No, I'm the happiest!" She said with a giggle.
"We're both the happiest and I'm going to make sure we stay that way. I only want the best for you Clara, always remember that. But you know what's going to make me really happy." Hawke said.
"What?" She asked.
"Making you happy and hearing you laugh. It's the most beautiful sound in the world to me. I missed you so much lamb." Hawke said as he gently stroked her face.
"Clara, I need you to understand something about your real father. You need to know that he was nothing like his family. I hear that he was a good, honorable guy. Bu,t despite what his brother did today, I do not want you think of your father that way." Hawke said as his fingers softly traced her cheek.
"I know he wasn't. But you're my daddy now and I don't want that to change again ever." Clara said.
"I promise it will never happen again." Hawke said.
"Can we see the deer tomorrow? I miss them." Clara said.
"Of course we can. I'm sure they missed you to." Hawke said.
"Now, it's time for your bed time story." Hawke climbed on to the bed above the covers as Clara snuggled into him, cuddling her stuffed lamb.
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
The next day in the late morning with an extra spring in his step with an everlasting smile, Dominic arrived at the cabin. The mournful feeling replaced by a joyousness that was intoxicating. The ghosts of Hawke's parents, Saint John and Gabrielle could finally lay to rest in peace. Dominic opened the door expecting a spirited greeting from Clara was met by silence, neither one found. "Maybe they went for their walk." but noticed Hawke's sunglasses were still there, he never left the cabin without them even on a cloudy day. The fireplace was cold and with no sign of Tet either. "Where could they be?"
He made his way up to the loft to find both fast asleep, both on their sides, Clara snuggled against her father lying the opposite way, cuddling her toy lamb. Hawke's strong arm draped over her, still protecting her in his sleep. They looked so tranquil and serene. Dominic has not seen Hawke look this way since before his parent's died and he was thrilled that Hawke has finally started a new chapter in his life. Dominic decided to start to make a small breakfast for them and let the aroma wake them instead of jolting them out of their peaceful slumber.
Hawke began to stir as the aroma of coffee and bacon filled his nose. His eyes opened a little blurred at first, he shook his head and glanced at his surroundings once his vision cleared. His eyes fell on Clara lying beside him in a deep sleep. A few minutes later Hawke made his way down from the loft to see Dominic jolly and bright whistling away cooking breakfast.
"What time is it?" Hawke asked still trying to gather his senses.
"It's eleven thirty sleepy heads." Dominic said.
"What?! It's that late!" Hawke said mildly shocked.
"String, the last two weeks have been absolute hell for the both of you physically, emotionally and mentally. Especially yesterday, your body needed the rest. Besides the two of you looked so peaceful and contented when you were asleep up there. I haven't seen you like that since before your parent's died. Plus this is the first time I've seen you down here in pajama's!" Dominic said.
"Yeah, I guess you're right." Hawke said with a smile.
"String, you're starting a new chapter now in your life and if it wasn't for Archangel and Marella, this right here would not be happening." Dominic said.
"I know, and I won't forget it. I still have one more problem to deal with." Hawke said.
"What problem is that?" Dominic asked.
"She said there were two bosses. We found one and he got away but who was the other?" Hawke said.
"Oh your right. I forgot about that." Dominic said.
"She's more afraid of him because from the way she told me, he was the one that ordered the execution." Hawke said.
"Oh, no. When is this girl going to get a break?!" Dominic said.
"I'm going to start at that boarding school they sent her to. That's where they found her, someone from there had to be involved." Hawke said.
"You are right, String. But for now let's eat our first official breakfast as a true family! I think I hear the little princess waking." Dominic announced enthusiastically.
Hawke climbed back up to the loft to find Clara sitting upright in bed rubbing the sleepiness from her eyes. "Good morning, sweetie. Did you sleep ok?" Hawke asked as he lightly kissed her forehead.
Clara nodded a yes still trying to shake off the fog of the sleepiness."Grandpa's downstairs making breakfast." Hawke asked.
"Grandpa's here?" Clara asked.
"Yeah and he's making a big breakfast for us and afterwards we'll see the deer." Hawke said as he helped her off the bed.
A few minutes later Hawke comes down from the stairs holding Clara who is still somewhat foggy from her long slumber.
"Oh, there's my Princess baby girl! I missed you sweetheart. Can I get a hug? " Dominic said.
Clara reached out and grabbed on to him tight hugging him with all her warmth could allow. She loved her Grandpa despite what happened at the hangar, she was happy to finally have one to call her own.
"Ok, breakfast is almost ready and it's going to be delicious! at least to you and me baby girl." Dominic said laughing with delight.
"Clara, before you eat go sit down at the table and do the breathing exercise that Rudy want's you to do." Hawke said.
Clara sat the dining room table and did her exercises just like Rudy showed her. Inhaling and exhaling using a spiromoter.
"Hey String, can I ask you something?" Dominic asked.
"Yeah." Hawke sensing this would be of a painful subject by the tone of Dominic's voice.
"How do you feel about Archangel and Marella using Gabrielle as her mother on the birth certificate? Are you really ok with it?" Dominic asked.
"Yeah, I'm ok. In a way it's cathartic, I'm not mourning her anymore. I miss her deeply, but I've moved on." Hawke said as he sipped his coffee.
"I'm glad String, now let's eat!" Dominic said.
After they finished they're breakfast Hawke took Clara upstairs to get washed and dressed for their daily walk to the look out. Dominic stayed behind to clean up despite Clara wanting him to come join them. He knew he needed to give them space, Hawke did not need him now for emotional support and company. He finally had a little one to call his own. Dominic always knew Hawke would be a wonderful father under that cold exterior beats a heart as warm as a bright summer day In fact, he always thought he would be better than Saint John. His fierce protectiveness though extreme at times made his devotion to whom he loved more cherished to him.
"Bye bye, Grandpa." Clara said as Hawke carried her out her long brown hair falling gently over her face.
"Bye, baby girl you have fun now." Dominic said.
Hawke and Clara slowly walked the path they traveled everyday that forged their deep unwavering bond to each other. Clara, excited to finally see her beloved family of deer she has watched over the past three months. As they slowly walked their way Clara was starting to show signs of fatigue, she was starting to stumble.
"Clara, I think we should stop for today." Hawke said as he stopped her from stumbling a second time.
"No, I want to see the deer." Clara said determinedly.
"We'll try again tomorrow, Rudy said to do a little at a time." Hawke said.
"NO! I WANT TO GO!" Clara started to yell. She desperately wanted normalcy back and felt it slipping away with each stumble.
"Clara, you're too tired, we're going back home." Hawke said trying to pick her up but Clara tried to fight back. Hawke startled by her behavior stopped and took a step back.
"NO, I'M NOT GOING! I WANT TO SEE THE DEER!" Clara cried starting a tantrum, but it did not last long as she was starting to get out of breath and the pain started to show as she held her small hand over her rib. No longer able to yell and move Clara stood still and softly wept.
"Clara, calm down. It's ok they'll be there tomorrow, I promise." Hawke said as he gently cradled her in harms and started to make his way back. Clara had fallen asleep almost immediately in his arms. As Hawke entered the cabin Dominic was just about finishing up cleaning and saw Clara asleep in his arms, Hawke laid her to rest on the couch.
"That was a short trip, she tired that quickly?" Dominic asked.
"Yeah, Rudy said she would. but there's a problem." Hawke said with a sigh.
"What is it?" Dominic asked.
"She threw a tantrum. She started to tire pretty quickly and I told her we'll try again tomorrow, and she just freaked out. She tried to fight me from taking her but the pain overtook her." Hawke said.
"String, she's going to do this. She was nearly held prisoner all her life, even if it was for her protection. She never experienced any sort of freedom until you. String, you freed her and gave her a normal happy life that she might have never known. Now after what happened to her that was almost taken away again, it's going to affect her psychologically. She's a fighter and she will fight to keep what she had." Dominic said.
"You're right, I just didn't think it would be so soon." Hawke said with a heavy sigh.
'Do you want me to stay for dinner? In case you need help with her?" Dominic asked.
"No, I'll be ok. Thanks any way." Hawke said.
"Alright, I'll see you in a couple of days, but if you need anything call me." Dominic said.
"I will." Hawke said as he walked Dominic to the door.
A couple of hours later Hawke gently woke Clara for dinner, praying that she would be calmer.
"Clara, wake up it's time for dinner." Hawke said as he softly stroked her head.
Slowly her eyes opened at the feel of his gentle touch and the soothing sound of his voice. "Clara, wake up." Hawke said.
Clara sat up and looked at him with apologetic eyes. "Daddy, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to get mad at you." Clara said.
"I know Clara, I know." He said as he took her into a hug, holding her tight to him.
"You're not mad?" She asked.
"No, but you have to understand that bringing you back was for your own good. It's going to take time to heal Clara, but you'll get there a little at a time." Hawke said.
"Ok, is grandpa still here?" She asked.
"No, he went home. He'll be back in a couple of days." Hawke said.
"Did he leave any dinner?" Clara slyly asked.
"No, he did not. Your stuck with mine kiddo." Hawke said.
"Great, what are we having?" Clara asked.
"Don't worry, I made you macaroni and cheese." Hawke said.
"Yeah! wait do I have to eat a vegetable too?" Clara asked.
"No, you get a break tonight. But only tonight." Hawke said.
Clara threw her arms around his neck and gave the biggest hug and kiss that she could. "You'll always be the best daddy!"
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
"NO!" Clara screamed.
Hawke shot out of his sleep and up the stairs to the loft where he found Clara out of bed, disoriented and frantic. Screaming and crying he could hear the sheer panic and fear in her voice, knowing now what she sounded like during the ordeal. The security tapes could only show the physical torment now he had a sound to the terror.
"GET AWAY FROM ME! I WON'T DO IT!" Clara screamed as Hawke slowly approached her.
"Clara, calm down. It's daddy, I'm here you're ok, lamb. Your home now this is your room, no one is here to hurt you, it's just you and me." Hawke said as calmly as he could. But Clara still hallucinating tried to push Hawke away.
"NO! LEAVE ME ALONE!" She slaps him across the face and runs towards the stairs but Hawke grabbed her just as she got to the edge.
"LET ME GO!" Clara screamed and cried so hard that she started to have trouble gasping for air.
"CLARA! STOP!" Hawke shouted into her ear. She stops screaming but is still trying to catch her breath.
"Take a deep breath, calm down. Daddy's here, your safe. Everything is alright." Hawke said as he gently rubbed small soothing circles on her back."
"What's happening to me? When will it stop?" Clara asked with an exhausted tone, as she laid her head to rest on his chest.
"I don't know when lamb, but I'll always be here to help you. We're going to do this together." Hawke said as he stroked her head.
"Daddy, please stay with me." Clara said in a pleading tone.
"I'm not going anywhere, Clara. I'm staying right here. I'm not going to let you go." Hawke said as he gently kissed the top of her head. For the rest of the night Clara lied cradled in his arms, her safe haven and happy place. Dreaming of a happy time.
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
"Clara, we're going to do something different tonight after you finish dinner." Hawke said.
"What is it?!" She asked her excitement starting to flicker.
"You'll see, it's a surprise." Hawke said.
"I'm finished!" Clara said as she jumped out of her chair and ran to the kitchen with her plate. She knew that whatever the surprise was, it was something she had never done before and she loved experiencing new things both unknown to her and what she watched from afar in the shadows as the other children enjoyed the spoils of childhood.
"I'm ready! What is it?!" Clara asked jumping up and down bursting with anticipation.
"Put your jacket on we're going outside and I'll give you a little hint." Hawke said.
Clara threw on her denim jacket over her red button down sweater "Ok, now what's the hint?!" Clara getting inpatient.
"Did you save room for dessert?" Hawke asked.
"I always have room for dessert! Is that the hint?!" She asked.
"Yeah." Hawke said.
"Your really bad at this!" Clara said pouting.
Hawke laughed. "Come on pout face, follow me."
She followed him outside and down the small hill to the little unlit camp fire, looking around trying to figure out what the surprise is. She found a bag of marshmallow's and graham crackers.
"What are these doing here?" She asked pointing.
"That's dessert." Hawke said.
"That's the surprise?" Clara asked her excitement deflated.
"Yes, but it's what we do with them is the real surprise." Hawke said as he lit the fire.
"We are going to make s'more's." Hawke said.
"What's a more's?" Clara asked.
"You never had one before?" Hawke asked.
"No." She said.
"It's a marshmallow that's roasted over an open fire then squeezed between two graham crackers and a piece of chocolate and that's the surprise. We're going to make s'more's." Hawke said.
Clara's excitement returned as Hawke guided her as she roasted her first marshmallow and tasted her first s'more. Her eyes wide with delicious delight after her first bite, shoved the rest into her mouth.
"Clara, do not eat the thing at once. You'll choke." Hawke said.
"I want to make another!" She squealed with a mouthful as she grabbed the bag.
A little while later after half a dozen of s'more's, the sound of a helicopter emerged from the distance, as the helicopter became nearer they could see it was Dominic flying in.
"It's Grandpa!" Clara said excited.
"Can I go get him?" She asked.
"Yeah, you can go get him." Hawke said.
Clara ran down to the dock to greet him halfway. "Grandpa! we're making more's! Come on I'll make you one!"
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
Three days later...
Clara was sitting at the coffee table with her coloring book fighting the black that ebbed in the back of her eyes. Ever since that night of hallucinating fright, she has refused to sleep. At night while Hawke would sleep downstairs, Clara would read her books, play with her toys anything to stay awake. He has tried in vain to persuade her to sleep even with him by her side. When Hawke returned to the cabin from gathering the logs of wood to replenish the fireplace, he saw Clara beyond exhausted and frail looking, nodding off as she's coloring in her book. Her eyes bloodshot were sagging with fatigue, the purple smudge beneath her lashes evidence of her lack of sleep. But with a determined fight she revives herself back.
"Clara, you have to stop this. You need to sleep." Hawke said as he unloaded the wood into the fireplace.
"No!" Clara said.
"You cannot stay awake for the rest of your life." Hawke said.
"Yes, I can!" She said in a determined tone.
Realizing this was a losing battle of wills, Hawke decided he needed help.
"Clara, why don't you go outside and get some fresh air." Hawke said.
Wearily, she got up and went outside with Tet faithfully in tow. Watching her from inside he could see her trying to play fetch with Tet, giving him plenty of time to make a phone call.
"Hello, Doctor Well's. This is Stringfellow Hawke, I was wondering if you could help me, it's about Clara." Hawke said.
"Absolutely, what's the problem?" Doctor Wells asked.
"She refusing to sleep, it's been three nights. I've tried everything I can think of and nothing works. The second night home she was having a nightmare that made her hallucinate so bad that she hit me." Hawke said.
"Sounds, like she'll need a sedative. I'll be up there in the early evening tell her I'm coming to check her wound, That shouldn't arouse any suspicion." Doctor Wells said.
"Ok, I'll see you then." Hawke said.
A short while later Clara stumbles through the door with Tet following close behind as if he's nudging her forward. Hawke wants to help her but knows that her stubbornness will not let him, he needs to save his energy for the battle to come later in the evening. "Clara, Rudy called he's coming up here later to check on you, make sure you're doing ok." Hawke said.
"Rudy's coming?" Clara said.
"Yeah, he misses you." Hawke said.
"I miss him too." She said. Hawke relieved that she has no suspicion of the real plan. His biggest fear is after it's said and done will she lose her trust in him as well.
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
Later that evening...
Hawke was sitting at the table going over some flight charts, he looked up at the sound of an approaching helicopter. "That must be, Rudy." Hawke said. A few minutes later Archangel strolls through the door with Marella and Rudy following behind.
Clara was curled up in a chair by the fireplace her eyes staring unblinkingly. Her eyes were dark, and the rings below them even darker; periodically her eyelids would droop downwards, only to have them snap wide open again, feigning alertness.
"Hey sweetie, I've missed you." Marella said as she went over to her and bent down to give her a hug. Startled by her appearance, Marella got up and moved back to Archangel trying to hold back her tears.
Clara gave her a weak smile, spent from lack of sleep was unquestionably clear to everyone. She looked strikingly thin, so much so that she seemed she would break when the wind blew too harshly. Her cheeks were hallow and her face was gaunt, and her pajamas, hung limply and loosely against her weak frame. Her body was slumped in the chair, as if she needed the support, but as tired as her eyes were, they were also wild with fear and desperation.
"How's my favorite patient doing?" Rudy asked as he bent down to her level.
"I'm ok.." She said with a big yawn.
"Ok, let's go over to the couch so I can take a look at you better." Rudy said.
Clara slowly slid off the chair and dragged herself over to the couch. "Mr. Hawke, can you come here while I do my exam. I need you to show me how you've treated the wound." Rudy said.
Hawke came over and went over her care with Rudy going through the motions of a normal exam. "I think it's best if I give her a Tetanus shot. I couldn't before because of all the complications." Rudy said.
Clara sensed something was wrong looking at both men and the glances they exchanged. She watched as Rudy prepared the syringe and saw him give her father a look of a knowing between them. In a flash she realized what the syringe was really about. With a sudden surge of intense adrenaline, Clara climbed over the couch and headed for the door. She was so fast that it took Hawke and the others a few seconds to realize what happened.
"NO!" She screamed as ran for the door. A quick-moving Marella blocked her from getting out, but not quick enough to grab her. With the sound of desperation in her cries, Clara climbs on to the window box and pushes open the window. As she starts to climb out she feels two strong arms wrap around her and start to pull her back in.
"NO! LET ME GO! NO!" She screamed as she clung desperately to the window frame. Archangel managed to pry her hands off, but she was wild in Hawke's arms kicking and screaming. Hawke managed to get control of her as Doctor Wells injected the sedative.
"WHY?! DADDY!?" Clara cried as she looked into his eyes searching for an answer to his betrayal.
"Calm down, I'm not doing this to hurt you baby. I'm doing this to help you." Hawke told her as he wiped her tears away.
"I don't want...to...sleep." Clara cried, as the sedative started to take effect.
"Just close your eyes and go to sleep. I'll be here when you wake up, I promise." Hawke said as he held her tight to him, giving gentle strokes to her back. But Clara was still fighting the sedative, determined to keep the monsters away.
"She's still fighting it." Marella said.
"She's just like you Hawke, stubborn and determined." Archangel said.
"Not...going...to..sleep.." Clara said as she finally succumbed to the injection, going limp in his arms.
"Rest lamb, I'll be here. I promise." Hawke said as he gently stroked her cheek. With Clara cradled in his arms, Hawke sat on the couch looking down to her with hurt and sorrow.
"She'll be fine after a few good hours of sleep." Doctors Wells said.
"How long will she sleep?" Hawke asked.
"About ten to twelve hours. So you have plenty of time to rest yourself." Doctor Wells said.
"Thanks doc. I'm fine right where I am, If you want your welcome to fix yourself a drink." Hawke said.
"I think I will, Thanks." Doctor Wells said.
Marella joined the doctor at the bar while Archangel took a seat in a chair by the fireplace.
"She's very strong Hawke, and I'm not talking about her iron grip on the window frame." Archangel said.
Hawke let out a small chuckle. "Yeah, she's a force to be reckoned with."
"Hawke, there's something I have been meaning to tell you." Archangel said.
"What is it?" Hawke asked.
"Your connection to Clara started before she was even born." Archangel said.
"What do you mean? How?!" Hawke asked caught off guard by this revelation.
"Her parent's were the real masterminds of Airwolf's computer system." Archangel said.
"I thought Moffett was." Hawke said startled and confused.
"No, Moffett was Airwolf's creator in concept, ideal design. He had the ideas but lacked the real ability to apply them. Her parents were the one's who ultimately created her system, improved on his ideas." Archangel said.
"Why didn't you tell me this before?" Hawke asked.
"With everything that was going on, I figured I'd wait until things calmed down." Archangel said.
Hawke gave a nod of agreed acknowledgment. Clara was still and peaceful in the gentle cradle of his arms.
"There's more to it Hawke." Archangel said as he sat forward in the chair.
"What more can there be?" Hawke asked.
"You've met them. Actually worked with them." Archangel said.
Hawke astounded by this revelation looked at Archangel with question in his eyes that need not be spoken. "When you were chosen for test pilot, they were the ones who taught you the system. They were working on two projects at the time." Archangel said.
"Airwolf and Project Ingela." Hawke said.
Hawke searched his memory trying to remember his time learning all about Airwolf. There was a great deal of people on the project most a distant blur in his memory, there were a few that he really enjoyed working with. Dr. Karen Hansen was one, she was one of the computer technicians. She had a fun way about her, she made the mundane days amusing. Then there was Harlan Jenkins. With an ego the size of Texas trying to convince everyone that he is one of the primary designers after he failed to qualify for the test pilot. But there was two people. A man and woman they always worked together and mainly stayed away from the rest of the group, he does remember that Doctor Hansen did refer to them quite often. He found them to be very nice and down to earth, during the times he was in communication with them.
The woman he could never forget. Her face was perfect in its balance of curves and lines: a beautifully arched nose, high cheekbones, rich lips curved into a smile. A thick tumble of auburn hair fell slightly past her shoulders. Her limbs were long and graceful, calling to mind a willow bending elegantly in the breeze. Her natural beauty made you want to stare at her features and wonder which one made her so outstandingly beautiful. Her personality went along with her beauty, natural just like herself. Which radiated her beauty even more. Her smile made her look innocent. But it was her eyes that truly caught him: golden-green, like the sunlight shining through summer leaves.
He knew he could never forget the moment he met Sarah Eccelstone.
That day in Archangel's office when her picture appeared on the computer screen, like him he saw a ghost. It took all his will to not show recognition of her. He could not deal with Archangel and his interrogation if he found out.
"Hawke, are you with me?" Archangel said as he tried to bring Hawke back in touch with the present.
"Yeah, I remember them. They pretty much kept to themselves, I thought at first they didn't want to be part of the project. But when I started to work with them, I found them to be very easy-going. I enjoyed working them they were very serious about their work and made sure I knew that system inside and out before they would even let me take her out." Hawke said.
"If I'm correct, Sarah was pregnant with Clara during the Airwolf development. Project Ingela was shut down not to long after Airwolf's started and they disappeared almost right after the Airwolf project finished." Archangel said.
The hairs on Hawke's body electrified at the information he just heard.
"If she was how come nobody noticed? She did not look to be." Hawke asked trying not to sound nervous.
"Not all women carry the same and don't show until their stomachs drop a couple of weeks before birth or in some cases right before." Dr. Wells said.
Hawke's mind was a cloud of shock and amazement. Speechless at what to say, he just smiled as he gazed at her curling a strand of her silk hair around his finger.
"Well, we best be going." Archangel said as he stood up and motioned to Marella and Dr. Wells.
"Thanks again Michael, for everything you've done for us. I won't ever forget what you did and will always be grateful." Hawke said.
"We know and don't worry you can tell Dominic this one is on the house." Marella said with a wink.
Hawke gave a wide tooth smile. "I'll be sure to let him know."
"Can you give me just a few minutes with Mr. Hawke?" Dr. Wells asked.
"Certainly, we'll be at the chopper." Archangel said.
"I need to talk to you about her behavior." Dr. Well's said.
"I was going to ask you about that. She's getting really aggressive and throwing tantrums, I know it's to be expected. But for how long?" Hawke asked.
"Well, with all the psychological trauma she has endured from this present trauma and all earlier ones she's been through. She's a volcano ready to erupt and she needs to release. She's been suppressed her whole life and you have lifted that from her. Now that it was almost snatched away again, she's going fight to keep it. It is normal for a child who's been traumatized to get upset easily and have trouble calming down. Increased outbursts and tantrums are common and their emotions may change quickly. They may become hypersensitive to certain sights sounds, smells or anything that reminds them of the traumatic event. It's good that she's displaying this now rather than later. How long depends on how resilient she is and we all know she is. Could be up to a few months." Rudy said.
"What do I do to help her?" Hawke asked.
"What you have been doing all along. Listen to her and help her, but don't overwhelm her if she is not ready to talk. Don't pressure her to think or talk about what has happened beyond her willingness and readiness to do so. Talk about what has happened or is happening but in tolerable doses. Respect her need to break off the discussion and not talk further about the trauma for a while. Return to your routines it's very important for children after they've experienced trauma, even if the routines are different from what they experienced before the traumatic event. You've done a remarkable job with her. I know she's in good hands with you so I'm not to worried about her. " Rudy said.
"Well, I've a few experiences of it myself. When it happened to me, I was the opposite. I shut down and became very quiet and distanced myself from people.." Hawke said as he remembers his former self.
"You built a wall to protect yourself from feeling hurt. Convinced yourself that if you felt nothing everything would be fine. Listen, she's going to start to explore with opposite behavior. For example if she was always tidy and organized, she'll be messy. Always coloring in the lines will be outside the lines. She knows she can do it with you without being severely punished, but you will have to set boundaries. Let her explore and see it's part of her growth." Rudy said.
"Thanks doc. One other thing, when she finally settles down I need to have her IQ checked. Before everything started, she was doing things a normal five-year old wouldn't." Hawke said.
"What was it?" Rudy asked.
"She's extremely advanced at reading and complex math. She was reading Wuthering Heights before everything happened and in math she can do trigonometry. She might actually be able to do physics. But she seemed to hide it almost embarrassed by it. The nun who helped to take care of her when she was a baby said by the time she was two, she could do complex math in her head, sight-read and completed a one hundred plus jigsaw puzzle." Hawke said.
"That definitely does not sound like a normal five-year old's intelligent level. One question before I leave. How long do you plan on keeping her up here?" Rudy asked.
"Did Archangel tell you to ask me that?" Hawke asked sounding annoyed.
"No, he did not. I'm asking because she needs to socialize and be around other people. The longer she stays isolated, the more she will learn to distrust and her fear of others will overtake her. You need to start taking her out a little at a time, something simple such as the grocery store. Just having her here is going to do damage in the long run." Rudy said.
"I understand, it's just going to be a fight to get her down there. I did start to get her comfortable to go out before, she felt safe at the park and the hanger." Hawke said.
"If you have to physically carry her and put her in that helicopter yourself, so be it. She'll be mad as hell at you but it's for her own good. I would wait another week or two though not to over traumatize her." Rudy said.
"Thanks, Doc." Hawke said as Rudy made his way out the door.
"Wait. I need to ask a favor." Hawke said stopping the doctor from going out.
"What is it?" Rudy asked.
Hawke looking down at Clara. "I need you to do a DNA test."
"I'm assuming you mean the both of you." Rudy said.
"Yes, but please do not let Archangel now about this. At least not until the results are in." Hawke said.
"I understand. I have samples from both of you back at the lab. I'll run them tomorrow and should have the results in the next couple of days." Rudy said.
"Thanks, doc." Hawke said.
Hawke sat with her in his arms for a little longer trying to take in what Archangel revealed.
"Could she really be mine?" He thought as gazed at crackling fire.
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
The next morning..
Clara roused by the gentle rise and fall of her father's chest. She awoke to find herself lying on top of her father, her head resting on his chest. The tender feel of his hand resting on her back. "Good morning, lamb." Hawke said as he gently rubbed her back.
Clara looked around trying to make sense of where she was. She dropped her head back down on to his chest trying to shake off the fuzziness of the sedative. The gentle strokes on her back made her relax more. Granting what happened last night, she has not felt this good since she's been home. Lying just as she is now in her father's protective arms with his soothing strokes is heaven to her. A small smile shined upon her face of sheer contentment.
"Do I see a smile?" Hawke asked.
Clara too relaxed to answer acknowledged with a nod of agree.
"You're not mad me anymore?" Hawke asked.
"No." She said in a very small voice.
"Feel better?" Hawke asked with a smile.
"Yes." She said.
"Good, now let's get ready for the day." Hawke said as he went to pick her up off of him.
"No, I don't want to move. Can we stay here a little more?" Clara asked.
"Yeah, we can stay for a bit longer. If it makes you happy, then I'm happy as well." He said with a gentle kiss on top of her head.
"How did I get up here?" She asked.
"Last night while you were asleep, all of a sudden you got up and climbed on top of me." Hawke said.
"I don't remember." She said.
"You were so tired, sweetie. That's why you don't remember." Hawke said as he continued slowly rubbing her back.
A little while later, Clara is ready to get up and go. The good night's sleep and the bonding with her dad left her feeling ready to take on anything.
"Thank you, daddy." Clara said as she looked up at him with the most angelic smile he's ever seen.
"Your welcome, now let's get going and go name the baby deer." Hawke said.
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
The next couple of days was a roller coaster with Clara emotionally. Her volcano had finally erupted, her outbursts and mood swings were very erratic. Her tantrums were loud and exhausting, screeching, arching her back, scratching Hawke's chest. Throwing her head back and letting out this ear-piercing scream that would turn heads for miles. One day her favorite toy breaks and she calmly and sadly threw it out the next day a page in a book was crinkled and she lost it. She kicked Dominic and her father trying to get her to brush her teeth. She bit and scratched Hawke and clawed holes into his arms and hands when she refused to put her toys away and putting her to bed. Some of the tantrums made no sense at all. Those seemed like even she wasn't sure why she was having one.
Dominic was concerned about the physical aggressiveness she displayed. "String, she's like a possessed little demon. I'm almost scared to touch her, I've got more scratches now than when I was in that North Korean prison camp."
"It's three years of suppressed anger and frustration finally being let out. We're the punching bags and she knows I'm not going to severely punish for showing her emotion. She knows there are rules and every now and again to test my reaction she'll ignore them. I have to let her do this for just a little while or she won't grow emotionally." Hawke said.
"Well, hopefully soon. Because if pea soup starts flying out her mouth. You better call a priest!" Dominic said.
"Well, you better leave me a number before you leave. Or would you like to stay for the night and help out?" Hawke said teasing his friend.
"Aw, no way! I'm not staying. I wouldn't be able to sleep, she scares me." Dominic said.
"Really Dom! your scared of a five-year old girl?!" Hawke said failing to contain his laughter.
"Of course you think it's funny. With my luck she'll levitate off the bed and float down here and scare me to my dear mother in heaven! Have a good night String, and don't call me if she starts speaking in tongues. You have the angel of mercy on speed dial..call him!" Dominic said as he ran out the door.
Hawke had a good chuckle at his best friend. He fought Nazis and other terrible evil beings but a five-year old scaring the hell out him was priceless. He won't let him live this one down. But Clara's behavior really was no laughing matter. He hoped in the next couple of days she will calm down because he needed to start to investigate the school where she was boarded. Hawke had a feeling in the pit of his stomach that a lot of this aggression may have started to build up from her time there. Still not hearing from Doctor Wells the waiting was now too much too bear. Tomorrow he will get his answer.
There was still more mystery to unlock about this little girl.