FYI: The country I mention in this story is purely fictional. This story starts out a bit lighter than the previous one but will get more intense as it goes on. The song is part of a real song called Parachute. I was hesitant to use it but I'm not a song writer and couldn't think of an original one.
Friend in Need
Chapter 1
Hawke watched with amusement as Caitlin gathered her things before leaving for the evening.
"Must be a hot date," he teased as she dropped her earring twice while trying to throw everything back into her purse.
Caitlin smiled. "Not really a date," she replied. "Doc is in town for a couple of days on business and we're going to check out that new karaoke bar."
"Oh, I didn't know he was coming into town," Hawke replied, feigning an offended look. "I might have wanted to come along too you know."
"Right," Caitlin replied sarcastically. "Aren't you going out to dinner with Candice tonight?"
Hawke shrugged and sighed. "Yeah, but it will be a short date," he told her. "I've decided it's time to break things off with her."
"Why?" asked Caitlin. "I thought you really liked her."
"I like her but I don't see it as anything long term. I don't think I should string her along and make her think otherwise," he replied.
"Oh," replied Caitlin. "Well, you're welcome to join us later if you'd like."
Hawke smiled. "I just might," he told her. "This is like the fifth time you two have gotten together in the last two months. Are you sure there's nothing going on between you two?"
Caitlin laughed. "Hey, I can't help it if he enjoys my company. But, no, we're just friends."
Later that evening Doc picked Caitlin up at her apartment and they headed up to the bar.
"I'm looking forward to this," said Caitlin. "I think it'll be a lot of fun. I told String he could join us later if he wanted."
"Great idea," replied Doc. "Are you going to sing?"
"I'll try," giggled Caitlin. "I'm not exactly a singer."
"Me neither," he said. "But it's a lot of fun. I need a little fun right now. I'm heading out of the country tomorrow afternoon to help out a friend. It's going to be a bit intense."
"Oh, is there anything I can do to help?" she asked.
Doc smiled at her. "I appreciate that," he replied. "I was kind of hoping that you'd be my safety net. If you don't hear from me in three days, will you bring Hawke and the Lady down to get me?"
"Of course I will. Where is it that you're going?" she asked.
"It is a little island country called Austinna," he replied. "My friend is an advisor to the leader there. With their upcoming elections, he's afraid that the wrong people may come into power illegally. He wants me to help see that the election is done fairly regardless of who wins. It could be quite dangerous for an outsider though."
"If it's dangerous, why are you going?" she asked.
"He's an old friend," replied Doc. "He'd do the same for me."
Caitlin smiled. "Yeah, I guess I can understand that. Just be sure to give me all the information we'll need to find you before you leave tonight."
"Sure," he replied as they pulled up to the bar. "Looks like a good crowd. This should be fun."
An hour later, String found himself outside of the karaoke bar as well. He couldn't help but feel a tinge of jealousy that Caitlin had been spending extra time with Doc.
"What the hell is wrong with me?" he thought. "She said there isn't anything going on. Even if there was, I should be happy for them."
He paid the five dollar cover charge and walked through the small passage that led to the bar and karaoke stage. To his surprise, Caitlin was standing on the little stage while Doc sat at a high top table just to the left side of her. Her singing caught him by surprise. He had no idea she had such a beautiful voice. The song she was singing resonated with him. He watched as she appeared to be singing it directly to Doc.
There's no gravity when you're next to me
You always break my fall like a parachute
When you're holding me so weightless I can barely breathe
You always break my fall, my fall
Like a parachute
You're my parachute
With you it all begins
Feeling okay in my own skin
So alive, I'm so alive
I know this life isn't gonna be perfect
The ups and downs are gonna be worth it
As long as I'm, I'm with you
Hawke waited until she had finished. Doc walked up to her and hugged her as the bar erupted in applause. Suddenly feeling like a third wheel, he turned and headed back outside to the parking lot.
"Hawke!" yelled Doc as he followed him outside. "I saw you come in, where are you going?"
"Sorry Doc," he replied. "I guess I'm not up for the bar scene tonight like I thought"
"Oh, are you sure?" Doc asked. "I know Caitlin will be disappointed. She's was hoping you'd come."
Hawke sighed. "Tell her I'll make it up to her next time," he replied. "You two have fun."
"Okay, sure," replied Doc. "Goodnight."
As Doc made his way back inside Caitlin came up to him and joined him. "Where were you?" she asked. "I turned around for a minute and you were gone."
"I saw Hawke," he told her.
"Oh, where is he?" asked Caitlin.
"He left," said Doc.
Caitlin shot him a confused look. "Really? Why would he come all the way out here and just leave?"
Doc sighed. "He said he wasn't up for the bar scene like he thought. He told me that he'd make it up to you next time."
"I guess his breakup with Candice didn't go as well as he'd hoped," said Caitlin.
The two enjoyed the remainder of the evening at the bar before Doc drove her home and walked her up to her apartment door. "I had a great time," he told her. "Thanks for going up there with me. It was a nice distraction."
"Oh, so that's what I am," she teased. "Just a distraction huh?"
Doc laughed as he gave her a quick kiss on the lips. "Well, if it weren't for Hawke, I wouldn't mind it being a little more."
Caitlin gave him a confused look and then smiled. "You're sweet," she replied. "But I have no idea what this has to do with Hawke."
"Come on Cait," said Doc. "You know he cares a lot about you. He just can't seem to reconcile those feelings."
"I wish that were true," she replied softly.
"I really believe that it is," Doc told her. "Just give it some time. You'll see."
Caitlin sighed. "Don't you think two years is time enough?" she asked. "How long am I supposed to wait?"
"I wish I could answer that," he replied giving her hug. "I need to go. I'll be in touch in three days. If not, then you know what to do."
"Got it," she replied. "Good luck."