Chapter 1
Washington, DC
September 2010
She has been trying to get in touch with her for hours now, who cares how many hours, it's been a while. Why wasn't she answering her phone? Was the time difference really that different. She wouldn't give up just yet.
Afghanistan
Early September, 2010
The heat was unbearably hot. Thank global warming. It was so much hotter than he remembered. He was finally over his old life in DC, and was happy to be doing his job of training soldiers. He still dreamt about her sometimes, other times, wondered if she was okay. Seeley Booth knew that if he wanted to keep his relationship with Hannah going, he needed to get over Dr. Brennan. Just knowing she was okay in the Machi-pooey Islands would make him feel better...
Maluku Islands
August 2010
"Ugh. I hate Indonesia. I am 100% American. I like toilets, air conditioning, rooms, and no bugs or humidity...AHHHHH!" Daisy complained as her and Dr. Brennan made their way to the lodging site. This was where all of the crews slept, ate, and relaxed when they weren't at the dig site.
"Ms. Wick, the brochure's should have enlightened you on the climate, terrain, and how to live in Indonesia. If it didn't appeal to you, why did you come?" Dr. Brennan asked, still not loving the fact that this was the intern who decided to go to Maluku.
"Dr. Brennan, this is good for my career," Daisy responded.
"I have been all over the world, Ms. Wick, and have been to much worse. Try being kidnapped for doing you're job. There aren't many anthropology jobs, especially in forensics," Dr. Brennan explained. Those digs I did with my college made me see the world not as an American, but as an outsider who wanted to figure out the past, in order to make a brighter future. Many people say I'm a cold fish, but they don't know anything...Brennan thought, getting lost into her thoughts.
Many times, Brennan regretted the decision she made, not accepting Booth's offer. She fantasized about a life away from Maluku, where she was together with Booth, and with the entire gang. She knew that if she did accept them as a couple, they wouldn't be on opposite ends of the world, they'd be a happy couple, living day-to-day life, catching murderers, solving crimes. She just hoped that when she got back to DC, Booth didn't hate her for running away, and hoped she could tell him how much she means to her, and how she wants a relationship. If I'm willing to risk something I am most afraid of, how can I be a cold fish? Brennan heard footsteps behind her, and as she turned around, something made contact with her head, sweeping her off her feet. Before she knew it, choloroform was shoved under her nose as her world went blank.
Afghanistan
September, 2010
"Booth," he answered as his cell phone rang.
"Cher, we need you to come home. Cam is about to loose her job! The squints are on their way back!" Caroline spoke into the phone, hoping her white lie wouldn't get caught.
"Ughhhh. Caroline, I have a life here. I have a job to do...I don't know..." he replied, still puzzled at what was going on.
"Seeley Booth, one of you're best friends may loose her job! Now, I can't do anything to stop it, but I sure as hell can help her out. Just come home. You can always go back if you want..." Caroline said, hopeful of Booth's answer.
Taking a few beats, he finally answered. "Fine, Caroline, I'll try to fly out tomorrow." God, I hope I made the right decision. What will happen when I see Bones?
Washington, DC
Late September, 2010
Caroline was pacing in the lobby of the FBI building waiting for Booth, and the newly married Hodgins family. She still hadn't gotten in touch with Brennan, but she always liked the squinty-stuff more than helping a fellow collegue out. Finally, she saw Booth walk in, and a few minutes later, Angela and Jack entered the building.
"Let's go up to the conference room. Dr. Saroyan is already there," Caroline said after they walked over to her, not wanting to give anything away just yet.
"Caroline, where's Bren?" Angela asked, wondering why her best friend wasn't here with everyone.
"Cher, some people want to leave their life behind. She wouldn't take my calls. She probably didn't want to come back..." Caroline said, not fully telling the truth. Before anyone else could ask more questions, the gang ran into a familiar face. And his girlfriend.
"Booth! Ange! Hodgins! I didn't know you guys were coming back!" said the overly-excited Sweets.
"Hey, what is Daisy doing back, where's Bren?" Angela asked, not convinced at Caroline's story.
Soon enough, Angela's phone was ringing. It was ringing the song that played anytime Bren called.