Absence

Pt3

Chakotay's mouth dropped to the ground. His eyes got wider than Kathryn had ever seen.

"My what?"

Kathryn stood up and faced her first officer with every bit of strength that she still had inside of her. She wanted to tell him what she felt like. That she felt betrayed that she felt used. But she didn't instead she tilted her head back and took her former Captain stance in front of him.

"Seven needs you Chakotay. You should go to her."

Just then Phoebe came up the path looking for her sister. "Kathryn mom wants to talk with you. She needs your help with something.

Kathryn gave Chakotay one last look before she followed the path up to the house.

Phoebe made herself comfortable on the bench. She looked up at Chakotay who was rubbing his temples.

"Do you have a headache Chakotay?"

He shook his head. "Your sister always gives me headaches."

Phoebe laughed. "My sister is known for that."

"Do you mind if I ask you a question Chakotay?"

Chakotay sat next to Phoebe. "As long as I can ask you a question also."

Phoebe smiled. "Agreed."

Chakotay smiled back at her exposing his dimples to him.

"Oh my gosh your So handsome!" Phoebe hadn't meant to say it out loud, but it slipped out. She covered her mouth as soon as she had said it but not before Chakotay had a good laugh.

"Was that your question Phoebe?"

Phoebe was now thoroughly embarrassed. After a minute of composing herself, she took a deep breath and asked the question that she really wanted to ask.

"Your friend Mike, does he have a wife or a girlfriend?"

Chakotay chuckled. "Why are you interested in him Phoebe?"

"No, I just wanted to embarrass myself again in front of you. Yes I am interested."

"As far as I know Mike is completely single."

"Good to know. Now what was your question Chakotay?"

Chakotay was about to ask when Gretchen came running up the path.

"Chaktoay there is an urgent message for you on the com. It's from the hospital apparently Seven fainted at the transporter station. She is asking for you."

Chakotay stood up, and ran toward the house.

Kathryn was on the couch, reading.

"Kathryn where is the com in your house?"

Kathryn pointed to the bedroom but didn't get off the couch. A few minutes later a frazzled Chakotay ran out of the house and down the driveway."

Kathryn remained on the couch.

Alone.

She had made a decision to leave Indiana, and to leave Earth.