Chapter 3

Third POV

Annabelle had fit in great. They had an easy day, just getting to know each other. When it was time for dinner Annabelle had suggested that she should cook for them. The rest hadn't protested since it would be McG's turn to cook and they all knew how that would go.

After having looked at the ingredients to see what she could make, she was delighted to see that she could make her famous lasagne. All of her friends and family loved it and demanded that she should make it whenever she was home from deployment.

Jaz had come along with her to the kitchen to keep her company and just because she wanted to get to know her better. She had taken a spot on the kitchen counter giving Annabelle enough room to work, but so they could talk comfortably too.

Jaz was looking at her. She had been looking at her all day trying to figure her out, trying to read her but she had come up short. The new member knew how to close herself off on purpose or not, but it made Jaz all the more curious about her.

''Soo you got a boyfriend at home or a husband?'' she asked breaking the silence. Annabelle looked up from cutting the vegetables. ''No not anymore. I had a fiancé, but he couldn't handle me being undercover for so long. I got the news that he had left me via my communicator. Seeing as all messages and letters couldn't be sent directly to me'' she said trying to hide the pain but Jaz saw right threw it.

''It broke me but it also made me stronger. And I didn't have an option to go back home since it would blow my cover, but it made me stronger and made me see that he just wasn't the right one for me.'' she told Jaz while looking continuing on making the food.

''Ouch that must have hurt a lot. I get the feeling. I had a boyfriend whom left me, he didn't leave a message or anything. He was just gone when I returned from deployment.'' Jaz said before putting on a smile. ''But another topic what do you like to do when you're home?''

Annabelle immediately got a smile on her face thinking about how she went to work sometimes with her mom. ''Well my mother is a nurse and when I was young I always got to go with her to work. I learned a lot in my early years and now and then when I am home I still go with her to help out. They are short of staff so they need all they can get. And I like to go to the shooting range, hanging out with friends, travelling and I can go on forever.'' She laughed when she saw Jaz face.

She had just put the lasagne in the oven and set the timer when the rest walked in. Dalton interrupted their conversation. ''I didn't know you got a medical background?'' he asked having overheard them and McG looked curious as well. They all sat around the kitchen table.

''Well it isn't something I studied so that is why it isn't on my resume, but I can help from time to time'' she said with a small smile, not really liking to brag about herself. ''Well it is good to know and might come in handy'' McG said while Dalton nodded in agreement.

Annabelle flushed but appreciated it. She was saved by the timer going off letting her know that the food was ready. She jumped out of her chair to get it and McG followed to help her. He took the plates and utensils out of her hands to take to the table to set it. She blushed a bit when his hands touched hers having felt the sparkles from his touch, but tried to ignore it.

In the meanwhile the rest of the team smiled at each other. They had all noticed how McG was looking at her. It wasn't in the usual way when he was just looking for some fun, they had seen that look a lot. This one was different. Dalton kept to himself, wanting to see where this would head as long it didn't create problems within the team.

Annabelle had sat the lasagne and sides on the table. ''Well don't let it get cold, take as much as you want'' she said and smiled when they started to scoop the food on their plates. They all sat in silence eating the delicious food.

''Annabelle I'm afraid you will have to cook more'' Amir had mumbled with a mouthful earning some sounds of agreement from the rest. She had laughed at that. ''My pleasure I didn't take cooking lessons for nothing and please call me Anna'' she added.

''Mhmm you know the way to a men's heart'' McG said while getting another plate full. She flushed at his comment and Jaz gave McG an elbow in his side for his comment. He gave her a 'What' expression and she gestured to Anna.

He looked over at her and saw that she had her head a bit down and that her cheeks were flushed. He smiled a bit knowing he caused that reaction, but knew if he wanted to make something more of this he would need to keep a slow pace.

When they were all finished eating Anna stood up from her chair and removed her vest. She took some of the plates to the sink exposing her back to them. Having only a top on they could still see some of the scars on her back. They were still pink, fresh. They looked at each other and got a bit angry, not even knowing whom did it to her but they felt the need to protect her. When she started to turn around they all quickly hid their emotions.

Even if they hid their emotions so well she had felt their gazes on her back. She had realised to late that they could see her scars, but then she knew that they would all see them eventually so she didn't care that much. McG had walked up to her and placed his hand on her arm. ''If you need help taking care of those just let me know'' he had said before taking over on the dishwashing and Amir took the towel to dry the dishes.

She had nodded at him and whispered a soft thank you before heading to her own room. even though they tried not to show it she could see the sympathy in their eyes. It got a bit too much. It brought memories back, still hurting. She just needed some time alone.

Dalton had stopped Jaz from going after her. ''Just give her some time. It was an overwhelming day for everyone and let's not forget she is still healing. She had only been out for three months. She will turn to one of us when she is ready. Just give her time.'' He said.

The rest nodded reluctantly wanting to help. They knew deep down that Dalton was right.