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CHAPTER 6 8AM Sydney paces the floor wearing Sark's silk dress shirt as the British assassin talks with Sloane.
"Oh and the lovely Agent Bristow accused me of taking her child. I didn't even know she had one." Sark watches Sydney close as he talks with Sloane. "She was alone. Yes, I grabbed her. Agent Bristow is currently handcuffed to the bathroom sink. She helped me retrieve the object. Yes sir. Just a moment." He holds the phone out to Sydney.
Sydney snatches the phone from Sark, "You son of a bitch." She yells, "Where's Ava? I want to talk to her."
On the other end, Sloane watches as his man pulls the child into the room. "She's right here."
"Hey you jerk" Ava turns kicking the man's shin, "Let me go!"
"It's your mother." Sloane holds the phone out.
Ava grabs the phone, "Mom"
Sydney sighs in relief hearing her baby's voice, "You OK sweetie?"
"I want to go home."
"I know baby. You'll be home before you know it."
"OK"
"It'll be all right Av." Sydney blinks back tears, "Just be good for Sloane. And don't annoy him too much."
"I can't torment them even a tiny bit?"
"No." Sydney laughs sadly. "I love you Ava."
"I love you Mom."
"Let me talk to Sloane. I'll see you soon OK?"
"OK." Ava glares at the gray haired man, "Wants to talk to you."
"Sydney" Sloane greets taking the phone from the girl.
"Sloane, I swear if she even has a scratch..." Sydney warns
"Oh she's perfectly fine Sydney. I would never hurt your daughter... I am not a cruel man."
Sark takes the phone from Sydney ignoring her protests, "Shall I bring Agent Bristow as well as the object?"
Sydney glares at Sark about to speak when he presses his fingers against her lips.
"Yes sir." Sark hangs up
"Where is she?" Sydney demands
"Sloane wants to meet us at another place. You'll get her back there."
"Where?"
"He'll call." Sark looks Sydney over "You know I almost forgot how good you look in my clothes."
Sydney tucks her hair behind her ears squirming a little. "I've grown a few inches since I was 17."
"You still do that when nervous." Sark muses
"Do what?"
"Tuck your hair behind your ears."
Sydney shrugs "Childhood bad habit."
"How about I make us some breakfast?"
"You still cook?"
Sark shrugs "Not very often. Since you I haven't had a reason to do any cooking."
"You live more of the rich life now." Sydney returns
"I guess." Sark leads her out of the bedroom to the kitchen. "What would you like? Omelet?"
"Sure." Sydney sits at the counter and watches him move around the kitchen. "I remember the first time you ever cooked for me."
"Surprised you, huh?"
"Hello you've met my father... does he look like someone who takes the time to cook?"
"No." Sark glances at Sydney "What about Danny?"
"Rarely. He could cook but didn't very often mostly because we were rarely home at the same time. Will cooks."
"Ahh Mr. Tippin... how is he?"
"Since you almost killed him?" Sydney returns, "He's fine."
"Sorry about that" Sark says apologetically.
"Now he's stuck in our world and I hate that."
"He was the one who wouldn't back off on your fiancee's death."
Sydney flinches
Sark looks at Sydney "What were you going to tell your fiancee about Ava?"
"I didn't know, I mean I kept meaning to tell him but every time I froze up. Its not the easiest thing to admit to someone you've been keeping a secret as big as mine were."
"What about your friends?"
"I still have to tell them. Dad might have told Will but I think they'll take it decent."
Sark nods
"Julian" Sydney looks down "Are you OK with me not telling her... yet?"
"Yes and no" Sark admits after a moment. "I have mixed feelings over it but I understand why. You want her safe and she won't be if anyone finds out I'm her father."
"She's in enough danger from people who want me dead."
"It'll be OK Sydney." Sark assures "You'll see."
"I just want Ava back. Just help me get her back Julian."
"I will Sydney." Sark runs his fingers through her hair.
Sydney nods nuzzling into his hand.
"What would you like in your omelet? Still like it the same?"
"Yeah."
"Coffee?"
"Sure." Sydney watches him move around the kitchen preparing their breakfast.
"Tell me about what happened after you returned."
"Where do you want me to start? When I returned or when I found out I was pregnant?"
"Start anywhere."
"Nothing interesting happened when I first got back. I didn't know I was pregnant until the first week of December... though I suspected mid November I was just scared to admit it. When I knew for sure that I was pregnant, I was already four months. By then you had stopped answering my letters and Victoria told me you took off and no one knew where you went. I realized that you were gone and I decided I'd move on with my life and have the baby on my own." She pauses "Then Dad got involved."
"What happened?"
"He gave me two options one being I finish school and someone else raised the baby or I give the baby up for adoption. I couldn't see myself giving up my baby so I agreed to Chris and Marie raising her under the condition that she always lived nearby. Dad agreed under another condition, that I go away telling everyone that I was at boarding school when I wasn't. I went to Maine for the rest of my pregnancy and for a month after where I was home-schooled. I managed to finish high school on time and head to UCLA on time. The first few years, I lied to people saying I was working as their babysitter so I could see her in public. Then when SD-6 recruited me I wasn't able to see her too often."
"Why is there no record of you having a child?"
"I didn't know until I found out Dad was at SD-6 as well but Ava's birth certificate lists Chris and Marie as her parents. He said that he knew that it would be safer if no one knows I have a child."
"Doesn't that bother you?"
"Somewhat but Chris and Marie adore... adored her. God I don't like the idea of having to tell Ava their dead." Sydney rubs her forehead. "I never thought that their deaths would lead to me finally getting her back."
"Is Ava close to your father?"
"No. Dad doesn't see her very often maybe a few times a year. Chris and Marie check in with him every week." Sydney plays with one of the buttons on the shirt, "She was such a happy baby. Always smiling and laughing." Sydney chuckles "She could cheer anyone up."
"How did you decide what to name her?"
"I don't know I just saw it and liked it." Sydney shrugs "It suits her."
"She sounds like an interesting girl."
"Oh she is." Sydney smiles "She's an incredible little girl."
"Well she has an incredible mother." 'And grandmother.' Sark smiles at Sydney before turning back to making breakfast. "Was your Father there when Ava was born?"
"No, he was going to be but I went into labor two weeks earlier than my expected due date and he was too far away to make it there. I was in labor for" she tilts her head slightly "17 very long hours." Sydney winces at the memory. "Ava was stubborn even then." She smiles slightly "She was born with a full head of blond hair." 'Just like her Daddy.' "That only lasted until she was three." She takes the offered cup of coffee from Sark "Thanks."
Sark nods "So she was a blond baby huh?"
"Yep. Her hair stuck up in all directions." Sydney laughs remembering the first moments she had alone with her baby.
Sydney smiles at the baby in her arms, "Hey you." She says softly as the others leave her alone with the newborn. She feels her heart melt when the baby looks at her with big bright blue eyes, "I see you have your Daddy's eyes and his blond hair." She chuckles as the baby yawns, "You are such a beautiful baby. What do you think of Ava as a name?"
The baby yawns
"I think I'll call you Ava... Hope." Sydney smiles "Look at that hair on you." She runs her fingers over the baby's hair.
"She was adorable."
"I bet. After all she does have good genes."
"Stifle the ego Sark."
"Must you call me that?" Sark complains, "I rather like how you say my name."
Sydney rolls her eyes "Its weird though" Sydney says after a moment
"How so?" Sark asks as he grabs two plates from the cupboard.
"That was the first time I can remember that Dad didn't intentionally break his promise on being somewhere." Sydney takes the offered cup and takes a sip, "He arrived two days later."
Sark sets the omelet before Sydney "Here you go." He hands her a fork
"Thanks." Sydney takes a bite of the omelet.
Sark nods as he sits beside her he takes a bite of his own omelet, "Tell me more." he requests
"OK... well she started crawling at five months. Talking at 11 months... her first word was Duck after her favorite toy a rubber duck. She started walking at 13 months. She loved being read too... still does."
Sark listens with interest as Sydney tells him about Ava's first year.
WHILE LATER "We shouldn't be doing this." Sydney gasps as Sark presses her back against the wall his lips on her neck.
"I know." Sark mumbles, "Want me to stop?"
Sydney pulls his head up kissing him roughly, "No."
LATE MORNING "We really shouldn't be doing this." Sydney trails her fingers over Sark's stomach as her head rests on his chest. "Kendall would have me arrested for espionage or something."
"Your parents would kill me." Sark muses
"So would Sloane."
"True. The ones I work for would see me as a betrayer."
"Plus we hate what the other is."
"That doesn't mean we have to hate each other Sydney." Sark trails his fingers down her arm
"I know it's just"
"We're on the opposite side of life." Sark acknowledges, "We had a lot of fun together... remember?"
"Yes." Sydney nods "I remember."
"Your birthday"
Sydney smiles at the memory. "Yeah" She shakes her head "I'm going to go shower."
"Sydney"
"We need to figure out how we're getting Ava and the artifact back and I doubt we'd get very far like this." Sydney pulls out of his arms grabbing the discarded shirt off the floor and pulls it on heading into the bathroom. She closes the door behind her and takes a deep breath before turning on the shower.
Sark stares at the bathroom door then sighs throwing off the covers he pulls on a pair of silk pajama bottoms then grabs his phone walking out of the bedroom. He presses the speed dial, "It's me... we have a situation here that I think you need to know about... it involves Sloane and Agent Bristow."
EARLY AFTERNOON Sydney stares at the floor.
Seeing her expression Sark tilts her head up, "What is it?"
"Part of me doesn't want to leave." Sydney admits
"Well we have to."
"I know." She starts towards the door when Sark stops her turning her around he kisses her.
Sark pulls back "Come let's go back to being enemies."
Sydney nods following him outside to the car.
Once in the car Sark hands her the phone, "Call your Father."
Sydney sighs dialing her Dad's number.
"Jack Bristow"
"Dad"
"Syd, are you OK? Where are you?"
"I'm fine. I was right"
"Sark found her?"
"Yeah. We have to trade something though."
"What?"
"Another Rambaldi artifact."
"Syd"
"We can get it back Dad. I just want Ava back. Kendall can fire me if he wants I don't care."
"He won't do that... he'll have you put in jail."
"I'll get it back Dad."
"Syd"
"I have to go. I'll call you later." Sydney hangs up staring out the car window as Sark drives. 'I'm doing the right thing... I'm getting my girl back.'
"What's on your mind love?"
"Just thinking."
"About?" Sark prompts
"Everything... mostly Ava." Sydney rubs her forehead "What was I thinking in joining SD-6?" She mutters. "If I hadn't none of this would have happened."
"Sydney"
"She's pretty much all I have Sark and now this."
"So leave"
"I can't... not until I finish what I started. As much as I want to leave I can't not when Sloane's still out there." Sydney shoves her hair out of her face.
"Sydney it's going to be all right." Sark reaches out taking Sydney's hand he brings it to his lips, "She'll be with you soon."
"Yeah" Sydney squeezes his hand. "Thanks Sark."
"For what?"
"You could have walked away when I told you. You could have said you didn't give a damn and left me to deal with this myself."
"I never would have done that Sydney. She's my child as well."
"Yeah she is." She rests her head against the headrest, "I remember the day I finally got the nerve up to go to the doctor's, and he told me I was pregnant. I suspected but I was just too scared to admit it, I guess. I remember sitting on the exam table"
Sydney sits on the exam table swinging her legs as she waits nervously for the doctor her arms wrapped around her middle. 'Please let me be wrong.' She glances up briefly as the doctor enters, "I'm pregnant aren't I?"
The doctor sits down, "Yes. Do you have any idea how far along you are?"
Sydney nods "Two to four months."
"Now you have options."
"I have to go home." Sydney says desperately.
"Miss Bristow, we need to find out how far along you are so if you decide to go through with the pregnancy you can start prenatal care."
Sydney nods "I'll come back."
"I went home and curled up on Dad's chair, I fell asleep waiting for him to come home from work. As always we weren't talking much, or if we were we'd argue. He finally came home around midnight. I spent that time trying to come up with a decent story."
"Why didn't you tell him the truth?"
Sydney shrugs "I don't know. Considering the age difference, he would have flipped out. I didn't want him to do something stupid."
"Sydney what are you doing up?" Jack asks startled to see his daughter sitting in his chair.
"Dad" Sydney jumps up barreling into him.
Jack frowns returning the unexpected hug "Sydney what's wrong?"
"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry."
"For what Syd?" Jack pulls her back looking at her he frowns at her expression, "Sydney what's wrong?" He demands
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean for this to happen."
"What Sydney?" Jack asks softly as he brushes Sydney's hair back. "Sydney what?"
Sydney pulls away and curls up on the chair pulling her knees to her chest staring at the floor.
Jack crouches before her "Sydney tell me what is going on." He orders
"I'm pregnant." Sydney says softly not looking at him.
"WHAT?!" Jack exclaims
Sydney jumps in surprise then slowly looks at him, "I'm sorry Daddy." She starts to cry, "I didn't mean for this to happen." She starts to sob
Jack winces his daughter's cries tearing at him, "Shh" He pulls Sydney close, "It's going to be OK Sydney." He soothes.
"He managed to keep calm... I'll give him that." She glances at Sark briefly then looks back out the car window her mind drifting back to the conversation she had had with her Dad the next day.
Sydney sits on the couch as her Dad paces the living room, "Dad say something." She pleads
"Who's the father?" Jack demands
Sydney bites her lip "I went to a party and things got out of hand." She lies
"His name? Or was it more than one guy?"
Sydney remains silent.
"Where were you?"
"Don't remember where the party was."
"How far along are you?" Jack asks after a moment.
Sydney shrugs, "I went to the doctor yesterday, and the doctor only confirmed it."
Jack sighs, "For now this stays between us. We're going on a trip."
"Where?" Sydney demands
"I have some calls to make. I want you to go get dressed and pack a bag."
"Where are we going?"
"Go Sydney." Jack orders
Sydney hurries out of the room
"By that night I was in Toronto. Dad had a friend who was a doctor."
Sydney sits on the middle of the bed as she waits for her Dad to finish talking with his doctor friend. 'Oh Julian where are you?' She lifts her head just as her Dad walks into the room, "Dad?" She asks hesitantly.
"You're four months."
"Oh." Sydney curls up on her side her back to her Dad she asks her voice soft, "Is my baby OK?"
"He said that it's healthy."
Sydney nods a faint smile appearing then feeling the bed dip as her Dad sits beside her. "I'm having this baby." She says firmly. She turns looking at her Dad, "You can't talk me out of this... this is my baby."
"Its too late for an abortion." Jack rubs his forehead, "You can't raise a baby Sydney... you're still one yourself."
"This is my choice Dad... my baby." 'All I have of Julian.' "I'm not going to give my baby up for adoption."
"Sydney you're 17."
"I don't care!" Sydney snaps sitting up, "It's my baby."
"Sydney"
"No you aren't changing my mind." Sydney says angrily. "You can't force me to give up my baby and if you try I'll leave."
"Sydney"
Sydney jumps up running into the bathroom she slams the door behind her.
Jack sighs
"So your Father wanted you to give up our child." Sark says coldly.
"For a brief moment but I said no way and after that he never mentioned it again. He came to terms that I was keeping the baby."
"What happened then?"
"He went back to LA for a while and arranged the whole Boarding school lie. I stayed in Toronto with his friend for a month until Dad brought Marie and Chris back with him. I didn't know until years later of course but Marie and Chris were former CIA. They had been married for five years and Dad hired them to take care of Ava. We moved to Maine where Ava was born."
Sark sighs "Sorry love but we're going to have to cut the conversation short... we're almost at the air strip and Sloane sent a jet with his men to pick us up." He brings Sydney's hand to his lips, "Tell me more later when we're away from Sloane and his goons?"
Sydney nods "I will."
Sark pulls the car over to the side of the road and reaches out brushing his fingers across her jaw. "I want to know about my daughter Sydney."
"And you will."
"And I am going to keep my promise to keep her safe and away from the others."
"Julian" Sydney looks down "if something does happen to me tonight..."
"Nothing is going to happen"
"Hear me out"
"All right love."
"If something happens I want you to swear to me you will take Ava to my Dad... and not take off with her."
"Sydney"
"I'm serious Julian. I want you to take Ava to my Dad not to Irina and I don't want you to take off with her."
"If something does happen to you she'd be safe with me." Sark looks away
"I know I also know that the others would go after you and I don't want Ava caught in the middle." Sydney reaches out forcing him to look at her "Swear Julian."
Sark lifts his hand to hers and turns his head pressing his lips to her palm. "I swear I won't run off with our daughter if by some remote chance something does happen to you." They stare at each other for a moment then Sark adds, "I promise Sydney."
"I know." Sydney nods
Slowly the two move closer, "I'm going to kiss you again." Sark smirks
"This is the last time." Sydney warns, "After Ava and I arrive in LA this is over... we can't continue."
"I know."
"It's too dangerous... and we have Ava to think about." She says softly.
"Yes we must look after our daughter." Sark kisses her deeply then pulls back their lips inches apart. "It'll be OK Sydney... just don't start a fight with anyone."
Sydney nods "Let's just go... sooner we get there sooner I get Ava back."
"And I can meet my daughter for the first time... though she won't know who I am." He finishes sadly.
"It's for the best."
"I know." He nods pulling back onto the road, "Doesn't make anything easier Syd."
"I know it doesn't." Sydney watches as he drives the rest of the way to the private airstrip.
5PM: GERMANY Sydney glares at Sloane as she stands beside Sark wearing handcuffs. "You have the artifact now where is Ava?"
"Is it the proper artifact Mr. Sark?" Sloane questions
"Most definitely." Sark assures
"Sydney, thank you for helping Mr. Sark retrieve." Sloane smiles at Sydney "I knew you could do it."
"Shut up Sloane." Sydney snaps "I only did this for my daughter."
"If I may ask" Sloane regards Sydney "Who is her father?"
"None of your business." Sydney snaps. "Now where is my daughter?"
"You managed to keep her existence a secret." Sloane muses
"Dad's decision" Sydney shrugs "I'm glad he made it because God knows what you would have done to her as a baby."
"I wouldn't harm a child Sydney."
Sydney snorts, "Where's Ava?"
"Ah there she is." Sloane nods
Sydney turns her eyes widening as she sees a man carrying Ava. "What did you do to her?"
"She wasn't being very cooperative." Sloane shrugs
"You sedated my daughter?!" Sydney yells
"She'll wake." Sloane waves his hand
"Son of a..." Sydney looks at Sark, "Sark, take these off me."
"She won't try anything." Sloane shrugs
Sark stifles the urge to kill Sloane as he undoes the handcuffs.
Sydney takes Ava from the man wanting to avoid killing the man carrying her. "Ava." She swallows heavily as she looks over her daughter for any sign of trauma. She takes a deep breath then steeling her expression she looks at Sloane, "You have what you want Sloane. Now this stays away from Ava... you go near her I swear to God I will kill you." Sydney warns, "She's not part of this life."
"She's right Arvin."
Paling at the familiar slightly accented voice, Sydney turns to see Irina enter the room with three armed men. She glares at Sark who ignores her, 'That son of a bitch.'
"Irina what are you doing here?" Sloane asks slightly nervous.
"Mr. Sark, please make sure Sydney and the girl arrive home safely." Irina turns to Sydney "And don't worry Sydney I will make sure Sloane and everyone else leaves her alone."
Sydney nods looking at Ava, "Thank you." She looks back at Irina, "This doesn't change things."
"I know but it's something I can do for you." Irina nods at Sark, "Make sure they are safe Mr. Sark."
"I will." Sark promises, "I'll take her." He nods at Ava.
Sydney hesitates for moment then sees his brief look of hope before his eyes harden to their normal blank and nods carefully handing Ava to Sark, 'First time to see Father and Daughter.' She realizes then pulls her eyes away from Ava turning back to Sloane she takes the artifact out of his hand and puts it in her pocket, "Can't return without this now can I."
"Sydney"
Sydney looks at her mother
"She's beautiful."
Sydney looks at Ava a small smile appearing she nods, "Thank you." She walks with Sark out of the building hurrying to the car. Sydney opens the back passenger door stepping aside so Sark can put Ava down. She watches as Sark sets Ava in the back seat and momentarily pausing to look at his daughter for the first time, he gently brushes Ava's hair out of her face. When Sark looks at her Sydney smiles slightly then asks softly, "What do you think?"
"Irina was right she's beautiful." Sark says with a slight edge of awe to his voice.
"Yeah she is." Sydney gets into the back seat with Ava. "Let's get out of here."
Inside Sloane watches Irina cautiously well aware of her temper, "Congratulations on the granddaughter."
"She's off limits Arvin." Irina says coldly, "Go near the girl again and the next time I see you I will kill you." She walks away
HOUR LATER: CAR Sark glances in the rearview mirror to see Sydney gazing at Ava curled up on the seat her head on Sydney's lap.
"You said you wouldn't tell Irina." Sydney says angrily in Russian.
"I did it to ensure your safety" Sark returns in Russian "and our daughter's. I wanted to be sure Sloane knew what could happen if he harmed either of you."
"Julian you knew I didn't want her to know."
"She's safe Sydney... that's all that matters."
"Did you tell her about us?" Sydney demands
"No. I told you I wouldn't tell anyone and I have kept my promise." He says angrily.
Sydney looks at Ava who is still drugged asleep on her lap, "You better because if that comes out she's in danger."
"Is she OK?" Sark asks switching back to English changing the way the conversation is going.
"Other than being drugged, she has a few bruises on her arm. Otherwise she looks good." Sydney strokes Ava's hair, "At least he didn't hurt her."
"It's going to be fine Sydney."
"It won't be until she awakes up and I can talk to her." Sydney strokes Ava's cheek. "If there is any harm from what he gave her I swear to God I will kill him." She says fiercely.
'Not if I don't first.' "She's fine Sydney."
"Its just so... disconcerting for her to be this quiet." Sydney whispers, "From the moment she was born she hasn't been quiet."
Sydney smiles through her exhaustion as she hears the newborn cry. "Is she OK?"
The doctor smiles, "She's fine." He hands her the newborn.
Sydney cuddles the baby close, "Hi baby. I'm your Mommy... I love you lots... you know that don't you." She smiles as the baby's cries calm slightly.
"She's going to be fine Sydney."
"Yeah."
2 HOURS LATER: AIR STRIP Sydney watches as Sark sets Ava on the Jet couch and lingers looking at the sleeping girl with interest. 'He's almost like I remember.'
"We're about to take off sir." The co-pilot says wincing as the assassin glares at him then hurries into the cockpit.
Sydney steps past Sark and maneuvers the seatbelt for Ava then sits beside her buckling her own she places Ava's head on her lap while Sark covers the girl with a blanket. "Thanks"
Sark nods sitting across from Sydney, his eyes on the sleeping girl.
WHILE LATER "Here." Sark hands Sydney a glass of wine as they sit side by side across from Ava.
"Thank you." Sydney takes a sip looking at Ava.
"What now?" Sark asks
"Go home and try to get our lives figured out." Sydney rolls her shoulders "Try to balance keeping her safe and work."
"I will keep Sloane in line. I am betting Irina will want to keep him on a very short leash."
Sydney nods
"You know Sydney there are some things we need to discuss."
"Not now"
"Soon though" Sark says firmly
Sydney nods "Fine."
HOUR LATER "Mommy" Ava says groggily.
Sydney opens her eyes startled when she realizes she fell asleep with her head on Sark's arm. "Av your awake." She smiles "Sweetie how are you feeling?" She asks
"Tired Mommy. My head hurts." Ava sniffles
Sydney frowns when she sees Ava's lower lip tremble, "Oh sweetie." She moves over to where Ava is and pulls the little girl onto her lap as Ava starts to cry. "Its OK baby. Everything is going to be fine." She rocks Ava as the girl clings to her, "Its OK baby." Sydney strokes Ava's hair as the girl cries. She meets Sark's gaze over Ava's head then rests her cheek against Ava's head, 'My baby. They hurt her.' She blinks back tears.
MIDNIGHT Sydney covers Ava with a blanket and sits on the floor beside the girl. "Finally, she's asleep."
"You should get some rest Sydney." Sark remarks
"I can't. She needs me."
"She's asleep." Sark points out gently. "I'll stay awake just in case she awakens."
Sydney looks at him thoughtfully then at Ava.
"Sydney we're in the air... I'm not going to take off with her." Sark says annoyed
"I wasn't thinking about that." Sydney snaps "What I was going going to say is that she doesn't know you Sark and I don't want to frighten her anymore than she's been."
"Its not like you aren't nearby Sydney. Just get some sleep. She'll be fine."
Sydney reluctantly nods "Fine but wake me if she even slightly stirs."
"I will." He assures. As Sydney lies down across from Ava he covers her with a blanket.
"Thanks" Sydney yawns
Sark nods moving over to the table where his laptop is. He sits at the table and watches for a while as the two sleep then returns to his work.
CHAPTER 7 7AM: OUTSIDE CA Sydney and Sark sit across from each other at the table. "We need to discuss things Sydney." Sark says leaning back in his chair.
"If you are going to suggest we tell her then no. If we're going to discuss the whole thing of sharing custody then hell no that's not going to happen." She snaps
"That's not what we need to discuss" Sark looks over at Ava "We need to discuss what's best for her."
"What's best for her is for us to try and make life normal for her. That means: no barging into her life and bring your issues along... that goes for me as well. Ava stays with me and she is going to have a normal life." She looks at Ava, "Just because you know about her that doesn't mean I'm going to back off... if I did back off."
"It could mean jail for you." He says sadly
"As well as Dad for protecting me."
"Then continue trying Sydney... I never asked you to stop."
"I won't... I can't. Like you said, 'everything I do or did' is for Ava. Even if it means the possibility of putting her Father and Grandmother in jail."
"We both will do whatever we believe it takes to keep our daughter safe." Sark covers her hand with his own bringing it to his lips kissing the back of her hand. "I've only known about Ava for a few days and I would do anything to keep her safe."
"Would you turn yourself in?"
"If the situation required me to but right now its better for me to be where I can keep an eye on Sloane. If I was in jail I would never see Ava again. This way I can check on her every so often.... if it is all right with you."
"It's fine, just keep your distance. I'm betting Dad is going to see about security on Ava when she's not with us. But I swear Julian if you tell her or even slightly hint at being her Father or what you do you won't ever see her again but at a distance." She warns
"I said I'd keep my promise and I will until the day I die if need be."
"Mommy." Ava says sleepily.
Sydney looks over to see Ava awake. "Hey sweetie. How are you feeling?" She stands walking over to where Ava is sitting.
"Tired."
"It will take a while for you to feel better." Sydney sits beside her. "Are you OK?" She asks brushing Ava's hair back.
Ava nods "Are we going home Mommy?"
"Yeah baby we are."
Ava looks around curiously her eyes landing on the blond man who is watching them curiously. "Mom?"
Sydney notices Ava's curious expression as she looks at Sark, "Ava that's Sark. He's taking us home."
"Hello Ava. Its good to see you awake." Sark says pleasantly.
"Hi" Ava says shyly. "When will we be home?"
"We should land in a few hours." Sark informs the girl as he sits across from them.
"Ava, Sark and I want to know what happened when they came to the house and everything after." Sydney says gently.
"Why?"
"Because we want to make sure they don't hurt you again." Sydney answers stroking Ava's hair.
Ava snuggles close "OK."
"When did they show up Ava?" Sydney asks
"When Marie sent me to get ready for bed. I was about to change into my pajamas when I heard a couple thuds and then my door opened and they came into my room." Ava twirls on a strand of hair, "And I saw Marie on the floor and there was blood on the floor." She sniffles "I bit him when he grabbed me and I ducked under his arm and ran out the door when the other man grabbed me."
"Ava do you know where they took you the first time?" Sark asks softly.
"No it smelled though."
"You were still in California though, right?" Sydney asks
Ava nods "After I talked to you he stuck me with the needle and that's all I remember."
"How did you get the bruises?" Sark quesions
Ava rubs her arm "He dragged me out of the room."
"Who did? Sloane?" Sydney demands
"No... he left the others in charge of me. I watched a bunch of movies though."
"Did these other men hurt you?" Sydney asks
"No." Ava shakes her head, "He told them to leave me alone. He threatened the guy who grabbed my arm."
"Which one bruised you?" Sark asks forming a plan to get revenge.
"He was big... he had brown hair. I think they called him Matthew." Ava lifts her head, "Mommy?"
"Hmm?"
"What's going to happen to me now?" Ava asks nervously. "Are you going to send me away?"
"No baby. You're going to come live with me."
Ava grins, "I get to live with you, Francie and Will?"
"We might have to find a place of our own since the house we live in now is small. But you are staying with me from now on."
Ava nods snuggling close "I love you Mommy."
"I love you too baby." Sydney looks at Sark over Ava's head.
WHILE LATER Sark looks up from his laptop to see Ava sitting across from him at the table as Sydney sits nearby. "How are you feeling Ava?" He asks politely.
Ava shrugs "I'm bored."
"Ahh"
"Ava let Sark work."
"It's fine Sydney." Sark closes his laptop then remembers something. "Do you know how to play chess?"
"No."
"What about checkers?"
Ava shrugs "A little. Chris sometimes plays with me... though I like Scrabble more."
"Well we can play a game of checkers with chess pieces."
"How?"
"You'll see." Sark goes over to a cupboard and removes a boxed type of game board.
Sydney pulls her legs under her body and watches the two amused as Sark and Ava interact. 'He's so sweet towards her. Why doesn't that surprise me? He maybe a killer but he still is Julian... at times.'
Ava watches the man set up the pieces, "Is Sark your last or last name?"
"It's just what people call me." Sark shrugs
"What's your real name then?"
Sark looks at Sydney who nods then he answers, "My name is Julian."
Ava grins then turns her attention to the board
He sets up the pieces "There. You first." He watches Ava regard the board with interest. 'Sydney's right... she has my smile.'
10 AM Sydney and Sark lean against the hood of the car as Ava runs around nearby, "He said he'd come alone." Sydney assures as she watches Ava, "Dad will."
Sark follows her gaze and a faint smile appears at the sight of his daughter, "We need to talk when things settle down."
"About?"
Sark looks back at Sydney pushing his sunglasses up, "Her... the future... our strategy..."
"Later"
"Agreed." Sark nods "What now Sydney?"
"Deal with Kendall and the CIA. Get Ava situated with living with us... possibly look for a new place to live. Get her enrolled in school. So far that is the plan." Sydney shrugs "Then things will hopefully fall into place."
"It's going to be an adjustment... for all of you." Sark muses
"Yeah it will be but it will work out... I hope." Sydney sighs, "I don't know how I'm going to answer all the questions that are bound to be asked by her."
"You'll figure out what to say.. don't they call that motherly instinct?"
Sydney laughs dryly, "I haven't been much of a mother to her Julian... Marie was... for all purposes her mother."
"You did what you thought was best for her Sydney."
"Some times I wonder if I did make the choice in her best interest... or my own."
"I believe they go hand in hand." Sark reaches out cupping her cheek he brushes his thumb over her lower lip. "You were 17 Sydney... you did what you thought was best."
Sydney shivers quickly pulling away, "I know." She looks down.
"Mom?"
Sydney looks at Ava who has stopped running, "Hey baby. Something wrong?"
"When's Grandpa getting here?" Ava walks over to join them.
"Soon baby." Sydney assures "Are you getting hungry?"
Ava nods "Why couldn't we get anything to eat?"
"Because I don't want people other than Grandpa knowing I'm back."
"Why?"
"It's complicated baby."
"You always say that." Ava huffs
"Sorry sweetie." Sydney notices a car coming towards them "See there's Grandpa." She steels herself for the argument that is bound to occur when her Father gets out of the car.
Jack Bristow pulls the car to a stop a few feet from them. As Jack gets out of the car Ava ambushes him in her excitement to see him. Jack picks her up "Hello sweetheart."
Ava grins "Hi Grandpa." She hugs him. "I missed you."
"I missed you too... you had everyone worried."
"Mr. Sloane's a butthead."
"I know." Jack chuckles his eyes darkening when he sees Sydney talking with Sark. "Give me another hug."
Ava hugs him tight "Love you Grandpa." She kisses his cheek.
"I love you too sweetheart." Jack returns as he sets Ava down, "I want you to get into the car. I need to talk to your Mom and Mr. Sark."
"I want to say goodbye to Julian first." Ava ducks under her Grandfather and runs over to where her Mom and Sark are. "Bye Julian."
Sark crouches before the girl, "It was very nice to meet you Ava." He looks at Sydney "Be good for your Mum huh?"
"I will." Ava shifts "Julian will you teach me how to play chess?"
Sark glances at Sydney briefly, "Maybe one day... depending on your Mum and Grandpa."
"OK." Ava nods
"Ava, Sydney get in the car... NOW" Jack orders
"Ava go on. I'll be right there." Sydney urges as Sark straightens up. Once Ava is in her Dad's car Sydney speaks, "Dad come on he helped me get Ava back. We came back fine."
"Get in the car Sydney." Jack says stiffly
"Dad"
"Don't argue with me Sydney." Jack snaps
"Fine but keep in mind that a very impressionable eight year old is watching." Sydney looks at Sark then walks over to the car getting in.
"Mommy what's Grandpa saying to Julian?"
"I don't know baby. Probably a lot of stuff you are too young to be hearing." Sydney says dryly as she tries to read their lips.
"Stay away from my daughter and granddaughter Sark." Jack says coldly.
"Unless you forget your granddaughter is my daughter as well." Sark returns with a smirk amused by Jack's expression.
"I promised Sydney I wouldn't drag your sorry ass back to headquarters and throw you in jail for Ava. The only reason I agreed to you staying out here is because Sydney is right, you are the only one who can keep Irina and Sloane away from Ava. But I swear if anyone finds out that you are her Father and starts coming after her you will be the one I hold responsible."
"I won't tell. Ava's the only blood I have left. I won't allow anyone to harm her... or her mother."
"Stay away from them Sark!" Jack snaps as he walks to his car.
"Dad" Sydney begins as he gets in.
"Not one word Sydney."
"Grandpa why are you mad at Julian?" Ava asks curiously.
"It's complicated sweetpea." Jack says gently. "Ava from now on you can't mention to anyone, not even Will or Francie, that you met Sark."
"Why?"
"Because if anyone knows that Julian helped us willingly we'd all be in trouble." Sydney answers hesitantly. "He'd be in trouble as well."
"Oh" Ava leans between the seats "I'm hungry Grandpa."
Jack glances at the little girl and nods, "We'll get you some breakfast then head to where we need to be."
"Where?" Sydey asks
"Kendall ordered you both to be brought in the moment you arrived. He wants to debrief both of you and I want the doctors to check Ava out."
"No doctors Grandpa." Ava whines
"Just to make sure you're OK." Jack assures
"Its a brief debrief Dad, I want to get Ava home and settled in."
"I told him." Jack assures
Sydney nods
HOUR LATER: CIA "Welcome back Sydney." Vaughn smiles as he sees Sydney enter with Jack carrying a little girl.
Jack sets Ava down and crouches before her, "Remember what I said"
Ava nods looking around at all the people some eyeing her curiously while others work, "Mom I'm hungry."
Sydney looks at Ava and smiles "All right sweetie." She leads Ava into her Dad's office and settles Ava on the floor before the coffee table, "Here you go sweetheart." She sets the bag of food and the drink on the table.
"Yum" Ava says happily as she removes the items noticing her fish on her Grandpa's desk, "Simon."
"Eat first, visit Simon later." Sydney says sternly opening the Egg McMuffin wrapper for Ava. "Here you go."
"Thanks Mommy." Ava bites into the Egg McMuffin.
Sydney unwraps the second Egg McMuffin and takes a bite. 'I have my girl back.'
WHILE LATER Eric Weiss ducks his head into Jack's office to find Sydney talking with a little girl, "Syd, Kendall is ready to meet with you."
"When does he want to talk with Ava?"
"Later."
"Where's Dad?"
"Kendall ordered him there for your debrief." When he sees Sydney look at Ava thoughtfully he adds, "You know I happen to know that to Marshall has an X-Box and Playstation and numerous video games in his office. How about I take Ava there and play some games while you meet with them?"
Sydney laughs knowing Weiss is right, "All right. How does that sound Ava?" She looks at her daughter.
Ava nods shyly.
"All right then but nothing too violent." Sydney adds
"Perish the thought." Weiss grins
"And keep an eye on her. Ava, I want you to obey Weiss, OK?"
Ava nods
"I also happen to know where Marshall hides his gummy bears." Weiss says in a stage whisper.
Ava grins, "I like gummy bears."
"Have fun and Weiss if you even let her out of your sight..." Sydney trails off
Weiss swallows at the threat "I promise she's in good hands Sydney."
Sydney kisses Ava's forehead, "Be good and keep your hands off Marshall's gadgets."
Ava nods standing she walks with Weiss out of the office.
Sydney stands taking a deep breath she steels herself for the upcoming battle with Kendall, 'You can do it Syd.' She walks out of the office heading to the conference room where she finds her father, Dixon, Vaughn, Marshall, and Kendall. She nods in greeting and sits down awaiting the barrage of questions.
"Now what the hell has happened Agent Bristow? Where is Mr. Sark and Mr. Sloane?" Kendall demands
"I have no idea, Sark was ordered to make sure we returned to LA. I managed to bring the artifact back." Sydney reminds
"And why didn't you bring Sark back as well?" Vaughn demands
"I had my hands full with an unconscious child." Sydney retorts "That was more pressing then getting into a fight with Sark which was what would have happened."
"Unconscious?" Kendall asks a very slight hint of concern tingeing his voice.
"Sloane sedated my daughter for being slightly unruly." Sydney grinds out.
"Is she OK?" Dixon questions
"She is going to be checked out by the doctors later." Jack answers
Dixon nods
4PM: HOUSE "Sydney are you sure you don't want me to take Ava out for ice cream or something?" Jack asks concerned as he pulls into the driveway.
"I'm sure. I have to do this Dad." Sydney looks back at Ava, "Come on sweetie."
"I'll have Ava's things delivered tonight."
"Thanks Dad." Sydney leans across the seat kissing his cheek, "For everything."
Jack nods, "Ava I'll see you tomorrow."
"OK. Bye Grandpa." Ava gets out of the car
Sydney holds out her free hand to Ava her other hand holding the box containing the fish bowl and Simon. "Come on baby." She leads Ava to the house "Can you open the door Av?"
"OK Mom." Ava opens the front door and enters ahead of her Mom looking around curiously.
"Guys I'm home." Sydney calls knowing that Will and Francie are home.
"Syd where have..." Francie trails off when she sees the little girl in the foyer. "Oh hello." She looks at Sydney confused as Will joins them.
"Will can you put this on the kitchen table?" Sydney asks handing him the box.
Will nods noticing the girl he looks at Sydney quizzically, "What's this?"
"That's Simon." Ava chirps, "He's my fish."
"Sydney?" Francie looks at the girl pointedly.
"Come on let's go into the living room." Sydney ushers Ava into the living room.
Will sets the box on the kitchen table and removes the fish bowl, "Nice looking fish."
"Yep." Ava grins
"Syd?"
"Francie, Will this is Ava Hope... Bristow, my daughter." Sydney says nervously.
"Daughter?" Francie says stunned
"Wow." Will says
Seeing Francie's expression Sydney winces, "Look I'm sorry I never told you guys. It's just a long and complicated issue."
Francie shakes her head, "It's nice to meet you Ava." She smiles at the girl.
"Nice to meet you too." Ava smiles
"So Ava how old are you?" Will inquires
"Eight."
"Eight... like being eight?" Will questions
Ava shrugs, "Not so bad."
SAME TIME: JET "Hello Irina." Sark sighs, "Yes I'm on my way. There is much to be discussed." Sark hangs up the phone, 'The safety of my daughter being the most important.'
7PM: HOUSE Sydney and Francie sit at the kitchen table watching Will and Ava watch cartoons, "Sydney she's just incredible."
"Yeah she is." Sydney smiles over her tea.
"So where has she been all this time?" Francie asks curiously. "Has she been living with her Father?"
"No. She's been living with her guardians. They were killed a few days ago."
"Why didn't you ever say anything?"
Sydney sighs, "It's a long story. Basic story Dad wanted me to finish school and he saw raising Ava as crimping my education. He wanted me to finish school before taking on the task of raising Ava."
"And now that her guardians are dead?"
"She's with me." Sydney smiles "The way it's always supposed to have been."
"Sydney what about her father?" Francie asks curiously.
Sydney shrugs "Long story."
LATE THAT NIGHT Sydney sits on the edge of the bathtub and presses the speed dial.
"Hello Sydney."
Sydney shivers hearing Sark's smooth voice, "Hi."
"Is everything OK?"
"Yeah. We had a long day."
"Debriefing?"
"Yeah and Ava had to be checked out by the doctors."
"Is she all right?" Sark asks worried.
"She's fine. Have to wait until tomorrow for the blood test."
"No harm done?"
"No. The bruises should be gone in a few days."
"Good." Sark says relieved.
"I just wanted to say thanks." Sydney says softly.
"Not a problem."
"I guess the next time I see you things will be back to normal."
"Things will never be the same between us Sydney... there's too much between us... now more than ever." Sark says sadly.
"I guess so." Sydney whispers "We're enemies again."
"Unfortunately so."
"I should get to bed."
"Goodnight Sydney." Sark hangs up
"Goodnight." Sydney whispers hanging up she stares at the phone in her hand. 'Enemies now Syd... no longer lovers or in love.' She takes a deep breath then stands returning the cell phone to its hiding place before returning to her bedroom where Ava is asleep. 'At least I have something to remember him.' She smiles joining Ava in bed.
TBC.
What do you think?
CHAPTER 6 8AM Sydney paces the floor wearing Sark's silk dress shirt as the British assassin talks with Sloane.
"Oh and the lovely Agent Bristow accused me of taking her child. I didn't even know she had one." Sark watches Sydney close as he talks with Sloane. "She was alone. Yes, I grabbed her. Agent Bristow is currently handcuffed to the bathroom sink. She helped me retrieve the object. Yes sir. Just a moment." He holds the phone out to Sydney.
Sydney snatches the phone from Sark, "You son of a bitch." She yells, "Where's Ava? I want to talk to her."
On the other end, Sloane watches as his man pulls the child into the room. "She's right here."
"Hey you jerk" Ava turns kicking the man's shin, "Let me go!"
"It's your mother." Sloane holds the phone out.
Ava grabs the phone, "Mom"
Sydney sighs in relief hearing her baby's voice, "You OK sweetie?"
"I want to go home."
"I know baby. You'll be home before you know it."
"OK"
"It'll be all right Av." Sydney blinks back tears, "Just be good for Sloane. And don't annoy him too much."
"I can't torment them even a tiny bit?"
"No." Sydney laughs sadly. "I love you Ava."
"I love you Mom."
"Let me talk to Sloane. I'll see you soon OK?"
"OK." Ava glares at the gray haired man, "Wants to talk to you."
"Sydney" Sloane greets taking the phone from the girl.
"Sloane, I swear if she even has a scratch..." Sydney warns
"Oh she's perfectly fine Sydney. I would never hurt your daughter... I am not a cruel man."
Sark takes the phone from Sydney ignoring her protests, "Shall I bring Agent Bristow as well as the object?"
Sydney glares at Sark about to speak when he presses his fingers against her lips.
"Yes sir." Sark hangs up
"Where is she?" Sydney demands
"Sloane wants to meet us at another place. You'll get her back there."
"Where?"
"He'll call." Sark looks Sydney over "You know I almost forgot how good you look in my clothes."
Sydney tucks her hair behind her ears squirming a little. "I've grown a few inches since I was 17."
"You still do that when nervous." Sark muses
"Do what?"
"Tuck your hair behind your ears."
Sydney shrugs "Childhood bad habit."
"How about I make us some breakfast?"
"You still cook?"
Sark shrugs "Not very often. Since you I haven't had a reason to do any cooking."
"You live more of the rich life now." Sydney returns
"I guess." Sark leads her out of the bedroom to the kitchen. "What would you like? Omelet?"
"Sure." Sydney sits at the counter and watches him move around the kitchen. "I remember the first time you ever cooked for me."
"Surprised you, huh?"
"Hello you've met my father... does he look like someone who takes the time to cook?"
"No." Sark glances at Sydney "What about Danny?"
"Rarely. He could cook but didn't very often mostly because we were rarely home at the same time. Will cooks."
"Ahh Mr. Tippin... how is he?"
"Since you almost killed him?" Sydney returns, "He's fine."
"Sorry about that" Sark says apologetically.
"Now he's stuck in our world and I hate that."
"He was the one who wouldn't back off on your fiancee's death."
Sydney flinches
Sark looks at Sydney "What were you going to tell your fiancee about Ava?"
"I didn't know, I mean I kept meaning to tell him but every time I froze up. Its not the easiest thing to admit to someone you've been keeping a secret as big as mine were."
"What about your friends?"
"I still have to tell them. Dad might have told Will but I think they'll take it decent."
Sark nods
"Julian" Sydney looks down "Are you OK with me not telling her... yet?"
"Yes and no" Sark admits after a moment. "I have mixed feelings over it but I understand why. You want her safe and she won't be if anyone finds out I'm her father."
"She's in enough danger from people who want me dead."
"It'll be OK Sydney." Sark assures "You'll see."
"I just want Ava back. Just help me get her back Julian."
"I will Sydney." Sark runs his fingers through her hair.
Sydney nods nuzzling into his hand.
"What would you like in your omelet? Still like it the same?"
"Yeah."
"Coffee?"
"Sure." Sydney watches him move around the kitchen preparing their breakfast.
"Tell me about what happened after you returned."
"Where do you want me to start? When I returned or when I found out I was pregnant?"
"Start anywhere."
"Nothing interesting happened when I first got back. I didn't know I was pregnant until the first week of December... though I suspected mid November I was just scared to admit it. When I knew for sure that I was pregnant, I was already four months. By then you had stopped answering my letters and Victoria told me you took off and no one knew where you went. I realized that you were gone and I decided I'd move on with my life and have the baby on my own." She pauses "Then Dad got involved."
"What happened?"
"He gave me two options one being I finish school and someone else raised the baby or I give the baby up for adoption. I couldn't see myself giving up my baby so I agreed to Chris and Marie raising her under the condition that she always lived nearby. Dad agreed under another condition, that I go away telling everyone that I was at boarding school when I wasn't. I went to Maine for the rest of my pregnancy and for a month after where I was home-schooled. I managed to finish high school on time and head to UCLA on time. The first few years, I lied to people saying I was working as their babysitter so I could see her in public. Then when SD-6 recruited me I wasn't able to see her too often."
"Why is there no record of you having a child?"
"I didn't know until I found out Dad was at SD-6 as well but Ava's birth certificate lists Chris and Marie as her parents. He said that he knew that it would be safer if no one knows I have a child."
"Doesn't that bother you?"
"Somewhat but Chris and Marie adore... adored her. God I don't like the idea of having to tell Ava their dead." Sydney rubs her forehead. "I never thought that their deaths would lead to me finally getting her back."
"Is Ava close to your father?"
"No. Dad doesn't see her very often maybe a few times a year. Chris and Marie check in with him every week." Sydney plays with one of the buttons on the shirt, "She was such a happy baby. Always smiling and laughing." Sydney chuckles "She could cheer anyone up."
"How did you decide what to name her?"
"I don't know I just saw it and liked it." Sydney shrugs "It suits her."
"She sounds like an interesting girl."
"Oh she is." Sydney smiles "She's an incredible little girl."
"Well she has an incredible mother." 'And grandmother.' Sark smiles at Sydney before turning back to making breakfast. "Was your Father there when Ava was born?"
"No, he was going to be but I went into labor two weeks earlier than my expected due date and he was too far away to make it there. I was in labor for" she tilts her head slightly "17 very long hours." Sydney winces at the memory. "Ava was stubborn even then." She smiles slightly "She was born with a full head of blond hair." 'Just like her Daddy.' "That only lasted until she was three." She takes the offered cup of coffee from Sark "Thanks."
Sark nods "So she was a blond baby huh?"
"Yep. Her hair stuck up in all directions." Sydney laughs remembering the first moments she had alone with her baby.
Sydney smiles at the baby in her arms, "Hey you." She says softly as the others leave her alone with the newborn. She feels her heart melt when the baby looks at her with big bright blue eyes, "I see you have your Daddy's eyes and his blond hair." She chuckles as the baby yawns, "You are such a beautiful baby. What do you think of Ava as a name?"
The baby yawns
"I think I'll call you Ava... Hope." Sydney smiles "Look at that hair on you." She runs her fingers over the baby's hair.
"She was adorable."
"I bet. After all she does have good genes."
"Stifle the ego Sark."
"Must you call me that?" Sark complains, "I rather like how you say my name."
Sydney rolls her eyes "Its weird though" Sydney says after a moment
"How so?" Sark asks as he grabs two plates from the cupboard.
"That was the first time I can remember that Dad didn't intentionally break his promise on being somewhere." Sydney takes the offered cup and takes a sip, "He arrived two days later."
Sark sets the omelet before Sydney "Here you go." He hands her a fork
"Thanks." Sydney takes a bite of the omelet.
Sark nods as he sits beside her he takes a bite of his own omelet, "Tell me more." he requests
"OK... well she started crawling at five months. Talking at 11 months... her first word was Duck after her favorite toy a rubber duck. She started walking at 13 months. She loved being read too... still does."
Sark listens with interest as Sydney tells him about Ava's first year.
WHILE LATER "We shouldn't be doing this." Sydney gasps as Sark presses her back against the wall his lips on her neck.
"I know." Sark mumbles, "Want me to stop?"
Sydney pulls his head up kissing him roughly, "No."
LATE MORNING "We really shouldn't be doing this." Sydney trails her fingers over Sark's stomach as her head rests on his chest. "Kendall would have me arrested for espionage or something."
"Your parents would kill me." Sark muses
"So would Sloane."
"True. The ones I work for would see me as a betrayer."
"Plus we hate what the other is."
"That doesn't mean we have to hate each other Sydney." Sark trails his fingers down her arm
"I know it's just"
"We're on the opposite side of life." Sark acknowledges, "We had a lot of fun together... remember?"
"Yes." Sydney nods "I remember."
"Your birthday"
Sydney smiles at the memory. "Yeah" She shakes her head "I'm going to go shower."
"Sydney"
"We need to figure out how we're getting Ava and the artifact back and I doubt we'd get very far like this." Sydney pulls out of his arms grabbing the discarded shirt off the floor and pulls it on heading into the bathroom. She closes the door behind her and takes a deep breath before turning on the shower.
Sark stares at the bathroom door then sighs throwing off the covers he pulls on a pair of silk pajama bottoms then grabs his phone walking out of the bedroom. He presses the speed dial, "It's me... we have a situation here that I think you need to know about... it involves Sloane and Agent Bristow."
EARLY AFTERNOON Sydney stares at the floor.
Seeing her expression Sark tilts her head up, "What is it?"
"Part of me doesn't want to leave." Sydney admits
"Well we have to."
"I know." She starts towards the door when Sark stops her turning her around he kisses her.
Sark pulls back "Come let's go back to being enemies."
Sydney nods following him outside to the car.
Once in the car Sark hands her the phone, "Call your Father."
Sydney sighs dialing her Dad's number.
"Jack Bristow"
"Dad"
"Syd, are you OK? Where are you?"
"I'm fine. I was right"
"Sark found her?"
"Yeah. We have to trade something though."
"What?"
"Another Rambaldi artifact."
"Syd"
"We can get it back Dad. I just want Ava back. Kendall can fire me if he wants I don't care."
"He won't do that... he'll have you put in jail."
"I'll get it back Dad."
"Syd"
"I have to go. I'll call you later." Sydney hangs up staring out the car window as Sark drives. 'I'm doing the right thing... I'm getting my girl back.'
"What's on your mind love?"
"Just thinking."
"About?" Sark prompts
"Everything... mostly Ava." Sydney rubs her forehead "What was I thinking in joining SD-6?" She mutters. "If I hadn't none of this would have happened."
"Sydney"
"She's pretty much all I have Sark and now this."
"So leave"
"I can't... not until I finish what I started. As much as I want to leave I can't not when Sloane's still out there." Sydney shoves her hair out of her face.
"Sydney it's going to be all right." Sark reaches out taking Sydney's hand he brings it to his lips, "She'll be with you soon."
"Yeah" Sydney squeezes his hand. "Thanks Sark."
"For what?"
"You could have walked away when I told you. You could have said you didn't give a damn and left me to deal with this myself."
"I never would have done that Sydney. She's my child as well."
"Yeah she is." She rests her head against the headrest, "I remember the day I finally got the nerve up to go to the doctor's, and he told me I was pregnant. I suspected but I was just too scared to admit it, I guess. I remember sitting on the exam table"
Sydney sits on the exam table swinging her legs as she waits nervously for the doctor her arms wrapped around her middle. 'Please let me be wrong.' She glances up briefly as the doctor enters, "I'm pregnant aren't I?"
The doctor sits down, "Yes. Do you have any idea how far along you are?"
Sydney nods "Two to four months."
"Now you have options."
"I have to go home." Sydney says desperately.
"Miss Bristow, we need to find out how far along you are so if you decide to go through with the pregnancy you can start prenatal care."
Sydney nods "I'll come back."
"I went home and curled up on Dad's chair, I fell asleep waiting for him to come home from work. As always we weren't talking much, or if we were we'd argue. He finally came home around midnight. I spent that time trying to come up with a decent story."
"Why didn't you tell him the truth?"
Sydney shrugs "I don't know. Considering the age difference, he would have flipped out. I didn't want him to do something stupid."
"Sydney what are you doing up?" Jack asks startled to see his daughter sitting in his chair.
"Dad" Sydney jumps up barreling into him.
Jack frowns returning the unexpected hug "Sydney what's wrong?"
"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry."
"For what Syd?" Jack pulls her back looking at her he frowns at her expression, "Sydney what's wrong?" He demands
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean for this to happen."
"What Sydney?" Jack asks softly as he brushes Sydney's hair back. "Sydney what?"
Sydney pulls away and curls up on the chair pulling her knees to her chest staring at the floor.
Jack crouches before her "Sydney tell me what is going on." He orders
"I'm pregnant." Sydney says softly not looking at him.
"WHAT?!" Jack exclaims
Sydney jumps in surprise then slowly looks at him, "I'm sorry Daddy." She starts to cry, "I didn't mean for this to happen." She starts to sob
Jack winces his daughter's cries tearing at him, "Shh" He pulls Sydney close, "It's going to be OK Sydney." He soothes.
"He managed to keep calm... I'll give him that." She glances at Sark briefly then looks back out the car window her mind drifting back to the conversation she had had with her Dad the next day.
Sydney sits on the couch as her Dad paces the living room, "Dad say something." She pleads
"Who's the father?" Jack demands
Sydney bites her lip "I went to a party and things got out of hand." She lies
"His name? Or was it more than one guy?"
Sydney remains silent.
"Where were you?"
"Don't remember where the party was."
"How far along are you?" Jack asks after a moment.
Sydney shrugs, "I went to the doctor yesterday, and the doctor only confirmed it."
Jack sighs, "For now this stays between us. We're going on a trip."
"Where?" Sydney demands
"I have some calls to make. I want you to go get dressed and pack a bag."
"Where are we going?"
"Go Sydney." Jack orders
Sydney hurries out of the room
"By that night I was in Toronto. Dad had a friend who was a doctor."
Sydney sits on the middle of the bed as she waits for her Dad to finish talking with his doctor friend. 'Oh Julian where are you?' She lifts her head just as her Dad walks into the room, "Dad?" She asks hesitantly.
"You're four months."
"Oh." Sydney curls up on her side her back to her Dad she asks her voice soft, "Is my baby OK?"
"He said that it's healthy."
Sydney nods a faint smile appearing then feeling the bed dip as her Dad sits beside her. "I'm having this baby." She says firmly. She turns looking at her Dad, "You can't talk me out of this... this is my baby."
"Its too late for an abortion." Jack rubs his forehead, "You can't raise a baby Sydney... you're still one yourself."
"This is my choice Dad... my baby." 'All I have of Julian.' "I'm not going to give my baby up for adoption."
"Sydney you're 17."
"I don't care!" Sydney snaps sitting up, "It's my baby."
"Sydney"
"No you aren't changing my mind." Sydney says angrily. "You can't force me to give up my baby and if you try I'll leave."
"Sydney"
Sydney jumps up running into the bathroom she slams the door behind her.
Jack sighs
"So your Father wanted you to give up our child." Sark says coldly.
"For a brief moment but I said no way and after that he never mentioned it again. He came to terms that I was keeping the baby."
"What happened then?"
"He went back to LA for a while and arranged the whole Boarding school lie. I stayed in Toronto with his friend for a month until Dad brought Marie and Chris back with him. I didn't know until years later of course but Marie and Chris were former CIA. They had been married for five years and Dad hired them to take care of Ava. We moved to Maine where Ava was born."
Sark sighs "Sorry love but we're going to have to cut the conversation short... we're almost at the air strip and Sloane sent a jet with his men to pick us up." He brings Sydney's hand to his lips, "Tell me more later when we're away from Sloane and his goons?"
Sydney nods "I will."
Sark pulls the car over to the side of the road and reaches out brushing his fingers across her jaw. "I want to know about my daughter Sydney."
"And you will."
"And I am going to keep my promise to keep her safe and away from the others."
"Julian" Sydney looks down "if something does happen to me tonight..."
"Nothing is going to happen"
"Hear me out"
"All right love."
"If something happens I want you to swear to me you will take Ava to my Dad... and not take off with her."
"Sydney"
"I'm serious Julian. I want you to take Ava to my Dad not to Irina and I don't want you to take off with her."
"If something does happen to you she'd be safe with me." Sark looks away
"I know I also know that the others would go after you and I don't want Ava caught in the middle." Sydney reaches out forcing him to look at her "Swear Julian."
Sark lifts his hand to hers and turns his head pressing his lips to her palm. "I swear I won't run off with our daughter if by some remote chance something does happen to you." They stare at each other for a moment then Sark adds, "I promise Sydney."
"I know." Sydney nods
Slowly the two move closer, "I'm going to kiss you again." Sark smirks
"This is the last time." Sydney warns, "After Ava and I arrive in LA this is over... we can't continue."
"I know."
"It's too dangerous... and we have Ava to think about." She says softly.
"Yes we must look after our daughter." Sark kisses her deeply then pulls back their lips inches apart. "It'll be OK Sydney... just don't start a fight with anyone."
Sydney nods "Let's just go... sooner we get there sooner I get Ava back."
"And I can meet my daughter for the first time... though she won't know who I am." He finishes sadly.
"It's for the best."
"I know." He nods pulling back onto the road, "Doesn't make anything easier Syd."
"I know it doesn't." Sydney watches as he drives the rest of the way to the private airstrip.
5PM: GERMANY Sydney glares at Sloane as she stands beside Sark wearing handcuffs. "You have the artifact now where is Ava?"
"Is it the proper artifact Mr. Sark?" Sloane questions
"Most definitely." Sark assures
"Sydney, thank you for helping Mr. Sark retrieve." Sloane smiles at Sydney "I knew you could do it."
"Shut up Sloane." Sydney snaps "I only did this for my daughter."
"If I may ask" Sloane regards Sydney "Who is her father?"
"None of your business." Sydney snaps. "Now where is my daughter?"
"You managed to keep her existence a secret." Sloane muses
"Dad's decision" Sydney shrugs "I'm glad he made it because God knows what you would have done to her as a baby."
"I wouldn't harm a child Sydney."
Sydney snorts, "Where's Ava?"
"Ah there she is." Sloane nods
Sydney turns her eyes widening as she sees a man carrying Ava. "What did you do to her?"
"She wasn't being very cooperative." Sloane shrugs
"You sedated my daughter?!" Sydney yells
"She'll wake." Sloane waves his hand
"Son of a..." Sydney looks at Sark, "Sark, take these off me."
"She won't try anything." Sloane shrugs
Sark stifles the urge to kill Sloane as he undoes the handcuffs.
Sydney takes Ava from the man wanting to avoid killing the man carrying her. "Ava." She swallows heavily as she looks over her daughter for any sign of trauma. She takes a deep breath then steeling her expression she looks at Sloane, "You have what you want Sloane. Now this stays away from Ava... you go near her I swear to God I will kill you." Sydney warns, "She's not part of this life."
"She's right Arvin."
Paling at the familiar slightly accented voice, Sydney turns to see Irina enter the room with three armed men. She glares at Sark who ignores her, 'That son of a bitch.'
"Irina what are you doing here?" Sloane asks slightly nervous.
"Mr. Sark, please make sure Sydney and the girl arrive home safely." Irina turns to Sydney "And don't worry Sydney I will make sure Sloane and everyone else leaves her alone."
Sydney nods looking at Ava, "Thank you." She looks back at Irina, "This doesn't change things."
"I know but it's something I can do for you." Irina nods at Sark, "Make sure they are safe Mr. Sark."
"I will." Sark promises, "I'll take her." He nods at Ava.
Sydney hesitates for moment then sees his brief look of hope before his eyes harden to their normal blank and nods carefully handing Ava to Sark, 'First time to see Father and Daughter.' She realizes then pulls her eyes away from Ava turning back to Sloane she takes the artifact out of his hand and puts it in her pocket, "Can't return without this now can I."
"Sydney"
Sydney looks at her mother
"She's beautiful."
Sydney looks at Ava a small smile appearing she nods, "Thank you." She walks with Sark out of the building hurrying to the car. Sydney opens the back passenger door stepping aside so Sark can put Ava down. She watches as Sark sets Ava in the back seat and momentarily pausing to look at his daughter for the first time, he gently brushes Ava's hair out of her face. When Sark looks at her Sydney smiles slightly then asks softly, "What do you think?"
"Irina was right she's beautiful." Sark says with a slight edge of awe to his voice.
"Yeah she is." Sydney gets into the back seat with Ava. "Let's get out of here."
Inside Sloane watches Irina cautiously well aware of her temper, "Congratulations on the granddaughter."
"She's off limits Arvin." Irina says coldly, "Go near the girl again and the next time I see you I will kill you." She walks away
HOUR LATER: CAR Sark glances in the rearview mirror to see Sydney gazing at Ava curled up on the seat her head on Sydney's lap.
"You said you wouldn't tell Irina." Sydney says angrily in Russian.
"I did it to ensure your safety" Sark returns in Russian "and our daughter's. I wanted to be sure Sloane knew what could happen if he harmed either of you."
"Julian you knew I didn't want her to know."
"She's safe Sydney... that's all that matters."
"Did you tell her about us?" Sydney demands
"No. I told you I wouldn't tell anyone and I have kept my promise." He says angrily.
Sydney looks at Ava who is still drugged asleep on her lap, "You better because if that comes out she's in danger."
"Is she OK?" Sark asks switching back to English changing the way the conversation is going.
"Other than being drugged, she has a few bruises on her arm. Otherwise she looks good." Sydney strokes Ava's hair, "At least he didn't hurt her."
"It's going to be fine Sydney."
"It won't be until she awakes up and I can talk to her." Sydney strokes Ava's cheek. "If there is any harm from what he gave her I swear to God I will kill him." She says fiercely.
'Not if I don't first.' "She's fine Sydney."
"Its just so... disconcerting for her to be this quiet." Sydney whispers, "From the moment she was born she hasn't been quiet."
Sydney smiles through her exhaustion as she hears the newborn cry. "Is she OK?"
The doctor smiles, "She's fine." He hands her the newborn.
Sydney cuddles the baby close, "Hi baby. I'm your Mommy... I love you lots... you know that don't you." She smiles as the baby's cries calm slightly.
"She's going to be fine Sydney."
"Yeah."
2 HOURS LATER: AIR STRIP Sydney watches as Sark sets Ava on the Jet couch and lingers looking at the sleeping girl with interest. 'He's almost like I remember.'
"We're about to take off sir." The co-pilot says wincing as the assassin glares at him then hurries into the cockpit.
Sydney steps past Sark and maneuvers the seatbelt for Ava then sits beside her buckling her own she places Ava's head on her lap while Sark covers the girl with a blanket. "Thanks"
Sark nods sitting across from Sydney, his eyes on the sleeping girl.
WHILE LATER "Here." Sark hands Sydney a glass of wine as they sit side by side across from Ava.
"Thank you." Sydney takes a sip looking at Ava.
"What now?" Sark asks
"Go home and try to get our lives figured out." Sydney rolls her shoulders "Try to balance keeping her safe and work."
"I will keep Sloane in line. I am betting Irina will want to keep him on a very short leash."
Sydney nods
"You know Sydney there are some things we need to discuss."
"Not now"
"Soon though" Sark says firmly
Sydney nods "Fine."
HOUR LATER "Mommy" Ava says groggily.
Sydney opens her eyes startled when she realizes she fell asleep with her head on Sark's arm. "Av your awake." She smiles "Sweetie how are you feeling?" She asks
"Tired Mommy. My head hurts." Ava sniffles
Sydney frowns when she sees Ava's lower lip tremble, "Oh sweetie." She moves over to where Ava is and pulls the little girl onto her lap as Ava starts to cry. "Its OK baby. Everything is going to be fine." She rocks Ava as the girl clings to her, "Its OK baby." Sydney strokes Ava's hair as the girl cries. She meets Sark's gaze over Ava's head then rests her cheek against Ava's head, 'My baby. They hurt her.' She blinks back tears.
MIDNIGHT Sydney covers Ava with a blanket and sits on the floor beside the girl. "Finally, she's asleep."
"You should get some rest Sydney." Sark remarks
"I can't. She needs me."
"She's asleep." Sark points out gently. "I'll stay awake just in case she awakens."
Sydney looks at him thoughtfully then at Ava.
"Sydney we're in the air... I'm not going to take off with her." Sark says annoyed
"I wasn't thinking about that." Sydney snaps "What I was going going to say is that she doesn't know you Sark and I don't want to frighten her anymore than she's been."
"Its not like you aren't nearby Sydney. Just get some sleep. She'll be fine."
Sydney reluctantly nods "Fine but wake me if she even slightly stirs."
"I will." He assures. As Sydney lies down across from Ava he covers her with a blanket.
"Thanks" Sydney yawns
Sark nods moving over to the table where his laptop is. He sits at the table and watches for a while as the two sleep then returns to his work.
CHAPTER 7 7AM: OUTSIDE CA Sydney and Sark sit across from each other at the table. "We need to discuss things Sydney." Sark says leaning back in his chair.
"If you are going to suggest we tell her then no. If we're going to discuss the whole thing of sharing custody then hell no that's not going to happen." She snaps
"That's not what we need to discuss" Sark looks over at Ava "We need to discuss what's best for her."
"What's best for her is for us to try and make life normal for her. That means: no barging into her life and bring your issues along... that goes for me as well. Ava stays with me and she is going to have a normal life." She looks at Ava, "Just because you know about her that doesn't mean I'm going to back off... if I did back off."
"It could mean jail for you." He says sadly
"As well as Dad for protecting me."
"Then continue trying Sydney... I never asked you to stop."
"I won't... I can't. Like you said, 'everything I do or did' is for Ava. Even if it means the possibility of putting her Father and Grandmother in jail."
"We both will do whatever we believe it takes to keep our daughter safe." Sark covers her hand with his own bringing it to his lips kissing the back of her hand. "I've only known about Ava for a few days and I would do anything to keep her safe."
"Would you turn yourself in?"
"If the situation required me to but right now its better for me to be where I can keep an eye on Sloane. If I was in jail I would never see Ava again. This way I can check on her every so often.... if it is all right with you."
"It's fine, just keep your distance. I'm betting Dad is going to see about security on Ava when she's not with us. But I swear Julian if you tell her or even slightly hint at being her Father or what you do you won't ever see her again but at a distance." She warns
"I said I'd keep my promise and I will until the day I die if need be."
"Mommy." Ava says sleepily.
Sydney looks over to see Ava awake. "Hey sweetie. How are you feeling?" She stands walking over to where Ava is sitting.
"Tired."
"It will take a while for you to feel better." Sydney sits beside her. "Are you OK?" She asks brushing Ava's hair back.
Ava nods "Are we going home Mommy?"
"Yeah baby we are."
Ava looks around curiously her eyes landing on the blond man who is watching them curiously. "Mom?"
Sydney notices Ava's curious expression as she looks at Sark, "Ava that's Sark. He's taking us home."
"Hello Ava. Its good to see you awake." Sark says pleasantly.
"Hi" Ava says shyly. "When will we be home?"
"We should land in a few hours." Sark informs the girl as he sits across from them.
"Ava, Sark and I want to know what happened when they came to the house and everything after." Sydney says gently.
"Why?"
"Because we want to make sure they don't hurt you again." Sydney answers stroking Ava's hair.
Ava snuggles close "OK."
"When did they show up Ava?" Sydney asks
"When Marie sent me to get ready for bed. I was about to change into my pajamas when I heard a couple thuds and then my door opened and they came into my room." Ava twirls on a strand of hair, "And I saw Marie on the floor and there was blood on the floor." She sniffles "I bit him when he grabbed me and I ducked under his arm and ran out the door when the other man grabbed me."
"Ava do you know where they took you the first time?" Sark asks softly.
"No it smelled though."
"You were still in California though, right?" Sydney asks
Ava nods "After I talked to you he stuck me with the needle and that's all I remember."
"How did you get the bruises?" Sark quesions
Ava rubs her arm "He dragged me out of the room."
"Who did? Sloane?" Sydney demands
"No... he left the others in charge of me. I watched a bunch of movies though."
"Did these other men hurt you?" Sydney asks
"No." Ava shakes her head, "He told them to leave me alone. He threatened the guy who grabbed my arm."
"Which one bruised you?" Sark asks forming a plan to get revenge.
"He was big... he had brown hair. I think they called him Matthew." Ava lifts her head, "Mommy?"
"Hmm?"
"What's going to happen to me now?" Ava asks nervously. "Are you going to send me away?"
"No baby. You're going to come live with me."
Ava grins, "I get to live with you, Francie and Will?"
"We might have to find a place of our own since the house we live in now is small. But you are staying with me from now on."
Ava nods snuggling close "I love you Mommy."
"I love you too baby." Sydney looks at Sark over Ava's head.
WHILE LATER Sark looks up from his laptop to see Ava sitting across from him at the table as Sydney sits nearby. "How are you feeling Ava?" He asks politely.
Ava shrugs "I'm bored."
"Ahh"
"Ava let Sark work."
"It's fine Sydney." Sark closes his laptop then remembers something. "Do you know how to play chess?"
"No."
"What about checkers?"
Ava shrugs "A little. Chris sometimes plays with me... though I like Scrabble more."
"Well we can play a game of checkers with chess pieces."
"How?"
"You'll see." Sark goes over to a cupboard and removes a boxed type of game board.
Sydney pulls her legs under her body and watches the two amused as Sark and Ava interact. 'He's so sweet towards her. Why doesn't that surprise me? He maybe a killer but he still is Julian... at times.'
Ava watches the man set up the pieces, "Is Sark your last or last name?"
"It's just what people call me." Sark shrugs
"What's your real name then?"
Sark looks at Sydney who nods then he answers, "My name is Julian."
Ava grins then turns her attention to the board
He sets up the pieces "There. You first." He watches Ava regard the board with interest. 'Sydney's right... she has my smile.'
10 AM Sydney and Sark lean against the hood of the car as Ava runs around nearby, "He said he'd come alone." Sydney assures as she watches Ava, "Dad will."
Sark follows her gaze and a faint smile appears at the sight of his daughter, "We need to talk when things settle down."
"About?"
Sark looks back at Sydney pushing his sunglasses up, "Her... the future... our strategy..."
"Later"
"Agreed." Sark nods "What now Sydney?"
"Deal with Kendall and the CIA. Get Ava situated with living with us... possibly look for a new place to live. Get her enrolled in school. So far that is the plan." Sydney shrugs "Then things will hopefully fall into place."
"It's going to be an adjustment... for all of you." Sark muses
"Yeah it will be but it will work out... I hope." Sydney sighs, "I don't know how I'm going to answer all the questions that are bound to be asked by her."
"You'll figure out what to say.. don't they call that motherly instinct?"
Sydney laughs dryly, "I haven't been much of a mother to her Julian... Marie was... for all purposes her mother."
"You did what you thought was best for her Sydney."
"Some times I wonder if I did make the choice in her best interest... or my own."
"I believe they go hand in hand." Sark reaches out cupping her cheek he brushes his thumb over her lower lip. "You were 17 Sydney... you did what you thought was best."
Sydney shivers quickly pulling away, "I know." She looks down.
"Mom?"
Sydney looks at Ava who has stopped running, "Hey baby. Something wrong?"
"When's Grandpa getting here?" Ava walks over to join them.
"Soon baby." Sydney assures "Are you getting hungry?"
Ava nods "Why couldn't we get anything to eat?"
"Because I don't want people other than Grandpa knowing I'm back."
"Why?"
"It's complicated baby."
"You always say that." Ava huffs
"Sorry sweetie." Sydney notices a car coming towards them "See there's Grandpa." She steels herself for the argument that is bound to occur when her Father gets out of the car.
Jack Bristow pulls the car to a stop a few feet from them. As Jack gets out of the car Ava ambushes him in her excitement to see him. Jack picks her up "Hello sweetheart."
Ava grins "Hi Grandpa." She hugs him. "I missed you."
"I missed you too... you had everyone worried."
"Mr. Sloane's a butthead."
"I know." Jack chuckles his eyes darkening when he sees Sydney talking with Sark. "Give me another hug."
Ava hugs him tight "Love you Grandpa." She kisses his cheek.
"I love you too sweetheart." Jack returns as he sets Ava down, "I want you to get into the car. I need to talk to your Mom and Mr. Sark."
"I want to say goodbye to Julian first." Ava ducks under her Grandfather and runs over to where her Mom and Sark are. "Bye Julian."
Sark crouches before the girl, "It was very nice to meet you Ava." He looks at Sydney "Be good for your Mum huh?"
"I will." Ava shifts "Julian will you teach me how to play chess?"
Sark glances at Sydney briefly, "Maybe one day... depending on your Mum and Grandpa."
"OK." Ava nods
"Ava, Sydney get in the car... NOW" Jack orders
"Ava go on. I'll be right there." Sydney urges as Sark straightens up. Once Ava is in her Dad's car Sydney speaks, "Dad come on he helped me get Ava back. We came back fine."
"Get in the car Sydney." Jack says stiffly
"Dad"
"Don't argue with me Sydney." Jack snaps
"Fine but keep in mind that a very impressionable eight year old is watching." Sydney looks at Sark then walks over to the car getting in.
"Mommy what's Grandpa saying to Julian?"
"I don't know baby. Probably a lot of stuff you are too young to be hearing." Sydney says dryly as she tries to read their lips.
"Stay away from my daughter and granddaughter Sark." Jack says coldly.
"Unless you forget your granddaughter is my daughter as well." Sark returns with a smirk amused by Jack's expression.
"I promised Sydney I wouldn't drag your sorry ass back to headquarters and throw you in jail for Ava. The only reason I agreed to you staying out here is because Sydney is right, you are the only one who can keep Irina and Sloane away from Ava. But I swear if anyone finds out that you are her Father and starts coming after her you will be the one I hold responsible."
"I won't tell. Ava's the only blood I have left. I won't allow anyone to harm her... or her mother."
"Stay away from them Sark!" Jack snaps as he walks to his car.
"Dad" Sydney begins as he gets in.
"Not one word Sydney."
"Grandpa why are you mad at Julian?" Ava asks curiously.
"It's complicated sweetpea." Jack says gently. "Ava from now on you can't mention to anyone, not even Will or Francie, that you met Sark."
"Why?"
"Because if anyone knows that Julian helped us willingly we'd all be in trouble." Sydney answers hesitantly. "He'd be in trouble as well."
"Oh" Ava leans between the seats "I'm hungry Grandpa."
Jack glances at the little girl and nods, "We'll get you some breakfast then head to where we need to be."
"Where?" Sydey asks
"Kendall ordered you both to be brought in the moment you arrived. He wants to debrief both of you and I want the doctors to check Ava out."
"No doctors Grandpa." Ava whines
"Just to make sure you're OK." Jack assures
"Its a brief debrief Dad, I want to get Ava home and settled in."
"I told him." Jack assures
Sydney nods
HOUR LATER: CIA "Welcome back Sydney." Vaughn smiles as he sees Sydney enter with Jack carrying a little girl.
Jack sets Ava down and crouches before her, "Remember what I said"
Ava nods looking around at all the people some eyeing her curiously while others work, "Mom I'm hungry."
Sydney looks at Ava and smiles "All right sweetie." She leads Ava into her Dad's office and settles Ava on the floor before the coffee table, "Here you go sweetheart." She sets the bag of food and the drink on the table.
"Yum" Ava says happily as she removes the items noticing her fish on her Grandpa's desk, "Simon."
"Eat first, visit Simon later." Sydney says sternly opening the Egg McMuffin wrapper for Ava. "Here you go."
"Thanks Mommy." Ava bites into the Egg McMuffin.
Sydney unwraps the second Egg McMuffin and takes a bite. 'I have my girl back.'
WHILE LATER Eric Weiss ducks his head into Jack's office to find Sydney talking with a little girl, "Syd, Kendall is ready to meet with you."
"When does he want to talk with Ava?"
"Later."
"Where's Dad?"
"Kendall ordered him there for your debrief." When he sees Sydney look at Ava thoughtfully he adds, "You know I happen to know that to Marshall has an X-Box and Playstation and numerous video games in his office. How about I take Ava there and play some games while you meet with them?"
Sydney laughs knowing Weiss is right, "All right. How does that sound Ava?" She looks at her daughter.
Ava nods shyly.
"All right then but nothing too violent." Sydney adds
"Perish the thought." Weiss grins
"And keep an eye on her. Ava, I want you to obey Weiss, OK?"
Ava nods
"I also happen to know where Marshall hides his gummy bears." Weiss says in a stage whisper.
Ava grins, "I like gummy bears."
"Have fun and Weiss if you even let her out of your sight..." Sydney trails off
Weiss swallows at the threat "I promise she's in good hands Sydney."
Sydney kisses Ava's forehead, "Be good and keep your hands off Marshall's gadgets."
Ava nods standing she walks with Weiss out of the office.
Sydney stands taking a deep breath she steels herself for the upcoming battle with Kendall, 'You can do it Syd.' She walks out of the office heading to the conference room where she finds her father, Dixon, Vaughn, Marshall, and Kendall. She nods in greeting and sits down awaiting the barrage of questions.
"Now what the hell has happened Agent Bristow? Where is Mr. Sark and Mr. Sloane?" Kendall demands
"I have no idea, Sark was ordered to make sure we returned to LA. I managed to bring the artifact back." Sydney reminds
"And why didn't you bring Sark back as well?" Vaughn demands
"I had my hands full with an unconscious child." Sydney retorts "That was more pressing then getting into a fight with Sark which was what would have happened."
"Unconscious?" Kendall asks a very slight hint of concern tingeing his voice.
"Sloane sedated my daughter for being slightly unruly." Sydney grinds out.
"Is she OK?" Dixon questions
"She is going to be checked out by the doctors later." Jack answers
Dixon nods
4PM: HOUSE "Sydney are you sure you don't want me to take Ava out for ice cream or something?" Jack asks concerned as he pulls into the driveway.
"I'm sure. I have to do this Dad." Sydney looks back at Ava, "Come on sweetie."
"I'll have Ava's things delivered tonight."
"Thanks Dad." Sydney leans across the seat kissing his cheek, "For everything."
Jack nods, "Ava I'll see you tomorrow."
"OK. Bye Grandpa." Ava gets out of the car
Sydney holds out her free hand to Ava her other hand holding the box containing the fish bowl and Simon. "Come on baby." She leads Ava to the house "Can you open the door Av?"
"OK Mom." Ava opens the front door and enters ahead of her Mom looking around curiously.
"Guys I'm home." Sydney calls knowing that Will and Francie are home.
"Syd where have..." Francie trails off when she sees the little girl in the foyer. "Oh hello." She looks at Sydney confused as Will joins them.
"Will can you put this on the kitchen table?" Sydney asks handing him the box.
Will nods noticing the girl he looks at Sydney quizzically, "What's this?"
"That's Simon." Ava chirps, "He's my fish."
"Sydney?" Francie looks at the girl pointedly.
"Come on let's go into the living room." Sydney ushers Ava into the living room.
Will sets the box on the kitchen table and removes the fish bowl, "Nice looking fish."
"Yep." Ava grins
"Syd?"
"Francie, Will this is Ava Hope... Bristow, my daughter." Sydney says nervously.
"Daughter?" Francie says stunned
"Wow." Will says
Seeing Francie's expression Sydney winces, "Look I'm sorry I never told you guys. It's just a long and complicated issue."
Francie shakes her head, "It's nice to meet you Ava." She smiles at the girl.
"Nice to meet you too." Ava smiles
"So Ava how old are you?" Will inquires
"Eight."
"Eight... like being eight?" Will questions
Ava shrugs, "Not so bad."
SAME TIME: JET "Hello Irina." Sark sighs, "Yes I'm on my way. There is much to be discussed." Sark hangs up the phone, 'The safety of my daughter being the most important.'
7PM: HOUSE Sydney and Francie sit at the kitchen table watching Will and Ava watch cartoons, "Sydney she's just incredible."
"Yeah she is." Sydney smiles over her tea.
"So where has she been all this time?" Francie asks curiously. "Has she been living with her Father?"
"No. She's been living with her guardians. They were killed a few days ago."
"Why didn't you ever say anything?"
Sydney sighs, "It's a long story. Basic story Dad wanted me to finish school and he saw raising Ava as crimping my education. He wanted me to finish school before taking on the task of raising Ava."
"And now that her guardians are dead?"
"She's with me." Sydney smiles "The way it's always supposed to have been."
"Sydney what about her father?" Francie asks curiously.
Sydney shrugs "Long story."
LATE THAT NIGHT Sydney sits on the edge of the bathtub and presses the speed dial.
"Hello Sydney."
Sydney shivers hearing Sark's smooth voice, "Hi."
"Is everything OK?"
"Yeah. We had a long day."
"Debriefing?"
"Yeah and Ava had to be checked out by the doctors."
"Is she all right?" Sark asks worried.
"She's fine. Have to wait until tomorrow for the blood test."
"No harm done?"
"No. The bruises should be gone in a few days."
"Good." Sark says relieved.
"I just wanted to say thanks." Sydney says softly.
"Not a problem."
"I guess the next time I see you things will be back to normal."
"Things will never be the same between us Sydney... there's too much between us... now more than ever." Sark says sadly.
"I guess so." Sydney whispers "We're enemies again."
"Unfortunately so."
"I should get to bed."
"Goodnight Sydney." Sark hangs up
"Goodnight." Sydney whispers hanging up she stares at the phone in her hand. 'Enemies now Syd... no longer lovers or in love.' She takes a deep breath then stands returning the cell phone to its hiding place before returning to her bedroom where Ava is asleep. 'At least I have something to remember him.' She smiles joining Ava in bed.
TBC.
What do you think?