The New Recruits: Suicide Kings
Chapter 14
"Have you talked to Dad yet?" Mallory asked as she sat next to her mother, pouring a bowl of cereal. The silence that encased the room told her that she hadn't, seeing the sheepish expression that she now wore, as it inched across her face. With a frustrated sigh, she added, "What are you waiting for, Mom? It's been , what, three days now? Do you want him to think it's over?"
Robin's expression turned quickly, her eyes narrowing in a stern gaze, "You may have had a point young lady, but I will not continue to take that tone from you." Mallory groaned slightly as she dropped her spoon in her cereal, her desire to eat suddenly leaving her. Robin sighed heavily as she looked away, her eyes gravitating to the patio door that led out to the beautiful Miami morning, the wind blowing softly through the white sheers. All night she had thought about where she and Tim were, and all night she constantly reminded herself that she had been the one to put them in this predicament. If only she had taken the time out to listen, to understand, they wouldn't be at odds with one another. "If you must know, I'm scared."
"Scared?" Mallory asked, her eyes lifting to her mother. Never in all her years did she even see a hint of fear in her mother, but sitting in front of her now, she could see the tiny vestiges of that fear as it permeated through her. "What are you afraid of?"
"I'm afraid of what may happen, what your Dad may do. I've practically left him no choice," Robin returned hesitantly, running a hand through her hair as she got up and started towards the patio doors. She could hear the chair scraping against the floor as Mallory followed her and coming to rest next to her as she stared out into the clearness of the morning. She had hoped that with the coming of morning, the assurance of things working out would arrive as well, but deep in her heart, she felt as if she had taken that last perilous step, the step that would tear them apart forever.
Mallory saw the tears forming in her mother's eyes and wrapped her arm around her waist, "Mom, don't be. Dad loves you, very much. He wouldn't do anything to hurt you."
"But I've done plenty to him," Robin retorted, sniffling. She wiped at her eyes as she turned to the patio door once more, her hope dashing with every thought, " Instead of standing beside him, I up and left. Instead of listening to reasoning, I jumped to conclusions. I've cut him off at every chance. To tell you the truth, I wouldn't blame him if he didn't want me back."
"Tell him," Mallory simply said as she held on to her tightly. The conflict that resided in her mother was deep and it was somewhat frightening. She knew that her mother loved her father, and she would've hated if they couldn't put aside old arguments and try to start anew all because of fear.
"I beg your pardon?" Robin asked, crinkling her brow as she looked to her daughter. It seemed like over night, she had blossomed into maturity.
"Tell him . Tell him you're sorry, tell him you're afraid, but for god sakes, mother, tell him. He'll never know if you don't tell him."
The words resonated with Robin as she turned her gaze back into the blue skies of Miami, a faint smile coming across her face. Mallory was right ; in order to regain a sense of what their marriage was, she had to talk to him. A feeling of urgency hit her and she moved suddenly, startling Mallory.
Hurrying into her room, she called out, " Get dressed Mallory. We've got somewhere to go ."
Mallory smiled as she moved towards her room, her heart now filled with hope. This day could not end without them returning to each other.
/CSI/
Jacinda gazed out into the blue skies, her mind set adrift on the waves that she could hear crashing from the beach. So much had happened within a matter of days, and it was now starting to overwhelm her. Her life seemed to be moving at a radical pace, seeing it captured in the hands of Jake, not knowing if he was going to end it, and then practically falling into Rory's, feeling the compassion and love with his saving grace. The myriad of emotions tumbling inside of her didn't make it any easier, if anything, it made it that much harder to decifer what feelings were real. She could easily see that Rory was in love with her, and there were some strong feelings for him surging through her as well. She didn't want to move on those feelings if they were just her whacked out emotions talking. She wanted to make sure that it was real.
The soft sound of a knock proceeded by the door opening slowly ,caught her attention and she wiped her eyes as she came in more, a hestiant smile coming about her. Jacinda tried to reposition herself and winced slightly as she moved stiffly. Her body had been through so much in so little time, she was amazed that she still had any control over it. With the emergence of her in the room, Jacinda smiled brightly, her hand coming out to meet her best friend.
"Jen! When did you get out?" Jacinda asked as Jen walked over, pulling a stray hair back behind her ear. Jen sat down next to her and grabbed her hand, squeezing it tightly as she smiled more, her own tears beginning to form. Jacinda reached up and caught one before it fell, frowning slightly, " Aw, Jen, don't cry. I'm alright. See?" Jacinda said, holding up her hand, "Flesh and bone."
"I'm just so glad," Jen tried as she stood up to embrace her. Jacinda closed her eyes at the feeling of her best friend's arms coming around her neck, feeling the tears treading down her face. She had heard that Jen's quick thinking had started the ball rolling in finding her. Jen encased her tighter as she continued, " I'm just so glad that you are alright. I don't know what would've happened if you hadn't made it, Jacinda."
"I did , thanks to you. I heard you called Horatio . I have to ask, Jen, what tipped you off?"
Jen pulled away from her and wiped at her eyes, " You hung up on me. You never hang up on me. Ever."
Jacinda shuddered as she remembered that night, it seeming almost like a dream. At the moment, she wasn't thinking, just doing. She was glad that Jen was as observant as she was. The gratitude enlightened her and she nodded towards her, a quizzical expression taking over.
"So, now that you are out, are you coming back to the lab?"
Jen chuckled some as she shook her head, turning to gaze out the window. Countless of times she had asked herself that same question, and as always her answer remained that she just didn't know.
"I don't know, Jacinda. Honestly, I want to, but I don't want to rush anything, ya know? I want to be a hundred percent when I get back, and right now, I know that I'm not there. But we will see."
She returned to look at Jacinda, her smile coming back, "But never mind me, how are you doing? I see you are growing by leaps and bounds."
"Six months into it," Jacinda said wistfully as she placed a hand on her stomach. "Sometimes, I wish that RJ could be here. He never knew that I was pregnant, he would've gotten a kick out of it."
"I'm still trying to wrap my head around him as a Dad," Jen interjected , snickering , raising her hand to her lips, " I mean really, Jacinda, RJ."
"Yeah, I know. Hey, remember when we were in school, he took that home economics class with us?"
"And he was the first one to raise his hand to get his baby pumpkin for the family research project."
"Surprised the hell out of me ,how good he took care of that pumpkin," Jacinda laughed heartily as she remembered those days fondly. The laughter died down and they both settled into a serene silence, their collective memories flooding them both. "I miss him so much, Jen."
"So do I," Jen returned , sighing. She grasped on to Jacinda's hand and squeezed it, "He's always going to be around, Jacinda. But, hey, what's this I hear about you and Rory? Is there something there?"
"And where did you hear this?" Jacinda asked, arching an eyebrow, grinning.
"My Dad kept me in the loop. He says that before you went out on maternity leave, you and Rory were getting kinda chummy. And, he just saved you didn't he?"
"Jen..."
"It's alright, you know, to move on. It's not like there's going to be a thunderbolt with your name on it or anything. Rory sounds like he could be good for you," Jen said sternly.
Jacinda smiled broadly at her friend, then taking a glance out the window, her mind steadying on the thought of having Rory in her life. She would handily admit that Rory would be good for her in many ways, but at the moment, she didn't know if she could handle it ; only time would tell for her, but she wasn't closing that door altogether.
"Well, let's just see how things progress, shall we?" Jacinda stated with a pat on Jen's hand. "So, tell me about your stay."
The door opened and both looked towards it, seeing Calleigh enter. Jen rose with a magnificent smile, embracing her as she approached and them. Calleigh returned the embrace tightly, the welcoming sight of an old friend warming her on such a morose day. It didn't escape Jacinda's observation that she was wearing black , telling her that today was Max's funeral. It still astounded Jacinda that Max was Rory's half brother , and her heart felt heavy at the sorrow that Rory must've been going through, even while excerising all of his efforts to save her. She could only imagine what he was going through today.
"Jen, it's so nice to see you!" Calleigh exclaimed as she smiled. Jacinda noticed that it didn't quite reach her eyes and she sighed , knowing that her mother was still entrenched in her own worry for her. Despite having told her and her father for the past two days that she was fine, Calleigh still seemed to cleave to the worry, carrying it around her noticibly .
"It's nice to see you too, Ms. Calleigh. How are you doing?"
"I'm fine, Jen,"Calleigh returned , her eyes settling on her daughter, "And you? How are you doing this morning?"
"I'm good, Mother. Honestly."
"Sure?"
"Positive. Don't believe me, check my chart. I'm sure it's down there somewhere," Jacinda retorted irritably. The last thing she wanted was her mother smothering her.
"Jacinda, there's no need in being that way, I just want to make sure that you are alright."
"I am, Mom," Jacinda exhaled. Closing her eyes she took in another breath, " I'm sorry ."
"Don't worry about it. I just wanted to check in on you. They are still releasing you this afternoon, right?"
"As far as I know, and the sooner the better," Jacinda quipped as she looked to Jen who had remained silent. "What I wouldn't give to be in my own bed tonight."
"Ah, yeah, about that," Calleigh intoned as she moved closer. "Your Dad and I were talking..."
"Are you serious? Dad and you...talking?"
"Jacinda, I'm serious. We think it's a good idea if you stay with someone," Calleigh said as she reached out for her hand. " It won't be anything permanent..."
"What? I'm sorry, I don't think I heard you right, but I could've sworn that I heard you say that you both thought it was a good idea to stay with someone. And just who would this someone be?"
"Well, me."
"Brilliant," Jacinda huffed as she sat back roughly. She gathered her thoughts before looking up at her mother once more, " Mom, I'm extremely capable of taking care of myself, and I have my own place. I have a lease."
"Your Dad took care of the lease, and I highly doubt that you are going to be safe in that apartment with what has happened there."
"Mom..."
"Jacinda, at least until you have the baby. I just wanted you to be safe."
" I can take care of myself, Mom. Really, remember, I grew up all those years?" Jacinda countered angrily. She couldn't believe that she was being snowballed into living with her mother.
"Jacinda, look, it's not forever, just until you have the baby and get back on your feet."
"There's no way of getting out of this is it?" Jacinda asked, crossing her arms at her chest.
"Not a chance," Calleigh replied quickly, patting her leg. She glanced at her wrist and then smiled brightly at Jen, " I've got to get going. Jacinda, I'll be back for you after the funeral, and Jen, it's been great seeing you again. You look great."
"Thanks, Ms. Calleigh," Jen answered as Jacinda waved her mother out. When the door closed, Jen turned to Jacinda, " Wow, living with Mom."
" A party every night," Jacinda quipped sarcastically. Jen gently slapped Jacinda on her arm and settled in, starting a conversation about what had been going on in the lab. Jacinda nodded and listened to Jen, all the while her thoughts being with him. Suddenly, she couldn't wait to see him.
/CSI/
Rory slipped on his jacket, a scowl coming across his face as he gazed into the mirror, shaking his head. He was never really one for suits , much less black ones, but he knew it was necessary for the day. As much as he didn't want to see this day come, he felt a sort of relief as he continued to stare at himself, dusting the fine lint off of the jacket. He was never fond of solemn occassions, the last being attending his mother's funeral, but he owed this to Max; just catching his murderer, and exacting his own revenge wasn't enough, not by a long shot. He may have told Alexx and Calleigh that he and Max weren't really close, but in his heart, he knew differently. Max always looked up to his older half brother, and in turn, Rory looked to Max for a slice of stabilty. With his mother gone, and entering into a new family, Rory found himself somewhat lost in the foray of everyday living, and Max , in all of his little brother glory was there to make it better.
Rory's line of sight caught on the family portrait done almost ten years ago and smiled heavily. As always, Max had been the one to rile everyone up just as the photographer had taken the picture , and the end result had been a scowl from Max, and a plastered on smile from their mother. The smile dwindled and a tear snaked down his face as Rory turned from the picture, unable to look at him any longer. He would miss so much about his brother. There was a sort of emptiness that now encased Rory, for what had been there was no longer, and he suddenly felt more alone than he ever had been.
Wiping his eyes, he started the walk from his room, leaving the memories . The door bell rang, startling him slightly and he slipped on a pair of dark sunglasses before reaching for the door. As he opened it, he could feel the sorrow as it crept up on him, filling him. Looking at his Dad and past him to his mother who half heartedly waved through the limosine window, Rory knew that this day was going to be the hardest. This day, he was going to have to face the lost and the deep emotional trench that came with it.
/CSI/
Tim watched with a heavy laden heart as the pristine flag was presented to his family, memories of that day swallowing him whole. With anguish filling him, he heard the gun salute, the oppressive grief swelling inside of him. It took all the strength he had to remain standing there, amazed that he had any left. The cases, coupled with his bout of new found grief over his losses, had Tim staring into a dark abyss that had practically sucked the life from him. Since RJ's funeral, Tim had done everything possible to forget the day his boy went into the ground. Now, at Max's funeral he was forced to replay every excruitating moment, the torture of sitting in the chairs that Max's family now occupied, coursing through him. Tim suddenly found it hard to breathe and it became shallow as his gaze dropped and he closed his eyes, willing for the moment to pass. Feeling a warm hand slip inside his, he opened his eyes once more and slowly lifted his head in her direction, her warm smile greeting him.
"It's almost over, Tim," she whispered softly, squeezing his hand gently.
Thankful for the comfort he saw in her eyes, he nodded silently and focused on the priest as he spoke. The air seemed void of any sound as the rapid beating of his heart became promient in his ear. At any moment, if he didn't find relief, Tim was sure that he would falter. The sudden movement from the group rousted Tim out of his state and he looked to her again, seeing complete understanding. The thought of Robin entered his mind and his heart dropped into his stomach, the notion of her returning to England being made very clear by her. He questioned his every move, wondering just how he ended up in this predicament and came to the conclusion that maybe their time was up. Maybe it wasn't meant to last.
Calleigh tugged on his arm lightly, a small smile gracing her beautiful face. If there wasn't a more opportune time to rekindle what they had, Tim couldn't think of one, but oddly, all he could think about at that moment was Robin. He could still feel the pain of her cold stare the last time he saw her and how it penetrated to his very core. There had been finality in her eyes.
"You okay?" Calleigh asked as the group began to dwindle. The team had rallied around Rory and his parents, and Calleigh had nodded , moving towards them. When Tim remained still, she turned to him, her expression a mixture of understanding and desire , flirting with compassion, "Tim?"
"Cal," he said as he cleared his throat, looking in the direction of his resting place. " I can't."
"We understand, Tim," Calleigh replied simply as she gave his arm another squeeze . Tim sighed heavily, his eyes connecting with Rory's. Rory gestured in acknowledgement and Tim returned with a grateful smile.
"Give my condolences?" he asked softly, turning towards his desired destination once more.
"Of course."
"Cal?"
"Yeah?" she questioned as she felt him leave her grasp.
"Thanks."
He started to walk off, turning back slightly to see her beaming smile as she gave him a small wave. Calleigh watched him until he was out of sight and then moved towards the group. She recognized his need to be alone and hoped that in his solitude, he would find the peace that he was looking for. Looking towards the winding road , Calleigh saw a familiar car inching slowly along the path, readily recognizing the driver and the passenger. She grinned deeply as she tossed her hair behind her, her eyes steadying on his distant figure.
" You're welcome , Tim."
/CSI/
Tim stood silently above the granite stone, his hands submerged deep in his pockets. With every breath he took, he could feel the stabbing ache of a grief not yet laid to rest, the agony of standing there alone coursing through him. A stray tear escaped , traveling slowly down his face and he sighed deeply. Only six months had passed , yet it felt as if it had been a lifetime ago ,yet time had not made it easier on Tim, but rather harder. Each day, Tim felt as if he was unable to move towards ultimate understanding and rationalized that he probably would never be able to do so. But the reality of the situation was ,that despite his tries, RJ was still dead and he was left to carry on.
Exhaling sharply, he pulled his hands out of his pockets and knelt down, reaching out to the stone. The smootheness of the stone served as a cold reminder that his son lain underneath it, and soon more tears followed, tracing a pathway of despair from under his dark sunglasses. A moment passed and he gathered himself as best he could, finally finding his voice as he released his hold on the stone.
"Robert," he croaked, his voice breaking the silence of the atmosphere as a soft breeze began to flow through. The humidity had been graciously low, the bright blue skies being a drastic contrast to what Tim was feeling . The outward beauty of the day ate at him that much more, knowing that his son wasn't there to enjoy it. "Everyday it gets a little better, but the emptiness, the pain, it's still there. In losing you, I've lost so much more. Your mother," Tim paused as he brought a hand to his forehead, releasing another heavy sigh, " Your mother and I..."
"Are having a rough time of it," she finished gently as she approached. Tim spun on his heels to come face to face with her, instantly seeing the apologetic expression in her dark eyes amid the darkness of her pain. She moved hesitantly towards him, her eyes beginning to crinkle with tears, her hand outstretched, "Tim..."
"Robin, what are you doing here?" he questioned as he slipped his glasses off. The sorrow entrenched within his own dark orbs took Robin's breath away and it hit her right at that moment. She had been selfish with her grief and instead of fortifying her marriage, she had toppled it.
"I suppose," she started as her hand rested limply by her side, her gaze lighting on the stone. A shaky breath proceeded and a tear dropped freely as she looked back at him. All pretenses were gone, the weight of the situation laying everything bare. The moment of truth had arrived for them both. Robin swallowed hard as she continued," I suppose I deserved that, and I have no excuse for my actions. I'm sorry, Tim, for everything, every misunderstood feeling, the missteps I've taken, every accusory tone. I was afraid Tim, deathly afraid of the unknown and my fears took over. I shut completely down and inadvertendly, shut you out. I should've never left you to navigate your loss, our loss alone. It was ...it was all my fault, Tim. I should've been there for you. I'm so sorry."
Tim moved to Robin as she began to melt with her cries, taking her firmly into his arms. For the first time , the oppressive sorrow that had encased him was starting to lift. Pulling her closer, he lowered his head to her ear, the familiar scent of her assaulting his every senses. What had been missing was now finally returning to him.
"It's alright, Robin," he coaxed , rubbing her back in small circles. Her warmth gave him strength and he gently pulled away from her, tilting her chin to meet his gaze. Wiping her tears, he smiled through his own, his joy overwhelming, " We can work through this, together."
Robin sniffled as she allowed a small smile to form, gazing into his eyes and seeing nothing but perfect love. Her fears were unfounded and the realization had finally come that he had always been there, willing to love her.
"Together," she whispered softly as the wind picked up slightly. She turned to face the head stone, the sounds of her light weeping filling the air as she let him go and moved towards the stone. Plunging to the ground, she put a hand on the stone and her cries grew expotentially as she brought a hand to her forehead. "I- I haven't been here...since ... since his death. What kind of mother am I? How horrible could I have been?"
Tim knelt beside her and encircled her with his arms, bringing her closer to him. The moment of understanding and forgiveness had come , yet Robin still felt the need to forgive herself. Tim rocked her slowly as he ran a comforting hand through her hair, whispering to her as she wept more, lifting his sights to the stone. A shadow passed over them and he looked up to see Mallory as she stood silently, her eyes glistening with her unshed tears. She smiled at her father as she knelt beside them both, placing her hand on the cold slab. It had felt like a homecoming to her, and in that moment, she was sure she could feel her big brother watching over them.
"Hi, RJ," she said in a quiet voice as she took her place beside her father.
Tim made room for her and gathered them both in his arms, his heart finally finding its light. Together they remembered, and together, they would stand and walk into the future.
/CSI/
Jacinda stood at the foot of the bed, making sure that everything was ready to go. The doctor had finally discharged her and she now waited for her mother to arrive and take her home. A mirthless laugh escaped as she slammed the bag down on the bed, running her hands through her hair frustratingly. When she was a child, she could barely stand staying in her mother's home, now as an adult ,she was sure that her sanity would slip much quicker. And the fact that she was pregnant wasn't lost on her, knowing that her mother would succumb to her need to smother her.
"I will go insane," she said out loud , sighing heavily.
A small chuckle filled the air and she turned to see him as he entered the room slowly. The dark suit that he wore accented his body well and Jacinda raised an eyebrow as she crossed her arms at her chest, her belly getting in the way. A different feeling rose inside of her and she tried to keep it in check, groaning at the sight of his irresistible smile inched across his face.
Irresistible? She questioned herself as she shifted her weight under his gaze. The light caught his gray eyes and she exhaled slowly, almost getting lost within them.
"That won't be much of a change," he quipped as he closed the door. Jacinda scowled slightly as she mocked a laugh, sitting down on the bed. Rory walked to her taking a seat beside her and leaning forward on his knees. He took a moment before he spoke, his eyes remaining on the tile floor. " You know , about the night before..."
"Don't worry about it, Rory," Jacinda dismissed easily. Her heart stopped and she winced at the indignant tone, turning her sights to the window as she silently cursed to herself. Gathering her facilities, she turned back to see him staring at the floor still. Getting up, she came in front of him and knelt, taking his chin in her hand, "Rory, what's the matter?"
"When things happen, they add perspective," he started, his eyes finally connecting with hers. "I lost my brother..."
Jacinda took him into an embrace and she felt his chest heave with a heaviness. Instinctively, her arms encircled his neck, her hands going into his hair. She held him closer and could feel his need for release, "It's alright, Rory. I'm here."
Rory returned the embrace as he fought for dominance over his emotions, eventually losing out as a stream of tears poured from his eyes. When he was certain that he could handle looking at her again, he pulled away gently, taking his hand and caressing her cheek. Loss always reflected on what was still left, and Rory's heart was now alive at that notion.
"That night, I know you didn't want a life changing revelation, but Jacinda, I have to tell you how I feel."
"Rory..."
"Jacinda, I love you, plain and simple," he continued , straightforward. " And I know you still have feelings for RJ and I respect that. But I couldn't walk through another day without letting you know that I'm in love with you and had been every since the first day I saw you."
Jacinda stared at him in almost disbelief as she lost her balance and toppled back, her backside hitting the floor. Rory got up quickly and helped her up, pulling her up with ease as she fell into his arms. She chuckled slightly as the color rose in her face, realizing that his lips were inches from hers. As much as she wanted to deny the attraction, it was now staring her in the face. Yes, she missed RJ, but she had made a vow to herself, and even to him at his grave , that she was going to move on with her life.
"Are you okay?" he asked, his eyes searching hers as his grin became wider.
"I'm fine," Jacinda replied demurely , moving a stray strand of hair out of her eyes. The gaze lasted longer and she felt the insane need to feel his lips on hers.
"I'm going to kiss you, Jacinda," he warned before advancing.
"Hmm mm," Jacinda nodded, her eyes hooding over. The faint sensation of his lips brushing against hers, sent a spark through her and she opened her eyes to slivers before he connected again. The kiss took a passionate turn as he held her closer, his hands snaking through her blond hair. Jacinda lost herself in his touch, her own hands running through his dark hair, then holding on to his face gently. Neither wanted to break the embrace, but the need for air presented itself and they suddenly pulled away, the silence of the moment almost deafening.
Rory smirked as he looked away and back to her, his eyebrows lifting as he spoke, "Well, that's how I feel about it."
"Indeed," Jacinda breathed out, "and you've felt this for six months?"
"Yes."
"Under all that teasing..."
"I was trying my best not to kiss you."
"Really?" Jacinda asked, actually surprised. When he had started, she had likened him to a close friend, even when going out for drinks. Now as she thought about it, she could see slight hints to his feelings and she shook her head at not recognizing them earlier.
"Yeah, you know the bully always teases who he likes. Boys are stupid that way," Rory quipped as he leaned in once more.
Jacinda laughed and she leaned in as well, her lips ghosting over his. They shared a quick kiss before hearing a knock and they pulled apart quickly, Jacinda straightening out herself, as Rory adjusted his suit. They smiled between each other as Calleigh emerged , a quizzical expression coming over her.
"What have you two been up to?" Calleigh asked, narrowing her eyes at them. The air was charged and a smile formed as she watched Rory grab the bag off of the bed.
"Nothing," Jacinda answered quickly, a snicker escaping as she glanced back at him again.
"Nothing, huh? So, Jacinda, are you ready?"
"More than ever," she replied, keeping her eyes locked with his. He cocked an eyebrow and allowed her passage, following Calleigh out of the door. The possibilities suddenly became endless.
Two months later...
A sudden jolt awakened Jacinda and she sat up, momentarily confused at her settings. Since settling in with her mother, she had constantly argued her case against it, explaining to her mother, and sometimes, even her father, how capable she was of taking care of herself. And every time she started it, they had finished it by standing their ground. There hadn't been a day that had passed since she got out of the hospital that she let the matter rest, and if she could help it, there wouldn't be. If there was one thing that Jacinda couldn't stand, it was being bound and as she had already concluded , her mother was smothering her. To death.
Getting up ,she swallowed hard, the familiar feeling of a dry throat annoying her. She was due any day now, and being truthful, she was more than ready. The last three weeks had proved harrowing for her, the doctor putting her on bed rest for the remaining weeks of pregnancy. The only thing that was keeping her sane were Rory's frequent trips to the house, providing her with a respite from her mother's mothering. She smiled absently as she walked, thinking about Rory and how their relationship had turned for the better. The day at the hospital had been much more of a catalyst, but she had made it certain that she wanted to take her time and Rory explained to her in so many terms that he was wiling to wait. Even as she thought back to the words he spoke that day, she felt a flutter in her heart at the depth of his feelings towards her. There was something special brewing between them and she didn't want to ruin it by moving too fast.
Shuffling towards the kitchen a sudden pain erupted and forced her against the wall, her eyes now fully open. She grasped at her stomach as she stood still, trying to catch her breath. As the pain dwindled, she decided to start walking again, this time towards her mother's room, and sensed the pain as it started to return. Picking up her pace, she burst through her mother's door just as she felt a rush between her legs and a mind numbing pain encase her. Jacinda screamed loudly , waking Calleigh instantly, her long blond hair set in a messy braid, her eyes clouded with confusion. Rubbing them, she centered her gaze on her daughter and knew exactly what was happening.
"Jacinda?"
"Mom, I think it's time," Jacinda puffed as another pain rose to meet the old one. She cringed as she screamed again, her eyes constricting, " Mom, I know it's time." When Calleigh didn't move, she yelled, " MOM, GET UP!"
Calleigh shook herself out of her stupor and began to move, grabbing her keys and phone off of her dresser, "We've got to call Tim..."
"Call him on the way," Jacinda breathed out angrily. Her mother just seemed not to be moving fast enough for her taste.
"But, honey, don't you want him to meet you?"
"CALL HIM on the WAY, MOTHER!" Calleigh stopped in her tracks and stared at her for a second and Jacinda looked back at her, crying out, "Why aren't you moving, Mama? Please, let's go..."Calleigh started in motion once more, helping her towards the door just as the phone was ringing. Jacinda could see her desire to get it and growled, "You're better off letting the machine catch it."
Calleigh continued to move, finally getting her to the car and placing her in the seat. Starting the engine, she flipped up her phone and adverted her eyes to Jacinda as she began breathing heavily, a worried look coming about her. Slamming the car in reverse, she waited for his voice and sighed heavily as she spoke.
"Tim, it's time."
Fin
A/N: And now ends another installment of the New Recruits. Thanks everyone for reading and reviewing, and I'm mulling over whether to continue. Thanks again! - Anni