DISCLAIMER: Same as previous. I own Meredith.
BYE
Tommy drove back to his house. He had a million things to do if he was going to go to the island.
He figured he'd find someone to rent his house. He knew Jason and Rocky would keep an eye on the place, just like they'd look after Kimberly and their daughter.
He called his sister when he got home and started packing.
"Hey, bro," she said.
"I'm going, Meri," he said.
"WHAT," she screamed.
"I'm heading to the island so I can further my career. I need a job and this is going to help me provide a future for my daughter. I'll let you know before I leave," he said.
"Are you sure, Tommy," Meredith asked.
"Yeah. Besides, didn't you tell me that if she didn't agree I should go off to the island," Tommy asked.
"I remember saying that, but I thought she'd say yes," Meredith said.
"Well, I'm going. I'm going to start packing. I'll call you tomorrow after I finalize the details with Anton," Tommy said, hanging up the phone.
Meredith stared at the phone in disbelief.
She couldn't grasp the fact that not only had Kimberly said she wasn't going to marry him right now, but that he'd be gone for nine months. Nine months she'd have to go without seeing the closest friend she had, after her husband.
"What's the matter, babe," Rocky asked. "Who was that."
"Tommy," she said, trying to form a sentence.
"Oh, did his meeting with Kimberly go well," Rocky asked as he continued folding the laundry.
"He's heading off to the island. He's taking the position with Dr. Mercer," she said, staring off into space.
Rocky stopped folding and sat down next to Meredith.
"What happened," he asked,
"I can only assume that she said she wasn't going to marry him and he decided to take Mercer up on the job offer. I can't believe it," Meredith said.
"You have to trust Tommy that he knows what he's doing," Rocky said to his wife.
She shrugged her shoulders. "Well, I hope so. Maybe this little time apart will help their relationship," Meredith said, taking the basket of clothes from her husband and heading upstairs to the bedrooms.
Tommy called Anton first thing in the morning and told him he'd take the position. Anton asked if he could start Monday, five days away, and Tommy assured him he'd be on the first flight Sunday night to bring him to the island.
He started packing everything he'd need for the trip and wondering if there would be a store to pick up extras, should he run out.
He called Meredith and invited her and Rocky over Friday for his farewell dinner.
When his sister and brother-in-law arrived he was prepared for the onslaught he'd get from Meri.
"What in the world is going on? I called you several times in the last few days and you only call me back yesterday to invite us over and don't tell me anything. Tommy, you're killing me here," Meredith said.
"I'm sorry, sis, but I had some stuff to sort out. You know how mom and dad had been on their round-the-world cruise in honor of dad's semi-retirement? Well, they didn't know about Siobhan. I figured I should probably tell them and give them a chance to get used to the idea and the fact that I'm leaving. I wanted to make sure they got to spend some time with Siobhan while I'm away. You're going to have to make sure that happens for me," Tommy said.
"Of course, but why are you leaving now," she questioned.
"I need to. I'm hoping that what ever is after Kimberly will think that I don't want anything to do with her any longer and leave them alone. Hopefully that will give Andros and Billy time to figure out exactly who or what is after them. I need to get away. You and Rocky have your life and I've got to work on one for myself. That's going to start with my career," Tommy said.
Meredith looked at her brother. For the first time in their relationship, she couldn't tell what he was thinking or even what he was feeling. This whole thing with Kimberly had shut her brother down and she hated it.
"Are you sure this is a good idea," she asked
"Yeah, I think so. If not, I'll be home in nine months. It's not a year," he said, giving her a one-sided smile.
The three sat down for dinner and made small talk. Tommy asked Rocky to look out for his house and see if there was someone who wanted to rent it from him until he returned.
Rocky said he'd look into it, but he'd make sure the house was taken care of while he was away.
Tommy produced a document. It allowed Meredith to make payments from his accounts for things regarding the house and other bills that would be incurred while he was away.
"My living situation on the island and all my meals and such are paid for while I'm there. I'll also be making a salary that Anton said is to help with expenses that will incur while I'm away. I've set up an account for that money to go into and you will be able to use that money to pay for things that might need to be taken care of while I'm away. The utilities and such come directly out of the account, but you'll see the bills before the money comes out. The only thing that won't be that way is the mortgage. It will just get pulled out of my account. If anything needs to be fixed or if Kim and Siobhan need anything, use this to get them what they need," Tommy said.
Staring at the paper, Meredith felt like she was making arrangements for her brother's death.
"Tommy this feels like your final wishes," Meredith said.
"I have a will and everything for that. You never know what can happen. Meri, I have every intention of coming back to you and Siobhan and Kim, but I have to be prepared," he said.
"What ever you want us to do, Tommy, we'll do it," Rocky said.
The three continued talking. When Tommy saw the clock he realized he needed to get some sleep.
"I'm calling Kim in the morning," Tommy said, answering his sister's unasked question.
Meredith hugged her brother, feeling a deep sense of loss in what was happening.
"You sure you don't want us to take you to the airport," Rocky asked.
"I can only handle one good-bye with Meredith. I'll be fine. I'll call or email when I get there. I love you, little bit. Take care of her, Rocky. Take care of all my girls," Tommy said, hugging Rocky.
Meredith gave Tommy one last hug. "I love you, too. Get back soon, OK. I'm going to miss you like crazy," she said, kissing him on the cheek.
"Me, too," he said, kissing the top of her head.
Rocky shook Tommy's hand and headed out the door to their car. Tommy waved at his family as they pulled out of his driveway and went back inside to finish his preparations.
He collapsed on his bed, totally exhausted and beginning to dread what was going to happen in the next two days.
He got up the next morning and did his usual morning routine. He was meeting his parents for a good-bye breakfast, so he showered and headed out to meet them.
He called Kimberly on the way, fully intending to tell her that he was leaving and stopping by to see his daughter. He didn't get an answer, so he left a message. "Kim, it's me. I'm leaving at 9 Sunday morning. I have a flight to New Zealand that leaves LAX at 11:30 in the morning, tomorrow. I just wanted to know if I could see Siobhan before I left. If I don't see her, I'll send instructions on video chatting. I'll call with a number to contact me if there is an emergency. You have my email. That will stay the same. I love you both more than anything. I'll let you know when my first break is so we can coordinate the visit. Take care of yourself. Tell Siobhan that her daddy loves her," Tommy said, before ending the call. He was afraid he was going to start crying.
He endured the painful breakfast with his parents, wondering if his mother would ever stop crying. While he missed Meredith, he was glad she wasn't there because if she was crying, he wouldn't have been able to leave town. He hugged his parents and promised to call.
"I'm proud of you son. This is a wonderful opportunity. Take care of yourself," his father said.
He hugged both of his parents and went back to his house to finish packing. He kept waiting to see if he'd hear from Kimberly.
When he went to bed that night, he was heartbroken. He knew he should go to Kim's house to see his daughter, but didn't think force was a good tactic. He went to bed exhausted, yet excited for this opportunity.
He went for his final run around the trails in his backyard and threw a last load into the washing machine. He knew if he left dishes or dirty clothes for Meredith to clean up, she'd never let him hear the end of it.
He set about finishing his chores and sending a quick email to Meredith detailing his phone number and contact info in case of an emergency. He also sent flight details so she could keep track. He asked her to forward the information to Kimberly, just in case he didn't get to talk to her.
As the clock approached 9, Tommy felt he was ready for the trip. He dragged his luggage down the steps and placed them by the front door.
Tommy had packed everything he could think of, in three suitcases and a duffle bag. This meant he'd probably forgotten something important.
He was about to head out of his room when the picture on his nightstand caught his eye. It was a picture of him with his daughter that Meredith had taken a few weeks ago. He took the photo out of the frame and slipped it into his pocket.
He heard the honking of the airport shuttle and went downstairs with his bags. He surveyed one last time before taking his keys to the Jeep and putting them in the planter. Meredith or Rocky would be by later to check on the house and remove the keys from the pot. They promised they'd keep the house it great shape while he was gone. Tommy figured they'd live there for a few weeks, just so no one knew he wasn't home.
He got into the van and the driver headed toward the airport.
Ten minutes later, Kimberly was beating on the front door of Tommy's house. She loved the house Tommy had bought a year ago and was ready to tell him she wanted to live together and plan a wedding. OF course that couldn't happen until she'd confessed how she felt and he'd given up his position with Dr. Mercer.
She continued knocking on the door, totally ready to talk him out of leaving. She sat down on the porch swing and pulled out her phone. She called Jason.
"Hey, bro. Did Tommy have anything planned today," Kim asked.
"Well, not that I know of. Why," he asked.
"I haven't heard from him. I took Siobhan to the mountains for a few days to think about Tommy and our relationship. I just got back into town and he's not here. You don't know where he might be," she asked.
"Did you call Meri," Jason asked.
"Well, I know she was working the entire weekend and I figured she was sleeping, so I didn't want to wake her. Think he's with Rocky," she asked.
"Probably. You know how they are. I haven't seen him since he stopped by after Chloe was born. I guess that was Wednesday," Jason said.
"I'll call Rocky. See you, Jase," she said, ending the call.
She noticed the voice mail icon on her phone, but figured it was probably work wanting something. She'd left her phone in her car during the time she and Siobhan were away.
"Hello," Rocky said.
"Sorry, did I wake you," Kim asked.
"No, Meri just left for work and I was going to go downstairs to workout. What's wrong, Kim? Did something happen," Rocky asked.
"No. I'm actually looking for Tommy. I came by his house this morning and he's not here. I thought he might be with you and Meri," Kim said.
"Tommy didn't call you," Rocky asked.
"I don't know. I was away for the weekend and just got back to town. Siobhan's sleeping in the car seat and I knocked on Tommy's door, but he's not here. His Jeep isn't in the driveway. I thought he might have it in the garage, that's why I knocked. He didn't answer the phone when I called either," she said.
"Kim, Tommy told Meri and I Friday night that he was calling you to tell you he was leaving this morning for the island job. He accepted it and starts there tomorrow. He wanted to see Siobhan before he left, but I guess that didn't happen," Rocky said.
"What do you mean, he left," Kim asked.
"Whatever happened between you and him the other night convinced him he needed to go to the island. He told Meri and I before he talked to you that he wasn't going. Then he called Meri and told her he was leaving. We had dinner with him Friday night before he left. I'm sorry I had to tell you this stuff. Look, Meri's supposed to be finished with her shift around 7 tonight. Why don't you bring Siobhan and come by for dinner. Tommy's flight takes like 12 hours, so we can tell you what we know," Rocky suggested.
Kim was speechless. She knew Tommy was heartbroken when he left, but she didn't think he'd do something this rash to get over the hurt.
"Yeah, we'll be there," Kim said and ended the call. She didn't know what else to say.
She walked back to the car, relieved that Siobhan was still asleep.
She looked at the house. Everything she'd been thinking about this weekend wasn't going to happen. At least not in the next few months. She remembered Tommy saying he'd back for Siobhan's birthday, so, despite the fact that she wasn't happy with the situation, she was going to focus on that. She was determined to tell him the first time she talked to him that she wanted to marry him. All the doubts she'd had, disappeared when she found out he had left.
She started the car and headed to her house. She would get as much information as possible from Meredith and Rocky during dinner that night.
"I can't believe that he just left," Kim said.
"He called you, you just didn't check the message until it was too late," Meredith said, pouring coffee into Kim's cup.
"I know, but I still can't believe he's gone for nine months," she said.
Rocky came back into the dining room after loading the dishwasher. "He did say he'd come back for Siobhan's first birthday. That's in a few months," Rocky said.
"I know. I just can't believe that he left. Why would he do that? It's like he's running away," Kim said.
"Well, I kind of told Tommy you two might need some physical distance," Meredith said.
"You did WHAT," Kim said, raising her voice.
"I didn't know that the whole discussion you two had about your future would go so badly. I didn't think you'd tell him you weren't ready. I thought he'd tell you about the job and you'd tell him not to go and work on building a future. How was I to know that Tommy would pick THAT moment to be stubborn and not fight for you," Meredith said.
"God, Meri. I didn't want him to go. If you hadn't pushed him, he might have actually waited until he heard from me again. Is he going to call you when he gets to the island," she asked, clearly angered at her friend.
"He said he'd call when he arrived, if it wasn't too late here," Rocky said, sensing the tension.
"Would you get him to call me? I have to talk to him," Kim said.
"Meri will tell him," Rocky said.
"Can you watch Siobhan for me during class? Since Tommy's not around and Jason and Kat have their hands full with their new little one," Kim asked.
"Of course. Can I ask my parent's to come to dinner that night? They haven't met Siobhan yet and Tommy made me promise that I'd introduce them to her," Meredith asked.
"Yeah. I've been wanting to do that, but Tommy said you're parents were on vacation," Kim said.
"A cruise, but they're back. I'll call them in the morning and let them know," Meredith said.
Kimberly picked up her daughter and carried her to the door.
"I need to talk to Tommy, Meredith. Please," Kim said, as she turned and walked out the door.
Rocky closed the door behind Kim and stared at his wife.
"I told you to leave it alone," he said.
"I know you did, but I didn't think I was doing anything wrong," she said.
When Tommy called that night, Meredith told him to call Kimberly.
"She was really upset to find out that you'd left. She was even angry with me for letting it happen," Meredith said.
"I'll call her when it's morning there. This is an awesome facility, Mer. I can't believe I get to be in charge of the whole thing," Tommy said.
Meredith smiled at the happiness in Tommy's voice. Despite the reservations he'd had with being apart from Kim and his daughter, he was happy with the lab.
"OK. Be safe, bro. Talk to you later. Love you," she said.
"I love you, too," Tommy said. When he hung up the phone, he looked around the apartment he would be calling home for the next few months. He had already put Siobhan's picture on the table beside his bed.
The apartment was of open design with the bathroom and bedroom the only closed off space in the whole apartment. The big windows looked out on one side to the cliff the fell into the ocean and on the other side to the wilderness that was just beyond the small yard. Several of the other lab workers lived in a dorm located on the other end of the lab. Tommy being the only one with an apartment-style dorm. He was, after all, in charge of the place. He just prayed the work would be as rewarding as he hoped.
***Tommy went to the island. What are he and Kim going to talk about? What's going to happen to our favorite power couple? Next chapter holds some drama.*** -mereditholiver