Chapter 5

The next day, Chris is being released early. So, they call her a cab. She did not want to disturb anyone. Chris just wanted to get home to take a nice long shower with her own accoutrements. Then maybe rest some in her own bed. Without being hooked up to an IV. How anyone can get a good rest being tethered to a tube was beyond her.

About noon, Chris has awakened to banging on her front door. She slowly gets up and goes to answer the door.

"Calm down, I am coming." Chris says, walking sleepily to the front door. When she opens it, it is Jack.

"Why did you not call me or text me you were leaving the hospital? I went there and you were gone. It nearly gave me a heart attack. I thought you had died! You cannot do that to me!" Jack says in a panic.

"I am sorry Jack. I did not think you would go to the hospital until after work. I thought I could sleep a little then text you that I was home. I was hoping we could spend the evening in. I never thought you would have gone to the hospital this early. I apologize." Chris says putting a hand on his shoulder to try and calm him.

"I am sorry for yelling. I guess I just panicked when I did not find you in your room." Jack says closing his eyes and rubbing his face.

"It is ok. I understand. Sit down, I will get you a water." Chris says walking into the kitchen to grab a bottle water out of the fridge. She is thinking about what he told her of his wife's death. The outburst still seems a little excessive even for him. But she also thinks people grieve in their own way and react to things in their own way. So, she lets it go.

They spend the afternoon together watching a movie and cuddling. After the movie, Chris starts thinking about last night. Remember them taking Jack out with them.

"So, how did last night go? Where did the guys take you?" Chris asks taking care of the bowl that had popcorn in it. Now it just had unpopped kernels and bits of popcorn in it.

"They took me to Magpie's. They told me how you guys always go there for your nights out. Or over to Deacon's house for BBQs. They told some stories. You never told me that you like guys and girls. Tell me about Ty and Kira." Jack says seeming a little unhappy. Which has Chris a little shocked.

"They should not have told you some of those things. But it was not like I was keeping it from you. I just had not gotten around to telling you. We have not talked much of our pasts. Just the tragedy that brought us to the group. I am bisexual. I was in a throuple. Ty was the husband. Kira was the wife. But of the two, I was more into Kira. But that did not work out. So, we broke it off. I have been single for over a year. I like you. I am sorry you found out that way. Who brought that up?" Chris asks feeling a little defeated.

"Jim. Deacon had mentioned that his wife, a catholic was not thrilled about it. That you two were in the outs. How Jim was there for you but thought that the relationships were not right for you. This Jim guy seems to know you even better then some of the other guys. Did you guys have a thing?" Jack asks almost angry.

"No. He wanted it, but I put the brakes on it. I cannot be in a relationship with someone I work with. Plus, I value his friendship more than I would be being a girlfriend. Are you angry?" Chris asks confused.

"I do not know what I am. I was concerned for your safety. Then I go out with your friends and hear things I had no idea about. Jim made it seem like you were his property. It just hit me the wrong way. Your other coworkers did not seem to notice. But I did." Jack says getting up and getting his jacket.

"I will talk to Jim about it. I will tell him to back off. Where are you going?" Chris asks following him to the door.

"I need to go and get somethings done. I will call you later." Jack says puling her in for a kiss on the head then leaves. Chris shuts the door. Angry with Jim. Angry with the guys for letting him talk like that with Jack. Then she gets mad at herself for not telling Jack herself. She just thought she would have more time to do it. Chris angry cleans and tries to figure out what she is going to say to the guys. It will not be too long before she gets the chance to tell them all how she feels.

After work, the guys come over to check on Chris. When she answers the door, they can tell how angry she is. She leaves the door open but walks away to go to the fridge to get a water.

"Hey, what is up?" Deacon asks.

"How could you guys just talk like that in front of Jack? We have only been together a couple months. How would I have had the time to tell him of Ty and Kira? He was terribly upset. With every right to be." Chris says.

"Hey, calm down. We barely even mentioned Ty and Kira. We were all laughing and having a good time. If he was upset, why did he not say something. Darling, we were just trying to make him feel like a part of the gang. It was not our intention to upset him or you." Hondo says.

"I know. I guess I am just upset with myself for not telling him sooner. I was just waiting for the right time. Plus, I did not know how he would feel about the situation. I was afraid he might react like Annie did. That is why my past is my past. Stick to work please." Chris says still upset.

"Ok. Did he give you hell for not telling him?" Luca asks.

"Kind of. I think it was more because it came from you guys and not me. Plus, I did not call and tell him I left the hospital early this morning. So, he wen to the hospital. I was not there. He panicked. So, he was mad. I do not blame him." Chris says looking down.

"Hey, he knew you were leaving today. He should have called first. As for the disclosure, has he told you every detail of his life? Do not let him get to you. You both have pasts. We all do. Why take things so seriously? If you ask me, Jack seems like a nice guy, but he is just too tense." Luca says looking uncomfortable saying that to her.

"Anyone else want to give me their opinion of Jack? Let us hear it." Chris says a little hurt but trying to cover it.

"I have to say pretty much the same thing." Vic says.

"He was that way with us. But he could have been just that way with us. Or he could have been worried about you. I don't like to make snap judgements on people based on a first or even second impression." Deacon says.

"I am with Deacon. We just do not know Jack enough to say we like him, or we do not. Maybe we can have a cookout next with weekend. We can figure out a place later. Just ask Jack if he is free next weekend. One of us will have a place available." Hondo says.

"Thank you. I would like that. I am sure Jack will too." Chris says smiling. They spend some time talking and laughing. Chris feels a little better about things.

A/N: Thank you for reading. Please let me know what you think so far in a review.