Part X
Jack had stayed in her room for hours as she calmed herself. Sil came back and Jack waited till she was sleeping soundly to leave and walk around the ship. Her conscience had been bothering her. She knew she should have told Riddick that they had a child until it was brutally taken from her. She knew she should have told him she loved him too… that she always had. She walked down the hallway slowly, heading towards Riddick's quarters. She'd get everything straight with him. She'd tell him everything she went through and why she became what she was now.
She neared his quarters and jerked her head up. There was another scent… a woman. It was Nova, the stepsister; she had something on that smelled of Jasmine. Jack felt her lips curling back in a snarl. She pressed her back against the wall and tilted her head to the door. She let the sounds float to her ears.
"Was she always like that, Riddick?"
"Like what?," came his cool reply.
"You know… so cold and mean looking."
"… No," he sounded sad, "she used to be really sweet and loving. I blame myself for her ending up in that hellhole."
"It's not your fault. You said there was nothing you could do. And if she is as hard hearted as Dimitri said then just…"
"Just what?," Riddick looked to her from where he sat on his bed.
"You deserve someone who's loving and kind. Someone who'd do anything for you." She looked to him strands of black hair falling in her face.
Jack's nostrils flared as tears stung at her eyes. I'm not going to cry! I won't! Jack turned and hurried off down the hall, trying to keep herself from crying. Had Jack would have stayed a few more moments she would have heard the rest of the conversation.
Riddick raised a brow. "You mean like you?"
Nova hesistated a moment then nodded as she crawled into his lap.
Riddick just smirked to her and without warning he stood and let her fall to the floor with a thud. "Go back to your room Nova. I'm not one for cheap thrills with another man's girl."
Nova stood up glaring at him. "I'm not Brian's girl! It's over between us!"
"It's only over cause you thought I'd jump in bed with you. I've told you plenty of times that I ain't interested."
"You think Ms. Stone-Heart is gonna give it up to you? Ha!! She looks more likely to kill someone!" Nova then stormed out of his room.
Riddick sat
back down on his bed heavily. He sighed and lowered his head. He ran a hand
over his scalp. Jacklyn can you ever forgive me for not fighting to take you
with me on the skiff? I'm sorry I let you go so easily. Just… please… give me
another chance.
***** ***** ***** ***** *****
Jack hadn't been paying attention to where she was going. Her senses were clouded over with emotion and she never noticed the other person until they collided. She gave a surprised yelp and almost fell backwards. A hand gripped her arm and steadied her. She looked up through clouded over blue eyes. The man that stood before her was older than she was. He had short dirty blond hair and kind green eyes. Concern crossed his features as he looked at Jack. "Are you alright?"
Jack felt her throat tightening, had she wanted to answer, her voice would have never come. She took in a breath trying to calm herself. That only seemed to release the tears, as they began to pour down her cheeks. She felt weak and drained as she collapsed against him crying. She knew she'd been alone too long and now she was certain she'd be alone forever. The man wrapped his arms about her and held her as she cried. He stroked her back softly wondering why she was crying.
I don't know to act anymore… she realized. I spent too much time away from people I cared about that I forgot how to feel. I… I don't want to be a monster. Jack choked out a sob as she clung to the man for support. Even with his slight build he was stronger than she thought. He held her close not letting her fall or move an inch.
Right now Jack didn't feel like moving. If she could have she doubted she would. All she could do was cry… cry all the pain and hurt out. She needed this. She needed to be held. She wanted to be held, she wanted to feel safe if just for a little while as she pretended she was in Riddick's arms.
Nova glared from around the corner as she watched. Then a sly grin crept across her face. She could probably use this to her advantage. She snuck back off to her room to plot out what she'd tell Riddick. Brian you're too caring. She sighed as she disappeared down a hallway to the right.
Brian held the trembling woman close as she cried. He frowned slightly, wondering what had gotten her so upset. He knew it wasn't best to pry, especially now. He let one arm move to her legs slowly and hook under her knees. In a swift motion he had her in his arms. Jack curled against him, almost like a kitten, her tears having slowed a bit. He walked slowly down the hall towards his room since he wasn't sure where hers was, and she was in no condition to tell him right now.
Once he was inside his room he moved to the bed. Her whimpers and sobs had quieted and she had finally stopped trembling. Brian carefully laid her down on his bed. She was sleeping now. At least the poor girl's resting. He wiped the wet spots on her cheeks softly as he peered down at her sadly. He missed Nova. Since Riddick came aboard she'd broken off their relationship and pursued him. He was thankful though that Riddick never seemed interested in her. He was determined that somehow he would get Nova back.
