CONFESSIONS
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Mac arrived at work early and went right to work. She was still upset and thanked the phone company for Caller ID. Each time she was Harm's name flash across the readout, she ignored it. She wasn't ready to talk to him. How could he have done this?
Harm arrived at work and went right to his office. He sat down and went through some files. He hadn't spoken to Mac since Saturday morning, he wanted to talk to her and there was no time like the present.
MAC'S OFFICE
He knocked on the doorframe; Mac looked up, saw it was Harm and went back to the papers on her desk.
"Mac, you have to talk to me." Harm said.
"No, I don't." Mac replied.
"Mac, I'm sorry." Harm said.
"No, you're not." Mac stated.
"What are you reading my mind?" Harm joked.
"You've lost your mind." Mac said.
"I don't understand why you are so angry. I was lied to as well." Harm said.
"Harm, I lied to protect you. Exactly why did you lie?" Mac demanded.
"Are you ever going to get past this?" Harm asked.
"Maybe, eventually. Mac replied.
"How long is it going to take?" Harm asked.
"I don't know. Eternity?" Mac said and shut her office door.
Harm stood at the closed door realizing he was in bigger trouble then he realized. He had to fix this and wasn't sure how. He was about to turn away and go to his office; instead he went into Mac's office.
"Mac, listen." Harm said.
"Don't you knock?" Mac snapped.
"Tell me what's bothering you." Harm said.
"You are kidding?" Mac laughed sarcastically. "You made a fool out of me."
"How?" Harm asked. "You lied to me. I was the one who was made a fool of."
"You had me acting like your wife and playing house with you." Mac said. "Saying things that…"
"You didn't mean?" Harm asked.
"I didn't say that." Mac replied.
"Then what?" Harm asked.
"Harm, just leave please." Mac stated. "I can't do this here and now."
Harm turned and left her office, he realized this whole problem was Mac felt humiliated and if there was one thing he knew about that marine, was she didn't like that feeling. At least he had some idea on how to fix the problem.
TWO DAYS LATER
Harm walked in to the bullpen with a sullen look. Harm had spent the last two days hearing Mac's words over and over in his head.
"Tiner, is the Admiral available?" Harm asked.
"Let me check Sir. How are you feeling?" Tiner replied.
"Good, thanks." Harm said.
Tiner called the Admiral and was told that Harm could go right in.
"Go ahead Sir." Tiner said.
"Thanks." Harm replied.
ADMIRAL'S OFFICE
"Commander, is everything ok?" AJ asked.
"In some ways, yes in some ways no Sir." Harm stated. "Permission to speak personally?"
"Don't you mean freely?" AJ asked.
"No Sir, I mean personally." Harm reiterated.
"Very well Commander." AJ said slightly shaking his head.
"Sir, I did something very stupid." Harm began.
"Again? What now?" AJ asked.
"Well, that memory problem I was having." Harm said.
"Yes?" AJ responded.
"I sort of faked it, for a few weeks." Harm said and held his breath; he knew what was coming next.
"You what?" AJ yelled; the entire bullpen turned at stared at the office door. "Have you completely lost your mind?"
"Well, Sir." Harm stuttered. "I realized the truth and decided not to tell Mac."
"Do you realize what an incredibly stupid stunt that was? You have done some ridiculous things in the past, but this has got to be the prize winner." AJ yelled.
"Yes Sir, I realize that." Harm said, looking like a scolded child.
"I assume the Colonel is aware of your deception." AJ stated.
"Oh, yes Sir. She is." Harm replied.
"She wants to kill you, doesn't she?" AJ asked in a calmer tone.
"Yes, Sir. She thinks I made a fool of her." Harm said.
"Well, in some ways you did." AJ replied.
"It was just a test." Harm said. "I didn't think it would backfire; so badly."
"What were you testing? How far you could push Mac before she dropped kicked your six through a window?" AJ asked.
"I'm not sure anymore." Harm said.
"And exactly why are you telling me this?" AJ asked.
"Sir, I need to make this up to her." Harm began. "I want to come clean with everyone."
"You plan on doing that how?" AJ asked.
"Would you gather everyone in the bullpen?" Harm asked. "I have an apology and announcement to make."
"Consider it done." AJ replied.
"Thank you Sir." Harm stated.
"Will there be anything else, Commander?" AJ asked.
"No, Sir." Harm replied. "I think that's enough for one day."
"I agree. Dismissed." AJ said.
Harm left the office, AJ called Tiner and told him to call an impromptu meeting in the bullpen. Within five minutes, the entire JAG staff, from the lowest ranking petty officer to the Admiral himself, was standing there.
"Attention on deck, the Commander has an announcement to make." AJ bellowed.
"Well, I just wanted to. Well, what it is." Harm stumbled. "I want to thank everyone for the kindness they showed me since my accident."
"Was there something else Commander?" AJ pushed.
"Yes, I wanted to apologize to the Colonel. I should have told her when I got my memory back and I didn't. I wanted to see when she was going to tell me the truth. It was stupid I know, and I am very sorry." Harm said.
"What?" Harriet said, and then she slapped her hand over her mouth.
"It's ok, Harriet." Harm said. "It was dumb and I was foolish. I extend my apologies to everyone, for causing such alarm and concern."
"Was there anything else?" AJ asked, completely enjoying this.
"No, Sir. Thank you." Harm said.
"Dismissed people," AJ said.
Everyone dispersed, quietly discussing what just happened. Everyone, but Mac, she stood there in shock. Harm had just admitted what he had done to the entire staff, she wondered if he knew that only a handful of people knew what was going on.
"Mac?" Harm called to her.
"Yes?" Mac said.
"I'm sorry." Harm said.
"I see that." Mac said.
"Do you forgive me?" Harm asked with a smile.
Mac turned, went to her office, shut the door and smiled. One more day of suffering, she thought and went back to work.
Harm stood there stunned, he thought for sure Mac would forgive him once he confessed to everyone. This was going to be harder then he thought.
MARY WASHINGTON HOSPITAL
Ashlyn was sitting in the lounge when a nurse walked in.
"Dr. Spaulding, do you have a minute?" Kathryn asked.
"Sure, what do you need, Kathy?" Ashlyn smiled.
"Word has it, you're dating a marine. Is that true?" Kathy asked.
"Yes, why?" Ashlyn asked.
"My younger brother wants to join the marines; do you think your boyfriend could talk to him about it?" Kathy asked.
"I don't think it would be a problem, let me call and ask." Ashlyn smiled and picked up the phone.
"Thanks." Kathy said.
"Gunnery Sergeant Galindez, please." Ashlyn said to an unfamiliar voice.
"One moment," The voice replied.
"Galindez." Gunny said.
"Hey you, how's your day going?" Ashlyn asked.
"Doc, hi. This is a surprise. My day has been interesting; I have a story for you." Gunny laughed. "I'll tell you tonight, you are going to be off, correct?"
"Yes, only a single shift today." Ashlyn said. "Victor, I need a favor."
"Name it." Gunny said with a smile in his voice.
"One of the nurses here has a brother who wants to join the marines, could you talk to him?" Ashlyn asked.
"Sure, is next week sometime ok?" Gunny asked.
"I am sure it will be fine, I'll set it up with her." Ashlyn said.
"Sounds good, now what about tonight?" Gunny asked.
"I'm up for anything." Ashlyn replied. "You decide."
"That could be dangerous." Gunny laughed.
"Hey, I trust you." Ashlyn said. "I should be home by 7."
"I'll be there at 7:01." Gunny said. "See you later."
"Bye, see you later." Ashlyn said. "And come up with something good."
ASHLYN'S APARTMENT
Ashlyn got stuck in traffic and didn't get home until 7:30. She knew that Gunny would be there at her door waiting for her and she felt terrible that he would have to wait for her. She pulled into her complex and made a quick u-turn, she drove over to Home Depot. She ran in, had a key made and then drove home.
"Gunny, have you been waiting long?" Ashlyn asked and gave him a kiss.
"It's fine." Gunny said. "What's that?"
"Oh, I made you a key. This way you don't have to stand in my doorway when I'm late." Ashlyn smiled.
"Is being late a habit?" Gunny asked.
"You don't want it?" Ashlyn asked in a worried tone, maybe she had overstepped her bounds.
"Sorry, I was teasing." Gunny said. "I guess I need to work on that aspect of my personality."
"That's ok. Well, see if it works." Ashlyn replied. Gunny put the key in the lock and turned.
"It works." Gunny smiled.
"Good, now what's on the agenda for tonight?" Ashlyn asked walking inside.
"This." Gunny said, grabbing her and kissing her.
"Works for me," Ashlyn said.
"What are you in the mood for?" Gunny asked and then seeing Ashlyn's mischievous smile added, "For dinner?"
"Oh, anything is fine." Ashlyn smiled.
"You really are becoming quite bold." Gunny said.
"It's the company." Ashlyn stated.
"Hey, speaking of bold, have you spoken with Sam?" Gunny asked.
"I did for a minute the other day." Ashlyn replied. "The connection was really bad; but she should be home soon."
"Is Clayton Webb still there? She's never mentioned it, not even in the emails." Ashlyn said.
"Well, I assume he is there, he hasn't been to the office." Gunny said.
"I guess." Ashlyn said. "I wonder how they are getting along?"
"I honestly don't care right now." Gunny smiled.
They finished dinner and retired to the couch. After a debate over what to watch, they settled in, for the night. Gunny never went home.
