D: Not mine, only in my dreams. All J.J.'s and co.
An: Hey, sorry so long for an update. I was on vacation for Memorial Day, went to Bishop CA, to visit relatives I haven't seen in like 6 years. Seriously, last time I saw all my cousins, one was only 11 days old and three of them were just in middle school. Now, the baby is going to be 7, and three of them graduate next week from high school, one's engaged to be married even!! Word of advice? Try to see your family as MUCH as possible! Time flies!! Okay, on with the story, hope you all enjoyed your Memorial Day and had fun, enjoy this next chapter!! Don't forget to review, if not to say anything but how your vacation was and what you did!! I always like to hear from you all!!
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[previously]
Eric came in with news on Vaughn and Jack..his face looked grim.
"What is it? Is my father and Vaughn okay?" Sydney asked.
[Now]
"Is my father and Vaughn okay?" Sydney asked worriedly. Eric put his hand up to her.
"There okay. But they were too late. Sloane's men got to your aunt's family. Your aunt apparently fled...to move focus away from her family..but her husband..he was killed. Protecting your cousin. The poor girl and her friend watched him die. They're very shook up. And we can't find your aunt. The friend's family got in the crossfire too. She's raised by only her mother...she did from the attack too. Vaughn and Jack walked in on the aftermath. Both girls were huddled over their parent. They're bringing both girls back for protection. We'll see them out at LAX; we're to come in together to HQ." Eric explained lowly. Sydney and Sytory had tears in their eyes.
"Does mom know?" Sydney whispered. Eric nodded.
"Your dad spoke to her himself. He wanted to tell her." Eric said softly. Sydney nodded. She clasped Sytory's hand tighter.
"Does he know about her?" Sydney asked, nodding to Sytory.
"No..I didn't think it was my place. They're reachable, if you'd like to speak to him." Eric suggested. Sydney nodded her head at that so Eric got her a secure cell phone and handed it to her, the number dialed.
"Dad? I know..they're sedated? Oh, that's understandable. Um...are you still sitting down? I...I have something to tell you...I ..I met someone at the club. The owner actually." Sydney started to explain.
"She...I'm almost positive...she's my baby sister!...yes!..her story matches up perfectly!...she says her mother is Irina Derevko. But Dad, you just have to look at her to know! She looks JUST like me, it's bizarre! But she has YOUR eyes!" Sydney said, going on and on. Sytory sat biting her lip, hanging on every word. Sydney re-accounted the whole story briefly, then paused by looking at Sytory.
"He's asking for your birth date." Sydney asked. Sytory nodded then answered.
"June 6th, 1972." She answered. Sydney told her father and held her breath.
"Okay, we'll see you there." Sydney said, but before she hung up she blushed.
"Tell him hey back." She said, then hung up. Sytory looked wide-eyed at her.
"He wants to meet you. See for sure." Sydney stated and Sytory nodded her head, understanding.
"M-my...father." Sytory whispered. Sydney smiled.
"Well...he said it the same way." Sydney said, patting her hand.
The flight to LAX was spent with Sydney telling her all she could about Jack and her life and Sytory doing the same. But she never hit on what happened when she was separated from her mother. What she went through. And Sydney didn't want to push. They'd find out eventually.
When they finally arrived at LAX, Sytory began to VERY nervous. Sydney did also not being able to stop her hands from trembling. She walked out of the terminal, Sytory trailing behind, holding her hand. Sydney searched all over to spot her father. He was going to meet them before taking them to the side room the CIA had set aside where Vaughn had the two girls. She spotted him first and squeezed Sytory's hand. Then Jack turned his head, locking eyes with Sydney. She smiled, then slowly made her way leading Sytory behind her. They walked up till they were a couple feet apart then stopped. Jack stared at Sytory while Sytory's eyes filled with tears.
"Y-your in the picture! The one mama carried with her everywhere before..she left." Sytory whispered out. Jack looked over this young girl who without a doubt had to be his child. She looked just like Sydney, yet had her own features...that she shared with Jack. He hair was a shade darker; his natural dark hair. But what sealed the deal were her piercing blue eyes like his and the dimples so much like Sydney's.
"This is Sytory Anja Derevko-Bristow." Sydney whispered, eyes full of tears. Jack knew this was his child. All he had to do was look in her eyes and he felt the familiar tug he felt towards Sydney. Jack just started nodding.
"There's no possible mistake..you are my daughter." Jack said hoarsely, smiling one of his pure smiles.
"Daddy?" Sytory mumbled out, tears falling. She fell into his arms, crying her eyes out. Sydney covered her mouth. She had, up till this point, held a tiny bit of reservations, just to be safe. But having her father confirm it like that, it all came true to her. She had a baby sister.
"I have.a-a SISTER!" Sydney said out loud, catching Jack's attention. He motioned her over and pulled her into the hug. A couple of moments later, Eric stepped up reluctantly.
"We need to get to the conference room. The girls are awake and very upset." Eric interrupted. Jack nodded and escorted his daughters to the room.
"Your little cousin is very similar to you. She's 15. Her name is Lena. Her friend's name is Julia." Jack explained to Sydney, opening the door.
There sitting on the couch was the two young girls, clinging to each other. Vaughn said in a chair off to the side. As soon as he saw the door open with Jack holding onto Sydney on one side and another young women on the other he jumped up. Sydney eyed her father seeing him nod, then stepped up to Vaughn, welcoming the embrace.
"You okay?" he asked when they separated.
"Uh..yeah...look, I have a sister!" she said giddily. She took him over to Sytory, who still clung to Jack, who didn't mind one bit.
"Sytory...I'd like you to meet Michael Vaughn. My former handler...my guardian angel, boyfriend...just...MINE!" Sydney explained, Sytory knowing the whole 'story of Vaughn'.
"Vaughn this is my little sister Sytory." Sydney finished.
"Very nice to meet you. Sydney's told me a lot about you." Sytory said politely, causing Vaughn to blush.
"It's a pleasure meeting you. You're a very nice surprise for Sydney and Jack, I can see." Vaughn smiled gentlemanly. Sydney then eyed the two young girls. She walked over to them, sat on the edge of the couch, smiling at Lena.
+"Hi, you must be Lena. I'm Sydney and I guess we're cousins. I'm so sorry for what you've been through."+ Sydney said in Russian. Lena turned to smile tightly.
"We speak English, it's okay. So, you're my long lost aunt's daughter. Mama told me about her sister. Now I have a cousin and an uncle." Lena said, shaking her head in disbelief.
"Well, it's looking like TWO cousins. I just found out I have a long lost sister. This is Sytory." Sydney said when she motioned over Sytory.
"Wow. Guess we're both having the same day. Except your dad's right over there." Lena said, getting sad.
"I'm SO sorry for your father. And we WILL find your mother. I promise." Sydney promised. Jack stood watching wide-eyed.
"You've got..2 daughters now." Eric commented.
"And a niece." Jack commented staring.
"It's like Christmas." Eric said raising his eyebrows.
"They're beautiful." Jack smiled, not able to take his eyes off of his now TWO girls. Vaughn nodded.
Shortly after, they departed to the JTF after clearing the three new members of the US through customs. They became protected citizens of the CIA until other wise. They all piled in a JTF van and headed off.
"What're we going to tell mom?" Sydney asked her father.
"We'll question her first. Hear her side of the story before revealing Sytory." Jack answered. When they got to HQ, they escorted the three girls into the hospital to be thoroughly checked out. Both Lena and Julia were both experiencing shock, especially Julia. Sytory was just being monitored. Jack and Sydney went down together to Irina's..'new' cell. A room, with now glass windows, only in the door. She had a MUCH better bed, a couch, table and desk. Also, an enclosed bathroom. No guards and just one camera pointed at the door, her only way out.
Irina looked up from her book, cuddled on the couch, when she heard the door click open. She beamed when she saw Sydney enter, her eyes slightly widened when Jack entered.
"Both of you. What's the occasion? You're back soon...is my niece okay?" Irina asked getting concerned.
"Her and her friend are being treated for shock." Sydney stated.
"You've met her? Can I see her?" Irina asked. Sydney eyed Jack, then he nodded.
"You will...Irina, we need to ask you something. Sit down." Jack stated evenly, struggling to keep emotions out of his voice. Irina eyed Jack and Sydney, her brow furrowed as she slowly sat, Sydney next to her, Jack on the end.
"What?! You're scaring me!" Irina said, her eyes darting between the two of them. Sydney took a deep breath and plunged forward.
"Mom...who is Sytory Anja Derevko-Bristow?" Sydney said softly. Irina gasped, her hands flying to her mouth, instant tears. She looked down, mumbling.
"My little one. My dear sweet innocent one..How'd you find out about her?!" Irina said in a whisper.
"Who is she?" Jack pushed gently.
"S-she.WAS.our daughter..sh-..I was pregnant..when I left." Irina stumbled over her words. If Sydney were Eric, she might have her rolled her eyes at the obvious.
"I didn't KNOW I was...until about 3 months along. As soon as I did...I went into hiding. I didn't want them to know..they'd TAKE my baby away. When I found out I was having another daughter...I was SO happy! So thankful, but also so sad. She would never know her beautiful big sister. Or her wonderful father. She was born June 6th, 1972. She was so small, smaller than Sydney was. She was barely 6 pounds, but healthy. She was my only hold on reality. The ONLY thing that kept me going. I kept her away from them. They didn't know about her.till..till.."Irina said, getting really choked up. She breathed deeply a few moments before she controlled her silent sobs.
"It was just after her 6th birthday..she got really sick. I was desperate to get her to a hospital when her fever spiked above 104 degrees. I wasn't paying attention...I should have KNOWN better! Been more careful! But she was burning up so fast! They came after me...and my precious girl...those..those a**holes opened fire! They, they hit us both. My poor little one..she was bleeding so much! So much blood! And my own wound, everytime I breathed,..it hurt SO bad! But I had to save her! We weren't far from the hospital. I don't remember it, but I slaughtered all 4 shooters. One shot each, it's all it took. They say it's a 'mother scorned'. I barely made it into the emergency room before collapsing..both our blood all over. She was so pale...she kept murmuring to me. They rushed her to a room and worked on her for what seemed like hours. They had me in the next room, but I wouldn't cooperate much. I had to see if she was all right. Then everything stopped. The doctors...they just all stopped, stepping away from her. She was so pale..and there was blood EVERYWHERE. That's when I heard that sound. That dreadful AWFUL sound. The sound of her heart...flat lined..." Irina explained all the while sobbing slightly, tears pouring down her face.
"She...she was gone. And it was all my fault. I let out a scream and passed out. When I awoke, it was a week later. My superior told me that I lost my little one and if I didn't cooperate I'd loose my first one as well. I didn't believe he could get to my Sydney...and then he handed my Sydney's necklace. The one she always wore...from your mother Jack. I cried for days after that. They even had her cremated and place in the St. Elizabeth mausoleum. I went to her plaque for days after I was finally released from the hospital. The bullet that hit me was 1 centimeter from hitting my heart. She was shot 3 times..she died. And I didn't even get to say goodbye." Irina said, her tears gone now.
Sydney was crying also, squeezing her mother's hand. Jack gulped, not noticing till then that he had his hands around Irina's other hand.
"I'm SO sorry Jack! I'm SO sorry you couldn't know her! She was so good! She has your beautiful eyes. And my hair, but darker..like yours. And of course, Sydney's dimples! I'm so sorry baby! You didn't know your little sister!" Irina apologized to them both. Sydney hugged her mother and Jack placed his arm around her shoulder, not even stopping himself. This woman was CLEARLY telling the truth; she was the picture of a deeply torn mother.
"Don't be sorry Irina. You don't have to be. You wanted to know how we knew about Sytory?" Jack asked, Irina nodding as Sydney sat up, wiping her tears away. Jack looked at Sydney, motioning for her to go.
"I'll be right back." Sydney said, jumping up and going out the door. A moment later she came back in, holding Sytory's hand just outside the door.
"Mom? We know cause...well...I ran into her myself." Sydney said pulling Sytory the rest of the way in. Sytory was already in tears the second she laid eyes on her mother, who'd been dead to her for almost 15 years. Irina gasped, shocked. She look wide-eyed at this beautiful young women and knew without a doubt that it was her precious one.
"Mamashka?!" Sytory cried out softly, stepping carefully in front of Irina. Irina stood up on unsteady legs with Jack's help and looked her baby daughter in the eyes. She took Sytory's face in her hands and smiled through her tears.
"My precious one!" Irina said, pulling her into her arms, both starting to sob again. They clung to each other for a long moment, Irina looking over to Jack and Sydney. She smiled and whispered.
"Thank you." She said to them, Sydney just smiled bigger through her tears. Irina motioned over Sydney and pulled her into her arms as well.
"My two girls. I NEVER believed I'd be able to hold you both in my arms." Irina mentioned. Jack just watched on.
"What about...daddy?" Sytory said unsure. She waved him over and before he could protest, she pulled him into the family hug too.
A short time later, Vaughn was searching for Sydney when he entered Irina's room. He found Jack sitting in a chair by the bed, watching. Irina was fast asleep with each daughter on either side of her, cuddled up against her, fast asleep as well. Vaughn smiled down at the sight.
"Where's the camera when you need it?" Vaughn joked quietly.
"Got it already." Jack said, pointing to one on the side table.
"Your.uh...niece is being released...Lena wants to see Sydney..and her aunt." Vaughn informed.
"Bring her here. Where's her friend?" Jack asked.
"She's not doing well. With the shock. It's effected her more. They're keeping her overnight." Vaughn said.
"Poor girl. She lost the only family she had. Mother was her only guardian; an only child too. Grandparents dead awhile. No mention about the father." Vaughn explained grimly. Jack nodded, then turned back to his girls. Vaughn left and returned shortly with a sweats clad Lena. She saw the girls sleeping and then looked over to Jack.
"So..uncle?" she tried. He nodded smiling softly.
"And Cousin Sydney, Aunt Irina, and cousin Sytory." Jack pointed out.
"She's the new one too, huh?" Lena said, giving a tiny smile.
"Yes. I now have TWO daughters, and a NIECE." Jack said, raising his eyebrows.
"Lena?" Irina's voice came softly, her eyes opening.
+"Aunt Irina?"+ Lena tried, getting a little choked up. Irina waved her hand at her for her to climb next to Sydney. Lena leaned over, kissing her new aunt hello on both cheeks, then settled down next to Sydney, resting her head on Sydney's shoulder. All 4 were asleep instantly. Vaughn looked at all of them then to Jack.
"Man, are YOU in trouble! 4 of them!" Vaughn mentioned. Jack could only shrug and smile.
"Kendall says stay as long as you need." Vaughn mentioned before taking one last glance at Sydney then leaving. And he did; he slept on the couch, not being able to leave.
Jack was sound asleep dreaming about...giggling fairies?!? In this very ODD dream, little fairies, with tickling hands kept fluttering by his face, tickling his face. In reality, 3 young woman huddled around a sleeping Jack, giggling as they pinched his nose, his lips, ANYTHING to get him to shut-up!
"I CAN'T believe he makes such a noise?!! It's like he has a newborn kitten buried down his throat!" Lena exclaimed.
"I NEVER heard him this way before! He must be REALLY asleep!" Sydney whispered, sputtering a giggle as Sytory once again pinched his nose shut.
"Why doesn't this bother MOM!?" Sytory wondered, looking over her shoulder to a sleeping Irina. Just then, she spoke out.
"I was MARRIED to the man, and once you came along . Where do you think YOU got it from?" Irina exclaimed, not opening her eyes.
"I. Do NOT. Snore like THAT!" Sytory defended.
"Oh..yes you do. You just haven't had anyone to TELL you." Irina said, smiling. A few more minutes went by with no prevail.
"Mom...please." Sydney practically whined tiredly. Irina opened her eyes, rolling them, then slowly got up.
"Just roll him on his side." She whispered trying to maneuver him on the couch. Suddenly Jack did roll to his side, only he took the bent over Irina with him, pinning her on the inside of him and the back of the couch. The 4 girls gasped, holding their breaths in shock, especially Sydney. But instead, the room was plunged into silence. Sytory grinned, then Lena, and lastly Sydney.
"Finally! Let's go girls...'night mom." Sydney said, going back to the bed.
"Put SnoreKitty Jr. in the middle. Keep her on her side." Lena commented as they all snuggled back down asleep. Irina was wide-eyed a few moments before she relaxed, enjoying her new little predicament. She snuggled into Jack's chest, instantly falling asleep again.
The next morning when Vaughn came in he saw the sleeping arrangements and was boggled a little. He pulled a chair up to Sydney's side of the bed, kissing her softly on the cheek, then sat to read the work papers he had with him. Not too long later Sydney started to stir then woke up. It took her a second to remember everything, then she grinned pecking the hand (Sytory's) hanging over, practically in her face. She glanced up to Vaughn and grinned even more.
"Hey beautiful." He said, getting her to blush.
"Hey gorgeous." She said back, holding his gaze. He glanced to Jack, then leaned down and kissed her sweetly.
"Oh! Gag me PLEASE! End my misery!" a voice said from the other side of the bed before bursting into giggles.
"Morning..cuz!" Sydney smiled, shaking her head.
"Morning. Seriously, you guys are TOO cute." Lena said, smiling.
"You know what? I think you and Eric would make GREAT friends!" Vaughn said to Lena.
With the little bit of commotion, Sytory's face crumpled in her sleep, no one noticing. Then she started shaking her head and murmuring very softly.
+"Mamashka!..Where's my mama?!..no..it hurts! It hurts, mama!"+ she'd murmur. Then she continued to get louder and louder.
+"Noo! It hurts!! Where's my mama!?..Mamashka, please! It hurts!..Nooo!"+ she cried out, grabbing her stomach. Sydney suddenly froze, watching her 'new' baby sister, then tried to soothe her by rubbing her shoulder.
"Sytory, it's okay. Wake up Sytory." Sydney cooed. But she only got worse.
+"NOO! Mamashka!!!! It hurts!! Where are you!?? MAMA!!"+ she hollered, thrashing more.
Out of no where it seemed, Irina was next to her youngest daughter, cradling her and talking to her, kissing her on the forehead until Sytory started to wake up out of her nightmare. Sytory startled awake.
"Mama?! It HURT!! It hurt so bad!" Sytory sobbed quietly as she calmed herself down in her mother's arms.
"My Gawd, what happened to you?!" Irina cried softly. Sytory whipped her tears away, sniffling a little as she sat up looking into her mother's concerned face. She saw Jack sitting on the edge of the bed also.
"This." She simply said, then slowly lifted her shirt to show her entire abdomen. There were scars EVERYWHERE. From the top of her belly, to bellow her belly button one went. A healed bullet entrance on her left side. Down the side of her stomach/upper chest area from a heart surgery. She leaned to her side to show 2 healed scars, practically on top of the other where she had kidney surgery. Also, on her spine where another bullet had gone in. Then she pulled her sleeve up to above her elbow where a long scar was next to another bullet entrance where they put hardware to put her bone back together.
With every new scar, Irina got more and more upset, tears just pooling out of her eyes.
"I flat lined twice during my recovery. Was announced coma-tose; paralyzed; on the edge of death more times then they could say from blood lose, shock, infection. By the time I was released by the hospital, NOT walking I might add, and NOT through with all my numerous surgeries, I was 7 years old. I never could get placed into a foster home. It was too much to deal with for the foster parents. I grew up in a Catholic children's home of disabilities. Basically the unwanted ones. Let me just say, I was the BEST off child there..by far." Sytory shared through a quavering voice. By now Sydney was sitting next to Sytory with Jack close by. All touching or holding Sytory's hand or arm.
"Like I cried to Sydney when we first met and was told you were alive..where were you? Why didn't you try to find me?" Sytory whispered, getting upset.
"Oh baby!! I was told...I SAW you die! You flat lined in the ER and then I passed out. When I woke up, they said you died! I didn't even get to your funeral..they said they cremated you! I cried for days at your plaque in the mausoleum at the cemetery! I didn't know, I didn't know sweetie!" Irina cried to her. Sytory just nodded, crying some herself.
"I knew you wouldn't just leave me. I knew if you could come, you would have. I just...didn't know WHY you hadn't." Sytory finished, finally closing that part of her life.
"You're okay now, aren't you?" Jack asked, just like a worried father.
"Well..as best as I can be. I still have a bullet fragment by my spine; it's too dangerous to go get. And I only have one of my kidneys left. Other than that and the scars, I'm fine." Sytory explained. Sydney wrapped her little sister up in her arms, just needing to hold her. Then Vaughn did, followed by Lena, then Irina, and lastly Jack.
"Hey man..no one told me about the group hug?! Why wasn't I invited? I'm the best friend!" Eric spoke up suddenly, causing everyone to giggle and separate.
"I'm still waiting here!" Eric said, eyeing Sytory.
"And I've got my eyes on the perfect Bristow to hug..er Derevko- Bristow. Sorry Syd, nothing personal, Mike'd kick my a**." Eric joked. Then he saw Jack glare.
"Oh..nevermind. I was just joking...sir." Eric said, swallowing. Lena just laughed at the whole scene.
What a new 'family' she'd came into.
Boy she could tell it was going to be an INTERESTING ride from here on out. If only she had her mother here with her. She silently prayed that she was safe out there, trying to find her way back to her daughter.
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An: There it is!! Hope you liked that, please review and tell my what you think!! Oh, and remember that when it has a +"."+ that means they are speaking in Russian.
Please review! I'm off for the summer, I decided to take a breather from college for the first time in 3 years!! So, I'll be able to update a lot more often, but that depends on reviews!! They make me go faster, honest!! And thanks to all of those who have reviewed so far, I LOVE you guys!!!
Thanx!
An: Hey, sorry so long for an update. I was on vacation for Memorial Day, went to Bishop CA, to visit relatives I haven't seen in like 6 years. Seriously, last time I saw all my cousins, one was only 11 days old and three of them were just in middle school. Now, the baby is going to be 7, and three of them graduate next week from high school, one's engaged to be married even!! Word of advice? Try to see your family as MUCH as possible! Time flies!! Okay, on with the story, hope you all enjoyed your Memorial Day and had fun, enjoy this next chapter!! Don't forget to review, if not to say anything but how your vacation was and what you did!! I always like to hear from you all!!
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[previously]
Eric came in with news on Vaughn and Jack..his face looked grim.
"What is it? Is my father and Vaughn okay?" Sydney asked.
[Now]
"Is my father and Vaughn okay?" Sydney asked worriedly. Eric put his hand up to her.
"There okay. But they were too late. Sloane's men got to your aunt's family. Your aunt apparently fled...to move focus away from her family..but her husband..he was killed. Protecting your cousin. The poor girl and her friend watched him die. They're very shook up. And we can't find your aunt. The friend's family got in the crossfire too. She's raised by only her mother...she did from the attack too. Vaughn and Jack walked in on the aftermath. Both girls were huddled over their parent. They're bringing both girls back for protection. We'll see them out at LAX; we're to come in together to HQ." Eric explained lowly. Sydney and Sytory had tears in their eyes.
"Does mom know?" Sydney whispered. Eric nodded.
"Your dad spoke to her himself. He wanted to tell her." Eric said softly. Sydney nodded. She clasped Sytory's hand tighter.
"Does he know about her?" Sydney asked, nodding to Sytory.
"No..I didn't think it was my place. They're reachable, if you'd like to speak to him." Eric suggested. Sydney nodded her head at that so Eric got her a secure cell phone and handed it to her, the number dialed.
"Dad? I know..they're sedated? Oh, that's understandable. Um...are you still sitting down? I...I have something to tell you...I ..I met someone at the club. The owner actually." Sydney started to explain.
"She...I'm almost positive...she's my baby sister!...yes!..her story matches up perfectly!...she says her mother is Irina Derevko. But Dad, you just have to look at her to know! She looks JUST like me, it's bizarre! But she has YOUR eyes!" Sydney said, going on and on. Sytory sat biting her lip, hanging on every word. Sydney re-accounted the whole story briefly, then paused by looking at Sytory.
"He's asking for your birth date." Sydney asked. Sytory nodded then answered.
"June 6th, 1972." She answered. Sydney told her father and held her breath.
"Okay, we'll see you there." Sydney said, but before she hung up she blushed.
"Tell him hey back." She said, then hung up. Sytory looked wide-eyed at her.
"He wants to meet you. See for sure." Sydney stated and Sytory nodded her head, understanding.
"M-my...father." Sytory whispered. Sydney smiled.
"Well...he said it the same way." Sydney said, patting her hand.
The flight to LAX was spent with Sydney telling her all she could about Jack and her life and Sytory doing the same. But she never hit on what happened when she was separated from her mother. What she went through. And Sydney didn't want to push. They'd find out eventually.
When they finally arrived at LAX, Sytory began to VERY nervous. Sydney did also not being able to stop her hands from trembling. She walked out of the terminal, Sytory trailing behind, holding her hand. Sydney searched all over to spot her father. He was going to meet them before taking them to the side room the CIA had set aside where Vaughn had the two girls. She spotted him first and squeezed Sytory's hand. Then Jack turned his head, locking eyes with Sydney. She smiled, then slowly made her way leading Sytory behind her. They walked up till they were a couple feet apart then stopped. Jack stared at Sytory while Sytory's eyes filled with tears.
"Y-your in the picture! The one mama carried with her everywhere before..she left." Sytory whispered out. Jack looked over this young girl who without a doubt had to be his child. She looked just like Sydney, yet had her own features...that she shared with Jack. He hair was a shade darker; his natural dark hair. But what sealed the deal were her piercing blue eyes like his and the dimples so much like Sydney's.
"This is Sytory Anja Derevko-Bristow." Sydney whispered, eyes full of tears. Jack knew this was his child. All he had to do was look in her eyes and he felt the familiar tug he felt towards Sydney. Jack just started nodding.
"There's no possible mistake..you are my daughter." Jack said hoarsely, smiling one of his pure smiles.
"Daddy?" Sytory mumbled out, tears falling. She fell into his arms, crying her eyes out. Sydney covered her mouth. She had, up till this point, held a tiny bit of reservations, just to be safe. But having her father confirm it like that, it all came true to her. She had a baby sister.
"I have.a-a SISTER!" Sydney said out loud, catching Jack's attention. He motioned her over and pulled her into the hug. A couple of moments later, Eric stepped up reluctantly.
"We need to get to the conference room. The girls are awake and very upset." Eric interrupted. Jack nodded and escorted his daughters to the room.
"Your little cousin is very similar to you. She's 15. Her name is Lena. Her friend's name is Julia." Jack explained to Sydney, opening the door.
There sitting on the couch was the two young girls, clinging to each other. Vaughn said in a chair off to the side. As soon as he saw the door open with Jack holding onto Sydney on one side and another young women on the other he jumped up. Sydney eyed her father seeing him nod, then stepped up to Vaughn, welcoming the embrace.
"You okay?" he asked when they separated.
"Uh..yeah...look, I have a sister!" she said giddily. She took him over to Sytory, who still clung to Jack, who didn't mind one bit.
"Sytory...I'd like you to meet Michael Vaughn. My former handler...my guardian angel, boyfriend...just...MINE!" Sydney explained, Sytory knowing the whole 'story of Vaughn'.
"Vaughn this is my little sister Sytory." Sydney finished.
"Very nice to meet you. Sydney's told me a lot about you." Sytory said politely, causing Vaughn to blush.
"It's a pleasure meeting you. You're a very nice surprise for Sydney and Jack, I can see." Vaughn smiled gentlemanly. Sydney then eyed the two young girls. She walked over to them, sat on the edge of the couch, smiling at Lena.
+"Hi, you must be Lena. I'm Sydney and I guess we're cousins. I'm so sorry for what you've been through."+ Sydney said in Russian. Lena turned to smile tightly.
"We speak English, it's okay. So, you're my long lost aunt's daughter. Mama told me about her sister. Now I have a cousin and an uncle." Lena said, shaking her head in disbelief.
"Well, it's looking like TWO cousins. I just found out I have a long lost sister. This is Sytory." Sydney said when she motioned over Sytory.
"Wow. Guess we're both having the same day. Except your dad's right over there." Lena said, getting sad.
"I'm SO sorry for your father. And we WILL find your mother. I promise." Sydney promised. Jack stood watching wide-eyed.
"You've got..2 daughters now." Eric commented.
"And a niece." Jack commented staring.
"It's like Christmas." Eric said raising his eyebrows.
"They're beautiful." Jack smiled, not able to take his eyes off of his now TWO girls. Vaughn nodded.
Shortly after, they departed to the JTF after clearing the three new members of the US through customs. They became protected citizens of the CIA until other wise. They all piled in a JTF van and headed off.
"What're we going to tell mom?" Sydney asked her father.
"We'll question her first. Hear her side of the story before revealing Sytory." Jack answered. When they got to HQ, they escorted the three girls into the hospital to be thoroughly checked out. Both Lena and Julia were both experiencing shock, especially Julia. Sytory was just being monitored. Jack and Sydney went down together to Irina's..'new' cell. A room, with now glass windows, only in the door. She had a MUCH better bed, a couch, table and desk. Also, an enclosed bathroom. No guards and just one camera pointed at the door, her only way out.
Irina looked up from her book, cuddled on the couch, when she heard the door click open. She beamed when she saw Sydney enter, her eyes slightly widened when Jack entered.
"Both of you. What's the occasion? You're back soon...is my niece okay?" Irina asked getting concerned.
"Her and her friend are being treated for shock." Sydney stated.
"You've met her? Can I see her?" Irina asked. Sydney eyed Jack, then he nodded.
"You will...Irina, we need to ask you something. Sit down." Jack stated evenly, struggling to keep emotions out of his voice. Irina eyed Jack and Sydney, her brow furrowed as she slowly sat, Sydney next to her, Jack on the end.
"What?! You're scaring me!" Irina said, her eyes darting between the two of them. Sydney took a deep breath and plunged forward.
"Mom...who is Sytory Anja Derevko-Bristow?" Sydney said softly. Irina gasped, her hands flying to her mouth, instant tears. She looked down, mumbling.
"My little one. My dear sweet innocent one..How'd you find out about her?!" Irina said in a whisper.
"Who is she?" Jack pushed gently.
"S-she.WAS.our daughter..sh-..I was pregnant..when I left." Irina stumbled over her words. If Sydney were Eric, she might have her rolled her eyes at the obvious.
"I didn't KNOW I was...until about 3 months along. As soon as I did...I went into hiding. I didn't want them to know..they'd TAKE my baby away. When I found out I was having another daughter...I was SO happy! So thankful, but also so sad. She would never know her beautiful big sister. Or her wonderful father. She was born June 6th, 1972. She was so small, smaller than Sydney was. She was barely 6 pounds, but healthy. She was my only hold on reality. The ONLY thing that kept me going. I kept her away from them. They didn't know about her.till..till.."Irina said, getting really choked up. She breathed deeply a few moments before she controlled her silent sobs.
"It was just after her 6th birthday..she got really sick. I was desperate to get her to a hospital when her fever spiked above 104 degrees. I wasn't paying attention...I should have KNOWN better! Been more careful! But she was burning up so fast! They came after me...and my precious girl...those..those a**holes opened fire! They, they hit us both. My poor little one..she was bleeding so much! So much blood! And my own wound, everytime I breathed,..it hurt SO bad! But I had to save her! We weren't far from the hospital. I don't remember it, but I slaughtered all 4 shooters. One shot each, it's all it took. They say it's a 'mother scorned'. I barely made it into the emergency room before collapsing..both our blood all over. She was so pale...she kept murmuring to me. They rushed her to a room and worked on her for what seemed like hours. They had me in the next room, but I wouldn't cooperate much. I had to see if she was all right. Then everything stopped. The doctors...they just all stopped, stepping away from her. She was so pale..and there was blood EVERYWHERE. That's when I heard that sound. That dreadful AWFUL sound. The sound of her heart...flat lined..." Irina explained all the while sobbing slightly, tears pouring down her face.
"She...she was gone. And it was all my fault. I let out a scream and passed out. When I awoke, it was a week later. My superior told me that I lost my little one and if I didn't cooperate I'd loose my first one as well. I didn't believe he could get to my Sydney...and then he handed my Sydney's necklace. The one she always wore...from your mother Jack. I cried for days after that. They even had her cremated and place in the St. Elizabeth mausoleum. I went to her plaque for days after I was finally released from the hospital. The bullet that hit me was 1 centimeter from hitting my heart. She was shot 3 times..she died. And I didn't even get to say goodbye." Irina said, her tears gone now.
Sydney was crying also, squeezing her mother's hand. Jack gulped, not noticing till then that he had his hands around Irina's other hand.
"I'm SO sorry Jack! I'm SO sorry you couldn't know her! She was so good! She has your beautiful eyes. And my hair, but darker..like yours. And of course, Sydney's dimples! I'm so sorry baby! You didn't know your little sister!" Irina apologized to them both. Sydney hugged her mother and Jack placed his arm around her shoulder, not even stopping himself. This woman was CLEARLY telling the truth; she was the picture of a deeply torn mother.
"Don't be sorry Irina. You don't have to be. You wanted to know how we knew about Sytory?" Jack asked, Irina nodding as Sydney sat up, wiping her tears away. Jack looked at Sydney, motioning for her to go.
"I'll be right back." Sydney said, jumping up and going out the door. A moment later she came back in, holding Sytory's hand just outside the door.
"Mom? We know cause...well...I ran into her myself." Sydney said pulling Sytory the rest of the way in. Sytory was already in tears the second she laid eyes on her mother, who'd been dead to her for almost 15 years. Irina gasped, shocked. She look wide-eyed at this beautiful young women and knew without a doubt that it was her precious one.
"Mamashka?!" Sytory cried out softly, stepping carefully in front of Irina. Irina stood up on unsteady legs with Jack's help and looked her baby daughter in the eyes. She took Sytory's face in her hands and smiled through her tears.
"My precious one!" Irina said, pulling her into her arms, both starting to sob again. They clung to each other for a long moment, Irina looking over to Jack and Sydney. She smiled and whispered.
"Thank you." She said to them, Sydney just smiled bigger through her tears. Irina motioned over Sydney and pulled her into her arms as well.
"My two girls. I NEVER believed I'd be able to hold you both in my arms." Irina mentioned. Jack just watched on.
"What about...daddy?" Sytory said unsure. She waved him over and before he could protest, she pulled him into the family hug too.
A short time later, Vaughn was searching for Sydney when he entered Irina's room. He found Jack sitting in a chair by the bed, watching. Irina was fast asleep with each daughter on either side of her, cuddled up against her, fast asleep as well. Vaughn smiled down at the sight.
"Where's the camera when you need it?" Vaughn joked quietly.
"Got it already." Jack said, pointing to one on the side table.
"Your.uh...niece is being released...Lena wants to see Sydney..and her aunt." Vaughn informed.
"Bring her here. Where's her friend?" Jack asked.
"She's not doing well. With the shock. It's effected her more. They're keeping her overnight." Vaughn said.
"Poor girl. She lost the only family she had. Mother was her only guardian; an only child too. Grandparents dead awhile. No mention about the father." Vaughn explained grimly. Jack nodded, then turned back to his girls. Vaughn left and returned shortly with a sweats clad Lena. She saw the girls sleeping and then looked over to Jack.
"So..uncle?" she tried. He nodded smiling softly.
"And Cousin Sydney, Aunt Irina, and cousin Sytory." Jack pointed out.
"She's the new one too, huh?" Lena said, giving a tiny smile.
"Yes. I now have TWO daughters, and a NIECE." Jack said, raising his eyebrows.
"Lena?" Irina's voice came softly, her eyes opening.
+"Aunt Irina?"+ Lena tried, getting a little choked up. Irina waved her hand at her for her to climb next to Sydney. Lena leaned over, kissing her new aunt hello on both cheeks, then settled down next to Sydney, resting her head on Sydney's shoulder. All 4 were asleep instantly. Vaughn looked at all of them then to Jack.
"Man, are YOU in trouble! 4 of them!" Vaughn mentioned. Jack could only shrug and smile.
"Kendall says stay as long as you need." Vaughn mentioned before taking one last glance at Sydney then leaving. And he did; he slept on the couch, not being able to leave.
Jack was sound asleep dreaming about...giggling fairies?!? In this very ODD dream, little fairies, with tickling hands kept fluttering by his face, tickling his face. In reality, 3 young woman huddled around a sleeping Jack, giggling as they pinched his nose, his lips, ANYTHING to get him to shut-up!
"I CAN'T believe he makes such a noise?!! It's like he has a newborn kitten buried down his throat!" Lena exclaimed.
"I NEVER heard him this way before! He must be REALLY asleep!" Sydney whispered, sputtering a giggle as Sytory once again pinched his nose shut.
"Why doesn't this bother MOM!?" Sytory wondered, looking over her shoulder to a sleeping Irina. Just then, she spoke out.
"I was MARRIED to the man, and once you came along . Where do you think YOU got it from?" Irina exclaimed, not opening her eyes.
"I. Do NOT. Snore like THAT!" Sytory defended.
"Oh..yes you do. You just haven't had anyone to TELL you." Irina said, smiling. A few more minutes went by with no prevail.
"Mom...please." Sydney practically whined tiredly. Irina opened her eyes, rolling them, then slowly got up.
"Just roll him on his side." She whispered trying to maneuver him on the couch. Suddenly Jack did roll to his side, only he took the bent over Irina with him, pinning her on the inside of him and the back of the couch. The 4 girls gasped, holding their breaths in shock, especially Sydney. But instead, the room was plunged into silence. Sytory grinned, then Lena, and lastly Sydney.
"Finally! Let's go girls...'night mom." Sydney said, going back to the bed.
"Put SnoreKitty Jr. in the middle. Keep her on her side." Lena commented as they all snuggled back down asleep. Irina was wide-eyed a few moments before she relaxed, enjoying her new little predicament. She snuggled into Jack's chest, instantly falling asleep again.
The next morning when Vaughn came in he saw the sleeping arrangements and was boggled a little. He pulled a chair up to Sydney's side of the bed, kissing her softly on the cheek, then sat to read the work papers he had with him. Not too long later Sydney started to stir then woke up. It took her a second to remember everything, then she grinned pecking the hand (Sytory's) hanging over, practically in her face. She glanced up to Vaughn and grinned even more.
"Hey beautiful." He said, getting her to blush.
"Hey gorgeous." She said back, holding his gaze. He glanced to Jack, then leaned down and kissed her sweetly.
"Oh! Gag me PLEASE! End my misery!" a voice said from the other side of the bed before bursting into giggles.
"Morning..cuz!" Sydney smiled, shaking her head.
"Morning. Seriously, you guys are TOO cute." Lena said, smiling.
"You know what? I think you and Eric would make GREAT friends!" Vaughn said to Lena.
With the little bit of commotion, Sytory's face crumpled in her sleep, no one noticing. Then she started shaking her head and murmuring very softly.
+"Mamashka!..Where's my mama?!..no..it hurts! It hurts, mama!"+ she'd murmur. Then she continued to get louder and louder.
+"Noo! It hurts!! Where's my mama!?..Mamashka, please! It hurts!..Nooo!"+ she cried out, grabbing her stomach. Sydney suddenly froze, watching her 'new' baby sister, then tried to soothe her by rubbing her shoulder.
"Sytory, it's okay. Wake up Sytory." Sydney cooed. But she only got worse.
+"NOO! Mamashka!!!! It hurts!! Where are you!?? MAMA!!"+ she hollered, thrashing more.
Out of no where it seemed, Irina was next to her youngest daughter, cradling her and talking to her, kissing her on the forehead until Sytory started to wake up out of her nightmare. Sytory startled awake.
"Mama?! It HURT!! It hurt so bad!" Sytory sobbed quietly as she calmed herself down in her mother's arms.
"My Gawd, what happened to you?!" Irina cried softly. Sytory whipped her tears away, sniffling a little as she sat up looking into her mother's concerned face. She saw Jack sitting on the edge of the bed also.
"This." She simply said, then slowly lifted her shirt to show her entire abdomen. There were scars EVERYWHERE. From the top of her belly, to bellow her belly button one went. A healed bullet entrance on her left side. Down the side of her stomach/upper chest area from a heart surgery. She leaned to her side to show 2 healed scars, practically on top of the other where she had kidney surgery. Also, on her spine where another bullet had gone in. Then she pulled her sleeve up to above her elbow where a long scar was next to another bullet entrance where they put hardware to put her bone back together.
With every new scar, Irina got more and more upset, tears just pooling out of her eyes.
"I flat lined twice during my recovery. Was announced coma-tose; paralyzed; on the edge of death more times then they could say from blood lose, shock, infection. By the time I was released by the hospital, NOT walking I might add, and NOT through with all my numerous surgeries, I was 7 years old. I never could get placed into a foster home. It was too much to deal with for the foster parents. I grew up in a Catholic children's home of disabilities. Basically the unwanted ones. Let me just say, I was the BEST off child there..by far." Sytory shared through a quavering voice. By now Sydney was sitting next to Sytory with Jack close by. All touching or holding Sytory's hand or arm.
"Like I cried to Sydney when we first met and was told you were alive..where were you? Why didn't you try to find me?" Sytory whispered, getting upset.
"Oh baby!! I was told...I SAW you die! You flat lined in the ER and then I passed out. When I woke up, they said you died! I didn't even get to your funeral..they said they cremated you! I cried for days at your plaque in the mausoleum at the cemetery! I didn't know, I didn't know sweetie!" Irina cried to her. Sytory just nodded, crying some herself.
"I knew you wouldn't just leave me. I knew if you could come, you would have. I just...didn't know WHY you hadn't." Sytory finished, finally closing that part of her life.
"You're okay now, aren't you?" Jack asked, just like a worried father.
"Well..as best as I can be. I still have a bullet fragment by my spine; it's too dangerous to go get. And I only have one of my kidneys left. Other than that and the scars, I'm fine." Sytory explained. Sydney wrapped her little sister up in her arms, just needing to hold her. Then Vaughn did, followed by Lena, then Irina, and lastly Jack.
"Hey man..no one told me about the group hug?! Why wasn't I invited? I'm the best friend!" Eric spoke up suddenly, causing everyone to giggle and separate.
"I'm still waiting here!" Eric said, eyeing Sytory.
"And I've got my eyes on the perfect Bristow to hug..er Derevko- Bristow. Sorry Syd, nothing personal, Mike'd kick my a**." Eric joked. Then he saw Jack glare.
"Oh..nevermind. I was just joking...sir." Eric said, swallowing. Lena just laughed at the whole scene.
What a new 'family' she'd came into.
Boy she could tell it was going to be an INTERESTING ride from here on out. If only she had her mother here with her. She silently prayed that she was safe out there, trying to find her way back to her daughter.
{#}
An: There it is!! Hope you liked that, please review and tell my what you think!! Oh, and remember that when it has a +"."+ that means they are speaking in Russian.
Please review! I'm off for the summer, I decided to take a breather from college for the first time in 3 years!! So, I'll be able to update a lot more often, but that depends on reviews!! They make me go faster, honest!! And thanks to all of those who have reviewed so far, I LOVE you guys!!!
Thanx!
