*the re-written version because my computer is an ass that shut down right when i finished the entire chapter!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! grrrrrrrrr*
insert ANOTHER really cool title that I can't think of
10.
Visitation Rights
"Sydney."
The word permeates her body, rouses her against her will and forces her to leave the comfortable darkness of sleep. She doesn't want to open her eyes, she wants to stay here, lying against Vaughn, his arms wrapped around her.
But she can't. Because she knows that voice.
She speaks before her eyes open, almost afraid of what she might see. "Mom."
Finally she wakes at the silence, taking in the dark blue shadows of the room... and her mother's silhouette against the fluttering white curtains.
"What the hell are you doing here?" Her words are a hissed whisper, confusion coursing through her.
"What a welcome, Sydney. I must say that I never expected that I would be this well received."
Sydney's jaw clenched. "And how else would you expect me to welcome the woman who faked her own death in order to rid herself of her family and then proceeded to be a founder of the very organization I've been working to destroy?"
The words, intentionally hurtful, slide off of Derekvo as easily as a shrug. Her daughter's words have been expected, received, and forgotten. "I would think that you would be able to understand the need of separating your personal and private lives, Sydney. I must say... you are more like your father than I thought."
Sydney flushed, unsure of whether her mother was implying her relationship with Vaughn or her reaction to her mother's appearance.
Or both.
"Why... are... you... here?" Her question was vehement, a whisper containing such urgency that she knew Vaughn would wake any moment. He was stirring already, lying behind her.
She placed a hand on his chest, quieting him, her eyes still trained on this indecipherable woman.
"Leave."
"WHAT?"
"Go. Go away from here."
"What are you talking about? Do you really think that I would leave the country just on the whim of-"
"-the whim of your mother."
Sydney shook her head strongly. "On the whim of someone whom I have never, and probably will never, trust. Someone I have never known. But always have been fighting against."
Vaughn's heart accelerated underneath her palm. He was awake.
She applied pressure to his chest, willing -praying- that he stay there. Hoping that he wouldn't move.
"Leave before 8:47 tomorrow morning, Sydney."
"Why are you telling me this?"
"Because I'm your mother."
She scoffed.
"Forgive me if I don't cry."
Irina turned and walked back onto the balcony, paused, and turned back for a final statement.
"I hear it's supposed to be hot tomorrow."
tbc...
more?
next chapter = last chapter