Sydney eyes flickered open and she stretched out her arms. Drawing back the bed cover she clambered out of bed and was surprised she hadn't had another nightmare. She felt weary though and still decided she would call a psychiatrist, one Vaughn had told her about called Doctor Barnett. She looked over at the digital clock as the numbers flicked to 08:00. She had one hour before she was due to meet with Slone and the rest of the team. She went out into the living room to see Francie sitting at the table eating a double chocolate muffin.
"Hey," she said smiling at Francie as she sat down on one of the chairs and took a muffin from the box on the table.
"How'd you sleep?" questioned Francie picking a chocolate chunk from her muffin before popping it into her mouth.
"Much better. I didn't have a nightmare but I am still going to see a psychiatrist."
"That a good idea. Recurring nightmares are not good especially coming from a major accident. Do you want me to come with you, you know, for some support?"
"Thanks for the offer Francie but I'd rather go alone." Sydney would have gone with her friend but Dr Barnett new about Sydney's job so talking to her was easier as she couldn't lie. She did however think about going with Vaughn, she would feel safe that way. Sydney changed the subject.
"So where's Will?"
"Will? Oh, he left last night. He has work in the morning." replied Francie.
"He's a journalist. Isn't he?" asked Sydney still unsure if she was right or not. Although her memory had practically returned now, she was still unsure of some of the parts that she couldn't remember.
"Yes, he writes articles. Stuff like that."
"We'll I'm going to finish my Muffin, phone a physiatrist, take my medication and all that stuff and head for work. I don't know when I'll be back but I'll give you a call when I know"
"Ok, sweetie. You know I'm always here if you want to talk to me. You know one to one. All that girly talk"
"I know. And Thanks," replied Sydney hugging her friend before heading off to the bathroom.
After she had taken medication, which she took everyday, she picked up her mobile phone and called Dr Barnett.
"Hello, this is Sydney Bristow."
"Hello Sydney. How may I help you?"
"I have a problem that I wish to come and speak with you about"
"OK"
"Can I book an appointment today about 11:00 hours?"
"I'll just check my appointment books. Yes that's fine."
"Is it alright if I bring a friend?"
"If you feel more comfortable then yes. I look forward to meeting you and I hope we can sort through your problem together. OK, see you then."
"Thank you. Bye," replied Sydney before she turned of her mobile phone. A small smile suddenly appeared on her face. She felt happy that with some help she might be able to fight her nightmares and win.
+++++++++
Sydney drove her car to meet with Slone and the rest of the team. She entered the briefing room wearing black trousers and a grey jacket with a blouse underneath. At the sound of her entrance Slone turned around.
"Hello Sydney. How are you felling today?" Her Father looked on too wandering the same question.
"Much better thank you. So what did you find out about Kensington?"
"Please sit down," offered her Father, gesturing one of the chairs. Sydney complied, pulling out the chair and sitting down comfortably.
Sydney looked around the table and found Slone, her Father and Marshall seated but no Dixon. She frowned.
"Where's Dixon?" she suddenly asked.
"Dixon went home, he's caught the flu so when you do this mission, Sydney I want you to go with Vaughn. OK?"
"Yes, that's fine"
Slone asked everyone to look at their computer screens.
"As you can see we found a photo of Mr Kensington from our records. As Sydney rightly found out he works with a team called 'XS' who make replicas of important or valuable artefacts. They keep the original but sell the fake ones, like they did to you, Sydney. He owns a factory in 'Cork street' near to where you met him before."
"So How am I going to stop him?" asked Sydney puzzled.
"There may be many team members, so with the gadgets and equipment, Marshall will provide for you, you should be able to get back the original painting; that's if you are feeling well enough to perform the mission"
"I do," Sydney replied firmly.
"Are you sure?" added her Father, felling somewhat concerned for the health and safety of his daughter.
"Yes," she said simply and smiled. She knew she wasn't 100% better because of the nightmares and also her arm and head were still mending, but the guy had nearly killed her and she felt it was her duty to stop him and get the painting back. She could see her Father was worried and didn't want him to worry anymore, so she decided not to tell him. Sydney arose from her chair.
"You will meet with Marshall at 02:00pm hours for the gadgets and equipment and then go to meet Vaughn. Alright?" asked Slone.
"Yes, thank you," she replied before heading for the door. Her Father stopped her.
"Sydney you don't have to go through with this. You don't have to do the mission if you don't want to. I just worry for you, OK. I love you sweetheart"
"Don't worry Dad, I'll do my best and I love you too, I always will"
Her Father smiled and kissed her before giving her a huge teddy bear like hug.
+++++++++
"Hey" said Sydney as she reached the warehouse where Vaughn and her composed their private talks.
"Hey, how are you? How are the injuries?" he asked looking at her.
"Much better. My injuries are healing."
"Anymore nightmares?" he questioned felling concerned.
"Yes. That's why I came to talk. I didn't have one last night but I have been worried about them so I called Dr Barnett, the lady you told me about. I booked an appointment for 11:00. Would you be able to come. I would feel happier?"
"Yeah, sure, Sydney. I'll do anything." he replied before hugging Sydney.
"Dixon's ill so you'll be with me on this mission," Sydney said
"I know and I hope this time we get the painting back."
"Me to," said Sydney.
"Come here" said Vaughn. Sydney walked over and Vaughn caressed her in his arm and stroked her hair.
"We'll get through this together, you and me. I'll always be here for you no matter what mood you're in. Even if you are angry, upset or just happy."
Sydney laughed and kissed Vaughn on the check.
"You can be so sweet sometimes, Vaughn and that's why I like you." Vaughn looked down at her as she looked up and they suddenly fell into a long lingering kiss.
+++++++++
Sydney and Vaughn arrived at Dr Barnett's office. She was seeing someone so they waited on couch outside.
"Look, if there is anything I can do, anything you want don't worry about talking to me. As always I'll be here for support." Sydney put her head against Vaughn's shoulder and sighed.
"I know you will Vaughn. Thanks for the support and being here with me. It helps."
Suddenly the door opened and a woman with long blonde hair stepped out. She was wearing a black and grey suite, much the same as Sydney's.
"Sydney Bristow?" she called. Sydney left the couch and followed her, her hand enlaced in Vaughn's.
They stepped inside and she gestured for Sydney to sit down on one of the chairs and Vaughn next to her. Dr Barnett sat across from them.
"Vaughn," she said speaking first "I see you are a friend of Miss Bristow. Its good that Sydney has someone she can trust and go to for comfort."
Sydney smiled at Vaughn.
"Vaughn has told me, Sydney that you are a double agent for the C.I.A."
"Yes that's right," replied Sydney.
Dr Barnett pulled out a note pad and a pen.
"What did you want to talk to me about, Sydney?" she questioned getting her pen reading for writing.
Sydney didn't know how to start. At least with Dr Barnett she didn't have to lie and make up the story of what happened. She tucked a piece of hair behind her ear before she spoke.
"I had an accident about a couple of weeks ago involving a lorry. I was on a mission to retrieve a painting and the guy grabbed me and threw me into the road in front of this lorry." Sydney paused as she thought back to the terrible accident. Dr Barnett was writing this all down on her note pad.
"I see, go on," she encouraged.
"I woke up in hospital with these injuries and amnesia. I have been trying to get my memory back which now has practically returned. The problem is, is that I keep having nightmares of the accident and they are recurring. They are freaking me out!" shouted Sydney trying not to imagine the lorry smashing into her again.
"Calm down. alright, I see. Can you tell me more about this nightmares? What is it about? How many times has it recurred?"
Sydney slowed her breathing and stopped her anger when she felt Vaughn's hand slip into her's to give her comfort.
"I have this nightmare about the accident. A gun fires and then the lorry comes full on and hits me, over and over again. The doctor said it was due to the accident, that these kinds of things happen."
"We'll the doctor is right. Nightmares often happen after traumatic accidents. It's when they reoccur that is the worst part."
"I had about three of these nightmares now and the same scene goes over and over again in my mind." The doctor carried on writing this all down.
"Well its good that you have been able to comfort you fears and talk to me about it. Its great that you have Vaughn who is willing to be there for you when you need someone."
"I'll always be there," he said looking at Sydney who was now looking at him smiling.
"So what can you do about it?" asked Sydney.
"Not much really. I suggest that you get some rest over the next week or so. Take it easy."
"That's a bit difficult," Vaughn said.
"Oh?!"
"Sydney and I are on a mission this afternoon. Should she be doing it?"
"By all means yes. That's if she's feeling well enough. After this though, Sydney I suggest you take the week or two off, have fun and relax."
"OK" replied Sydney.
"I want you to come back next week so I can see how you doing. Is that alright?" asked Dr Barnett.
"No, that's fine. Coming to see you have made me feel more confident about my self," Replied Sydney gratefully.
"Well I'll see you next week. I'll give you a call about what day and time."
"Thanks," replied Sydney smiling.
Dr Barnett went and opened the door saying her goodbyes as she left. Sydney and Vaughn walked out of the building hand in hand. Once they were around the corner. They drew their lips forward into a kiss.
"Lets go and kick this guys ass!" shouted Sydney.
I hope you enjoyed reading this chapter. I apologise for not uploading this chapter sooner but my computer crashed and wiped out all that I was writing. I hope the wait was well worth it and I look forward to the reviews as always. Thank you.
