Chapter 12: TOW All the Cliffhangers
A/n: Thanks for your reviews, guys!
Brittany- It really wasn't necessary to review with 6 different names, but thanks for doing that just to get me over 50... hehe.
I just want to say that I had fun using a few big words, so I suggest using that highlight - D thing (the Word of the Day at dictionary.com is addicting...). Yeah, I'm insane.
Disclaimer: Alias belongs to JJ Abrams.
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Right away Sydney knew that she wanted to go tell Francie and Will, then deal with her father later when he was done with his tests. They were going to call Vaughn's mom later tonight.
Sydney pulled the car into her old familiar driveway and walked with Vaughn up the path to the apartment door. She looked at Vaughn quickly for support. This was going to be some huge news for Francie.
She finally opened the door. Will? Francie? You guys here? I've got something to tell you, Syd hollered as she peaked her head inside.
she heard Francie in the distance, we'll be right there, hun, just let me finish whooping Will's ass at this video game.
She is not whooping my ass! Will retorted.
Sydney rolled her eyes to Vaughn and led him to the couch. This was Vaughn's first visit to her apartment, and he was eagerly inspecting every inch of it. He finally caught Sydney's gaze. Your apartment's great, he whispered, just before coughing.
Are you thirsty, do you need water? Sydney asked, immediately standing up. Francie and Will walked in, a sullen look on Will's face.
I take it Will lost, Syd said, giggling. Francie was raising her eyebrows at Vaughn. Come on, Francie, let's go get Michael some water.
You mean, like, picture-frame guy from the bank, Michael? she whispered. Sydney nodded. She grabbed a glass from the cupboard and filled it with ice and water. Francie said.
So what?
she nudged her in the arm, You brought him over, there's no need for introductions anymore... what's up? Sydney simply brushed a strand of hair behind her ear when Francie noticed the ring. OH MY GOD! Francie quickly pulled her into a hug, and began screaming more Oh my Gods' in a high-pitched-happy voice.
Sh, sh, Will doesn't know yet, Sydney tried to say.
Francie finally pulled away. Sydney could almost see tears in her eyes. I'm so happy for you, Syd, she smiled.
But wait, Sydney said, that's not all I have to tell you.
Francie gasped. Are you pregnant too?
* * * * * * *
Hey, Mike, Will mumbled as he sat on the leather chair across from Vaughn after the girls went into the kitchen.
Hey, Will. Vaughn hesitated as whether to tell Will about the engagement or not, but he thought Sydney might want to tell him and Francie together. Suddenly a vociferous squeal of delight was heard from the kitchen.
Will looked concerned. What the hell...
Too late – Francie knew. I'm just going to tell you now. Sydney and I are engaged.
A series of emotions played over Will's face. First it was surprise, then a fugacious bit of sadness, then happiness. He shook his hand. You're both very lucky to have found each other.
Sydney and Francie returned to the living room, smiles on both their faces. Francie, I think you better sit down, Sydney said, taking her seat next to Vaughn and grabbing his hand for support. Francie seemed confused, but sat down the the foot rest for the leather chair. I don't work for a bank. Neither does Vaughn.
After many explanations and questions, Francie finally understood all the midnight Joey's Pizza?' calls, the death of Danny, Will's , and the relationship with Vaughn that she had fought for. Sydney was quite impressed by how her best friend could handle all this news. She remembered back to when Will first found out; how she felt fright and relief at the same time. Now she almost felt more relief with Francie. She actually had been worried that Francie would loathe her for lying all these years.
After everyone had calmed down and the excitement of the engagement had worn off (slightly), Will suggested that they go out to an early dinner. He even said he'd invite his girlfriend for Sydney and Vaughn to meet.
Sydney, Francie, and Vaughn arrived at Francie's restaurant and took their usual booth in the back corner. Will went to pick up Tracy, and would come later.
So when was it that Will found out about... all this? Francie asked. Sydney could tell that she was still nervous asking about her old life.
Sydney smiled kindly at her friend. I'm not sure exactly, maybe... two years now.
Francie's eyes widened in shock. Wow. I seriously didn't think he was ever that good at keeping secrets. Guess that goes to show you what I know, she winked.
Suddenly a tense young waiter walked up to Francie and alerted her that there was an emergency in the kitchen. She told Syd and Vaughn that she would be right back, and left with a concerned look. Sydney began to fiddle with her engagement ring, and Vaughn put a comforting arm around her shoulders.
Something the matter? Vaughn asked her, a deep line creasing in his forehead. Was it telling Francie? Because I know that was hard for you.
No, no, it's not that. She sighed. I was just thinking about what our wedding is going to be like. Brides are supposed to plan it with their mothers, but not many brides are under the same circumstances as me. I mean, I don't even know if I want to tell my mother. I don't want to hurt her. And with that said, I'm afraid to tell my father. He didn't want us together in the first place.
Vaughn squeezed her shoulders tighter and gave her a reassuring smile. Try not to think about that now. You know that Jack is going to be delighted for you no matter who I am. You're his little girl, Syd, he just wants you happy and safe. He kissed the top of her head, making her smile – the smile that made Vaughn's heart race and do somersaults. You don't have to tell your mother if you don't want to. Though as much as I hate to admit it, she is your mom and does have a right to know. Not like she'd never find out anyway...
What do you mean?
Well, I don't know. Never mind. Sydney raised her eyebrows in a way that said tell me now or I'll go spy-mode on your ass.' One day, after we're married, you could be, he paused, pregnant, you might go see her and that would definitely call for an explanation. Anyway she'd see your ring first.
Sydney chuckled. You put way too much thought into it for me. She paused.
Vaughn saw Will come in the front door with his mystery girlfriend and replied with, I love you.
Will and Tracy neared the table. Tracy was a short little blonde woman with a tank top on and a pair of old jeans and sandals. She seemed to match perfectly with Will, Sydney thought, and was happy that they fit so well together.
Where's Francie? he asked.
In the kitchen taking care of some emergency, Sydney replied, standing up to greet Tracy. Hi, I'm Sydney, and this is my fiancé, Michael. Oh, how she loved the sound of fiancé.
Tracy Macklem, the short woman replied in a high-pitched but not squeaky voice, shaking both their hands. Sydney took a mental note to do a background check on her, though she doubted she'd find anything. It's nice to meet you. Will talks about his friends all the time.
Will blushed a little. I do not.
Tracy rolled her eyes at him, and everyone sat back down. Just then Francie came back from the kitchen. She looked worried.
Francie, what happened? Sydney immediately asked.
Two of my best chefs got into an argument, and it ended up in more of fist-fight. One of them quit, on the spot and called me a harridan, whatever that means, the other one has a bloody nose. Even a waitress who was picking up some food got pushed into one of the shelves – which came crashing down with all the food on it – and the she twisted her ankle. So now the kitchen is a mess, I'm short two waitresses, and I need to hire another chef. Great...
Everyone swarmed Francie with sympathetic looks and apologies. Why don't we all go help clean the kitchen? Sydney suggested.
Oh, no, guys. I couldn't make you do that on your engagement dinner. We're supposed to be celebrating! Francie exclaimed, waving her hands in the air.
Come on, Francie. The celebrating part doesn't matter. I mean, we can do that anytime. We're here to help you now.
Francie looked at all the faces around the table. I guess. But this is only because I'm short handed!
All five of them got up and walked into the kitchen. Sydney gasped as she took in the scene. Though some waiters who took an early break had helped to clean up a little, the kitchen was an absolute mess. The shelf that the waitress fell into was broken in two, and smashed plates and bits of food were everywhere around it. Bowls, pans, and more food lay disorderly on counters and the floor. A small path of blood traced along the floor to where the chef leaned against the wall holding a napkin to his nose. Blood had stained the front of his usual white shirt.
Oh, Francie, Will said, empathy showing on his face as he put a comforting hand on her shoulder. This is going to take a while to clean up. You better close for the day.
Francie stared at the ground and shook her head in disbelief. I'll go tell people who haven't gotten their food yet that they won't be getting it. Ugh! What a nightmare. Francie left to go make the announcement.
Vaughn went to pick up the broken shelf and set in on an empty counter. Sydney found a broom and began to sweep up the broken plates and bits of food into a dust pan held by Tracy. Will mopped up the blood on the floor, then checked on the chef to make sure he was all right.
After twenty minutes or so of cleaning, the kitchen had almost returned to it's normal look.
Really, I can't thank you guys enough, Francie told the group as they sat down in the emptied restaurant. All of the customers who wouldn't be getting food had left, and those who had their food had finished and left. Damn, it's not even five yet. Francie sighed. Hey, why don't I whip up some sundaes for all of us. On the house.
Sounds great! Sydney said, rubbing her hungry stomach. She hadn't had anything to eat since those cups of coffee at one in the morning. She quickly remembered the Cheerios she left on the counter... (A/n: yeah, they'd be pretty grody by now)
So where did you guys meet? Vaughn asked Will and Tracy.
Will looked at Tracy and smiled. Here, actually, he said. We were both at the bar, and we kind of kept looking at each other. She finally mustered up the courage to talk to me. We just went from there. Tracy nodded in remembrance and glanced at the bar quickly.
Vaughn smiled back at them and gripped Sydney's hand. Where did you guys meet? Tracy asked.
Without Tracy knowing, Will's eyes grew wide with worry. We met at work, at the bank, Sydney let the lie roll of her tongue. Something so easy and something she had done so often. And something Tracy would never know the truth about. Tracy simply smiled and nodded. Good, Sydney thought.
Ok, guys, five hot fudge sundaes, extra large for Sydney, Francie same out of the kitchen with a tray of ice-cream sundaes.
Yes, extra cherries! Will grinned foolishly as Francie handed him his ice-cream.
Always. What kind of idiot do you think I am? I know you don't like ice-cream unless it has lots of cherries. Will continued to grin as he picked up a cherry and ate it with pleasure.
And the big-ass sundae for Syd, Francie said, handing the biggest sundae to a cheering Sydney. And to match the big-ass sundae, she took a big-ass, cormorant bite of ice-cream, getting some on her nose. Vaughn leaned towards her and lasciviously kissed it off for her. Francie cooed, causing Vaughn and Sydney to separate and laugh.
The five spent the rest of the evening enjoying each other's presence and the ice-cream.
* * * * * * *
Jack Bristow sat the bed that was really a table with a thin foam pad covered in red leather. He buttoned the last button on his shirt and pulled his gray jacket over his shoulders. The tests had been performed, and all he had to do was wait for the results, though he had already been waiting for nearly an hour.
He winced as he lifted his leg onto the He had sprained his left ankle, broken his right collar bone, and gotten stitches on the cut in his forehead. The twitch his left hand had changed to a gentle vibration now and then.
He heard the twist of the door knob and Dixon soon appeared in the room with a wheelchair. Jack looked at him eagerly.
Dixon's face was a stone wall. Much like Jack, he could hide his emotions. It's like you suspected, he canted. The test results prove it. He handed Jack a slip of paper that showed many numbers and percentages. Jack sighed – it was true. This is going to make your recovery very difficult, you know.
I know. But I'm strong, and I've never been sick a day in my life. I can deal with this. Just then Jack's cell phone rang. With a little trouble, he pulled it from his belt and answered it.
Hey, Dad, it's Sydney.
Is something wrong? he immediately asked. Whenever his daughter called him, he always assumed something was wrong (except when she was younger – then he thought it was money).
Oh, no. Sorry to be calling so late, but we talked a little to long to Mrs. Vaughn.
Michael and I. Where are you? We just tried you at home and you weren't there.
I'm still at Headquarters. They just finished running the tests on me. I've just got a broken bone or two and a sprained ankle, but I should be fine. Dixon shot him an angry look, which Jack guiltily avoided.
Yes. But don't worry about it. I'll be home soon enough.
Ok. Well, Michael and I have something... rather important to tell you, she said with a hint of hesitancy in her voice. We're engaged.
Sydney grew worried over the silence that resided, though she couldn't see the miniscule smirk that ensconced her father's face. She let out a sigh of relief when she heard him utter, Congratulations. Have you set a date yet?
No, not yet, Sydney told him, her eyes wide with shock, unbeknownst to Jack. But, uh, I'll let you know.
Good. Again, congratulations. See you tomorrow morning. He hung up and let a content look settle on his face. Dixon looked at him with confusion. Sydney and Agent Vaughn are getting married.
Dixon smiled. I wondered when that was going to happen. And you're ok with it?
Jack shrugged. I talked with Sydney shortly after Agent Vaughn was shot. She explained to me about their love. They do truly love each other – you can see that. I know he'll take good care of her. Then, he added more softly, And I can get him fired if he does anything stupid.
Dixon's smile slowly turned to a serious note. But you didn't tell her. Jack looked to the floor. Agent Bristow – Jack – I've known you ever since you started working at SD-6. We haven't often worked together, but I know you well enough to know that you used to be very close with your family. I know you hate when you have to keep something from Sydney.
I don't have it in me to tell her.
Dixon paused. This is going to eat at you and burn you up inside until she knows. She has the right to know; she's your daughter, Jack. You have to tell her sooner or later. I know she'll be able to help.
What she doesn't know won't kill her.
But it just may kill you. Jack thought about Dixon's words as he hobbled into the wheelchair. He hated having to use a wheelchair, but he was ordered to use it until further notice. Jack tried to get comfortable in it, and considered the possibility that he may have to use it permanently.
* * * * * * *
The next morning Sydney arrived at Headquarters at promptly eight-thirty in the morning, a cup of coffee in hand. There was no doubt in anyone's mind that she wasn't glowing with bliss. And she truly was feeling happier now than she had in the past year or two. She was engaged to the man of her dreams, she wasn't living a lie, and... did I already mention that she was engaged to Michael Vaughn?
When she got to her desk, she found a file for a new mission, and a request to speak with her mother. She would be going to a place that Sark had been sighted. The CIA knew very well that Sark would no longer be there, but he had a tendency to leave behind a clue as to his next appearance. Sydney's job would be to find that clue and bring it home.
The building in which she and Dixon would be infiltrating was once KGB operated, which explained the request for a visit with her mother. The building was in the city of Saint-Petersburg, Russia, and as a front for the KGB, appeared to be manufacturing facility.
Sydney walked down the quiet halls and soon found herself in front of the cell of Irina Derevko.
her mother greeted her, Good morning. She yawned and stretched out her arms.
I need some information on a building in Saint-Petersburg. It used to be a front for the KGB. Sark was sighted there. She lifted a picture to the glass for Irina to see. Are you familiar with it?
Irina studied it with sheer concentration in her eyes. Yes. I remember it well. They manufactured train parts, correct? Sydney nodded. If Sark was there, he'd want to go to the fourth floor – that was where the KGB was – but it isn't accessible by civilians in the elevator. You'll take the elevator to the fifth floor. Go down the hallway on your right and go through the red steel door. It won't be locked. Irina went on to tell her how to get to the hidden staircase leading to the fourth floor. I highly doubt that anyone will be there. But if you find any trouble, there are hidden passages behind the hanging tapestries.
Sydney smiled at her mom and began fiddling with her ring... Ring? Oh crap...
That's a nice ring, Sydney, and if I'm not mistaken it's on a particular finger, Irina said, the corners of her lips turning into a smile.
Now or never, Sydney thought. Michael and I are getting married.
Irina smiled genuinely at her daughter. I wish you both a happy marriage. As Irina said this, Sydney could see a sign of sadness in her eyes, for she was remembering her own marriage's unhappy ending. Sydney gave her mom a final smile and stood from her chair to leave. Sydney, wait. There's something I want to give you. Irina removed the diamond earrings from her earlobes and placed them in the velvet box that usually sat by her bed.
Your earrings? Mom –
I want you to have these now. She paused before adding, Will you wear them for me on your wedding day? Irina set them in the box for them to be passed through to Sydney. She picked them up and held the velvet box delicately in her fingers.
I promise, Sydney responded before leaving. She slipped the earrings into her pocket before she got to her desk. She knew wearing these earrings on her wedding day would mean a lot to her mother, especially because she could not be present.
Just then she remembered that she would need to run a background check on Will's girlfriend, that Tracy Macklem. She opened up the file on the computer and typed in Macklem, Tracy.' Before clicking on the file, she saw her father out of the corner of her eye. she asked.
He turned to her in his wheelchair. It was electric, not manual, only because he had no use of his right arm. Hello, Sydney, he said quietly.
Oh, Dad, you said you were fine last night. You should be home, resting!
No, I can't. I've never done well with doing nothing, especially at home, Jack replied, seeing a hurt look on Sydney's face as she remembered her lonely childhood. Besides, I am fine. I'll return to my old self again before you know it. A quick smile flashed on his face before he went back to work.
Sydney turned reluctantly back to her computer. Her father really should be at home resting; he certainly didn't look fine. She clicked on the link for the name Macklem, Tracy.' She began to read about simple things, like D.O.B. 9/05/73,' tonsils removed 1/14/84,' and speeding ticket 8/22/93.' Her eyes scanned down the page until she found –
Oh my God...
A/N: Oh, so many cliffhangers. Is Sydney pregnant? What happened to Jack? What's up with Tracy? Will Francie find a new cook? Ok, so the last one isn't that important, but still I can count it as a cliffy, can't I? I hoped you guys liked this one. Please REVIEW! REVIEW LIKE YOU'RE A CRAZY MADMAN/WOMAN!