A/N: After watching JPIII's DVD bonus material, I realized to my utmost horror that I've made a terrible mistake.  Ellie's last name is NOT spelled 'SATTLER', but 'SADLER.'  Sorry about the error.

Chapter Fifteen

Facing It

Part One

Unusually relaxed, Ellie stretched out her arms and arched her back like a cat.  A crisp draft drifted through the sheets and she relished in the feel of the cool air, smiling as she pried her eyes open and squinted against the sun's rays that extended through the window's half-open blinds.  She sighed contentedly and rolled onto her stomach, snuggling further into the bed.  She inhaled deeply and froze.  The pillow beside her smelled masculine: cologne, aftershave, and sweat rolled into one delicious scent.

Ellie jumped up and was shocked to realize she wasn't in her room, but in Alan's.  She threw the covers back and gasped: she was naked.  Frantic, she leapt out of the bed, wrapping a sheet around her nudity.  She gaped at the empty bed.  Then it came rushing back to her and she felt her cheeks heat up as she remembered their night of passion.  Feeling foolish at her moment of forgetfulness, Ellie gathered up her clothes that were strewn over the mattress and floor.

She slinked out of the room to her own where she got fresh clothes.  After taking her shower and dressing, she strolled into the kitchen and was disheartened not to find Alan.  Had he gone out?  She ate a quick breakfast before slipping on her sneakers and heading out of the trailer.

Not too many people were left.  A few of the students who were waiting to leave closer to Christmas because they lived to far to travel both holidays were lazily picking their way along this morning.  Chris Owens admitted to seeing Alan earlier, but wasn't sure where the doctor was now.

"That's ok, Chris.  I think I know where he is."  Ellie trudged off toward the lab trailer and was pleased when she entered it.  Alan was perched on a stool scrutinizing something in the microscope.  His forehead was wrinkled with concentration.  "What are you working on?"

Alan shrugged.  "This and that.  At the moment I'm checking this fossil for cracks.  Ken accidentally dropped a chisel on it."  He pulled the slide out and removed the fossil, placing it gently in a sterile container.  "I think it'll live."  He reached over and picked up a hammer that had broken and ran his fingers over the damage.  "It's a shame, really.  I hate it win things break.  They can't always be fixed.  Then you have to throw it away."  He tossed the tool into the garbage can.  It made a sharp clutter as it landed in the tin.  "What a waste."

Growing increasingly nervous and unsure, Ellie licked her lips and stepped closer.  "You were up fairly early this morning."

Grant glanced her way, but didn't make eye contact.  "Yeah, well, I had things to do."  He isolated himself from his seat and ambled to the filing cabinet, yanking it open.  He rummaged through the drawer, but wasn't positive as to what he was looking for: if he really needed to look for anything.

Ellie glanced toward the window that was above the sink.  "Alan…"

He sighed and quietly shut the drawer, turning slowly to face her.  "Ellie."  He appeared uncertain.  "Last night…I…it shouldn't have happened."  He looked away from her panged expression.  "It would never work between us.  You're twenty-eight for god's sake!"

"Don't, Alan!  Don't you dare use our ages against us!  So, what if you're twelve years older?  That has nothing to do with us or our feelings."  Ellie marched over, desperate for understanding.  "Try again, Alan.  Give me another lame excuse and I'll get out of your life so fast you'll wonder if I was ever here at all."

Grant stared at her pleadingly.  "Ellie…"

"Yes, Alan?  I'm waiting.  Give me one good reason why we shouldn't be together."

"Lisa," he blurted out.  "I feel like I cheated on my wife!"  He whipped around and kicked the trashcan, sending it rolling across the floor.  "How could I do this to her!"  He whirled back around and gazed wildly and intently at Ellie.  "I did a terrible thing, Ellie.  I fell in love with you when I shouldn't have!"

Her heart caught in her throat and she took a few shaky breaths.  "You-you love me?"

"Yes, I do, but it's wrong of me.  I was a happily married man to a wonderful woman and now I've betrayed her by falling in love with you and sleeping with you."  He marched passed her and stormed out of the trailer, slamming the door so hard it bounced back.

"I love you, too, Alan," she whispered.

Part Two

Alan furiously trekked up the hill to Site E.  How could he have let this happen?  He knew from the start it would be a mistake allowing Ellie to live with him, but their first year and half had gone so smoothly he figured it would all work out.  Then he took her to his bed last night and destroyed everything.

Grant was at the peak before he realized where he had gone.  He paced back and forth with a renewed burst of energy.  He didn't want to loose Ellie has a colleague, roommate, or – most importantly – as a friend.  He had to find a way to sooth things over with her and make her realize that they were better off keeping things platonic.  Otherwise, in the end, they would only get hurt.

He halted in mid-stride when he saw her approaching.  Now was the time to set things right.  He waited until she was a few feet away before taking a deep breath and…

"I love you."

He choked back his words of refusal and peered at her oddly.  "What?"

"I love you, Alan.  Maybe it is wrong, but who says it isn't right?  Do you honestly think Lisa would want you to live a life of solitude and loneliness?  From what you've told, she was a marvelous and compassionate woman.  I don't have a doubt that she would want you to continue on and feel something again."  Ellie walked closer and took one his hands in hers.  "You said you loved me.  Did you mean it?"

"Yes," he murmured.

"Then prove if by taking a risk."  She kissed his knuckles.  "I'm not going anywhere, Alan.  No matter what you decide.  But I won't be your side girl.  And I won't wait around forever waiting for you to make a move."

After a tense hesitation, a small smile slowly formed on his lips and he took her into his arms.  "I won't make you wait at all."  He kissed her soundly then boyishly smirked at her.  "Enough of this mushiness.  It's making me nauseous."

Ellie playfully smacked him in the arm.

End Chapter Fifteen

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