Chapter 7 the Reunion

That evening Dana slipped into her shoes and then moved to the dresser to have a look at her in the mirror.  She'd taken special time with her appearance tonight, pulling up her long hair into a loose coil atop her head while she curled a few loose strands to frame her face.  She then applied the lightest cosmetics.  It hadn't' been all that long since Carter and Kelsey had returned to their homes to change clothes and yet Dana was wondering how much longer would pass before Carter would return.  She knew she was and sweet and smart and… 

Dana was just about to put in her ear rings when there came a knock on her door.

"Come in." 

"Wow…" came Ryan's reaction and she turned smiling at her brother.  Her won eyes widened at the sight of him in his silver dress shirt and black tie.  She thought that he'd never looked better and he smiled seeing she approved. 

"Good, then its ok." 

"Ok?  Ryan you'll have Kelsey on her knees." 

"Kelsey?" 

"Yes, the girl you're all dolled up for." 

"I'm not…" 

"Save it, I know the attempt to make an impression when I see it." 

"Or when you make it?" 

"Ryan what..." 

Just then the doorbell rang and Ryan took in what she'd been about to do and headed into the living room to answer the door, leaving Dana to put in her ear rings even as hope soured within her.  Was it Carter?  Was he there?  Ok, she told herself to get a grip.  H

"He's been your best friend for a long time now, no reason to get all gooey eyed."    With that thought she took one last look at her appearance and headed out into the living room to greet the new comers. 

"Man you look good."  Joel was saying to her brother as he took his hand proppered in greeting.

Standing there in the doorway Dana took in the change that love had brought to both of her friends.  Miss Fairweather or rather Angela was not in her lab coat or glasses, she was in a soft brown leather jacket and high boots.  Her hair was hanging loose and she looked radiant.  Joel looked just as happy if a little nervous and the latter had Dana frowning.  Why would he be nervous?  They were all friends if a little distant lately.  She had no more time to wonder about it though as she was spotted.

"If it isn't Doctor Dana."  Joel grinned and pulled her into a bear hug.

"I'm not a doctor yet Joel."   Dana laughed then hugged each in turn.

"Close enough."  Ryan showed him where to put the gifts they'd brought and then went in to check on dinner.

"So the others aren't here yet?"  Angela asked as Dana ladled out some of Ryan's holiday punch. She forced herself not to think of the sugar content of the drink.  She knew that it was a special occasion but Ginger Ale, orange juice pineapple juice and cranberry juice had enough sugar to put a diabetic into a coma.  Luckily none of them were in that boat. 

"No, Kelsey should be here any minute though.  She was hear earlier but had to run home to change clothes."  Dana explained handing the other woman the glass.

"It's good you two kept in touch."  The scientist smiled. 

Ryan was on his way back into the living room when there was another knock at the door so he went to answer it.  Of course Kelsey came in weighted down with gifts and grinning from ear to ear.

"Merry Christmas!"  She grinned even as Chad came up behind her also weighted down with gifts.

Ryan noted that Kelsey didn't wince or flinch or anything she just stood there smiling as if only he, Ryan Mitchell mattered to her.  It hit him then that they'd not had time to talk about that kiss earlier and he knew that they would before the night was out. 

"Talk about timing."  Joel called as they came in then he added.  "Did you two plan this?"

"NO, not this time."  Chad said and he deposited his gifts with those that Angela and Joel had brought.  The pretty brunette he'd brought with him smiled and stood by the door. 

A few minutes later Kelsey and Angela were talking and Ryan was getting the new comers some punch.  Dana could see that Joel and Chad were talking easily including Chad's "Cousin" in their conversation.  She saw too that Kelsey only had eyes for her brother.   She wondered just what had happened between them that afternoon.  And she was sure something had, there was just some kind of a glow about them.  Had they become more than friends?  That thought was humming through her mind, as Dana went to answer the door. 

The first thing she saw was the brown hair peeking just above the pile of brightly wrapped packages.  Dana could barely hold in the laugh.  She'd never thought to see Carter hidden behind a stack FO presents.  Heavens before the other day she'd thought she might never see him again. 

"Carter, I didn't think you had this much stuff this morning."  Dana said taking some of the packages from him.

"I did a little shopping on the way home."  He grinned and she made a face.  "Ok, so that was a little overboard."  He laughed and she remembered how reluctantly he'd left that afternoon.  He'd had to run home wrap his gifts and change his cloths but he'd still gone out and did more shopping. 

"Are you going to keep the poor man standing in the cold hall?"  Joel called from behind her and Dana felt her cheeks redden.

"Sorry come on in."  She said leading him to where he could set down the bundles he still held. She took in his red dress shirt and black tie, not to mention his matching black slacks.  Heavens she'd not thought he could look any better than he had that morning but this was hot.  She knew her cheeks had to be bright red and so she headed back over to the card table they'd set up for the drinks. 

It was only then as Dana stood by the punchbowl on the dining room table that she realized they were not all there.

Frowning she quietly slipped into the kitchen.  Picking up the phone she dialed her father's number.  The phone rang several times and then was picked up.

"Hello?"  Came a thick voice and immediately Dana went into doctor mode.

"Hi Dad, It's me.  You're sick."  She surmised.

"Dana, I'm really sorry but I won't be able to make it tonight."  William Mitchell told his daughter and then he promptly blew his nose.  Dana frowned.  Why hadn't he told her before now?  She'd have been there in a flash.

"Dad I'm coming over as soon as I…"

"No Dana, I'm alright I just need rest.  You stay there and have a good time."

"Are you sure Dad?  I could just…"

"I'm fine.  I told you.  I just want to rest up.  I'll be there tomorrow though."  He added wearily.

"Dad, I'll um…"

Feeling the hand on her shoulder she turned slightly to find Carter standing right behind her.  He had a concerned look on his face.  She felt the tears coming and turned back to the phone. 

"Ok Dad.  Get some rest."  She managed and then hung up before the tears could choke her up. 

"What's happening?"  Carter asked quietly and she tried to fight back the upset in her belly. 

"Dad's not coming, he's sick." 

"Oh Dana I'm sorry."  He reached out to touch her arm.

"I wanted to go see him but…"  She knew she'd be crying any second but her legs felt heavy. 

"He doesn't want you too?"  He asked gently. 

"No, he wants us to have fun, but Carter how?  This was supposed to be perfect.  It's Ryan's first Christmas in fourteen years and now…"  She wiped furiously at the tears spilling from her eyes and found herself pulled against Carter's firm chest.  He didn't say anything, just holding her as she wept out her frustration and disappointment.  

"Shhh…"  He then said as she felt the weariness of the last few days settling over her. 

"but it's all messed up first Chad and now dad and…'

"Dane, Kelsey is fine, she and Ryan are talking and Chad and his date are talking with Joel."  He paused to tilt up her tear streaked face saying, "You know what?" 

"No what?"  She sniffed as he used a tissue to wipe at her cheeks. 

"You look really pretty when you cry."  He thought back to the time they'd gone to the beach.  Not only had Ryan let her burry him in the sand but Dana had worn the most provocative bikini he'd ever seen.  Still she'd never looked better than just then. 

"Carter I do not."   

"Yes you do, your eyes glitter and your cheeks…' 

"Hey you two what's…?"  Kelsey began and seeing just where her friends were she blushed and instinctively stepped back.  "Oh…"

"Kel, it's ok."   

"Dane?  What's…?"  Ryan broke off and Dana sighed knowing now she'd have to tell him about dad. 

"Dana you've been crying."  He was pushing passed Kelsey and frowning at Carter.  "What's going on?" 

"I just talked to dad."  She began and Ryan looked down at her, meeting her still slightly misty blue orbs.  "He can't come."  She said and sniffled slightly. 

"Dana, its ok, shush…'  He said taking her from Carter who nodded and left them there.  He knew that she needed this moment with her brother. 

Kelsey followed him out. 

"What did he say?"  Ryan asked tilting up her chin, trying to understand why she was so upset. 

"He's sick. He'll be here tomorrow though."  She said sniffing as she tried to figure out what to do next. 

"That's something at least."  He said wondering why she was so upset.  True it was a party but she knew more about being sick than anyone… 

"But now…" she couldn't look at him as she went on.  "It's not perfect."  She cried and he frowned. 

"Dana you're not making any sense."  He said forcing her face back around so she had to look at him.  In her eyes he saw so much, shame, defeat and… 

"This is your first Christmas, it should be perfect."  She said then, looking down even as they were face to face. 

"Oh Dana…"  He breathed, so that was it?  She wanted this perfect?  How was it after all he'd done as one of the minions of Diabolico he still had her love, her commitment?  He didn't know he just knew that she was wrong, very wrong.   "It is, it is."    He said pressing her face into his shirt and stroking her hair.  

"But Dad…'  She began trying to pull away from him. 

"I know how to fix that."  He said and she frowned. 

"How?" 

"First go in to the bathroom and fix yourself up.  Then you'll see."  He said tapping her lightly on the nose. 

"Ok."  She sniffed and he watched her walk to the door. 

"Ryan?"  She asked pausing to turn back slightly. 

"Yeah?"  He asked struck by just how much like their mother she looked. 

"I love you."  She said and her tone was soft, slow and heartfelt.  

"You two sis.  I love you too."  He smiled at her gently. 

*** 

Upon returning to the living room fifteen minutes later Dana found Kelsey pulling her to sit on the couch between herself and Carter.  She slowly became aware of just how little sitting space there was on the couch.  She was nearly in Carter's lap after all.  He didn't seem to mind shifting so that his arm lay along the back of the couch so he'd have a little more space.  Dana didn't mind, she told herself that even as the little butterflies began to dance in her stomach. 

 "Hey Kel can you give me a hand?"  Ryan called from the kitchen and the girl in yellow got to her feet with a brief word of apology to Chad who she'd been

Talking to.

"Are you feeling better, you know about the call and everything?"  He asked hoping it didn't sound strange.

"Yeah, I am."  Dana smiled a little.  She was so sweet.  She had said that that afternoon and he'd acted like she was crazy.  That made her smile.  It was just like Carter to play his good qualities.     Dana was so lost in her thoughts she almost missed his next question.  She never even noticed that Chad and Angela were also heading for the kitchen.

"I'm sorry what did you ask?"  Dana frowned shifting slightly in her seat feeling a little less silly once she had enough room to face him. 

"I think today's just been a long one."  She laughed blushing slightly at the lie. 

"I had a feeling I exhausted you this morning."  Carter confessed after a moment of silence.  Dana looked up and found his eyes on her.

"I enjoyed shopping, with you."  She admitted looking at her hands again.

 She didn't realize that he was playing with one of her curls until she felt a slight pressure on her shoulder and saw that it was his fingers.

"I did too.  It's been so long since we hung out that I um have a confusion to make." Carter began sheepishly.  "I didn't need help.  I just um wanted to… 

"Hey you guys dinners ready!"  Joel called from the kitchen and Dana felt an odd sense of loss as Carter got to his feet.  She took the hand he offered to help her up and didn't even think about it when he didn't let go.

Together the pair made their way into the dining room where the others were gathered around the table.

Ryan had to fight back a smile.  His little sister looked happy if a little flushed.  Idly he wondered if Carter had gotten around to asking her out.  He'd seen How Carter had been watching Dana since he'd arrived.  It was just like always, big brown eyes following her every move.    Sure the fire fighter

Was careful about it but Ryan still saw.  Thanks to his family and friends he'd managed to get on with his life.  Now he was going to fix things for two of the best people he knew.  He knew that his sister loved Carter and so…  After all as her big brother it was his job to see that she was happy.

"Ok," Dana said after she recited the blessing.  "Ryan are you going to cut it?"

"Yep."  He grinned and did so easily.  He'd been practicing on all of their meat for the last week.

Dana Noticed that Chad's date was talking to Kelsey even as she handed her plate to Ryan.  They were getting along just fine.   They'd barely even been apart all night.  She decided to be sure that things were taking the right course after dinner.  First though.

"Cranberry sauce?"  Joel asked and Dana realized he was talking to her.  She didn't like the stuff and before she could speak up Carter did it for her.

"Come on Joel you know she doesn't like it."

"Man how do you know that?"  Joel asked.

"Last thanksgiving; remember when we had the dinner at the Aquabase?"  Carter asked and after receiving strange looks from his five of his friends he added.

 "Come on guys it's called being a friend."

"I wonder."  Kelsey said looking from one of her friends to the other.

"Ok, Ok, enough."  Captain Mitchell said and Dana jumped.  Had she just heard her father?  That couldn't be, he was sick, in the new base.  It was only then she saw Ryan's smiling face, his silver eyes locking on hers. That was what he'd meant about fixing things?  She looked around until she spotted the speaker phone by the head of the table where her brother sat.  She smiled at Ryan nodding in understanding and acceptance. 

Carter caught the by play between brother and sister and wondered just what Ryan had done, then he spotted the phone too and a tiny smile touched the corners of his lips.  Yes, the silver clad young man had turned out to be a real surprise. 

 "So how did you two meet?"  Angela asked looking at Chad's pretty date. 

"Oh, it's a funny story really."  The girl said and looking to the boy in question. 

"We love funny stories."  Ryan said intently watching the byplay between the two. 

"Well, Chad was in the library, researching something for a paper when I was working.  When I went to check out his books I noticed he was in half of my classes and we just started talking and…"  Arena blushed. 

"I am sorry that I lied about Arena.  When you said kel would be here I really didn't' know what to say to you. I know you were trying to hook us up but…'  Chad said looking rather sheepish.

"I…'  Dana blushed awkwardly. 

"She was trying to make me feel better that my best friend had ditched me."  Kelsey broke in and all eyes but Dana's and Ryan's went to her. 

"Kelsey, Chad calm down."  Came Captain Mitchell's deep voice over the speaker phone and then he sneezed. 

"Sir, its true and…"  Chad argued looking right at Dana, not exactly accusing, he'd never accused anyone of anything.  His dark eyes were just quiet. 

"he was right Kel."  Dana admitted looking at her hands on her napkin.  "I was trying to fix you two up." 

"Oh, I see."  Kelsey didn't know what to say to that.  In truth she'd thought she'd had feelings for him but… 

"So, you set up this reunion so…'  Joel frowned at Dana.  Was that why they were all there? 

"When the idea hit me yes, but…"  Dana admitted.

"You know I thought we were like family."  The blue clad young man said frowning.  "But family doesn't use trickery to get what they want." 

"Family doesn't lie either."  She said quietly and then with out warning she rose and went from the room, heading not for the kitchen but out into the night. 

TBC 

*** 

I don't' know if anyone is still reading this but if you are please let me know.  I was also wondering if you think I'm being too sappy or I'm adding the right amount of conflict.