AN: Thanks again for the reviews. I promise to update as soon as I reattach my hands. This chapter took me a while to write. I hope you enjoy.
The ride in the elevator seemed like it took an eternity. Each passenger was in his/her own world.
AJ was concerned about Mac, but at the moment was concerned about Harm and Sturgis. AJ could understand Sturgis' need to get to the hospital. Hell, he would have done the same thing. He knew Sturgis expect to get into an accident. Much less hit someone he knew. To make matters worse for him, it was Mac he hit. Sturgis was right about the relationship these two share. He had seen the spark the first day they met. He told them not to get too close, and they listened. He wondered if he really should have told them that. There was no denying the love these two shared. If only one of them would admit it to the other.
AJ glanced in Harm's direction and didn't like what he saw. Every emotion imaginable flashed across his face. What worried AJ the most though were his eyes. The looked so empty. Like a piece of him was missing. The spark was no longer there. He knew Harm had always been driven by his emotions. Just look at Paraguay. He actually resigned his commission to go after Mac. He knew Harm was trying to keep a tight lid on his emotions, but those lids seem to always break when Mac is concerned. He wondered if he was doing the right thing by letting Harm see Sturgis. In the end, he decided it was for the best, and Harm needed to know.
Meanwhile, Bud and Harriet were concerned for their friends, especially Harm and Mac. There has always been a special connection between the four of them. They each thought back to when they asked harm and Mac to be the godparents to little AJ. It was such a happy event. The look Harm and Mac shared at the christening was priceless. You would have thought it was their baby. They each had their own separate memories also.
Bud thought back to when he first cam to JAG. Harm and Mac took him under their wing and helped guide him to become the lawyer he is today. Every memory he had, one of them was involved. They were such an integral part of his life that he didn't know what he would do without them.
Harriet remembered the first time she met Harm and Mac, too. She was stationed on a carrier, and even then, she could see the bond these two shared. She jumped forward to just a few months ago when little AJ was missing. Both were so worried that they even sent Bud home to be with her. Inside her mind, she couldn't picture two people who were meant for each other. Hopefully, it wasn't too late.
Then there was Harm. Harm felt like his insides were being torn apart. On one hand, there was Sturgis. One the other was Mac. He had know Sturgis for 22 years. Sturgis had bailed him and Keeter out of so many things while at the academy. This was the same person who helped him restore his vette. The same one who played basketball with him. How was he suppose to get past this. He knows they always say forgive and forget, but could he? He hit Mac! Mac! Not just some stranger on the street. This was the woman he loved! Worry couldn't begin to describe the emotions coursing though him. He can't even imagine his life without her. The last words they spoke to each other were so full of anger. God he wished he could take it all back.
Flashback
It was the weekend after the Dining Out. Mac was still sore, but feeling much better. She and Harm made plans to get together to discuss what the doctor had said, and explore options. Sturgis had come over that morning to pick up Harm's car. Sturgis had lost a case to Harm, and as punishment, had to have Harm's car completely detailed. Harm had everything planned out to perfection. He knew Mac is probably more sore than she care to admit, so he planned a simple evening. He ran over to Blockbuster and rented a bunch of Mac's favorite movies. He was also fixing one of her favorite dinners, veal parmesan and garlic butter pasta. For dessert, he had crème brulee. It was something he hadn't made before, and there was not time like the present to try. He also had bought some shrimp at the store for him. He had just finished peeling the shrimp and setting the veal to marinate in buttermilk when Mac knocked.
Walking to the door, he took in the site before him. Mac was dressed in a silver button-down blouse and black jeans. She had let her hair down and added some waves to it. Harm could hardly breathe much less speak. Mac broke him out of his reverie.
"You know you should take a picture, Harm. It would last longer."
Blushing, Harm answered her. "I'm sorry, Mac. You look beautiful. Please come in."
"Thank you. You don't look so bad yourself, sailor."
He certainly didn't. Mac could barely contain the gasp that escaped her throat when she saw him. He was dressed in a ribbed navy blue shirt and blue jeans. Both garments fit him like a glove. Mac marveled at how it accentuated his muscular chest, and those jeans! They just completed the package, hugging his six nice and tight.
Harm closed and locked the door, and turned to Mac.
"I hope you brought your appetite."
Mac cocked an eyebrow at him.
"I know. I know. Stupid question. Why don't you take a seat on the couch? Mattie let me borrow her TV and DVD player, so I rented some movies. Are you thirsty? I have water and soda if you want."
He knew he was rambling. He had never been this nervous before. Tonight was the night he was going to tell Mac how he felt. He was praying she wouldn't shoot him down though.
'He looks so cute when he's nervous. I guess I'll be nice to him. "Water will be fine, thanks."
Harm brought her a bottle of water and sat next to her.
"So...I know...we...uh...wanted to talk tonight. Did you want to do that now or wait till after dinner?"
"Why don't we wait till after dinner? I think better on a full stomach."
"That's my marine."
"Your marine, huh?"
"Uh...yeah. You mind?"
"Not at all."
"Good. I'll go get dinner started. It should be ready in an hour."
"What are we having?"
"It's a surprise."
"Oh, I like surprises."
"I know."
Harm got up and started dinner. Mac had tried several times to sneak into the kitchen to either help or find out what's for dinner. Harm finally set up a place for her to make the salad. Once everything was finished, they sat down to eat.
"Oh Harm. This is delicious, and it's one of my favorites. Thank you so much."
"My pleasure, Mac. I couldn't very well have a hungry marine over could I?"
"No. I don't think that would be in your best interest."
That's the way it went through the whole dinner. They were so at ease with each other. So comfortable to be spending time together. After dessert, which Mac loved, they sat on the couch facing each other.
"I did rent some of you favorite movies if you prefer to do that instead of..."
His voice trailed off. Not wanting to finish the sentence.
"We can watch movies later, Harm. Right now we need to talk."
"Ok."
"Did you have a chance to think about what I asked?"
How could he not think about it?! It was all he ever thought about. Mac actually decided to take him up on going halves on a child. She told him that doctor said she had endometriosis, and it could hurt her chances of getting pregnant. The doctor advised her that she should start now if she wanted a baby. She asked Harm how he wanted to go about conceiving. The doctor said there were a few options, but conceiving the natural way was the best. There was also artificial insemination and invitro fertilization. In his heart, he wanted to conceive a child naturally. Not be artificial means. He wanted a child conceived in love. Their love. 'But what if she doesn't feel the same way?' That's what his biggest worry was.
"Yeah, I did."
"And?"
"Well I'm not sure, Mac. I know what I want , but I'm not sure if we could do it."
"Well what is it?"
"I want a child naturally, Mac. Not a child conceived by artificial means."
Mac had to swallow the lump that now formed in her throat. This is what she had dreamed he would say.
"Ok. So what's the problem?"
"Well...I...uh..." 'Damn it why can't I just spit it out! It's so easy! Come on Rabb, all you have to do is tell her. It's because you love her, and want to spend the rest of you life with her. You don't want just a child. You want the whole package.'
"Harm?"
"I'm sorry. Just zoned out a bit. I don't know how to say this." "Why don't you try the straight forward approach."
"I...Well you see, Mac..."
Harm's voice stopped at that precise moment. This was it. This is when he was going to tell her how he felt. The problem was that he was scared to death. He didn't want to lose what they were just starting to get back.
While Harm was trying to put his thoughts together, Mac was getting slightly frustrated. 'What the hell is taking him so long. After all, he was the one who put the offer back on the table. I'm not asking him to make a commitment. Although that is what I want. I want him to be a part of the baby's life in everyway.
"Harm, just spit it out."
Harm's own frustrations were starting to surface.
"I'm trying. Can't you give me a moment?"
"What's so hard to say that you need to take 7 minutes and 45 seconds to figure out how to say it?"
Harm felt like pulling his hair out. This is not how he planned for this conversation to go, but damn she can be so infuriating.
"Mac, I'm trying to figure out how to tell you what I want!"
His voice was now starting to rise. Leave it to Mac to not take that kind of crap from him.
"I just don't see what's so difficult. You said the deal still stands. You said you wanted to have a baby naturally. What else is there?"
"How about how are we going to raise the baby? Where is the baby going to live? How will we take care of the baby? That's what else!"
"Harm those are things we can discuss after we agree on how to have this baby. Of course the baby will live with me since I plan to breast feed...and..."
Mac didn't even get a chance to finish her sentence because Harm jumped in.
"Why should the baby get to stay with just you, Mac. Damn it I want to be apart of the baby's life! Not just some sperm donor!"
"Harmon Rabb you can be so infuriating sometimes. I never said you couldn't be a part of the baby's life!"
"Well isn't that the pot calling the kettle black!"
"What is that suppose to mean."
"You figure it out!"
"You know what. I'm not going to do this with you! I am sick and tired of trying to justify myself to you. Hell, you won't even let me finish what I was trying to tell you earlier. If you would have given me a chance I would have told you...No. Forget. It's not worth it. I'm not going to pass up my one chance to have a baby because we can't have a civilized conversation. Goodbye Harmon Rabb."
With tears flowing down her cheeks, Mac stormed out of his apartment.
End Flashback
The sound of the elevator stopping on Sturgis's floor brought them back to reality. Walking up to Sturgis's door, AJ turned around to face Harm.
"Let me go in first, Harm. He's not expecting you so soon."
"Sure AJ. Whatever you want."
Something wasn't right here. AJ looked into Harm's eyes once again, and saw something he never saw before. Guilt. AJ couldn't help but wonder where that came from. Harm seems so different now. His shoulders and slumped over and his head is so low it's dragging on the ground. Something happened to him while we were on the elevator.
"Mr. Roberts, can I see you for a moment?"
"Certainly, sir."
Stepping into another hallway, AJ addressed his junior officer.
"Bud, try to talk to Harm. Something's definitely eating at him."
"I noticed it too, sir. It's as if he feels guilty about something."
"Just see what you can find out Bud."
"Yes, sir"
Both walked back to Harriet and Harm.
"I'm going in to talk to Sturgis."
"Harriet, would you mind getting me and the Comm. Some coffee?" Bud glanced at his wife hoping she would pick up on the unspoken message.
"Sure. I'll be right back."
"Sir, what's wrong? You seem different."
"Right now Bud, I can't even put it into words. At first, I wanted to kill Sturgis when I found out he hit Mac. Part of me is still pissed at him, but not as much anymore."
"What's changed, sir?"
"Before Mac got into the accident. We had a major fight. It's my fault. I never gave her a chance to speak, and I couldn't weave two words together to tell her how I feel. It's all my fault Bud. If we hadn't been fighting, she wouldn't have stormed out of my apartment and got hit by Sturgis. What am I going to do Bud? I can't lose her! I love her!"
With that, the dam broke and Harm started to cry. Bud had no idea what to do. He had never seen Harm cry before. Lucky for him, Harriet chose that moment to walk up with the coffee. Taking in the scene before her, she handed Bud the coffee and took Harm into her arms.
"It's ok, sir. Everything will be ok."
"Oh God! What have I done?!"
Harm continued to cry as AJ spoke to Sturgis.
"I was able to get some information about your dad."
"Is he ok."
"It appears that he will be Sturgis. They found two blocked arteries leading into his heart. The we're able to give him some medicine to dissolve the clots. They have him in ICU just in case."
"Oh thank God."
"I also came to tell you that Harm's here."
"What?!"
"Evidently he was going to see Mac, and he saw his SUV. The cops filled him in. Once he got here, he put two and two together and figured it all out."
"You mean he knows I hit Mac?"
"Yes he does, but he doesn't know the reasons for it. You should be the one to tell him."
"Ok, sir. Is he outside the door?"
"Yeah."
"Well lets get this over with."
"Ok."
AJ walked out and was shocked by what he saw. Here was Harm crying on Harriet's shoulder.
"Jesus, Bud what did you do?"
"Nothing, sir. I asked what was wrong, and he said that he and the Colonel had a big fight tonight, and she left his apartment. He's blaming himself for the accident because of the argument."
"Oh for crying out loud."
AJ walked up to Harm and Harriet.
"Harm?"
Quickly straightening up and wiping the tears from his eyes, "sir."
"Are you going to be ok, son?"
"Honestly, I don't know, sir. That all depends on Mac."
"It'll work out for the best, Harm. Now are you ready to see Sturgis?"
"Ready as I'll ever be."
AJ let Harm step pass him and walk into Sturgis' room. Harm tentatively walked up to the side of the bed.
"Hey."
"Hey."
"How are you feeling."
"Like shit. You?"
"Likewise."
"Harm. I'm so sorry."
"What the hell happened, Sturgis?"
"I was on my way to drop off your car when I got a call from Bethesda. Harm, my dad had a heart attack. They told me to get here as fast as I can. I was going through the intersection by your house doing speeds that would get me arrested. Next thing I know, I slammed into Mac's car and rammed her into a light pole. God, Harm. I'm so sorry. I didn't know it was her. I was just trying to get to my dad. I would never have tried to hurt her, Harm. You've got to believe me."
Tears were running down Sturgis' face as he relived the accident. Harm took a few minutes to take in what Sturgis said before responding.
"I do believe you Sturgis. I know you would never hurt Mac intentionally. I just don't know if I can let it go just yet. You know how I feel about her, Sturgis. I don't know if she will even survive the surgery. I can't imagine my life without her."
"I know, buddy. I'm not asking for you forgiveness. All I am asking for is your understanding. Maybe someday, you can forgive me."
"Yeah, someday. Look I'm just as much to blame for tonight than your are."
"Pardon?"
"You see. Mac and I..."
Harm never got a chance to finish because AJ, Bud and Harriet rushed in.
"Harm. It's Mac!"
Well here is the next installment. I already have 28 typed pages. My papers in grad school weren't this long, and I didn't enjoy writing them as much as I like writing this. So what did you all think of Harm's reaction. I couldn't see him beating the crap out of Sturgis. Although he may do that later. I could see him finding a way to blame himself. And to everyone who is wondering. No, I will not kill Mac, and you will find out how she is doing next chapter.
The ride in the elevator seemed like it took an eternity. Each passenger was in his/her own world.
AJ was concerned about Mac, but at the moment was concerned about Harm and Sturgis. AJ could understand Sturgis' need to get to the hospital. Hell, he would have done the same thing. He knew Sturgis expect to get into an accident. Much less hit someone he knew. To make matters worse for him, it was Mac he hit. Sturgis was right about the relationship these two share. He had seen the spark the first day they met. He told them not to get too close, and they listened. He wondered if he really should have told them that. There was no denying the love these two shared. If only one of them would admit it to the other.
AJ glanced in Harm's direction and didn't like what he saw. Every emotion imaginable flashed across his face. What worried AJ the most though were his eyes. The looked so empty. Like a piece of him was missing. The spark was no longer there. He knew Harm had always been driven by his emotions. Just look at Paraguay. He actually resigned his commission to go after Mac. He knew Harm was trying to keep a tight lid on his emotions, but those lids seem to always break when Mac is concerned. He wondered if he was doing the right thing by letting Harm see Sturgis. In the end, he decided it was for the best, and Harm needed to know.
Meanwhile, Bud and Harriet were concerned for their friends, especially Harm and Mac. There has always been a special connection between the four of them. They each thought back to when they asked harm and Mac to be the godparents to little AJ. It was such a happy event. The look Harm and Mac shared at the christening was priceless. You would have thought it was their baby. They each had their own separate memories also.
Bud thought back to when he first cam to JAG. Harm and Mac took him under their wing and helped guide him to become the lawyer he is today. Every memory he had, one of them was involved. They were such an integral part of his life that he didn't know what he would do without them.
Harriet remembered the first time she met Harm and Mac, too. She was stationed on a carrier, and even then, she could see the bond these two shared. She jumped forward to just a few months ago when little AJ was missing. Both were so worried that they even sent Bud home to be with her. Inside her mind, she couldn't picture two people who were meant for each other. Hopefully, it wasn't too late.
Then there was Harm. Harm felt like his insides were being torn apart. On one hand, there was Sturgis. One the other was Mac. He had know Sturgis for 22 years. Sturgis had bailed him and Keeter out of so many things while at the academy. This was the same person who helped him restore his vette. The same one who played basketball with him. How was he suppose to get past this. He knows they always say forgive and forget, but could he? He hit Mac! Mac! Not just some stranger on the street. This was the woman he loved! Worry couldn't begin to describe the emotions coursing though him. He can't even imagine his life without her. The last words they spoke to each other were so full of anger. God he wished he could take it all back.
Flashback
It was the weekend after the Dining Out. Mac was still sore, but feeling much better. She and Harm made plans to get together to discuss what the doctor had said, and explore options. Sturgis had come over that morning to pick up Harm's car. Sturgis had lost a case to Harm, and as punishment, had to have Harm's car completely detailed. Harm had everything planned out to perfection. He knew Mac is probably more sore than she care to admit, so he planned a simple evening. He ran over to Blockbuster and rented a bunch of Mac's favorite movies. He was also fixing one of her favorite dinners, veal parmesan and garlic butter pasta. For dessert, he had crème brulee. It was something he hadn't made before, and there was not time like the present to try. He also had bought some shrimp at the store for him. He had just finished peeling the shrimp and setting the veal to marinate in buttermilk when Mac knocked.
Walking to the door, he took in the site before him. Mac was dressed in a silver button-down blouse and black jeans. She had let her hair down and added some waves to it. Harm could hardly breathe much less speak. Mac broke him out of his reverie.
"You know you should take a picture, Harm. It would last longer."
Blushing, Harm answered her. "I'm sorry, Mac. You look beautiful. Please come in."
"Thank you. You don't look so bad yourself, sailor."
He certainly didn't. Mac could barely contain the gasp that escaped her throat when she saw him. He was dressed in a ribbed navy blue shirt and blue jeans. Both garments fit him like a glove. Mac marveled at how it accentuated his muscular chest, and those jeans! They just completed the package, hugging his six nice and tight.
Harm closed and locked the door, and turned to Mac.
"I hope you brought your appetite."
Mac cocked an eyebrow at him.
"I know. I know. Stupid question. Why don't you take a seat on the couch? Mattie let me borrow her TV and DVD player, so I rented some movies. Are you thirsty? I have water and soda if you want."
He knew he was rambling. He had never been this nervous before. Tonight was the night he was going to tell Mac how he felt. He was praying she wouldn't shoot him down though.
'He looks so cute when he's nervous. I guess I'll be nice to him. "Water will be fine, thanks."
Harm brought her a bottle of water and sat next to her.
"So...I know...we...uh...wanted to talk tonight. Did you want to do that now or wait till after dinner?"
"Why don't we wait till after dinner? I think better on a full stomach."
"That's my marine."
"Your marine, huh?"
"Uh...yeah. You mind?"
"Not at all."
"Good. I'll go get dinner started. It should be ready in an hour."
"What are we having?"
"It's a surprise."
"Oh, I like surprises."
"I know."
Harm got up and started dinner. Mac had tried several times to sneak into the kitchen to either help or find out what's for dinner. Harm finally set up a place for her to make the salad. Once everything was finished, they sat down to eat.
"Oh Harm. This is delicious, and it's one of my favorites. Thank you so much."
"My pleasure, Mac. I couldn't very well have a hungry marine over could I?"
"No. I don't think that would be in your best interest."
That's the way it went through the whole dinner. They were so at ease with each other. So comfortable to be spending time together. After dessert, which Mac loved, they sat on the couch facing each other.
"I did rent some of you favorite movies if you prefer to do that instead of..."
His voice trailed off. Not wanting to finish the sentence.
"We can watch movies later, Harm. Right now we need to talk."
"Ok."
"Did you have a chance to think about what I asked?"
How could he not think about it?! It was all he ever thought about. Mac actually decided to take him up on going halves on a child. She told him that doctor said she had endometriosis, and it could hurt her chances of getting pregnant. The doctor advised her that she should start now if she wanted a baby. She asked Harm how he wanted to go about conceiving. The doctor said there were a few options, but conceiving the natural way was the best. There was also artificial insemination and invitro fertilization. In his heart, he wanted to conceive a child naturally. Not be artificial means. He wanted a child conceived in love. Their love. 'But what if she doesn't feel the same way?' That's what his biggest worry was.
"Yeah, I did."
"And?"
"Well I'm not sure, Mac. I know what I want , but I'm not sure if we could do it."
"Well what is it?"
"I want a child naturally, Mac. Not a child conceived by artificial means."
Mac had to swallow the lump that now formed in her throat. This is what she had dreamed he would say.
"Ok. So what's the problem?"
"Well...I...uh..." 'Damn it why can't I just spit it out! It's so easy! Come on Rabb, all you have to do is tell her. It's because you love her, and want to spend the rest of you life with her. You don't want just a child. You want the whole package.'
"Harm?"
"I'm sorry. Just zoned out a bit. I don't know how to say this." "Why don't you try the straight forward approach."
"I...Well you see, Mac..."
Harm's voice stopped at that precise moment. This was it. This is when he was going to tell her how he felt. The problem was that he was scared to death. He didn't want to lose what they were just starting to get back.
While Harm was trying to put his thoughts together, Mac was getting slightly frustrated. 'What the hell is taking him so long. After all, he was the one who put the offer back on the table. I'm not asking him to make a commitment. Although that is what I want. I want him to be a part of the baby's life in everyway.
"Harm, just spit it out."
Harm's own frustrations were starting to surface.
"I'm trying. Can't you give me a moment?"
"What's so hard to say that you need to take 7 minutes and 45 seconds to figure out how to say it?"
Harm felt like pulling his hair out. This is not how he planned for this conversation to go, but damn she can be so infuriating.
"Mac, I'm trying to figure out how to tell you what I want!"
His voice was now starting to rise. Leave it to Mac to not take that kind of crap from him.
"I just don't see what's so difficult. You said the deal still stands. You said you wanted to have a baby naturally. What else is there?"
"How about how are we going to raise the baby? Where is the baby going to live? How will we take care of the baby? That's what else!"
"Harm those are things we can discuss after we agree on how to have this baby. Of course the baby will live with me since I plan to breast feed...and..."
Mac didn't even get a chance to finish her sentence because Harm jumped in.
"Why should the baby get to stay with just you, Mac. Damn it I want to be apart of the baby's life! Not just some sperm donor!"
"Harmon Rabb you can be so infuriating sometimes. I never said you couldn't be a part of the baby's life!"
"Well isn't that the pot calling the kettle black!"
"What is that suppose to mean."
"You figure it out!"
"You know what. I'm not going to do this with you! I am sick and tired of trying to justify myself to you. Hell, you won't even let me finish what I was trying to tell you earlier. If you would have given me a chance I would have told you...No. Forget. It's not worth it. I'm not going to pass up my one chance to have a baby because we can't have a civilized conversation. Goodbye Harmon Rabb."
With tears flowing down her cheeks, Mac stormed out of his apartment.
End Flashback
The sound of the elevator stopping on Sturgis's floor brought them back to reality. Walking up to Sturgis's door, AJ turned around to face Harm.
"Let me go in first, Harm. He's not expecting you so soon."
"Sure AJ. Whatever you want."
Something wasn't right here. AJ looked into Harm's eyes once again, and saw something he never saw before. Guilt. AJ couldn't help but wonder where that came from. Harm seems so different now. His shoulders and slumped over and his head is so low it's dragging on the ground. Something happened to him while we were on the elevator.
"Mr. Roberts, can I see you for a moment?"
"Certainly, sir."
Stepping into another hallway, AJ addressed his junior officer.
"Bud, try to talk to Harm. Something's definitely eating at him."
"I noticed it too, sir. It's as if he feels guilty about something."
"Just see what you can find out Bud."
"Yes, sir"
Both walked back to Harriet and Harm.
"I'm going in to talk to Sturgis."
"Harriet, would you mind getting me and the Comm. Some coffee?" Bud glanced at his wife hoping she would pick up on the unspoken message.
"Sure. I'll be right back."
"Sir, what's wrong? You seem different."
"Right now Bud, I can't even put it into words. At first, I wanted to kill Sturgis when I found out he hit Mac. Part of me is still pissed at him, but not as much anymore."
"What's changed, sir?"
"Before Mac got into the accident. We had a major fight. It's my fault. I never gave her a chance to speak, and I couldn't weave two words together to tell her how I feel. It's all my fault Bud. If we hadn't been fighting, she wouldn't have stormed out of my apartment and got hit by Sturgis. What am I going to do Bud? I can't lose her! I love her!"
With that, the dam broke and Harm started to cry. Bud had no idea what to do. He had never seen Harm cry before. Lucky for him, Harriet chose that moment to walk up with the coffee. Taking in the scene before her, she handed Bud the coffee and took Harm into her arms.
"It's ok, sir. Everything will be ok."
"Oh God! What have I done?!"
Harm continued to cry as AJ spoke to Sturgis.
"I was able to get some information about your dad."
"Is he ok."
"It appears that he will be Sturgis. They found two blocked arteries leading into his heart. The we're able to give him some medicine to dissolve the clots. They have him in ICU just in case."
"Oh thank God."
"I also came to tell you that Harm's here."
"What?!"
"Evidently he was going to see Mac, and he saw his SUV. The cops filled him in. Once he got here, he put two and two together and figured it all out."
"You mean he knows I hit Mac?"
"Yes he does, but he doesn't know the reasons for it. You should be the one to tell him."
"Ok, sir. Is he outside the door?"
"Yeah."
"Well lets get this over with."
"Ok."
AJ walked out and was shocked by what he saw. Here was Harm crying on Harriet's shoulder.
"Jesus, Bud what did you do?"
"Nothing, sir. I asked what was wrong, and he said that he and the Colonel had a big fight tonight, and she left his apartment. He's blaming himself for the accident because of the argument."
"Oh for crying out loud."
AJ walked up to Harm and Harriet.
"Harm?"
Quickly straightening up and wiping the tears from his eyes, "sir."
"Are you going to be ok, son?"
"Honestly, I don't know, sir. That all depends on Mac."
"It'll work out for the best, Harm. Now are you ready to see Sturgis?"
"Ready as I'll ever be."
AJ let Harm step pass him and walk into Sturgis' room. Harm tentatively walked up to the side of the bed.
"Hey."
"Hey."
"How are you feeling."
"Like shit. You?"
"Likewise."
"Harm. I'm so sorry."
"What the hell happened, Sturgis?"
"I was on my way to drop off your car when I got a call from Bethesda. Harm, my dad had a heart attack. They told me to get here as fast as I can. I was going through the intersection by your house doing speeds that would get me arrested. Next thing I know, I slammed into Mac's car and rammed her into a light pole. God, Harm. I'm so sorry. I didn't know it was her. I was just trying to get to my dad. I would never have tried to hurt her, Harm. You've got to believe me."
Tears were running down Sturgis' face as he relived the accident. Harm took a few minutes to take in what Sturgis said before responding.
"I do believe you Sturgis. I know you would never hurt Mac intentionally. I just don't know if I can let it go just yet. You know how I feel about her, Sturgis. I don't know if she will even survive the surgery. I can't imagine my life without her."
"I know, buddy. I'm not asking for you forgiveness. All I am asking for is your understanding. Maybe someday, you can forgive me."
"Yeah, someday. Look I'm just as much to blame for tonight than your are."
"Pardon?"
"You see. Mac and I..."
Harm never got a chance to finish because AJ, Bud and Harriet rushed in.
"Harm. It's Mac!"
Well here is the next installment. I already have 28 typed pages. My papers in grad school weren't this long, and I didn't enjoy writing them as much as I like writing this. So what did you all think of Harm's reaction. I couldn't see him beating the crap out of Sturgis. Although he may do that later. I could see him finding a way to blame himself. And to everyone who is wondering. No, I will not kill Mac, and you will find out how she is doing next chapter.