Chapter 8: An Irish Prayer
A/n: Thanks for your reviews, they mean a lot to me! But I know, I know, it's been a little while since I updated. My deepest apologies for being so slow. But if it makes you feel any better, I've been working on a new fic for you all, so don't hate me too much. And for anyone who is interested I've started posting Lost Angels at under the same pen name, and I might post this story there too when it's complete (shouldn't be much longer guys, one or two more chapters I expect). Well, here's chappie 8, it's fluff with a bit of plot, too!
Disclaimer: Don't own it. Just the kid.
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Aislin bounded around her safe house in a new outfit that Sydney had bought for her. She hopped around in circles of anticipation before stopping to smooth her dark skirt and straighten her blouse. When are your friends arriving? she asked Sydney as she piled her hair behind her head, a superb mess of sandy blonde waves.
They should be here in twenty minutes, she replied calmly, checking the turkey in the oven. Usually, it was Francie's tradition to cook the turkey, but this year Vaughn was more than happy to take over. He asked Sydney to watch it for a while as he went to his apartment to change into some nicer clothes.
Sydney stared back at Aislin who's gaze was fixed upon a spot on the floor. Her fingers worked down her shoulder, braiding her thick hair and tying it at the bottom. She smoothed out her skirt again and moped around the living room. Aislin had really loved the skirt when they saw it the other day. Sydney had taken her shopping to buy Vaughn a birthday present – a gesture that she asked for Sydney's help – and they had seen the skirt. They ended up buying Aislin several outfits because all of her clothes her still in Ireland, and the clothes that the CIA provided were... Well, they sufficient for someone living in a safe house from a foreign country. But Aislin had ended up buying Vaughn a new Kings T-shirt; his was quite old and in need of a replacement. Sydney had opted to buy him something in the similar area: tickets to the next few Kings games. And as a bonus for herself, she'd get to see the zamboni...
Aislin, if you're bored I'm sure there's a good football game on TV. I don't think UCLA is playing, though.
Aislin turned around and furrowed her brow. But it's not even football season... Oh, American football. I forgot. She paused, then flopped onto the couch and grabbed the remote control. I don't believe I've ever seen a game of American football.
Sydney sat down next to her as she turned on the television, flipping through channels until she found a game. It turned out to be Mississippi vs. Mississippi State. Though Sydney wasn't a fan of either school, she watched the game and enjoyed viewing them tackle the snot out of each other.
A few minutes later there was a knock at the door and Sydney promptly rose to open it. Hey, Fran, Will, come on in! Aislin turned around and smiled at them. This was her first time meeting Sydney's friends. I hope the guards didn't give you too much trouble, I told them to let you in.
No, they weren't trouble, Francie replied as she stepped inside. She carried a filled paper bag, as did Will. But Will thought we had broken the law or something when they wanted to see identification.
Well, they asked very rudely... he defended himself poorly. They set they're bags in the bar.
Sydney stepped back towards the couch and placed her arm around Aislin's shoulder. And this is Aislin.
Aislin smiled politely. It's very nice to meet you.
It's nice to meet you, too, he said, smiling warmly at her then wavering his eyes to the football game. He finally stepped forward and sat on the recliner along the far wall.
Francie rolled her eyes at Will. Well, it's nice to finally meet the person Syd and Mike are constantly mentioning, Francie replied. Now I can put a face with the name.
Sydney and Francie went to unloading Francie's frenzy of food from the paper bags while Aislin and Will watched football. Aislin's face contorted. Why does that red team have the ball now? I just don't understand this sport.
Well, the team on offense has to try to score, and the team on defense has to stop them. When they do stop them, it's called a down, and the offense has four downs. But if they carry the ball far enough they can get another set of four downs. I know it's confusing at first, but I'm sure you'll understand after a while. Will explained it without fault, never leaving his eyes from the television screen. Yes, touchdown!
What's that mean?
They scored six points! Now they have a field goal attempt for a another point.
Meanwhile, in the kitchen, Sydney stared at the abundancy of food. Francie, this is crazy! You didn't have to make all this.
Oh really? I was worried this wouldn't be enough. I mean, I only made mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, cornbread, salad, and three pies.
Three pies?
What, is there something wrong with that?
The two friends laughed with one another. Aw, look at that – Will explaining football to Aislin – it's so cute.
Francie noticed the caring look in Sydney's eyes. She seems like a really sweet girl. It's too bad about what happened to her father.
Sydney couldn't help but mentally wince. She had told Francie that her father was a CIA contact there to help on the mission. He had been killed in the field, and Vaughn and Sydney had graciously offered to take care of Aislin. Yeah. I just don't want to see her end up in a foster family with strange people she doesn't know. She doesn't easily trust people.
As Francie nodded, Vaughn and Weiss came through the front door. While Vaughn had changed his clothes into something nicer than a ripped King's shirt and an old pair of jeans, Weiss came bearing the beer. Never fear, the beer is here, he greeted everybody. And a Coke for the little lady, he winked at Aislin, speaking in an Irish accent.
Aislin rolled her eyes. she sighed.
Ah, yes, Vaughn agreed, donning a French accent. Ze Americans, zey disgust me!
Watch it, pal, you're half American yourself. And so is Aislin over there, Weiss reminded them.
Hey I'm only half American, too, Sydney remembered, because I'm half Russian...
The room became eerily silent as everyone discreetly thought of Irina Derevko. So is Russia part of Europe or part of Asia? Will asked to distract them. I never quite figured that out.
Sydney ignored him, down-casting her eyes as Weiss set down the boxes of beer and coke and a bottle of wine. Vaughn noticed her small depress and wrapped his arms around Sydney's waist and met her with a small peck. How's the turkey coming?
It should be ready soon, she smiled back, briefly glancing over to see everyone surrounding the television.
You know, if we were alone... I'd just tell you to turn off the oven. We could just reheat it later. He whispered this with a seductive smirk and leaned in for a deeper kiss.
Oh, how could he miss that field goal!?
Vaughn and Sydney immediately broke apart. Sydney chuckled slightly, and Vaughn shook his head as he checked on the turkey again.
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Later, after everyone sat down to eat a supremely large meal, it was time to celebrate Vaughn's birthday. Francie served her pies while everyone clutched their full stomachs and groaned. They each, however, found room left upon finding the pure, sweet, deliciousness of each flavor. Vaughn ended up having a slice of all three, and Weiss and Will each had two slices themselves.
It finally came time for Vaughn to open presents. From Francie and Will he received a ridiculously generous gift certificate to Francie's restaurant (Because you and Sydney deserve it, she winked). And from Weiss, a bunch of Vaughn's favorite movies on DVD. From Aislin came a brand new King's T-shirt to replace his old, ripped one, and finally, from Sydney he received tickets to the next three Kings games. Also, she left a note in his birthday card saying that the rest of his present would come later... Vaughn looked up at her, and she raised her eyebrows twice and grinned seductively. He nearly dropped the card.
Eventually, Francie, Will, and Weiss all left, leaving much of the leftovers behind. Sydney, Vaughn, and Aislin all settled on the couch to watch Remember the Titans. Vaughn held his stomach as Aislin put the DVD in. Oh, I shouldn't have had that third slice of pie. I shouldn't have had that second one, either. But that first one; definitely should have had it.
Sydney smiled into his chest as she snuggled in close to him. Aislin wrapped herself in a blanket in the corner, and slowly drifted off to sleep.
Later, Vaughn and Sydney sat at the bar discussing work. There had been intel of recent activity of the Hierarchy, activity that the CIA did not approve of. If the CIA did not leave on their follow-up mission soon, then they may not be able to receive what they were looking for.
We don't have a clue where Fitzpatrick is anyway, Vaughn commented. And he's obviously the brains behind this.
The Hierarchy had set off a series of attacks, lead by high ranking members under Fitzpatrick's chain of executives. Pictures had been taken at the scenes of the crimes to prove their involvement, yet none of the leading man himself had been found. Who all were in charge of each attack?
Vaughn hesitated in remembrance. The London bank was Christopher McDonnell, the explosion in Beijing was Dmitri Ivanov, the murders in Buenos Aires and Cape Town were lead by Christina Ammers and Johari Kumani.
Johari Kumani?
Both Sydney and Vaughn gazed over at the couch upon hearing Aislin's sleepy voice. We're just talking about work stuff, Vaughn told her. Sorry we woke you up.
No, no, she scoffed. Johari Kumani from Sudan? With the short curly hair and the scar on her chin? Vaughn's mouth hung open slightly and he fixed his eyes back at Sydney in shock. How did this twelve-year-old know of such a terrorist? She was one of my father's colleague's, she answered, as if reading his mind.
What about Christopher McDonnell? Dmitri Ivanov? Christina Ammers? Sydney asked.
Aislin nodded. She sat up straighter before hopping off the couch and making her way to a seat at the round table. All of them worked with my father, yes.
Sydney turned back to Vaughn. But we haven't been able to follow them since the attacks, and Echelon hasn't picked up any signals from Fitzpatrick, right? Vaughn nodded.
I suspect Mr. Fitzpatrick is at the Dublin house now, Aislin mused. If he's disappeared for a while that's usually where he goes. That's what Father always told me. He would say that Mr. Fitzpatrick needed time to think, or get away, or keep out of trouble, or something of the sort. Sydney and Vaughn continued to stare as she rambled on. It's such a lovely house, too. Father and I stayed there once for a week. At the time I found it odd that Father wouldn't let me out of the house, but I suppose after learning about his job it wasn't so odd...
You wouldn't happen to remember the address, would you?
123 Cherry Street. Quite simple, really.
Sydney agreed, then told Vaughn to contact the CIA with this. He quickly whispered to find out if Aislin knew anything else about the high ranking agents before hustling off to Aislin's bedroom to make the phone call in privacy.
Did you and your father ever stay anywhere else for that sort of protection?
She shook her head. Maybe when I was little, but I don't remember. But Mr. Fitzpatrick would tell us about his season homes, you know, like a summer home or a winter home and so on. Perhaps those were safe houses as well.
Where did he say they were?
I don't know their addresses, but there was one in Zurich, and someplace in Ecuador that starts with a Q.
That sounds about right.
Sydney turned and heard Vaughn's voice coming out of the bedroom. Houses in Quito and Zurich, too, she added quickly to him.
He mumbled more into the phone until a brief silence followed. Then, I'm on my way. Sydney looked at him in confusion. There's been a change of plans, we're going to Ireland tonight. Other teams will go to Zurich and Quito, too.
Then I'm going with you –
No, Syd, he said, raising his hand to stop her from getting out of her chair. You weren't originally included in the teams, and your dad requested that you not go, anyway. And what Jack says goes in my book. Sydney stared up at him in silent sadness. She hid her anger as best she could, but Vaughn could still detect it in her eyes. He leaned in closer so only she could hear what he had to say. I know you don't really want to go back to Cork. And while you may want to go to Dublin, it's too dangerous for you. You killed one of their leading men; they'll be after you in a heartbeat. I don't want to lose you after all we've been through.
He kissed her temple gently. He always had a way of persuading Sydney's mind in the other direction. But he was right, after all, she would rather die a thousand deaths than return to Cork. But how would she know if Vaughn was in danger? He was the one always watching from afar, not her. The truth was that Sydney was nervous about waiting while Vaughn was away instead of the normal way. Normal. There was that word again. Crazy how it just popped into Sydney's anything but normal life.
Bye, Vaughn, Aislin smiled sideways at him, standing up to hug him good-bye. You take care of those bad guys for us. Make sure you catch Mr. Fitzpatrick; he's the one who hired my father into that life in the first place... Please try not to hurt yourself!
I'll try not to, he smiled as he hugged her, kissing the top of her head. She hobbled off to her bedroom, most likely to change into pajamas. Vaughn remained standing in the kitchen staring at Sydney, who's mixed emotions made it difficult for Vaughn to read her eyes. I'm sorry, Syd, it's just the way things –
No, it's okay. I understand.
Vaughn heard the sincerity in her voice. I'll be back in two days, he promised, three days tops. I... I'll miss you...
He leaned his head in against her forehead, and she closed her eyes as his lips brushed sweetly over hers. I'll miss you, too. Vaughn gave her another kiss on the cheek before heading towards the door. Hey, Vaughn? Sydney asked before he was completely out. Please be careful. I wouldn't want anything to happen to my guardian angel.
He smiled at her, such emotion reflecting in his eyes, but duty called and he finally left. Aislin emerged from her room, now in pajamas, and stood by Sydney, slowly placing her hand on top of hers. Do you want to sleep over tonight? she asked innocently, cocking her head to the side.
That would be nice.
Aislin grinned and pulled Sydney through the safe house to her bedroom. I've never had a sleep over before, she admitted. She then added more quietly, I didn't have very many friends back in Ireland.
Sydney found that hard to believe, but settled comfortably in Aislin's oversized bed. The two girls chatted the normal girl talk for a while – there was that normal again – but Aislin drifted off to sleep. Sydney, however, had trouble. No matter how much she tossed and turned she could not stop thinking about Vaughn. The way he looked at her earlier had almost made her melt. Where was he right now? What was he doing? She grew steadily worried. It had only been two hours or so since his departure, and already she was losing sleep over him.
Aislin seemed to notice Sydney's trouble when she awoke briefly. Sydney, are you awake? she whispered into the dark.
Yes, I can't sleep. I'm thinking about Vaughn.
Why don't I sing you an old Irish prayer my father used to sing to me? Sydney acquiesced, closing her eyes and readjusting her body to be more comfortable. Sleep, my babe, lie still and slumber; all through the night. Guardian angels God will lend the; all through the night. Soft and drowsy hours are creeping; hill and vale in slumber sleeping; Mother dear her watch is keeping; all through the night. God is here, you'll not be lonely; all through the night. 'Tis not I who guards thee only; all through the night. Night's dark shades will soon be over; still my watchful care shall hover; God with me His watch is keeping; all through the night... After Aislin finished her song, Sydney felt much more relaxed. Aislin's beautiful voice had also helped to calm her. Sydney now could only focus on the memory of Vaughn's eyes. And then it struck her just before she fell asleep; a surprising thought, yet something she thought she knew for a long time. She was truly, deeply, and madly in love with Vaughn.
A/n: How's that for a chapter ending? I hope it makes up for my lack in non-updatingness. So I'm pretty sure that there's only one chapter left, but maybe I'll be able to squeeze two out of it (but I doubt it). And then will be the sequel, to be titled The Aislin Chronicles. But anyway, please REVIEW and tell me your thoughts!
-Whitelighter Enchantress