Chapter 4: The Beach

A/n: Yay, thank you for the reviews! They always make my day. Just a little warning in advance: this chapter and the next few-ish will be shorter than my usualness. Theme songs: I Can't Be Bothered Now and Embraceable You from Crazy For You

Disclaimer: JJ Abrams owns Alias because he is an evil genius. I own all that cookie dough in the freezer because I like cookies.

Mandy Vaughn and Chloe Weiss sprinted their way to the beach, kicking off their sandals as soon as they reached the sand. Mandy, moving faster than Chloe, reached the last bit of dry sand before stopping abruptly and kneeling down to the ground. Chloe stopped right behind her. You okay? she asked, squatting down.

I don't know. I don't know what to think. She squinted over the water, trying to avoid the stinging glint of the sun off the waves. The sparkles flashed too violently, and she finally had to look away. He could just be off doing something stupid, or he could be in real trouble.

Chloe sighed, surveying both ends of the beach in hopes of seeing someone who looked like Jason. Off in the distance to her left were two young children and their mother, while to her right was no one. I hope he's just doing something stupid... Do you want to walk along the beach and look for him?

I guess so. Slowly, they stood and started in the direction Chloe had not already walked that morning; the right, the north. Occasionally, Chloe would glance behind her, half expecting to see Jason sneaking along behind them to scare them, but would only see their trailing footprints. Can I ask you a question?



Why do you keep saying that you don't like my brother when it's really obvious that you do?

Chloe laughed from nervousness. I don't like your brother. Not... that way.

Mandy rolled her eyes. Just forget it.

It's more complicated then that, hun, she mused, going into the tiniest bit of detail for once. Mandy became intrigued. He's too much like my brother.

She was alive and into the conversation now. It had a purpose, and maybe Mandy would learn something for once.

Meaning... it's like you dating him. Mandy cringed. See? It is weird.

Not really, she quickly countered back. I mean, yeah, it'd be weird – and incredibly sick and twisted – if I dated him, but you're just perfect for him. Mandy glided a ways along the sand before continuing. You aren't related... and don't you want to be my sister?

Okay are we talking about dating or marriage?



Chloe sighed. You're just to young to understand, she whispered to no one. She hadn't thought Mandy had heard, but she simply didn't respond. Instead, she glared somewhat evilly in Chloe's direction, but shook it off in realization that the glare would get her nowhere. Can we please change the subject?

Sure. So, what did you two talk about last night after I fell asleep?

Chloe closed her eyes. She would not hit Mandy, she would not hit Mandy... Must every question be about Jason and I?

Chloe cocked an eyebrow and stared at her for a moment. Fine! What do you think Jason's up to right now? There, you happy?

In some sense, yes. Chloe took a moment to scan the water's surface, and slowly drew her eyes in towards the shore. She watched the waves sweep in, only to pull away at the last minute. There was something about their rhythmic swells that appealed to her, and she suddenly felt the urge to dive in and bask in the cool wetness.

Mandy broke her train of thought. You think he's off with some girl?

she replied immediately. Jason wouldn't do that... would he? Of course he wouldn't! He may be a boy, and he may be quite moronic at times, but he certainly would not run off to a random girl from Santa Barbara.

Then again, he had made out with Emilia Zewe...

You're right, the only girl he wants to make out with is you – Crap, I didn't mean to bring it back to you too! Don't hit me!

Chloe brought her hand to a fist and raised it in play, but giggled and quickly pulled it back down. Silly Mandy, she thought. They came to a part of the beach that was open for the public and not just for waterfront residents. While it was a little less clean, it was all in all a nice beach. There were quite a few people, as usual, and more emerged from their cars from the parking lot over yonder. Chloe always remembered this beach because this was where Will's wife went into labor with the triplets.

Let's turn back, Mandy said. He's not here. While Chloe had been reminiscing, Mandy had surveyed the surrounding beach. Though I hate to bring Mom bad news... She crossed her arms as she gazed out over the ocean one final time, squinting her eyes into the sunlight. There was something about the stinging sensation that made her keep looking; she couldn't look away.

Come on, it's 10:47. Your mom might start worrying about us. Let's go. Chloe brushed her hand across Mandy's shoulder, breaking her gaze, and they turned and headed back to the cottage without Jason.

A/n: And yet again we ask where is Jason? Could he have gotten overseen at the beach? Could he be making out with some random chick? Could he be downtown? Could he be at the Copa? Copacabana? Stay tuned folks! And REVIEW! Wahoo! Only one more week until the Alias season finale! But I'm still trying to determine whether that's a good thing or a bad one...
Whitelighter Enchantress