The following takes place between 2 pm and 3 pm.
2:00 pm Little 2 month old Maria Edmunds began to cry. Kim shifted her in her arms and the baby put her face towards Kim's chest. She soon realized that the infant was hungry. As she held screaming Marie in her arms she frantically searched the baby bag. She found a bottle, but no formula. She got up to go in search of something. Anything, really. A nearby nurse spotted her and came over.
Is this your baby? The nurse asked.
replied Kim, not knowing what else to say.
Do need some formula for her?
Oh, please, said Kim, clearly relieved.
After the nurse gave her the proper amount of formula and lifted the bottle, Kim sat near Chase's room and began to feed Marie. She instantly took the bottle and stopped crying. A moment later Jack came out of the room looking very solemn.
Is everything all right, Dad?
Yes, Chase is asleep, Jack said. He watched his daughter feed the baby and he knew instantly that she would be a good mother. He had always known that.
I want to marry Chase, Kim said suddenly, breaking the silence. And I want to adopt Maria and raise her as my daughter and have my own children.
Jack was slightly surprised that Kim had so bluntly stated what was on her mind. But Jack had always known that she would marry. In fact, he had hoped it. Chase was a good man and Jack would be proud to have him for a son-in-law.
Jack laughed as he crossed his arms. I'm glad to see you know what you want.
Kim blushed at her forwardness. I only meant...
Jack sat down beside her and said, No Kim, it's fine.
He held his arms toward Marie. May I?
Uh, sure, Kim said as she gently placed the baby in her father's arms.
Jack stroked Marie's soft cheek tenderly. She was so pure and innocent. So carefree and oblivious to the sinful and corrupt world that surrounded her.
Dad, is it possible to love someone so much when you just met them? Kim asked as she played with Marie's chubby, little fingers. Because I do.
Jack smiled. Yes, Kim, He said, It is possible.
He thought back 23 years when Kim was a bubbly, blonde, chubby faced baby.
I remember when you were born and I thought I would leave everything to your mom, but...the moment I saw you I wanted to have everything to do with you and be involved in every part of your life. He paused, looking thoughtful. I didn't exactly do that with you and I'm sorry for that.
Dad, it's okay, She said as she smiled sadly. I'm just glad you're here now.
Jack closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He had gone through so much lately. After the death of Terri, his wife, he didn't know how he would ever be able to go on. But as he sat here now with his daughter and -possibly- his granddaughter he knew that everything would be okay. Everything would turn out.
He could'nt imagine what he would ever do if he lost Kim too. Right now, she was the ony person who really mattered to him. He didn't even want to imagine the possibility of ever losing her. That had almost happened once. He would'nt ever let it happen again. He has been so consumed in his pain and grief he had forgotten about Kim's sadness.
She was my mother too, Kim had once said.
Only until now he had not realized that he hadn't said good-bye to Terri.
Kim saw the pained look wash over her father's face, and it grieved her. She knew he was still holding on when he sould've said good-bye a long time ago. He still had wounds that wouldn't seem to heal. There was just so much that time couldn't erase.
Kim put her hand on Jack's and held it tightly. Say good-bye to mom, Dad.
Jack looked slightly confused.
Say good-bye to mom.
Jack's eyes began to grow moist with tears. Was it true? Was he still holding on? But he had to say good-bye now. He had to let go.
He whispered softly, looking at Kim.
Kim squeezed his hand gently.
She can't hear you, Dad.
Good-bye Terri, He said louder.
And then Jack Bauer, the rough, solemn man who could take a life without even having second thoughts, began to really cry for what seemed like the first time in his life.
He felt as though a heavy burden had just been lifted off his shoulders.
Good-bye Terri, He said one last time.