Sins from the Past

Summary: Gary learns that his connection with Daria is far from over when he uncovers some new clues and a familial link to a fallen World War II soldier. "Where or When" inspired this story.

Disclaimer: Early Edition characters belong to their creators. No copyright infringement is intended. No profit is being made.

Author: Tracy Diane Miller

Chapter One

1944

They danced cheek to cheek, eyes closed, but their hearts beautifully in sync. Tomorrow, he would be shipped out to the Pacific, far away from her with only his love for her and these memories as his solace. But tomorrow didn't matter, didn't exist right now.

They continued dancing for a few moments after the melody ended. Then, he wiped away a stray tear from that had wandered down her cheek, gently cupped her face in his palm before kissing her lightly on the lips. When the kissed ended, she gazed into his eyes, desperation captured in her stare. No words had been spoken, yet much had been conveyed in those silent moments of longing. She took him by the hand and led him to her bedroom.

Jimmy wanted her. They wanted each other. But was it really fair to her for them to make love hours before he would go away, possibly forever? He had considered proposing to her. In fact, he had planned to give her his mother's ring. That precious heirloom was the last symbol that he had from his family. If only they had believed him when the whole town had turned against him. If only he had stood up to everyone who had branded him a criminal and proven his innocence. If only he hadn't run away.

If only.

At the time, he thought that he was doing what was best for everyone. That night, before he left Hickory forever, he had crept into his niece's room. He carefully lifted the sleeping baby from her crib, walked over to the rocking chair, and sat down. With the silhouette of the moon as the silent witness to the young man's heartache, Jimmy softly sang a lullaby to little Lois. The baby stirred a bit in his arms, but didn't wake up. When the song ended, he placed the child back into her crib. Jimmy looked around the room one last time before he picked up his suitcase and disappeared into the night.

Now, it was Daria's turn to wipe a tear from Jimmy's face. She knew that he was hesitant, guarded because of what had happened to him back home. Daria assured him that it wouldn't be like before. She wouldn't betray him. She wouldn't blame him. She would have no regrets.