A/Nà Hey everyone, finally an update for Redemption. I'm sorry for the delay but it was unavoidable of course. Someone very close to me died very suddenly last week and it was a big shock that took a lot of time to deal with and I ask everyone to PLEASE drive carefully.
This chapter is a little longer than usual because of the songs but I hope you enjoy it anyways as there are a lot of little things that happen.
Redemption
Chapter Fifty Six
"Surprise!"
Kat stood completely rigid as she quickly surveyed the medium sized crowd. They all seemed to be waiting in anticipation. She took in the banners and balloons proclaiming surprise and happy birthday and was decidedly sure that there must have been a mistake.
"Happy birthday Kat," Will leaned around her and kissed her cheek.
"What's going on?" She asked looking completely bewildered. Sydney, Vaughn and Weiss stood at the front surrounded by coworkers and a few friends. She noticed Jack standing off to the side looking slightly out of place.
Will didn't get a chance to answer as an excited Sydney rushed up to them followed by Vaughn and a slightly less enthused Jack.
"Happy Birthday Katy," Sydney enveloped her in a tight hug.
"I thought you were out of town," Kat responded softly managing to give Sydney a small hug in return.
"That was just to get you out of the house so this would be a surprise," Vaughn explained.
"Happy birthday sweetheart," Jack kissed her cheek gently.
"But it's not my birthday," Kat said softly shaking her head at him. "My birthday was two months ago."
"No," Jack corrected. "Your mother changed the date on your birth certificate. Your actual 18th birthday is tomorrow. "
"Oh," Kat seemed genuinely surprised. She looked around the room slow smile spreading across her face. "This is so cool," she said slowly. "I've never had a birthday party before."
"Seriously?" Will seemed awestruck at the thought.
"You're pleased?"
"Of course," Kat responded and turned to hug Jack quickly. "Thanks Dad."
"It was Sydney's idea," he replied gruffly stepping back.
"And I'm sure you had nothing to do with it," she smiled knowingly and turned to greet her guests.
"Eric!" she hugged Weiss excitedly.
"Happy Birthday 'Shiner." Weiss grinned and picked her up, spinning her around slightly.
"Did you know?"
"Of course," he laughed. "What do you think I've been doing all day." He smiled watching her. She was so excited to be having a real birthday party. "Hey there's someone I want you to meet." He gestured to a woman in her late twenties that Kat had never seen before. Weiss took the woman's' hand, tugging her over to stand beside him. "Kat, this is my girlfriend Lisa. She's a senior analyst at the office. Lisa this is Kat."
Jack was close enough to hear the conversation and he saw the smile freeze on Kat's lips. The easily disguised shock and almost disbelief flashed across her face and he could see the hurt in her eyes. She'd never seen it coming. It surprised him to see the hurt. After all, his daughter and Agent Weiss were only friends, but if that were the case then why had she looked so stunned. Being the person that she was her lips parted into a gracious smile and she shook Lisa's extended hand. Agent Weiss was too caught up in his new girlfriend to distinguish the deceitfulness in Kat's features that he was usually able to identify to easily.
Jack slowly inched his way towards the door. He hadn't wanted to come. Being surrounded with coworkers in a non-working setting was not his ideal cup of tea. He didn't think that Kat would even want him at her party. He'd almost made it to the door when she called his name.
"You're not leaving are you?"
"Katarina-"
"Because I want you here," she looked at him hopefully.
"I didn't think you would-"
"This is about yesterday, at the beach." Kat nodded in comprehension and closed the distance between them lowering her voice as she spoke. "I'm not mad at you if that's what you think. I mean I was angry – upset, but you were right. About Joshua, I know you're right and I'm going to try."
If Jack was surprised he didn't show it. "I'm pleased."
"There's something else." Kat took his arm slowly leading him back to the party, which was already in full swing. "I love him. He's my son and I love him, I know I do. I just wanted you to know that. I care about him, just like I care about Sydney and Vaughn, Will, Eric, Marshall and Carrie and Baby Kate. And you." Kat eyed Jack nervously, unsure of exactly how he would react. "This is all new to me. Caring about people, about their well being. It's confusing, but I kinda like it. Please stay Dad?" Kat turned to face him, a pleading look on her face. "Just for a little while? At least until after cake and I open my presents?" she requested eyeing the medium sized pile of brightly wrapped gifts on a nearby table. Never before had she seen such a sight meant for her.
"Alright," he agreed. "I'll stay."
"Thank you."
The smile on her face was thanks enough. Katarina was pulled away from him in order to greet more party guests and Jack found himself pulled into a conversation with Marshall and Carrie, though Marshall did most of the talking. Jack stood off to the side with a glass of scotch in hand watching Sydney and Katarina only half paying attention to Marshall and Carrie until he unknowingly became the lucky recipient to hold Baby Kate while the two took an awkward round on the dance floor. He sighed inwardly, what had possessed the two to bring their baby to the party was a mystery to him.
Weiss nearly spit out his soda when he'd caught sight of Jack standing in the corner holding the nearly five month old baby who was swatting at his face with a chubby hand trying desperately to grab hold of his nose.
"Syd." Weiss grabbed her arm as she was passing by and directed her attention to her father.
"Oh my," Sydney covered her mouth stifling a laugh at the sight of her father and Baby Kate. "How on earth did Carrie, manage to pull that one off?"
"You know Carrie, I think she's the only one in the office who's not intimidated by your father." The two sat down at a nearby table. "Syd, there's something that I can't seem to get out of my head." Weiss looked around to make sure no one was listening and he lowered his voice. "Joshua's birthday was yesterday and Katy's is tomorrow. That means that when he was born, she was only twelve. I know it's only what, a two month difference from when we thought her birthday was, but it sounds so much better when she was thirteen-"
"Weiss stop." Sydney leaned her elbows on the table and sighed. "I know what you're saying, but I really don't want to think about it. It's hard enough to know that my little sister has a child at all, but at that age-"
"You've never really talked to her about him have you?" Weiss interrupted noting the pained look on her face.
"I don't know what to say to her." Sydney admitted. "And it's not as if she's exactly forthcoming about him either."
"You haven't told Vaughn have you-"
"Eric, I can't tell him. We can't tell anyone about Joshua. And Katy doesn't want anyone-"
"I think she'd understand. Syd you can't keep this--- Hi Kat."
"Hi." There was no available chair at the table so Kat perched on Weiss' lap unaware of what the two had been talking about. "Syd, did you see Dad and Kate?"
"Yeah," Sydney laughed and turned to look at Jack who now had the baby standing on his legs. Kate was bouncing around as best she could on her chubby legs while Jack held onto her hands. "I don't think I've seen Dad hold a baby… ever."
"Lisa seems nice," Kat interrupted choosing her words carefully as Will pulled up a chair beside Sydney.
"Yeah," Weiss' face brightened at the mention of his new girlfriend. "She's great isn't she?"
"Are you guys… serious?"
"I think so," he nodded happily. "Just wait till you get to know her Kat, you'll love her."
"I'm sure I will." Kat smiled politely, but her lack of enthusiasm to do so was not missed amongst the other two occupants of the table. She stood to go but two large hands covered her eyes. "Who is it?" Kat asked laughing but the owner of the hands did not respond. "Alright, I'll guess," she smiled and began to list all the non-possibilities while feeling the hands. "Definitely a guy. Not my dad because he'd never do this. The fingers are too skinny, so it's not Marshall and there's no ring on the right hand so it's not Mike… Come on," she pleaded. "I give up who is it? Give me a clue?"
"Hi Baby," came a semi quiet whisper in her ear.
"JJ?" Kat asked excitedly and his hands were removed from her eyes in response.
"Hi Baby," JJ Cruz gave her a tight hug lifting her off the ground momentarily.
"What are you doing here? I thought you were going to Portland?"
JJ shrugged, "I was transferred here instead. I'll be working at the task force with you."
"Whoa, wait a sec," Will interrupted. "Did you just call her Baby? And she didn't slug you for it?"
"Yes," JJ replied confused. "Why would she hit me, that's what we always called her."
"What do you mean?" Will asked, a mischievous glint in his eye.
"JJ no." Kat's cheeks were gradually turning a deep red.
"What's going on?" Vaughn pulled another chair up to the table. "Why does Kat look like a tomato?"
"JJ called her baby," Sydney filled in.
Vaughn was surprised knowing that Kat was not one to tolerate names of such meaning. "And she didn't hit you?"
"No," JJ shook his head. "We always called her that at The Farm. One night we watched Dirty Dancing-"
"JJ, no," Kat warned him, her cheeks flaming.
JJ just laughed unable to pass up the opportunity. "Let's just say from then on she was Baby. She was the youngest and the smallest, but damn she could whip your ass."
"Want to find out?" Kat challenged him.
"I'm not threatened by you," he laughed. "Remember the nightclub?"
"Don't!" Kat moved to cover his mouth with her hands but he pried them away.
"What nightclub?" Will asked leaning into the table.
"We were doing our first undercover exercises. Kat was a singer and she performed at the club. When it came time for interrogation, she was the only one who stuck to their story without any discrepancies." As JJ relayed the story he continued to fight off Kat's hands and her attempts to cover his mouth. "Haven't you ever heard her sing?" he asked surprised.
"No," Sydney shook her head realizing that they hadn't ever heard Kat sing even though it had been her job before she came to LA.
JJ had finally managed to grab hold of Kat's hands and pull them firmly but not painfully behind her back. "Well you're missing out," he said praiseful. "This Baby, is a musical genius. She knew the words and melody to any song the interrogators threw at her and they tested at least thirty different songs I believe."
"You are so dead Cruz."
Sydney laughed watching Kat interact with JJ. Like Weiss, he seemed to bring out the child in her.
"Katarina, is everything alright?" Jack approached the group.
"I suppose that depends on your definition of alright," Kat glared at Will who had been the creator of the current situation.
"I see." Jack, who was still holding a squirming Baby Kate with ease, surveyed the group and then took great delight in depositing the infant in Vaughn's lap.
"Thank you, thank you Jack." Vaughn sighed and awkwardly settled the baby in his lap who wasn't exactly pleased with her change of location.
"You know what I think," Will interrupted. "That as payment for throwing her this fabulous surprise party, Katy should entertain us all."
"I don't think so," Kat shook her head firmly.
"Why not Katy? You love to sing?" Sydney questioned. "Everyone would love it."
"Sydney, if she doesn't want to-" Jack began.
"Oh she does, this girl loves to perform." JJ took the opportunity to grab Kat by the waist and sling her over his shoulder and carry her towards a small stage set up where a band comprised of CIA analysts was playing. The band ended mid song when JJ deposited her onto the stage. "Who wants to hear Kat sing?" he shouted to the crowd.
Numerous cheers and chants broke through the partygoers and Kat had no choice but to go along with their requests. She turned to the band to pick a song but not before sending JJ an evil glance. "I'm going to get you for this."
"I'm scared," he laughed and kissed her cheek. "Have fun Baby."
JJ made his way back to the table and sat next to Will. "I can't believe you just did that," Will said. "You do realize that your life span has just been significantly shortened. Kat is going to kill you."
"No she won't," JJ shook his head and leaned back in his chair. "She loves the stage. You guys are in for a real treat."
Jack sat down and concentrated his attention on his daughter. He drummed his fingertips on the table as he watched Kat confer with the band. He felt someone cover his hand with their own and looked up to Sydney.
"She's fine dad. Don't worry," Sydney gave him a smile and turned to face the stage as the music began.
I need love, love to ease my mind
I need to find, find someone to call mine
But Mama said
You can't hurry love
Oh you'll just have to wait
She said love don't come easy
It's a game of give and take
You can't hurry love, no you'll just have to wait
You gotta just give it time
No matter how long it takes
Jack watched his daughter perform a hint of smile on his face. She was good. She was very good and she thoroughly seemed to enjoy performing. It was no wonder she'd finally agreed to a record contract just before her disappearance from New York. After only the first verse everyone at the party was clapping along to the beat. JJ Cruz had been correct. She loved the stage and five songs later she stated the next to be her last.
As the melody began Jack recognized the song immediately. It was a soft haunting melody and Sydney took a seat next to him holding Baby Kate in her lap.
I've got money in my pocket
I like the color of my hair
I've got a friend who loves me
Got a house, I've got a car
I've got a good sister
And her voice is what keeps me here
Feet on ground
Heart in hand
Facing forward
Be yourself
I've never wanted anything
No I've, no I've, I've never wanted anything
So bad, so bad
Sydney recognized the song as well and Jack noted her surprise at Katarina's replacement of the word mother. She was clearly making a statement and the implications of it were known only to Jack and Sydney.
Cardboard masks of all the people
I've been
Thrown out with all the rusted, tangled
Dented God Damned miseries
You could say I'm hard to hold
But if you knew me you'd know
I've got a good father
And his strength is what makes me cry
Feet on ground
Heart in hand
Facing forward
Be yourself
I've never wanted anything
No I've, no I've, I've never wanted anything
So bad, so bad
As Sydney watched her sister on the stage and listened to her voice it was impossible not to be affected by the words. While most would think it just another song, those closest to her sister would understand that it was so much more than that. She seemed to be making peace. To be making promises hidden amongst words that separate had no meaning, but together created so much more. It was a song of acceptance. Acceptance of her family and of herself. And it was a song of thanks to those who had risked their lives to protect her and a declaration that their losses would not be in vain. It was a decision that for the first time in her young life, Katarina was finally going to live in all sense of the word.
As the song was drawing to a close Sydney wiped the tears from her eyes. She leaned over to her father and Baby Kate latched onto his jacket. With a sigh Jack pulled Kate to him and the infant immediately snuggled into his chest. Sydney held back a laugh at her fathers annoyed expression. It was quite clear which of the Bristows little Kate preferred. "Dad, do you think Katy hates mom as much as she says?"
Jack considered her question for a few moments before replying. "I think your sister is still trying to understand how her mother, how any mother for that matter, could willingly abandon her child and allow her to lead the kind of life that Katarina was forced to live. In that aspect she sees bits of your mother in herself and that scares her. Your mother gave her up and she gave him up. Her fear is that someday she might turn out to be like Irina. It's not so much hate that Katarina feels for your mother but confusion. How could she have ever have loved a woman like that. I don't condone what Irina Derevko did Sydney but I understand the lengths she would go to, to keep your sister away from the KGB and the subsequent groups that followed. Katarina sees your mother as the epitome of everything that she doesn't want, and everything that she does want and that scares her. Perhaps someday…" his voice trailed off never finishing the sentence and leaving Sydney with more questions than answers.
I've got money in my pocket
I like the color of my hair
I've got a friend who loves me
Got a house, I've got a car
I've got a good father
And his voice is what keeps me here
Feet on ground
Heart in hand
Facing forward
Be yourself
Heart in hand
Feet on ground
Facing forward
Be yourself
Just be yourself
"Sydney," Jack looked over to her as the final notes were played and Kat lowered the microphone. "I think it's time for cake."
"You're right," she nodded and asked Will and Vaughn to get the cake. Sydney laughed watching Kat perform several curtsies and thank the band before stepping off the edge. Sydney put an arm around her shoulder and gave her a quick hug. "You were wonderful."
"Thanks," Kat grinned squeezing her back. "I forgot how much I loved doing that."
"So you're not going to kill JJ?"
"Nah, I'll let him live… for now."
Sydney began leading Kat to a table near the center of the restaurant. "So you like JJ right, you get along well and everything?"
"Yeah sure, he's great," Kat nodded.
"He's cute-Oww Kat?" Sydney glared at her sister and rubbed the arm that Kat had just grabbed, pulling her to a deserted area of the restaurant. "What's wrong?"
"He's cute? Sydney what's going on?"
Sydney crossed her arms over her chest. "I just meant that he's cute, he's near your age, you're going to be spending quite a bit of time working together and you get along well. Maybe you might get along really really well."
Kat opened her mouth to respond but no words came. She looked around to ensure no one was listening and lowered her voice. "Sydney, JJ and I- never happening, not even a chance."
"Why not?" Sydney protested. "I have it on good authority that he doesn't have a girlfriend."
"That's because he has a boyfriend-" Kat interrupted.
"What?"
Kat lowered her voice to a quiet whisper. "You can't tell anyone, he's starting a new job, he wants to be accepted. Syd, JJ is gay."
"Oh."
"I know it's not obvious, but that's just the way he is."
"Okay," Sydney nodded. "I just thought he'd be perfect for you."
"He would be," Kat grinned. "If he weren't gay and I actually wanted to be involved with someone. I'm just not ready for that. I don't know when or if I ever will be."
"You will be," Sydney nodded confidently and placed the plastic jeweled party tiara she'd been holding in her right hand on Kat's head. "Time for cake."
"Real cake?"
"Well, your piece is almost real," Sydney shrugged. "Sorry Katy. I tried for the good stuff for you too but dad wouldn't let me, you know he watches your sugar intake like a hawk."
"He doesn't trust me," Kat shrugged disappointed. A moment later the lights were dimmed and a loud rendition complete with Will's off key singing of Happy Birthday was sung by all, with the exception of Jack of course. As the clapping continued Kat took a deep breath and blew out all the candles in one shot.
As the cake was being cut and served, Kat dove into the presents with excitement, reading each card aloud and thanking each giver. From Marshall and Carrie, she received a one of a kind, custom made, complete with a Marshall superman logo, electronic journal and from Will, as a sort of a joke gift- an easy bake oven as she was forbidden to touch any appliance in anyone's kitchen. There were many gift certificates from those at work. From Weiss, Kat received a beautiful stationary set consisting of an engraved fountain pen, hundreds of sheets of embossed ivory paper and envelopes, blue ribbons and a velvet lined, hand carved box. She thanked him knowing exactly what his intentions were behind the gift. Vaughn's gift was Kings themed, his affection for the game having rubbed off onto Kat as well.
"Who's this from?" Kat wondered aloud unwrapping a heavy box. No one admitted to it being from him or her and she shrugged it off continuing to tear the wrapping from the mysterious gift.
"Oh my god," Sydney intake of breath did not go unnoticed as Kat lifted the heavy object from the box.
"Careful." Jack's hands immediately cupped his daughters steadying Kat's trembling hands as they lowered the gift onto an empty space on the table.
"It's beautiful," Amy Tippin remarked. "It's a Faberge carousel."
"Who gave this to me?" Kat asked softly staring at the ornate creation, but again no one responded and she placed it back in the box closing the lid. "What next?"
"Here, this is from Dad and I," Sydney passed Kat a small box.
"Another one?" Kat protested. "You've already given me too much."
"Just open it," Sydney instructed with a glance at her father.
Kat unwrapped the small box and was surprised at its contents. She pulled out a key that was hung on a string. "What is it for?"
"You'll find out later," Sydney responded mysteriously and took the key from her slipping the string over her Kat's head.
The key was quickly forgotten amidst the other gifts Kat received and soon the night was winding down. True to his word Jack had stayed for the entire party despite any hidden discomfort he may have felt.
"Katarina, it's late." Jack lay a hand on her shoulder as he spoke interrupting her conversation with Sydney, Vaughn and Will. "We should get home."
"No-"
"Dad's right," Sydney stood and gave her sister a quick hug and a kiss. "Happy Birthday, we'll see you tomorrow."
"Thanks Syd, this party was really great." Kat hugged Will and Vaughn as well before bidding everyone else goodnight and walking with her father out of the restaurant.
"Katarina, are you alright?" Jack asked watching her out of the corner of his eye as he pulled out of the parking lot as she shifted in her seat.
"Yes, just tired," she nodded and lifted the shoulder strap of the seatbelt over her head to keep it from cutting into her neck. "Thank you for my party, it was really great. I've never had a real birthday before."
"What about with your mother?" Jack asked curious to know if she remembered any of her birthdays with her mother.
"It was only ever Irina and I. Except for my fifth birthday when we were in Russia, there was a party, the night Alexander showed me The Contessa."
"Have you remembered anything more from your time in Russia?" Jack asked cautiously not wanting to ruin the night for her by bringing up too much of her past.
"No, Jack I don't want to thi-" she stopped suddenly and Jack was sure that she had remembered something more.
"Yes?"
"Just a name," Kat turned to stare out the window avoiding the occasional gaze Jack cast upon her as he drove. "Mishca. Does that mean anything to you?" she asked.
"I'll look into it."
Kat yawned loudly and Jack glanced over at her. She was struggling to stay awake. "Are we going back to your apartment?" she asked curiously not recognizing her surroundings.
Jack was silent for several moments before answering. He looked over at Kat to find her already asleep, her head resting against the window. "No, we're going home," he whispered and gently brushed her hair back from her face.
Jack quietly closed his car door and went around to the other side carefully opening the passenger side. His daughter was still asleep, her body turned and curled slightly in her seat. He reached across her and unsnapped her safety belt. Kat didn't stir as Jack lifted her into his arms and held her close to his chest. Instinctively in her sleep, Kat slipped her arms around his neck. Jack left the car door open and stepped onto the narrow brick lined path. He was about to step onto the porch when he heard someone call his name. 'Damn', he sighed inwardly and turned to the street.
"Dad?"
At the sound of a stranger's Kat woke tightening her grip around his neck. Her eyes blinked open adjusting to the dim porch light. She looked at him confused, her eyes full of questions. "It's alright," Jack whispered softly in her ear and slowly set her to the ground.
"Mr. Bristow is that you?"
"Dad what's going on? Where are we?"
Jack detected a slight quiver of fear and her voice, which only agitated him even more. Things were not going according to his plans. "Yes, hello Mrs. Fields."
The elderly neighbor, Mrs. Fields, who had been taking her little dog out to do his business when Jack drove up, walked up the driveway. "I almost can't believe it's you, with all the activity in the past day I assumed the house had finally been sold. Who is this?" she inquired gesturing to Kat who was leaning heavily against Jack, still half-asleep.
"No I didn't sell it." 'Not that it's any of your business,' he added inwardly. He brought his hands up to Kat's shoulders squeezing them lightly. "This is my daughter Katarina."
"If I didn't know any better, I would have sworn she was your little Sydney again. I wasn't aware you had another daughter-"
"Mrs. Fields," Jack interrupted impatiently. "It is quite late and my daughter is very tired, perhaps we can continue this another day." Jack turned Kat and himself in the opposite direction and gently pushed her towards the front door of the house. She tried to open the door but it was locked. "Use your key," Jack suggested and she did, taking the brass colored key from around her neck, Kat found that it was a perfect fit. As they stepped inside the entryway he added one more thought. "Welcome home."
Jack had to nudge Kat inside the hallway in order to close and lock the front door. She stood still for a few moments and then slowly walked around in a circle taking everything in. Finally she turned to Jack, "I don't understand."
"This is your home," he said simply. "This is where you belong. Come with me."
Jack took her hand and gently pulled her towards the stairs. As they walked up the stairs Kat held tight to the white banister and noticed the pictures on the wall. Pictures of Sydney as a child growing up, and several of Sydney and herself including a few hand drawn images that Jack must have found in her portfolio. "This is Sydney's home, where she grew up-"
"Now this is your home." Jack stopped her at the top of the stairs, at the first door on the right. "You don't belong on a pullout in my office, you belong here." Jack opened the door to Kat's bedroom and turned on the light. Her eyes grew wide as she studied the newly decorated room. "We'll change anything you don't like."
"No it's perfect," Kat was breathless; everything was exactly what she would have wanted.
"Sydney did it," Jack explained.
"Thank you." Kat turned to Jack and hugged him tightly. "I've never had a real home before. Thank you Daddy,"
Jack kissed the top of her head, "I'm sorry it took so long. Why don't I show you the rest of the house?"
Kat held onto his hand tightly has he gave her the grand tour. There were quite a few surprises for her including her own office on the third floor and the instruments Jack had retrieved from New York. In the living room sat an old baby grand piano and Kat immediately sat on the bench in front of it upon entering the room. Jack sat beside her and lifted the lid.
"Will you play something?"
She thought for a moment before the sweet sound of Moonlight Sonata began echoing through the house. She played the score from memory, without sheet music and with her eyes closed. Suddenly she stopped and her hands stilled over the keys.
"I know who sent the carousel," she said softly not looking at Jack. "It was Irina. I used to have one when I was little but it broke." Jack put an arm around her shoulders and Kat leaned against his side resting her head on his shoulder. "Why does she do this?"
Jack kissed her temple and rubbed her right shoulder gently. "I know it is difficult to understand and I cannot explain nor condone her actions but Katarina, your mother does love you."
"Then why won't she just leave me alone."
It was more of a wish or desire than a question and Jack didn't have an answer for her. Irina always worked and did things in her own way, in her own time.
"If I ask you a question, will you promise to tell me the truth? No lies or half truths or aversions. I want the truth."
Hesitantly Jack nodded his acceptance.
"When I first came into your life, did you hate me?"
"Katarina," he sighed heavily.
"Did you hate me?"
"I'd known that your mother had slept with other men after she left Sydney and I, but in my eyes you proof of that." Jack began speaking quietly unsure of exactly where he was headed but his daughter had asked for the truth. After Irina came back into our lives I'd felt that despite the deception on both our parts, Sydney was the undeniable bond between us that no other man could ever have with her what I did. She validated the deception and the lies. When you came, that idea was shattered and my feelings towards you… I felt threatened. Laura and I had Sydney on the basis of a lie, but you were the truth that another man shared the bond of a child with her. I was harsh with you, I thought somehow that it must have been a ploy of your mothers and that you were not as innocent as you appeared to be. I was threatened by you, that somehow you could destroy the tie I held with Sydney and that by accepting you she…There were brief moments when feelings of hate and dislike towards you were consuming. But they were brief and I quickly realized that I could not hold you responsible for your mothers actions."
Kat nodded slowly, she had asked for the truth and she'd gotten it. "There were times when I hated you as well." Kat lifted her head off his shoulder and turned to look at him. "I was jealous of you, of Sydney. I wanted to hate you because you were everything that I never had and everything I always wanted." Kat traced an abstract design on his palm as she studied the crevices and lines wondering if they were the same as hers. "I know I'm not exactly the easiest person to take care of, or even to care about but…
Jack wrapped his arms around his daughter and pulled her close tucking the top of her head under his chin. "I didn't start caring about you, or loving you just because Irina revealed that you were mine. You already had me."
Kat smiled slightly. "Me too." Her hands returned to the ivory keys but did not play. "Thank you for everything. For my party, for the truth, for trusting me, believing in me, for Oliver, for my room, my sister, my home, for my life." Kat turned, kissed his cheek, leaned her head on his shoulder and the sounds of Moonlight Sonata, even more beautiful than before, wafted through the warm night air.
A/N I hope you liked. Its just a little fluffy chapter in preparation for the big stuff that is to come, starting next chapter!!!!! Kat comes face to face with a person from her past and the outcome is not at all desired.
Song Credits for this Chapter are You Can't Hurry Love by Diana Ross & Good Mother by Jann Arden