CHAPTER 6
2 YEARS LATER: VAUGHN/REED HOME
"I can't believe him!" Michael says angrily as he and Lauren clean up the dishes. "He basically bought his freedom. I can't believe the CIA and British Intelligence is just going to let Sark go."
Lauren winces "He gave up his old life Michael."
Michael frowns, "I wonder why though... does he have a plan to destroy us?"
"Maybe he just wanted out."
Vaughn snorts "Its Sark, Lauren. You have no idea what he's like. He's always plotting"
Lauren glares at her husband, "You think people don't change?" She demands "Maybe he wants to live a normal life... have a family! You don't know what goes through his head... no one does. He could just be sick of being on the run."
"Sark with a family." Vaughn shakes his head "Yeah right."
'He has one... with me!' "He hasn't been doing anything for the last... year and a half Michael. I think he really wants to be done with what he was."
"Why are you defending him?" Vaughn demands
"I'm not defending him!" Lauren says angrily, 'Yes you are.' "I'm just saying that people change. Maybe he really wants to change." 'God Julian, please don't prove them right and be up to something. Really want this freedom.' She walks out of the kitchen going over to where Sophia is sitting she picks up the little girl, "Bedtime."
"No Mama. Stay up." Sophia squirms in her Mom's arms, "No bed."
"I'll put her to bed." Michael offers
"No I got it." Lauren walks out of the living room heading up the stairs.
Michael shakes his head returning to the kitchen
Lauren sets Sophia on the bed, "What pajamas do you want tonight?"
"Ducks"
Lauren smiles "Ducks it is."
LATER
Lauren walks into the living room where she finds Michael watching a hockey game ignoring the toys strewn about the room. "You know you could clean up while you watch the game."
"Huh"
Lauren shakes her head, "Never mind." She says angrily as she starts picking up the toys.
"What is wrong with you?" Michael demands. "You've been pissed off at me the last few days."
'Because I found out the man I love didn't even bother to tell me he was retiring from the spy life. Didn't even bother to ask me how I felt about him leaving this life. Am I ever going to see him again? Or am I going to be regulated to seeing him in pictures only?' "Because you never help out!" Lauren says angrily. "When you are actually home you don't help clean up. When you are home it isn't for long because something always comes up."
"Work Lauren. You leave for a few days as well." Vaughn points out.
"Only to go have my monthly check in with Sloane. Do you realize it has been two months since you've taken Sophia to the park? Eric takes her to the park more often then you do!" Lauren accuses.
"Weiss uses her to get dates."
"Yes but he takes the time out to play with her... take her out when you can't." Lauren sighs "I've had it with this." She says angrily as she drops the toys on the floor.
"What?" Vaughn demands
"I'm going to tell Dixon I'm taking an extended vacation. We need a break from each other. I'm taking Sophia to London to see Mother and Father."
"For how long?" Michael demands
"I'm not sure." Lauren shrugs walking out of the room. 'Maybe for good.'
COUPLE DAYS LATER: LONDON
Lauren looks at her Mother, "So ask"
"Ask what?" Olivia says innocently.
"Come on Mother. I know you. You have something to ask... hell I'll save you the trouble... we fight. That's all we do now."
"All married people fight." Olivia shrugs
"I know. I'm just sick of fighting with him. We just need a break from each other." Lauren looks back at Sophia who is dozing in the car seat. "It's just getting too stressful."
"Lauren... are you going to divorce him?"
Lauren shrugs "I really don't know Mother. All I know is I can't go on like this." She looks out the car window.
"On like what?"
"I don't know if I even love him anymore Mother." Lauren admits reluctantly. "At least not like I used too."
"Lauren is this about him?"
"No... not entirely." Lauren hedges
"Then what?"
"I've done everything I could think of to keep them apart. Sydney has as well but he won't quit. He offers to help her and she turns him down yet he still helps her. As much as Sydney once loved him she's finally moved on but Michael... he's still trying too in some ways. Sydney finally has a really nice boyfriend that her Dad even likes, and Jack doesn't think any guy is good enough for Sydney. She's happy yet Michael constantly complains about how she's busy with her new boyfriend and not keeping her mind on the job." Lauren sighs "He doesn't get that she doesn't want him back." She looks at her Mother, "I don't know if I can stand his behavior much longer."
"Michael is such a sweet man though"
"I know he is Mother but if he doesn't change... I don't think we'll survive much longer." Lauren sighs as her phone rings. Reaching into her purse she removes her phone flipping it open. "Reed" she greets then frowns "Why me? Yes I do know Sark's record quite well." 'No don't ask me to see him.' She silently begs. "Why not someone else?" 'Of course everyone else has a grudge with him... they've tried killing each other for years.' "No it is no problem sir." Lauren hangs up closing her phone with shaky hands. 'I have no choice. He knows that I don't let Michael's history with anyone stand in my way. Sure Sark did try to kill me once... he apologized and we ended up falling in love with each other. It will be fine Lauren. Just keep your distance from him. Don't let yourself fall into bed with him.'
"Lauren sweetie you OK?" Olivia asks
"I'm fine. Can you watch Sophia for a few hours tomorrow? I have to go meet with someone."
"Yes sure." Olivia looks at her daughter concerned.
THAT NIGHT: HOUSE
Lauren looks at Sophia as she sleeps, 'I'm going to go see your real Daddy tomorrow. He'll probably want to hear about you... maybe see you. I don't know if that's a good idea. If Michael ever found out Sark was near you he'd freak out. I don't know how I'm going to make it through tomorrow being so close to him. God all I want is to see the look on his face when he sees you.' Lauren sighs 'I don't know if I'll ever see that look again.' She wipes at the tears that fall.
LATE NEXT MORNING
"Be good for Grandma and Grandpa, Soph." Lauren drops a kiss to her daughter's head.
"Where you going Mama?" The three year old asks curiously.
'To see your Daddy.' "I have a meeting." Lauren replies "We'll play when I get back OK?"
Sophia nods smiling "OK Mama."
Lauren smiles back, 'Definitely Julian's little girl.' She hugs the girl. "I love you Sophia." She says "Now give me a kiss."
"Love you Mama." Sophia kisses her Mama.
Lauren stands looking at her Mother, "Thanks Mother."
Olivia nods watching as Lauren walks out of the kitchen.
HOUR LATER: HOUSE
"Sir"
Sark looks up from his computer to see his butler standing there, "Yes?"
"There is a woman here to see you... an Agent Reed."
Sark inwardly flinches, 'Go figure they'd send her.' "Bring her back." He leans back in his chair, 'Lauren... it's been so long since I've seen her.' He pulls up a picture recently taken of Lauren with Sophia both laughing, 'My girls.' He thinks fondly. 'She may be married to him but I'm the one she loves.' He looks up as Lauren walks into the study, 'My God she's beautiful.' He closes the file and smirks looking her over, "Been a long time Agent Reed." He presses a key on his lap top securing the room from all listening or watching. "You look good."
"Don't" Lauren warns
"Rooms secure." Sark assures leaning back in his chair. "So they sent you rather than Vaughn or one of the Bristows."
"Dixon knew they'd most likely try to kill you. Other than trying to blow me up in my own car we've never had enough contact for any issues."
"On paper contact." Sark points out. "We've had contact... lots of it." He says suggestively.
"Don't." Lauren whispers
"Fine. How is she?" Sark asks standing he moves around his desk.
Lauren shrugs, "Good. Growing fast." She smiles faintly.
"How long are you in London?" He gestures to the couch.
"I'm on an extended vacation." Lauren sits on the couch. "Its one of the reasons Dixon sent me rather than someone else. I made him promise not to tell Michael though... God knows how he'd react."
"Doesn't trust I'm out for good does he?" Sark sits on the other end of the couch facing Lauren. "Do you?"
"No, he doesn't." Lauren looks away and shrugs "I think I might be the only one willing to give you the benefit of the doubt."
"I'm done Lauren... I promise." Sark says seriously.
"Why now?" Lauren demands
"Time to get out... I was getting tired of living on the run. Besides with Father's money I have the chance to start over. They won't risk touching me since I went public about being a Lazarey and the last of the Russian royal family... or one of the last and donated a large amount of the money to various organizations."
"Why didn't you tell me what you were planning?" Lauren asks softly.
"What was I supposed to do Lauren call you up? Ask you how you felt about me retiring? That would have gone over well." Sark says sarcastically. "Besides you were the one who broke it off." He stands going over to the counter pouring himself a drink.
Lauren winces "Let's just get to work. I have to get back... I left Sophia with my parents."
"Fine." Sark grinds out. "What do you want?"
"We need to go over the rules for this arrangement. I've taken over for US, Russian and British Intelligence as your handler. They thought it would be easier to combine it... Britain wanted someone with dual citizenship; all three wanted someone with high level security clearance and crossover agency work so"
"You were the only one."
"The choice was Jack or myself. Dixon knew Jack would probably kill you the first time you made him mad so that left me." Lauren shrugs
"Fine let's get to work." Sark downs his drink returning to the couch.
"All right according to the agreement they came up with you have to provide intelligence when they need it. Yet if you try to put one against the other... you get jail. They will allow you to keep your money as long as you don't use it for anything illegal. That means I am left in charge of making sure all the places you do donate money to are legitimate so I need access to all of that paperwork."
"Don't trust me?"
"We're not talking about me." Lauren says quickly. "You are also not allowed contact with your former associates unless it is cleared with all three sides or one side needs information from a former associate."
"Irina is the only one still alive and no one, not even I, knows where she is. Well Bristow might know but I doubt it. All my other associates are dead or in prison. I do have a few sources still alive but I doubt any of them want anything to do with me."
"As long as you follow the rules each side will leave you alone and give you some immunity. If you break any of the rules you will be thrown in prison."
Sark stifles a groan, "Fine."
COUPLE HOURS LATER
"That's it." Lauren announces closing the file. "I'll see you in a month then." She stands
"Lauren"
Lauren looks at Sark, 'God I love him.' She mentally slaps herself, "Yes?"
"I'd like to see her." Sark requests
Lauren shakes her head, "Not a good idea. Michael and I are fighting enough as it is... I don't need to get into a fight with him over you seeing Sophia. He's already pissed off enough over your deal." 'And my defending you.'
"Who says he has to know?"
"You go anywhere one agent or another follows you. I really don't need someone taking a picture of you and Sophia together." Lauren picks up her jacket slipping it on. "It's not a good idea."
"Two years and three months Lauren." Sark points out
"What?" She says startled
"That's how long it's been since I've seen her in person."
"Don't" Lauren whispers
"Don't what? Don't remember how long it's been since I've seen my daughter?" Sark says coldly. "Don't think about the fact that I have a daughter that I can't even talk to or go near?"
"Is that why you retired?" Lauren demands
"Somewhat." Sark admits "Mostly because I was tired of running."
"I have to go." Lauren heads to the door
"Lauren"
Lauren stops her hand on the knob, "I wish it was a possibility Julian but it's not a good idea. You're under a microscope. If anyone found out you were even near Sophia there would be too many questions." She closes her eyes taking a deep breath, "I have to get back to the house." She walks out of the study.
Sark walks over to the counter pouring another drink he sits on the couch, 'I tried.' He looks at the content of his drink, 'And failed.' He closes his eyes 'Shouldn't be surprised she said no. She's protecting Sophia.'
Once in her car Lauren allows the tears to fall quickly wiping them away. 'Had to say no... no matter how hard it was it was for the best.' She starts the car pulling away from the house she heads down the driveway.
LATE AFTERNOON: REED HOUSEHOLD
"How was your meeting?" Olivia inquires as she watches Lauren stare at Sophia as the girl silently plays.
"Fine." Lauren whispers
"Alright, Lauren what's wrong?" Olivia demands "You've been quiet since you came home."
"Just thinking"
"What?"
"She has little traits that remind me of him."
"How so?"
"Her smile. That look she gets when she's figuring something out." Lauren smiles faintly.
"Lauren, stop." Olivia warns
"What?"
"More you dwell on that man the harder it will be to save your marriage."
"I know. I'm trying Mother. There are days when I don't think about him. Then there are days where I can't stop thinking about him."
"How long has it been since you've seen him?"
'Today.' "Two years." Lauren lies
"Work on your marriage."
"That's what I've been doing for the last three, four years Mother. Now it's Michael's turn to make things work." Lauren walks over to where Sophia is and joins the girl on the floor.
8PM
"Mama, when Daddy be here?" Sophia asks sleepily.
"I don't know baby." Lauren replies "It depends on work."
"Oh." Sophia yawns
"Now it is time for you to go to sleep." Lauren smiles "Good night sweetie."
"Night Mama" Sophia yawns curling up.
Lauren sits there watching the little girl drift off to sleep, 'My sweet little girl. I would do anything for you.' After a few minutes Lauren turns off the bedside lamp and quietly walks out of the room heading into her own across the hall. She picks up her lap top and carries it over to the bed sitting she opens the file on Sark. Her eyes land on the picture of Sark and blinks back tears at the familiar smile, 'God I miss you.' She closes her eyes, 'Don't Lauren. You have to stop.' She closes the file and turns off the lap top. Scrambling off the bed she grabs her jacket and keys hurrying out of the bedroom.
Hearing his daughter's footsteps coming down the stairs in a hurry George Reed looks up from his newspaper to see Lauren come down the stairs, "Lauren where are you going?"
"I just... Sophia's asleep. I need to get out of here for a while." She says pained. "If Michael calls the house just tell him... anything." She hurries out the door.
"What's going on with her?" George asks his wife.
"Nothing you need to worry about. Lauren just has some things to work out." Olivia says sadly instinctively knowing her daughter is thinking about the man she loves.
HOUR LATER: SOMEWHERE
"Lauren"
Lauren looks up startled from her thoughts to see Sark standing on the porch. Quickly she wipes at her tears, "What are you doing here?" She demands.
"I broke away from the guard dogs." Sark shrugs "Figured I'd find you here."
"How?"
"In Los Angeles and DC you drive when you need to think. When in London you come here." Sark sits beside her on the step, "You told me that."
"Michael wouldn't even know that." Lauren says sadly. "He doesn't even know
where this place is. God he'd have a fit if he had any idea you know me better than he does." She takes a deep shaky breath, "How do you know no one knows where you are?"
"I've been dodging tails since I was a teenager. I only let people catch me when I'm ready to be caught." He looks at Lauren frowning at the tears. "Why are you crying?"
Lauren shrugs "Lots of things."
"Lauren come on, it's just me."
"Short or long?" She laughs dryly
"Whichever."
"What do you want to know?"
"Why are you taking an extended vacation?" Sark asks curiously.
"I had it with Michael." Lauren shrugs "We need time apart. Too much living and working together I guess."
"How bad is it?"
Lauren glances at him then at her wedding ring, "The last year and a half things have been getting worse." She rubs her arms then stands walking into the cottage knowing Sark will follow. "He's never around and when he is we argue. Last weekend he was supposed to take Sophia to the park so I could get some errands done but he had to go out of town and sent Eric to take her. I mean I love that Eric spends time with her but so many times lately he just asks Eric to take her to the park or the zoo. He's gone from spending all free time with Sophia to not spending time with her." She closes her eyes taking a deep breath as she feels him sit next to her.
"I'm sorry sweetheart."
Lauren looks at him "I needed to get away and figure things out."
"And your parents? What do they think?"
"Dad is oblivious to everything but the fact he gets to see Sophia. Mom... is Mom, keeps telling me to make it work. She just doesn't get that I have."
"How is Sophia doing with all of this?"
"Loves the attention" Lauren smiles fondly at the mention of her baby. "She keeps asking where Michael is. I don't think she realizes what's going on."
"That is probably a good thing."
"I know." Lauren rests her head on the cushion, "I really don't know if my marriage is going to last." She finally admits out loud.
"You'll figure something out Lauren."
"I don't know if I want too Julian. I'm tired of dealing with his issues. I'm tired of fighting with him."
"You've been fighting to save your marriage since Sydney came back... why stop?"
"What am I supposed to do Julian?" She asks sadly. "I don't want to give up on my marriage but I'm running out of options... except Mother's idea."
"What was that?"
"Mother's idea was another baby... she seems to have this idea that it would make things work but it would just make things harder. I mean I can't even get him to pick up her toys while he's watching TV now."
"I'm sorry you're unhappy." Sark reaches out and gently wipes at the drying tears with his thumb, "I miss you Lauren."
Lauren closes her eyes enjoying his light touch. "I miss you too." She whispers slowly opening her eyes to meet his. "I miss you so much" She lifts her hand to his face and gently trails her fingers down his face.
Sark grabs her hand turning to kiss her palm their eyes lock. As he sees the tears fall he wipes them away with his thumb then leans in kissing her lightly then soon the kiss deepens. Sark breaks the kiss meeting Lauren's tear-filled gaze, "Lauren"
Lauren stares at him, 'I shouldn't do this.' She takes a deep breath then straddles his legs then looks at her wedding ring and without a moments thought she removes it setting it on the coffee table before taking his face between her hands kissing him. 'I love him so much.'
LATER
Lauren strokes Sark's cheek as she looks down at him her chin resting on her hand and smiles faintly.
"What?" Sark tugs lightly on a strand of her hair.
"I was thinking"
Sark searches her eyes, "About what?"
"The night Sophia was conceived."
Sark smirks "You broke into my hotel room."
"I didn't break in... not really." She hedges
"As I seem to recall we were in this position that night."
"I seem to recall we were in many." Lauren brushes her lips over his.
"Yes but I woke up to you on top of me. That was the first time you ever said my name... actually you screamed it." Sark runs his fingers through her hair. "God you're beautiful."
Lauren rests her head on his chest
"Regrets?"
"Somewhat." Lauren admits "I don't regret being with you but I regret the consequences that are bound to happen."
Sark shrugs, "Live for the now Lauren."
"We can't be together."
"Let's not talk about that." Sark strokes her cheek. "Tell me about Sophia." He requests
"What do you want to know?"
"Everything... there's only so much you can see in pictures."
"Well right now we're working on her ABCs and she can count up to ten. She's also working on learning how to tie her shoes. She's stubborn about things especially when she wants to learn something. The most annoying trait she's picked up from Michael is hockey. If I try to get her away from the TV when they're watching a game she cries. She has your smile" Lauren looks at Sark brushing her fingers across his lips "and when she's thinking she gets the same look you get. She's incredible." 'Just like her Daddy.'
Sark listens intently as Lauren tells him stories about Sophia's adventures.
LATER
"Julian we haven't talked about" Lauren bites her lip.
Sark winces knowing what she means, "We don't need to talk about it. You did what you thought was best for all of us."
"I want to talk about it Julian. It was the hardest thing I've ever had to do. Sometimes" Lauren takes a deep shaky breath, "I hate myself for making that choice." She looks away
"Don't all right" Sark forces her to look at him, "Don't hate yourself... please."
"I can't help it." Lauren sobs "It was our baby Julian."
"You were right Lauren... there wasn't any choice." Sark kisses her forehead then wipes at her tears. "It's OK."
"No it's not" Lauren whispers "It hurts"
"What does?"
"That our baby isn't here with us. I wanted to have the baby so much."
"I know you did."
Lauren buries her face in his shoulder crying for her baby.
DAWN
Lauren sighs "I guess I should get home. Mother must be on the verge of having a bloody heart attack." Lauren pulls away, "What are you going to tell the guard dogs?"
"They are most likely thinking that I found some woman and went home with her." Sark shrugs watching as Lauren goes in search of her clothing. "What about you?"
"Mother knows I'm here. She knows I hide out here some times." She pulls on her shirt, "Are you going to get dressed?"
"I'm enjoying the view... though I'd rather see the clothes come off" Sark smirks
Lauren tosses the boxer briefs at him, "Smart ass."
"I try." Sark throws the blanket off and begins to dress.
"Julian"
"Yes?"
"Don't prove them right." She pleads
"Prove whom right?" Sark questions
"Everyone." Lauren whispers stepping up to him, "If you said what you mean about leaving your old life alone do."
"I don't want to go back Lauren. I left... what can I go back to?" Sark runs his fingers through her hair. "I've always lived in the moment... never looked beyond the next few minutes."
"And now?"
"I have a little girl that I can't get to know but maybe one day I will have that chance."
"All I want is to see you two together." Lauren whispers staring at him, "I want to see that look again... the one you had the night you first saw her." She caresses his jaw "You were so happy that night... and so sad." She adds after a moment of thought.
"It really hit me that night that I have a child... that was something I never gave a thought about."
"Having kids?"
Sark nods stroking her cheek, "That night when I walked into her room and saw her in your arms, I realized how hard it was going to be... I never thought about it before that night. Before she was born I thought I'd have no problem staying away but when I saw that picture you emailed me I tried to stay away." He takes a deep breath, "I couldn't stay away."
"I'm glad you didn't." Lauren admits "From the moment she was in my arms I needed you to see her." She sighs "So many times I almost picked up the phone and called you... I knew you would show up sooner or later." She kisses him lightly. "Be careful when heading back."
"I will." Sark continues dressing. "I love you Lauren."
Lauren smiles "I love you too Julian." She picks up her wedding ring and stares at it thoughtfully before returning it to her finger. She looks at Sark kissing him lightly. "I'll see you later."
HOUR LATER: REED HOUSE
"Lauren"
Lauren winces hearing her Mother's worried voice. She takes a deep breath looking at her Mom, "Yes Mother?"
"Where were you?"
"At the cottage, I needed to do some thinking." Lauren answers
"About what?" Olivia asks
"The future."
"And?"
"I'm not sure." 'But I found my footing.' Lauren shrugs "Still a lot to think about Mother. I take it she didn't wake."
"No. She's been asleep the whole time."
"Good. I'm going to go get some more sleep."
"Lauren"
"I'm fine Mother." Lauren assures walking up the stairs to her room. Closing the door she leans against it sighing heavily, 'More than fine.' She smiles resting her head against the door.
CHAPTER 7
COUPLE DAYS LATER: PARK
"Hello sweetheart."
Lauren starts in surprise when she hears Sark's voice over her shoulder. She turns her head glaring at him, "You're late."
"I didn't know I was on a schedule." Sark smirks sitting next to her on the bench and follows her gaze to where Sophia is playing with a little boy in the sandbox.
"Do you have it all?" Lauren looks at him.
"Here" Sark hands her a file, "everything is in order of when I made the donations. So you didn't tell me why here."
"Mother and Father are at some sort of benefit." Lauren shrugs "No one but the housekeeper is at the house but she doesn't need Sophia under foot."
"Your husband would have a bloody fit if he knew you wanted to meet with her so close." Sark nods at Sophia.
"Yes well my husband is currently busy with work." Lauren says bitterly as she looks through the paperwork, "Bank statements?"
"Do I really want the bloody CIA knowing my bank account number?"
"You have more than one." Lauren points out.
"Here" Sark hands her another folder, "this is the account that the donations were made from."
"Good." Lauren glances up to see Sophia about to stick a handful of sand into her mouth. "Sophia don't" she warns
Sophia looks at her Mama almost daringly.
"You don't like the taste of sand remember." Lauren reminds
Sophia looks at her hand then drops the sand returning to her playing.
"That girl would put anything in her mouth once." Lauren shakes her head. "Last week she decided she wanted to see what paste tasted like."
"And how did that end?"
"She ate some." Lauren shrugs "Last fall she ate a worm."
"Why did she do that?"
"I have no idea. One minute she was looking at the worm... the next it was in her mouth." Lauren alternates between reading the file and checking on Sophia knowing that Sark is keeping an eye on Sophia while checking out their surroundings. "Do you check out the organizations before you make the donations?"
"Yes of course. I figured they would start asking questions about my donations."
"How far do you go into checking out the organizations?"
"Even check out the people who work there."
"Good. Relax Sark... I have to do this with Sloane every month."
"Mama" Sophia runs over to the bench eyeing the man sitting beside her Mama warily as she climbs onto the bench.
Lauren looks at Sophia, "Done playing?"
Sophia shakes her head her pigtails swaying, "Can I have some juice?"
Lauren reaches into the diaper bag removing a bottle, "Here you go." She hands the girl the bottle.
"Thank you." Sophia takes the bottle sticking it in her mouth watching her surroundings with interest.
"Oh and Dixon wants to know about a man named Siveroy."
Sark shrugs, "Not much. I've never had contact with him. I only know his reputation. Irina or Sloane would know more about him."
Lauren nods
"Mama" Sophia tugs on her Mama's sleeve.
Lauren looks at Sophia, "Yes baby?"
"Done." Sophia hands her Mama the bottle. "I'm gonna go play."
Lauren takes the bottle watching Sophia return to the sandbox and returns the bottle to the diaper bag. "She is a whirlwind." She chuckles "She can sit still for hours but other times" Lauren shakes her head, "she'll last five minutes before moving on to something else."
"Need anything else?" Sark questions his eyes on Sophia who is happily playing so close.
Lauren notices his expression and sighs knowing what he wants to do... hug his little girl. "No not right now."
"Let me know what else you need." Sark stands walking away.
'I need you.' She looks at Sophia as she puts the files in the diaper bag. She stands and joins Sophia in the sandbox.
AFTER MIDNIGHT: REED HOUSEHOLD
Lauren groans hearing her phone ring and blindly grabs it off the nightstand, "What now Michael?" she growls in annoyance.
"Sorry, sweetheart definitely not your bloody husband." Sark says amused
"Mmm" Lauren smiles, "much better than him." She curls up in bed.
"You two get into an argument?"
"That's all we do now."
"Does he know?"
"No. If there are any pictures he hasn't seen them yet. He does know that Dixon assigned me as your handler."
"Was that what you were arguing about?"
"Of course, you know how he feels about anything having to do with you." Lauren sighs "He didn't have that much of a fit when he found out I was Sloane's handler."
"He'll get over it."
"As long as he believes it's only business."
"Enough about him." Sark says annoyed. "How is Sophia?"
"I managed to keep her from eating sand." Lauren laughs "She's good, fast asleep."
"She's beautiful."
"Yes she is. I'm glad you got to see her."
"She looks just like you."
"That's what Mother says. Whenever her friends come over she drags out my baby pictures to show them. It's bloody embarrassing."
"You miss London don't you?"
"Of course I do. I did grow up here. I miss it."
"Ever thought of moving back?"
"A lot, especially lately, this has always been home."
"Home is always home."
"What about you? If you had your choice where would you be?"
Sark's silent for a moment then answers, "Anywhere with you and Sophia."
Lauren smiles "You are a charmer."
"It's the truth sweetheart... it's what I want most."
"If things were different we'd have that... we'd have had that a long time ago. I was thinking about something last night."
"What's that?"
"He or she would have been about a year and a half."
"I know."
The two talk for a while then Lauren reluctantly ends the conversation. She smiles hanging up her phone, 'God I love him.'
COUPLE NIGHTS LATER: COTTAGE
"What?" Lauren growls into her phone annoyed at the interruption in her sleep.
"Nice greeting."
"Hi. Where are you?"
"Front door."
"Why don't you just pick the lock."
"I'm trying to be a normal person here Reed. Now get your cute ass out of bed and let me in."
Lauren smiles throwing off the covers she slips her robe on phone still in hand, "So you think my ass is cute?"
"I think every part of you is cute."
Lauren turns on the lamp in the hall closing Sophia's door after checking to make sure the girl is still asleep. "And what is cutest about me?"
"It's a long list."
Lauren turns off the alarm and unlocks the door hanging up her phone as she sees Sark on the porch. "If you get caught"
"I didn't." Sark enters the house and once the door is closed he looks her over as she resets the alarm and locks the door then grabs her hand pulling her back to the bedroom. "Sophia?" He asks as he closes the bedroom door.
"Heavy sleeper." Lauren tosses the robe aside. "She's an early riser so you can't stay all night." Her hands go to the buckle of his belt.
"I know." He chuckles "Eager?"
"What can I say... I can't resist you."
LATER
"I must say that was another round of mind-blowing sex." Sark chuckles as he meets Lauren's gaze. "Hello beautiful."
Lauren smiles sleepily.
"Tired?"
"She's being a terror right now." Lauren strokes his back with her nails. "Just like her Daddy."
"Well her Daddy is working very hard to be good."
"And he's doing a great job." Lauren kisses his nose. "Now let me down."
Sark sets Lauren on her feet, "You've been busy lately."
"Doing a lot of thinking... arguing with myself."
"About?"
Lauren sighs pushing her hair out of her face, "Everything. Us... my relationship with Michael... my parents." She walks over to the bed.
"And?"
Lauren sits on the bed, "My marriage isn't working... I don't think it ever did. I mean we tried for Sophia but" she sighs "it didn't work."
"So what are you going to do?" Sark asks sitting beside her.
"I requested a transfer here. Dixon knows and I asked him not to tell anyone. I go back to Los Angeles tomorrow to finish up the paperwork. Sophia's staying here so she doesn't have to be put in the middle of the argument that is bound to happen." She looks at Sark, "This isn't only because of what's going on between us so don't let that ego of yours get any bigger."
"I know it's not about us."
"We still have to keep this whole thing a secret."
"I know."
"Once everything is done we'll figure something out." Lauren rests her head on his shoulder. "I used to think I'd do anything to keep my marriage... now I wish I had ended it before it happened."
"We never would have met."
"Good point. Then I guess it should be... I should say then I should have ended it when I found out I was pregnant with Sophia. Even then I knew it was just going downhill."
Sark kisses her head, "I'm sorry sweetheart."
Lauren snorts, "No you aren't. You hate Michael."
Sark chuckles, "Yes but I don't like the fact you're unhappy."
"I'm happy right now." Lauren looks at him with a smile.
"I'm glad." Sark kisses her.
NEXT MORNING
Lauren frowns not finding Sark beside her then sighs, 'Left without waking me.' She shakes her head looking at the clock she smiles seeing a piece of paper. Picking up the paper she unfolds it reading,
'My sweet Lauren,
Didn't want to wake you... you were peacefully asleep. I love you and Sophia more than I ever thought possible. Perhaps one day we can stop hiding the truth and be together.
Good luck,
Julian.'
Lauren smiles 'One day.'
LATE AFTERNOON: AIRPORT
"Be good for Grandma and Grandpa." Lauren kisses Sophia's nose. "I'll be back soon."
"How soon?"
"Five days."
"Sophia, come too." Sophia pouts
"You'll have more fun with Grandma and Grandpa. When I get back we'll go do something fun... just us."
"OK. Daddy, come soon?"
Lauren winces "I don't know baby. We'll see." She hugs Sophia, "I love you."
"Love you Mama."
"I'll call tonight to say good night OK?"
Sophia nods "OK."
Lauren hands Sophia to her Mom, "Thanks Mom."
Olivia nods "We'll see you in five days."
WHILE LATER: PLANE
Lauren looks at her ring, 'Never thought I'd become a divorce statistic. There's no choice. I can't stay in an unhappy marriage just for Sophia... it's not fair to her or any of us.' She sighs 'I just can't stay in my marriage.'
NEXT EVENING: REED/VAUGHN HOUSE
Michael Vaughn frowns when he notices the front lights on. He walks back into the house where he finds Lauren looking through the bookcase, "When did you get back?"
"Early this morning." Lauren looks at her husband. "Dixon said you were on a mission."
Vaughn nods "Mexico."
"How'd it go?"
"Fine. Where's Sophia?"
"With my parents."
"Why?"
'Now or never.' Lauren takes a deep breath before answering, "I transferred to the London office."
"What? Why?"
"I can't do this anymore Michael. I can't watch while you drool over Sydney and mope that she doesn't want you. I can't live as the other woman. I want a divorce."
"Oh come on Lauren"
"I want to do this as nice as possible Michael. I don't want to drag Sophia or anyone else through the divorce. Either you agree to it and sign the papers or we go to court. If we go to court your obsession with Sydney comes out. But considering your loyalty to Sydney I hope you won't subject her to that. We've tried everything to make this work Michael and its not."
"You are not taking my daughter to London!" Michael says angrily.
"Your daughter!" Lauren exclaims her voice filled with fury. "For the last year and a half she has been solely my responsibility. I feed her. I clothe her. I'm the one who gets up in the middle of the night when she's sick. I'm the one who makes excuses for you when you break promises. I can't even get you to do a load of laundry when your home."
"If this is about Sydney"
"It's not because I know she's been pushing you away. She even wanted this marriage to succeed. She has moved on Michael... you haven't."
"Lauren come on"
"I'm not staying in a marriage that is going to end up hurting Sophia. She deserves better than what you've been doing. You sleep in the guest room. I'm only in town to finish up some paperwork and pack up my and Sophia's belongings. You can keep everything. The divorce papers are on the counter." Lauren walks out of the room.
Michael heads into the kitchen picking up the papers he starts to read them as he heads back to the couch.
Lauren returns to the living room, "I'm not asking for alimony and not that much in child support. I don't need your money... never have."
"I only get visitations!" Vaughn exclaims as he comes across the custody section of the divorce papers.
"Until you start acting like her father yes. If you don't break promises to call her or visit we'll see about her coming to LA for a week or so. Your Mom can see her anytime she wants."
"If she goes to London you mean." Vaughn mutters
"I don't want to argue. I'm leaving Sophia's bed and furniture so she'll have it when she's here."
"Damn it Lauren"
"Don't Michael. I have tried... I've been trying since we first married. We never should have gotten married... you weren't ready. I did love you Michael but I don't think you really loved me... I think you wanted the distraction from missing Sydney."
Vaughn scowls "I'm going out." He tosses the papers on the coffee table and stands walking out of the house slamming the door behind him.
Lauren sighs, 'Knew he wouldn't take it well.'
NEXT MORNING: OFFICE
"Thank you Dixon... for everything." Lauren says as she hands him the paperwork.
"Are you sure about this?"
Lauren nods
"If you ever want to return here you can." Dixon offers.
"Thank you but I think London is the best choice for me right now."
"And how is Vaughn taking this?"
"Mad but there's no other option. I gave him the chance to work things out and he didn't make the effort."
"How long are you staying in LA?"
"Until Friday. I have meetings with my superiors at the NSC and need to finish packing up our things."
"Good luck Lauren."
Lauren nods "Thank you sir." She picks up the file and walks out of the room.
MIDAFTERNOON: HOUSE
Lauren opens the door to find Sydney on the porch and sighs, "Come to gloat?" She asks walking away from the door.
"No." Sydney walks into the house. "I just... I don't know why I'm here."
"I've tried with him Sydney. He wants you... always has. I was just a distraction for him. If you love Kyle be careful because Michael is going to do whatever he can to get you back."
"I'm over Vaughn, Lauren." Sydney assures
"When you first came back I had to share him with you... I hated it but I learned to accept it." 'Somewhat.' "But when he started shoving aside Sophia to help you, even when you didn't want it; that was the last straw."
Sydney looks down, "I never wanted that Lauren."
"I know... you put aside your feelings for Michael so our marriage could work. Thank you for that Sydney but I've done all I can to save my marriage." 'I even used my lover's child.' "There's nothing else I can do."
"What about Sophia?"
"We're moving to London. My parents spend 9 months of the year there. She likes London"
"Michael adores her... she's all he talks about."
"Yet he spends little time with her." Lauren says sadly.
"I thought"
Lauren shakes her head, "He hasn't spent more than five hours alone with her in two months. Even then all they did was watch hockey or baseball. He rarely plays with her. I won't subject Sophia to a father who pays no attention to her... it's not fair to her."
"No it's not." Sydney agrees knowing her own childhood was miserable because her father never spent time with her. "Good luck Lauren." She says seriously.
"Thank you." Lauren smiles sadly. "Good luck with Kyle... he's a great guy. Don't let Michael stop you from whatever you want."
"I stopped caring what Michael thought years ago." Sydney admits
"Good."
Sydney starts towards the door, "Lauren... Sophia is a great girl. Despite Michael's behavior he does love her."
"I know." Lauren watches Sydney walk out of the house then continues packing.
FRIDAY MORNING
Lauren walks into the kitchen and stops in her tracks when she sees the divorce papers with Michael's signature. She looks at Michael who is sitting at the kitchen table reading the sports section. "Thank you."
"I didn't do it for you... I did it for Sophia. She doesn't need to be put through a messy divorce. I want her for half of summer vacation and when she's old enough every other Christmas and Thanksgiving. When I'm in London I want to see her. When she's ready for school I get her during Spring Break."
"We'll work all of it out." Lauren assures
"What are you going to tell her?"
"That we aren't going to be living together anymore and that she'll see you whenever possible." Lauren shrugs "Something like that."
"Going to live with your parents?"
"Father has a realtor friend who is looking for a flat for us. In the meantime we'll live with Mother and Father." 'Hopefully we'll be able to move close to Julian.'
"Are you still going to be Sloane and Sark's handler?"
"Yes."
"I have to get to work. Have a good flight. Give Sophia a kiss for me."
"I will." Lauren promises
Michael pauses in the doorway of the kitchen, "I really wanted this to work Lauren... especially for Sophia."
"I know." Once he's gone Lauren sighs, 'We just didn't work.'
EARLY AFTERNOON
Lauren looks around the living room and takes a deep breath looking at her wedding ring she removes it setting it on the coffee table. "Goodbye Michael." She grabs her purse and walks out of the house locking the door behind her. As she heads towards her waiting car her phone rings and she fishes it out of her purse flipping it open, "Reed"
"How'd it go?"
Lauren sighs, "Decent. Barely saw each other let alone spoke."
"Did he sign the papers?"
"Yes."
"Good."
"I'll call you when I'm back."
"Good. I miss you."
Lauren smiles hearing his tone, "Same." She hangs up getting into her car.
NEXT MORNING: LONDON
"Mama" Sophia grins
Lauren takes the girl from her Mother, "Hello my girl." She kisses Sophia. "Oh I missed you."
"Missed you, Mama." Sophia grins
Lauren kisses Sophia again, "That was from Daddy."
"How did it go?" Olivia inquires
"Fine, I dropped off the papers at the lawyer's office on my way to the airport."
"Lauren, are you sure about this honey?"
Lauren looks at Sophia who grins the familiar grin, "I'm sure. It's better this way. So how did my girl do while I was gone? Did she behave?"
Sophia nods "I was good."
"Oh really?"
"She was a perfect angel." Olivia assures
"Good."
2 HOURS LATER: HOUSE
"Lauren, are you sure about this divorce?" George asks concerned.
"I'm sure Dad. I can't do it anymore. I tried as hard as I could but" Lauren shrugs "I just wasn't what he wanted. I'm surprised we lasted this long." Lauren looks at Sophia who is playing nearby. "I think Sophia's the only reason we lasted this long."
"Have you told her?" Olivia asks
"No. I will soon."
"Is Michael going to come visit?" George questions
"I'm sure he will. He does love her... I know that." Lauren takes a sip of her tea then yawns.
"Why don't you go get some sleep. We'll watch Sophia for a while." Olivia offers
"Thanks Mom." Lauren stands walking out of the living room and up the stairs. Once she's in her room she picks up her phone from the nightstand and dials the now familiar number.
"What!"
Lauren smiles "Bad mood?"
"Not anymore. Are you back?"
"I returned an hour ago. Spent the whole time explaining to my parents why I'm divorcing Michael."
"And does Sophia know?"
"Not yet. I'll tell her soon. It's just a hard thing to explain to a three year old." Lauren yawns kicking off her shoes. "How are you?"
"Fine. I missed you."
"I missed you too."
"Get some sleep. We'll talk later."
"Alright." Lauren hangs up then crawls into bed closing her eyes.
LATE AFTERNOON
"Mama, when do we go home?" Sophia asks curiously as she looks up from playing.
Lauren closes her book and looks at Sophia, "We are home."
"With Daddy."
"Sophia we need to talk." Lauren pats her lap, "Come here."
Sophia abandons her toys crawling onto her Mama's lap, "When do we go home to Daddy?"
"Sophia, I know this is hard to understand but Mama and Daddy won't be living together anymore. You'll see Daddy whenever he has the time to come here but we won't be living with him anymore."
"Where are we living?"
"For now with Grandma and Grandpa but soon we'll find a place of our own."
"Daddy?"
"Daddy is staying in Los Angeles."
"Nana?"
"She'll fly here to see you or we'll go see her." Lauren hugs Sophia, "Daddy and I love you a lot you know that right?"
Sophia nods
"Good." Lauren kisses Sophia's head, "Now how about we play."
"OK"
THAT NIGHT
"How'd she take it?" Sark asks
Lauren sighs leaning against the window she looks out at the night sky. "She's three and easily distracted. Tomorrow she'll ask again when she'll see him."
"When will she?"
"Michael is going to take next weekend off and come see her."
"So soon?"
"Knowing Michael something will come up." Lauren says bitterly. "We agreed to do this as peaceful as possible. No alimony and very little child support."
"Why even ask him?"
"It would have been a little suspicious if I hadn't. Besides I'm just going to put the money in her bank account for college. Truth is I make more than Michael does... never had a need for his money. Plus my trust fund."
"Ah yes I forgot you are a trust fund baby."
"Oh shut up Mr. I just inherited a huge amount of money."
"Well I didn't even know about the money." Sark points out "You've always known about your trust fund."
"Good point."
"How long will you be living with your parents?"
Lauren groans, "Hopefully not long. I still have time left on my extended vacation... I'm going to look for daycare for Sophia as well as a house."
"What about when you go out of town?"
"Mom and Dad are here nine months out of the year when they're not" Lauren shrugs "I'll figure something out."
"I know what would really piss off Vaughn"
"No you are not babysitting."
"Oh come on darling."
"Hey I'd have no problem with it, if Michael wouldn't have a fit over it and you know he would."
"You know what... there is something we've never done."
"What's that?"
"Something we should do when your divorce is final."
"What?" Lauren asks warily.
"An actual date that involves going out rather than ordering room service."
"You're right... the closest we've ever been on a date was the alley in Prague. Though I don't think having sex in an alley is an actual date."
"Yes but it was one of the few times we weren't in a hotel room." Sark points out.
"True." Lauren chuckles
"Come on lets go on a date like normal people."
"You know if we did we'd be watched."
"So what"
"And Michael would find out... and even though we'd be divorced by then you know he'd threaten to take Sophia from me."
"Tell him it was a business dinner. I'm not saying now Lauren... we'll wait until a few months after your divorce is final."
"All right fine but until then what?" Lauren sighs "I can't go without seeing you."
"Guess we'll have to be careful not to get caught seeing each other."
"How?"
"Give me some time to figure that out. My place is somewhat secure"
"But not secure enough."
"Your place?"
"Only when Sophia's not there." Lauren stipulates
"So have your parents take her a night a week."
"We'll see."
TBC…