Two hours later I sat on the front of the barge while everyone else where down below discussing what the plan was and how they were going to attempt to stop the other three deaths that were meant to take place.
I was watching the pin pricks of stars across the night sky while listening to the soft murmur of voice from below discussing life and death. The peace was what I needed right then, as I suddenly felt like a trespasser, alone and horribly home sick for my simple life and friends that where always there for me.
Mac had finally accepted Joe and Adam, faster then I had expected in the end but at least he was showing trust, that's all that matter after all. Although I knew it was a good thing that Mac now trusted them it only made my feelings that I was only borrowing their friendship even more pronounced. The sinking doubt was still at the back of my mind telling me that I wasn't going to find a way home and I needed to start a new life away from MacLeod and his friends but I found I didn't want to pull away. I liked been with them, even if it meant me feeling like an outsider because with them I knew I was always going to be safe.
I turned when I noticed someone sit down beside me without me noticing until that moment that anyone was even there. Richie sat in silence, he hadn't spoken to me since I revealed I had chosen him to live, but hopefully the time was here for him to finally tell me his feelings.
We sat in silence for a few more moments more before Richie finally spoke. "I don't know what to say Cat. How am I meant to say thank you for trying to save my life without it sounding lame? At the same time why do I feel deep down that you should have chosen Tessa or Darius instead of me?"
"I don't know Richie. Just accept it please. Could you do me a favour?"
"Anything!"
"Live a long life for me and never regret anything."
"You have a deal." He smiled that sweet smile and I almost fell for his charm but something stopped me. I thought I've been having since first watching the Highlander series months ago.
I must have been lost in thought as a smiling voice brought me back to reality. "He likes you, you know."
Ok had I must have been deeper in though then I realise and missed a complete conversation. "What?" I couldn't help but ask.
"That Adam guy. I noticed the way he was looking at you. You like him as well." If at all possible I could have sworn that Richie's smile grow as my face turned a deeper shade of red.
"I think your still in shock." I grind back to him. "There's no way that a five thousand year old guy would be interested in little ol' me." I deflect what he was saying not wanting to get my hope up.
"You'd be surprised if you opened your eyes, Cat. Next time he's around you keep watching out for the small things. Like earlier when you were having difficulty telling use about how everyone died, he reached out to give you the support that you obviously needed."
"Richie, he's a friend. Friends give each other support when they need it." I defended although my heart was beating fast in my chest at the possibility that he could be right.
"Is that why the look in his eyes was enough to warm the heart of the most cold hearted person? He like's you Cat and you can't see it because your blinded by the fact that you like him too." I was surprised by the factual tone of his voice.
"Fine I'll be sure to look out for any signs." I smirked mischievously at him suddenly knowing that was the only way to get Richie to stop talking about it.
"You'll be surprised by what you find." He assured me.
Before I had a chance to reply Richie left me once again alone with the night sky and the new hope that he could be correct.
I continued to sit there peacefully looking out at the few stars that were visible through the light pollution of the city of Paris feeling suddenly much warmer inside. I found my thoughts never sticking to a topic instead they jumped from everything that had happened since been abducted from my new home.
I never realised how cold it was getting until a blanket was rapped around me. I looked up expecting to find Richie again but instead found a sombre Adam standing looking out towards Notre Dame. "How are you coping?" He asked his voice gentle and full of concern and I found myself wondering if Richie could be right, as the only time I remember his talking this gentle to someone out of the TV show was with Alexia.
"As good as could be I could be in a situation like this." I take my eyes off him refusing to think about any romantic thoughts and stare into the blackness of the Seine. "I've just told two people that there destined to die. Tessa accepted why I chose Richie but it doesn't seem to stop my guilt and Richie he doesn't know what to think at the moment." Why does my life suddenly have to become complicated? You never realise how nice it is to have a relatively boring life until everything goes wrong.
"It's to be expected." He said again I could tell he was trying to comfort me.
"Your not the one who has to live with Richie. If he suddenly starts with puppy dog eyes and saying how grateful he is, I swear I'm going to end up killing him or myself." I joked trying to lighten the mood slightly.
"Well if you don't feel up to that you can always stay at my place." Ok now I'm not lying, that's exactly what he said. I'm also pretty sure I got whiplash from how fast I turned to look at him when he said that as well.
I opened my mouth to say something but once again the words didn't want to form in my mouth. He must have noticed my hesitation as he looked down at me and smile that cheeky smile of his. "I'll even sleep on the couch!"
"I don't know." I hesitated not sure if he was just been a friend or if Richie was right and he wanted more then just friendship. I had no idea what to do.
"Well the offers open, just let me know when you work out what you want to do." I nodded and he smiled once again then turned back and once again leaving me on my own with my thoughts.
"What the hell are you doing, Cat? He just basically hit on you and you turned him down." Richie's voice startled me and I turned to see him coming out of the shadows.
"Richie, don't scare me like that!" I snapped as my heart hammered fast in my chest.
"Don't try and change the subject. Why did you turn him down on his offer for you to stay at his place?" He reached where I was sat and sat down beside me once again with a disapproving look on his face.
"I don't think your right about him liking me."
"Then why did he offer for you to stay with him tonight?"
"Because he's a friend and he understands that I'd need sometime away from you and Tessa after what I've just told you."
"I thought you said you only met him a few days ago."
"I did!"
"Then why would someone you only met a few days ago offer to let you stay at his place if he didn't like you. From what I've seen of him as well he doesn't look the type to trust someone very easily, so why would he invite you into his home?"
Ok Richie seemed to be talking some sense, but why is Richie be pushing me towards Adam? I know he's like a brother almost but he's always had this attraction towards me even if he hasn't said anything to me after my refusals, but I can always see it in his eyes. "Why are you doing this Richie? Pushing me towards Adam. What's in it for you?" I asked sceptically.
"You like him Cat and he likes you. All I want is for you to be happy and if we can't find a way for you to get home you'll have to settle down here. I think you will be happy with Adam."
"I haven't given up hope about getting home. I don't think I could hurt him that way. How could I start a relationship only to leave when I find a way home?" I could feel the tears starting to fill my eyes again and I turned my head away not wanting Richie to see how alone I really felt.
"There's also a chance that you won't be able to find a way home. Do you really want to hold on to a hope of home when it may not happen? If you do find a way home then deal with it then, you never know you may want to stay."
I knew Richie was right but it was hard to give up hope of one day getting home. Not knowing what to say I stay silent and Richie must have noticed my need to think things through and remand silent himself.
I'm not sure how much longer I sat there thinking over everything until I came to my decision but when I did I turned and smiled at Richie. "When did you become so intone to everything around you?"
"Always have been, I just like to hide that fact. Don't tell anybody though as it would ruin my reputation!"
"Your secrets safe with me."