A/N: Thanks to everyone for reviewing, and just to let you know, this is a Jack/Audrey fic, but it might not seem like it all the time. And now, I present to you, Chapter 2 of "Once Chance", enjoy!

Disclaimer: I do not own any part of 24.

Chapter 2

An ominous and almost suicidal mood floated in Jack Bauer's apartment. He had closed all his blinds and turned off all the lights, so he could sharpen knives. Only one light was on in the whole apartment, it was a lantern that sat on his kitchen counter. Jack had the long stick-like knife sharpener held out in front of him, and he would rub the metal knife against it. The clanking of the metal was loud and obnoxious, and it would pierce through the periods of silence that followed each noise. Somehow, this was all comforting to Jack. Maybe it was because the knife was being thrown around and not him, but no one, not even Jack really knew.

The knife Jack had in his hand looked sharp, and he cautiously reached his finger out and ran it across the blade. Blood began to pour out of his cut, and the warm liquid flowed into his hand. It was a feeling, a sight, which he knew all too well. His mid lingered a thoughts of pain, suffering, and agony as he watched the red liquid cascade down his finger. A knock on the door brought Jack away from his dark thoughts.

In one swift motion, he grabbed a Band-Aid, turned on the lights, and swung the door open.

"Audrey, come on in." Jack said as led her into his apartment.

"I just stopped in to see how you were doing." Audrey commented as she settled herself on Jack's sofa.

Jack fiddled with his Band-Aid, not wanting to make eye contact. Audrey kept trying to find his gaze, but it was no use. He had his head hunkered down, and his eyes were shielded. Silence seemed to stretch all around them and just when Audrey couldn't take it anymore, the telephone began to ring.

"Just let it ring." Jack said, still not lifting his head.

After three rings, the answering machine clicked on, and you could hear the message through the whole apartment.

"Mr. Bauer, this is Dr. Harner speaking, your psychiatrist. It appears that you have missed your appointment again. This is not good Jack. I haven't seen you once this month. I expect to see you at my office at 3:00pm tomorrow for your next appointment."

"Jack, you skipped your appointment with Dr. Harner?" Audrey asked, slightly appalled at his behavior.

"No, I couldn't make it. I had a conflict and I forgot to tell her." Jack never once looked up, and to Audrey, that meant he was lying.

"You're lying to me, Jack. Please tell me why you refuse to go to these appointments." Audrey calmly stated as she made her way towards Jack.

"I'm not lying, dammit!" Jack shouted, he finally glanced up at Audrey, watching her reaction. "If you're going to stick your nose into my business, then you can just leave!"

"Jack, please tell me what's wrong. Why aren't you going to see Dr. Harner.?" Audrey asked steadily. She extended her hand to him, trying to hold his hand, but he pulled it away.

"I told you, if you are going to pry into my personal life, you can leave!" Jack cried.

"I'm just worried about you Jack. Maybe you should just give the psychiatrist a chance. You never know, it might actually work." Audrey stated.

"Dammit Audrey, get out! You have over stayed your welcome. Please exit that way." Jack said as he pointed to the door. There was still a hint of edge in his voice.

"Please Jack, just give it a chance." Audrey pleaded as Jack grabbed her arm and pulled her to the door.

"Stay out of my apartment and stay out of my life!" Jack howled, and he slammed the door in her face.

Jack sighed heavily. He heard sobs outside, and realized that she was still there. He felt like going out there, raking his fingers through her hair, and telling her that he didn't mean it. He wanted to tell her the truth, but she wouldn't understand, would she?

Would she believe that he was perfectly fine, like he did? Most people thought that he needed to see a psychiatrist, but to him he didn't. Jack didn't know that he had changed. He thought he was still the same old Jack Bauer, but he wasn't.

I can end this right now. All the pain can disappear, thought Jack, as he glanced over at the knives. He ambled over to them and studied the knives. He willingly picked one up, and remembered the feel of the whip against his back. He wondered if this would feel like that.

A/N: So, that is chapter two. What did you think? Please review, it will make my day!