Ch 6: Broken Heart II

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Hey there, here's chapter 6. Pls read and review! Thanks :)

Sky wanted to slap himself. What was he doing? That's Jack's girlfriend, correction, and fiancée. Who was he kidding? Sure Sydney and he shared a brief romance before, but that was a long time ago. Besides, it was he who pushed her away then. He dreaded to think of the past.

Damn, and right now he so wish to rekindle that summer romance again, badly. But that wouldn't be fair to the both of them. Especially Sydney who is so vulnerable now. How can he be taking advantage of her?

Z was right; Sydney may regain her memory any time. What happens if Sydney realizes that he had been kind of a third party, trying to break them up? She would hate him forever, and that is the last thing Sky wanted. Why does it seem like he was Mr. Bad Guy now?

Sky glanced at the digital clock at his bedside. Fifteen minutes to midnight. He cursed. There were still many things lined up for him to do tomorrow. He needed this sleep, then began tossing and turning the entire night. He was just too restless to go to sleep.

XXX

Z found Sydney at the lounge, eating and absorbed in a book. She had to admit being shock. When was the last time Sydney grabbed a book, much less enjoying herself. Z strode up to her table, "Hi, Syd," and flopped down onto a seat opposite Sydney.

"Oh hi, Z. Is it your break time already?" Sydney placed the novel she was reading aside, and drifted her eyes to the door as though looking for someone.

"Expecting someone?" Z asked.

Sydney blushed. "Nope, I was just wondering if it's Sky break too. You know, since you guys are training together."

Z stared at Sydney accusatively for a couple of seconds. No point in that. She lost her memory, idiot. Z changed the topic and asked in a casual tone, "so what sort of book are you reading? You don't read in the past unless you count magazines, that is."

"It's a novel. Sky chose this book for me. He told me it was nice and true enough, it was. So when Sky's not around, I would read." Sydney had stars in her eyes. "I can't believe I loathed books in the past, Z."

Z twitched her nose. Had aliens abducted their S.P.D princess? She so had a three-sixty degree changeover. Okay, she didn't know amnesia could cause personality alteration so much.

A soft voice interrupted Z's thought. "Z, enjoy your meal. I'm off." Before she could react, Z watched Sydney picked up her book, and walked straight into the arms of Sky.

XXX

"Where are we going, Sky?"

"Pick up something from the mall, for Jack."

Sydney's heart flipped at the sound of Jack's name. "We?"

Sky looked at her stun look. "Yes, we. Unless you have already prepared something." Sky laughed.

"But wouldn't it be odd? I mean we aren't a couple or something," Sydney blinked her eyes innocently.

"Well, I've never gotten a gift for someone. And I need guidance on that, so while you crack you head, I foot the bill." Sky explained.

XXX

"Syd, I guess this will be the last chance we have spending together alone." Jack told a quiet Sydney who sat on a beach chair staring into space.

The other guys were preparing a farewell party for former S.P.D cadet, Jack Landors, while both of them shared a quiet moment at the beach. Sydney took out a small package and handed it to Jack.

He accepted it happily. "You needn't have to."

"But Sky insisted!" Sydney insisted with more emotion than ever.

Jack's face darkened. It was all about Sky. Sky this Sky that. He could feel the anger rising from his stomach. With a blank look on his face, he nodded. "Thank Sky for me." Then walked away into the dark. Jack left, heart-broken. I guess it's the end then. No point in staying here. Sydney had made it so clear that way. He was even foolish enough to agree not to leave with Miranda as long as Sydney asks him to stay. This time, he was determined to leave at first light.

Sydney watched Jack moved away quickly. She wanted to punch herself. Sydney couldn't explain the anguish she was feeling now at the sight of Jack, walking away from her for the first time. Yes, it was always her who walked away from him not the other way round. Their story had come to an end. Tears started brimming in her eyes. She wanted to cry.

XXX

Jack's bag and Miranda's tote aligned beside their feet. The whole of S.P.D stood in two parallel rows, saluting and waving their goodbyes to the former cadet who had glory to the academy. The package lay in his bag, still unwrapped. He had left the rest of the gifts with Bridge, insisting that it wouldn't be convenient to bring with him to the mission.

But Sky's and Sydney gift lay in his bag for the simple reason that it was handed to him by Sydney. Sydney, the one name that engraved in his heart, their dying love.

Today, Jack was clad in his green Lt. Colonel uniform, badges all in place. Black S.P.D T-shirt beneath. Two days ago, Cruger had a talk with him. That if he quitted the army, S.P.D doors will be open for him. Jack had asked what he will do if he returns? Cruger had told him that he would take up the position of black ranger, a rankalmost on par withCruger. Jack had declined the offer.

He turned to Miranda, "Let's go." Jack hated farewells. He admitted to hoping Sydney would be here to bid him goodbye. Apparently he was wrong. Sky, Bridge and Z were there and Z was teary looking.

Sky moved forward in three swift strides. "Jack."

"Take care of Syd." Jack hadn't say for him. He had lost her to Sky. "If anything happens to her, I swear I'll hunt you down."

Sky nodded, "Good luck."

"When do I need one?" Jack picked up his bags and marched off with Miranda close beside. Not even Sweetney can hold him back or whatever name it was, Jack was hers now, Miranda thought smugly.

XXX

By the time the mission wasclose tocompletion, Jack almost broke down. He worked day and night. It was approximately a month He drank during breaks and had frequent hangovers. He never drink before although he was a good drinker, he didn't know why he was doing that now.

Miranda stepped into Jack's tent. He looked much older than the last she saw him. Jack heard her. "What do you want?"

"Landors. Stop drinking."

"Why should you care?" He shouted at her face. "Go away and leave me alone."

"Jack Landors! Are you crazy? I won't leave you at a time like this." Miranda screamed back.

Jack wanted to pour out his miseries. He wanted to confide in someone and Miranda knew him better than anyone right now. Miranda saw Jack softened a bit.

Before he could stop her, she pressed her soft body forward. Their lips met with each other. Hers with urgency. Jack had drunk too much and thought the woman he was holding was Sydney or rather, imagined she was Sydney. The kiss went on and on, harder and deeper. His hunger for her gnawed at his belly. Miranda stretched her arms upward, circling his neck and lifted her face once more for his kiss.

He started to undress her in a swift move until, "Jack. I love you so much. I'd waited this moment for so long."

He pulled away from her abruptly. "I'm sorry. I thought you were someone else. It will never happen again." He ruffled his hair in agitation. He had missed her so much. Jack thought he could use Miranda to vent his anger and pretended that she was Sydney. But the contrast was there. Her voice and her actions were too different.

"Jack," she called softly and hugged him from behind.

He shrugged out of her arms. "This is a mistake. It's my fault but my heart already belongs to someone else. Miranda, go get yourself a better man. You deserve better."

"NO! No one suits me better than you. I had loved you the first time we met."

Jack looked at her, his eyes softening. The look he had not bestowed to her before. "Miranda, that was infatuation. We can never get involved with each other. We are too different."

"Damnit Jack, is it that Sweetney? She doesn't love you at all. Can't you tell? She hadn't called or anything. She didn't even bid you farewell that fateful day." She started sobbing.

"Even so, my heart for her never dies. I tried to forget about her. But it was useless. Give me up, Miranda." He paused to look at her, "We need to clear up by tomorrow. Go rest. I'm heading out for a walk. Goodbye."

Miranda watched him leave. Her eyes turned to frost. She clutched her hand so tight her nails sunk into her palms. Defeat was the last thing an army cadet has in their vocabulary. She was going to fight this battle.

XXX

TBC