Wow, I'm really glad you three, or was it two, people like it! Welp, here goes another chapter. Any and all criticism is welcome. :) Although I do hope you like it.

Chapter Three

After her ritual rendezvous with Sark, Rachel decided to take a drive. She didn't know what her destination was, but she continued to steer as if she did nonetheless. She drove around in circles for two hours. Initially she intended on driving to Sydney's house; or rather, their house. Rachel still refused to think that she actually lived there. Despite Sydney's best efforts to make it more comfortable for Rachel, the place still didn't feel quite like home.

The call, that had interrupted Sark's attempt for a comeback, had been from her mother. Her brother was in the hospital. Her mother urged that it's nothing serious, but Rachel sensed something in her mother's tone that insisted otherwise. After the call, Rachel turned her cell-phone off, as she did when she was with Sark.

Rachel was about to maneuver the car in the direction of the hospital her brother was staying at, but decided against it. If Rachel met up with her family, their location would be compromised. She would rather die than have that happen. Gordon Dean was not one to be trifled with. The thought of what he would do to her family, it was too much to bear. After all, Rachel was the one that left a nasty number on his head from a shovel.

Before she knew it, she was pulling into hers and Sydney's driveway. Taking her keys out of the ignition, she sighed. She knew it had to end. Every time she was with Sark, she knew that that had to be the last time, but it wasn't. There was never a last time with him. He was so unreadable, that Rachel had no way of knowing if he returned her feelings, although she doubted as much. He was a man that put his job before anything else. There was one account where he did mention a woman though, a woman by the name of Lauren something. He briefly mentioned her name; Rachel figured she was another one of his many one-night stands.

Rachel looked at herself in the car mirror before heading inside. Her hair was definitely more flat than when she had left. So this is where the term 'after sex hair' comes from, Rachel thought. She smiled to herself and started to gather her hair into a ponytail. Once she was satisfied with her appearance, she exited the car.

Looking at the time, Rachel knew that Sydney was probably still in bed. It was only half past five in the morning, so she figured she could attempt at sneaking back inside before Syd realized she was even gone for the night.

After carefully closing the front door, she silently tiptoed throughout the front room. She thought she was all clear until she heard a familiar voice behind her. "Rough night?" The voice questioned, Rachel flinched. Busted. She turned around and faced Sydney, putting on the best innocent face she could. "Um actually yeah, I did have a rough night. I just needed to get out, sorry I didn't tell you." Sydney took a sip of her coffee and nodded. Rachel was just about to turn around and head for her room when Sydney said, "Nice hickey." Causing Rachel to freeze.

"Yeah, I bet you had a rough night." Sydney added, with a sly smile. Rachel turned back around to face her. "It's not what you think." She said quickly, in defense. Sydney held up her hands, including the one holding her coffee. "Hey I didn't say anything." Although Sydney was trying to be serious, Rachel could see a smile forming at the corners of her mouth.

Rachel shook her head and headed for the kitchen. No use hiding now, my cover is blown, she thought. She pulled out a coffee cup of her own and poured herself a much-needed glass of caffeine. "I tried calling you." Sydney said as she took a seat at the bar and placed her coffee down. "But now I know why you didn't pick up." The smile returned.

Rachel stopped pouring the coffee and turned around to face her. "Can we please not talk about it?" She begged. Sydney nodded. "Okay, okay. We'll talk about something else." Rachel let out a deep breath saying, "Thanks."

They were both silent a long moment before Sydney broke it. "Tom?" She questioned. Rachel sighed. This is going to be tougher than I thought. "No." she said, "I was not with Tom."

"Then who?" she asked with curiosity.

"Sydney please." Rachel begged again. She really didn't want to get into this right now of all times. Not that she was planning on telling her at a specific time, or any time for that matter.

"I'm sorry. It's just … it's so unlike you." Sydney said, thinking of the shy, timid Rachel she knew. Not these days, Rachel thought.

"What are you doing up so early?" Rachel said in an attempt to change the subject. Luckily, it worked. "The baby was kicking away. Finally I just decided to just get up." Sydney said with a light shrug.

"I don't know how you do it." Rachel marveled. "Doing all that you do, and still thinking about raising this child. I wouldn't be able to do it if I were you." Rachel admired Sydney, probably more than she'll ever know. She one day hoped to become half as talented as her roommate.

"I don't know how I do it either." Sydney confessed. "I just keep thinking about the end result. A baby … my baby." She smiled sweetly and then continued. "I just wish Vaughn were here to help me through this." Rachel looked at her sympathetically. Sydney appeared to be deep in thought. Instinctively, Rachel grabbed Sydney's hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. "You'll do great." She said reassuringly.

Sydney smiled, she was thankful that she had someone like Rachel to be there for her; especially during this time. After a short pause, Rachel said, "Alright. I suppose I should start getting ready for the day." She started to walk away, and Sydney yelled out, "Don't think I didn't notice you change the subject."

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