Chapter 7

Thump. Thump. Thump.

This was the only sound that Nadia heard, the sound of her own heart beating in her chest. Everything seemed to have slowed down around her and all the sound had disappeared as well. Nadia's only focus was the woman in front. The woman who was her own mother and Sydney's as well.

"Nadia, um Nadia…"

Nadia barely registered the fact that Sydney had even spoke, it was only when she felt a hand on her face that her trance was broken.

"Nadia, what's wrong? Tell me please?" Sydney said her face stricken with worry.

Tears started to course down Nadia's face and she could barely choke out what she was saying.

"I'm Scared Sydney, So very scared."

Sydney squeezed Nadia's hand to reassure her and whispered quietly.

"So am I Nadia. So am I"

But by this point the rest of APO had noticed her as well. The had all heard of the legend that was Irina Derevko but apart from a select few had never seen her face to face. The tension because of this was prickling so much in the air.

"Mom" Sydney said when the woman stopped in front of them. It may have only been one word but to Nadia and Sydney it held a lot of meaning.

"Sweetheart, it is so wonderful to see you." Irina said in response to Sydney, a huge smile was on her face as well.

"Mom, I have someone here to introduce to you. This is Nadia Santos Mom, your Daughter."

Irina's eyes flicked over to Nadia, her mind could be seen working behind them as she looked intently at Nadia's face studying it. But it was unmistakable to her who Nadia was know she has truly seen her face.

"Nadia." Irina said going across to Nadia was, her hands going up to cup Nadia's face and with one her thumbs she wiped away the tears that were flowing from Nadia's eyes. "My baby, Oh my sweet baby."

"Mom" Nadia said through her tears, trying to blink them away as she stared at Irina whose face cleared show the emotions she was feeling at the moment. The exact mirror of what Nadia was feeling he self. Joy and sadness all mixed in to one package.

Irina dropped down one of her hands, and used into bring Sydney closer to her and with that hand she cupped the left hand side of Sydney's face the same way that she was doing it to Nadia's"

"My Girls, My beautiful girls."

While this was going on Jack was standing outside his office. Wanting to go over but he couldn't

Irina, Nadia and Sydney had decided unilaterally to relocate themselves; the stares they had received had worn very thin very quickly. And the place that they were originally wasn't the best place to talk.

"Say it Sydney, I know your dying to." Irina said to her eldest daughter. She was seated at the head of the table while Sydney and Nadia were at the other end.

"You faked you death again Mom! Why? Why do that to me again?"

"Yes, I faked my death again. But it was not t o hurt you or you father and now Nadia. I did it to help you, to keep you safe."

"And how can working for Kendall help you do that?" Sydney questioned

"I know you're going to hate what I am about to mention. But once again it is to do with Rambaldi. I thought if I could join Black hole I could keep some the stuff involving it away from you. And well it is for me some sort of a penance, I way for me to reimburse for my crimes, so that some day I can get a pardon and be part of you life again and now Nadia's"

"But you used Dad to do it! You made him think that he had killed him! You made me think that you had put a hit on my life! And all you come out with that it was too protect me. You keep on saying this and is starting to sound like a catchphrase mother! What are you going to say next? That truth takes time?" Sydney said angry so very apparent in her voice, that by the end she was shouting.

"Sydney Anne Bristow!" Irina said slamming her fist onto the table, her tone of voice so fierce. "You are not six years old anymore. And there are other people to consider. Like your own sister."

Irina looked across at Nadia and could see that something was bothering her. So she asked.

"Nadia, are you okay?"

Nadia nodded back slightly saying that she was, but Sydney had got to know her very well and could see clearly that there was something and spoke to her direct.

"Nads, what is it? I know there's something up? So tell me Mom what it is?"

"It's just overwhelming for me at the moment. My head's spinning. I just fell uncomfortable"

"Baby if you feel uncomfortable. You can go if you please, but please stay. Meeting like this was not the best for the both of us. But it will have to suffice. And later I would love to talk to you alone. But for the moment I needed to explain what has been going on."

"Mom" Nadia said uncomfortable with that word. "I'll stay"

"Go On Mom. What is happening?" Sydney asked.

"I've been working there because my….."

Sloane walked into Jack's office to find Jack sitting their his hands in front of him clasped together.

"Have you spoken to Irina yet?"

"No. I want to give her time with Nadia and Sydney. And well Arvin, I don't think I'm ready to see her after what I think I had done to her."

"Well I'm about to say something that is going to make you very uncomfortable. Irina has been transferred to APO."