CHAPTER 13

WEEK LATER

Sydney joins Sark outside as he watches Alexa and Niko play. "Those two are getting along well."

Sark nods, "How is everything there?"

"Dixon said the paperwork should be ready soon. Have you decided about school?"

"I've gone over all of the schools... managed to get reports from the tutor he hired."

"And?"

"I spoke with a few schools and they all said since she was tutored for so long she's going to need to take some tests to determine which grade she should be in. It would be some much easier to just forge the damn tests."

"Well you can't... you need to behave if you want to stay out of jail. I'm sure she can handle the tests... she's obviously above normal intelligence." Sydney glances at him, "So have you decided where she's going to go to school?"

"No. I'm leaning towards the Catholic Girls School."

"Why? You're not religious."

"No but I was raised Catholic. Besides Catholic schools are a lot more structured than private schools in general."

"And the whole all girls school issue... has to do with Dad not wanting his little girl around boys?"

"I think until she's settled in that might be a wise choice."

"Sure Sark." Sydney rolls her eyes

"I have no problem with coed school but she needs time to adjust."

"Well I have the rest of the day off so why don't I take her shopping for some clothes." Sydney suggests. "She's running out of clothes and she hasn't shown any interest in accessing her clothes in storage."

"If she wants to go then go." Sark shrugs as Alexa and Niko run up the steps.

"Daddy" Niko holds his arms up

Sark picks the boy up "Nikolai"

"Alexa I was thinking how about you and I go shopping for some clothes... and things for your room." Sydney suggests

Alexa glances at her Dad then at Sydney, "Yeah sure."

Sydney looks at Sark, "Well then we'll be back when we feel like it."

HOUR LATER: MALL

Sydney smiles at Alexa who is looking around curiously. "You like shopping?"

"I don't get to go very often." Alexa admits. "Sometimes my tutor would convince him to let me go into the village to shop so I could write papers on my surroundings for English. Or go to the historical areas for history research." Alexa shrugs "I rarely ever went shopping for my own clothes. There were times he would let me go shopping in the village or the rare times we ever left Greece he'd let the Nanny take me."

"Shopping is fun... but can be a pain. Francie and I used to spend hours shopping."

"Who is Francie?"

"She was my best friend." Sydney pauses "She was killed a long time ago."

"Oh."

"Come on we have lots to do... and your Dad's money to burn."

WHILE LATER

Alexa stares into her drink

"You OK Alexa?"

Alexa shrugs "Can I ask you something?"

Sydney smiles at the girl, "You can ask me anything."

"When did Dad tell you about me?"

"Well" Sydney tucks her hair behind her ears, "a few days after I took my leave from work. I decided to leave my job when I was almost four months pregnant. We'd got into an argument over something and he took me up and showed me why he was so intent on me having Niko."

"You didn't want to have him?"

"I probably would have had him anyway once things had settled down but there would have been a lot of questions to be answered, especially once he was born... Niko looks a lot like me but he does have traits everyone would have picked out as Sark's." Sydney shrugs "After he told me about you I knew Niko would be fine with him."

"Regret it?"

"Yes and no. Yes since he is my baby. Yes, because I missed almost three years of his life. No because I knew Sark would protect him and love him." Sydney takes a sip of her coffee, "He adores you Alexa... I could always hear it in his voice. He still loves your Mom."

"Do you love him?"

Sydney looks at Alexa surprised, "The whole relationship between your father and I is... complicated." She hedges

"Relationships can't always be complicated... friendship wise or otherwise."

"No they shouldn't but with the way our lives are relationships always are complicated." Sydney looks around "So where do you want to go next?"

"I'm not sure."

8PM: HOUSE

Sark looks up from his book to see Sydney and Alexa walk into the living room carrying bags. "How was shopping?" He asks closing his book.

"There are still more bags in the car." Sydney tells him.

"I'll go get them." Sark stands walking out of the living room.

"Thanks Sydney."

Sydney nods "Your welcome kiddo." Sydney watches as Alexa carries some of the bags upstairs. She sets the bags in her hands by the stairs then heads out to the garage to find Sark unloading the bags.

"What did you two do hit every bloody store?" Sark grumbles looking at Sydney.

"Pretty much." Sydney shrugs. "She needed everything Sark. We got some things for her room. While we were at the mall I picked up some shoes for Niko. He is growing way too fast."

Sark chuckles "Yes that is something Eva always complained about. Lexa was always outgrowing her clothes. One day she'd fit in her shoes the next Eva would have to buy a new pair of shoes." He shakes his head "How did shopping go?"

"Good. She handled the people pretty well. I think its one on one she has a problem with. Have you called the CIA psychiatrist?"

"Yes. She has an appointment tomorrow. Do you really think she needs it Syd? She's adjusted pretty well considering."

"She's not sleeping through the night Sark. She goes hours without saying a word. There is a lot she still hasn't said. If she doesn't work those problems out she'll end up one screwed up kid... then a screwed up adult."

"All right all right." Sark relents "But if she doesn't want to go after this appointment I'm not going to force her." He closes the car door looking at Sydney, "She needs to learn how to make her own decisions."

Sydney nods "Just keep in mind she's still a kid Sark. She can't make all the decisions herself... and the fact she needs help she might not be able to realize. I understand that you want her to make decisions but this might not be something she should make on her own." She picks up the bags at the bottom of the stairs then walks back into the house while Sark continues to unload the car.

10PM

Sark closes Alexa's door and walks downstairs where he finds Sydney picking up Niko's toys from the living room. "She's asleep." He picks up a couple toys near the stairs and puts them in the laundry basket. "Hopefully she'll sleep through the night."

"She hasn't since she got here." Sydney sets the laundry basket on the coffee table.

"I know." Sark rubs his forehead. "So what did you two talk about while you were out?"

"Not much. She asked me what schools like." Sydney reaches behind the recliner "Little things." She shrugs 'If I loved you.'

Sark smirks appreciatively when Sydney bends over to look behind the recliner. "Nice view."

Sydney glares at him over her shoulder, "Stop looking at my ass Sark."

"I can't help it. It is such a nice ass."

Sydney throws the plastic toy at Sark and it hits him on the chest causing her to giggle at his annoyed expression. "How was Niko?"

"Fell asleep in the middle of his story."

"He's had a big few days." Sydney shrugs. "He's loving this attention though."

"Mmm he is." Sark rests his head on the couch cushion. "I think Alexa is as well."

"She's getting more comfortable with being touched." Sydney muses. "She's allowing Niko to climb on her more without flinching as much."

"The only time she lets me hug her is when she's upset and even then she cringes."

"It's probably because you're an adult that she has a problem."

"I know. I wish things hadn't gone this far for her. I've done a lot of things Sydney... but I have always drawn the line at causing pain to a child first hand." When he sees her expression he hastily adds, "I know that I have hurt a lot of children by killing their parent but I have never once gone after a child." He closes his eyes. "I may not be the most... moral person in the world but harming kids goes against my beliefs."

"Good to know." Sydney rests her head on his shoulder and yawns.

BEFORE DAWN

Sark starts in surprise when he awakens to find himself leaning against the headboard of Alexa's bed as she sleeps curled up under the covers. He stretches running his hands over his face then looks at the clock, '4:30.' He carefully stands so not to wake Alexa then walks out of the bedroom returning to Sydney's room.

Sydney stirs feeling the bed shift, "What time is it?" She asks sleepily.

"Half after 4." Sark answers slinging his arm around her waist, "I fell asleep."

"Oh." Sydney yawns

"Go back to sleep." Sark kisses her shoulder then closes his eyes.

8AM

"Daddy, Daddy" Niko runs into the kitchen

Sark picks him up "Morning Nikolai."

Niko hugs him "Mama" he shifts holding his arms out to his Mama.

Sydney takes the boy "Hey baby." She smiles getting a hug. "Nice big hug this morning."

Niko grins. "Mama going to work?"

Sydney nods "Daddy's going to take you to daycare later."

"Me and Lexa play?"

"You'll be able to play with Alexa today." Sark assures "You won't be staying in daycare for long."

"OK" Niko nods solemnly.

Sydney sets Niko on his chair just as Alexa walks into the kitchen, "Morning Alexa."

"Morning" Alexa mumbles sitting at the table.

"Hi Lexa" Niko chirps

"Hi." Alexa smiles faintly at her brother.

"Breakfast is ready." Sark announces

10AM: DAYCARE

Sark glances at Alexa as he pulls out of the parking spot, "Are you OK with going to see the doctor?"

Alexa shrugs hugging herself as she stares out the window.

"Alexa I know that there's a lot we haven't talked about so this might be good for you."

"There's not much to say." Alexa glances at him briefly then back out the window.

"I'm not asking you to do this every day but occasionally it might be good for you."

"Has anyone ever made you go to a shrink?"

"Yes. Irina made me see one for a while after what happened."

"You didn't want to go did you?"

"No... I wasn't ready to talk about that. Never was until the day I told Sydney."

"So you didn't tell your shrink anything?"

Sark shrugs, "Some but only enough to get Irina off my back."

"Then why do you want me to go?"

Sark looks at Alexa and smiles sadly, "Because you are still a child who doesn't need to end up a screwed up adult like me. I promised Eva you'd be happy and I might be ten years behind but I'm going to keep my promise."

"Do you miss her?"

Sark flinches, "Every day." He says sadly.

"I wish I could remember more about her."

"Maybe this will help you to remember more."

45 MINS LATER: PSYCHIATRIST'S OFFICE

Alexa sits on the couch her knees to her chest as she regards Dr. Tyson.

"So Alexa do you want to tell me why your father brought you here?" Dr. Tyson asks softly not wanting to startle the girl.

"He took me from my Dad after he killed my Mom."

"Who?" The doctor asks gently.

"My Grandfather. He told me they were dead."

"But he lied about your Dad?"

Alexa nods

"How long have you known your Dad was alive?"

"I don't really know if I ever believed he was dead. I think I let Grandfather talk me into believing it for his sake."

"How long have you been back with your Dad?"

"Little over a week."

"How are things going?"

"He really tries to make things right. I know it hurts him though"

"What hurts him?"

"The fact I don't remember everything." Alexa closes her eyes hugging her knees. "Or what he did to me."

"Who's he?"

"My Grandfather."

"What did he do to you?"

"I don't want to talk anymore." Alexa whispers blinking back tears.

"Talking does help."

Alexa shrugs

"What do you like to do for fun Alexa?" The doctor watches as the girl shuts down staring at the wall. "Whatever you tell me I won't repeat to anyone... not even your Dad. Though I would like to give him updates on how you're doing."

Alexa nods

"Is there anything you want to talk about?"

Alexa shakes her head staring at the floor the rest of the session.

WHILE LATER

Sark looks up as the door opens and Alexa walks out with the psychiatrist right behind her. When he sees Alexa's closed off expression he frowns standing. "Lexa?"

Alexa glances at her Dad briefly then looks at the floor.

"Can we talk for a moment?" Dr. Tyson questions

Sark nods "Sure." He follows the doctor into her office. "Well?"

"She's going to need a lot of counseling. She shuts down at the mention of her Grandfather."

"Yes I've realized that. He's done a lot of damage to her."

"I won't tell you what we do discuss and as I was requested by Mr. Dixon my files go automatically to him for storage. He assured me that no one would look at her files."

"Yes I have already spoken to Dixon about that."

"Your daughter needs a lot of help. I would like to see her at least twice a week."

Sark rubs his neck "Originally I said I would leave the decision to have these meetings with you up to her. Right now perhaps Sydney was right... as much as I want Alexa to be independent this might not be a decision she should make." He nods "I'll bring her back."

"Good."

Sark walks out of the office where he finds Alexa sitting on a chair staring at the wall, "Come on Lexa."

Alexa stands walking out of the office with her Dad.

Once in the car Sark speaks, "What did you think of Dr. Tyson?"

Alexa shrugs

"Lex I know I said this decision would be yours to continue the visits but right now I am making that decision." Sark looks at his daughter, "You're going back... she wants to see you twice a week."

"For how long?"

Sark shrugs, "Until Dr. Tyson thinks you are ready to cut down."

Alexa rests her head against the car window as her Dad drives.

EVENING: CIA

"Sydney"

Sydney smiles at Dixon, "Hey Dixon."

"Heading home?"

"I better. Niko is probably driving Alexa nuts."

"How are those two getting along?"

"Fine." Sydney shrugs "Sometimes we have to bribe him away from Alexa so she can have some peace."

"I bet Sark is ready to come back to work." Dixon chuckles

"Yeah, probably."

"Here are all the papers Sark will need for Alexa: birth certificate, her back doctors files, social security card, Passport, and immunization records. We went through Cassadines files to make sure she's had all of her needed vaccinations."

Sydney nods taking the packet, "Thanks. This will give Sark the chance to get her into school."

"Where is she going to go?"

"He's heading towards a Catholic all-girls school." Sydney rolls her eyes

"Why didn't I ever think of doing that for Claire?" Dixon mutters

"Somehow I doubt Claire would have put up with that." Sydney grins

Dixon grins in agreement, "Why an all girls school? Sark isn't the overprotective type is he?"

"No. He's just not sure Alexa is going to be able to handle being around guys. She flinches whenever she's around men... even flinches when Niko climbs on her. She's getting better but..." She shrugs

Dixon nods "How are you and Alexa getting along?"

"Fine. She is a great girl. We're still getting used to each other but we're making progress."

"Good."

"Thanks for helping him Dixon." Sydney holds up the packet.

Dixon tilts his head, "I'll see you tomorrow."

HOUR LATER: HOUSE

Sydney smiles when she walks into the kitchen where Sark is leaning against the counter watching the news while Alexa and Niko play in the living room. "Hey"

Sark tears his eyes away from the TV and smiles faintly. "How was work?"

"Fine. How'd it go?"

Sark lifts his shoulder

"Well this might cheer you up" Sydney grins handing him the packet.

Sark opens the packet and removes the papers reading the first paper a birth certificate, "Alexa Grace Thompson. Kept her original birthdate and everything else." He looks at the listed parents and swallows heavily seeing the name for the mother, 'Evangeline Marie Vacivic Thompson.'

When she sees his expression Sydney lifts her brow "What's wrong?"

"Vacivic was Eva's mother's maiden name."

"Are you going to have Dixon change it?"

"No."

"So what about you?" She looks at the birth certificate "Julian Alexander Thompson? Is Julian your first name?"

Sark grimaces "Unfortunately it is. I always wished I could change it. After my mother's death, I stopped going by Julian and I started going by Alexander. Irina is the only person who has ever called me Julian but I have to make her seriously angry for that… mostly she just calls me Alexander." He looks at Alexa who is patiently listening to Niko, "You were right."

"About what?"

"She's not old enough to make the decision about seeing the doctor."

"So you're going to make her continue to see the Doctor?" Sydney asks

Sark nods, "As much as I hate the idea she needs to work things out."

"Good for you. If Dad had ever made me talk about things... I might not have ended up with such screwed up and unhealthy relationships."

"So is our relationship on the screwed up and unhealthy list?" Sark asks

"I'm still trying to figure out what list it belongs on." Sydney admits then stops when Nikolai looks at her. "Can we talk about this later?"

Niko jumps up and runs into the kitchen "Mama"

Sydney picks Niko up "Hey little guy. How was your day?"

"I painted a new picture." Niko points at the refrigerator.

Sydney smiles seeing the new painting "Wow. That's nice. I think we're running out of room on the refrigerator with all your masterpieces." She kisses Niko's cheek, "Now go play." She sets him the floor watching as Niko runs back to Alexa.

"Now that I have this I'm going to call the school and set up a meeting." Sark sets the papers aside.

"I take it your going with the girls school."

"She needs structure Syd. I'm definitely not sending her to a public school."

"Hey public school 12 years straight." Sydney reminds. "I turned out fine."

"Yes but you went to public school during times when education was actually somewhat valued and not as rushed. I don't think she could handle public school right now. Maybe with time yes she'd be able to handle public school or even a coed private school."

Sydney nods "Your decision Sark." She walks out of the kitchen heading upstairs

Sark stands there thoughtfully then glances at the kids before following Sydney upstairs.

Sydney looks at Sark as he joins her in his room, "What?"

"Sydney I..." He pauses

"What?" she asks gently

"I know this is a lot to ask but I need your help. I need you to tell me when I'm making a mistake with her."

"You know I will." Sydney steps up to Sark her arms going around his shoulders as she lightly scratches at his neck. "Who else do you know would enjoy telling you you're screwing something up? You know me... I can't keep my mouth shut."

"No you can't." Sark chuckles "I just... I don't want to screw her up anymore than she might end being."

Sydney rests her forehead against his "And you won't. What happened, happened Sark and I know you want what is best for her. If I do see you make a decision that could screw either of them up I'll tell you."

"Good."

"You know... you haven't kissed me since this morning."

"Well I haven't seen you since this morning." Sark says teasingly.

"Then make it up already." Sydney pulls his head down kissing him.

"Mama. Daddy"

Sark groans at the interruption, "We need a bloody Nanny." He mutters

"No we don't." Sydney laughs tearing her eyes away from his "Daddy will be right down Niko." She calls then looks back at Sark, "What?"

"If we had a Nanny I'd have you naked in that bed by now."

"We'd still be interrupted Sark." Sydney steps away from him "Now go." She pushes him out the door and closes it.

Sark scowls as she closes the door then heads downstairs.

Sydney shakes her head then heads to the closet stopping in her tracks when she sees a picture of her and her Dad on her dresser. She smiles faintly as she picks up the picture. After a moment of thought she takes a deep breath, "I have to tell him. He could be happy for me." She muses. "What am I thinking... he hates Sark." She sets the picture down "I'm telling him. He's my Dad I need to tell him... the others screw 'em." She takes her phone out of her pocket pressing the speed dial for her Dad's number.

"Bristow" Jack says gruffly.

"Dad"

"Sydney everything all right?"

Sydney smiles at his concern "Yeah. I um there's something I need to talk to you about. Are you at home?"

"I'm almost there now. Why?"

"Nothing I just need to talk to you about something. I'll be there in about an hour."

"All right I'll see you then."

Sydney hangs up and rushes to change out of her work clothes going over how to tell her Dad she is once again sleeping with her former enemy.

Sark looks up as Sydney hurries down the stairs "Dinner is almost" he stops when Sydney kisses him. As she breaks the kiss he stares at her. "OK what have you done to Sydney Bristow?"

"Nothing. I have something I have to go do." Sydney grabs her keys off the counter. "I'll be at Dad's. I don't know when I'll be back."

"Should I start wearing a bullet proof vest if you are doing what I think?"

"Don't worry. I'll make Dad swear not to hurt you."

"Syd" Sark follows her "What are you going to tell him?"

"I'm not sure but I do need to tell him. He's my Dad he needs to know." Sydney walks out the front door leaving Sark standing there.

"God help us all once Jack finds this out." Sark mutters before heading back to the kitchen.

45 MINS LATER: JACK'S HOUSE

Jack opens the front door "Sydney what's so urgent?" He asks worried. "Have you and Sark been arguing again?" He demands as they walk into the living room.

"No things are fine. But I do need to talk to you about that."

"Have you been arguing with Sark?"

"No, Sark in general. You have to promise you won't get mad though"

Jack sighs, "Sydney"

"No you have to promise."

"Fine I promise I won't get mad." Jack says annoyed

Sydney nods "You want me happy don't you?"

Jack's eyes narrow "You know I do."

"I lied."

"About?"

"What happened between Sark and I." Sydney says nervously.

"How so?" Jack demands trying to control his anger.

Sydney tucks her hair behind her ears, "We slept together more than once when we were looking for the information."

"Damn it Sydney."

"We were there for the weekend pretending to be a married couple. It was the only way we could keep our cover." Sydney shrugs "He didn't force me into it."

"And when you were gone?" Jack demands. "Did you two sleep together then?"

"Yes."

Jack rubs his forehead, "Are you two involved now?" When she doesn't answer Jack sighs, "Sydney"

"Dad as much as Sark has annoyed me"

"And tried to kill you"

Sydney shrugs "He's still the only guy other than you who gets why I do things."

"He's still a criminal!"

"He's not like he was before Niko Dad. He's changed a lot since we first met him."

"He's Sark"

"Mom likes him."

"Do I have to remind you he used to work for her?"

"No but she's known him longer than anyone. I'm not saying I'm in love with the guy or going to marry him but we're involved. I know Sark has his issues and I have mine but I'm going to give this a chance."

"Why?" Jack demands. "He tried to kill you!"

"Yet he understands why I do what I do and who I am. At least with being involved with Sark I don't have to hide what I do or lie when I leave." Sydney bites her lip. "I know you don't approve but I'm going to give this a chance anyway. Sark has been there when I needed to rant about stuff. He puts up with me yelling at him over stupid things. He gets me a lot better than Danny, Noah, or Vaughn ever did."

"So you're involved with him!"

"What if being with Sark is my chance at being happy?" Sydney demands. "Even if it's only for a while I think it is worth it."

Jack regards his daughter "Why are you telling me?"

"Because you're my Dad. I thought that despite how you feel about Sark you might get why I want to give this a chance. He is Niko's father and despite everything he's done to me he's still kept his promises." Sydney runs her fingers through her hair, "You once said Vaughn wasn't good enough for me... what if Sark is? At least I do know that Sark has the ability to be loyal to whoever he gets involved with."

Jack sighs, "Sydney, are you sure?"

"Why shouldn't I give it a chance?" Sydney demands. "I'm not asking for your permission or understanding Dad... I'm just asking for you to try to understand even a little why I want to give this a chance."

"I want to try Sydney because I trust your judgment about people but this is Sark." Jack reminds. "He tried to kill you and made your life hell for years."

"And I killed his father and he still wanted to help me... sure it benefited him as well but he could have left me to find out everything on my own." Sydney runs her fingers through her hair, "Sark isn't always a hardass or arrogant jerk. You've seen how he is when he's around Niko and Alexa. Sure he's different and has flexible morals when it comes to himself but not when it comes to Niko or Alexa."

"And you want me to approve of this?"

"No but I would like a small amount of understanding. I didn't have to tell you Dad but I thought you deserved to know because you are my Dad."

"I would like to understand Sydney but this is Sark."

"It's hard to explain and I don't fully understand it but I do know that this is something I need to try... for not just my sake but Niko's as well." Sydney bites her lip "I don't know what I feel for him but to figure that out I need to try this out."

"And what if it falls apart Sydney?" Jack demands. "That will change things for all of you. Are you willing the change things?"

"If I don't try to figure this out then I'll always wonder if it would have worked out." Sydney takes a deep breath "I need to try."

Jack regards his daughter, 'Hard to belief as it is he does seem to make her somewhat happy. But can I give her my OK to go through with pursuing something with Sark? What if she's right? What if Sark is her chance at happiness? Can I really say no to my little girl finding some sort of happiness even if it is only for a little while?' Jack sighs. "Fine but if he hurts you..."

Sydney slowly grins, "Come on Dad I can handle Sark."

"What about the others?"

"This is none of their business. I can't keep doing what everyone else wants Dad. I've been doing that for too long. I need to do things for me now."

Jack nods "I can get that."

"So you're going to try and understand why I made this choice?" Sydney asks hopefully.

"I'll try... I can't promise anything other than I'll try."

Sydney smiles "Thanks Dad." She hugs her Dad. 'At least he's going to try.'

OVER AN HOUR LATER: HOUSE

Sydney smiles seeing Sark picking up Niko's toys in the living room, "Hey"

Sark looks up "Did you tell him?" He asks warily.

Sydney nods stepping up to him, "He said he'd try to understand. I think he wants too but I know it will take him a while." She shrugs

"I know how much his approval means to you." Sark runs his fingers through her hair. "But we both know he'll never approve of me. To Jack no one is good enough for you."

"Maybe not but he's still my Dad." Sydney shrugs her arms going around his neck. "Thanks."

"For what?"

"For not pushing me to tell him."

"You needed to tell him in your own time. I know you Sydney... more you are pushed; the more you pull away. At least in your personal life that's true." He kisses her forehead.

"So did he go to bed without complaining?"

"Mmm" Sark nods "Alexa is in her room."

"You've been falling asleep in her room a lot lately." Sydney remarks

"I know. It takes a while to get her to go back to sleep." Sark sits on the couch pulling Sydney close. "When she was little she would protest whenever I'd leave the room after putting her to bed. She always wanted me to stay until she was asleep. It used to be she hated when I was too far away, now she doesn't like when I get too close."

"She'll get better about it with time."

"I know." Sark closes his eyes "I just..."

"Wish things were different."

"Mmm"

"So what's now for Alexa?"

"We have an appointment tomorrow at the school. See if she likes it. Then we'll see where we'll go from there."

"When does Dixon want you back?"

"I told him I would be back once she's in school." Sark answers

"When will that be?"

"It should be soon."

"Good... work is kind of boring without you."

"Oh really? So you admit life is more... interesting with me around." Sark smirks

Sydney rolls her eyes. "You still have an ego." She hits him on the chest.

10PM

Sark knocks on Alexa's bedroom door then enters just as the girl crawls under the covers, "Ready for bed?"

Alexa nods

Sark sits on the edge of the bed, "Tomorrow we're going to the school."

"OK."

"Before that we'll need to go over the background you'll need to know in case people ask questions."

"Like what?"

"We'll talk about it tomorrow." Sark pulls the blankets up to her chin. "Just get some sleep. We'll go over enough to get you by for tomorrow." Sark reaches out to brush Alexa's hair back only to stop inches away suddenly dropping his hand, "I'll see you in the morning." He starts to move off the bed when Alexa speaks hesitantly.

"Dad"

"Yes?"

"Do you think I'll ever remember more about before?"

"I hope so but I don't know. We'll have see."

Alexa nods and rolls to her side her back to her Dad as she curls up in a ball.

Sark walks to the door, "Night Lexa." He turns off the light and walks out of the room pulling the door closed behind her.

"Night Daddy" She whispers as she closes her eyes hugging herself.

TBC…