Somebody That I Used To Know.
Chapter 10.
Jack sat with the other senior sailors eating breakfast.
"So, Kate McGregor, why isn't she on this ship anymore?"
His question was met with silence, he looked up and watched as Charge and RO's eyes darted around the room, obviously trying to think of an appropriate response. He chuckled at their tense expressions and continued to eat.
"It's okay fellas, she won't mind me talking about her, we go way back."
Charge and RO exchanged another uneasy look, Dutchy cleared his throat hoping his next comment wasn't out of line.
"Ah, the CO and Kate, they used to date."
Charge and RO's faces froze, paralysed from shock, Jack grabbed their shoulders shaking them out of their trance.
"It's okay, it ended amicably."
Dutchy scoffed and mumbled under his breath.
"Yeah, that's what they all say."
Jack nudged him with his elbow, amused at his honesty.
"Oh c'mon, Petty Officer, you saw her greet me today. We were high school sweethearts, we had an incredible gap year together, man, she was the best."
Dutchy was the only one game enough to ask questions.
"So, who broke it off?"
"Well, technically me, it wasn't fair. We were so young, I mean I would have asked her to marry me if she thought I was serious."
Charge, Dutchy and RO didn't know what to say, it surprised them that he was sharing so much.
"But hey, this is exactly why I let her go, she got her happily ever after, she found a husband and has a kid."
Dutchy, again, was the only one to comment.
"Yeah, they're not married."
"Really? She's not married to the father?"
"Oh, she's engaged to the father, but there's a whole lot in between. Short version, she's actually lost her short-term memory, she had an accident a couple of months ago."
"But she remembers me?"
"Yeah, she's lost the past 6 years..."
"Oh, wow, poor Kate, so she doesn't remember her baby or her fiancée?"
"Nope..."
Kate and Stacey sat in the back of the Uber in silence. Stacey understood why Kate's mood was less than chipper, but she hoped it would not continue all weekend.
"C'mon, Kate, according to Mike this is the first holiday you've had in years."
Kate shook her head, looking out the window, not wanting to talk about it.
"Don't mention his name..."
Stacey exhaled sharply and placed her hand on Kate's knee, trying to get her to open up.
"Look, I'd be pissed too, but can we try to think of this as a girl's weekend, and not a back-up plan. We can do whatever you want..."
Kate looked over to Stacey, she had such a hopeful look on her face. Kate knew she was being a drag, but she felt she had every right to be, but she didn't need to take it out on someone who was trying to help.
"Fine..."
Stacey squealed, clapping her hands together.
"So, there was this diving thing that has been booked, that's our only commitment. It sounds pretty cool, deep water diving out at the secluded part of the reef."
She smiled in Kate's direction hoping for a more positive response, Kate wasn't ready to be at Stacey's level of excitement, leaning her head against the window she sighed.
"Sure."
After the 45 minute ferry ride, they arrived at their beachfront apartment on Fitzroy Island. Stacey swung open the door and gasped at the spectacular ocean view.
"Kate, this is gorgeous…"
Kate dropped her suitcase on the floor and flopped onto the couch.
"Yeah, it would have been romantic…"
Stacey placed herself in front of Kate with a raised eyebrow.
"Okay, you've had your sulk, from now on you need to snap out of it…"
Kate knew it wasn't her fault, she took a deep breath in and rubbed her hands over her face and put on a smile.
"Okay, girl's weekend mood activated…"
"That's the spirit… and speaking of spirits, happy hour at the bar has just started."
They packed away their belongings and changed into their bathers.
Lounging beside the pool, Kate sipped on her cocktail and placed her hand on Stacey's arm.
"Thanks for coming."
"Hey, no problem, was kinda surprised that they let me have leave, Mike must have pulled some strings!"
Kate placed her drink on the table beside her and sat up and swiveled herself to face Stacey.
"Yeah, well, he and Maxine go way back..."
Stacey hesitated and tilted her head at Kate's statement.
"Ah, two things, define history? And is that a memory?"
"Ah, yeah, they used to date, Mike has a son with her."
Stacey's jaw dropped, but she could also see Kate was flabbergasted by her own words.
"Woah, hold up, a son?"
Kate retrieved her drink, taking a sip, she tried not react to her own revelation.
"Yeah, I guess I'm not freaking out about it cos on some level I already knew?"
"Ah, okaaaay, I'll just freak out for you? Is there anything else? I mean, what have your other memories been like? Can you piece them together?"
"Not really, they've been super random."
"For example?"
Kate settled back into her chair feeling silly, none of this made sense to her, why would it make sense to Stacey?
"Well, I had like a flashback, it happened on Mike's first day at Navcom. I was sitting at my desk and I got a text message saying "happy first day… of the rest of our lives."
"That's sweet, well, maybe that's from your first day and it was Mike was messaging you, you know, excited about your position."
Kate shook her head, letting out a hiss.
"Yeah, doubt it, I don't feel like he's really sentimental like that… Ah, then another time I think I was in hospital and I heard someone's voice apologising saying, they'll do whatever it takes. Oh god, then there's the sex dream."
Stacey bolted upright in her seat grabbing Kate's arm, causing her to spill her drink.
"Sex dream?"
Kate's cheeks instantly turned a bright shade of pink, needing some dutch courage, she downed the rest of drink in one mouthful.
"Yeah, it was hot! The only thing is, I don't think it was with Mike, it must have been with Jim..."
"Ah, who's Jim?"
Kate rose from her chair, grabbing Stacey's empty glass.
"We're gonna need a bigger drink for me to explain Jim..."
Later that evening they strolled down Nudey Beach, out of nowhere Stacey stopped, gripping Kate's arm.
"I can't believe you nearly married someone else."
Kate laughed at her dramatic tone.
"Yeah, I can't really believe it either, I guess Mike and I are really meant to be."
Kate picked up a shell and threw it into the water, it skimmed along the surface before sinking to the bottom.
"I think I've been here before... I have this Fitzroy Island key ring, it's a little clear ball full of sand."
"Did you ask Mike about it?"
She shook her head and continued to walk, dragging her feet through the water.
"No, I kind of assumed we've been here together, so that's why he picked it."
"I hope I'm not being too intrusive, but are you and Mike really okay? I know this whole thing wouldn't have helped, but I sense some tension."
"What do you mean?"
"Well, you didn't want me to tell him about your near panic attack, and have you told him about any of these memories?"
Kate gave her a guilty glance meaning no, Stacey could see it was a sensitive topic, but she knew Kate needed to open up.
"I'm not judging but, I dunno, call it women's intuition. Something is up though, right?"
"We seem to be okay, well apart from this, but I mean, I can't deny that it's not really panning out how I expected. I mean, him taking this posting was supposed to allow him to spend more time with us, but here I am, on a romantic holiday, with you, no offence."
"None taken…"
"Also, we're both so stubborn, we've talked and sorted most stuff out, but I get the feeling he's not great at talking..."
Stacey winced, knowing her next comment may sting.
"And you're getting married because?"
Kate was shocked at her bluntness, Stacey quickly back tracked seeing Kate's horrified face.
"I mean, I just thought communication was a pretty important part of a relationship."
"I dunno... I just feel like if I had my memory."
"But that's not going to solve the current issues, Kate."
"Ugh, this is such bullshit!"
"What does your shrink say?"
"She says I can't push it, it hasn't been that long, that I should think of the future and what makes you happy."
"Okay and Mike and Aria make you happy, right?"
"Yeah, but so does, well, this, us hanging out, and so does giving Dutchy a hard time, shouldn't I expect to feel more?"
Stacey wasn't sure how to answer, she was hoping Kate would agree and that would give her the answer she needed.
"Hey, I've never really been like in love with someone enough to want to marry them, so probs not your best example. Okay, have you been in love, like before Mike?"
"Well, my high school boyfriend. I know that sounds kinda lame, but he was, well, perfect. We just clicked, we challenged each other, and he was just the sweetest without being a pushover, you know?"
"So what happened to Mr Perfect?"
"His family moved."
"So you couldn't do long distance?"
"We were so young, his family moved to the states, it's not like it was to Melbourne. He said he wanted what was best for me."
Stacey scrunched up her face and downed the rest of her drink.
"That's so sweet I could vomit."
"I don't wanna think anymore, c'mon let's get drunk!"
Stacey laughed and wrapped her arm around Kate.
"I thought you'd never ask!"
The next morning Stacey crept into Kate's room, Kate was sprawled over the bed asleep. She gently shook Kate's shoulder in an attempt to wake her.
"Kate, wake up, we're going to be late…"
Kate let out a groan and pulled the blanket over her.
"We're on holiday, how are we going to be late?"
"The diving thing, c'mon, it sounds go cool! Think of the turtles!"
Kate groaned again and heaved her body into an upright position. She inhaled deeply as she rubbed her hands over her face.
"Why did we drink so much last night if we had to get up early?"
"Hey, that was your idea."
Kate lay on the deck of the diving boat, her sunglasses on and her hat covering her face.
"I think I'm gonna sun bake for the rest of the day… I don't think my hangover can handle anymore diving."
The PA sounded, and the captain came over the radio.
"Ah, sorry folks, we seem to have some engine trouble."
Kate groaned, downing another bottle of water.
"Just great."
"We're gonna radio for some help, shouldn't be too long."
Kate's phone beeped, it was a message from Dutchy.
"Having fun?"
She replied.
"No, stuck out at sea, engine fault."
"Where are you?"
"Outer reef, out from Fitzroy..."
An hour later they were still waiting, Kate noticed the captain whispering to his crew.
"What do you think is going on?"
Stacey shrugged wiping the sweat off her brow, Kate grew impatient and stormed over to them.
"What is going on, this is ridiculous."
They were dumbstruck by her aggressive tone.
"Ah..."
Kate instantly knew by the guilty looks on their faces there was something wrong.
"Maybe I can help? My friend and I are in the navy, deal with boats all the tine."
"Well, it might be a bit late for that, we haven't got engine trouble, ah, we seem to be taking in water, were trying to decide whether we abandon ship."
"What? Have you called the coast guard?"
"Yeah, they're in the middle of a job."
Kate fished her phone out of her pocket and called Dutchy.
"X? What's up?"
"Are you still off the coast?"
"Yeah, why's that?"
"We're taking on water, and coast guard is busy."
"What's your position?"
Kate rushed to the console and read out the coordinates to him, the captain pulled her back.
"Hey, what are you doing?"
"Saving your ass, the Navy's coming..."
Dutchy pulled Kate and Stacey aboard, Bird showed the crew and the other passengers below.
Jack wrapped his arm around Kate, leading her below.
"Just like old times, hey, rescuing you."
"Yeah, sure, you've always wanted me to have a hero complex..."
Stacey cleared her throat interrupting their moment, Kate realised she hadn't introduced them.
"Oh, Stace, this is Commander Jack Raymond, Jack, this is Stacey, she's in HR at Navcom."
Stacey glanced between Kate and Jack and noticed their closeness.
"Yeah, I know who he is, HR, remember..."
Kate broke eye contact, knowing Stacey knew there was more.
"Oh, yeah, umm, we went to school together..."
Stacey pursed her lips together, trying to hide her amusement.
"Kate, it seems you have a type."
Jack gave her a friendly tap on the arm.
"Yeah, what's with that? Tell me about this fiancee of yours, is he as handsome as I?"
Kate rolled her eyes and walked down the corridor.
"You're terrible."
Stacey pulled Kate close as they stood in the galley making a brew.
"Is that the one that got away?"
She nodded, not wanting her to cause a scene on board.
"Whoa, did you know he was on Hammersley?"
"Yeah, I saw him for like a second yesterday."
"Man, when it rain for you it pours!"
"I know, I wonder if my last six years have been quiet and now the universe wants to throw everything at me when everything is already so complicated."
"Maybe he'll help with the memory thing."
They turned, hearing footsteps, wary of the sensitive topic. Dutchy chuckled at their deer in headlights expression.
"Oh, no need to keep it quiet, the senior sailors already know."
Kate whacked him on the arm.
"Dutchy!"
"Hey don't look at me, he was the one who wouldn't stop talking!"
Kate's nostrils flared as she stomped towards Jack's cabin, she entered without knocking, slamming the door closed behind her.
"Can I have a word?"
Jack sat on the corner of his desk, smiling, unaware of his impending lecture.
"Sure, and because it's you, you can have more than one."
Kate didn't have time for jokes, she clenched her jaw standing close.
"Why did you tell everyone about us?"
"Oh, didn't realise it was a secret, you told Dutchy pretty openly."
"Yeah, he's a good friend."
"I only told a few of the seniors, plus, isn't if better coming from us rather than gossip being spread?"
Kate stopped and thought about it, he was technically right. She exhaled sharply and folded her arms across her chest.
"Fine..."
"Glad you're here actually, I wanted a minute alone..."
He grinned, moving closer, she wasn't sure if she was misreading signals and stepped back.
"And why do you need a minute alone?"
"Well, to check that this is real, for one! And, I dunno, catch up on old times, I've missed you. I'm sorry I didn't stay in touch, I know it was hard..."
Kate's eyes darted around the room, still confused about his tone of the conversation.
"Yeah, well, it was a long time ago..."
"Yeah, a lifetime, so tell me, what's been happening? Why aren't you chief of Navy yet?"
"Well, I, things change..."
He raised an eyebrow at her lame excuse.
"Really?"
She paced around the cabin, feeling his eyes on her.
"Yeah, we should know more than anyone that things change, I had a family and..."
"But why did that stop you?"
"I couldn't leave Hammersley, I was supposed to be there for 6 months, 6 years later, here I am."
"So, your fiancée convinced you to stay?"
"Well, I guess, technically have no idea."
"Dutchy told me about your amnesia, I'm sorry, but then, I'm glad you can remember me, and all our adventures."
Kate's annoyance disappeared recalling the good times they had shared, she placed herself on the edge of his desk.
"God, we did some crazy stuff..."
"Have you still got it?"
A small smirk crept onto her lips as she nodded and tilted her neck to the side. Jack stood from his rack and gently moved her hair to expose a small "J" tattoo on her neck. He smiled as he unbuttoned the top two buttons of his shirt to reveal a K tattoo on his peck.
"Still got mine… So, tell me, if I hadn't moved, what do you think our future would have been like."
"I don't think it's wise to go there..."
She moved away from him and sat on his rack, he didn't take the hint and sat next o her.
"Didn't you ever think about it?"
"Of course I did, but we're adults now..."
He rolled his eyes and chuckled.
"Well, I know you would have married me."
She laughed, assuming it was a joke.
"Yeah? And how's that?"
"The ring, it was a winner..."
Her head whipped towards him in panic.
"A ring?"
Jack realised the can of worms he had opened and removed himself from the rack.
"Ah, yeah, but when dad got transferred, then you got into ADFA... I couldn't do that to either of us, Katie, it wouldn't have been fair."
Stacey knocked on the door, poking her head in, hoping she wasn't interrupting.
"Kate?"
She hesitated, feeling the tension in the air, she knew she was definitely interrupting something.
"Oh, sorry, umm Mike's on the phone."
"You told him?"
"Kinda had to..."
Jack placed a hand on her shoulder but she immediately moved away from his reach.
"I can drop you home if you need."
She quickly headed to the door.
"No, I think you've done enough."
End Chapter 10.