Guys,
I know... I even had to go back a re read all 18 chapters so I could continue.
I went and saw Lisa's newest production of "Girl from the North Country" last night, it was fantastic! It's in Melbourne from the end of April and all of May, so if you're in Melbourne i highly recommend you go and see it. The whole production was just so good, and her character, nothing like i've seen her play!
So anyway, that kinda of inspired me...
It's not a long chapter but it's something.
I've also been super slack at reviewing, but man, the Kate/Dutchy/Buffer stories that are out at the minute, guys, I bow down to you! They are all sooooooooooooo amazing!
Anyway, let's get into it!
Somebody That I Used To Know.
Chapter 19.
Mike cautiously followed Jack back into the house, his mind raced as he watched him pace the living room. He was about to speak when Jack stopped and turned to face him, he was about the speak but hesitated realising he didn't have a plan of attack. Mike grew tired of his games and approached shaking his head.
"Jack, what's going on?"
Jack desperately wanted to remain calm, but his mouth moved before his brain could catch up.
"I know something is up with you and Kate."
His tone was rough, Mike took a step back shocked at his tone.
"Ahh, what are you talking about?"
Jack wasn't going to leave until he knew the truth, he inched closer not wanting to lose his nerve.
"Don't play dumb with me, Flynn…"
Jack's eyes burned into Mike's hoping he wouldn't have to spell out the potentially crazy theory swirling around his head. Mike broke eye contact moments later, exhaling deeply and leaned his body weight on the bench shaking his head.
"I don't know what I was thinking."
Jack's heart skipped a beat, a confession wasn't what he was prepared for, he was prepared for a fight, a heated exchange of words, or at least a hint of defensiveness.
"Mike, what the hell is going on?"
Mike raised his hand to this forehead trying to think of a way to explain.
"I wanted to prove to her, to myself, that we could do this. We have a daughter for god sake, I had to make it work and this was my chance to start again, to do things right."
Jack held his breath part in shock and part in rage, he thought maybe Kate and Dutchy had been together and Mike broke them up, but not this.
"Wait, let me get this clear, you felt like your relationship failure was your fault and when you discovered Kate had no memory you told her you were in a relationship when you weren't?"
Mike nodded reluctantly, Jack's heart sunk, this was bad, he knew it had to come out but it may destroy Kate.
"What the hell were you gonna do when she got her memory back?"
"I dunno, I hoped by then she was truly happy, and she'd forgive me?"
Jack laughed seeing Mike's hopeful expression, he couldn't believe he was believing him, it sounded like something from a lifetime movie.
"And Dutchy, what about him?"
Mike looked up at him shocked.
"You know about Dutchy?"
Jack shook his head as he held Mike's glare.
"I guessed."
Mike poured himself a drink and downed it in one swift motion.
"I only found out yesterday, I swear I didn't know it was him, I had an inkling she had moved on, but she never said anything."
"How did you find out?"
"Ahh, Stacey…"
"How did she know?"
Mike shrugged hoping he wouldn't have to spill another secret that made him look like a terrible person. Jack took a moment to comprehend everything.
"I mean… It's pretty obvious. Do you not see how they are together?"
"Didn't you hear me, I'm in complete denial, I just can't believe he hadn't confronted me, or decked me…"
"I think he wanted her to be happy, no matter what."
They both stood there in silence not knowing how to continue their discussion.
"Jack, I never wanted to hurt her, I wanted to make things up to her."
"I know, but Mike, Dutchy loves her and I think she loves him."
"And what about me and Aria? We love her too…"
"I'm sure you do, but Mike, c'mon, you know this isn't right, I'm not going to say anything, it's not my story…"
Jack pat him on the shoulder as he headed for the door, he turned before he exited.
"But are you the one to really make her happy?"
Jack sat in his car in shock, punching the steering wheel he let out a pained groan. He knew too much, he didn't want this on his conscious but he knew that he wouldn't be able to face Kate without telling her.
"Shit…"
The next morning, Kate sat in the makeshift dressing room that was the Senior Sailors Mess. Stacey stood behind her and put the finishing touches on her hair.
"So, ah, you ready?"
Kate nodded as she tucked a stray piece of hair behind her ear.
"I think so, umm, where's Dutchy? Did you guys come together?"
Stacey placed the comb on the dresser and fiddled with Kate's veil.
"Ah, he was having breakfast when I left, he mumbled about getting a ride with 2Dads... anyway, I think we're ready?"
Kate took one last look in the mirror and exhaled shapely as she picked up her bouquet.
"Yep."
They walked through the Hammersley, making their way to the deck. Stacey peered though the hatch checking if everyone was in place, she frowned seeing Charge and 2Dads whispering and gesturing amongst them self.
"Gimme a sec."
She raced up to them and simultaneously slapped them on the back.
"What's going on?"
2Dads and Charge exchanged guilty looks, charge shook his head looking at his watch.
"He's not here yet..."
Stacey looked back at the hatch to check Kate couldn't see the panic.
"Well, has anyone tried to call?"
2Dads took out his phone and called Mike.
"Straight to voice mail..."
"Well, did you guys get ready with him?"
"Yeah, but he told us to go ahead..."
Stacey's phone beeped, she glanced at the screen.
"Forget it, he just messaged me."
She headed back toward the stairs and read the message. "Top draw in the COs cabin."
She frowned and rushed past Kate to the cabin, Kate quickly followed.
"Stace, what's happening?"
"Mike just sent me a cryptic message to check his old drawers, maybe he's left you a wedding pressie..."
They rushed to the cabin and Stacey flung open the drawer, inside lay a folded piece of paper. Stacey shrugged and handed it to her.
"Maybe it's a clue?"
Kate unfolded the paper and held her breath as she read. Taking a second, she exhaled sharply and scrunched it up and chucked it on the floor. She sprinted from the cabin before Stacey could ask any questions, she bent down and grabbed the paper and uncrumpled it.
"Mike, what did you do?"
Stacey tucked the paper into her bra and headed for the deck. Opening the hatch she watched as people disembarked the boat, she found Kate sitting in the aisle and a confused 2Dads trying to comfort her. She rushed to Kate's side and held her as she sobbed.
Dutchy ran up the gangway looking confused, he spotted them sitting on the chairs and slowly approached.
"Kate? What's going on?"
She jumped off the chair, wiping her tears away.
"You! You did this, didn't you?!"
She didn't wait for an answer and ran off the boat, Dutchy went to go after her but Stacey pulled him back.
"Maybe you should just give her a sec…"
"What the hell is going on?"
Stacey handed him the note.
"Why is she blaming you for this?"
Dutchy sat on the rack in silence while he Stacey packed up Kate's belongings.
"You guys were together, weren't you…"
Dutchy swallowed hard, not knowing what to say as Stacey continued to shove Kate's things into a bag.
"Don't deny it…"
Dutchy stood and placed a hand on her shoulder.
"I'm sorry Stace, it wasn't my intention to hurt you, for the record, I think you're awesome."
Stacey chuckled and turned to face him.
"The old, it's not you, I'm just in love with someone else. Dutchy, you don't have to give me the pity speech, I know you're not a bad person."
"So, you don't hate me?"
"I'm more evolved than that Dutchy, plus, I said it myself, I thought it was weird you guys weren't together. I'm normally not one to believe in soul mates and all of that, but with you two, I can kinda see it..."
"It's kinda killing me that you're being so nice about this…"
Stacey laughed again.
"What? You'd rather me slap you across the face?"
"Well, no, but thanks for being cool about all this."
"So, what are you gonna do about this?"
End of Chapter 19.