Being So Close

pt15

Seven had decided that it would be safest if she stayed away from the main roads. She walked all day through pastures and the woods. It was just beginning to get dark when she encountered a small structure near the edge of some oak trees.

Seven went to the front door and cautiously opened it. Inside was a small table, a fireplace and a bed. She tossed her hair back and noticed for the first time how messy it was. She ran her fingers through it a few times before lying down on the bed and falling asleep.

The next morning the sun beamed brightly in the sky. Seven got up and wandered around the cabin. It was only one room but she was pleasantly happy to have a place of her own.

She was beginning to get hungry. She remembered passing a small stream before heading up the hill toward the cabin the previous night. The only fishing experience that she had acquired had been when Chakotay and she had crashed on a primitive planet. Although at first the natives had bothered her she grew to enjoy their company. And even thou their methods were very old she was glad that she had some experience to help her build a few traps for the fish.

When the traps were finished she placed them around the edge of the stream and went for a small walk upstream. She was just turning back when something on the other side of the steam caught her eye. She waded through the chilly water and then she realized what it was.

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Kathryn had spent another day in surgery. Chakotay and Greg had not left the hospital all night. And with the exception of Chakotay having to do occasional paperwork for Kathryn, per the hospitals request, he never left her side. When Chakotay did leave her side, Greg was always there to take his place.

Greg and Chakotay had bonded since he had returned to Earth. He never remembered being so close to his cousin when he was a young man.

Greg was setting next to Kathryn reading a magazine when he heard her stir. He walked over to the bed and took Kathryn's hand. Kathryn stirred again. This time Greg walked over to com and contacted Chakotay. He stayed with her until Chakotay arrived.

When Chakotay burst into the room he almost burst into tears. There setting up in bed was Kathryn smiling at him.

"Hello Chakotay, I'm glad you finally made it. I hope you haven't been asking girls for their phone numbers thinking that I wasn't going to pull through."

Chakotay didn't respond to her statement. He did however place his lips over hers and cry gently on her shoulder. Sensing that the two of them would like to be alone Greg took his leave and shut the door behind him. He walked out to the garden, and watched the leaves blow gently in the wind.

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Seven realized that it was human. She reached down and turned it over. She recognized the face immediately. She checked for a pulse, their was one, so she placed the body in her arms and headed for the cabin.

When Seven got to the cabin she placed the body on the bed and covered it with some blankets that she had found under the bed. She started a fire and cooked the fish that she had caught.

As she ate the fist her mind began to wander. And then a plan began to unravel in her mind. She looked at the body again, and swallowed another piece of fish.

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When Greg returned to Kathryn's room, Chakotay and she were sharing a meal together. The doctor had told Chakotay that Kathryn was recovering nicely from her wounds. Greg sat on the couch and watched the two of them eat together. Just as Kathryn was finishing her meal, she turned to Chakotay.

"Chakotay."

"Yes Kathryn."

"Chakotay how is my sister doing? Is she here in the hospital too?"

Chakotay swallowed the last bit of his salad before he took a deep breath.

"Kathryn, Pheobe isn't here."

Kathryn looked at Chakotay. "What hospital did they send her to Chakotay?" And where is my mom I'm surprised she hasn't come with a plate of home cooked food yet."

Chakotay took her hand and slowly caressed it. "Kathryn your mom didn't make it and no one has seen your sister since the tornado hit."

Kathryn shook her head and pointed at Greg. "Greg was with Pheobe I remember he asked me where she was because he wanted to go see her. Greg knows where Pheobe is don't you Greg."

Greg walked over and took Kathryn's other hand. "Kathryn the last time that I saw Pheobe was just as the tornado hit your house. I haven't seen her since. Everyone has been looking for her, but they haven't found her body yet."

Kathryn screamed at both of them. "My sister is alive why are you lying to me! I saw her I saw her!"

Chakotay tried to calm her down, but she only screamed louder. Greg called the doctor in who finally had to sedate her because she was becoming hysterical. When Kathryn had finally drifted to sleep the doctor spoke to Chakotay.

"She is still suffering from her concussion. She is still delirious about the events that have happened the last few days. Give it time Chakotay eventually she will begin to put everything together.

Chakotay thanked the doctor as he sat next to Greg. Greg gave Chakotay a look and then he spoke.

"Chakotay, I'm going to go look for her."

"Look for whom?"

"Pheobe."

Chakotay sighed. "Greg I know that the loss of Pheobe has hurt you but,"

"What is Kathryn was right and she really is alive Chakotay?"

'Kathryn was delirious you heard the doctor Greg."

"I know but I have to try." And with that Greg left the hospital and headed for Indiana, alone, but with hope.

TBC

* Thanks everyone for your feedback and congratulations on my b-day today. IF you keep reading I will keep writing even thou I am getting very old!