Chapter Five: Breakup

Emily's little prank did much to ease the tension between her and Jerry, though she knew it was still present. He had obviously changed a lot since she had known him in high school and, with time, revealed a depth and maturity that she had not expected. His eyes, as penetrating as ever, shone with the new seriousness and wisdom that living on the bottom of the world brought. Despite her reservations about letting him back into her life, Emily found herself irresistibly drawn to him and, with Katie's encouragement, she and Jerry began to form a deep, platonic relationship.

Things went smoothly through the remainder of that season and through the beginning of the next as the bond between Emily and Jerry deepened to a strong, close friendship, while Katie and Jerry fell even more in love and even began mentioning – only in passing, of course – marriage and family. Emily watched this progression between Jerry and her best friend with growing pleasure, and secretly hoped that Jerry would not disappoint Katie as he had her.

But when she walked through the door to the bunkhouse she shared with Katie and found her best friend seated at the kitchen table with tears streaming down her cheeks, Emily knew something was very wrong. Shedding her coat, gloves, hat and scarf, she crossed the room and crouched to wrap an arm around Katie's shoulder. "Katie, what's wrong? What happened?"

Katie didn't respond for several minutes, just caught Emily's hand and squeezed it appreciatively before wiping her face and stilling her tears. Emily moved discreetly to the refrigerator and poured a tall glass of cold milk for each of them. Katie smiled faintly but gratefully as Emily placed one of the glasses in front of her and sat down beside her. Sensing that she might be ready to talk, Emily laid a hand on Katie's arm and prompted gently, "Well?"

Katie sighed, her dark brown eyes fixed resolutely on her hands. "It's Jerry."

Emily's eyes narrowed dangerously and a keen disappointment lanced through her. "What did he do?"

"Nothing," Katie said, shaking her head. "It's just that… well, I can't take it anymore. You know how dangerous those ice shelves can be. Three times this week he's nearly died and only just managed to make it back alive through quick thinking on his part, fierce loyalty on Maya's and the dogs', and sheer dumb luck." She laced her fingers together and pressed her thumbs to her temples. "You have no idea how nerve-wracking it is to hear those stories about the man you love. Last night I talked to him about it – begged him to be more careful. Or better yet, to give it up and come work here at McMurdough. Well…" she laughed bitterly, "You know Jerry."

"So you broke it off? Or did he?" Emily asked, watching her friend compassionately.

"Jerry did. When I told him I couldn't bear knowing that he could die anytime, he got this sad look in his eyes. He told me that he'd known it would eventually come to this. 'Relationships don't really fit my lifestyle,' he'd said bitterly. So we decided that it was better for both of us if we just go on being friends, not a couple." She smiled a little, her eyes still sad. "It still hurts, though."

Emily's deep green eyes were soft and sympathetic as she took one of Katie's hands in both of her own. "I'm so sorry, Kate," she murmured softly, "I wish there was something I could do to help. I can't make it all better, you know."

"I understand, Emily," Katie sighed. "This is my problem, and I don't expect you to do anything. I know how you feel about this; Jerry has disappointed you again. Just don't be angry with him for it, please? Those dogs are his life, and I can't blame him for loving his work." Her eyes fell to her hands. "He just loves it more than he does me."

Emily's head jerked up sharply, her eyes flashing. "That's wrong, Katie. No man should love his work more than his girl. If he does, he certainly doesn't deserve her."

"Don't get worked up over it, Em," Katie reproved gently. "Besides," she continued, her eyes searching Emily's intently, "maybe it's not work or me that Jerry loves."

Emily stood abruptly. "No, Katie. Jerry Shepard is part of my past and he's going to stay there! I don't feel anything for him anymore, and trying to force us back together will just bring old pains to the surface again. No, there won't ever be Emily-and-Jerry again. So don't try it, Katie Yamesch!"

Katie smiled gently. "You'll jinx yourself that way, Em. Be careful what you say, and don't tempt fate." She stood as well and hugged her tightly. "Thank you for everything, Em."

Author's Note: I don't know Katie's last name and I don't think it's ever mentioned, so I just made one up. It sounds foreign enough to be a Native American name (I think) and I apologize if it isn't. Review please!