Chapter 15
…
Sharon was in her bathroom fixing her hair the next morning when she heard the knock at her front door. She went and found Mallory on the other side, a smile on his face.
"Gareth…this is a surprise. Is everything alright…the baby?"
"We're fine, honestly."
"Come on in, can we talk as I get ready."
"Oh, you're on your way to work. I'm sorry, I should have thought."
"Not to worry, so what can I help you with?"
"Actually, I wanted to talk to you about Kate."
"Kate...I see."
"She came by last night; she said that she told you everything…about her past."
"Yes…yes she did."
"Look, you and I have known one another a long time, and I've known Kate a lot longer. I know it's hard to digest the things she's done. However those things, she did because he asked her too…back then Kate would give her life for Reddington."
"But why…why clean up dead bodies for him."
"Reddington became like a son to her…there was nothing she wouldn't do for him and vice versa."
"I'm just not sure."
"You said you really liked her."
"I did…I do…I."
"Sharon, Kate's a very private person and it took a lot of courage for her to open up to you. She debated about telling you but I encouraged her, I told her she could trust you, I hope I wasn't wrong."
"Is what she said about this Reddington guy true…the things he did to her, the way he hurt her?"
"It's true."
"And you saved her."
"In all the time I've known Kate, that was the only time I've seen her as vulnerable, and actually allowing me to help. I never want to see that again. I'm not saying I wish that she were more open about her feelings but…I never want to see her hurt like that again, not even she deserved that from him…not after everything she did for him."
"Is she working today?"
"She will be."
"I do like her Gareth, very much. I just, if I were to be with her…I need her word she would never return to that life."
"Sharon, trust me…Kate will never return to that life. It's not who she is anymore and since meeting you, I've seen a side to her that's been hidden for far too long."
"I'll talk to her."
"Thank you, you won't tell her I stopped by will you. I don't want a lecture about interfering in her life."
"I won't mention you, I promise."
"Thank you, I better let you get ready for your work."
"Talking of my work, I'm still waiting for you to attend an ultra sound at some point, we need to do it…you can't keep putting it off."
"I'm not it's just…"
"Do you want Kate to do it?"
"You're both such good friends, I'd like you both involved."
"When I talk to Kate, after we have sorted things out…we'll discuss perhaps joining forces to look after you for the remainder of the pregnancy okay."
"That would be great, well I should go…James and I are looking at a house today."
"Oh, that's good. Far?"
"West Hampstead."
"Very nice…well good luck."
"You too."
"Bye Gareth."
Sharon led him to the door, closing it behind him and leaning against it as she got out her mobile and sent a quick text to Kate.
…
James and Gareth followed the estate agent around the house as she pointed out all the appliances that came with the house.
"The wooden flooring has recently been replaces, the walls freshly painted. There are two garages that come with the house, it's a big garden, perfect for a growing family."
"It certainly is." Mallory smiled.
"Are you and your partner looking to adopt, it really is a lovely area and there's plenty of young children around the area, the school is about 15 minutes from here."
"It's defiantly on the cards." James smiled.
Mallory took a tight hold of James hand, James looking up suddenly to see a change on the older mans face.
"Would you mind if we had a look around by ourselves." James asked.
"Of course sir, I'll wait in the car, here's the keys."
James waited for the woman to leave before turning to Mallory who had his hand on the side of his abdomen.
"Hey, are you okay."
"Mmmmm, I think I felt something."
"A good something…or a bad something?"
"No, good…definitely good."
"She can't be kicking already, it's too soon."
"You're probably right but I…there it is again."
Mallory took hold of James hand and placed it where his own was, they waited patiently, James ready to speak again but stopped when he felt the faint flutter under his hand.
"Oh my god, I felt it…she moved."
"It's incredible, I had no idea it would feel so…"
"So what?"
"Wonderful." He smiled, looking up at James.
James turned Mallory, his hand never leaving Mallory's stomach before he leaned in and kissed him.
"I love you so much."
"I love you too."
"So, the house…what do you think, are we taking it."
"I think we're taking it."
"Yeah."
"I love it James."
"Great, come on then. Let's go and tell the agent the good news shall we."
…
Kate was busy stitching up an agent's arm when Sharon appeared, knocking lightly on the door.
"Sharon."
"Hey, am I interrupting."
"No, no it's fine. We were just finished. Black, remember what I said, don't be a hero next time."
"Sure thing doc."
The agent left, leaving Kate and Sharon alone.
"Take a seat."
Sharon sat down on the couch and waited as Kate tidied up her equipment before joining Sharon on the couch, her hands clenched together.
"So, you said you wanted to talk so…talk." Kate said.
"Kate, what you told me last night…it was a shock, and I'm sorry because I know it took a lot for you to open up like that."
"I should never have expected you to understand that part of my life, I don't blame you for not wanted to continue with us and it's fine…you don't have to worry about me. To be honest you deserve someone younger anyway. But I do thank you for giving me the chance to tell you, even if it was a bad idea. It felt good to tell someone, aside from Gareth."
"Will you shut up for 5 minutes and let me speak."
"Sorry dearie."
"Look, I know I didn't handle it well last night but I've had some time to think it over and, as you said…your past is in the past. It's not who you are anymore. Although I don't condone the things you did, I think after what happened to you, it would be fair to say you paid for your actions on more than one level."
"Are you saying you don't hold it against me?"
"I really like you Kate and I don't want something from your past to get in the way of our future, should we have one."
"You think we could have a future."
"I'd like to think so, and I swear to god…if you mention one more time that you're too old for me, I'm going to kill you myself."
"Very well, no more mentions of age, I promise."
"I know I didn't handle this latest issue well but, don't think that in the future you can't tell me about your feelings alright, because I want you to tell anything and everything."
"I'm not saying it will be easy but okay."
"Kiss me."
Kate gave her a warm smile before she leaned in and covered Sharon's lips, melting in to her as Sharon's arm came around her, bringing her closer.
…
To Be Continued…