(no subject)

[geeky_agent]

Chris sat on her chair, legs crossed, and looked out the window.

She hadn't seen her father in over a day. Almost two. Not in the bar, not outside and when she went to his room earlier there'd been no answer.

He's probably somewhere with Elaine.

It was the logical answer, though she felt a little stab of annoyance at that. Chris had no problem with them spending time - it wasn't that. But with so little time left, she wanted to see him as much as possible.

Not that it really matters. It's not enough time.

Another thought follows but Chris pushes it away, ignoring it and the feeling of dread that forms in her stomach. She uncrosses her legs and stands up, ready to go look for him.

He has to be around here somewhere.

Comments

[maid-of-astolat.livejournal.com]

"Last night, sometime. When I was looking and had...nearly given up, but not quite."

[geeky-agent.livejournal.com]

Chris feels guilty for asking but now the idea has taken hold of her.

"Do you think he'll come back?" she wonders softly.

[maid-of-astolat.livejournal.com]

Elaine pauses for a moment as she thinks.

"I...I don't know. The Bar can sometimes be a cruel place..."

She will not tell her about Joe, who was torn away from the bar on his wedding day and proceeded to be killed trying to get back.

If he was able to come back...dear God, where was he now?

"I don't know," she whispers, agony plain in her voice.

[geeky-agent.livejournal.com]

Chris feels so guilty for saying anything and for giving Elaine a moment to wonder. It was hopeless, they both knew it. Waiting and trying to think otherwise was just torture.

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said anything," she says with a small shake of her head.

"How are you?" It's such a stupid question but she doesn't know what else to say.

[maid-of-astolat.livejournal.com]

"'Tis all right. It isn't as if I haven't thought it myself."

She smiles slightly. "I will be well, I think, when I get a little sleep. Or cry. I've not cried yet. Odd, considering my history."

Elaine looks down and bites her lip. "What will you do now? Will you stay, do you think?"

[geeky-agent.livejournal.com]

It's only then that Chris remembers Elaine's history and understands what that means.

She nods, worried for Elaine and not sure what to say. She'd stay if Elaine wanted her to but if she saw the door, she'd want to leave.

"I -- I don't know. I can't see the door so I don't have much choice but to stay," she answers with some bitterness.

[maid-of-astolat.livejournal.com]

Elaine takes Chris's hands in her own. Elaine's hands are cold. "Christine, if you see the door, and if you want to, don't feel bad about leaving."

She says this quietly, but it's something that needs to be said. Elaine doesn't know if Ryan has asked Chris to keep an eye on her.

If he has, she wants to release Chris from that obligation.

[geeky-agent.livejournal.com]

Chris gives her hands a little squeeze.

"But what about you?" She couldn't leave Elaine alone.

[maid-of-astolat.livejournal.com]

"I have many friends here, and a big brother who will take care of me if I ask. I would not hold you here, if you would leave. You have family out there. Though I will miss you."

[geeky-agent.livejournal.com]

"I'll miss you too, Elaine. My father loved you and you were so good for him. And to him."

She swallows and her mouth feels dry. "I'm glad he met you."

[maid-of-astolat.livejournal.com]

Elaine closes her eyes and a single tear makes its way down her cheek. "Thank you, Christine. That means a lot to me."

No more tears come. It's progress, though.

Elaine hugs Christine again, and kisses her cheek. "He was so very proud of you. Still is, whereever he is now." She kisses her cheek. "Remember that, always."

[geeky-agent.livejournal.com]

Chris hugs her back tightly and nods as her own tears come. "Thank you."

And even though she is so grateful to Elaine for saying that, she still wishes she could hear her father say that one more time.