GROUP THERAPY - Complete (12/15/06)

[britt]

yay. I love the detail in your writing, stormy.

[stormy]

Glad you like the details. I sometimes think there may be too many details, but I'm trying to show other people this little movie that's running in my head. ;D

CHAPTER 15

After lunch, Jackson made a detour to visit the other sibling he hadn’t seen in a while. Hopefully he was settling in better than he had since he woke up a month or so before. Almost two months in a coma...Jackson didn’t really want to think what that would be like.

The room was empty, so he sought out the person most likely to give him the information he wanted.

It didn’t take long to find the right person at the nursing station. At the moment she was the only one there. She was filling out paperwork, but looked up expectantly when she heard his footsteps.

“Hey, Selena, how’s your favorite patient?”

“Yeah, right. More like my only patient.”

Jackson shrugged. “Could be worse. It’s a lot easier keeping track of just one, isn’t it?”

“I guess. He’s doing pretty well. Still confused about things, but that’s to be expected.” She looked more closely at Jackson’s face. “Something’s different about you, Mr. Rippner. What is it?” She stepped back in mock horror. “Oh my God, you look happy! I mean, genuinely happy.”

“Really?” He thought a moment. “Hm, maybe I am.”

“Care to tell me why, sir? Not that it’s any of my business, but I am curious.”

“You’re right, Selena, it isn’t any of your business.”

She stiffened. “Of course not.”

“Don’t be like that. I just mean it’s complicated.”

“Isn’t it always? So, what are you doing in this ward?”

“Looking for Jim. Is he around?”

“He’s got a therapy session with Dr. Crane.”

“Oh. I was hoping maybe he was through with those.”

“I wish he was.”

“Me, too. Would you please let me know when he’s done? I need to talk to him about a couple of things.”

“Sure. Do you want me to send him to your office?”

“No, I think I’d like a little more privacy than that. I’ll wait here, then we’ll take a little walk.”

“May I ask where?”

Jackson’s gaze narrowed. “I thought he might enjoy a little fresh air and sunshine."

Her eyes widened. “He hasn’t been outside since he woke up. It’s been at least 3 months since he could have possibly been outside.”

“Yeah, I know. He’s way too pale. Needs a little bit of a tan.”

“Please be careful he doesn’t get sunburned.”

Jackson was pleased with her concern. He knew there was a bit more to it than her professional concern for a patient. She could complain all she liked about being stuck with one patient, but he could tell it wasn’t as loathsome a task as she pretended.

“So when is he due back from his session?”

She looked at the clock. “About 10 minutes.”

“Good. Then I’ll wait for him.”

She started to turn back to her paperwork.

“Selena, I’d really like to see Jim’s chart.”

“I’m sorry, sir, but you know that’s confidential.”

He cleared his throat and tapped the ID badge clipped to his suit pocket.

“Oh, of course. I’m sorry, sir. Just reflex, I guess. But don’t you have a copy in your office?”

“No. I could get it from my father, but I’d prefer he didn’t know about this.”

Selena sat up straighter, just a hint of fear in her eyes.

“Mr. Rippner, I don’t want to get myself fired, if you don’t mind.”

He smiled, though it didn’t reach his eyes. “I have no intention of getting you in trouble, Selena. All you have to do is take a restroom break or something, and leave that file here.”

He could see the conflict in her eyes.

“It’s in Jim’s best interests, trust me. I’m not going to do anything to alter the file, I’m not going to remove or copy anything. I just need to look at a few things.”

She still looked concerned.

“Tell you what. Go take a long break. Go to the cafeteria and get a candy bar or soda or something for Jim. Take the stairs instead of the elevator.”

She sighed, but nodded in agreement.

He gave her some money and watched her leave. Once she was out of sight he read what she had been writing, then went to the beginning of the chart. He flipped through it, speed-reading the relevant data. He left it open to the same page she had been on, then leaned against the wall by Jim’s door. He didn’t want anyone else ‘accidentally’ seeing the file.

Selena returned and gave Jackson his change, then went into Jim’s room to leave the candy bar for him.

Jim walked down the hall. His steps slowed when he saw Jackson. “Did we have an appointment?”

Even from a distance, Jackson could see his nervousness.

Jackson smiled warmly at him. In some ways, Jim was one of the sanest people at the Institute.

“No, you haven’t forgotten anything. I thought maybe we’d go for a little walk. Outside,” he added.

Jim’s face brightened. “Really?”

“Yep.”

“Just us? Is that allowed?”

Jackson laughed. “If anyone tries to stop us, just leave it to me.”

“Okay.” Jim looked quite relieved. He glanced at Selena and she smiled. She gave him a “bye-bye” hand gesture to speed him along.

They didn’t speak until they were at the nearest exit. A guard automatically asked to see Jim’s ID. Jim held out his wrist to be scanned.

Jackson gave the guard a scornful look. “A word of advice for you... What’s your name?” He could clearly see it on the guard’s badge.

“Robert Davison, sir.”

“Davison, I’m sure this was covered in your orientation. If you don’t recognize me, you might need a refresher course in our security measures.”

“Of course I recognize you, sir, but I’m sure you know it’s policy for any patient to be in restraints before leaving the building. I have a pair of handcuffs you can bor–“

”Do you have any doubt that I can control this patient should he try to escape, or hurt me?”

The guard shook his head. “No, sir. But Management insists every patient leaving the building be scanned and put in some kind of restraint.”

“Yes, I know all about that. Okay, you’re just doing your job. And I’m telling you, no restraints for this patient, not when he’s with me. Now, are you going to open the door, or do I have to use my override key?”

Davison paled. He knew exactly who Jackson was, and how many, many more levels of security clearance he had than a mere senior guard. He opened the door immediately. Jackson watched as Jim hesitantly stepped over the threshold and shaded his eyes from the sun.

“Maybe I should have brought you some sunglasses,” Jackson observed.

“No, no, it’s fine! I’ll get used to it.”

They walked a little ways from the building before Jackson casually said, “You know that if you do anything stupid, you’re not likely to see the sun again for, like, ever.”

Jim nodded, more than a little resentment in his gaze. “I know, Jackson. I might have forgotten a lot of things, but I’m not stupid. Besides, where could I go?”

Jackson considered the various security measures: the armed guards stationed every couple of hundred yards along the electrified, 20-foot high fence, the attack dogs who would be sent after any unauthorized person who managed to get outside the gates. The several miles of forest would prove difficult, and very tiring, to get through. Then, if someone actually managed to reach the outer perimeter of the island, and somehow got past the guards there, they could attempt to swim to the nearest shore they could find, which was over a hundred miles away, too far for anyone to swim without attracting the attention of the sharks. Anyone on any boat in the area would rescue a swimmer, of course, then turn them back in to the Institute for a large reward.

He himself was one of the very few people who ever got to leave, even for short periods of time, and there were damned few people who had access to the landing strip on the roof. Actually, it was the same number of people who had access to computers with live Internet connections. Two. I gotta admit, in some ways the old man does trust me.

“You can’t go anywhere, buddy. Trust me, hard as it is to believe, you’re safer inside, or outside with me, than you’ll ever be outside.”

Jim sighed heavily. “I was afraid of that. I was told it wasn’t safe to leave, but not why.”

“So, don’t think about it. Just enjoy the walk. If you get tired, let me know, and we’ll sit for a while.”

There were a fairly large number of benches for those who were allowed on the grounds, for any reason.

Jim shook his head. “I’m fine. I’ve been getting some physical therapy along with...the other kind.”

“Good. Selena helping you with that?”

“Yeah.” Jim brightened at the mention of the person he most trusted in the world. “She took really good care of me while I was...asleep.”

Jackson had to admit, aside from a pallor that could be cured by a little exposure to the sun, he knew Jim was in excellent physical shape. The blue hospital pajamas no longer hung on his frame. According to his chart, he’d gained about 10 pounds since the last time Jackson had seen him, which was great. He was approaching the optimal weight for his height, and was stronger than he looked.

“Let’s talk about what you’re going to do when you’re through with all this rehab,” Jackson suggested.

Jim shrugged. “I have no idea.” He was looking all around, appreciating the view Jackson still pretty much took for granted.

“Let’s go to the garden and sit down there for a while. Patricia really likes it there.”

Jim grinned. “How is she? I haven’t seen her in a couple of weeks, since she was helping Selena with something.”

“She’s fine, last I saw. Maybe she can come visit you again.”

“I thought, uh, we weren’t supposed to have any visitors.”

“I’ll find some excuse for her to see you in her professional capacity. Maybe Selena would like a break now and then.”

Jim stopped, his eyes widening in fear. “No! I don’t want her to leave. I don’t want to be alone.”

Jackson still didn’t understand the underlying pathology behind Jim’s abandonment issues, but he tried to sound sympathetic. “I just meant for one shift or something. Maybe just a few hours. It’s not like you’ll be alone, Patricia will be there with you. You feel safe with her, don’t you?”

Jim nodded, and followed Jackson again.

“When you’re fully recovered, physically and mentally, I’m pretty sure Dad and/or Jonathan will find some kind of job for you here. What did you do before the accident?”

Jackson knew the answer, but wasn’t sure if Jim remembered.

“I was a bicycle courier.”

“Hm, not much call for that here.”

“Is there any way I could do something outside? Out here, I mean?”

“How are you at gardening?”

Jim shrugged. “I used to help my mom with her garden. It’s something I could learn, I’m sure.”

“I’ll suggest it. They’re pretty good at matching up the right person with the right job, but I’ll give them my opinion, too. Then you’ll be officially discharged from the hospital wing, and you’ll be given an apartment, probably on the same floor as me.”

“What about Selena? In some ways, I don’t want to get better if it means she won’t be there with me anymore.”

Jackson grinned, and put a hand on Jim’s shoulder. “I have an idea about that, if you’re both agreeable to it. Management discourages relationships between staff members, but there are some exceptions. Maybe if Selena wants to hook up with you, she could move out of her quarters here, and in with you.”

“Really?”

Jackson wondered how it was possible for someone to look so thrilled.

“If she wants to,” he reiterated. “I’ll ask Jonathan if he thinks it will help keep you stable.”

“Oh, it would!”

“I’ll bet. So how are your seduction skills?”

Jim thought a moment. “Rusty,” he admitted.

“Don’t worry about it. You can talk to Patricia when she comes to see you. She loves giving that kind of advice.”

“Oh, good idea. I hadn’t thought of that.”

They reached a bench in the garden, near the roses. Jackson let Jim lead the conversation for a while, even bending the rules enough to answer a few harmless questions.

“You know not to ask Father or Jonathan anything, right? You can trust me, or Patricia, but no one else, got it?”

“Oh, yeah,” Jim agreed fervently. “They just want me to be a good little boy and do what I’m told. They think I can just make up my mind to get over my delusions, and then I’ll be all better. I honestly don’t know if they’re dreams or memories or what, but no one’s been able to tell me how I got that gunshot wound. I know it can’t have anything to do with that car that ran me down.”

“Unless it was a drive-by shooting or something?” Jackson suggested carefully.

Jim shook his head. “No, I’m sure it wasn’t.”

“Well, I can assure you, there’s no plague going on, in England or anywhere else, that’s anything like what you’ve told me.”

“I know how crazy it sounds, but everything is way too detailed to be a dream. Jonathan – excuse me, Dr. Crane, says people in comas can have very realistic, highly detailed dreams, but they might be influenced by any number of other things the patient might hear.”

“Yeah, I’ve heard that theory, too. Listen, Jim, I know you believe it really happened, that entire cities in England were wiped out by this virus, and the infected people killed almost all the uninfected ones. But I know for a fact it didn’t happen.”

Jim opened his mouth to protest.

“Let’s not get into a debate about it. The important thing is, no matter what you believe, you need to make Dr. Jon and Father believe you accept it was just a really vivid nightmare. As long as they think you’re still delusional, they’ve got a reason to keep you locked up. I know how much you like Selena, and you want to stay with her, but you can’t tell me you like your life right now.”

“I hate it,” Jim admitted. “If it weren’t for Selena I’d go crazy. She gives me hope, you know?”

“Then hang onto that,” Jackson advised. “And talk to Patricia about all that relationship stuff. If you ever want to talk to me, for any reason, let Selena know, and she can get word to me.”

“Thanks. I appreciate having someone to talk to.”

“That’s all right. What are big brothers for?”

Jim grinned. “It’s just weird to go from being an only child to having two brothers and a sister. Or three brothers...whatever.”

“Sister is fine with Patricia.” He cleared his throat. “You’ll probably be meeting another brother soon. He just came here from Ireland. Nice kid. He’s 19. Patricia will probably be happy she’s not the youngest anymore. He’s another Jonathan, so we’re calling him Jon.”

Jim’s eyes widened. “Wow! Man, I guess our father must have been quite the ladies’ man or–“

”Don’t think about it.” Jackson shuddered. “I try not to.”

He decided to leave the whole Lisa issue for another conversation, another time. When things were more settled for all of them.

[ontheedge]

Wow, great story.

[beyond_beautiful]

This is awesome.

I love how your tying all his characters into the story

[stormy]

BTW, I've still got a long way to go on this story. It isn't even close to being over.

[britt]

good!

[stormy]

CHAPTER 16 (still Monday, 1/8)

After their earlier conversation, Lisa was prepared to just wait for Jackson to come home, and promised herself she would not get anxious if he wasn’t there on time. She was used to spending time alone. Since she hadn’t been told specifically not to, right after he went back to work seemed like an excellent time to examine the apartment more thoroughly. The locked room was obviously off-limits; there was no need for Jackson to tell her that.

There wasn’t really all that much to look at; aside from a wide-ranging collection of music, books and movies, she didn’t find anything to indicate a hobby or leisure activity. The apartment was quite large, but was furnished simply, with the furniture more on the utilitarian side than attractive or comfortable. There was one recliner that was pretty comfy. She wondered if it would be possible to get another one, or persuade him to trade in the sofa for something nicer. She added those items under the column she had designated the ‘questionable’ items.

It was so hard to know what was allowable, when she knew so little about their overall situation. She knew even less about his financial status. He hadn’t given her a budget to work within, so she decided he could always tell her ‘no’ if she wanted something too expensive.

She realized she was once again touching one of the earrings Jackson had given her. Upon closer examination in the mirror, they really were lovely, gold ovals with an intricate etched design. They were flat, so they wouldn’t get in her way on the telephone...though she’d had no chance to test that theory yet. They were comfortable to sleep in, and the backing was quite short, so they didn’t press into her head while sleeping. The only problem was that she hadn’t yet been able to remove them. After a while she gave up trying, not wanting to tear her ear in the process of removing the stubborn ornaments. Maybe when Jackson came home he could help her get them off.

One thing she was resolved to talk with him about was somehow getting word to her father that she was all right, so he wouldn’t worry about her. He must be frantic by now. Then there was her job, or former job. How long would it take the Lux to replace her? Would Cynthia be promoted? For that matter, how was Cynthia managing without her? So many things to worry about, so few answers.

When Jackson came home she was ready to pounce on him, metaphorically with questions rather than with a hug or kiss, but he looked so tired she relented. Without thinking twice about it, she hugged him and kissed him on the cheek.

“What’s that for? Not that I mind.”

He looked wary, and she remembered that he wasn’t really demonstrative with anyone in his family.

“Just because,” she answered with a bright smile.

“I could get used to that.”

It was nice to see a genuine smile for a change.

She sat on the couch again and went back to making her list, giving him time to relax and get settled.

When he came out of the bedroom she saw he had changed out of the nice suit he’d worn to work. She was amazed to see him in a pair of faded jeans and a dark green t-shirt. Instead of the expensive Italian loafers he’d been wearing, he wore an old pair of canvas tennis shoes. Hm, comfort over practicality? Maybe it was a good time to talk about the furniture after all.

“What’s the matter? You’ve never seen jeans before?” he teased.

“Sure, but not on you. I’ve never seen you so casual. But I like it,” she added quickly.

He shrugged. “Figured I might as well get comfortable.”

“Good idea.”

He looked at the clothes she was wearing, and shook his head. “I don’t think I got you anything really casual, or anything suitable for a work-out.”

“A work-out?” she repeated, wondering if she’d missed something.

“Yeah. We have a gym here that’s sometimes used for less intense physical therapy, but mainly it’s a place for staff to use to stay in shape. I thought we could go there tonight after dinner, but I guess I’m going to have to get you something else to wear.”

“Can you find something on short notice like that?”

“Maybe tomorrow. I’ll see what we have in stock. For tonight, though, maybe you can get by with something of mine.”

“I’m not sure we’re the same size,” she laughed.

“Let’s go see what I’ve got, and we’ll find out. After dinner. I’m starving.”

It didn’t take long to prepare a couple of the frozen meals. Lisa grudgingly admitted he was a good cook, and he seemed pleased with the compliment. They went over her request list, first the groceries, then the various other items. He assured her he could get everything she wanted food-wise, and all the other semi-essential supplies.

She was downright shocked when he agreed to try to find a better sofa, and matching recliners.

“I wasn’t expecting you to get everything at once.”

“Why not? I’ve saved up quite a bit of money, so I might as well put some of it to good use.”

They looked through a catalog and he let Lisa pick out what she wanted. It was a completely unexpected generosity that gave her a different insight to him. The catalog itself was one she didn’t recognize; there was no company name or logo, and the prices seemed quite reasonable.

When she asked him about it, he explained that these were items they had on hand for staff, and occasionally for long-term patients. She found some suitable exercise gear, and Jackson promised to do the best he could to match her selection.

“We might not have the same color, but it shouldn’t be hard to find the same size.”

“Thank you.”

“You’ll have to trust my judgment, though, because I can’t take you with me. Not yet, anyway.”

“I understand,” she said, though it was only partially true. She didn’t see why everything had to be such a big secret.

“Come on, why don’t we see what I’ve got that might work for you for tonight. I don’t know about you, but I really need to get some exercise.”

“That would be great,” she agreed. It would be nice to have a chance to get out of the apartment for a bit, and see something more of her new home.

Jackson had several pair of sweatpants, including the pale gray ones he’d worn the night before. One pair was black, with an elastic tie. She tried those on, and found a t-shirt that was actually a pretty good fit. It would do for the moment, anyway. Jackson changed into a set of dark-gray shorts and a different t-shirt. He threw his clothes into a gym bag, and put hers into a small daypack. Lisa slung the pack over her shoulders, then they left the apartment together.

Lisa saw that Jackson had clipped his ID badge to the pocket of his shorts, and they both still had their ID wristbands on. He took her hand as they walked. She wasn’t sure whether it was a sign of affection, or a means of controlling her, but it wasn’t unpleasant.

“These things aren’t supposed to come off, right?” she asked, glancing at her wrist.

“No. You’ll get a different one, eventually, once you officially start working here. You can’t cut it off, either, even with heavy scissors or a knife, but I wouldn’t advise trying it. All it would do is really piss off Security, and you don’t want to do that. You’ll get used to it.”

“It’s obviously waterproof,” she observed.

“Pretty well indestructible.”

She was trying to pay attention to where they were going, but they went up some stairs, walked a long way down a hall, then down some other stairs, and she wasn’t sure she could find her way again without help.

“Speaking of things that won’t come off,” she said with a forced laugh, “I can’t get these earrings off.”

“Don’t try.”

“Why not?”

“Why would you want to? The look terrific on you, Lise.”

There was something in his voice that warned her from pursuing the topic.

“They really do,” she agreed. “Thank you again for getting them for me. You really do have excellent taste.”

“Happy to hear it.”

They finally turned a corner and were confronted with a wide set of double doors. There was no sign to indicate the nature of the room, but Jackson unclipped his badge and held it up to the sensor. The red light passed over the badge and the band on his left arm. Nothing happened. He lifted Lisa’s hand, which he was still holding, till the sensor read her wristband. There was a beeping sound and the doors swung inward. They stepped through quickly, and the doors shut behind them.

“Because there were two of us standing there, it had to ID both of us,” Jackson explained.

“What happens if you lose your ID badge?”

“It would get returned to me with a very stern warning. So I’m very careful not to lose it.” He stopped and looked directly into her eyes. “I wouldn’t suggest trying to ‘borrow’ it, Lise, for any reason. It won’t do you any good, and would get us both in a hell of a lot of trouble.”

“Do you need both the ID and the bracelet-thingy together?” Lisa asked with a perky smile.

“Come on, Lise, you don’t need to know how it works. Now, let me show you around.”

She saw that the large room looked like any number of fitness centers. They were alone except for a number of exercise machines of various types, and some massage tables behind a curtained alcove.

Jackson grinned as he saw her look longingly at the massage tables. “You like massages, Lise?”

“Who doesn’t? I wish – I don’t suppose you –“

”I don’t have a license or anything, but I’m pretty good with my hands.” He quickly amended it. “I”ve been told I’m good at giving massages.”

“Well, in that case, I just might stay with you after all.” At his stricken look she smiled. “It was a joke, Jackson. I’ll stay with you even if you don’t know how to give a massage.”

“Good. But I do,” he insisted.

“Great. Then prove it. Later.” Lisa loved the look on his face. It wasn’t often she could shock him.

He continued the tour. “I’ll show you how to use anything you’re not familiar with. We can get some towels from the locker rooms.” He pointed towards the Women's changing area, a doorway at the far end of one wall. He headed in the other direction. “I trust you,” he called over his shoulder.

“Great. Thanks.” She actually had no intention of trying to navigate this maze of a building without him. He was no doubt right that if she were caught wandering around without him, there would be hell to pay. And she was beginning to think she just might enjoy some things about her stay, for however long it lasted.

She found some standard lockers, some shut and locked, and others open. After finding an open locker at the end of a row, she saw the combination was etched to on the inside of the door. She memorized it, and the location, and put her pack inside. It didn’t take long to find a stack of fresh towels, so she looked around the room some more. In addition to the expected communal shower, she found a sauna. I think I’m starting to like this place.

Not wanting Jackson to come looking for her, she walked out to the main area, and saw him talking with a man with very short dark hair, who looked suspiciously like Jackson.

Is this another brother?

To her surprise, she saw another familiar face, though one with no resemblance to Jackson. She walked towards them hesitantly.

“Lisa, come here and meet more of the family,” Jackson called out with a sardonic grin. “This is my brother Jim, who’s still convalescing here from a nasty collision with a car. This is his...nurse, Selena.”

“Lisa, it’s nice to see you under more congenial surroundings,” Selena said. She gave Lisa a firm handshake. “We already met, while she was mistakenly under Dr. Crane’s care. At least, I assume it was a mistake?”

“Yes, it was,” Jackson confirmed. He seemed surprised they had met.

Jim greeted her quietly, with a warm handshake. She could see a nasty scar running through his scalp. He seemed to be a few years younger than Jackson, maybe mid-20s.

“I’m pleased to meet you, Jim. I had no idea Jackson had such a large family.”

“When you first met me, I didn’t,” Jackson reminded her.

“So,” Selena gazed at them shrewdly, “when and how did you meet?”

“Now, Selena, you know better than to ask things like that. It was before I came here.”

The woman nodded, with an understanding look in her dark eyes. Maybe they all had lives they’d left behind, before they arrived wherever the hell they were.

“Well, we’d better get on with Jim’s physical therapy, if we’re not disturbing you?” Selena asked.

“No, that’s fine. We’ll stay out of your way.”

Jim and Selena started to walk in the other direction, but Jackson surprised Lisa by saying, “Maybe you two could come over some time for dinner.”

“That would be great,” Jim said. He looked at Lisa apologetically. “I don’t get to socialize much.”

“We’d love to have you over.” Lisa hoped it was okay to add her endorsement of Jackson’s rather sudden plan.

Selena looked a bit wary, but thanked them and said they’d be happy to accept.

Lisa had a sudden idea of her own. “Could we maybe invite Kitten, too?”

Selena and Jim looked puzzled, until Jackson translated. “Patricia. Kitten’s a nickname.”

They both smiled warmly. “That would be fun.”

“Yeah, it might be,” Jackson said slowly. “Hm, I wonder...”

“Have you ever thrown a dinner party before, Jackson?” Selena teased.

“Uh, no, I...nope.” He grinned ruefully. “I guess I can try it.”

Selena gave Lisa a conspiratorial smirk. “I’ll bet Lisa can help.”

He looked at her hopefully.

“Yes,” she answered, letting him off the hook. “I do know how to throw a dinner party. It was occasionally part of my former job to plan things like that for the hotel.”

“It’s got to be better than the last one we went to,” Jim said with a faraway look in his eyes. He shuddered, then looked around him again. “Sorry. Never mind.”

Lisa assumed it was a pre-accident memory.

It felt good to be able to stretch her body and get moving again. She hadn’t realized how stressful it was, physically, to be so cooped up. She warmed up with some isometrics before trying an elliptical machine. Lisa almost lost her rhythm when she saw Jackson start lifting weights. She’d known he was strong for his size (and had the bruises to prove it, long after the police had taken him away). She hadn’t realize quite how strong. In fact, she was beginning to realize he could have been even rougher with her than he had been. Had he actually been holding back, trying not to hurt her too much? It was an avenue of thought she really didn’t want to pursue at the moment. She tried to concentrate on what she was doing, but found herself looking over at Jackson more often then she’d care to admit.

After a pleasant hour or so of exercise, she decided she’d had enough. She walked over to Jackson, who was going through a set of complicated martial arts moves. He was more graceful than she remembered. When he was finished the kata, he looked over at her.

“I think I’ve had about as much as I can take for tonight,” she explained.

“Okay. Go ahead and clean up. I’m not quite done yet. You can wait over there on the bench till I get dressed,” he suggested. “Or, you could take a sauna while you’re waiting.”

“That sounds heavenly.”

“This place does have some advantages,” he said hopefully.

“It does,” she agreed.

The room was empty now except for the two of them.

"If you like, when you're done with your sauna I'll give you a massage. Just leave the towel on and relax on one of the tables."

"Yeah, right," she snorted.

"Come on, Lise, you do know how to relax, don't you?"

"Around you? I'm working on it."

He smirked and went back to his mesmerizing routine. She blinked and forced herself to look away. None of this is turning out quite the way I thought it would. I may actually like it here. As shocking a thought as it was, she didn’t feel like worrying about it. It seemed much more logical to just accept the nice things as they came along, and stop worrying so much about all the things she couldn’t change.

[beyond_beautiful]

*claps*

Great chapter ... I like how Lisa and Jackson are starting to really get along

hmmm ... the earrings a curious thing .... security measure?

[stormy]

Remember when he was looking for her and didn't know which room she was in?

[beyond_beautiful]

uhm ... *thinks* .... hmmm ... do they have like a tiny video in them or sumthin? either that or a tracking device

[stormy]

Tracking device. So if she goes wandering off somewhere or gets lost, or tries to run, he can (hopefully) find her before someone else does.

It's one of the very few things Daddy Dearest doesn't know about.

[blueshade]

*phew*! I have just read all the chapters! I have never been so engrossed in a fanfic before. and I think it's brilliant to have all the different facets of cillian's acting as each character! I can totally picture each of his characters being related. And it's so cute that like Selena and Jim are together and jus those little details make the story so great. You are keeping the personalities of the characters the same but putting them in different situations! I love it, and the crane and lisa seduction was so great. And I love love love the jackson and lisa thing going on. It feels so real like I'm watching episodes of LOST or something haha wow I definantly am going to keep up with this don't you worry!! ;D awesome job! keep writin, you're great at it

[Gobby]

eeek! go on go on!
i luv this story

[scotsrockgod]

stormy said:

So that's where your sig line came from! I'd been wondering.

Er, well, my sig is from Phantom. But the line in your story sounded a lot like it.

This has certainly grown since I last visited the thread. I shall copy it into Word and read it at my leisure. I'll review soon.

PS My gosh, stormy, do you realize this is over 70 pages?! I'm always impressed by fan fic writers who keep going and going ...

[stormy]

blueshade said:

*phew*! I have just read all the chapters! I have never been so engrossed in a fanfic before. and I think it's brilliant to have all the different facets of cillian's acting as each character! I can totally picture each of his characters being related. And it's so cute that like Selena and Jim are together and jus those little details make the story so great. You are keeping the personalities of the characters the same but putting them in different situations! I love it, and the crane and lisa seduction was so great. And I love love love the jackson and lisa thing going on. It feels so real like I'm watching episodes of LOST or something haha wow I definantly am going to keep up with this don't you worry!! ;D awesome job! keep writin, you're great at it

Thanks so much! I'm glad you're enjoying it. I'm not so sure I have Jim and Selena in character; they're a bit harder for me to hear in my head.

Yeah, Lost is certainly a bit of an inspiration!