20 – Sunrise on the Shore

Laura sighed softly and rolled over, slowly easing her way out from underneath Bill’s arm until she was able to slide out of the bed as he grunted and shifted, his arm wrapping around a pillow while he settled back into sleep. Shivering slightly in the cool morning air, her hand hesitated over her robe only a brief second before continuing toward Bill’s. With a soft giggle, she quickly belted it around her waist and flipped up the lapels, sniffing at the faint scent of his aftershave. A moment later, she was slipping out of the bedroom, closing the door behind her with a soft click. Padding silently into the living room, she paused at the sight of Zak, sleeping on the couch, a blanket partially tossed over him.

Her lips curving into a smile, she shook her head and carefully rearranged the blanket over him, absently stroking his hair with a final touch before continuing to the kitchen. Pulling the chiller unit open, she bit at her lip for a moment, contemplating her choices before reaching in and selecting out a pitcher of juice. Pouring a glass, she was about to return the pitcher to the chiller when she realized Zak was sitting up and sleepily staring across the room at her. “Shh, go back to sleep. It’s still early.” Her smile widened as he tried to cover his yawn.

“Nah.” Stretching, he sat up, glancing at the blanket neatly tucked around him. “Aw, mom. Didja have to tuck me in?”

“Must have been someone else.” Laura teased as he swung his legs off the couch, pulling the blanket off as he did. “Juice?”

“Sure.” Folding the blanket, he stood and ambled across the living room toward her. “Kara and I figured I should just crash here since it was so late when we finished up last night. And, I wanted to take another look around in the daylight, just in case.”

“Mmm.” Handing him a glass, she replaced the pitcher and picked up her own. “Balcony?”

“Sure.” Zak took a swallow of the juice and followed her as she wandered out to the balcony and curled up on the loveseat. Perching on one of the chairs, he propped his bare feet up on another and gazed at her. “Warm enough?”

“For now.” Laura smiled at him. “Thanks again for…well, doing what you did last night. Definitely above and beyond.”

“Hey. It was fun. Kara and I used to get into all sorts of scrapes like that. Lee and me too.” Zak leaned forward. “It was better since we didn’t get in trouble with dad.”

She giggled softly and sipped her juice. “Your mother doesn’t get upset that you’ve been spending so much time with your father…and me?”

“Mom?” Zak shook his head and turned to gaze out at the mist rising through the trees, the rising sun glinting through dimly. “No. She’s got Alex. They’re happy. And, even she’ll admit, she and dad were through long before the divorce. And then when both Lee and I went into the military…” he sighed. “She’s better now than she was when we were kids, but, I don’t think dad ever lived up to what she expected him to be.”

“And what was that?” Laura prompted softly after a moment.

“I don’t know. More like her dad maybe? Riding a desk, doing the social things.” Zak shrugged. “More, just around? She thought he’d stay around, she never saw that he needed to be out there, doing things. It was cool having him for a dad, except that he wasn’t around much. But, he wrote us, and we got to spend time with Grandad Joe. And mom…well, I think she would have been a lot happier if one of us had been a girl. She really didn’t know what to do with two boys, y’know?”

“I’m sorry.” Laura sighed. “Bill told me so much about you, about both of you…did you know that he had a picture of you two with his viper, the one Lee flew when I met him. He loved that picture…it was one of the few that he took with him when we left. We’d sit there in his quarters, and he’d tell me about you, about how he was so proud of you, about every letter you’d sent him when you were away…” She bit her lip. “And then…Lee, well…I’m not sure what happened, but I know Bill was crushed after Lee blew up at him one time, something about their wedding anniversary. I mean, he knew it was over, but he’d still treasured what they had, because of you two. He’d always thought that she…he didn’t know…”

“We didn’t want him to know.” Zak took a swallow of the juice. “It was tough enough on him every time he came home. We didn’t want it any harder, we just wanted to enjoy what we could with him. And we had each other, so it was sort of okay.”

”Zak…” Reaching out, she caught his hand and tugged at it gently until he relented and moved to sit next to her, angling so his head was in her lap. As she gently combed through his hair, he closed his eyes. “Zak, when he found out…”

“Kara told me. Lee’d told her that he’d said something.” He sighed again. “I hated leaving Lee when I went to school. I think Grandad Joe had a feeling, I know he’d come over and take Lee whenever he could, mom didn’t ever complain. She had other people over…” As Laura’s hand stilled, he opened his eyes to gaze at her. “Dad found out…well, she sort of made sure he found out.”

“They were two unhappy people.” Laura whispered, resuming her gentle strokes.

“Yeah. But, dad tried at least. Even when he knew…until…” Zak closed his eyes.

“They talked, before the attacks.” Laura mused softly. “Bill told me. She was getting married, I suppose to Alex. They’d both moved on, both were at peace with what had happened between them. He didn’t think she’d ever forgive him for you though, for losing you in the training accident.”

”I was trying to go too far, too fast. To get away from her, from the past, to be what I thought I had to be. I knew dad would love me whatever I did, but I didn’t want…” He sat up abruptly, bracing his elbows on his knees. “I wanted to fly, like he did. To reach that freedom. I didn’t understand the freedom wasn’t from being able to escape, but from being able to be true to what I was. I wanted to rebel, like Kara did. She was amazing, is amazing.” He glanced at Laura, who tilted her head at him in encouragement. “I thought with her…but, she was just another rebellion.” He grinned. “We’re much better best friends than we were lovers…and I guess we’re sort of brother and sister now, right?”

“Something like that.” She giggled softly. “Frankly Zak, it’s getting a bit confusing as to who is related to whom, y’know?”

”You’re good for him.” Zak sat up and caught her hand. “I wish you’d known him sooner.”

“Ah, but if I’d known him sooner, we both would have been at different stages of our lives, and who knows what might have happened. We were different people before the attacks.” Her thumb absently caressed the back of his hand. “I was in a relationship, even if I’d been trying to break it off…” At his snort, she smiled. “Don’t judge, I was a different person. Your father and I hated each other at the beginning, believe it or not.”

“Well, you were trying to put a computer…” When she sighed, he laughed. “I’ve heard the story. But still, there was something, wasn’t there?”

“There was.” Laura gazed out at the rising sun. “His speech…it wasn’t the one that had been prepared, I’d seen an approved copy of that one, but this was from the heart. And at the point I was at, trying to hide behind the business I was there to take care of, it pierced me straight through. He was this amazing man that I wasn’t going to get to know. To ask why he was saying what he was saying…and I regretted that I wasn’t going to be able to. For the first time, in a long time.” She let out a shuddering breath. “I regretted something personally. Not professionally, not Secretary Roslin, but personally, Laura. And I was never going to see him again. I only hoped that he would accomplish what he wanted to with his speech.” Her lips twitched. “I applauded. I applauded with my heart, even as it was breaking.”

“And then she returned.” At Bill’s voice, they turned to see him framed in the doorway, smiling at them.

“So did you.” Laura smiled at him, a single tear running down her cheek before she returned her attention to Zak. “So, you see. Everything happened for a reason. We met and fell in love when we were supposed to. Everything we were, the people we became, was because of who we’d been and what we’d lived. And what we had to do.”

“Yeah.” He reached up and wiped the tear off her face. “And I got a really hot, amazing, stepmom.” When she laughed, he grinned at her. “It’s true.”

“Shut up.” Laura reached out and hugged him. “Now, go check the area while I say good morning to your father.”

“Yes ma’am.” Taking her empty glass, he smiled at his father as he brushed past him. “See you in a bit.”

“Didn’t know you were up.” Laura looked up at him. “Morning.”

“Something happened to my robe.” He lifted an eyebrow.

“Oops.” She didn’t look the least bit guilty as she stood to face him. “Want it back?”

“Do you have anything on underneath it?” At her lazy smile, he chuckled. “Well then, not while two of our children might be wandering around.”

“Hmm.” Laura’s hand ran up his chest, feeling the muscles beneath the shirt he’d pulled on. “Do I still get a kiss?”

“Possibly.” Waiting until her other hand had run up his arm to caress the back of his neck, Bill chuckled and lowered his mouth to hers, deepening the kiss as she arched up into him, one foot absently raising to wrap around his calf.

”Eww…” At Kara’s voice, they broke apart, laughing.

“We are so moving out to the house.” Bill murmured in her ear.

“Hmm. Furniture’s coming today, remember?” Laura murmured back.

“Don’t mind me, just passing through before I go to the gym.” At Kara’s statement, Laura’s head whipped around. “What?”

“Hold on, I’ll go with.” Laura kissed Bill quickly and caught his hand, pulling him back toward the bedroom.

“What?” Watching as she quickly pulled out a set of exercise clothes from a drawer, he started to make the bed. “Leaving so soon?”

“I need to talk to her about you know who?” She tossed his robe back toward him and began to dress. “Grab my shoes for me please.”

“Ah.” Hanging his robe back on the hook she’d designated as his, he opened the closet and pulled out her running shoes. “I’ll take Zak out for breakfast, least I can do in appreciation for their little, er, escapade last night, we’ll meet you out there later?”

“Sounds good.” Perching on the edge of the bed, Laura pulled her shoe on and laced it up. “We’ll work out then head out there a little later. What time is the furniture being delivered?”

“She said after eleven.” He glanced at the clock. “So, you’ve plenty of time.”

“Yeah. To talk to Kara about…” She jerked her head toward the woods and finished lacing her shoes.

“It’ll be fine.” Bill caught her as she moved toward the door. “Hold on.”

“What?” Laura spun and found herself plastered against him. “Oh.”

“Oh.” Kissing her again, he finally released her mouth with a series of soft kisses. “All right? Sexy, hot stepmom?” She giggled and bumped her head into his chest. “I’m glad you two talked.”

“Me too.” With a final pat of his chest, she smiled up at him. “Love you.”

“About time.” He brushed a kiss across her forehead as she stepped back. “Have fun.” With a final wave, she was gone as he sighed and turned toward the bathroom.

“Ready?” Kara shifted her weight slightly, stretching.

“Yes.” Laura twisted her torso and bent one leg back, catching the ankle and stretching back before repeating the action with the other leg. “As long as we take it easy for the run there.”

“Easy relatively speaking.” With a grin, Kara opened the door and jogged out, Laura following close behind and shutting the door behind her. As Laura caught up, pacing easily with Kara, they fell in step with each other as they ran along the path. They were about halfway to the gym, when Kara glanced at Laura. “Well?”

“Well what?” She met Kara’s look for a moment before returning her attention to the path.

“Well, why are you running with me to the gym instead of following up on that kiss with the Admiral?” Kara asked with a grin.

”Despite what you think,” Laura shook her head, “Bill and I do happen to do more than, well, that. However, this time you’re right.”

“Of course.” Kara turned up the path that led to the gym. “Why do people always sound surprised when I’m right?”

“Not surprised.” Laura retorted as they slowed to a walk. “And you like to keep people off balance.”

“That I do, that I do.” She pulled the door open. “Boxing or what?”

”Or what.” Laura grinned. “Then boxing.”

“Cool…” They came to a stop at the sight of a series of pictures spread on the check in counter. “Oh. My. Gods.” Kara grinned and looked up at the clerk. “What’s, um…this?”

“This.” The girl grinned back, “is someone finally got back at that frakweed people put in office back on Caprica.”

”Oh my.” Laura stared at the pictures someone had taken of a swollen and miserable Richard Adar then left scattered on the counter. “I mean, um, what happened?”

“He said he was out for a walk and accidentally stepped in some sort of ant colony…” the girl grinned. “Looks like he accidentally rolled in one, then didn’t realize he shouldn’t have run in here to try to shower them off. Nothing he didn’t deserve, he comes in here and stares.”

“So we noticed.” Kara grabbed Laura’s arm. “Hey, can we get a ring in about half an hour?”

“Sure, Thrace and Adama, right?” The girl made a notation. “I’ll have everything sent over, tapes and gloves for both, and towels. Anyone particular to ref?”

“Thanks.” Laura nodded. “Are Stevie or Alan here? Or my dad?”

“I saw Alan earlier, if he’s still here, I’ll let him know.” She made another notation.

“Cool.” Kara jerked her head. “Let’s go.”

A few minutes later, they were jumping rope next to each other when Kara glanced at Laura. “Well? It’s not gonna get any easier the longer you wait.”

“True.” Laura sighed. “Um, remember what you told us about Boomer, when she brought you Hera?”

“Yeah. That she was paying back the old man, and that she really seemed like the old Boomer. Not the bitch she’d become.” Kara started double jumping. “Why?”

“Just wondering your opinion.” Laura hesitated before continuing. “And what did you think about Natalie.”

Kara stopped jumping rope and turned to look at Laura. “Why.”

“Just answer.” Still jumping, Laura glanced at her.

“Laura.” Reaching out, Kara grabbed Laura’s jump rope, practically grabbing it out of her hands. “Why?”

Laura stumbled slightly and faced Kara. “Please Kara, answer.”

“She sacrificed herself. She seemed like one of the better ones of the model.” Kara shrugged. “Why?”

“Because.” Laura took a deep breath and stepped closer to Kara, dropping her voice. “Because we found Boomer and Natalie in the woods behind the house. They’ve been living wherever they could since arriving.”

Kara stared at her, both ropes falling to the ground from her limp hands. “Boomer and Natalie?” Laura nodded slowly. “And what did you two do?”

“We gave them dinner and let them spend the night in the spare room at the house.” Laura stated softly, bending down to pick up the ropes when Kara showed no signs of moving.

“I see.” Kara blinked and absently took the rope Laura handed her before starting to jump again.

Laura watched her for a moment before starting to jump as well, Kara would take her time to decide how to answer. After several minutes, Kara stopped and tossed her rope to the side before moving to one of the exercise mats. Plopping down, she began doing sit ups, not looking at Laura when she joined her.

”Were they…are they…” Kara stared at the ceiling as she alternated between sit ups and crunches.

“They’re the only two.” Laura stated quietly, rolling over on her stomach and pushing up on her arms, arching her back for a moment before resting back on her knees. “They don’t know why or if there are any others, they’ve only seen each other, and haven’t felt the need to go to the shore. They’d seen us…”

“They were the other two that were watching the house.” Kara relaxed back onto the mat, stretching her arms over her head.

”Yes.” Sitting up, Laura extended her legs out and bent sideways over the right one. “So that’s one mystery solved.”

“I want to talk to them before I make any decisions.” Kara sat up and faced Laura. “Then I’ll see how I feel.”

“Fair enough.” Laura bent over her other leg and gazed levelly at Kara. “You okay?”

“Yeah.” Her shoulders shrugged. “Had wondered, just now have to process it.”

“It was a bit of a shock to us as well, as you can imagine.” Laura twisted her torso so she was facing her leg. “So, you’ll come with me to the house this morning?”

“You sure this isn’t a ploy just to get me to move furniture?” Kara started doing pushups, “cause, you know, you could have just asked.”

“I’m sure.” Laura sat up and slowly got to her feet. “I’m heading to the ring.”

“There in a minute.” Kara paused in her pushups to glance at Laura. “Really?”

”Really.” With a final nod, she walked towards an empty ring as Kara resumed her pushups behind her.