None of the characters which appear in the following chapters belong to me. They are the property of Stephen

Sommers and Universal Studios. I make no money, I mean no harm.

An AlternativeView

by Marcher

Rated PG13

gama39@austarmetro.com.au

Summary: This chapter deals with Evelyn's thoughts and her compounding guilt over Ardeth, as well as Alex's kidnapping.

The scene takes place in the air, somewhere between London and Cairo.

Part 5: Evelyn's Secret

Ardeth Bay sat four rows ahead of her. From her seat, she stared at his unmoving form, his body too large for the confined area.

She considered him thoughtfully, after so many years. His leg stretched into the aisle for comfort. One elbow overlapping the arm

rest. His black, shining tresses.

Evelyn, her husband, her brother and the Med-jai were separated on the flight. Seating arrangements were of little consequence,

though. In such an emergency they were all grateful for whatever travel arrangements they were able to procure. Finding her son

alive was all that mattered.

Jonathan sat several rows behind to her left; and Rick, at the front of the plane. In all truth, she welcomed this small mercy. They

had argued fiercely during the journey to the Airport and were yet to resolve their differences. It was nothing more, or less, than

their distress and the concern they held for their son. Fear. Worry. Uncertainty. Love. It was all of this. And it was not.

That look in her husband's eyes? She recognized it. No doubt!

Fighting back tears, she let her head drop into her hand, her mind a jumble of angst, confusion and regret. Rick had all but

manhandled her into the black cab, muttering something about the Bracelet of Anubis. Was it her guilt over the reckless handling

of this discovery which caused her to engage him in a war of words? Or was it guilt of another kind? After a time, she could no

longer bear his gaze and refused to speak any further on the matter. It was as if he was seeing right through her!

But how would he know the truth? Jonathan? Remembering her brother's silent, knowing stare chilled her soul. No, not

Jonathan. He had neither the time nor opportunity; and he would never betray the nexus which bound them.

Would Ardeth? While alone with Rick when treating his wounds? Would the stoic warrior reveal such a secret in desperation

for a child he believed could be his own?

None of this mattered now. Her husband was silently aware of her encounter ten years ago. Nothing would be the same. Still,

the wound in her heart from his acusation of her carelessness towards Alex remained raw, and she resented his words. Even if

his anger was drawn from double heartache, she was not the only one on that bus to let their guard down!

~o~

Once again her eyes settled on the Med-jai ahead of her. She hated him simply for his presence in this whole, horrid day. As well

for the asumption he had made of her son. Rick's son!

Her mind wandered while watching the motionless warrior. She traced the line of him with her eyes, from his head, down the length

of his body until her gaze rested upon the shape of his leg stretched out into the aisle. His booted foot resting on it's heel. She

remembered their furvent kiss on the Library steps before her wedding. Her inability to resist his advance through her lack of want to

push him away. Drawn in by the mystique of him, the desire to know him and the surprising allure she found in his physical strength

and his sheer desire of her body.

And the promise that it would remain forever secret.

She stood abruptly and moved to the back of the plane, urgently excusing herself to the few passengers returning to their seats,

desperate for the solitary space of the restroom.

Once inside, she wept.

Guilt from all sides settled heavily upon her shoulders and could barely withstand the strain.

Sobs emanated from the pit of her stomach. Despairing, grief laden tears streamed through her fingers down the length of her arms,

abating only after her body had sunk to the floor. Exhausted.

~o~

At last emerging into the cabin, she gaped on finding herself face to face with Ardeth. His dark eyes fixed onto her own. He stood

cognizant and unmoving, with no passage around him. Ever so slightly, he tilted his head towards hers and she responded.

Passionately, deeply and swift! Tasting his mouth on hers. The heat and desire of his kiss. Then just as quickly she pulled away.

She awkwardly placed her slim fingers to his lips, nervously glancing into the body of the aircraft. Jonathan, asleep. Rick, out of view.

Without looking again at the Med-jai, Evelyn moved to get by him. This time he obliged, allowing her to pass.

Taking her seat, she stared past her two fellow passengers out into the clouds and ignored the black robes which brushed against

her bare arm as they passed.

end chapter