Passover: Act 1, Scene 1
Present Day: Seacouver- Anne's House
"I can't believe how big Mary's getting," Duncan said as he watched one of the closest things he'd ever have to a child move around the porch "Before long, you'll be struggling through her teen years."
Anne sat down on the porch swing next to him and handed him a glass of tea. "Don't even say that. I'm just struggling to get her through potty training." she said, letting out a soft laugh. "And I want to thank you for coming out and fixing those gutters. With all the rain we've been having lately, I was getting worried the roof would start leaking."
"Anything as long as I get to see two of my favorite women." He said as he watched Mary, who was now playing with an old magazine. "Her security blanket?" he asked grinning.
Anne shook her head, "That magazine is so old. I brought it home form the hospital one day after starting an article I couldn't put down. A few years later, she somehow finds it and won't stop playing with it." Duncan grinned and then they were both silent, feeling awkward. There was still too much to say to each other, so many feelings untold, too many urges still left hidden away. As lovers, they had grown apart, but the birth of Mary had brought their friendship closer.
"So, how's Richie doing?" Anne said finally breaking the silence. Even Mary had become quiet. "I haven't seen him around lately."
"Actually, I've been worried about him. He's come into a large sum of money lately, and he's being secretive about it. He won't open up to anyone."
"Unky Wrytchie?" Mary asked, surprised hearing one of her favorite uncles name. Excited, she threw the magazine into Duncan's lap spilling his tea.
Anne jumped up and grabbed for a towel as Duncan sat there trying to wipe some of the tea of his lap. "I'm sorry," she said to Duncan while giving Mary a stern look.
"It's OK," he said as reaching for the towel. Their hands met and he paused, touching it long enough to feel that the electricity they once shared, was still there. He looked into her eyes and smiled.
Anne felt it too and pulled her hand back. She couldn't take her eyes from his gaze no matter how hard she tried. "Afraid he's reverting back to his old ways?"
Duncan shrugged his shoulders, "Or he's been pulled into one of Amanda's little schemes."
At the mention of Amanda, Anne was able to break the stare. As much as she liked the older Immortal, she knew about the reckless past they shared, she felt envious. She would always be there for him once Anne wasn't, and part of her heart felt ripped at that thought. She looked away from Duncan and tried to force a smile. "Richie's smarter than that. If he were in trouble, I'm sure he'd come to one of us for help."
"I know, but I'm worried about him. With all the things he's been through and everything I've done to him, I can't help but worry."
"Spoken like a true parent." Anne said relaxing again as she sat next to Duncan on the swing. To Anne, Duncan was not only Richie's friend and teacher, but the closest thing he'd ever have to a father.
"Speaking of which, I brought something for Mary." he said, lifting a present from under his trenchcoat.
"Duncan, you didn't have too, you spoil her enough as it is."
"Let's not start that again." he said, as he put the gift in front of Mary. Wide eyed, she ripped into it.
"I just wish that... Oh my god! Tell me you didn't?" she said trying to conceal her laughter.
Duncan looked hurt. "What? What's wrong? Does she already have one?"
Anne shook her head, to close to tears to speak. "One of her godmothers was saying the other day how much those Tickle Me Elmo dolls annoyed her so much, that I was thinking of buying her one."
Mary sat on the porch hugging the stuffed animal, amused that it laughed and shaking, "Elmie!"
Duncan and Anne cracked smiles and busted out into laughter. Within minutes, both were near tears, but Duncan gained control as he felt the sensation throughout his body announcing the arrival of another Immortal.
Anne recognized the worried look on his face and stopped laughing. "Duncan? Is everything all right? Who is it?"
Duncan reached for his katana and shook his head, "Maybe it's Richie or Adam, take Mary inside."
Anne moaned in disgust. "Duncan, I can take care of both of us. I don't need to run every time there's another Immortal present."
Duncan sighed, knowing she was right, and watched the other Immortal approach the porch. He walked towards the edge and stopped at the top of the stairs. "I'm Duncan MacLeod of the Clan MacLeod."
The figure stopped when he heard the name and Anne noticed the other Immortal's face turn almost white. "The Duncan MacLeod?" Duncan nodded. "Surely, ye remember me, Duncan," he paused. "No? Aye, it has been a long time since we last met." He said, eyeing Anne and Mary. "'Tis me, Corinth MacLachlan."
Duncan seemed to search through time trying to recognize the name. Anne was beginning to look worried, so he went along. "Corinth, yes... it has been a long time."
"Aren't you going to introduce us, Duncan?" Anne asked relieved, but still on her guard.
"Anne, meet Corinth MacLachlan. Corinth, meet Dr. Anne Lindsey."
Anne reached her hand out, and Corinth reached for it, kissing it. "A pleasure to meet you, Mr. MacLachlan."
"Corinth, please. And I assure ye, the pleasure is mine." He said smiling at her. He heard Mary giggling and turned around. "And who's this precious little one?" he said as he knelt down beside her.
Mary cocked her head as Duncan moved right behind her, standing over her protectively. "This is Anne's daughter, Mary."
Anne watched Duncan overreacting as usual, and tried to break the ice. "Where are my manners, would you like some tea, Corinth?"
Corinth sighed and stood. "Thanks, but no. I must run, but I hope I'll have the chance to see ye again." He stated more than asked.
Anne blushed. "I hope so." She had completely let her guard down around a strange Immortal, and that worried Duncan a lot more than figuring out who Corinth was.
Corinth nodded his head and turned to walk away. Duncan watched him till he disappeared behind the bushes. "Anne, I want..."
"He seemed real nice, Duncan. How long have you known him?"
Duncan sighed, "He's from the old neighborhood." He guessed. After all, the Scottish bur was a clue that he had at least spent some time, recently, in the Highlands.