A/N: All right, because my beta is pushy, here's the next installment ... but I will not always be posting on a daily basis, so don't get too used to it!

If you're new to the series, I recommend reading both the Prologue and Chapter 1, Nothing Lasts. Everything will make a lot more sense, trust me.

Again, please leave comments, they really are the best part about fan fiction!

And to that pushy beta, Leiasky, thanks!

***

A NEW LIFE, ch. 2: Facades

***

“Now listen, Mr. Jenkins, I don’t want to tell you how to fly your ship, but –“

“I know,” the older man said, hanging his head in mock shame as Kaylee gave him her normal dressing down. “If I keep neglectin’ her like this, she’s eventually gonna fall right out of the sky.”

“That’s right,” Kaylee told him, her hands firmly on her hips. “Now, go treat that boat right and she’ll treat you just as good.”

Mr. Jenkins, a regular, gave her his trademark grin and then headed out the door of the shop, whistling all the way. Shaking her head, Kaylee knew it was useless trying to talk sense into that man. No matter what she said or how much it cost, the man was determined to push his boat past any reasonable limit and so, without fail, she would be seeing him and his ship in a week once he was back from his latest supply run.

Turning back to her next project, Kaylee pulled a rag out of her coveralls pocket and wiped her hands down. It was getting hot on Beaumonde as late spring rolled around into summer, and Kaylee took the rag and ran it along the back of her neck, trying to wipe the sweat away. She had been boiling out here for most of the morning and now, as she knelt down to get a better look at the broken engine before her, Kaylee realized she was going to faint.

***

“She all right, doc?”

“Of course. She just needs rest and plenty of fluids. I would say she probably shouldn’t work out in that heat for more than two hours at a time, before getting some rest.”

“Thanks doc.”

Kaylee heard the muffled voices through the door and was able to make out the sound of retreating footsteps. In a rush, it all came back. She’d been working on the engine, had felt real tired and hot and then nothing. Raising a hand to her forehead Kaylee silently cursed herself for her stupidity. She should have known better and now, because of her stubbornness the Everetts were gonna know. And she had a feeling she’d be having to look for a new place of employment.

The door to her room creaked open and Kaylee did not try to feign sleep. Turning her head slightly, she saw Marie enter with a tray laden with food and drink and had to smile. As the older woman shut her door and turned back to the bed, she started slightly at seeing Kaylee’s green eyes gazing at her.

“Well, hello there,” she said quietly, setting the tray down on the table beside the bed and helping Kaylee to sit up. “How long you been awake?”

“Just a minute or so,” Kaylee answered as she resettled herself into a sitting position. She had pulled her arms out from under the covers and her hands now worked nervously in her lap, curling themselves in the bedspread.

Marie regarded her for a moment and then, quietly, gently, placed her older, wrinkled hand over both of Kaylee’s. Kaylee faced the older woman’s gaze then and saw concern and love in her eyes. “How long have you known,” she asked, reaching up to tuck a stray strand of hair behind Kaylee’s ear.

At just the sound of the question, Kaylee started to cry silent tears. The doctor had confirmed for the Everetts what Kaylee herself had suspected for almost three months. “Just before I left Serenity,” Kaylee answered, her voice barely a whisper.

Marie took that answer in stride and waited a moment for Kaylee to collect herself. Finally, she asked, “And the father?”

Kaylee let out an audible sob as Simon’s handsome face came unbidden to her mind, his blue eyes and swai smile dancing before her. She closed her eyes against the image and tried to block out the memory of him: of his mouth on hers, of his hand in hers, of his body against hers … she didn’t want to remember, because remembering was too painful. Remembering was just another way to remind her of all she had lost. “He’s gone,” she told the woman quietly, her eyes never lifting from her lap, her tone growing colder as the words came and the memories resurfaced.

“Oh, baby,” Marie whispered, reaching for the girl.

Pulling back slightly, Kaylee made it clear she didn’t want to be comforted right now. “I’m sorry, ‘Rie,” she said quietly, her voice a rasp. “But I can’t talk ‘bout this right now.”

“Is this why you left Mal and them?” Kaylee was not even remotely surprised at Marie’s intuitiveness. “They didn’t know, ‘bout the baby.”

Kaylee shook her head. “No, I wasn’t even sure when I left, I just ‘spected. But now …” Kaylee trailed off and instinctively, her hands dropped to cradle her belly, a belly that wasn’t even showing yet, but that baby was there. “I didn’t want to believe it. I knew if I were pregnant, I wouldn’t be able to leave. But once I got here and I kept feeling strange, I knew it was true.” She paused again and raised her eyes to Marie. “I’m so sorry, Marie. I know what you must think of me. I didn’t mean to bring any shame or hardship to you and Walt.”

Bringing a finger up to her lips, Marie hushed her with a look. “Now, girl, I don’t want to hear none of that kinda talk.” Dropping her own hand down to cover Kaylee’s she continued, “I know you’ve got enough goodness and love to be everythin’ this child will ever need. You ‘member that, you here me?”

Kaylee nodded, at once bolstered and frightened by the woman’s words. Never in all her life had Kaylee even considered being a single parent. She had always imagined that she would have children some day, but once she’d met the right man and they had settled down with a nice farm somewhere. Well, she had met the right man and because of the ‘verse they lived in, he’d been taken away. So now, it was up to her, Kaywinnet Lee Frye, to raise this child, Simon’s child, and shower it with all the love and affection of two parents. “I don’t know if I can do this, Marie,” she admitted in a whisper, her eyes focused on the hands that covered her stomach. “I just don’t know.”

“Kaylee, you listen to me.” Marie’s voice commanded Kaylee to look at her and when she did Kaylee saw a determined and kind face gazing back. “You are a strong, loving and smart girl and I know you can do anything you set your mind too. It was a brave thing you did, starting over again and that alone should tell you all you need to know about the kind of momma you’ll be. But that being said,” Marie told her, pulling her hand away from her stomach, “You ain’t in this alone. Walt and me’ll help any way we can and there might be some more family I know willing to help out as well.”

Reaching out to pat her cheek lightly, Kaylee smiled slightly at the woman, suddenly feeling very tired, but very relieved. “Now, you just get some rest. You gotta keep your strength up. I brought you some food and drink, doc says you gotta eat too.”

Rising Marie headed for the door. She stopped with her hand on the knob as Kaylee’s sleepy voice said, “Marie, I don’t know how I’ll ever be able to repay you.”

Not turning back to face the young woman, Marie answered, “You just be the best momma ever and we’ll call it even.”

***

Simon stood in front of his floor-length mirror and studied his form. He had gotten ready over a half an hour ago, but as he continued to fiddle with the cuffs on his jacket and slick back his hair, he had suddenly noticed that something was different.

He wasn’t exactly sure what it was and after thirty minutes of scrutiny, he still was no closer to puzzling it out. Sighing for a moment, he stepped back from the mirror and did a slow circle, taking in every corner of his room. The room had not changed much since he was a boy. The furnishings had gradually improved from child-sized to more adult, but overall it was exactly how Simon remembered it from all those years ago.

Of course all those years ago, he had not been in this room preparing for a date. Even the thought of the word made his mouth dry and Simon wondered if that reaction was truly normal for a young man his age. He had been on dates before, had girlfriends before, but tonight he was going out with Alicia, a dear friend and he knew that the thought should excite him, not scare him.

But inexplicably it did the latter. According to everyone Simon knew, his parents, friends, perfect strangers, Alicia Sampson was the perfect girl for him. Beautiful, charming, smart, funny, she was a psychiatrist, employed at the same hospital as Simon. She was a sweet girl from a good and wealthy family which pleased Simon’s father to no end and she was considered a perfect life partner to marry, have children and grow old with.

They had been out in social settings before, but Simon had never felt the kind of pressure he felt tonight. It was as if this how evening was one giant set-up, arranged to test him, to test his reactions, and Simon was, quite frankly, worried it was a test he would not pass. And secretly, he didn’t even know if he wanted too.

He was a very lucky young man, he knew that. He had had one of the best upbringings on Osiris; had been given every opportunity to excel and succeed. He’d attended the best schools, met all the right people, made the right connections and he was poised to soon be the youngest member of Capitol City’s Medical-Elect, an honor and a privilege for any doctor, especially one as young as Simon. But it didn’t really matter to him – not any of it. Not the parties or the empty conversations or the hollow laughter. He was a doctor, a surgeon and truth was, he spent all his time at the hospital because that was where he truly felt at home. That was where he could do the most good, that was where it mattered that he had graduated the top three percent in his class, that was where he mattered, and that was where he preferred to be.

But being a member of Osiris’ upper class meant having obligations, like this evening. It was not considered proper for a young man of Simon’s age and stature to become a recluse or a workaholic. So he was making an effort, attending parties, galas, operas or the ballet, as in tonight’s case. He didn’t mind going stag, but for some unknown reason, he had allowed Keller to talk him into going on a double date. So now, in just a few minutes, his evening of high society would begin.

Simon straightened at the sound of a knock on his door and tried to again affect his normal, bemused smile. “Yes?”

“Simon, dear?” His mother entered the room, ever graceful as she glided to him on practiced feet. Having grown up in one of the most elite families on Osiris, her upbringing had been full of galas and gowns, propriety and pomp. Simon had always marveled at her ability to sail through any situation, uncomfortable or otherwise.

“Are you all right, sweetheart,” she asked him and Simon gave his mother a typical grin.

“Yes, of course. Just a little nervous I guess.” It wasn’t exactly a lie. Simon was indeed nervous. Going out with girls wasn’t something he was entirely comfortable with and tonight would be no different. The only saving grace was that Simon and Alicia would be going out with friends – safety in numbers or some nonsense that Keller had spouted.

Smiling warmly at him, Regan Tam reached up a light hand and placed it against her son’s cheek, forcing his eyes to focus on hers. “You’ll have a wonderful time, dear,” she told him, reaching up to straighten his tie. “You just remember your manners, be polite, open doors, ask her questions …” Regan let her list of instructions trail away as she took in his handsome form with a quick glance. Smiling again she said, “You and Alicia have been friends for a long time. This is just another step in your relationship.”

Simon swallowed thickly, not at all sure it was a step he wanted to take. Simon did like Alicia, he just didn’t like her like that. How he knew, he had no idea. Alicia had been a dear friend, always willing to laugh at his particularly lame jokes or help him through a rough day at the hospital. He knew she cared for him and he for her, but as a friend.

No matter how much he tried to impress this point upon his circle of friends, they were all convinced it was just “classic Simon:” the driven doctor doing his best to ignore the real world and keep his elbows buried in blood and gore. But Simon knew that wasn’t the case. He had always held to the belief that when the right girl came along, he would know. And everything in him told him Alicia was a great girl, but not the right girl.

“Are you sure you’re all right, dear?” His mother’s voice pulled him from his musings again and Simon greeted her quizzical expression with a quick peck on the cheek.

“Of course, mother. Sorry, just a tad distracted.” Turning back to give himself one last look in the mirror, Simon asked, “Is Kell here?”

“Yes, he’s down in the parlor with your father.”

Turning to his mother, his eyes wide, Simon hurried from the room. “Uh-oh.” It was no secret that Keller and his father did not see eye to eye on just about anything. Simon did not want to have to break up another yelling match between the two men. Not when he was already on edge.

“Good night, mother,” he called over his shoulder as he swung his jacket around his shoulders and hurried toward the stairs.

Regan watched him go, her hand resting lightly on the doorway to his room. As soon as Simon was out of sight, she sagged slightly, her body heavy from the weight of so many lies.

While Gabriel had been completely onboard with the Government’s plan, Regan had had her doubts from the beginning. She didn’t like the idea of strange men with ulterior motives having total control over her son’s mind, even if it meant bringing him back home, back to the life he was meant to live before everyone had spun so spectacularly out of control.

At the thought of River, Regan felt tears well in her eyes and she willed them away. Turning back into her son’s room, she made it to his bed and sat on the edge, picking up a capture of the three of them from his nightstand. The photo had been doctored, just as every photo, every record, every moment in their house had been amended. River, her daughter, her baby, had been erased. Erased from Simon’s mind, erased from their lives. Gabriel and Regan could still remember her of course, but they could never speak of her for fear that Simon would overhear and ask questions they were not allowed to answer.

It was a terrible burden for a mother to bear. But Regan did, gladly, because she had her son back. Her brilliant trauma surgeon son, who saved lives everyday and was a testament to the Tam family. Their son who would leave a legacy of accomplishment and distinction. The Simon who had shamed them and become a fugitive was a dark memory now, like the fading remembrance of a nightmare and Regan did not think on him anymore.

Rising, she pushed her shoulders back and resolutely strode from the room. She only hoped that Simon was indeed on his way to a full recovery, because the more ingrained he became in his rightful life, the sooner they could bring River back as well.

***

Simon entered the parlor just as he heard his friend say in a loud voice, “Giselle is the best ballet of all time!” His cheeks slightly flushed from running the rest of the way across the foyer, he regarded both men as they turned at his entrance.

“Everything all right in here,” Simon questioned, stepping closer and shooting a look between them.

“Just fine, Tam,” Keller answered first, rising and clapping a strong hand on his shoulder. “Your pop and I just started talking about ballet, is all.”

Simon again shot a look between them and finally allowed his skeptical gaze to fall back on his friend. “Uh huh.”

Keller chuckled slightly and steered his friend from the room. “No worries, Simon, trust me.” Giving him a quick wave over his shoulder, Keller called to Simon’s father, “Don’t wait up, Gabe.”

As they headed for the door, Gabriel called, “Simon?”

His son turned to regard him and Gabriel swelled with pride at seeing him, back home, dressed in his finest tuxedo, back where he belonged. Simon fit into this life, more so than anyone and Gabriel was so glad they had managed to get him back.

“I believe the Murphys will be at the show this evening,” he told him, burying his feelings of joy. “Please be sure to ask Mr. Murphy about the new land they’ve acquired. You should be aware of such dealings.”

Suppressing an eye roll, Simon nodded once and muttered, “Yes, Father.” Another responsibility as a member of the elite was to inquire after boring business deals that only served to make wealthy people, many of whom Simon could not stand due to their vapid natures, wealthier.

“Have fun,” the older Tam called after the two men as they left.

With both boys gone, Gabriel allowed a heavy sigh to escape his lips. Turning back to regard the flames that licked at the stone walls of the fireplace, Gabriel took another sip of his brandy. Indeed, everything was back as it should be. His son was home, and again making their family proud. Gabriel’s mind flashed an image of his daughter, but he easily dismissed the memory. He didn’t need a crazy daughter when he had such a perfect son.

***

River was searching. She had been looking for a long while now and she was starting to tire. That was strange for her. River had learned to go without sleep for days at a time, one of the last vestiges of her time at the Academy when she had often been sleep-deprived, but this was different.

As she journeyed up and down stair after stair, through the ship and through bars, stores and homes she did not recognize, her mind continued to speed up, her anxiety threatening to overwhelm her and cause her body to shut down all together. Things were going by much faster now and even as River tried to slow down, everything became one great blur.

What was she looking for? No, not what: who. She was searching for him, for the one person who had been able to let her sleep, the one person who had protected her, saved her – looking for Simon.

“Simon!”

Her anguished cry echoed off the walls of the cargo bay. River sat upright in an instant, her sweat soaked hair stuck to her face as she glanced around the large room. She had fallen asleep on the catwalk again and now it was dark on the ship, the lights dimmed for the sleep cycle and River was alone.

So alone. Curling her knees into her chest, River hugged her arms around them and buried her face against her knees as her tears came. It didn’t matter how long or how hard she searched, she would never find Simon, not this time. It seemed so unfair. He had been able to find her, numerous times, in situations that had always seemed hopeless, but this … this situation was more than hopeless, it was permanent; it was death. Not even River could fight that.

She jumped as she felt a gentle hand rest on top of her head. Turning a tear-stained face up to her visitor, River was more than surprised by the face that greeted her. Jayne looked down at her, concern evident in his eyes. Again, surprise registered through River. She had never seen him concerned, not over her, but even River had to admit that the mercenary had been particularly kind over the past few months, since Simon had gone and especially since Kaylee had left.

“You all right, lil’ one,” he asked, his voice amazingly quiet.

“How…” River started the question, but Jayne cut her off.

“I was liftin’ and I heard you cry out fer your brother.” River’s eyes again swelled with tears at the mention of Simon and Jayne muttered some curse under his breath. “Now, don’tcha go cryin’ again, I can’t stand to see a girl cry.”

River wiped her eyes against her bare arm and tried to will the tears away, but they would not stop. Ashamed, she again buried her face in her knees. “Just go,” she told him, her voice muffled. “I can’t stop crying so you might as well go.”

River thought for a moment he might actually leave, but then she heard him sigh heavily. His boots shuffled against the metal grating and when River again lifted her head from her knees, she saw that he had situated himself against the catwalk’s railing, sitting there with his arms over his chest, regarding her calmly. “Well, I can’t leave ya alone in this state,” he said in way of explanation, his voice again gruff.

Giving him a watery smile, River stared at him for a moment more and then silently crawled toward him. Gently she leaned her head against his chest and cried some more until her tears were gone. Jayne let her cry and carefully wrapped an arm around her shoulders, giving River some of the strength she’d been missing in the past few months and wishing there was more he could do for the broken girl.

***

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