Author: Lace
Subject: HBX Challenge February Just call her

They are not mine, I'll just play with them for a while.

Just call her
HBX Challenge February 2008


Harm and Beth O'Neil were finally finished with their debriefing after a flight that Harm could only describe as interesting. Harm reflected on the days event, and he could conclude that it was good to be back in a plane again. The feeling of being in a cockpit, knowing that the only thing between his life and his death was his own pilot skills. One wrong move, and he would crash and most likely die. What a rush!
Even though Harm loved to fly, and the fact that he enjoyed every minute he got to fly, his heart told him that something was missing. He knew what it was that bothered his heart, and kept him awake in to the late hours of the night. JAG was on his mind when ever he sat down and allowed his brain to reflect over his past. He missed being a lawyer, he missed Bud and the rest of his colleagues. He missed his life before Paraguay. That trip had put a wall between his life as it was before, and his life as it was now. Most of all he missed his best friend. He was angry at her, but he missed her. Last time he was at his apartment, his answering machine was filled with messages from her. She was worried about him, angry at him for not making contact and she sounded sad. He had not returned the calls. Why he had not done that, he did not know. It would be the right thing to do, just call her when he knew she would not be home and leave a message so she knew that he was fine. He did not have to talk to her in person. Actually he did not know if he would be able to talk to her inn person, just to find out that she had moved on with her life. With another man. And even though they were both at fault for their lack of relationship, he knew that he had done the last damage. He could have opened up, and told her how he felt. But he had not done that, in stead he had been mean and jealous. At the end she had told him that a relationship between them would never work. He could not blame her for it, he had been a jerk to her.

“You want to get a drink?” Beth's voice made him come out of his own thoughts.

“Sure, why not.” He responded. They walked towards the parking lot. When Harm got closer to his car he saw Clayton Webb leaning against it. What the hell does he want, Harm thought.

“I'll see you at the bar Beth.” Harm said to her, and walked up to the other man.

Harm had to admit that Clay looked better than the last time he saw him.

“Hey Harm.” Clay stepped away from the car, and offered his hand to Harm.

Harm shook the other mans hand. “Good to see you Clay. You look better.”

“Good to see you too Harm. Do you enjoy flying?”

“I always enjoy that.” Harm opened the car door and threw his jacket inside. “What do you want Clay?” Harm knew rationally that he had no reason to be angry at Clay, but he did not want to have anything to do with the man anyway. It only reminded him of the fact that Clay was with Mac, and he was not.

“I want you to call Mac. Or at least leave her a message and tell her that you are alive.” Clay's face was serious.

Harm got angry. “What the hell does it matter to you what I do?”

“I care about her Harm, and she is hurting. She's worried about you.” Clay stepped closer to Harm as he spoke. “Just let her know that you are fine.”

“It's non of your business what I do. Just stay out of it.” Harm made a move to get in to his car, but the he changed his mind. “I thought you would be glad to have her for yourself Webb?” Harm got in to the other mans face.

Clay laughed. “I can't believe you two. You know, I'm often accused of hiding my feelings.” Then he turned serious. “But you two should have a prize.”

“What the hell are you talking about?” Harm knew that his voice was loud, but he did not care who heard him.

“I'm talking about you and Mac. God Harm, just call her will you. The two of you are more stubborn than what's healthy. And you have turned me in to a relationship coach.” Clay was getting frustrated, and threw his arms up in the air. “Hell, I don't even know anything about love, but even I can see what you two wont see.”

“Last time I checked you and her were pretty damn cosy.” Harm yelled.

“I'm not involved with Mac.” Clay yelled back.

Harm calmed down, and took a step away from the other man. “What?”

“I'm not involved with Mac.” Clay calmed his voice as well. “Mac and I are just friends Harm, and that's all we'll ever be.”

Harm ran his hand over his head, and took a deep breath. “Why?”

“Because she is in love with you Harm. How can anyone compete with that?” Clay turned too leave, but after two steps he stopped and turned around. “Just call her Harm. She's really worried about you.” Then he continued to walk away.

Harm paced back and forward a few times, before he looked towards where Webb was ready to get in to his car. “Hey Clay! Thanks!” He yelled to him.

Clay just waved his hand, and got in to his car. A few seconds later Harm was alone in the parking lot.


Mac's apartment

Mac was tired, and could not wait to take a bath. The last week had been long, and she still had not heard from Harm. She was worried about him, and did not sleep well. JAG was empty without him, and Mac missed him terribly. She closed the door behind her, and walked to her answering machine. It was blinking, so she pushed the button.

“You've got one new message” The voice said.

“Hey Mac. I got your messages.” Then some silence. “I'm sorry I haven't returned your calls, but I...” She could hear him take a deep breath. “I just didn't know what to say. I think we should find the time to talk. I'll be home in about a week, if you are interested. Call me and leave a message, and I'll see you next week.” It was quiet again. “If you... I mean... If you want to meet that is. Mac, I miss you.”

And then it was quiet. She played the message again, and then once more. She smiled, and grabbed her phone.

“Hey Harm, it's Mac. I would love to meet, and talk. Just let me know when you're back.” She paused. “And Harm, I miss you to.” Then she put the phone down, and went to take her bath. Her day just got better.