By KarenV

Summary: Francesca intervenes in her father’s life.

AN: Each week two guests came to "Fantasy Island" to get their wish/fantasy fulfilled. The mysterious host, sinister yet somehow charming Mr. Roarke, would do the sometimes impossible and grant them their wishes...but there was always some twist to the fantasy, letting the guest learn something about themselves or get something they weren't expecting. Also including: Ariel, the seductive shape-shifter.

October 18, 2004

Cubby Bear, Wrigleyville

Chicago, Illinois

"What did you say, Francesca?" AJ Chegwidden asked his daughter, his brow furrowed in puzzlement. The atmosphere of the café portion of the entertainment complex brought back memories of time spent with his former JAG staff at McMurphy's. Memories that completely obscured his conversation with his daughter.

Almost five months had passed since his retirement party. During that time, he and his daughter had been traveling from state to state, visiting as many ballparks as they could. They were currently in Chicago for the World Series, the Chicago Cubs versus the Chicago White Sox. It was a classic cross-town game, and the rivalry of the fans was setting the city on fire.

AJ often thought about what was happening back home. 'How was ‘this’ pregnancy going for Harriet? Thank God, I won’t be there to play midwife this time!’ A devilish grin turned up the corners of his mouth. ‘Who would've believed Bud was a 'stallion' in bed!' AJ thought with a snort. 'Did Harm settle things with Mattie and her father? Did he ever pull his head out of his six and set the record straight with Mac?' He frowned at that thought, and chewed the inside of his cheek.

'Sarah!' AJ sighed, his eyes looking sad and weary. 'Why was she late for the retirement dinner? Harm seemed to be her escort that evening. Why didn't she come over to say goodbye? She looked like she wanted to. Was she afraid?' AJ passed his hands over his eyes as he thought, 'Damn! I was afraid. I was afraid she'd come over and I'd pull her into my arms, never to let go.'

"Papa, please! It's time to go home," Francesca begged, tugging on his arm, breaking his line of thought. "I'm tired. I have loved spending this time with you, but I miss Mama, my friends, my job, and Italy."

"Home? Francesca, what's left for me back in Virginia?" AJ questioned, pinching the bridge of his nose, "I never really gave much thought to what I would do now."

"Visit with Sarah, of course," Francesca told him frankly. AJ was bewildered at his daughter’s statement, and asked her to continue. "When you are not talking about this ballpark or that player, you are talking about Sarah," she said taking his hand, patting it softly. "Papa, does she know how you feel about her?"

AJ looked at her, one eyebrow rising in question, ‘Have I talked about Sarah that much?’ “Francesca, how could she know? I didn't realize until now just how much I miss her. I shut my eyes and I see her smiling face. I hear voices in the crowd and think about hers.” Taking his daughter’s hands into his, “But there was a time,” he began telling her, “a time when we almost kissed.”

“Almost kissed, Papa?” Francesca asked him, a blush appearing on her cheeks. “Why didn’t you?”

“I told her it was a mistake,” AJ muttered, his voice faltering. “Couldn’ t give into the rising passion we felt. We wouldn’t because of military regulations against fraternization. After all, I was her CO, and she was having… personal troubles. I’m never one to take advantage of a situation like that. But, now I wish…” his voice trailed off.

“Do you fantasize about what could have happened between you two?” Francesca asked him straightforward, as if he were a friend and not her father.

“Yes!” he replied with anguish, bristling with the painful feelings this conversation was stirring up inside. “If only… But enough about that, the past is the past, and you need to get back home to Italy.” AJ tossed a few dollars on the table. Taking his daughter’s hand, they weaved their way through the crowds, in search of a taxi to take them back to their hotel.

**********

With gasoline prices soaring, sharing a room was a way to conserve money. After her father fell asleep, Francesca slipped out of her bed, picked up her satchel, and silently crept into the bathroom.

Pulling out her cell phone, she dialed, waiting just moments for someone on the other end to answer. “Hello, this is Francesca Paretti,” she spoke softly not wanting her voice to carry into the bedroom. “I need to speak…yes, I’ll hold.” Her nervousness caused her to start picking at her cuticles. ‘Was this right?’ she thought with apprehension. ‘What right do I have to intrude into Papa’s personal life?’ She bit at a loosened cuticle while waiting. ‘I’m his daughter, and I want him to be happy!

“Yes…I’m sorry to be calling so late, but I need a favor,” she whispered secretively into the mouthpiece. “It’s for my Papa, and…”

**********

October 25, 2004

Apartment Sarah MacKenzie

Georgetown, Washington

Sarah could see, from the hallway, that her apartment door was ajar. ‘Now what?’ she thought ominously, her breath catching in her throat, as her chest tightened, with a chilling fear.

During the past week, someone was obviously trying to frighten her. She gave up answering the phone if it rang in the middle of the night. No one would respond to her repetitive ‘Hellos.’ Just a strange, heavy breathing, was all she heard. When she found a path of ripped rose petals from the elevator to her door, it sent shivers up and down her spine.

‘Okay, Marine!’ Sarah told herself firmly, squaring her shoulders and exhaling a held breath. Putting down her briefcase, she slowly pushed the door open, and quietly entered the apartment. Her eyes adjusted gradually to the dimness. Performing a maddening search, with each small step she took, her senses tingled. She spun towards the front window. The drapes stirred with a slight breeze.

Since May, Sarah had been dealing with one issue after another. Her health problems, Clay’s death, and failed relationship with Harm, racked her system with excessive stress, sapping her physical and emotional strength.

“Anyone here?” Sarah boldly called out. The drapes billowed out towards her, as if someone pushed them. Hearing a crashing sound, she turned sharply to her right, and entered her bedroom. On her bed was the small statue Clay had sent her. It was broken in half, separating the male figure from the female. The shock of this discovery sent Sarah reeling to the ground, darkness descending upon her.

*************

October 29, 2004

Fantasy Island

Pacific Ocean

The small, privately-owned, pontoon plane circled the lush, green island before landing in the water. AJ was entranced by the view; palm trees, white-sandy beaches, and small bungalows dotting the landscape. After getting home to McLean, Francesca convinced him this trip would relax them. Initially he was reluctant, but soon surrendered to her pestering.

“No more driving, Papa, just being lazy and waited on,” Francesca told him as they climbed from the plane onto the dock.

An unusual pair of gentlemen, dressed impeccably in white, stood at the top of the stairs. The shorter of the two nudged the taller man’s leg, and pointed skyward. Another plane was circling the island, biding its time until the first plane departed. The diminutive man ran off, leaving the debonair man to greet them. He nodded slightly, acknowledging their presence, then announced, “My dear guests, I am Mr. Roarke, your host. Welcome to Fantasy Island.”

An attractive, young woman named Ariel showed them to their bungalow. Handing a map to AJ, Ariel told them, “Mr. Roarke will be expecting you for dinner shortly, Mr. Chegwidden. Just follow the map and you won’t get lost.” With a coy smile, she said to Francesca, “Mr. Roarke would like to see you now, Miss Paretti.”

“What about our luggage?” AJ asked harshly, feeling uncomfortable in Ariel ’s presence. Her intense gaze seemed to penetrate his soul.

“Your luggage will be brought up shortly, Sir,” Ariel explained, somewhat ruffled by AJ’s attitude toward her. “The staff has been a little lax lately. I shall see that they are reprimanded.” She turned crisply on her heel, leaving the building.

Shrugging her shoulders, Francesca looked at her father, “She’s rather different. A rather interesting place, wouldn’t you say, Papa?” Francesca rose on her tiptoes and placed a kiss on his cheek. “Ciao, Papa. I will see you later!” she pensively told him as she left.

The women had left him alone to explore these new surroundings. AJ stepped out on the bungalow’s rear deck. The view of the ocean and beach was spectacular. ‘Sunsets should be breathtaking from here,’ he thought, exhaling with sadness. ‘It’s unfortunate that I have to share it with my daughter and not…’ His thought was interrupted by voices coming from inside. He walked back in and found their luggage had finally been brought up, but there was no one around. Grabbing one handle, AJ looked down at the remaining luggage. ‘That’s odd! These aren’t Francesca’s,’ he thought. He bent down to look at the tags. Squinting to read the small print, he read out loud, “If found, please return to… Sarah MacKenzie?”

“It isn’t possible,” AJ spoke out loud, as he stalked across the grounds, in search of Mr. Roarke or Ariel. He walked past the dock. Catching sight of Francesca, waving to him as she boarded the plane, he ran after her. But the plane left before he could reach it.

“She’s a very beautiful woman, Mr. Chegwidden,” Mr. Roarke’s deep, measured voice whispered in his ear.

AJ felt chilly fingers rake up his spine as he turned to face the man. “I don’t remember passing you, Mr. Roarke,” AJ told him with a frown. “Where has my daughter gone? And why is Sarah MacKenzie’s luggage in my cottage?” AJ questioned him loudly, his eyes glaring with rage.

Although no one was touching him, AJ felt himself being forcefully propelled up the staircase towards the main house. “Let’s discuss that matter over dinner,” the suave, mysterious man told him.

**********

Sitting at a table in the dining room, AJ reread Francesca’s letter for the third time. Francesca had previously created dresses for Roarke’s staff. She arranged this visit after AJ expressed his feelings to her about Sarah. With the help of Mr. Roarke and his strange group, that fantasy could happen.

Shaking his head, AJ sadly muttered, “Oh, Daughter.” AJ looked up. Mr. Roarke’s steely, devilish eyes were studying him. “So Sarah is here?” AJ asked, apprehensively, wondering what she was told about his presence on the island.

“Yes, Miss MacKenzie is here. In fact, she’s waiting just beyond that door,” Roarke told him, pointing off to the left. Roarke stood, pulling AJ’s chair away from the table. “Francesca also left a letter for her, which she has read, and she is… a little nervous. Sarah has been through a lot these past few months. This last week has left her quite upset.”

AJ was very suspicious of Mr. Roarke. He didn’t trust him. Reaching out to grab Roarke by the collar, AJ lividly asked, “What have you done to her?”

Mr. Roarke smoothly side-stepped AJ’s grasp. A quirky smile appeared on his face, his voice almost taunting him, “I have done nothing to her. She was already bruised, both physically and mentally when she arrived. She only came here to get away from those problems and because of your daughter’s request.”

AJ gasped at Roarke’s words, thinking to himself, ‘What has been happening to Sarah?’ AJ ran to the door, which began to glow and pulsate. He looked back, but Roarke was already standing next to him.

Roarke’s dry, icy voice grated in AJ’s ear, “Be careful what you wish for!” as the door drew AJ in.

**********

AJ stumbled out the other side. A brilliant glow surrounded the door, flickering once before subsiding. He was astounded to find himself on the rear deck of his bungalow. Reaching back to steady himself, AJ felt a shock to his fingertips as he touched the door. “How the hell did I get here?” he howled, blowing at his fingertips, trying to cool them off.

Hearing the commotion behind her, Sarah turned around. “Admiral!” she exclaimed, rushing forward to help him. Her hand grasped his, and she felt a similar charge. “What was that?” she cried, searching his face for an answer, her body shivering at the warm feeling the contact had produced.

“Sarah!” AJ’s exclamation was choked with the emotions he was feeling. Her hand touching his, shook him even more. AJ’s eyes looked over her quickly for signs of abuse. The dark circles under her puffy eyes were caused by lack of sleep and an inordinate amount of crying. He pulled her close, chastely kissing her cheek, enveloping her in his arms. “Mr. Roarke told me that you’ve been hurt, Sarah.” AJ’s voice was full of concern. “Tell me what’s been happening.”

“Well, Admiral…” Sarah withdrew from his embrace in embarrassment. She wrapped her arms about herself. “Where do I begin?” she asked as her voice trembled.

“It’s AJ, Sarah.” He gently reminded her. “I haven’t been an Admiral for almost five months. Why don’t you fill me in with what happened after I left my dining-out.”

“Okay…Harm and I,” she hesitated, searching for the right words. “We…talked and tried a romantic relationship, but it only lasted a month. After the shock of Clay’s death wore off…” Sarah paused, seeing the frown on AJ’s face. “You didn’t know?” she asked.

“I heard rumors. Always thought that spook had nine lives,” AJ replied briefly replaying in his mind the time he broke the spy’s nose, in Russia.

“Confusion and pain came after the shock. Harm and Mattie, especially Mattie, couldn’t cope with my tears and anger. That girl has Harm wrapped around her little finger. Whatever Mattie wanted, Mattie got. And she wanted me gone.” Sarah sighed sadly. “It wouldn’t have worked out anyway. Harm wanted children of his own. After I miscarried Clay’s child…” once again she paused at AJ’s look of surprise. “It’s true, AJ, I was pregnant. But there were other medical problems, one thing led to another, which resulted in the miscarriage.” Sarah began to sob. “So, my doctor recommended a hysterectomy,” her shoulders sagged with remorse, as she concluded.

AJ drew her to him and held tightly, feeling her quake with grief, as she cried. He rubbed the small of her back with one hand, while he stroked her short, dark hair with the other.

Sarah heard his ‘shushes’, felt his caresses, and thought about Francesca’ s letter to her. Francesca had written that AJ spoke about her daily, revealed his fantasy of kissing her, and possibly having a life with her. They were no longer subordinate and Commanding Officer. The UCMJ could not stand in their way.

‘Evidently, I have strong feelings for him because his arms make me feel warm, welcomed, and safe.’ Sarah thought. ‘He’s not pushing or ridiculing me about my relationships with Harm or Clay.’ She felt safe. She felt home.

Sarah pulled back far enough to see his eyes. She had always heard that the ‘eyes were the windows to the soul.’ AJ’s were sad, but reassuring, and they glimmered with love.

“Why didn’t you try to contact me, Sarah? I would’ve come to your side in a heartbeat,” AJ asked her, sliding his sturdy hands around her delicate fingers.

“I didn’t think you’d want me, AJ,” Sarah told him, blinking rapidly trying to hold in her tears. “You rushed off before I had the chance to say goodbye.”

“I always thought you were afraid to say goodbye,” AJ chuckled at her puzzled expression. “I guess it’s a part of my wish…my fantasy.”

“What do you mean?” she questioned.

“If you had come to me that evening, this is how I would’ve said goodbye,” AJ whispered into her ear. Cupping her chin, AJ’s mouth descended upon hers. He slowly ran the tip of his tongue along her lips, gently parting them open. She met his actions with her own by slipping in her tongue and flicking it along his. She was starving for affection and he was ravenous for her.

Sarah pulled back first. “Wow!” she gasped, inhaling quickly to replenish her lungs.

“Just a side benefit from my SeAL training, Sarah,” AJ laughed, “I was the best on my team at holding my breath.” He turned her in his arms to face the ocean. As he wrapped his arms about her waist, he whispered in her ear, “Look at the sunset, Sarah! I wished for this earlier. To share a moment like this with you.”

The sun was slowly descending below the horizon. The sky was turning from blue, to orange, to purple hues. The reflection in the water doubled this image.

The jangle of a phone broke them from their reverie. “Does anyone know you’re here?” AJ asked Sarah.

Sarah felt uneasy, remembering the phone calls at home. “Only Francesca, Admiral Morris, and Coates.”

AJ answered the phone with a crisp “Hello!” but silence met his request. He replaced the handle only to have it ring again. After the third time, Sarah told him she would answer the next ring.

Sarah took a deep breath, steeling herself for what she might hear. “Hello,” she hesitantly muttered into the mouthpiece. The blood drained from her face and she slammed the phone back in its cradle, after hearing Clay’s voice tell her, “I’m so relieved, Sarah!”

AJ scooped her up in his arms as she fainted. He sat down on the sofa, cradling her. AJ rocked her back and forth, softly cooing her name over and over, until Sarah’s eyes fluttered open. “Who was it, darlin’?” he asked her tenderly, watching the horror creep into her eyes.

“Clay!” she cried dreadfully. “It was Clay! But it couldn’t be…he’s dead!” Holding onto AJ’s neck, she pulled herself up. “But it was…he repeated his last words to me, before he left on his last mission.” Her eyes grew wide with fear. “AJ, am I going crazy?” she stuttered.

AJ wiped away the tear trailing down her cheek, telling her firmly she was not going crazy. “And to prove it, I’ll answer the phone next time it rings. I’ll find out who the joker is and…” he trailed off thinking of what to do.

“Pound his face into the ground!” Sarah crisply ordered, her Marine attitude returning.

AJ watched her fighting spirit return. Starting at her forehead, he kissed his way down her face as he softly stroked her arm. Sarah’s breathing quickened, and she moaned with pleasure, when AJ cupped her breast.

“I’m afraid this sofa wasn’t built for what I have in mind, Sarah,” AJ informed her, his voice low and seductive. Sarah’s eyes were blazing with desire, nodding her approval as to where this was leading. They rose from the sofa, heading towards the bedroom, when the phone rang again.

Holding her hand tightly, AJ answered the phone with a direct, “Hello, Clay!”

“Hello, AJ!” Clayton Webb’s distinct voice greeted him. “Please, don’t hang up!”

AJ pulled the phone away from his ear, thinking ‘I am going insane! It can ’t be him.’ “I’m still here, Clay,” AJ told him, watching Sarah’s eyes practically bulge out of their sockets. “Sarah told me you were dead so where are you calling from…Hell?” AJ chortled at his witty remark.

“Don’t be so lame, AJ,” Clay dryly replied. “No, I’m here on the Island. In fact, I can see you and Sarah from my location. Go out to the deck.”

AJ stretched the phone cord as far as he could, until he was just outside the sliding door. Although the sun had set, it was still light enough for him to see a figure in the feathery green ferns one hundred feet away. “Damn you, Clay!” AJ barked into the mouthpiece, “How could you hurt her like that? Making her…all of us, believe you were dead. Talk about a sick sense of humor!”

“The reason was, and still is, need to know. There’s still too much riding on that case,” Clay told him, raking his hand through his hair. “But I would like to speak with Sarah. I need to explain…provide her with some closure. Please, AJ, ask her.”

AJ thought, as he put the phone to his chest, ‘Clay can probably hear my heart pounding.’ He turned to Sarah, who was standing in the doorway. “He wants to talk to you. He says you need some closure,” AJ told her, trying to read the myriad of emotions playing across her face. Sarah finally nodded, and began walking down the path. “Sarah, remember I’m here for you!” AJ called to her, his voice filled with passion.

AJ watched them from the deck. Clay held his hands to his face, after Sarah’s right fist connected with his nose. AJ chuckled softly, “Way to go, Marine!”

Clay held her back by the shoulders and began speaking to her. Sarah shrugged his hands off and began pacing. AJ could hear mutterings and occasional outbursts but nothing precise. Finally, Sarah held out her arms and they embraced.

Sarah ran back up the path, into AJ’s open arms. Tears were streaming down her face as she blubbered, “Clay wants to talk with you, AJ. Go to him!” Sarah kissed AJ’s cheek and went inside.

AJ met Clay half way on the path. ‘His grip isn’t strong and his skin feels clammy,’ AJ thought as he shook the hand Clay extended to him.

“AJ, I haven’t much time,” Clay began, his voice cracking with unshed tears. “Roarke could only provide me this short amount.” Roarke and Ariel suddenly materialized from the shadows, to hold Clay up. “I’m really dying, AJ. It might not happen tonight but…probably within the week.”

Clay started shaking with convulsions. “All I can say is that I was exposed to some very slow working chemicals,” he coughed, backhanding a fleck of blood off his mouth. “This was my wish, AJ, to see Sarah one last time, to tell her goodbye. Tell her I regret…” Clay’s voice failed him as he collapsed into the mysterious twosomes arms.

“He also wishes to tell you, Mr. Chegwidden, he expects you to take care of Sarah. Show her the love she deserves and desires,” Roarke told him, his voice a perfect imitation of Clay’s. “Also,” Roarke told AJ as he handed him a sealed envelope, “give this to his mother. At least, she’ll know for certain of his demise.”

AJ felt as if his brain was being penetrated by the direct stare of Roarke ’s fiery eyes. “Don’t worry about him, Mr. Chegwidden. Ariel has developed a fondness towards Mr. Webb. She’ll see that his last days are spent with someone he loves,” Roarke told him, nodding towards his assistant.

Ariel had taken Clay into her arms, and was stroking his cheek gently. Only now, she was a dead ringer for Sarah. Clay was feverishly muttering, “Sarah, I love you!” as he settled into the embrace.

AJ’s eyes darted back and forth between Roarke and Ariel/Sarah. “I don’t understand…” he began saying, ‘This can’t be happening,’ he thought completely at a loss for words.

“Just go to her, Mr. Chegwidden. Your wishes have been granted. The only stipulation you need to meet, is to treat Sarah with unconditional love she wishes for,” ordered Roarke, as he turned to help to carry Clay.

AJ watched as they carried Clay down the path. He thought about what Roarke had told him but wondered if Sarah would accept him. AJ cocked his head slightly, a buzzing sound in his ear. “Don’t worry,” Roarke’s voice assured him, “Sarah loves you very much!”

**********

AJ entered the bungalow still bewildered by what he had witnessed. Sarah was sitting on the sofa, sipping a glass of water. Approaching her from behind, he reached for her hair, letting the soft silky tresses flow through his fingers.

Sarah bent her head back, enjoying the graze of his hand. “AJ, what’s wrong?” she questioned after seeing frown on his face. “What did Clay tell you?”

AJ circled the sofa, never taking his eyes off her. He grabbed her hand, felt her smooth slender fingers, asking her, “Tell me, Sarah, who are you?”

“What are you talking about, AJ,” she stammered, trying to pull her hand from his firm grip. “What went on out there?”

“Something happened that I can’t explain,” he said. His eyes were wary of her. “Tell me, how do I know you’re really ‘my’ Sarah?” he asked again.

“You’re scaring me!” Sarah shakily replied. “Okay…I’m Lieutenant Colonel Sarah MacKenzie. I’m a Marine assigned to the JAG…Is this really necessary?” she questioned, seeing him purse his lips.

“All that is information anyone can find out, with a little research,” AJ told her. “Tell me one thing that only you and I know,” he suggested, hoping that this wasn’t another of Roarke’s underlings.

Sarah sat and thought. “What about the time… No, you told Francesca about our almost kiss, so she knows about that. Okay, what about the time we helped rescue Josh Pendry?” She softly bit her bottom lip, and sadly added, “Oh…Harm and Clay saw me kiss your cheek.”

Since that evening six years ago, they rarely spent a moment alone. Their conversations were often held in the presence of others, lessening their temptations.

A smile crossed Sarah’s face and her brown eyes lit up. “Remember when I told you it wasn’t in your character to cave in?” she asked him. “I refused to accept your offer to sacrifice your career!”

“Yes, because of Commander Lindsey’s charges. I was going to retire and marry Meredith,” AJ snorted. “Thank God you made me see the light, Sarah. Not only did I rebut those charges, but stayed at JAG long enough to find out about Meredith’s infidelities.”

AJ pulled her up from the sofa and into his arms. “I have no career to sacrifice now, Sarah, and I’m ready to cave in… to you…if you’ll have me.”

“No telling me it’s a mistake this time, AJ?” she whispered in his ear, her teeth gently tugged on his earlobe. “Ouch!” she cried, rubbing at the tender spot on her rear. “What did you pinch me for?”

“To make sure I wasn’t dreaming. I’ve dreamt of us together, only to wake up to a cold and empty bed,” AJ replied as he ran his fingers across the swell of her bosom. “Ouch! What was that for?” he asked, rubbing his own tender spot.

“Payback, AJ, just paying you back,” Sarah sweetly replied. “And if this is a dream, I don’t want to wake up.” She pulled his face down to hers, kissing his mouth slowly, walking her fingers down his leg. AJ pulled her tightly against him, and she could feel his hardening bulge against her stomach.

“Where were we when the phone rang?” AJ provocatively asked.

Holding onto AJ, Sarah shuffled them four feet closer to the bedroom door. “Right about here, AJ. Only this time…” she paused, reaching back to yank the phone cord out of the wall, “we’re not going to be interrupted.”

Fini