Authors Note:
Another brief glimpse into Cassie's life on Earth but this time she's a bit older – around 13 years old.
DISCLAIMER
I still don't own SG1 or anything associated with it . . . yada yada yada . . . insert all the usual stuff here.
"I'll get it!" Cassie screamed as she heard the car pull up in the drive way. Racing down the stairs two at a time she didn't hear Janet's warning about not running and slipped on the last step. Jumping up and brushing herself down she continued on her rush towards the front door and flung it open.
"Easy, kiddo," laughed Sam, quickly bringing her into a hug before the guys could take over.
"Sam!" she squealed. "You guys are so late!"
"Sorry, Cass, but we bought donuts," placated Jack, holding up the treat that he'd cleared with Janet earlier that morning. He'd learnt his lesson early on when it came to Cassie and sweets – it is much less painful for him if the gift comes with Janet's approval. The doc had Cassie on a healthy diet and whilst she didn't try and stop Cassie from enjoying foods her friends at school ate, she did at least try to monitor her daily intake.
"You are a legend, Jack!" she grinned, freeing herself from Sam's embrace to launch herself at Jack. Flinging one arm around Jack's waist she tried desperately to grab the box out of his head and laughed when Daniel snatched it before she had it in her hand.
It was a routine that happened whenever Jack bought a treat. Sam always received a hug but it was becoming more and more obvious to the male members of SG-1 that Cassie was growing up and beginning to distance herself from them. It was something that none of them were willing to admit or acknowledge but they all knew that by passing the box around they would receive the hug (however brief) that Sam didn't need to try for. What scared the team most, however, was the realization that in the not too-distant future, even Sam's hugs would be unwanted and none of them wanted that day to come.
"Oh, come on, guys!" said Cassie, rolling her eyes. "Don't you think I'm a bit too old to be playing this game still?"
The announcement stunned the members of SG-1 and Daniel silently handed over the box to Cassie, who was standing in front of him, waiting for the box of goodies to be relinquished to her.
Grabbing Sam's hand, Cassie dragged her into the house and started calling for her mum to make the coffee. Sam threw an apologetic look over her shoulder and followed the girl into the house.
The male members of SG-1 stood on the doorstep, none of them having quite processed the events that just happened.
"We knew this day would come, O'Neill," stated Teal'c.
"I know," replied Jack.
"We just didn't expect it to happen so suddenly," added Daniel – arm still outstretched.
"I believe this day is long overdue," said Teal'c. "Cassandra Fraiser is no longer a child. Nor has she been for some time now."
Daniel sighed, and Jack nodded his head in agreement.
"I just hate it that she's grown up so quickly," said Jack sadly.
"She's rejected you three as well?" came Janet's cheerful greeting as she came down the stairs.
"That obvious?" asked Daniel, shaking his head.
"I believe I had that exact same expression on my face two days ago," she laughed, ushering the three men into her house. "Let's just be grateful that for the time being at least, Sam is still allowed in."
The three men all nodded in agreement and followed the Doctor into the house.