Turning Point
John is on his way to the science lab to retrieve Rodney for lunch. As he gets closer he hears Rodney talking to someone. At first he can't hear who it is, but as he got closer he could tell it was Teyla. He smiles and thinks to himself that it's perfect, she can join them. Just before he reaches the doorway, he over hears something that shocks him.
"You and Kanaan are getting married?" Rodney says surprisingly." When is the big day?"
Teyla smiles, "In two days."
"Two days!" Rodney exclaims. "Wow, that's so soon."
John remains unseen and continues to listen. The smile he just had disappeared. His heart begins to race as he listens to the disheartening news.
Teyla senses Rodney's confusion, "Yes, It was something that we just decided. Our people are having a celebration in honor of Torren and they asked if they could also have a celebration with our union. So, Kanaan and I agreed."
"Oh, well… um. Wow! Congratulations then," Rodney stutters. "I'm sure that Sheppard was just as surprised as me when you told him."
Teyla frowns, "I have not been able to tell him yet. I wanted to tell you, Ronon and John myself... together, but Kanaan was so excited that he told Ronon when he saw him."
Rodney smirks, "So, you mean I know something before John does?"
Teyla smiles, "Yes, Rodney, but another reason I wanted to see John was that I wanted him to do something during the ceremony."
Rodney gives her a puzzled look.
"Traditionally, I would have to chose a member of my family to bind a cord around mine and Kanaan's hands. It is a sign of unity. I can not ask Halling because he is the one uniting Kanaan and I, so I am hoping that John would do the honors," Teyla explains.
John heart is pounding even harder. He can't stand listening anymore and he leaves without them knowing that he was there. He finds himself walking without really thinking of where he is going.
He thinks to himself, "I don't think I can go and watch her get married! And to help them with….. No, I can't! But what do I say to her?"
John finds himself by Woolsey's office. He takes a deep breath before entering.
"May I help you Colonel?" Woolsey asks.
John tries not to look too uncomfortable, "Yes, I've been meaning to ask for some leave to visit my brother. After our father's death, we started to talk again and I was hoping to take a few days to visit him."
"Well, I don't see a problem with that. When would you like to schedule this time?" Woolsey asks as he gets a pen and paper.
John face contorts slightly, "Today?"
"Today?" Woolsey remarks in shock. "It's a bit last minute don't you think?'
"Well yeah, I know," John begins nervously. "It's just that it's been slow here lately and who knows how long that will last. I promise that it won't be longer than four days and if anything changes SGC can call me and I will be right back home."
Woolsey sighs, "Very well then. I will grant your request, but in the future please give me more notice."
John smiles, "I will. Thank you Mr. Woolsey."
John leaves jogging towards his quarters.
--
Teyla rings the chimes on John's door and she hears him say to come in. As the door opens she sees John busily packing.
"John? Where are you going?" She asks with concern. "Is there something wrong with your brother?"
John continues to pack without looking at her, "Nope, actually I'm going to go visit him while things are slow around here. It's not too often I take a vacation."
"Oh," Teyla says sadly.
John looks at her out of the corner of his eye and pretends that he doesn't know what she's going to say, "Why? What's the matter?"
"Nothing… nothing is the matter. I mean nothing is wrong. It is just…" Teyla stutters. She lowers her head. "I'm getting married in two days and I was hoping to ask you to… never mind."
John stops. The news still shocks him, "Oh. I'm… I'm sorry Teyla. If I knew this earlier, I wouldn't have asked Woolsey."
He starts to pack quicker and pretends to be happy for her, "I tell you what. I'm sure Dave will be busy and if things don't go well with me and him then I'll come back and see you and Kanaan get married." He zips his bag up and turns around.
She gives him a weak smile, "I hope you enjoy your time with your brother.
John forces a smile back and clears his throat, "Thanks and congratulation to you and Kanaan."
They both leave his quarters and both go their separate ways.
--
It's the morning of Teyla and Kanaan's wedding. They are both on them are on the mainland getting things ready when Rodney radios Teyla over her comm.
"Teyla come in. Teyla," Rodney says franticly.
"Yes, Rodney," Teyla response with concern.
"You need to come back to Atlantis right now," he response urgently.
"What is so urgent that I have to come back to Atlantis?" she answers.
"Just… just trust me. Lorne is there now to pick you up. Please, Teyla!"
"Very well, Rodney. I will be right there."
Kanaan is not in sight so Teyla asks one of her people to let him know that she will be right back.
When Teyla gets back she sees Ronon and Rodney at the jumper bay. Ronon looks sad and Rodney is wringing his hands.
Teyla sees their distress, "Rodney, Ronon, what is wrong?"
"It's Sheppard," Ronon answers sadly.
She didn't like the tones in their voice. She looks around and sees Lorne's head hanging as well. She was so busy thinking of all she had to do that she didn't realize how quiet Lorne was during their ride back to Atlantis.
"What about John? I know he said that he might not make it back in time, but…" Teyla begins.
"John's been in an accident!" Rodney blurts out. "He was hit by a car and at a local hospital by SGC. They were just informed. Um… they…"
Rodney struggles to continue and Ronon picks up it, "They don't think he's going to make it. We wanted to tell you why we weren't going to be at the wedding in person. Sorry Teyla."
"When are you leaving?" Teyla asks as she chokes back the tears.
"In fifteen minutes," Ronon replies.
Teyla turns to Lorne, "Please tell Kanaan what is happening." She turns to Ronon and Rodney. "I'm going with you."
Ronon nods and Rodney tells her, "Sam will be waiting for us when we get there."
--
Ten minutes later, Lorne returns with Kanaan. They find Teyla in the gate room with Ronon and Rodney.
"Teyla, how can you do this? This is a special day for our son and for us," Kanaan pleads.
"I know Kanaan, but how can I go through this day knowing that John might die and we are not there with him?" she says gently.
"He will not be alone. Ronon and Rodney will be there with him," Kanaan states.
Teyla looks hurt by his words, "I thought you would understand." She sighs. "I will be back in a few days or so if all goes well or at least until I know he will be fine."
Kanaan pulls her aside away where no one can hear, "Teyla. Please don't do this to us."
"I am not doing anything to us," she says with an agitated tone.
"Either you chose me or you chose Colonel Sheppard," Kanaan demands firmly.
Teyla's breathing quickens as well as her temper, "Then I chose John."
She storms towards Ronon and Rodney, "I am ready."
The three of them walk through the gate together. Teyla never looks back at Kanaan and he leaves the gate room.