Honesty

Sam's phone rings… no answer…so the answering machine responds.

"Hi Sam it's Jack, listen I'm going away for a few days fishing, call my cell when you get this message."

I hang up the phone for at least the tenth time today.

Sam and I have had some pretty deep conversations recently and I think she's avoiding me now. Maybe she's scared of the consequences of… Well she probably thinks it's too risky.

I thought that this leave would be great for Sam and I to spend some time together but she seems further away now than she ever did.

I mean fair enough the whole thing with Pete was pretty harsh but I thought I was supportive, and after all this relationship has been a long time in the making. Relationship is that what it is?

Two days into my trip I head down to Dolly's Diner in the local village, it's not exactly the sort of place you'd expect in these parts but it has a wonderful atmosphere and Dolly and the girls are friendly.

Walking in I see Mary- Beth at the counter and Dolly in the kitchen area.

"Hey ladies."

"Jack it's good to see ya again." Mary- Beth smiled.

"Hi Jack honey!" Dolly shouted.

"I'll have a coffee and a piece of pie, that is if it's Dolly's home- made no offence Mary- Beth."

"None taken hon I know that cooking is an area in which I can definitely be found wanting. That's why Dolly's always slaving away back there."

"Yeah but you're the pretty face with the warm smile."

"Hey I heard that and there were days when I was the waitress behind that counter and you said those same words to me!"

"Sorry Dolly, what I meant is that you're always hiding behind that screen."

"Sure you did jack… oh by the way how's that lady you were dating?"

"Which one?"

At this point Dolly abandons the stove and trots to the counter for a better place to hear the tale.

"What happened to that one… Kerrie?"

"She's gone back to DC." I see no need for further explanation.

"Oh…. Is there anyone else then?" Mary-Beth looks downhearted.

"What about Samantha?" Dolly asks.

"Sam? Well…"

"Go on..."

"We have sort of been seeing one another… nothing definite but we do get on well and we really like each other so…"

"I am pleased for you! Aren't you Mary- Beth?"

"Oh yes you deserve a good woman Jack, maybe a wife?" She smiles.

"Well that remains to be seen." I shift nervously at the prospect. These ladies have known me well over the last years and they long to see me settle down happy.

Several coffees later and I sit slumped in a booth in the deserted diner, the only sounds coming from Dolly in the kitchen and Mary- Beth's shoes as they clipped the floor.

I suddenly realize I am no longer alone in the humble establishment, I recognize the figure as soon as I see her…

"Mary-Beth, there's a lady needs serving." Dolly calls.

"Hi there how can I help ya?"

"Oh I'm looking for this man…"

I see her produce a piece of paper that must have been a photograph because Mary- Beth's smile grows in to a broad grin. She points in my direction.

Then she turns Samantha Carter, with an almost relieved smile.

She approaches my booth, removing her coat and gloves.

The chill in my heart slowly begins to evaporate.

"Hi Jack."

"Hi"

"I'm sorry I didn't return your call. I was trying to sort stuff out in my mind."

"Stuff… did you get it sorted?"

"Yeah and I'm finally ready."

"Ready… for what?"

"Us Jack, I am ready to take the next step."

I watch him watching me. Wondering what's going on inside his mind.

Then something strange happens he reaches across the table and takes my hands. Looking deeply into my eyes he says the words I have been yearning to hear for so long.

"I love you."

My heart skips a beat. After a moment I make my sure response.

"I love you too."