With all those lovely reviews (thank you!) I had to reward you with another chapter! For those of you asking about Skid Row - I'll get back to that right away. This will be a short story and then I'm on to it - but for now - on to this story! (Did anyone mention fluff?)
By the time she got to the orphanage she was pretty tired. The sun had set and the driver was cursing the potholes in the road. She couldn't help but reflect on the difference between this trip and the last one. This time she arrived in her street clothes, with regular luggage and with nary a weapon. The Mexican officials had treated her extremely well and everything had been smooth and easy. She figured the Mexican government was still worried the Americans would make a stink about the fact that one of their Generals had been kidnapped.
She paid the driver – giving him a good tip even thought he'd complained the whole way. She got out of the car and was relieved to see that Sister Rosario was standing waiting to meet her. The only problem was going to be the language!
They stumbled through the introduction but fortunately, after a couple of minutes, Sister Jesus (was that a weird name or what?) came out and spoke to her in fractured English. It made things a bit easier, although she still spent a lot of time just smiling and nodding.
She did understand the Sisters when they explained that the children were all asleep. She'd expected as much so simply nodded and said 'manana' – or 'tomorrow' – it was one Spanish word she knew. They then took her into the main building and offered her supper and a drink.
She enjoyed the meal, since she hadn't eaten much, and attempted to converse with the Sisters. All of them had come into the room and had watched her eat and had done a lot of smiling and giggling. She couldn't help but grin to imagine Jack – the General – here with the nuns. She was pretty sure he'd charmed the pants – or maybe that was the 'wimples' off of them. They certainly spoke enough about him, although she couldn't understand most of what they said.
Daniel, where are you when I need you, she said to herself. At least Sister Jesus tried to translate, so she got the gist of some of the conversation. It came clear, soon enough, that they considered Jack to be their personal angel. He'd arranged to have a number of things sent to the orphanage – and she was pretty sure he continued to arrange support. She looked around and a lot of things looked new. She knew that the Orphanage was now the official 'charity' of the SGC – so they were getting regular shipments of goods and donations.
"Most children gone", Sister Jesus explained. "the General get adoptions for children. Now they have families."
"Yes. The General is a good man. He likes to help children", she answered simply. When the nuns nodded and smiled, after Sister's translation, she knew she'd said the right thing.
Sister Rosario spoke for a moment and then Sister Jesus turned and interpreted for her. "Senor Jack very sad. Why that so?" she asked.
"Uh, I don't know", Sam replied. "He's had a lot happen in his life."
"Yes – we know his son but Sister Rosario says something else – something now. You know? She wants help him. "
"Uh, I don't know. I haven't seen the General for a long time."
"No?" Sister Rosario looked at her with a frown when she'd been given the translation. The wise looking woman peered deeply into Sam's eyes and then reached out and patted her hand. Next she lifted her hand and touched Sam's cheek.
"She say you love Jack – you go to him – make him less sad."
Sam gave a small laugh, although she felt uncomfortable with the nun's words. She didn't quite know what to do, but at that moment Sister Rosario stood up and motioned for Sam to follow her. She led her to a small bedroom and showed her the bathroom.
"Buenas noches Senorita", she said softly, She reached out once again and touched Sam gently. Although she couldn't understand her, Sam was pretty sure the Sister understood her very well. She gave a small shiver, feeling like the nun had seen into her soul.
The next morning she finally met the two children, Carlito and Amanda. She'd actually met them before, but hadn't really gotten a chance to spend any time with them. She thought they were adorable, and instantly understood why Jack had fallen in love with them.
They both spoke some English – it turns out the General had taught them and they'd picked it up quickly. It made her job much easier. Also, the fact that they remembered who she was and that she was "Jack's friend", instantly made her acceptable in their eyes. When they found out that she was taking them to see him, they both ran up and hugged her. It took a lot of willpower to keep from crying.
She said goodbye to the sisters and, taking the small suitcase that contained all their possessions, she waited with the two young children for the taxi.
Jack was right, in that traveling with children was tiring. It was also amazing. It had taken her all of ten minutes to fall in love with Amanda, who seemed to share the feeling. It hadn't been very long at all before the little girl had begged to be picked up and held. When she'd fallen asleep, her face nestled snuggly on Sam's shoulder, she knew she was lost. Amanda looked at her in complete love and trust and her heart was truly given to the little girl.
Carlito was a bit more cautious. He accepted Sam because she was Jack's friend, but he wasn't willing to totally trust her and he certainly didn't offer any overt affection. After a few hours, however, and especially when she played some simple games with him, he was hers as well. Pretty soon he was snuggled up to her side, his head or her lap, sound asleep.
By the time they all arrived in Washington she was ready to collapse. Both of the children were sound asleep and it was pitch dark. She had to wake Carlito up and the poor little boy was practically in tears he was so tired. She made her way to the baggage area, holding Carlito's hand and carrying a sleeping Amanda. She was trying to figure out how to get her luggage and make her way to a cab when she heard a shout. Looking up she was incredibly relieved to see the General standing and waiting for her, a cart in tow.
"Senor Jack!" a little, tired voice called. The General smiled and hurried over and picked up Carlito.
"Carlito, my little man. How are you?"
"I am", a big yawn, "fine Senor. Amanda is sleeping. She is tired from the trip." Jack looked over and grinned at Sam.
"I can see that. Well, she's pretty little – not big like you." It didn't take anytime at all before Carlito had laid his head on Jack's shoulder and was sound asleep. "He's pretty little too", Jack said softly.
"They did really well Sir", Sam said softly. "It's been a long day."
"I know, and I can't tell you how much I appreciate you doing this", he answered. "My car and driver are just outside. As soon as your luggage gets here we'll head back and you can rest."
"That sounds heavenly", she said with a smile.
As they waited silently for her luggage, she couldn't help but think about how good this felt. There was no awkwardness, no discomfort. It felt like old times. Oh, she knew it was largely because of the situation and because of the children, and things may return to the way they'd been in the morning, but for now she was just going to enjoy being beside him again.
It took a few more minutes for the luggage to come and Jack loaded it up on the buggy with one hand, the other holding carefully on to the young boy. They made it to the car and were soon on the road to the General's house.
When they arrived there was a few minutes of getting in to the house and getting organized. Jack showed her where he was putting the children. They laid both of them down on the twin beds and then quickly changed them into their pajamas. Neither child woke up.
"I decided to put them in the same room", Jack whispered. "I figured it would be less frightening for them."
"Good idea Sir", she answered. Once both children were down for the night she turned and followed him out to the hall. He'd turned on a small night light before he left – which just showed her that he really did know what he was doing. It was something she wouldn't even have thought about.
"Here", he said more loudly, once they'd walked away from the children's room. "Let me show you where you're sleeping." He took her into the room he'd fixed up for Daniel. He'd left it pretty much the same, except he'd gone out and purchased some flowers for the dresser. It was a simple bouquet of wild flowers, so couldn't be construed as being anything other than a way to decorate the room. The fact that they meant more, to him, was something Sam need never know.
"This is nice Sir", she said, looking around. "And oh – those flowers are beautiful – thank you."
"No problem Carter. I wanted you to feel at home – I mean, you know, like a guest – a friend who was a guest." Crap, he thought, way to screw up Jack.
"Thank you Sir, I really appreciate it."
"Uh, are you hungry? I have some food downstairs or a drink. It's not really that late if you'd like something."
"I'd love a cup of tea if you have one", she answered. She kept telling herself she should just say 'no thank you' and go to bed but instead decided to play with fire. Sam, she said to herself – be careful.
"Sure. Why don't you change into something more – uh, I mean, get out of your travel clothes. I'll make the tea."
After Jack had left she laughed softly at how nervous and 'twisted up' he'd gotten. Normally she would have been embarrassed, but for some reason tonight, she was feeling relaxed and happy.
She ended up changing into her pajamas – basically a pair of sweats - and a bathrobe. The ensemble was as utilitarian as you could get – and as far away from revealing or sexy as it was possible to be – so she had decided to simply go for it. It's not like Jack hadn't seen her in all sorts of outfits over the years.
"There ya go Carter", he grinned when he saw her. "you look a bit more comfortable."
She noticed that Jack had also changed into a pair of comfortable pants and a sweat shirt. He looked more like the 'old' Jack this way – although his hair was greyer.
"Thank you Sir", she said as she accepted the cup of tea. She took a small sip and realized he'd fixed it just the way she liked it. This too gave her a warm feeling. Pete never remembered details like this!
They sat at the kitchen table for the next couple of hours, simply chatting like the old, close friends they were. There was no hint of discomfort or awkwardness. Not once did they refer to anything that would make them uncomfortable – including Pete or her upcoming wedding. She'd left her ring at home – something she didn't want to analyze – but was very glad she had.
That night, as she got into bed, for the first time in a long, long time she rested her head on her pillow and felt like she would be able to sleep. She felt happy – and although a small voice in the back of her mind told her it couldn't last – she refused to let the voice disturb her.
It was bright and early the next day when someone bounced on her bed. With a mumbled 'Jack' she turned over and tried to cover her face. It was only when she heard a soft giggle that she remembered where she was. She rolled onto her back and managed to pry her eyes open. Three pairs of brown eyes were looking at her.
"Hey", she said groggily, "What is this?"
All three faces grinned. "Time to get up Carter" the oldest one of the three said. "We have plans."
"Plans? What kind of plans?" she grinned back.
"Oh, that would be giving it away. You have to get up and get dressed because breakfast will be ready in", he looked at his watch, "ten minutes." He walked to the door. "Come on you two, let's let Carter get ready."
Carlito ran and took Jack's hand but Amanda begged to stay. "It's okay Sir, she can stay with me." She turned to the little girl and smiled. "You can help me get ready, okay?"
It was just over 15 minutes later when Sam and Amanda came downstairs, holding hands and giggling. Jack turned and his breath caught – he'd rarely seen something so beautiful as the woman and young girl together. He had to clear his throat before he could speak.
"Well", he said sternly, "It's about time. The pancakes are getting cold."
"Pancakes", Sam squealed (Yes, he'd swear to any and all that she squealed). "I love pancakes."
It turned out she wasn't lying, realized Jack. She managed to down quite a few – and both children laughed and teased her about how many she'd eaten.
"Hey, I don't get them that often", she defended herself.
"What? You don't make pancakes?" Jack asked.
"No. It's not the sort of thing one makes for oneself."
There was a short pause and Jack turned away. "Don't you make them for Pete?" he asked.
She stopped dead – suddenly brought back to reality. Briefly closing her eyes she wondered what had gotten into her. She'd allowed herself to get caught up in the little fantasy -"
A soft 'damn' interrupted her and she looked up to see Jack looking at her apologetically. He gave a small shrug and then began speaking to the children. She sat quietly for a minute, contemplating what she should do. She knew if she was really smart she'd get up, right now, and announce she had to leave.
"So, you kids ready to go on an adventure", Jack asked? They both nodded and practically bounced out of their chairs. The General then looked up at Sam, a tentative look on his face. "Carter? You wanna go on an adventure with us?"
Both children begged, but it was Jack's look of – longing – that finally decided her.
"Yes Sir", she smiled. "There's nothing I'd like more than an adventure."
They spent the rest of the day going around and seeing things that would appeal to young children. Jack took them to the natural history museum and they loved looking at all the animals. Carlito, especially, liked the Air and Space museum and Jack treated everyone to a movie at the IMAX theatre. It was about baby animals, so Jack figured they couldn't go wrong. What had surprised him, was the fact that Carter was just as gushy about the movie – and the baby animals – as were the kids. She even went so far as to buy herself a tee-shirt.
"It's cute Sir", she defended herself when she saw Jack's expression.
"That it is Carter", he said calmly. Inside all he could think of was how cute she'd be wearing that shirt – especially without anything else!
By the time the kids were in bed, asleep, the two adults were pretty tired out. "That was fun Sir", she said. "I haven't been to any of the museums here for a long time."
"It's fun to go with kids", he said as he leaned back in his chair. "It's - different - to see things through their eyes."
She smiled and nodded and then leaned back herself. She was pleasantly sleepy and was almost ready for bed. "I guess I'll call it a night Sir", she said with a sigh. "It's been a great day."
"That it has", there was a brief silence and she just looked at him, too sleepy and relaxed to get up. "Uh Carter, since we're both kind of on vacation this weekend, why don't you call me Jack. It'd be kind of nice not to hear 'Sir' or 'General' for a change." He looked hesitatingly at her, unsure how she'd react to his request. He'd been thinking about it all day, but had only now gotten up the courage to say anything.
She stared at him blankly and then pulled herself forward. He thought she wasn't going to answer but, finally she began to speak. "Okay – under one condition."
"All right", he answered, unsure what she was going to ask.
"No Carter – or Colonel. For the rest of the weekend I'm 'Sam'."
He grinned. "Fine, Sam it is." He stood up and walked the few steps to the couch and offered his hand. She took it and he pulled her up. The two of them walked in companionable silence up the stairs to their separate rooms. As Jack stood in his doorway he looked over and smiled again.
"Sweet dreams Sam", he said gently.
"You too Jack. Don't let the bed bugs bite."
If anything, the next day was better than the previous one. It was a beautiful warm, spring day and they wandered around the city. They stopped for pizza for lunch – which the children loved. Jack then got them all big huge bowls of frozen yogurt and fruit. The childrens' eyes practically popped out of their heads when they saw the treat.
"They're going to get sick Jack', Sam said when she saw the size of the servings.
"Nah, it's Sunday so they need a treat."
She shook her head at the General, knowing he was enjoying this as much, if not more, than the children.
After she'd gone to bed that night, she thought back to the weekend and knew that she couldn't remember when she'd enjoyed herself more. It had been a magical time – and she didn't want to think about it coming to an end.
It had to, however. Tomorrow the nanny was coming and Jack had to return to work. He'd explained things to the kids and they'd cried, begging Jack or Sam to stay.
"I'll stay for a while Sir, to help the transition", she'd offered. She figured she could catch a hop back to Colorado sometime later in the afternoon – although the thought was killing her.
Again, as she lay in bed, she thought about everything that had happened. She had grown to love the two children and knew she'd miss them. She thought about Jack and how happy he'd looked. He was such a natural with kids – they loved him and he loved them. She could imagine what it would be like to live in a family with these two little children – and to have children of her own with Jack."
She sat up in bed, her heart pounding and her head spinning. It had just hit her – she'd just figured it out. Never once, in all the months she'd dated Pete, had she ever thought about having children with him. She didn't once think about what their children would be like, or whether they'd have his brown, or her blue eyes. She hadn't even thought about wanting children. Oh, they'd talked about it – he wanted children – but as far as she was concerned, it was an academic conversation. Never had it touched her or made her yearnfor her own.
Now, however, she did yearn – but it was not for Pete Shanahan's children. No, all she could think of was what Jack's children would be like. She couldn't help the soft smile that appeared – she was pretty sure they'd be a handful – but they'd also be loving, funny and never boring – just like their father.
Finally she realized – finally she knew. She couldn't marry Pete. She couldn't do that to the man – he was too good, too kind to hurt like that. He needed someone who loved him totally – someone who wanted to have his children, who dreamed about what they'd be like. What he didn't need was a woman who was in love with someone else – who pined for another man in her life.
For the first time in months she felt a sense of peace. Oh, she also felt sadness, knowing that she was going to hurt a good man. But, above all she felt like she was finally doing the right thing. She'd go see Pete and call it off.
With a heavy sigh she reached over and turned the bedside light off and rolled onto her side. Looking out the window, into the moon filled night, she breathed slowly and calmly. Yes, this was right.
As her eyes closed, and her body relaxed, she thought one more time about Jack and his beautiful eyes. Yes, she'd like a child with those eyes.