Chapter four
"There's still time, Sam." Pete said, certain his final words would help her come to her decision.
And it did, although not in the way he'd hoped. There was still time. There was still time for Jack to make his move, so she couldn't give up on him.
"I can't marry you, I'm sorry." She said pulling her hand out of his.
He felt the rage boiling up inside of him, acting before he'd fully thought things through as his hand flew across her face knocking her backwards and making her stumble to the floor.
"Fucking Jack O'Neill. I wasn't born yesterday Sam I just can't believe you'd wait for him after so long. Do you know how desperate that looks?!"
Usually quick to fight back, instead she shifted herself backwards on the floor away from Pete.
Jack wanted so badly to fly at him.
"Well how about I pay a little visit to your superiors hey? Tell them about your sordid affair? See how you both like getting court marshalled?"
"We're not having an affair-"
Pete grabbed her wrists pulling her to her feet and walking her back towards the wall.
"Then you will, marry me."
"Please don't Pete… you're hurting me,"
He slammed her back hard against the wall making her cry out in pain suddenly.
"Remove your hands from Samantha Carter, or I shall have to remove them for you." Teal'cs even toned threat came as a welcome surprise to both Sam, and Jack. Pete let go of her, turning around to face Teal'c and Daniel.
"I'm going anyway. I have some superiors to talk to."
"I should warn you that would be most unwise. Unless you wish us to report your physically abusive behaviour towards-"
"How long have you been here?" Pete cut in.
"Long enough," Daniel replied for them both, still shocked at Pete's behaviour.
Realising he didn't actually have any proof of a relationship between Sam and Jack, and also realising he was putting his own job at risk, he backed down.
"I'm going." He snapped, looking back at Sam one last time. "I can't stand to be anywhere near you anymore."
As he left, Daniel moved closer to Sam, reaching towards her.
"Sam, are you okay?" he asked worriedly.
She nodded.
"I'm fine."
"I'm sorry," Daniel offered.
"Don't be." She replied forlornly, sliding down the wall to the floor and just sitting there for a moment.
"Can we assist you in any way Samantha Carter?"
"No," she shook her head, "no I'm okay I just- I'd like to be alone. Get out of this godforsaken dress." She paused. "You- you could break the news to everyone. I don't think I can face anyone at the moment."
"As you wish." Teal'c replied, gesturing for Daniel to follow.
As they got in the car outside, they both wondered the same thing.
"Do you think she called off the wedding because of Jack? Do you think he finally said something to her?"
"Indeed." Teal'c replied.
"Do you think she'll still appreciate the cake?"
Teal'c raised one eyebrow.
"I believe the consumption of cake will ease her distress. O'Neill always says cake eases all pains."
Daniel grinned.