THE TENDER TRAP

CHAPTER 10

The tight v-necked waistcoat nipped in her waist and pushed her breasts firmly against the cream leather. Camista was acutely aware, and felt slightly uncomfortable about displaying more cleavage than usual, but as Teyla had lent her the garment she felt it inhospitable to refuse. Besides, it made her feel good. It showed she had almost got her figure back, and in any case the warm creamy shade was the same background colour behind the pretty fall colors on the long straight skirt.

They were borrowed clothes, in her borrowed life. Camista knew she would need to start making decisions about her future one day soon, but she was comfortable living with Teyla, and the kind hearted Athosian wasn't putting any pressure on her to leave. At first she found it hard to understand why Teyla had chosen to live with a man, especially one such as Kanaan.

He was pleasant enough, kindly even, but to her mind he was a poor match for her friend. Teyla was a strong woman, with an even stronger spirit. She could easily have brought up her child alone but for some reason Camista couldn't fathom, she'd chosen to live with the soft-spoken father of her child. If she'd picked John Sheppard as her partner, that was a match she could understand.

But their relationship was strange. While the interaction between John and Teyla was close, it wasn't the same as the one she witnessed between Teyla and Kanaan. Despite the disparity of their dispositions, it was clear they cared for each other on a more intimate level. In turn they also both shared responsibility for the care of their child. That was something Camista envied. She loved her son dearly, but the little boy often cried through most of the night. Tiredness was her constant companion, and there were many times she would have welcomed someone to share the burden.

The buzzer went on the door. With neither of the permanent residents nearby, Camista wasn't sure what she should do.

"Would you get that please, Camista?" Teyla popped her head around the door. Her hair was sopping wet, hanging in long soggy strands sticking to her face. Her blouse and shirt, drenched. "My delightful son decided it was a good idea to soak his mother during bath time. Once I get him into bed…I will have to change."

Despite being in Atlantis for over a month, Camista still felt uneasy at meeting strangers – especially men. Nervously, she rubbed her hands on her skirt then chastised herself. She was a warrior, more than capable of dealing with any male. Surely having a child hadn't made her weak? Without further hesitation, she opened the door to reveal John accompanied by Doctor McKay.

"About time." Rodney grumbled, as he moved past ambling into the room. He was holding the slim box which seemed permanently attached to his arm, and not for the first time she wondered why it was so important. He went over to the brightly patterned couch and slumped into its deep cushions, still mumbling. "It's bad enough I have to babysit three Johns, but I was getting a draft out there." He pressed the radio in his ear. "Radek…I'm dying of pneumonia. Have your guys been messing with the climate controls again?"

"I don't need babysitting – he's the one who wanted to tag along." John bent down and whispered in her ear. "Be nice to him. He's just heard the woman he likes is dating someone else."

Rodney's face twisted as he went scarlet. "I heard that…and it's not true. Doctor Kozlov is just a friend…"

John winked at her. "What happened to Nicky? Friends usually call themselves by their first names, Rodney."

"So they do…Sheppard…Anyway, someone has to make sure you don't drop the baby. Not that I'll be doing any of the actual holding…I don't know why but kids don't seem to like me. But how you thought you were going to cope with both a baby and a toddler one handed…" Then Rodney lightly slapped his palm against his forehead, and rolled his eyes. "Of course, how could I be so stupid? You're the great John Sheppard. You can do anything!"

John ignored the jibe as he looked around. "Where is my namesake anyway?"

"Which one?" Rodney snarked under his breath.

Camista smiled as she walked over to the darkened corner of the room. "He's here. It took me forever to get him settled down, but hopefully he should sleep for a while now." At the thought of leaving her child, she started to feel anxious. "If he causes you any trouble, please…just send for me and I will come at once. In fact, perhaps I should stay. Rodney is correct. It is not fair to expect you to care for him in your condition."

She watched John's expression soften as he peered into the simple wooden crib that had once held Torren. What she didn't know was it had been John who'd made it as a gift for Teyla.

"I'm perfectly capable, anyway, I have my sidekick here." He nodded towards Rodney who was already engrossed, watching something on the screen. "Relax, Camista, the little guy will be fine…besides, you haven't had much fun since you came here." John bent down to ruffle the small head, but stopped, quickly moving back. "I don't want to wake him, but you know what? I've never seen a baby with bright red hair." He winced as he straightened up. As he went to join his friend on the couch, the scientist propped two cushions on top of one another. "See…" John gave Camista a lopsided grin, "he cares for me after all."

Rodney gave him a sour look. "Yeah, right…I just don't want to be stuck hauling you off the couch when you can't get back up. You're not as light as you look." When John gingerly sat down, the scientist put a slimmer cushion on his lap to support his wounded arm, then handed him a soft, red rubber ball. "Here, Carson suggested you spend this time doing your exercises."

John sighed, then easing his arm out the sling put the small ball in his hand and started squeezing it. Camista watched, puzzled. "This helps build up the strength in my muscles. It's simple but effective…it also hurts." He explained, grimacing slightly.

"You look lovely, Camista." Teyla appeared in the room, her eyes shining with approval. The older woman was dressed in a simple caramel shift dress which clung to her curves. She looked a picture of serenity. So different from the person she's seen just a few minutes ago.

Camista blushed. "Thank you, but are you sure I should come tonight? I feel it is not my place to intrude on your people's celebration…I would be more than happy to stay and look after Torren for you."

"Of course you are coming with me. So far you have only seen my home at its worst. It was raining when we visited last week, and in bad weather nothing looks its best. Tonight you will see how beautiful it is. During the festival of lights, it is especially lovely. To celebrate the coming of the winter solstice, candles are laid out around the perimeter, and the tents are covered with garlands of bright yellow flowers." Teyla faced her and took her hand. "I would like you to get to know my people, Camista…and I know they want to learn more about you." The Athosian turned to her team mates. "John…Rodney, thank you for coming, but where is Ronon? I thought he wanted to see the movie too?"

"He's got a date…didn't say with who." John mumbled, distracted by the opening credits of the film.

Teyla nodded. "Very well. I have left refreshments in the kitchen, and if Torren wakes please do not encourage him to stay up…John."

The man in question glanced up, feigning innocence. "Me? I'm hurt…Go on, you girls have a good time. The kids will be fine. From what Kanaan told Lorne, the party was already in full swing."

"Why did Kanaan go on ahead?"

"You are not the only guest tonight, Camista. As my representative he went ahead to welcome the others." Teyla explained in an off hand fashion as she picked up her shawl. "Now come, we must hurry. I'm afraid Torren has made us a little late."

"Teyla…"

Teyla let out a small sigh. "Yes, Camista, what is it?"

"What is a date?"

ooooOoooo

The young pilot manning the craft blushed when they entered. He didn't say anything, but when Camista glanced into the view finder their eyes briefly met before he quickly turned away.

Teyla tried and failed to suppress a smile. "I think Lieutenant Madison likes you." She said quietly.

"Me…but why?" Camista asked.

"You are a beautiful young woman, Camista," Teyla told her, and searched her face wondering if it was false modesty. All she saw was genuine surprise. "I find it hard to believe no one has ever told you that before? What about your mother? Did she never tell you how pretty you are?"

Camista flushed, shrugging, as she began twisting one of the stray curls that fell around her heart-shaped face. "We never talked of such things. As her next in line certain things were expected of me, but apart from the importance of keeping healthy and strong, our people never talked about how we looked."

Her lack of guile and the wisdom of her words made Teyla guilty for doubting Camista's modesty. In hindsight she supposed living in a female community with no one to impress but your peers, looks would not be a priority. In her experience most women only started to take extra care about their appearance when they had an incentive, the motivation usually being to gain the attention of the opposite sex. Up until Camista had met John, she'd considered all men to be a threat. Now, living in a mixed society it was clear that some education was required if her young friend was to fit in.

Teyla motioned Camista to come with her into the back of the jumper where they could have some privacy. Once completely sure their conversation couldn't be heard, she wondered how she would begin.

"I hope you know that you and the little one are more than welcome to stay with us for as long as you wish, but you are now living in a community with both men, and women, and…I sense a certain reluctance from you in cultivating relationships." Camista said nothing, but her eyes widened with apprehension before looking away.

"It is only natural that one day you will wish to have a home of your own and, when that time comes, you must be prepared." The young woman was now staring at her, looking confused. Teyla felt very uncomfortable. This was going to be harder than she'd thought. "Let me put it this way. As I said before you are very pretty, and men like pretty girls. In our village if a man wishes to begin courting a woman, he will engage her in conversation. If the woman likes him she will answer, and perhaps offer a smile. After that the man may extend an invitation to go out with him. Now, Camista…that does not mean you have to accept every offer made to you, but…if you are interested in getting to know a man better, then it is perfectly proper to acceptable the invitation."

"Is that the same as a date?"

Teyla smiled. "Yes…the Atlantians called it dating."

Camista looked puzzled. "So, if I were to accept such an offer, what is it you do on a date?"

Her heart sank. This conversation was starting to get too deep for the current time and place. She was already feeling guilty about the deception John and Mr Woolsey had talked her into, and was relieved when Lt Madison informed them they were coming in to land. "I am sorry, Camista, but we will need to postpone the rest of this discussion for another time."

When the hatch opened a soft breeze blew into the jumper making her shiver. It was still summer, but the long balmy days were already giving way to the cooler, shorter nights leading to the fall. The pale, blue sunny skies of earlier were gone, and the rosy glow of the fading sunset was deepening. In less than an hour the only light would be from the large camp fire at the heart of the village, and the candles strewn around the perimeter. She loved Atlantis. The beautiful city was her home. This however was her village, her people, and no matter where life took her in the future, this place would always remain a part of her soul.

There was a smile playing on the young woman's lips as she breathed in the sweet, pure air, and took in the abundant wild flowers that defiantly pushed through the hedgerows and trailed along the forest floor. Teyla could guess what she was thinking. It reminded her of home. That was the only reason she agreed to this. If John was right, this plan might eventually enable Camista to return to her planet.

Music and laughter drifted towards them as they entered the village. It was now, or never. She pushed back her unease, trying to convince herself she was doing the right thing.

"Camista, before we go any further…there is something you should know."

The young girl didn't seem to be listening. She was distracted, her attention fixed on something else. "What are they doing here?"

Teyla followed her gaze and looked into the throng of people. Her mouth went dry. Camista had seen the Semalaen delegation before she had been able to explain. She looked furious. Worse, beyond the blazing fury in the bright blue eyes, she saw hurt.

"Why? How could you do such a thing? I trusted you, Teyla, and…you tricked me!"

As Camista pushed past her to storm away, Teyla gripped her arm. She felt guilty for her part of the deception but it was too late for regrets, and she needed to make her listen.

If after her explanation Camista still wanted no part of the plan, then so be it. At least they had tried. She hoped it wouldn't be at the expense of their friendship. Camista had become the younger sister she had always wanted, but never had.

Camista threw off her arm in disgust. "All right, Teyla, tell me. Tell me why I should listen to the woman who has lied to me. Tell me why I should stay and breathe the same air as those…"

Teyla cut her off before Camista said something she would later regret. "I have never lied to you, Camista, I simply did not tell you they would be here. For that I apologize, but judging from your reaction…can you blame me? Look, I know it was not your intention but whether you accept it or not, your decision to keep you son has unearthed an uneasy truth. If the way of life does not change on your planet soon…both tribes will eventually become extinct. Daalen has accepted this to be true, and has already had meetings with John and Mr Woolsey. Your mother however, has so far refused to accept an invitation to participate."

Camista huffed. "That's no surprise. She is committed to our way of life. I doubt she will ever agree to joining a meeting where there are men present." The flush of anger was still on her cheeks, but Camista made no move to walk away. "So, what is this…plan?"

"John has suggested there is a sanctuary built on the planet. Somewhere were people from both tribes can meet without fear of retribution. It would be a place mothers could get to know the sons they had been forced to give up. Fathers in turn, would be able to meet their daughters. And…if it succeeds and opens up the minds and hearts of the people in Raedelous, perhaps one day you would be able to go home. Return with your child to the land of your birth."

"Oh…"

Teyla suppressed a smile. She could tell Camista was mulling over this revelation so continued to strike while the iron was hot. "Daalen wanted to see how men and women in other societies interacted. For security reasons Atlantis was not deemed suitable, so John asked if I would approach my people to see how they felt about being observed. As you can see, they are happy to receive all who come in peace and friendship."

Camista was still staring at the group, but the anger had been replaced with curiosity. One of the younger men of the party suddenly noticed they were there. He gazed at Camista for a moment then smiled. Strangely, Camista didn't ignore him as she would have expected. The young woman didn't return his smile, but instead nodded acknowledging his presence before looking away.

"When I decided to keep my son, I never considered any of this. I just followed the feelings in my heart." Camista said wistfully. "What can I do to help?"

Relief washed over her. Now was the time to press the issue further. "I know how uncomfortable this must feel, but I think now is the time to properly meet your father." Camista frowned, and her face clouded over but Teyla continued before she could interrupt. "Think about it, Camista. If you cannot bear to be in the same space as him…what chance is there for this plan to succeed?"

For a moment Teyla was starting to think it was all over when the young woman finally broke her silence. "Fine…Let no one say I do not have the courage to finish what I have started."

As Camista moved purposefully away to join the group, Teyla caught Kanaan smiling at her. The simple gesture gave her hope. They had done their part. Now all they could do was wait and see.

ooooOoooo

TBC

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