Chapter 13
Laura spread the groceries on the counter and started the coffee. She enjoyed sharing a cup of tea with Jennifer but she needed coffee to get the day started. Finding the teakettle in the cupboard she filled it with water and set it warming on the back burner. The necessities started, she went about making breakfast hoping the smells would wake Jen. Once the bacon was cooking and the blueberry muffins baking she could hear footsteps on the stairs.
"Morning sunshine," Laura greeted, handing Jen a cup of hot water and the basket of teabags. Filling the table with plates of scrambled eggs and bacon, Laura added juice and a bowl of muffins before taking a seat across from her. "I see you didn't sleep well," she added nodding toward the piles of paperwork.
"Yeah … it was a rough night."
"Seems like your aunt was pretty organized … is there anything you need to take care of before we head home?" Laura asked.
"I'm not sure. Keeping the house is such a big responsibility. If I don't go back then I'd need the house or I could sell it and buy something smaller … not sure I'd be able to part with all the memories. But after my fiasco with Ronon maybe a fresh start would be good. What do you think?" she asked her friend, hoping for some good advice.
"I think it's too soon to make any big decisions … maybe you should go back to Atlantis and take the next year to figure things out."
"Can you promise me I won't run into Ronon and Amelia every time I turn around?" Jen asked sarcastically.
"You said he took good care of you on the last mission … what makes you think he's still with Amelia?" Laura asked confused.
"He did take care of me … was very protective and even a bit affectionate. He returned a couple of days before me but left some of his bedding. When I went to return it Amelia answered the door … said he was at the mess hall getting them something to eat," she explained sadly. "I really don't think I'm jumping to conclusions. After all, he could have come and explained when he found the things I'd returned but he didn't. I'm sure he hasn't given it a second thought."
"Doesn't sound like it …but he's not the only guy on Atlantis. Give yourself some time to think things through … what ever you decide I'm behind you one hundred percent."
Laura set Jennifer back in front of the paperwork while she cleaned the kitchen. After refreshing Jen's tea, she poured a fresh cup of coffee and sat down to help wade through all the legal papers Uncle Jared had complied. "From the looks of some of this information it seems rather obvious you'll be well taken care of no matter what you decide," Laura pointed out.
"The last thing I want to do is sit around and do nothing. I guess I need to find a good investment counselor …maybe Uncle Jared can take care of that." Jen mumbled.
"You should probably look through this pile of post-its," Laura urged.
"Then can we take a break … I'm having a hard time concentrating," she sighed.
"Come on … let's go for a walk," Laura suggested pulling her up from the table.
~OOO~
Ronon walked into the gate room with his pack over this shoulder sporting a determined look. He'd taken a shower and packed clean clothes while Sheppard got him permission to gate to Earth.
"Hey … you my escort?" Ronon asked Lorne as he came to a stop.
"Yep …I'll be your tour guide for this shindig. So where're we going, Sheppard never said," Lorne asked, watching John enter the room.
"Doc's dad died … I wanna be with her," he stated quietly.
"Hey … you boys ready?" the Colonel asked as he approached. "Sorry Lorne … I assumed Jennifer would have talked to you before she left," he added seeing the surprised look on the Major's face.
"I take it we're going to Wisconsin," Evan stated, watching the chevrons lock in.
"Check in with Walter when you get to the SGC and he'll coordinate your transportation with Major Marks," Sheppard instructed. "Stay out of trouble boys and make sure you bring Jennifer home with you on the Daedalus."
~OOO~
Jennifer led Laura to a nearby park a few blocks away and they spent time watching the children play…it was good to get some fresh air. She told Laura stories of growing up in the Midwest pointing out her favorite places in the neighborhood as they walked back to the house. Jen felt a lot more relaxed and knew it was time to make the trip to the cemetery and somehow reconcile the fact that her dad was gone and she'd never again feel his loving arms or see his infectious smile. This part of the journey would be the hardest part of coming home and she wasn't sure she was up to the challenge.
"I think I'm ready to walk to the cemetery and see my father's grave," Jennifer sighed, hoping she sounded braver than she felt.
"Would you like some company … it'll be dark soon," Laura offered.
"This is a safe town, I'm sure I'll be fine. I think I need to go alone this first time … maybe we can go together tomorrow." Jennifer suggested. "I'll help you with dinner as soon as I get back," she offered, hugging her best friend tightly.
~OOO~
Lorne pulled into the driveway and parked behind the other motor pool car. Before the Major could even get his door open Ronon was halfway up the walkway. Evan caught up just as they climbed the stairs to the front door.
Ronon felt anxious, uncertain as he reached out to ring the doorbell. He desperately wanted to help Jennifer … wanted to protect her from the grief she was feeling. If nothing else he wanted to be with her to help her through the sorrow. His biggest fear right now was that she might reject him.
Laura quickly dried her hands with a dishcloth on her way to the front door. Thinking she'd find Jennifer on the other side, her mouth dropped in surprise at the two most unlikely visitors she could imagine.
"Major? Ronon? What are you guys doing here?' Laura asked, once she'd recovered.
"Lieutenant … ," Evan started to explain before Ronon interrupted.
"Is Jennifer here?" he asked worriedly, "I need to see her."
"She just left for the cemetery a few minutes ago. Now … what are you guys doing here … not that I'm not glad to see you," she added quickly.
"I'm here as Ronon's escort. Where did you come from … not that I'm not glad to see you either," he chuckled.
"We docked just before Jennifer came through the gate … Landry had me meet her and then I got permission to accompany her home."
"Nice reunion," Ronon said sarcastically. "How do I find Jennifer," he asked again.
"Sorry Ronon … the cemetery is four blocks north to 24th street then turn right and go another two blocks."
"I don't need an escort for this," Ronon said smirking at Lorne.
"Why don't you stay and help me make dinner … Sir?" Laura asked, standing at attention.
"Hmmm … quality time ordering you around the kitchen … I like that idea," he grinned moving further into her personal space.
"Ronon … it'll be dark soon," Laura worried watching the Satedan start down the walkway.
"I'll take care of her," he assured her.
Jennifer stopped at the florist stand near the entrance to the cemetery. In the past she'd always hated seeing the little stand feeling the owners were taking advantage of grieving friends and family. Now she was grateful for their presence as she bought a bouquet of wildflowers, her dad's favorites, and a large bunch of daisies. She walked away from the stand with a totally different opinion of the owners.
Ronon pulled again at the collar of his shirt trying to ease the stiffness he felt around his neck and through his shoulders. He hated the feel of Earth clothes and couldn't understand the design. After turning onto 24th street he noticed his surroundings change… quieter streets, less pedestrian traffic, deeper shadows. The warrior quickened his pace. He could see the large field of memorial markers in the distance but had yet to catch a glimpse of Jennifer.
Caleb was in the back room shutting down computers and straightening the break room as he locked up for the night. The groundskeepers had just left for the day and he was fairly sure all the visitors were long gone. He was surprised to hear the front door chimes ring and hurried to the front desk.
"Hello Caleb," Jennifer smiled.
"Jenny Keller?" he called, surprised.
"It's good to see you … how've you been," she asked.
"Jen, I've been a bit worried about you … I knew you'd be here if you knew about your dad," he stated concerned.
"I just found out," she quietly replied doing her best not to cry. "I was out of the country and it's really difficult to receive any kind of communication where I work … well, except delayed emails," she smirked. "I don't think there's any place in the universe you can go where there isn't email."
"Isn't that the truth," Caleb chuckled. "I heard you were in the Military … but then I also heard you were in the CIA, British Intelligence and meditating high in the Himalayans. You know how small town gossip can be," he smiled. "Exactly where have you been?"
"I know this sounds sinister but what I do is classified. I can tell you I'm a doctor and I work with a group of people from many different countries including a military contingent."
"Sorta like that doctors without borders group?"
"Sorta," she smiled. "So … how have you been?"
"Oh … you know … graduated from UMM with a degree in engineering but missed my small town roots. Sort of at a crossroads right now trying to figure out what to do with my life."
"I'm kind of doing the same thing myself," she confessed. "Caleb, I know you're about to close for the day but would it be okay if I spend a little time at my father's grave … I walked so I don't have a vehicle to worry about."
"Not a problem … say, would you like to get a cup of coffee afterwards … I don't mind waiting?" he asked hopefully.
"Maybe another time … I have a friend waiting back at the house and it's been a long couple of days."
"Take your time … I'll be here for a bit longer if you need me … still need to drive the grounds and make sure everyone's out."
Ronon watched from the shadows as Caleb walked Jennifer outside giving her a quick hug before they both went their separate ways. He figured this stranger was someone she knew but still didn't like someone touching his woman, which is how he'd begun to think of her.
Standing in the growing darkness he didn't like the feeling of spying on her but didn't want to barge in until she'd spent time with her dad so he followed at a discrete distance. Not that she would've noticed if he'd been walking right behind her. Jen had a habit of totally concentrating on the task at hand oblivious of anything going on around her … something he planned on changing when they got home.
Ronon took up his vigil in a stand of trees behind the graves close to the road. He watched her kneel and brush off the dirt and leaves from one marker before placing the flowers around the headstone. He could see she was visibly shaken and wanted to go to her and wrap her in his arms. Watching her rise to her feet he started to leave his hiding place only to see her move a few feet to her right and kneel once again causing the Satedan to move back into the shadows.
Caleb watched from a distance making sure Jennifer was okay. He'd had a major crush on her in his early high school years, before she graduated and headed off to college. He cared about her and wanted to be sure she was doing okay before he left for the night. Seeing a man come out of the shadows toward Jenny brought him out of his truck but then the stranger returned to his hiding place confusing the attendant. He couldn't decide if the man posed a threat so he stood next to his truck around the bend keeping guard with one hand on his cell phone should he need to call in the cavalry.
Ronon took note that he was being watched but didn't see it as a threat … in fact he was relieved to know her friend was looking out for her and standing guard. He could tell by the anguish Jennifer displayed that she must be kneeling by her father's grave. At first her tears were quiet but she'd moved into uncontrolled sobs and he didn't know how long he could keep hidden … she was breaking his heart.
Jennifer felt spent as she wiped her tears with the sleeves of her shirt. She was overwhelmed with the grief of losing her father. Kneeling at the grave markers she felt the full force of being alone in the world. Maybe she should have brought Laura with her, she thought.
This would be the last time she would visit the cemetery … it was too hard for her to keep them alive in her heart when she was presented with the tangible evidence that they had passed. She was cold … she was weary … she was consumed with sadness; it was time to go home.
Ronon watched her stand up. He'd waited as long as he could … slowly moving from his hiding place he covered half the distance between them and stopped … waiting.
Caleb watched the man move from the shadows surprised at how large he was. Opening his cell phone he started punching in the numbers but then stopped when the man dressed in black stopped and Caleb waited before hitting the send button to see what would happen.
Jennifer said her final goodbye to her father and turned toward the road. Taking several steps she looked up to see Ronon standing just a few feet away and gasped in surprise.
"Ronon … what are you doing here?" she asked startled.
"Didn't want you to be alone," he explained awkwardly. There was so much more he wanted to tell her … wanted to ask her … but knew this wasn't the time.
Jennifer walked the remaining steps stopping in front of the Satedan looking up into his eyes, "Thank you," she whispered before surrendering to his care.
Ronon held her while she cried pulling her in closer. From the corner of his eye he watched the stranger put his phone away and silently slip back into his truck. If he ever got the chance he wanted to thank him for watching out for her.
"I'm sorry, I don't know where all the tears are coming from," she mumbled, knowing she was soaking his shirt.
"I'm sorry about your dad … I know you were close."
"He'd have liked you … especially the over protectiveness," she quietly laughed.
"Time to go home," he directed, pulling her in close to kiss the top of her head as they headed toward the road.
Jennifer rested in his embrace snuggled up against his side as they wandered home hoping Amelia would understand.
~OOO~
"Bout time you two got home," Laura chided, as her friends walked into the kitchen. "Dinner's almost ready."
"Thanks Laura … if you don't mind, I'll go clean up real quick."
"So… is she okay?" the Lieutenant asked, slapping Ronon's hand as he picked at the food cooking on the stove.
"I think she's cried out … just needs a couple of days rest."
"Laura and I were thinking of heading back to the SGC … had a few things we wanted to do before catching the Daedalus home. Will you guys be okay alone?" Evan asked.
"We'll be fine."
"I should warn you Ronon, she's been talking about staying on Earth," Laura confided.
"I'm bringing her home," he said adamantly, "save us a room on the Daedalus."
Evan slipped Laura a questioning look wondering what was going on with the big guy … was this about something more than friendship, Evan wondered.
After dinner the couples cleaned the kitchen and then settled in the living room in front of the fire with a good movie. The girls let the guys pick the film and agreed to a "Back to the Future" marathon since Ronon had never seen the movies. Jennifer didn't even pretend to watch the film but snuggled up next to Ronon and quickly fell asleep.
They only made it through one movie having to stop constantly to explain things to Ronon. Everyone agreed to watch the sequels on the return trip to the Pegasus.
"Ronon, I'll grab blankets and a pillow from the linen closet for you … is the couch okay?" Laura asked, knowing Evan would take the room next to her.
"I'll sleep with Jennifer," he announced scooping her up and heading for the stairs.
"What is that about?" Laura asked once the Satedan had left the room. "I thought he and Amelia were still an item?
"I'm confused too … I know they slept together when they were on Reila …" Evan started to explain causing a shocked look from Laura that sent her eyebrows into her hairline. "Not like that! He was very overprotective on that mission and kept her close … it was a hard mission, Laura … she lost a lot of patients," he quietly explained. "Maybe he needs to have her close while she's in so much pain."
"If you get a chance ask him about it tomorrow … Jennifer thinks he and Amelia are still dating."
"Yes, ma'am," he teased, nuzzling her neck, "lets lock up for the night and I'll show you how protective I can be."
~OOO~
Jennifer stood on the porch giving Laura an extra long hug. She still didn't know what she was going to do and needed her friend's approval, "Will you come see me if I don't go back to Atlantis?"
"Every time we dock," she assured, hugging her tighter. "I don't want to think about that so I'm just gonna say see you on the Daedalus," she sighed softly. "Love you Jen."
"Come here Shortie," Evan called, dragging her in for a big bear hug. "Let me know if he gets out of line," he teased, giving Ronon a scowling nod. "I officially turn my escort duties over to you," he bowed playfully. "Love you Jen," he whispered kissing her on the cheek.
"Love you back," she returned, choking on the tears. Stepping back into Ronon's chest she welcomed the warmth of his arms as she watched her best friends drive out of sight knowing it might be the last time she sees them for a long time.
For the rest of the day Jennifer worked on all the paperwork and called her uncle. She still felt conflicted over what to do about the house … about her life … about her love for Ronon. Every time she had things figured out about the man he'd step up and do something to change her mind. Time was running out and she needed to make some decisions.
Ronon knew he had to talk to Jennifer … let her know how he felt … what he'd planned. He had to convince her to come home with him of her own free will but one way or another he was taking her home.
He was never good with words and didn't want to make it worse. Late in the afternoon he went for a run mulling over all the life changing decisions he'd made in the past few days… decisions that would change both of their lives forever.