Chapter 37
John drove his dad to his PT the next morning as he also had an appointment for his final evaluation. John couldnt believe how fast the week of his own PT had gone, but he felt fit, his reflexes fast and accurate and he had regained the weight he had lost with good ole home cooking and daily protein shake supplements Doc Frasier had insisted he take.
Gerry got his dad started on his routine, then ran John through the evaluation. John felt he was 100 per cent again, so he wasnt surprised when Gerry confirmed his physical status as excellent.
"John, I wish all my patients were like you...you went the extra mile every session and kept active while at home, which really helped too."
"Yeah, well, I wasnt too bad off when I came here. I appreciate the intense program you put me on here. Now I can enjoy the rest of the time home without worrying about my status."
Gerry nodded. "This is your vacation, right? Are you going to do any traveling while you're here?"
"I'd like to, but honestly we've been spending the time getting reacquainted with my family." John looked over at his dad. "Its been awhile since I've been home and I didnt leave on the best of terms. Starting to feel like I am part of the family again and it feels good."
"You said "we"? I know Lindsay, but is that pretty lady in the car with her your wife?
"Yeah, I mean no...Teyla is my...girlfriend.' John liked the way that sounded and rolled it over his tongue silently a few more times. He didnt realize he was sporting a huge smile as he thought about Teyla.
Gerry laughed. "If you dont mind me saying...from the look on your face, she's more than just a girlfriend."
"Yeah, I, ah...was hoping to spend some alone time with her, but I dont think that will happen because I think its too late to book any trips." John had a defeated look on his face. "We only have a week and a half left."
"Hey, John...maybe I can help. I have a ski chalet up in the mountains, just over three hours from here. Unfortunately I can't use it this weekend, so how about you guys use it-for a weekend getaway-just the two of you?"
John was shocked that Gerry had made such an offer. "I, ah, couldnt impose like that, Gerry. Thanks for the offer though."
Gerry shook his head. "I won't take no for an answer. Please, its going to sit empty regardless. And they just had a foot of snow up there, so the skiing should be perfect. It would be ashame for you not to take advantage. You do ski, don't you-or does that even matter!" Gerry wiggled his eyebrows. John laughed.
" Everything you need is there, except food supplies. There's a grocery store nearby for that. So...I'll give your directions and I have the keys in my car, so I can give them to you now. Its a great little place, nothing too fancy...but there's a hot tub on the deck looking out over the slopes, so take your suits too."
John was grateful, he could at least get away with just Teyla for a few days. "Gerry, I don't know what to say...Thanks so much! It sounds awesome...I havent been skiing in over five years...and I'll need to teach Teyla..."
"Teaching can be great fun. Plus, skiing is a good form of exercise." Gerry winked. John shook his head and laughed at the discreet suggestion."
"Do you moonlight as a couples therapy counselor?" John laughed.
"Let's just say, I know from experience." Gerry smiled. They shook hands and Gerry pat John on the back. "Have a great time! Come on, I need to fill out your evaluation and give you a copy for your doctor back on base."
John followed him to his office and while he waited, Patrick made his way over also, without any aid. John saw him approaching the office and was surprised to see his dad walking on his own. He had seen his dad take a few steps without the walker at home, but he never went too far. He was happy to see how strong and steady he was.
"Look John! No hands!" Patrick smiled widely as he raised his hands up.
"That's great, Dad! You've made amazing progress even since I have been home." John was really pleased. "So, are you up to joining David and me for our morning run?"
Gerry laughed. "Well, that may have to wait...but Mr Sheppard, I do want you to start doing a few laps in your pool at home and there are a few other aquatic exercises that will help strengthen your arms and legs, plus your back and stomach muscles too.
You Sheppard men are a hardy bunch...you both have done really well. Another week of PT here and I think you will be ready to follow up in a regular gym, Mr Sheppard."
Both John and his dad were thrilled by that news. "How about we call David and see if he can meet us for lunch so we can celebrate? The girls took the kids to some kind of bicycle safety thing at the school, so there's no rush to get back home." His dad thought that was a great idea, so John finished up with Gerry and thanked him again for everything, while his dad called David. Gerry gave John the map and the keys to the chalet and John thanked him once again.
Curious, Patrick asked him what the keys were for. John was hesitant, he wasnt sure his father would be happy that he and Teyla would be going away for the weekend.
"Ah, Gerry offered me his ski chalet for the weekend, so I thought maybe Teyla and I could spend the weekend up there." John waited for the fireworks.
"Wow, that was really nice of Gerry." Patrick seemed genuinely interested. "How far away is it?"
"He said it was two hours from here. Would you mind Dad, if Teyla and I went away for a few days?" John asked tentatively.
"I think thats an excellent idea! You and Teyla havent been alone at all. You know John... you need to be a bit more romantic, if you want to keep your lady happy!"
John was shocked. He expected his father to balk at the suggestion, wanting to keep John close at home since things were going so well.
"You still havent answered my question from last night. Tell me about you and Teyla. I mean I don't want to pry, but I see how you look at her, and her at you and I can see how much you care for one another. So...?"
John felt a little awkward talking to his father about his girlfriend...hmmm, man-he liked those words. 'His girlfriend'...sounded kind of high schoolish though, because Teyla meant so much more.
"Teyla is amazing, from the moment I met her, three years ago...I was blown away by her. She has the strength to lead her people and at the same time retain an amazing softness. She can be quite a force to reckon with, yet she is the voice of reason. She's really got a knack for reading people, which makes her an excellent negotiator. When her village was destroyed, Teyla and her people came to live on base. Teyla joined my recon team and we've been best friends ever since. I knew I felt more for her, but my position as military commander of the base made it impossible to take it any further, so I resigned myself to just being friends."
Patrick was intrigued. "What happened that made you act on your feelings?"
John smiled "My, ah...accident. Long story, confidential...sorry. I guess it gave me the courage to act on my feelings. It was getting really hard to reign in my feelings anyway.
Teyla was at my bedside everday. I had alot of time to think about alot of stuff...On impulse one day, I kissed her. I hadnt thought about what I would do if she turned tail and ran. Luckily, it seems she had been keeping a secret of her own. We both had been hiding our true feelings for one another...well, at least we both thought we were! Apparently practically everyone on base could see what we felt for one another-there was even a betting pool to see how long it would take for us to realize how we felt." John chuckled. Patrick smiled when he realized how clueless his son had been while those around him could see so clearly what he had tried to hide.
Neither man wanted to acknowledge how each of there illnesses had aided each one of them into dealing with feelings both had chosen to hide. John wondered if he'd be sitting here right now, telling his father such private thoughts had it not been for Pacil's insistence to face his demons which ultimately released his emotions. He figured he kind of owed "Pacil"...but he still was glad Ronon had destroyed the program with his super powered gun.
TBC So John and Teyla are finally going to get alone time. Hope you enjoyed this chapter...let me know your thoughts! Thanks!