Chapter 13

The next morning about 9:30, Katie was sitting at the table eating her fruit loops and drinking a cappuccino when Jack came stumbling into the kitchen. He yawned, stretched, sat down at the table and stared at Katie.

-What are you doing here?

-Um…I live here.

-I know that. I mean what are you doing up so early?

-Early? It's 9:30.

-9:30!!!

Jack jumped up from the table and ran into the other room. A moment later he ran back.

-It's 9:30.

-Yah, that's what I said. What, you didn't believe me so you had to go check the clock?

He shrugged and sat back down.

-I can't believe I slept so late.

-Yah well, you better hurry up and have breakfast so we can get to the airport.

She shoved the cereal box his way. He picked it up, started to pour it into a bowl, then suddenly realized what kind of cereal it was. Jack got up slowly and backed away from the table until he bumped into the fridge.

-What is that doing in my house?!?!

-The fruit loops? I got them at the grocery store yesterday.

-And you did this why?

-Because I love fruit loops.

-You love fruit loops…

-Yah. Unlike you, I didn't have to eat them everyday for 3 months.

-Point. Look…Katie…I'm really glad you're here. My life the last 3 years has gotten kind of monotonous and…

Katie interrupted him.

-Yah, I can see how leading SG-1 could get monotonous. I mean it's not like you do anything exciting. You hardly do anything at all.

He glared at her.

-Ok, maybe monotonous isn't the right word. How about routine? We go to a planet, kick some Goa'uld butt, free the people and come home. And when I came home (which isn't often) it was to an empty house with not even a dog to welcome me. Now I've got you.

-Aw, dad. There you go getting all sweet and sensitive again.

-D'oh. I've got to watch that huh?

-Yup. So, you ready to go?

-Huh?

-The airport? Our fishing trip?

-Oh…oh that. Yah. Just uh…let me change.

-What, you don't want to go fishing in flannel pants?

-Um, let me think a second…no.

He got up and walked down the hall. Two minutes later he walked back wearing cut off jean shorts, a yellow Simpsons t-shirt and a camouflage floppy hat. Katie stared at him and sighed.

-You're wearing a floppy hat.

-So?

-Floppy hats make me think of Daniel.

-Oh…you ready to go?

-Yup. Can I drive?

-Um…no.

-Hey, it was worth a shot.

Katie put on her backpack and started to walk out the door. She stopped and looked back over her shoulder.

-You coming?

Jack nodded and picked up his duffel.

-Yah.

They walked out the door.