Chapter 16 – Adventures in Babysitting

The doorbell ran promptly at 0730 the next morning. Jack opened the door to find an annoyed looking teenager waiting on his doorstep.

She brushed past him into the room, speaking as she went, "I don't know why you have to leave at such a God-awful early time. Some people like to sleep in on their last few days of summer break you know."

"It's nice to see you too Cassie," he retorted, an indulgent smile on his face.

Cassie turned to him, a look of chagrin crossing her face. "Sorry Jack. I'm really glad to help out. It's just so early!" Cassie looked around the room. "So where is Sam? I can't wait to see what she looks like!"

Jack walked over to the teenager. "About that, Cassie. I'd suggest you don't overreact when you see Sam. She was pretty unsure about you coming to stay with her. Just remember, she's the same old Sam, she just doesn't look so old anymore." They sat on the couch as Jack continued. "Sam will be down in a minute. Listen, what I need you to do is going to be kind of tough. You have to watch out for her but not act like you're watching out for her; you get my drift?"

"Yeah, sure Jack. We'll be pals like usual but this time, I'll make sure she doesn't get into any trouble, instead of the other way around!"

Jack shook his head in dismay. Maybe this wasn't such a great idea! "Please don't say things like that! It just makes my imagination go all crazy. And I'm not too sure about this plan of yours to take Carter to the mall. You could get separated there, she could get kidnapped, you could..."

Cassie punched him lightly on the shoulder. "Don't be such a worry wart Jack. We'll be fine."

Sam chose that moment to enter the living room. Cassie took one look at her and squealed in delight, rushing over to Sam's side immediately. "Oh my God Sam, you are just too cute!" She bent down and enfolded her friend in a hug.

Sam looked over Cassie's shoulder to a grinning Jack, who had just gotten off the couch. Sam had an almost irresistible urge to stick her tongue out at him, but she refrained and gave him a deep scowl instead. From Jack's vantage point, it looked more like a pout, which made him smile all the more.

"So much for not overreacting Cassie," he said good-naturedly.

Cassie pulled back and looked more closely at Sam. "I'm sorry Sam. Even though Mom told me what to expect, you really are adorable. Are you feeling any different? Is the old guy here getting on your nerves?"

This time it was Jack's turn to scowl while Sam smiled. "I feel fine Cassie, just smaller. The world looks a lot different when you're less than four feet tall. As for the Colonel," she smiled at him, "he's not been too bad. A bit overprotective, but you know how he can get."

"Do I ever!"

"All right you two, that's enough. Talk about me when I'm gone, not while I'm standing in the room with you." Jack walked over to the end table to grab his keys and wallet. "I need to head out now. Have to be on base in 30 minutes for our brief pre-mission meeting." He took out several bills and handed them to Cassie. "Here you go Cassie. Treat yourselves to lunch and whatever else you girls do at the Mall."

Cassie gratefully took the money, putting it into the small purse she still had over her shoulder. "Oh, we won't have any trouble spending it, believe me!"

Sam smiled, then asked wonderingly, "Whose car did you drive over here Cassie?"

Cassie turned to her. "Yours actually. I went back to the base with mom last night and we took your car back to our house. Your keys were still in your office. I hope that's OK Sam."

"Yeah, sure. It's not like I'm going to be using it anytime soon. Although..." she raised her eyebrows as if planning something deceptive.

"Don't even think about it Sam," Jack growled at her. "Geez, how do you expect me to concentrate on this mission when I have these images of you driving your car or trying to get a tattoo or something!" he stated in mock seriousness.

The two young ladies laughed at him, then walked him to the door. He turned around, all business now. "You have your cell phone, right Sam?" At her nod, he continued, "Don't hesitate to call the base if something happens; either one of you. And for God's sake, please don't get into any trouble! I'll be back around 1800 hours." He looked at both of them, unable to quite leave yet. "You sure you'll be OK?"

"Yes Jack!" they answered together and practically pushed him out the door.

"Nice to see that I'm so loved!" he huffed as he walked to his truck.

"Jack?" he turned at Sam's voice and looked at her questioningly as she stood on his front step. "Have a safe mission OK?"

"Yeah, sure, you betcha!" he grinned and gave a half-hearted salute.

They waved him off, then went back into the house and closed the door.

They both leaned against the door and breathed a sigh of relief. "I thought he'd never leave!" exclaimed Cassie. "Come on Sam, let's eat breakfast. I'm starved." As they walked to the kitchen Cassie said with great excitement in her voice, "We are going to have so much fun today!"

After eating breakfast, Cassie French-braided Sam's hair for her and the two spent some time playing chess and catching up. Cassie was looking forward to her Senior Year in High School and Sam regaled her with tales of her own senior year. Cassie quickly felt comfortable talking to Sam in her current state and they laughed and giggled together, just like they always did.

At 10:30, Cassie stood up and announced, "All right Sam, let's fly the coop. The mall is waiting and this money is burning a hole in my purse." Sam laughed as she got off the couch and followed Cassie out the door.

The mall was crowded with teenagers and parents with smaller children doing some last minute school shopping. Sam and Cassie wandered in and out several stores, mostly just window shopping, but occasionally Cassie would find something that she just had to have for school. She tried to entice Sam into buying some clothes; for either now or later, when she was back to normal. But Sam wasn't interested in anything, until they got to a small store that catered to young girls and teens.

In the window, a mannequin was displaying a cute jean skirt and tailored blouse that both ladies thought would be perfect for Sam. They went into the store, intending on finding a size in the outfit that Sam could wear tonight. Cassie had informed her that they all would be going out for dinner tonight; SG-1, Janet and Cassie. Sam should have something besides jeans to wear!

The salesclerk looked at the two new-comers skeptically. More kids just looking around and messing up my racks, she thought. There was also the possibility that the older girl might try and steal something; they'd been having a lot of trouble with that lately. She followed them around the store, acting as if she were straightening clothing on racks.

Sam, with all her military training, wasn't fooled for a minute. After 15 minutes of being followed and eyed with suspicion, she had had enough. Never one to shy away from a confrontation, Sam walked right up to the sales clerk and said, "Is there any reason you are following us around the store? Is this how you treat all your customers?"

Maureen, for that was what her name tag read, was startled by the confident tone emanating from this child. Her voice conveyed her flustered feelings, "I wasn't following...I mean, I was just...what are you talking about?" she finally got out.

"I mean," Sam began, as if talking to a child herself, "that you have been following the two of us around your store for 15 minutes. We are not going to steal anything nor will we mess up your racks. Actually, we are interested in making a purchase. My...," she looked to Cassie, then back as she held in a smile, "Uncle gave us a lot of money. If you would prefer we not spend it here, there are many other stores that would accommodate us."

The store manager had walked up at this point and heard the end of Sam's speech. Not one to turn down a paying customer, he intervened. "Please miss; you are both more than welcome to shop here in peace. Please excuse my employee. We have recently experienced a string of shoplifting. We are only being cautious. Again, except my apologies."

Sam graciously did so, smiling at Cassie as they went into the fitting room to try on the garments they liked. "Geez Sam, I should take you shopping more often! You sure have a way with snobby salespeople!"

"She wasn't really snobby Cass, just making me feel very unwelcome. Now I believe you when you say how some sales people distrust you just because you're a teenager!" Changing the subject she asked, "So, how does it look?" Sam turned in a circle, letting Cassie take a close look at the skirt and top.

"It's really you! I think we should get it for tonight. Won't Jack be surprised?"

Sam laughed, "Oh yeah, he'll be surprised all right. And probably annoyed since I'll only wear it once. Well, at least I hope I only wear it once!" she stated, thinking of Daniel's gloomy news last night.

Once Sam was changed, they made their way to the register and purchased the clothing. Maureen barely spoke to them, she was still annoyed by how she had been spoken to by a mere child. Sam and Cassie just shrugged at each other, then left the store to continue their shopping.

Just outside the specialty clothing store was a Caribou Kiosk. "Oh Cassie, I really need to have a mocha. Do you want anything?" Sam asked, eager to taste her first espresso drink in what seemed like months.

"Sam, my mom told me that you shouldn't have caffeine. I don't know if a mocha is such a good idea."

Sam sighed. She didn't want to do something that made Cassie feel as if she were sneaking around. So Sam compromised, "OK, I'll get it in decaf. But I really need a mocha right now!"

Cassie laughed at the whining tone Sam purposefully used and went to buy both of them a mocha.

As they walked along the corridors of the mall sipping their drinks, Sam stopped and grabbed Cassie's arm. "We have got to go and get one of those!" she exclaimed, pointing straight ahead. In front of them, Cassie saw a sign advertising Henna tattoos and looked quizzically at Sam.

"Why do we have to have a Henna tattoo?"

"Because Jack warned us not to, remember? It's kind of a joke from last night. I'd love to see his expression when he sees us with these! They look awfully real for the first five days so we could make him think, at least for a moment, that we might have done it!"

Cassie laughed, "Oh Sam, you are so evil! OK, let's do it!"

They made their way to the booth and looked over the selections carefully. Sam chose a tattoo depicting the moon and a star while Cassie chose a rose. They both had them put on their ankles were they would be seen, but not be too obvious. They made wild predictions about Jack's reaction as the man applied their tattoos and admired each other's ankles when the work was finished.

They spent more time in various stores, trying on hats and make-up (yet another sales clerk who was not too fond of Sam – she was much too young to be trying on make-up!) They found a small pair of sandals that Sam could wear with her skirt and purchased them as well.

Feeling hungry, they headed for the food court and surveyed the array of choices. Sam decided on Chinese while Cassie went for a slice of pizza. As they sat down to eat, a pair of teenaged girls descended upon their table.

"Cassie, I thought that was you! How are you doing? You babysitting today?" a girl with long brown hair asked her.

"Uh, kind of Marcy." Cassie looked at Sam, wondering how she should explain this.

Sam broke into the conversation, "I'm her cousin, Sam. We're just hanging out together while our parents are working."

A girl with long blond hair and too much make-up, in Sam's opinion at least, spoke up with disdain, "It's too bad you have to drag the toddler around. You'd have a lot more fun with people your own age."

Sam snorted at that but kept quiet. Cassie however did not. "Listen Jo, Sam is a lot more fun than you'll ever know. She doesn't pretend to be something she's not, unlike other people I know!"

Jo flung her hair over her shoulder, totally ignoring thecomment. "Well, the least you could do is check her into that hourly daycare down by Sears. We could go hang at the arcade. Some of the guys are there. Oh yeah, I forgot, you're still seeing good old Dominic aren't you? You could do a lot better you know."

Cassie stood up and leaned over, ready to punch Jo if necessary. Sam and Marcy intervened, pulling the two girls away from each other. "Come on Jo, let's go to the arcade." When Jo was out of earshot, Marcy turned back to Cassie, "Sorry about that Cass. Jo just doesn't know when to shut up. See you at school in a few days. Bye Sam, it was nice to meet you."

When they could no longer see the two girls, Sam asked in confusion, "What was that all about?"

"Oh, nothing. Jo just used to have a thing for Dom and hates the fact that he's with me now. She's so full of herself, I can't stand her. Too bad Marcy always hangs with her, I like Marcy. I'm sorry about the cracks she made about you Sam," Cassie said, turning to her friend.

"Don't worry about it Cass. How about if we leave now? I think I've had enough shopping for the day."

"Me too. I've got something else in mind for this afternoon!" she grinned conspiratorially, forgetting her run in with Jo. She led Sam out of the food court and toward the exit where they had parked.

Thirty minutes later, Sam found herself at Speedy Raceways, strapping herself into a Go-Cart. Cassie was next to her, grinning devilishly. They had worked hard to talk the young man running the track into letting Sam drive her own car: the rule was one had to be at least 10 years of age and he hadn't been buying their plea that she was well over the age limit. Sam was amazed that Cassie could be such a flirt when she wanted to. A few batted eyelashes and pouty lips later and Sam was revving up the engine of her racer.

Several younger teenage boys were also ready to take off as well and were complaining loudly about the "Little Tyke" who would be driving along with them. They worried that they would have to be careful around her and slow down in their turns in order to avoid hurting her...or so they thought!

When the light turned green, all the racers took off, speeding around curves and bumping each other as they jockeyed for position around the track. To the amazement of all present, except Cassie of course, Sam easily took the lead after the first trek around and kept her position throughout the 10 laps they were allowed. When the racers had returned their cars and exited, the boy's glum faces were replaced with awe. They crowded around Sam, asking how she learned to drive so well. She just grinned at them and said, "Lot's of practice!"

The man running Speedy Raceways was also impressed and offered her coupons for free rides the next time she came. Sam gladly accepted; maybe she could race the guys out here!

Next on Cassie's list was rollerblading at the park near Jack's house. After a stop for some ice cream of course! Cassie had borrowed some blades and a helmet from a friend who had a little sister, so Sam was all set. She parked the car in the parking lot and got out, carrying the rollerblades over to a bench.

"I don't know about this Cassie. I haven't rollerbladed in years and I wasn't too good at it last time I strapped a pair of these things on."

"Nonsense, Sam. You're good at everything. Besides, it's like riding a bike; you never forget how," Cassie assured her.

Shaking her head doubtfully, Sam still put the rollerblades on and tightened the straps. She got up on wobbly legs and took a few strides forward before falling onto the grass.

Cassie laughed lightly, then came over and helped Sam up. "Here, hold onto my arm until you feel comfortable."

It took a while, but soon Sam was gliding along with Cassie, her braids flying out behind her. She was greatly enjoying the feeling of once again speeding along on wheels. Although she enjoyed the four wheels of the Go-Cart more, she still appreciated the sensation of moving quickly and exercising her legs.

They stopped at a bench to rest for a while and discussed once again Jack's impending reaction to their tattoos and all of the money they had spent. It had been money well- spent though, as Sam hadn't felt so relaxed in a long time. Glancing at her watch and seeing that it was going on 4:00, Sam stood up and suggested they get going. The guys would be back from their mission at any moment, then hopefully back to pick them up for dinner around 6. Sam still wanted some time at Jack's house to work on his computer. It was woefully slow and she was hoping to upgrade some of his programs as a surprise for him.

"Let's head back Cassie, I'm thirsty and could use a shower. You've worn me out today!"

Concerned, Cassie pulled Sam to a stop and looked at her closely. "I'm sorry Sam, I wasn't even thinking about how all this activity might affect you. Are you OK?"

"Relax Cassie, I was only kidding. This has been the best day I've had in a long time, believe me. Thank you so much for treating me like normal and not like a kid. You don't know what that has meant to me," Sam assured her.

"You're welcome Sam. I've had a great time too. I'd spend time with you no matter what you looked like! Well, that didn't come out right..., but you know what I mean," she said with a grin.

Sam laughed right back, "Yeah, I know! Come on; race you back to the car!"

They took off, gliding effortlessly along the path and laughing as they took turns overtaking each other. That is, until they rounded one particular bend in the path and came upon something they weren't expecting.

Two little boy had spent the last ten minutes happily tossing stones onto the smooth blacktop surface; their mothers oblivious to the havoc they would soon create. As Cassie and Sam came careening around the corner, their smiles turned to fear as they tried desperately to keep their balance. Arms flailing, they felt as if they were skating on marbles. Tottering back and forth, Cassie managed to safely land in a heap on the soft grass next to the bike path. Sam was not so fortunate. Her toe hit a particularly large rock and she lost all semblance of control. Falling forward, Sam reached out in front of her and hit the ground hard; hearing the sickening crack of a bone before the pain shooting up her arm caused her to see nothing but blackness.