Chapter 18 – On the Mend
Jack kept checking his watch. They had been debriefing for almost an hour and he was so ready to get out of there and head back to the infirmary. Daniel was going on about the symbols etched in the stone around the area they had found the Triplexus. Apparently, the language was a mixture of ancient Mayan and Goa'uld. Why they would use a form of Goa'uld when they were trying to get rid of that particular group, Jack didn't know, but he was sure Daniel had many theories. He really didn't want to hear them right now though!
Jack was startled from his musings by General Hammond's question. "Colonel O'Neill, do you agree with Dr. Jackson's plan?"
"Plan? I think I may have missed that part General," Jack apologized. He looked at Daniel who glared at him, then to Teal'c who merely raised an eyebrow.
Hammond exasperatingly explained again, "Dr. Jackson believes he can have these latest findings translated within a day or two. He thinks Major Carter could come in and help with the technical aspect as long as Doctor Frasier Okays it. What do you think?"
Jack frowned as he thought this over. "Personally sir, I think we should give Carter another full day away, especially after her little accident. She'll probably still be on pain meds tomorrow at least. I'm sure we could bring her laptop to my house and she could continue some of her work from there tomorrow."
General Hammond nodded at this rather thoughtful reply. "Are you OK with that Dr. Jackson?"
"Certainly. I think Sam will be eager to get back to work, but Jack's right. She should probably rest for one more day."
"I concur General Hammond," added Teal'c.
"All right, that's settled. Colonel O'Neill, if Major Carter is expected to do some work at your house, I expect you to at least get your latest mission report filled out and returned to me the day after tomorrow. Understood?"
"Yes sir," Jack answered somewhat disgruntled. He hated filling out paper work!
"Dismissed then gentlemen."
Jack made his way down to the infirmary. It had been over an hour since he had left and he was eager to see if Sam was ready to be released. Upon entering the infirmary, he heard the unmistakable laughter of Cassie and Sam. Well, she must be feeling better if she's laughing, Jack thought. He followed the voices to the curtained off area where Sam currently resided.
"Hey you two, what's so funny? I could hear you all the way down the hall," he teased them. Sam was propped up on the pillows, her left arm in a sling. Cassie had fixed Sam's hair as it had come undone during her accident and subsequent infirmary visit. She looked more rested and in much less pain than the last time he had seen her.
Sam answered him somewhat smugly, "Nothing Sir." Then she turned to Cassie and burst out laughing again.
"Okay, if you don't want to tell me now, fine. I'll get it out of you sooner or later Carter," he assured her.
Cassie decided maybe she had better tell him. "We were just talking about the Go-Cart racing this afternoon Jack. You should have seen Sam, she was zipping around corners like a bat out of hell! The boys who were on the track with us couldn't believe their eyes. Sam was a real celebrity!"
"Yeah," Sam added. "I even received several free passes from the manager and he didn't even want me to race at first! Do you want to go with me sometime Sir? You would at least provide me with something of a challenge!" she teased him.
Jack rolled his eyes at her, "We'll be waiting until you've 'grown-up' before I take you up on that little challenge Major. For the time being, the only thing you'll be cruising is the Internet! Isn't that right Doc?" he asked as Janet entered the room.
"I would have to agree with you Colonel." At Sam's frown, she added, "But you can go home Sam. Well, at least back to the Colonel's house. I'll send pain medication along with you and instructions. You've been through this before so you both know what to do.. Just make sure to keep the cast dry. And I want you to take it easy tomorrow." She reminded Sam.
"No need to worry about that Doc. We'll be bringing Carter's computer along. Danny has a little homework for her to do," he smiled at Sam. She grinned back; at least she would have something constructive to work on! She could also upgrade Jack's computer while she was at it!
"OK then, I'm ready to leave!" Sam exclaimed. As she flipped the covers back to get out of bed and get dressed, she felt Jack's hand grasp her firmly around her left calf. He was staring fixedly at her ankle and Sam felt a giggle start to form in her throat.
"Would you care to tell me what the hell this is Carter?" Jack looked in disbelief from her ankle to her face, then back again. He couldn't believe that she might have actually gone ahead and gotten a tattoo! There's no way any self-respecting tattoo artist would give an eight year old a tattoo...was there??
Cassie and Sam exchanged a look, then Cassie spoke up, trying hard to keep a straight face. "Do you like it Jack? I think Sam picked out a great design. I got a rose myself. Want to see it?"
Jack's head swung around in shock. There was no way Cassie could have gotten a tattoo! And why wasn't Janet saying anything about this? He turned to look at the Doctor and was more than a little surprised to see the smile on her face.
"You knew about this? You knew and didn't say anything? How can you condone your own daughter getting a tattoo?" he asked wonderingly. His hand still gripped Sam's leg as he looked again at the design engraved on her delicate skin.
"Colonel O'Neill, just what kind of tattoo do you think these two got?" Janet asked, not believing that he actually thought they were real.
"Well, what kind is there? Aside from the ones put on by burly guys in shady looking shops and the ones you get out of a Cracker Jack box, that is," he replied, looking quizzically among the three of them.
Sam couldn't stand to see his confusion any longer. She also figured she shouldn't tease him too much; after all, he hadn't given her a lot of grief about her accident. "It's called a Henna tattoo Sir. It's put on with a special kind of ink that wears off after a few days. Cassie and I decided to try it out. We'd thought we'd have a little fun with you, especially since you warned us against tattoos and body piercing."
Cassie added quickly, "Actually Sam, it was all your idea. I just went along for the ride!"
Jack looked at Sam with narrowed eyes. "So, you're trying to mess with my mind now, are you? I didn't think you had it in you Carter." He released his hold on her foot. "Just for that, I don't think I'll be stopping for ice cream on the way home," he stated with a glimmer in his eye.
Sam laughed at him. "I think you want the ice cream more than I do Sir. In fact, I'd be willing to bet that you'll stop. And you'll share with me because you'll feel so sorry for me!"
"Yeah, right!" He scoffed as he pulled her to her feet. "Come on Carter, get dressed or I'll take you home looking like that." Jack turned to Cassie and Janet, "Is it all right with the two of you if we go out for dinner tomorrow instead of tonight? No matter how frisky Carter here might be right now, I think it's getting rather late to go out tonight."
"Sure Colonel, that's fine. We'll see you tomorrow. Take care Sam and make sure you rest up."
"I will Janet, thanks for everything." Sam turned to hug Cassie good bye as well. "Thanks again Cassie, I really had a great time today, aside from the injury!"
"I did too, Sam. You're really fun for a little kid," she grinned. "I'll see you tomorrow!"
Everyone left Sam alone to change back into her clothes. After a quick stop in her lab for her computer and some discs, Sam and Jack headed out. Jack picked up some burgers on the way home and also ran into a store for some ice cream, which he informed her was all for him!
They spent a quiet night at home, watching an old movie on TV. Sam began to shift uncomfortably during the movie; her arm was beginning to ache again, as was her head. The pain medication was wearing off, so Jack got up to get her meds and some water. When he got back, he had a bowl of ice cream for her as well.
Sam smiled up at him, "See, I knew you would feel sorry for me and share!"
"Yeah, well, when you're so small and cute, it's hard to resist!" Jack retorted. Sam laughed at him and gratefully took the ice cream from him.
When she had finished eating, she set the bowl on the coffee table and laid back against the pillows, her eyes almost instantaneously closing. When Jack heard the quiet breathing several minutes later that indicated she was asleep, he picked her up and carried her to her room. Carefully, he slipped the sling off her shoulder and proceeded to get her undressed and into her night shirt. He wasn't sure how she would feel about his undressing her, but she was so out of it that he didn't want to wake her up. He tucked her under the covers and quietly left the room, turning back once more at the doorway when he heard her slight groan. He returned and propped her arm on the extra pillow, hoping that she wouldn't move around too much during the night. He would keep both of their doors open, just in case she needed anything.
Sam was feeling much better the next day and was eager to get to work on her computer. Jack had set it up in the living room so she could rest on the couch while she worked. True to his word to General Hammond, Jack also sat at his computer working on his mission report. Sam smiled as the cursing from the other room grew more frequent. She knew he hated writing reports and he always seemed to have some kind of trouble with whatever program he was using.
After about 45 minutes, Jack got up in frustration and went into the living room. "I'm going outside to mow the lawn. I can't sit in front of that stupid contraption for another minute. You need anything before I head outside, Sam?"
"No thanks Jack. I'll be fine." They had reverted to first names once they got off the base; it was easier and much more comfortable for both of them now.
"OK then. I'll be back inside in about 30 minutes or so," Jack replied. He turned and went outside to work off some energy.
Sam glanced behind her to make sure he was gone, then took off the sling. It was too hard to type with that thing on! She made her way over to his computer to see if she could help him out a bit.
His mission report was almost completely done but there were a lot of mistakes. Sam quickly cleaned it up, then saved it. She went in and upgraded some of his programs and made sure his dial-up access was on the desk top to make things easier for him. She knew he didn't like going on the internet much as he found it confusing. Maybe now he would be able to navigate a bit better!
When Jack came in and didn't find Sam on the couch, he looked around the house. Surprised to find her at his computer, he came up behind her and looked over her shoulder. "I hope you didn't lose my report Carter! It took me almost an hour to do that much!"
Sam jumped slightly at his voice, then turned in the chair to look at him. "Don't worry, it's all there. I just cleaned it up a bit and upgraded your computer. I hope you don't mind?" She wasn't sure now that she had done the right thing. Maybe he didn't want her messing around with his computer.
Jack could read the trepidation in her glance and smiled reassuringly at her. "I don't mind at all. You'll just have to make sure you show me where everything is! But first you'd better get that sling back on. You don't want to strain your shoulder muscles."
She smiled in relief and proceeded to do complete both tasks. Fifteen minutes later, Jack had his report done and was engrossed in reading through the ESPN website when the doorbell rang. He signaled to Sam to remain on the couch where she had returned. She had started to look tired, so Jack insisted that she rest; no computers for a while for her!
Jack opened the door, surprised to find Brian Colton and Chris standing on his doorstep. "Brian? What are you doing here?" he asked in surprise.
"Jack, it's good to see you again. May we come in?"
"Of course." Jack held the door open and the two guests came in.
"Sorry to barge in on you," Brian began, "But Chris really wanted to see Sam again and I wanted to talk to you. Is Sam here?"
"Yeah, she's still here. Come on into the living room," Jack led the way into the room.
Sam stood up when they entered the room, just as surprised to see Chris again as Jack was. She didn't know the tall man next to him but assumed it was Chris's father. Chris ran over to Sam as soon as he set his eyes on her.
"Sam! Sam! It's me!" He stopped short at seeing her arm. His eyes got big and round as he glanced between her and Jack, "What happened Sam? When did you get hurt?"
"It's OK Chris. I just had an accident yesterday while I was rollerblading. I broke my wrist but it doesn't hurt anymore," she tried to calm the little boy who looked to be near tears. Chris gave her a gentle hug and sat on the couch with her, telling her all about the time he had fallen out of his tree house and broken his arm.
Brian turned to Jack to explain their visit, "I just wanted to stop in and tell you thanks. I talked with Sabrena for a long time after you called and she agreed that Chris would be better off with me for a while. She's going to get some help and hopefully straighten herself out." He looked back at the two children. "Chris hasn't stopped talking about Sam. He worships her, says she is very brave! He absolutely adores her. I can see why...she is pretty cute!"
Jack smiled, "Yeah, but don't tell her that! She likes to think she's beyond being cute."
Brain looked at him in puzzlement at that comment but didn't pursue it. "You mind if I talk to her for a minute?" he asked.
"Be my guest," Jack held his hand out and indicated to Brian to precede him over to the couch.
Brian walked over and crouched down in front of the two 'children'. "Hi Sam. I'm Brian, Chris's Dad. Chris has told me a lot about you."
"She's my bestest friend!" Chris said proudly.
Brain, Jack and Sam smiled at that comment. "I know she is Chris. Sam, I wanted to thank you for taking such good care of Chris the other day when you two got...separated from the grown-ups. Chris said you were very brave and knew exactly waht to do. I'm so glad he had such a great friend to help him out."
Sam was embarrassed at the attention she was receiving for doing something that was so simple. She wished she could tell him the truth about herself, but knew that was impossible, so she just smiled and said, "Chris is a great kid. I enjoyed spending time with him. I'm really glad to see that he gets to spend more time with you. A boy needs his dad around, especially at his age."
Brian lifted his eyebrows at her words; she sure sounded grown-up for an eight year old! Jack cleared his throat; he also thought that maybe Sam sounded a bit too old for the situation. Sam looked at him and caught his meaning. She'd have to be more careful and act at least a little bit like a child!
Brian stood up and reached for Chris's hand. "Come on sport, we should be leaving. We're going camping for a few days. I haven't done that in a long time, so we have lots to buy and pack, don't we Chris?"
"Yep! And daddy is going to take me fishing too!" Chris added.
"Lucky you!" Jack stated with a grin that didn't escape Sam's notice.
Chris got serious all of a sudden, "Daddy, can Sam come too? Please? I bet she would love to fish with us? Please?" he pleaded.
Sam looked at Jack and grimaced...fishing? No way. She pleaded with him with her eyes to say something that would get her out of this without hurting the young boy's feelings.
Jack saw her look and smiled, then turned to Brian and Chris, "I'm sorry buddy, but Sam will be going home in a few days. She has a few other friends who want to spend some time with her before she goes."
Chris looked disappointed, but then brightened as Sam said, "Come on Chris, I'll walk you to your car. You can sign my cast." She desperately wanted the little boy to forget about her not going fishing and to cheer up before he left.
As they left the house, Brian turned to Jack. "She's awfully mature for her age isn't she?"
"You don't know the half of it," Jack responded as he walked Brian to the door.
"Is her mother anything like Sam?" Brian wondered.
"Oh yeah, Sam's the spitting image of her mother all right," he thought, comparing Big Sam to Little Sam. They were one and the same after all!
Brian turned to him questioningly, "Say, you don't happen to know if Sam's mother is available do you? Anyone who can raise such a beautiful, thoughtful little girl must be a wonderful person herself."
Jack had so not expected this line of questioning! He frowned, then replied, "Sorry Brain, I don't think Sam's mother is looking for a relationship at the moment." He tried to tell himself he was just looking out for Sam's interests. Plus there would be way too many unanswerable questions should the Brian and 'Big' Sam ever go out together!
"That's too bad. Well, thanks again Jack. I really appreciate everything you did for us." The two men shook hands when they got to Brain's truck. Chris hugged Sam good-bye with the promise that he would write to her and tell he all about his fishing trip. Sam hugged him back and wished him well, then stood by Jack and waved as they drove away.
"Well, that was a pleasant surprise," Sam said. "I'm glad Chris is with his Dad for a while. I think it will do him a world of good."
"Yeah, me too, " Jack responded. "I guess it was a good thing after all that we ran into them at the Balloon Classic. Even though our day didn't turn out as we had planned." He looked at Sam thoughtfully as he remembered that day.
"I guess so." Sam wasn't quite as convinced as Jack about that but she wasn't about to argue the point.
"Come on, let's go in. I think I hear two guys named Ben and Jerry calling us!" Sam laughed as she followed him inside. As she thought about the day they had just spent together, she couldn't believe that nothing had gone wrong for once!
Of course, the day wasn't over yet!
A/N: I tried to tie a few things up in this chapter before moving on. Hope it wasn't too slow for you. One more chapter of light-hearted fun before things get more intense. Please keep up the reviews... I love hearing your thoughts on the story!