(The Next Day)

"My POV"

I slowly opened my eyes. The light was too bright so I shut them again. I sensed someone lean over me, blocking most of the light. I opened my eyes again to see a man with salt and pepper hair looking at me. "Yesssss!" the man sitting beside me breathed. "Hi there beautiful," he said with a smile.

I blinked rapidly trying to clear my vision. "Where am I?" I asked in a hoarse voice.

"You're safe baby," said a blonde woman softly as she pushed my hair out of my eyes.

Slight remembrance flooded through me. I closed my eyes as the tears started to fall. I remembered them…Jack and Sam. I remembered they said they would keep me safe.

"Hey now. You're safe," said Jack softly, pushing my hair back again. I opened my blue eyes and looked into brown eyes full of unshed tears. He gasped and his eyes widened…at what I couldn't tell you, until I probed his mind. (Oh my God! Her eyes are exactly the same color as Sam's) "Jessie? Do you remember me…us?" he asked uncertainly.

Shutting my eyes against the overwhelming emptiness inside, I nodded and opened them again. "Jack" (he got this really goofy looking grin on his face); "Sam" (she grinned through her tears and stroked my cheek).

I tried to sit up, but ended up gasping for breath. I grabbed the blanket in a death grip. I knew something was broken inside.

"Easy baby. Let me help," said Jack. He put one hand on my shoulder and the other behind my head and gently pulled me up. "Sam, get behind her," he said to her.

She slid into the bed behind me and propped me against her, wrapping her arms gently around me. "Is that better?"

I shook my head….big mistake…very big mistake. The room spun around and it left me breathless. "Spinning…the room's spinning…fuck...make it stop…please," I barely managed to gasp out. Sam kind of cringed at my choice of language, but I wasn't worried about what she thought my words. I was too busy trying not to hurl. The tears fell silently down my face.

Sam leaned me forward and rubbed my back in slow circles. "Easy angel. Take deep breaths."

I tried my best to do as she said, but it didn't help much.

"Dizziness is to be expected," said another woman, walking into my line of vision. "Here. I'll give you something for the pain."

Shit a doctor!

I tensed and huddled against Sam, breathing heavily. I tried to hide my head in her shoulder and gripped Jack's hand tightly. "No, no, no, no, no." I have an unnatural fear of doctors. Hell, you would to if you'd been told that all doctors wanted to do was cut you open and find out why you could do certain things.

Sam kissed the back of my head as Jack stroked the back of my hand. "Shh…it's ok Jessie." said Sam. "This is Dr. Janet Fraiser. She won't hurt you…I promise. I promise I'll keep you safe" the last whispered.

The doctor smiled and I relaxed a little. Sam would keep me safe. How did I know that? I really couldn't tell you. All I knew was she said she would keep me safe…her and Jack.

"Thank you," I whispered, still trembling. Sam held me closer and I relaxed a little more. Still don't like doctors.

"You're very welcome Jessie. It's nice to meet you when you're awake."

"Hey mom," said a new voice.

"Hey sweetheart," said Dr. Fraiser. "Jessie, this is my daughter Cassandra. Cassie this is Jessie."

I saw a girl about thirteen years old walk towards me. "Hi."

"Hi," I said shyly.

She reached out her hand and touched mine. That small touch sent me into a vision. I gasped loudly.

Small girl…dead village…Sam protecting her…Dr. Fraiser adopting her.

She gasped and jerked her hand back as though she'd been burned. "What happened?" asked Dr. Fraiser reaching for her daughter.

She shook her head. My eyes filled with tears. "I'm sorry. I…I didn't mean to…" I trailed off.

Jack cupped my face. "Easy baby." I looked away. "Look at me Jessie." I shook my head. Putting his hands on both sides of my face, he made me look at him. "It's ok. I promise…everything's gonna be ok," he said pushing my hair out of my eyes again. He leaned forward and kissed me on my forehead.

Cassie spoke up. "It was like a flashback, but it wasn't mine. I saw…" she stopped, looking at the fear on my face.

"What did you see?" asked Jack, eyes never leaving my face. He stroked my cheek trying to calm me.

"Don't…please God don't say it," I begged, shutting my eyes against the memories surfacing, the tears streaming down my face.

"I…I'm sorry. I…I have to. They…they need to know," she said softly. "I saw a little girl…around six…maybe seven…I think. There was a man doing things to her that he shouldn't. It hurt her so much. When he was finished, he hit her over and over until she didn't move."

It all came flooding back…the last night there. I started to struggle against Sam…tried to get away. "Lemme go. I gotta get outta here," I said as she held me tighter. "He'll find me…he'll kill me. He said he would if I ran away again."

"He won't find you here sweetheart. You're safe here. No one is going to hurt you," said Sam holding me a little tighter. "No one is ever gonna hurt you again." I shook my head.

Jack sat down on the bed and took my hand in his again. "We'll protect you."

I kept shaking my head. "No you can't. He'll find me." I collapsed weakly against Sam, tears streaming down my face. I didn't care. "He always finds me."

"Not this time baby," said Sam kissing the top of my head and rubbing my back in slow circles. I felt her tears falling on my hair. Why was she crying? It didn't happen to her.

"We're going to keep you here for a while and then you're going home with Sam," said Dr. Fraiser.

"Why?" I asked with mistrust in my voice, taking my hand out of Jack's.

"Because we care about you," said Jack, as if it were something I was used to hearing.

"You don't even know me. Why would you take a kid that's been ra…?" I stopped. "Why?"

"Jessie…" Jack began. He took a shuddering breath before continuing. "Jessie…we read your diary. We know what happened to you. We know what was done to you."

I was crying again. I jerked away from him. "Then believe me you don't want me. Nobody wants me. Hell, I don't want me."

"You're wrong. Somebody wants you," argued Jack.

"Who? Who would want someone like me?" I asked shakily.

"Me and Sam," he smiled at her. "And Daniel and Teal'c." he added quickly.

"Why?"

"Because you're a kid, baby. You need someone to look after you…to take care of you," said Sam.

I pushed painfully away from Sam's arms. "No I don't! You don't get it, do you! I just want to die!" I screamed as they all gasped loudly. My words caused Sam to sob once and Jack's face to pale considerably. "I can't do this anymore! That's why I came here. Why didn't you just let me fucking die?" I fell against Sam, bawling like a baby.

She wrapped her arms around me again and rocked me slowly as I cried, the sobs painfully wracking my body. Jack looked helpless as I cried. A few minutes later I begged "Please Jack…please let me go" looking at Jack with desperation in my eyes and voice.

He reached for my cheek again. "No baby," he said brokenly. "Jessie look at me." I shook my head. "Please baby…look at me," he begged. I finally looked at him, but the look of love and pain for me, in his eyes made me turn away again.

Why are you looking at me like that? You don't know me…do you? I know you, but from where?

He cupped my chin and gently turned my face to his. "What happened to you…what you went through…never should've happened. I promise that it will never happen again."

I fought against the hope rising inside. "I'm scared Jack," I barely whispered, hiccupping through my tears.

"I know baby." I saw a tear slide down his face as he ran his fingers through my hair. "Just believe me when I say that we love you and that we will protect you."

"But…" I started.

"No 'buts'. Listen to me Jessie. We love you…I love you…Sam loves you…Daniel loves you…Teal'c loves you. We will keep you safe."

I started to cry again. "You don't even know me."

I sobbed as he said, "It doesn't matter. One way or another, you're coming home with one of us…or both of us…or all of us."

I'd never had a home…a real home. I was terrified they would find out everything and hate me. I tried to fight the hope inside…a home…a real home…with parents and everything. Yeah right.

"Now," said Dr. Fraiser, "you need to sleep and this will help." She injected something into the iv that was in my arm.

"No." I know Sam felt me tense because she gently tightened her grip on me.

"You still have some healing to do Jessie. The more you sleep, the faster you'll heal," said Dr. Fraiser.

"No sleep. Please, I don't wanna sleep. Please don't make me sleep." I begged, shaking my head trying to clear it. Fast acting whatever it was.

Jack ran his fingers through my hair and held his palm on my cheek. "Why not baby?"

"If I don't sleep, I can't dream."

"Bad dreams?" he asked softly. I nodded. "About what happened to you?" I hesitated and nodded again feeling extremely tired. He squeezed my hand and kissed my cheek. "Do you want to talk about it?" I shook my head. "Ok…" he said smiling sadly. "When you're ready to talk…we'll be here. But, the doc's right. You do need to sleep."

"I'm scared of the dreams Jack," I said trying to fight the sleep creeping up on me.

"We'll be here if you have them," he said.

"Promise?"

"I promise," he said caressing my cheek.

I finally started to relax in Sam's arms. She slowly rocked me to sleep. I watched as Jack leaned down and kissed my forehead. He stood and looked at Sam. I felt her nod and felt Jack crawl into bed with us…both of them promising to protect me. They both told me they loved…loved me.

If only I could believe you.

-------------------------------------------------

(Two Weeks Later)

I slowly let them into my world. I still felt as though I knew them from somewhere, but I didn't know from where. I let the some of the walls come down, but I still couldn't tell them everything. They'd read my diary, but they only knew some of it. I couldn't tell them everything…not yet. I was too damned scared. I was scared they would hate me if they knew everything.

I knew they loved each other. A blind person could see that. But, Sam told me that, because they were in the Air Force, nothing could happen between them. They weren't comfortable talking about it, so I dropped it. Now, if they would just quit asking me questions, I'd be happy.

They both told me…frequently in fact…that they loved me. I still didn't understand why. After all that had happened to me…that I had done…why did they love me?

I was sitting there playing chess with Sam. Jack was behind me this time, arms wrapped loosely around me. I had my legs propped up on Sam's legs. The board was between us on the bed.

"Ya know…you never did tell us what you like to do for fun," said Jack.

"I dunno," I said being evasive…as usual. Hell, I'd never really had fun anyway. Not that I could remember.

"Jessie, come on. You gotta give us something to keep you occupied." said Sam begging playfully.

I sighed. "I used to write…read…draw…listen to music…and play guitar." I looked at my cast. "Doesn't look like I'll be doing much of anything any time soon," I said bitterly. I'd found all that stuff in the basement.

"You will baby…you just need to heal," said Jack rubbing my shoulders. "Just be patient."

"I know," I said tiredly. "I'm just tired of being stuck here…in the infirmary."

"Angel, you had surgery three days ago. You need to stay in here until you're able to be moved," said Sam.

"Then what?"

"Then you're moving into my quarters here on the base…with me," said Sam.

I smiled and her face lit up. "Sweet," I said, causing Sam and Jack both to laugh hysterically.

When they had calmed down, Sam said "Jessie…you said you like to write?"

"Yeah."

"Write what angel?"

I shrugged. "Poems…stories mostly. Some songs."

"Cool. Can we read some?" asked Jack.

"Nope."

"Why not Sunshine?"

Angel? Sunshine? Ooook.

"I'm…I'm not ready. Not yet Jack," I said firmly, trying to end the conversation.

"Well, will you at least tell us what type of music you like?" asked Jack exasperated, but grinning.

"Linkin' Park's my favorite. I like Metallica, The Ataris, New Found Glory, Green Day, Blink 182…things like that."

"Interesting taste in music you got there."

"I know…" I said looking down, "but…"

"But 'what' baby?" asked Sam.

I wanted to tell her…I really did. Instead, I shook my head. "Nothing Sam…never mind."

"Baby…" began Jack as he massaged my shoulders.

I shook my head. To distract him, I wiggled my finger and my rook floated forward, capturing Sam's queen. Jack started laughing again. I'd never played chess before and here I was beating Sam. I leaned back and motioned for her queen. It flew into my hand.

"That's so cool," said Sam with a grin.

I shrugged, too tired to argue. "Sure," I said stifling a yawn.

"Hey now...I said it was cool, so it's cool," she grinned, tickling the bottom of my right foot.

"Yes ma'am," I said. I couldn't resist smiling back. Sam's smiles were contagious.

She kept tickling me and it caused me to jerk my right leg. It hit my left leg and I saw nothing but white lights. "Sam!" I gasped out. I couldn't catch my breath and I started to panic; the tears started to fall. She immediately stopped.

"God baby, I'm so sorry," she said, leaning forward and taking my head in her hands and placing her forehead against mine, as Jack rubbed my back.

"Breathe, baby, breathe," he said.

"Slow and easy," said Sam.

"I can't!" I gasped out. "It hurts!"

"I know it hurts baby," said Jack. "Just try to breathe slowly like Sam said."

I finally calmed down enough to do as they said. Within a few minutes I'd begun to breathe semi-normally again.

"You ok baby?" asked Jack.

"Yeah," I coughed weakly and collapsed against Jack. "It just hurts sometimes." He tightened his grip on me and kissed my temple.

"Ok…that's enough for today," said Sam. "And I still say that was cool."

"What was cool?" asked Daniel walking in the infirmary. "Hey beautiful," he said kissing me on the cheek.

"Hey Danny," I said yawning, suddenly feeling extremely tired. I leaned back against Jack.

"Show him," said Jack with a proud smile on his face.

I reached out with a finger and motioned for Sam's pawn and then again for my own pawn to take its' place.

"Wow!" said Daniel, as it flew into my hand. He had a big grin on his face, but it faded quickly. "Jack… Simmons is here. He heard about Jessie and…" he trailed off.

I felt Jack tense behind me as General Hammond walked in, followed by a tall lanky man.

"Hello Jessie," said General Hammond.

"Hello General Hammond," I said trying unsuccessfully to stifle a yawn.

"Colonel O'Neill," said the other man.

"Simmons," Jack sneered.

I immediately didn't like this man. Looking at me, he had a strange predatory gleam in his eyes. I trembled slightly and huddled against Jack. "It's ok baby. I won't let anyone hurt you" he whispered. He wrapped his arms around me gently and kissed the back of my head. Simmons stared at me with a surprised look on his face.

"Jack…Colonel Simmons would like to talk to Jessie," said General Hammond.

"She's not up to it General. She's hurting again and she's sleepy. We were getting ready to put her to bed," said Jack defiantly.

"Colonel O'Neill it's not up to you," said Simmons.

"Wanna bet?" said Jack in a threatening voice.

(Jack he scares me) I huddled closer to Jack and Sam moved towards us and took my hand in hers.

(I know baby…just ignore him. I'm not gonna let him hurt you) He tightened his grip slightly.

(What does he want?)

(He wants to know how you got here and what you can do)

(If I show him, will he go away?)

(I don't know baby)

(It's worth a try right?)

(Only if you think so)

(Sam?)

(Yeah baby?)

(What should I do?)

(I don't know baby. Like Jack said…it's up to you)

I sighed. (So much for help from the peanut gallery) I sent to both of them. Their faces fell.

I hung my head and when I looked back up, Simmons said "Well, get on with it."

I flinched and could tell Jack was going to say something stupid because I felt him tense. I didn't want him getting in trouble because of me…I wasn't worth that.

I put my hand on his arm. "Don't Jack.," I pleaded with him.

"Jessie…" he began.

"It's ok Jack."

"Jessie…you don't have to do this."

"I know."

I leaned against him for a second and let him wrap his arms around me. I shut my eyes. When I felt Sam take my hand and squeeze it, I opened them and looked at her.

(I'm ready)

She started to move the board. "No…I'll do it," I said quietly.

"Are you sure sweetheart?" she asked with worry and love in her voice.

"Yeah."

No

I reached out with my mind and made the board float to the table, landing gently so it wouldn't disturb the pieces.

"Is that all you've got to show me?" said Simmons.

"What do you want from me?" I asked in a trembling voice. Jack held me closer and kissed my head again.

I'm not gonna let him see me cry

"How did you get in here?" he asked impatiently.

I felt Jack tense again. "It's ok Jack. I'll be alright."

"Baby, you're not strong enough to do this yet," he protested, growling at Simmons.

"I'll be fine da…Jack."

Whoa. I almost called him dad. Why did I do that? Wishful thinking I guess.

He caught the slip and looked at Sam. They both smiled. "Are you sure baby?" he asked hesitantly.

I nodded and leaned my head back, resting it on his shoulder for a moment. Then I did something that surprised me as much as it did him…I kissed him on the cheek. He grinned and returned the kiss. Sam helped me sit up while he slid out from behind me. She laid me back on the bed and raised it to a sitting position. I felt a slight twinge in my side that caused me to wince and gasp slightly.

Maybe Jack was right…maybe I'm not strong enough yet. No. I have to do this. That man will go away then

I closed my eyes concentrating on the layout of the infirmary. I knew that a bunch of machines stood against the left wall. That was as good a place as any.

Sam caressed my cheek and leaned over and kissed my forehead as I opened my eyes.

(Be careful baby) I heard her thoughts in my head as she stroked my cheek.

"Be right back," I said, smiling tiredly at them.

I looked at both of them and orbed out. A few seconds later, I orbed back in over by the machines.

"Damn! Now that was cool!" shouted Jack.

I grinned and then gasped as my leg collapsed and took me down with it. I cried out in pain. "Mama!" I reached out for Sam as I hit the floor. I knew I'd torn the stitches because I could feel the blood running down my leg.

Where in the hell did 'mama' come from?

Jack, Sam, Daniel, and Dr. Fraiser ran towards me, but Sam was there first. Jack steadied my leg as she picked me up and carried me back to the bed. She held me tightly as I cried. The pain intensified causing me to curl up in and odd-shaped ball…one leg sticking out. They both looked helpless as I threw up violently while Sam held my head over the bedpan. Finishing, I went rigid with pain, unable to do anything about it.

Sam got out of the bed as Jack started walking towards Simmons. "Damnit! See what happened?" shouted Jack, fists clenched. "I told you she wasn't up to this!" He drew back his fist and aimed at Simmons.

"Colonel!" barked General Hammond, stepping between them.

"General Hammond, as soon as she is ready, I expect to have this…" he paused and then sneered. "This child transferred to my facility where we can begin testing her abilities."

"Like hell you will!" shouted Sam angrily, also walking towards him. "She's not going anywhere with you!"

He turned to General Hammond. "May I remind you…"

"You don't have to remind me of anything. However, I will remind you that the President himself has stated that Jessie will remain within the SGC."

"We'll see about that," said Simmons.

General Hammond motioned for an SF. "Escort Colonel Simmons from this base!"

The SF snapped to attention. "Yes sir!"

"And airman?"

"Sir?"

"Shoot him if he resists."

"Yes sir," he said, pulling out his gun.

"This isn't the end of this General," said Simmons angrily.

"Oh I think it is. Get the hell off my base."

The tears had slowed, but the pain was still very intense. I heard Jack say "If he comes anywhere near her, I'll kill him."

"You and me both," said Sam.

"Jack," said General Hammond.

"Sir?"

"She is to be protected above all…this is directly from the President." He motioned for everyone to clear the room. "Give them some privacy."

(Jack? Sam?) I thought to them in order to keep from screaming in agony.

"We're here baby," said Jack as they rushed to my side.

"It hurts," I whimpered, trying to fight the nausea building inside again because of the pain.

"I know baby," said Sam, cupping my cheek and brushing the tears away. "Janet?"

"Way ahead of you Sam," said Dr. Fraiser injecting something into the iv. I was so stiff, I think they thought I was going to pass out. Within moments, I was relaxed.

They straightened me out and Janet deadened my knee. The tears wouldn't stop falling. She re-stitched my knee and told them "I don't want you two on this bed tonight. I don't want to take any chances of those stitches coming out again."

They started to argue. "Janet…" began Sam.

"Doc, come on!" argued Jack.

"No Colonel…Sam. She comes first. If Jessie's stitches are torn again, I won't be able to do much else for her."

They finally agreed. But, they both took my hands in theirs and told me they loved me and that they would keep me safe. I ended up crying myself to sleep. I actually felt safe. I felt safe in the hands of…hell, I don't know what to call them. 'Sam' and 'Jack' is safe I guess.