So who is John to Elizabeth?
Chapter 5
Elizabeth flicked through a journal although she wasn't really reading it. Since she had woken up earlier the nurse had informed her it was again morning and had allowed her to take a shower. However, the doctor had insisted she be in restraints going to and from the shower room and a female nurse had to be present at all times. Elizabeth felt as though she were a prisoner and was on edge constantly in case they tried to sedate her. So she gave them no reason to and remained calm and collective.
Carson had been in once to try and remove the journals but Elizabeth had begged him to leave the last one. After some hesitation he agreed and then informed her another person would be visiting this afternoon but did not say whom.
So when she heard voices outside Elizabeth was immediately on her feet and felt her heart leap with anticipation. She had been desperate to talk to Rodney or someone else again to get answers, as Beckett no longer provided them.
Through the window she could see the doctor talking with someone and then opened the door. As he pulled it opened Elizabeth let out a small squeak when she John Sheppard standing in the doorway. He was wearing dark blue jeans and a black fleece top (she had seen him wear it on Atlantis) and Elizabeth remembered just how handsome he really was.
"John" she breathed and he stared at her with sad eyes.
At first Elizabeth was unsure if he was going to even enter the room but after several minutes of gazing at each other he finally stepped in.
"I'll leave you two alone." Carson said and closed the door.
As John still looked at her Elizabeth sensed something different in his eyes, anguish and, something else she could not figure out. One thing was for sure this was not the John Sheppard she knew. Finally he relaxed and gave her a small smile.
"Elizabeth." He said quietly and moved forwards some more. "Dr Beckett says you're doing a lot better."
Unsure of how to respond Elizabeth simply shrugged with a smile not wanting him to think she was still crazy.
"I'm sorry I didn't come sooner. I was in Washington and I couldn't get a flight until this morning." He explained looking genuinely sorry for making her wait.
"It's okay. It's not like I was allowed to leave or anything." She had meant it as a joke but both knew it sounded serious too. "So…"
Again they stared at each other and Elizabeth swore there were sparks flying. His gaze was intense and she crossed her arms feeling nervous. God I must look a state! She thought right, like that's the issue here!
"I don't know how to ask this but…" Elizabeth thought about how to word her question but realised there was no other way. "How do we know each other?"
John's concerned face disappeared and angry one replaced it. "How do we know each other?" He asked harshly and Elizabeth was taken aback by his abruptness. "You mean to say I came down here so you can claim you don't know who I am to you?"
"John I don't know!" Elizabeth cried trying to defend herself. She could see the hurt in his face and hated making him feel like that. "As far as I know you're a Lt. Colonel in the air force who came with me to Atlantis 2 years ago!"
The man before her sighed angrily and looked away. Then he muttered, "Elizabeth, Atlantis doesn't exist! It never has!"
Elizabeth covered her mouth trying to stop the whimper that was going to escape and then quickly wiped her eyes. When John looked back he seemed surprised to see her on the verge of tears and then walked closer to her. His anger had subsided slightly and he was back to looking concerned.
"I'm sorry I shouted." He whispered and Elizabeth thought for a moment that he was going to hug her. But he seemed to restrain himself and shoved his hands in his pockets. "I'm just…confused."
Elizabeth sniffed and nodded. "I know how that feels." When John smiled understandingly she continued. "I honestly don't know anything. One minute I'm on another plan running for my life and then I'm in this cell being told I'm crazy and I imagined everything."
John nodded again and then noticed the book on the floor. "Dr Beckett said he let you read your journals. He thought it might help."
"Well, they haven't really. They just bring back what are memories to me." She told him. "Rodney came to see me."
"Yeah, the doc mentioned it. I asked him to since I couldn't be here." John explained. "What did you guys talk about?"
Elizabeth shrugged. "Just about how we knew each other. To me I've only known Rodney for just over two years but apparently it's been nearer ten!"
"Yeah, you guys are pretty close." John said with a hint of regret in his voice. "He drives me up the wall though!"
Elizabeth smiled. "So, can we talk about us or has Beckett ordered you not to?"
John scoffed. "Please, like I listen to doctors!"
This earned a laugh from Elizabeth and John grinned which made her go weak at the knees. It reminded her of their talks on the balcony in Atlantis and Elizabeth wished they had been real. "So, how do we know each other?"
Again, this question seemed to agitate him and he ran his left hand through his messy hair. It was then Elizabeth notice the silver wedding band around his fourth finger. Her heart sank and she looked away fighting back the tears.
"You're married?" She asked in a quiet voice. Looking back John nodded confirming her question.
"Yes, I am" He replied matching her tone.
Elizabeth nodded several times and took a deep breath. Smiling sadly she asked, "It wouldn't happen to be Teyla, would it?"
At this John frowned. "Teyla? As in our next door neighbour Teyla?"
Elizabeth felt her mouth drop open and her heart began to thump. "Ou…our next door neighbour?" She stuttered and John gave her a sad smile indicating she was right. "We…we're married?"
"Elizabeth, you're my wife."
