Thanks for the reviews and I'm sorry this has taken so long to post. Just to let you know when picturing the house and street I imagined Wisteria Lane from Desperate Housewives, just in case the description ain't that clear. Some might find this chapter long and boring but please give it a chance and review.
Ashkash: This is getting scary! LOL. Although I did think about making him a nurse, in fact quite a few characters were going to appear working in the hospital but I wanted to move away from there.
Puzzler: Thanks for adding me to your AA list. Will it be a dream or something more sinister? (CUE DRAMATIC MUSIC)
dark faith5: At least you reviewed hun! You always do so thanks. Glad you're liking it.
Blue Banrigh: I know which episode you're talking about in Buffy but I honestly didn't think about that when I was writing it. Will it be a case of choosing a reality or not? Hmmm…Thanks for reviewing!
kathgrr: I'm glad you think I'm getting better coz I worry I get worse as I go on! Thanks!
Chapter 8
Elizabeth held her breath when John turned right off of the main road and entered a large expanding street. They were the most beautiful houses the doctor had ever seen and she her heart began to race as they pulled into a driveway half way down the street.
Elizabeth could only gaze at the house In front of them and John took her hand.
"This is home." He told her quietly watching his wife's face carefully for a reaction. When her mouth suddenly split into a brilliant smile John knew today was going to be a good day. "Come on."
Both opened their doors and stepped out of the car. Slamming the door shut Elizabeth glanced around the street. It really was perfect. Big houses with lush, green lawns, long driveways and white garage doors. The sounds of children's laughter could be heard and dogs barking. Tall oak trees stood after every two houses and Elizabeth felt like she had just stepped into a classy TV show.
"This is exactly how you reacted the first time we came here." John told her leaning on the front of the car. "I knew as soon as you saw it we were going to live here."
Elizabeth grinned and turned to face him. "It is pretty perfect." John nodded in agreement then glanced at their own front door. "So, is it just as perfect inside as out?" She asked barely containing the excitement in her voice.
Her husband shrugged dramatically. "Why don't we find out?"
Reaching out his left hand Elizabeth smiled and grasped it tightly. Walking up to the brown door she watched as John fumbled with the key and then open it with a sigh. As he let it swing open he stood back to let her walk in first.
Biting her lip anxiously Elizabeth cautiously stepped in and was immediately hit by an aroma that was unmistakingly John. This was what home smelled like and she immediately relaxed. They were in the hall and a coat stand stood in the corner. It wasn't covered in jackets; just the odd one or two, which she presumed, were John's. Once halfway down the hall on the left was an archway that led to the lounge and on the other side was the dinning room with a spectacular beech table and chairs. Just by the rooms was a tall staircase that led upstairs and Elizabeth knew there were three bedrooms and a spacious bathroom up there. Not sure of how she knew this Elizabeth mentally shrugged and continued to admire what she'd seen so far.
Two hands slipped around her waist and John's cheek was suddenly pressed against hers.
"So?"
"It's…it's beautiful." She said and she felt him tighten his embrace. "It feels so familiar now. And I'm guessing the kitchen is behind that door there." She said pointing towards it.
"Yup! Our kitchen Liz."
Elizabeth smiled and with John still behind her lead them into the large kitchen. Not that she really cared much for kitchens but even the diplomat had to admit theirs was lovely. They also had French patio doors that led into a large back garden. It now occurred to Elizabeth that they bought this house in the hopes of having a family. She couldn't help but giggle at the idea of miniature John's running around with messy black hair causing havoc.
"What?" John asked confused.
Elizabeth shook her head. "Nothing. I'm just-"
"Happy." He finished for her and she spun to kiss him firmly on the lips. Pulling back she prodded him gently with a finger.
"It's even clean and very tidy."
"Yeah, well I am a very tidy guy." John said with a smirk and Elizabeth raised an eyebrow.
"You tidied it last night didn't you?"
"Yup."
They laughed again and John suddenly had a twinkle in his eyes. "So, would you like to come upstairs?" Elizabeth's happy face became nervous and he sighed. "Sorry. You just got here and I'm expecting you-"
"No, I'm sorry. I can't imagine how hard this has been for you, waiting for me." Elizabeth told him quietly. "I just need time to find my feet again."
John cupped her cheek. "I'm just glad you're back with me Liz. I'd wait forever."
They shared another lingering kiss but were interrupted by the doorbell.
"I'll get that." John said and left Elizabeth in the kitchen. She frowned. It's all pretty perfect, too perfect She thought Relax Elizabeth; you're home with John now. That's all that matters.
Her thoughts were broken when she heard two familiar voices in the hall with John. As they came closer she smiled when she recognised them. Suddenly the door opened to reveal Aiden and Teyla.
"Elizabeth!" Teyla exclaimed and immediately embraced the woman. Elizabeth hugged her back noticing her accent was slightly different to what she thought it was. She sounded more American if that was possible. "We've missed you around here."
Letting each other go Aiden then approached and also gave Elizabeth a hug. This surprised her and realised the four must have become close before she left. As Aiden stepped back he glanced between Sheppard and Weir and gave them a cheeky grin.
"So, how's it going?" He asked and Elizabeth smiled.
"Better, thanks for asking." She replied and John joined her resting his arm around her waist. Their guests smiled knowingly at the intimate action glad to see them happy again.
"I told Aiden we should wait until you were settled in properly but he couldn't wait." Teyla explained as the man in question gave them a sheepish smile.
"He's like a kid." John muttered and received a swat from Elizabeth.
"No, it's okay. Actually, why don't we have dinner tomorrow night?" Elizabeth asked surprised at her own offer. Everyone stared for a minute then Teyla shrugged.
"If it is okay with you?"
John glanced at Elizabeth with wide eyes and she nodded. "We can catch up." Another exchange of glances between the group and Aiden clapped his hands.
"Dinner would be great!"
"Then it's settled. Say, half 7?" John asked and was met by three heads nodding. "Good."
"Well, we'll leave you two alone and see you tomorrow." Teyla announced and both gave a final wave before seeing themselves out.
John faced his wife. "Are you sure about dinner?"
Elizabeth smiled reassuringly and leant her hands on his chest. "Positive. Time to move on with my life."
Pulling on her pyjama bottoms, small chequered shorts, Elizabeth examined herself in the bathroom mirror. She had some colour back in her cheeks and looked more relaxed than earlier. As she slid the white cotton strappy top over head she thought about her day.
After their neighbours had left Elizabeth and John had gone for a walk to the nearest park and spent the day generally outside. Having spent forever being in a small white cell Elizabeth was in no hurry to return to the indoors so they stayed out for lunch.
John had then cooked her a romantic meal and they had spent the night looking through photo albums. Elizabeth smiled to herself thinking about how cosy she had felt leaning in his strong arms and couldn't believe she had ever forgotten this life. It was wonderful.
"Liz?" John called from the bedroom. "Are you okay?"
Elizabeth rolled her eyes at his repetitive worrying question. "I'll be there in a minute."
Taking one final look she switched off the light and closed the door behind her. Walking back into the dimly lit bedroom she saw John was already in the right side of the bed and had pulled back the covers on what appeared to be her side. Frowning momentarily at this John shrugged.
"What is it?"
Elizabeth shook her head. I always sleep on the right she thought but decided it was another mistake so chose to ignore the nagging feeling that had returned. "Nothing."
Slipping into bed John's arms were immediately around her and Elizabeth snuggled into him. She rested her head on his covered chest and listened to the steady heartbeat. As slumber threatened to take her Elizabeth fought to keep awake so she could enjoy the feeling of being with someone again. But she knew she was losing and let the darkness come. Just before she was completely gone she heard her husband whisper,
"I love you Elizabeth"
Wake up Elizabeth! Don't let them take you. You're stronger than that! Please. More and more voices screamed at her and Elizabeth tried to single them out but it was no use. Screaming at them to shut up she flung her eyes open and sat up straight in bed.
Glancing frantically around the dark room she saw John looking at her with scared eyes. Trying to calm her breathing Elizabeth gripped the covers.
"It was just a nightmare." John told her soothingly and cautiously reached for her hand. She grabbed his and squeezed it tightly. "Look at me Liz, look at me." He ordered gently and she looked into his eyes. "This is real. Us, me, this is real."
As her breathing finally slowed down she nodded and then took one deep breath. "I'm sorry. I…I was so scared."
"I know." John said and pulled her hand. "Come on, relax." Leaning back so she could rest against him Elizabeth tried to shrug off the uneasy feeling that had consumed her and copied his action.
Once again she listened to his the calming sounds of his heart's rhythm but she still could not sleep. Once sure John was fast asleep again Elizabeth quietly moved away from him and stood up. Unsure of what to do she was suddenly drawn towards the window. Tip toeing towards it she pulled back the curtain and looked out. The view was breath taking.
Miles and miles of ocean stretched before her and the sky was lit up with a mixture of reds, oranges and yellows. She could feel a slight breeze and shivered with excitement. This was a sight she had written about in the journals, something to do with Atlantis.
"Elizabeth please wake up." A voice quietly begged and she turned to see John standing with his back to her.
He didn't acknowledge her and she saw he was cradling someone in his arms. Reaching out to touch his shoulder he suddenly disappeared and Elizabeth found herself back in the bedroom. She looked once again out of the window.
While she could see the sun rising in the distance all she could see were other houses stretching for miles. The window wasn't even open so even the breeze remained a mystery. Sighing frustratingly she glanced at the peaceful form of her husband.
Yip, the nagging feelings were back but Elizabeth had to be careful or she'd end up back in that hell of a cell.
A/N: Please R'n'R. I intentionally made some things sound out of place. So hopefully you think it adds to the effect of the story and not because I am a sucky writer!
