THROUGH THE YEARS
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a/n: Sorry for the delay on this chapter. I've been sick with a bad cold and haven't had the mind to write. I, however, have enjoyed reading lots of fics during my sickness, and of course, enjoyed my husband waiting on me hand and foot! Ah, but alas, I'm feeling a bit better now and decided to get this chapter out. Happy reading!
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Chapter 12 Family Reunion
September 1986
Jack was excited as he walked the short distance from his office to his house. He hadn't seen Sam in a few days. He had been on a mission and she had just started her third year at the Academy along with finishing up her summer internship at NORAD. He had received a phone call last night and had made travel plans today while at work. He couldn't wait to get home and surprise Sam!
They had pretty much been living together since he was transferred to Peterson, almost a year ago. Almost all of her stuff was at his house. She still kept a few things at her dorm and stayed there with Tina when he was on long missions.
Jack knew he loved Sam more than anything. He had loved her for years, but living together, spending all their spare time together, waking up with her in his arms, Jack knew she was his everything. He was head-over-heels in love with Cadet Samantha Carter, USAF, and proud of it!
When his house came in sight, Jack sped up slightly and jogged to his front porch. Walking in, he was not surprised in the least to see his beautiful Sam, sitting cross-legged on the living room floor, the television set in a million pieces all around her.
"Sam, what are you doing?", he asked in a teasing voice.
Sam's head swung around. She had been so engrossed in her project, she didn't hear him come in. "Jack! You're home," she screeched, hopping up, knocking a few, probably important, pieces off her lap. She stepped over her pile and flung her arms around Jack. "I missed you!"
"I missed you, too," he said, hugging her back. "And, I've got a surprise!"
Sam pulled back and looked up into his face, a curious expression playing across her own. "What?"
"We're going to Ohio for the weekend."
"What? Why? What for?", Sam asked, an amused look on her face.
"Oh, I don't know, I thought you might want to see Lizzie and Sean while they're home."
Sam screamed. "What? They're home? When? Holy Hannah! I didn't even know they were coming!"
Jack grinned at his lover. "Surprise!"
"Oh, Jack! I'm so excited," she screeched, pulling Jack into another embrace. "When are we leaving? Oh, I've got to pack. Do you want me to pack for you? I can't believe they're back!"
"Sam, settle down, sweetie. We still have a few hours before we head out," Jack told her, amusement dancing in his eyes.
"A few hours? Hmm, I wonder what we can do in that time?", Sam purred. "Have any ideas?"
"Oh, a couple," he replied, pulling her into a passionate kiss. After all, he had missed her, very much.
An hour later, Sam and Jack pulled their exhausted bodies back out of bed and jumped in the shower. It was a normal routine for them to shower together. Sam would put some shampoo in her hands, lather it up, and then caress it through Jack's short hair. He would nibble on her neck the entire time, causing her to lose focus, frequently. His favorite part, of course, was washing her body. She had a special sponge and special soap. He would squirt the soap on the sponge, and starting at her neck, slowly work his way over her body, stopping to admire his handiwork on the way down.
A normal, ten minute shower, was more like an hour for them. They would only get out when all the hot water was gone and they were yelping from the unexpected cold water, pelting on their naked bodies.
This time was no different, and after rushing out of the cold shower, Sam and Jack quickly dressed and packed to make it to their flight. Jack had arranged for a military transport from Peterson directly to Wright-Patterson. He knew how much Sam hated public airports. And, Col. Cromwell was nice enough to call Wright-Patterson and procure a jeep for the couple to use for the weekend.
So, with everything planned ahead of time, Sam and Jack headed over to the O'Neill home as soon as they had arrived in Ohio. With the late flight and the time zone difference, it was already going on 2100 by the time they pulled into the familiar O'Neill driveway. Grinning at each other, they both hopped out of the jeep and rushed up the front steps. Jack, being closer, just barely beat Sam and flung the door open as she came barreling up behind him.
"Honey, we're home!", Jack yelled after taking a step into the house.
Sam heard the O'Neill's before she actually saw them as they came running to greet them at the door. Sam barely got out from behind Jack when Liz grabbed her.
"Sam! Oh, look at you. You look great," she cried, flinging her arms around Sam.
"Me? Look at you! You look stunning, Liz," Sam cried back, pulling away from her friend enough to get a good look at her. She had cut her hair short, quite a contrast from her former long, poofy hairstyle. She was skinnier than she was when she left. She had a deep tan and her eyes and skin glowed healthily.
When the two friends pulled completely out of their embrace, Liz hugged Jack and Sam hugged Sean, noting how much he had matured and filled out in the two years they had been gone. No more was the lanky kid who followed Sam and Liz around their senior year. Sean was now much taller than Sam. His hair was still the curly mop on his head, but it was much lighter, Sam figured it was from the sun. He was very muscular, even bigger than Jack.
Finally pulling away from the twins, Sam and Jack walked into the front room to greet the rest of the O'Neill's. Rob was standing the closest, and Jack immediately pulled him into a hug. "What is this?", Jack asked, when he pulled away from Rob and yanked on his long hair.
"My hair, don't you like it?", Rob replied.
Sam couldn't repress her grin, yup, Rob was sporting a mullett! The top was still cut short, but the back was quite long.
Jack examined the hair, picking up the long pieces and dropping them back down. "No," was his simple reply.
"Ah, your just jealous because you have to keep that military cut," Rob teased his brother. "Jack, Sam, I'd like you to meet my girlfriend, Kristy."
"Hello, Kristy," Jack said, smiling at the pretty girl standing next to Rob.
"It's nice to meet you, Kristy," Sam said, smiling, but then noticing the girl throw her an unexpected glare. Sam turned when she felt someone behind her and dove into the loving arms of Mrs. O'Neill.
"Come on kids, let's all come in and get settled," Maggie said, after hugging Sam and Jack.
An hour later, Jack and Sam were in the kitchen when Rob walked in to refill his drink. "Hey, Rob, what's with Kristy throwing Sam evil-looks?", Jack asked. He had noticed the way the girl was looking at Sam and, even thinking it was kind of funny, thought he should probably find out what was wrong.
Sam wanted to know too, so she turned her attention to Rob when Jack asked the question.
"Oh, it's nothing, really. She saw our prom picture hanging up in the hall. Mom refuses to take it down. She claims it's one of her favorite pictures. Anyways, Kristy asked how I got the black-eye and everyone had to tell her the entire story."
"Everything?", Sam asked, very nervously.
"Oh, yes, Sam, everything," Rob replied, raising his eyebrows in a serious expression.
"Not about the night we broke up," Sam asked, fearing the answer.
"Yes, even that. And you can blame Lizzie for that one."
Sam's face immediately reddened.
"Wait a minute! I don't even know what happened the night you two broke up," Jack complained.
"And, you never will, Jack O'Neill," Sam told him, tossing him a killer look.
"What! Rob's girlfriend knows, but I can't?"
"Exactly," Sam replied, crossing her arms across her chest.
Rob smirked.
"That's not fair!" Jack squawked.
"Elizabeth Ann O'Neill! You were sworn to secrecy," Sam yelled into the other room.
"What! I had my fingers crossed," Liz yelled back, already knowing what they were talking about. She hopped out of her seat to join the group in the kitchen. "Come on, Sam, did you really expect me to keep it a secret forever?"
"Yes," Sam screeched.
Rob laughed.
"But, Sam, it was so funny! I had to tell people,"
Sam's face paled as she looked at Liz. "What do you mean, people?"
Liz couldn't help but grin. "Oops!"
"Liz!", Sam yelled.
"Sammie, why do you think everyone in our class was so excited when Jack showed up at our graduation. They all knew about you two. There had been rumors ever since that whole show at the football game. Of course they're going to find out about your drunken slip-up."
Jack watched the scene between his girlfriend and his sister in amusement. He loved it when Sam was flustered. He really wanted to know what happened!
"Liz! I can't believe you told the whole school! How did I not know about the rumors?" Sam asked, not even noticing that the kitchen had filled up with other O'Neill's along with Kristy.
"I happened to be very good at distracting you when we approached a large group of people, obviously talking about you," Liz replied, holding her head up in pride.
"So, what exactly did happen that night?", Jack tried.
"Oh no you don't," Sam cried. "Under no circumstances is anyone allowed to tell Jack about that night!"
Everyone in the kitchen grinned.
"Sam, it really isn't that big of a deal," Rob announced.
Sam turned to Rob. "That's not what you thought at the time, is it?", she replied, a smug grin on her face.
Kristy's hackles came back up and she glared at Sam again.
Rob just laughed. "No, but I should have known better. I saw the way you and Jack were from the first time you two met. I don't know why I thought I could compete with that. Even two years later, you two are still the talk of the town. Especially with so many people having a tape of the graduation."
"What?", Sam screeched again. "There's a tape?"
"Oh, yes, and you and Jack look very photogenic in that lip-lock," Rob teased.
Sam's face reddened again. "I'm so glad I don't live here anymore," Sam mumbled, burying her head in Jack's shoulder.
Jack wrapped his arm around Sam. "Me, too," he replied.
"Oh, kids, it's not that bad. The whole town is thrilled you two are living together," Mrs. O'Neill added.
"What? The whole town knows we're living together? Mom, stop talking about us!", Jack complained.
Sam buried her face deeper into Jack's shoulder.
"But, everyone knows you two are in love. There is nothing wrong with that, Jonathon."
"I know, mom, but that doesn't mean I want a town full of strangers knowing about mine and Sam's personal life," Jack replied as he pulled Sam closer to him.
Sam squeezed Jack and nuzzled his neck, happy that he wasn't denying his love for her, but still wanting to change the subject.
"Oh, sweetie, they're not strangers. Samantha knows most of them. Some were her teachers, some her friend's parents, the mayor…"
Sam groaned, really wanting to end the current conversation. The thought of the mayor knowing about her love life was a little too much for her to take. "Ok, I think it's time to change the subject," She said, pulling off of Jack's shoulder, but still staying in his embrace. "Liz, Sean, what else is new with you two?"
"Liz is engaged," Sean announced, very quickly and smiled.
"What?" Came a reply from everyone.
"Sean! I can't believe you just told them," Liz yelled at her brother. "I told you I was waiting for everyone to get here."
Sean pretended to look around and count on his fingers. "Everyone is here, Liz."
"I know, I was waiting for the right time," she replied through clenched teeth.
"You're engaged, sweetie," Mrs. O'Neill asked, approaching her daughter for a hug.
"Yes, mama," Liz answered, returning to a child-like state.
Mrs. O'Neill hugged her oldest daughter. "Oh, sweetie, when do we get to meet him?"
"He couldn't get away, but hopefully soon," Liz told everyone. "His name is Paul Gunther. He's English. A doctor with the International Red Cross. I met him while working in Africa."
Everyone congratulated Lizzie and then moved on back to the front room. "So, what are we going to do tomorrow?", Rob asked, when they were all sitting back down.
"Oh, you know what I've missed while in Africa? Cotton candy and rollercoasters! Let's go to Cedar Point tomorrow," Liz exclaimed in excitement.
"What? Are you crazy? That's at least an hour or more away," Jack announced.
"So what! Sam and I used to go there every couple months when we were in high school," Liz replied.
"Really?" Jack looked at Sam. "You're a rollercoaster fanatic?"
Sam grinned. "I want to be a pilot, how could I not like rollercoasters?"
"It'll be great! We can get up early and head out. With school back in session, the lines won't even be that long. Please!", Liz begged.
"Well, this is the first time you two have been home in two years, if you both want to go to Cedar Point tomorrow, then your father and I are more than willing to pay everyone's way," Maggie told them all.
"Mom, that's really not necessary…" Jack started but was cut off by his mom.
"Jonathon, we want to do this. Who knows when we will all be together again."
No one could argue with that fact so it was settled that they would be heading off to the amusement park in the morning.
The next morning, Mr. O'Neill rushed out and brought back donuts and orange juice for breakfast while everyone got ready to head out. Kelly had talked her parents in allowing her to bring a friend so the numbers would be even for the rides, and as soon as she arrived, everyone loaded up in two vehicles.
Jack, Sam, Lizzie and Sean all hopped in the jeep while Mr. and Mrs. O'Neill, Rob, Kristy, Kelly and her friend, Megan, all got in the station wagon. After a little over an hour drive, they pulled in to the parking lot at Cedar Point and headed inside the park.
The group stayed together most of the day. Sam and Lizzie making everyone ride the Corkscrew over and over again. After lunch, Sam and Liz wanted to ride the Wildcat again, but Jack and his parents decided to sit this one out. After the group headed towards the rollercoaster, Jack's dad decided to start a serious conversation with Jack.
"Jack, Sam is one hell of a perfect match for you, son."
Jack nodded his head in agreement. "Yes, she is pops. I couldn't have found anyone better."
"Honey, do you think you two will get married?", Mrs. O'Neill asked. After all, most of the town did want to know.
"If she'll have me," Jack told them, looking off in the distance where the rest of them had walked off. "I bought her an engagement ring months ago. I'm just waiting for her to finish school before I ask."
Maggie O'Neill felt her heart swell. "Oh, son, I'm so happy for you!"
"She hasn't agreed yet, mom. Don't jump the gun," Jack warned.
"Oh, sweetie, Sam loves you. I know she'll say yes," Maggie gushed.
Jack turned his attention to his hands in his lap. "I bought the ring at the same jewelry shop I bought her the star necklace when we first met. It seemed symbolic."
Mr. and Mrs. O'Neill beamed with pride. Their son was in love with a wonderful person who they already considered a daughter. They were very happy for the young couple, knowing they would share a love equal to their own.
When the group returned, Jack swept Sam away with him and they headed to the other side of the park. He took them in a small shop where they dressed up in 'Old West' clothes and had their picture taken. After that, Jack saw a caricaturist and pulling Sam on top of him in the seat, insisted they both be drawn that way. The picture made Sam laugh out loud at how silly they looked. Both their heads were huge and their bodies, quite smaller in comparison. But, the artist kept his word and drew them with Sam sitting on his lap. Heading back to the rest of the family, Jack stopped to play some of the games and won Sam a gigantic 'Snoopy' by playing one of the 'shoot 'em up' games. Hand in hand, and Sam holding the enormous stuffed dog, they finally returned to the group.
After riding the Gemini several times more (it was Mrs. O'Neill's favorite ride), the group realized that the red car was never going to beat the blue, much to the disappointment of Kelly and Sean who both insisted it would soon have it's glory. Noticing the park would soon be closing, they all headed to the front and purchased lots of cotton candy, mainly to tease Liz with, and headed home.
By the time they returned to the O'Neill home, everyone was exhausted and headed off to bed. The next morning, Sam and Jack were sad to have to head back to Colorado. Liz and Sean were staying until the end of the week and then heading back to Africa. As much as they loved their family and being with them, they had their lives in Africa to return to.
Sam cried as she hugged the twins good-bye. She had missed Liz and Sean, even with the constant letters and packages Liz sent her on a regular basis. Once all the good-byes were out of the way, Sam and Jack loaded back up in the jeep and headed back to the base to catch their flight home.
Mr. and Mrs. O'Neill watched the jeep drive out of sight, their arms around each other. "They remind me so much of us, Charles," Maggie told her husband.
"I know, dear. They have since the first time they met," he replied, squeezing his wife's shoulder, lovingly and turning with her to head back in the house to the rest of their family.
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a/n: Cedar Point is an amusement park in Sandusky, Ohio. It has some of the biggest and fastest rollercoasters in the world. If you've never been there, but are ever going to be in the area, and like rollercoasters, I highly recommend going. The Magnum is my all-time, favorite rollercoaster, but I couldn't put it in this story because it wasn't built until 1989.
a/n2: This chapter was written to be lighthearted and fluffy in order to butter you all up, because the next chapter is going to be angst! (I'm covering my ears so I don't hear you yelling at me!)
a/n3: I had to give Rob a mullett. I just had to.