Well, sadness is ahead for Dori and Sam.
I hope you like this chapter and thank you SO much for reviewing!
And... please, please keep reading. The next chapter should make people happy.
"Sam?" A voice asked gently.
She looked up. "Hi."
Daniel's eyes were suspiciously red. "You okay?"
She shook her head. "No… no, I'm not." She looked around. "Where's Dori?"
"Teal'c is watching her- actually, she barricaded herself in there- but other then that…." He trailed off. "It's going to be rough Sam… but we're going to make it."
She sniffed and nodded. "I know Daniel… I know."
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Carter was taken to the infirmary where she was treated for a deep cut on her shoulder. Afterwards, she stood outside Teal'c's quarter and pleaded for Dori to come home with her. The girl appeared, dry eyed and said she was busy before slamming the door closed.
Teal'c told her later that evening that he had started teaching her lok'nel- an ancient form of martial arts. She nodded wordlessly and wrapped her arms around him. He slowly hugged her back.
The day of Jack's memorial service was scheduled for three days later. The days leading up to funeral were a haze for both of the females. Carter spent in alternately from crying, writing her speech, and 'watching' Dori. The teenager continued to stay with Teal'c, leaving his room rarely and only for a few minutes. Janet had suggested a session withDr. Mackenzie but the girl stormed out after minutes later.
Jacob arrived the second day along with half a dozen Tok'ra who came to pay their respects. His daughter took one look at him and burst into tears.
Dori greeted her 'almost grandfather' emotionlessly. Jacob was reminded of Mark and his reaction to his mother's death.
People continued to 'gate' in throughout the day. By that night, all the guest quarters were filled and personnel were sharing rooms to make room.
Henry Hayes arrived the third day to offer his consolations. Dori, only days ago would have been overjoyed to know her father knew the President, greeted him with a nod then took her seat in the crowded room.
She continued to sit stoically besides Daniel and Teal'c as Sam, General Hammond, and other people talked about the brave General and the many services he had rendered to his country. She knew Jack would have been laughing if he had been there as a person from the Pentagon droned on and on about the 'lovable traits' he possessed.
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Carter was worried.
Not one tear had Dori shed after her outburst in Sam's quarters. In fact, the only time the girl had shown any emotion was when the first shovel full of dirt had hit the coffin. A shudder shook her body before she closed her eyes for a moment and got ahold of herself.
She disappeared during the wake, held at Sam's house. When she reappeared, she offered no explanation.
After the wake, Carter took Dori to Jack's house to pack up her clothes then took her home. Sam had asked her whether she would prefer to stay here and or go to her house. The girl had barely muttered: "Your house."
Once at Sam's house, the teenager locked herself in her room, only coming out when absolutely necessary. After two days went on like this, Sam was about to drag Dori back to MacKenzie when Dori disappeared.
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Dori noiselessly pushed the window opened and climbed out. A few minutes later, she was away from the house. She aimlessly wandered around until she came upon a small park. A lump formed in the back of her throat. Jack had taken her here as a child, playing with her for hours on end.
"Oh Jack," She whispered.
She meandered over to a swing and kicked off.
"Push me higher!"
He had obliged, sending her soaring high into the air.
She squealed. "More Jack! More!"
He slowed the swing. "No, we have to get you home.. Your daddy will be at the house any minute."
The little girl stood still. "But I don't want to go home with him... I want to stay here with you, and Mommy!"
Jack grinned. "And Charlie?"
She scowled. "He's a silly baby." She said referring to her cousin of 8 years. "He said he's too big for parks... and he won't ever let me play ball with him... only sometimes!"
Jack laughed and pulled her closer. "We don't love you less honey." He reminded her.
The six year old sighed. "I know."
Jack smoothed the little girl's tousled braids and straightened her pink jumpsuit. "There... last one to the car is a silly apple!"
"'Scuse me," A little voice said startling her, "Is that your dollar on the ground?"
Dori looked down. A lone dollar bill was half buried under the sand. She shook her head. The little boy, about four or five, grinned at her and ran off with it to his father who laughed and tousled his hair.
She bit her lip and fought against the tears. She was strong... Jack said so.
She wouldn't cry.
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Carter slammed the door to her Volvo and sighed. Dori's room was empty and closer examination proved she had left her room via the window. As she drove up and down each street, her worry increased. What is Dorothy, like Jack, was gone forever?
"Damn it God!" She cried, tears clouding her eyes. "Wasn't it enough to take Jack? Do you have to take the only thing left of his that's important?"
She blinked back the tears and noticed it had begun to rain without her noticing. She looked to her right and spotted a park. One lone denim clad figure sat in the midst of all the playground equipment…
"Dori!"
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She shivered. It was cold. She looked up. It was raining. Funny- she hadn't noticed.
"Dorothy O'Neill!" An angry voice called.
"Dorothy Morgan," She corrected listlessly.
Carter knelt in front of her. "Are you okay?" She asked, her fair hair already soaked.
Dori stared straight ahead. "Go away."
"I've been looking for you for half an hour! Do you know-"
"Go away," Dori repeated louder. "I don't want you, I don't need you."
Carter touched her shoulder and Dorothy jerked back.
"Go away Sam!" she shrieked. "Go! I don't want you here! Just GO! GO!"
Sam stood up. "It'll be okay-"
The teen stood up so fast that Carter instinctively leaned back.
"It's NOT going to be okay! Jack's GONE Sam! And he's not coming back!"
"I know Dori," Carter whispered. "I know."
Dori stared at her for a moment. "I miss him," She whispered, a lone tear rolling down her cheeks. "I miss him so much…"
Carter pulled herself onto a swing then gently tugged Dori onto her lap. The teenager sobbed for a half hour while Carter stroked her hair, ignoring the rain. Finally, the teenager pulled away.
"I'm-I'm sorry," She stammered. "I-"
"Don't apologize," Carter said firmly. "You needed to cry."
Dori gave her a wobbly smile. "I'm also sorry for yelling at you."
Carter stood up. "It's ok."
She shivered involuntarily. "It's freezing."
Carter grabbed the girl's hand. "C'mon, we need to leave."
And the two stumbled out of the park together.
I hope you liked it.
People... 'fore you give up on this story, please, just keep reading. One more chapter is all I ask!
Oh... and PLEASE review!
