Pain. She never thought anyone could cause so much pain. It just hurt when she saw Kerry. Deep down inside, where she thought she'd never let anyone in again. Of course, when she thought about it, she realized that three very special people had made it in there a long time ago, and it was so natural that she just accepted it.

But now she realizes the four of them had grown so very far apart over the past year or so, her and Jack especially so. That hurt even more than Kerry, if it was possible. She can remember the 'good old times,' but can't quite remember what made them so close. Maybe it was the team nights that just never happened anymore, or the constant references to the Wizard of Oz, or making fun of Teal'c for being so obsessive about Star Wars.

And she knew something else for sure—when they were that close, Jack would know something was wrong immediately. Hell, Daniel and Teal'c both knew there was something wrong with her, and but she refused to tell them. And she also knew that, way back when, he would have done anything he could to help her. Now, he was the problem.

Now, Sam was alone in her sea of troubles with the sharks circling and no one to help her.

SJSJSJ

Sort of depressing, I know, but I happen to like it. Number four of the challenges, 'our distance and that person.' I was also tempted to do Sam and Pete from Jack's POV, but...I like this better, honestly. And a big thank you to everyone who's reviewed! I'd list you all here, but I'm too lazy. Well, maybe not. A big thanks to (not in any particular order)The Last, Sci Fi Fan Gillian, Ilovesg1, drey'auc475, rainbow-maker, and, last but not least, Falcon-Prey! Cyper-cookies and coffee to you all! Oh, yes, the Standard Disclaimer applies to everything I write, including this! Auf Wiedersehen!

EDIT! OK, I've been recieveingmany not-so-happy reivewsabout this story, so I'll try and clear this up a bit. I realize a lot of people feel very strongly about the whole Jack/Sam/Pete thing. In fact, I am one of those people. In light of such, an enormous apologyis due for those who have written me emails that made me reread this storyand realize that it is pretty awful. I did not think about this at all before I wrote this. It was a, "Holy crap, I kinda have an idea for one of my challenges, let's write it and post it real quick." Big-o mistake. This does not express my feelings about the whole affair (no pun intended) at ALL. I am a diehard S/J shipper, and ICOMPLETELYagree with all my reviewers said. This fic makes Sam seem petulant and childish, which while she COULD be like that about this, all evidence is to the contrary. Also, she is very unfair about the whole thing, and, while we know now that she doesn't really want to marry Pete, it was still a slap in the face for Jack when she told him they were engaged. It was, in essence, not cool. And I am going to shut up now before I say too much more and get yelled at by those who run eff eff dot net for putting too long of a note up and go get ready for my weekend-trip. However, I would like to reiterate just how sorry I am about this whole thing. I truly feel horrible about putting this story up. Please accept my humble apologies.