Chapter Two
A week later Sam had been transferred to the Academy Hospital and as promised, Janet and SG-1 saw her everyday. They'd tried the Tok'ra healing device as soon as she'd been transferred, but even a week later there was no change whatsoever in her condition. Things were going steadily downhill. Sam was becoming increasingly uncooperative and refused to eat. Eventually she ignored everyone except SG-1 and Janet, who was finding it more and more difficult to visit her. Cassie came every afternoon and spent hours talking to Sam, who always had keen ears. The young girl understood what had happened to her aunt, but didn't understand how to express her anger and sadness. Resulting in angry outbursts for no particular reason, or suddenly bursting into tears. Cassie was always very animated with Sam, even if she was asleep Cassie would talk and move Sam's arms in gesture and wrap them around herself for a hug. Jack's heart broke every time he saw them and he became increasingly worried about Sam. On one particularly bad day, he came in with news.
"Hey Carter." She ignored him. "Please don't do this Carter, it hurts. You have to eat or…or…," her eyes dared him to say it. "Jesus Sam, I-I can't lose you," he whispered. On her face Sam could show no response, but her heart was pounding fiercely and if it could, a jolt would have shot through her.
"Janet found a change in you're responses. There's been a slight strengthening in your nervous system. It's the Tok'ra device Sam. It's slow but it's working. If we use it for longer periods of time, the effects will increase." Sam stared at him. Jack was slightly breathless and found he had not lost the skill of reading her eyes. "Yes, the process will be tiring and we'll have to increase your exercises. There are 3 Tok'ra willing to operate the device. Seems your dad's got a fan club going." Jack chuckled. Jacob had been devastated at the news of the accident, afraid that Sam would follow her mother. Every time he came to earth he came and talked to her. "But this is only if you want it ok Sam? I'll give you some time to think it over." And he turned to leave.
Yes! Yes! Jack wait! Sam's mind screamed. Jack stopped at the door, as if hearing her and turned around. She blinked twice. "R-really?" he breathed, she blinked twice again. "YES! WHOOOOOHOOOOO! I knew you hadn't given up Sam! God I love you!" He cried as he squeezed the life out of her. She hadn't given up. Sam's heart stopped and inside she froze. Jack noticed this and it hit him like a freight train, what he'd just let slip. He pulled back abruptly and shoved his hands in his pockets; looking up only to meet a pair of startling blue eyes staring at him. "Ah, you know what I mean Carter, we all love ya. I-I'll just go tell Janet your answer." And with that he left, leaving behind a very confused Sam.
TBC...