Supporting Rumors - Part 70
Jack listened – or rather half listened to his counselor, AJ, however his ears pricked up as the man's tone and words changed. It startled him at first how understanding the man was about Jack's feelings and for a few minutes Jack wondered how on Earth AJ knew about what was really happening. As he continued to listen however, it became apparent that AJ thought Sam was overseas, with the current conflict.
Jack wasn't a stupid man, contrary to what some people thought. He could be really dense, when he wanted to be that was, but it suddenly hit Jack, that regardless of where Sam was, the fears - the threat - was very real. Just because they thought it was on Earth didn't mean it was less dangerous. His own situation highlighted that point very well … and he was able to identify with what the counselor was saying.
How the hell had Sara coped all those years he was away - and with a young child to take care of as well? He felt ashamed that he hadn't given her feelings and fears more thought all those years ago…
As they talked Jack's perspective changed a little. He confessed that he was worried sick – yes … but also that he wanted to share his progress with Sam and it hurt that she wasn't there. The very fact she wasn't took the joy out of the advances he was making, and if he was honest about it he felt hurt, perhaps a little bitter even, about that – almost as if she had deserted him.
When he was back in his room after the session, Jack thought about what he had discussed with AJ. Although he couldn't feel there was anything tangible that had helped during their talk, for the first time in the past three weeks, his soul felt a little less bleak.
xoxoxoxoxoxoxo
Jack's heart almost stopped as he listened to the phone ringing. It was 0500 and he had yet to retire to bed … what he had been feeling all night had gone beyond restlessness…
It took several rings before he managed to pick the receiver up. His head was telling him that they wouldn't be calling with bad news … they would have sent someone. His heart was racing and he swallowed the bitter bile that rose alarmingly.
"Jack, they're home."
Three words he had longed for. The three words he had ached to hear. Three simple words that reduced him to tears…
"Jack? Can you hear me? SG-1 are safe."
The receiver slipped from his hands, banging the cabinet as it dropped, swinging freely.
He hunched forward in his chair, his shaking hands covering his face…
xoxoxoxoxoxoxo
TBC
