#50 - Wood - Expanded

oooooooooooooooooo

'As Samuel laboured to build their new log home, she felt tears stab her eyes; the tents had been uncomfortable and cold but the new wood home was a sign that things were permanent now - there was no going back. '

If she could have hidden in the shadows while watching him work, she would have. But there were no trees left - the settlers were using them to build real houses now - log houses.

There was something about the whole situation that made her very uneasy, and since he could read her like a book, he'd surely figure out that something was wrong. Sam didn't like it when something was wrong. He was the sort who knew instinctively that she was upset and always confronted her about it, wanting to make sure the air was cleared and no one was left upset at the end of the day.

It was one of the things she both loved and hated about him at the same time. It was wonderful to have someone who always wanted to work through issues rather than ignoring them, but since she was the kind of person who liked to sidestep difficult things and pretend there wasn't a problem, they'd had more than a few good fights.

This situation was different though. Yes, something about the new house was bothering her but there was no way she could put into words exactly what it was. She wasn't even sure she could understand the churning of her own stomach and the disquiet her spirit was feeling.

This was what they had wanted - a permanent home. Something more comfortable and functional than the dismal tent-city they'd lived in for over a year. Finally they would have warmth, comfort and space.

Space! She wondered what the old man would say if he could see this, or better yet the other pilots with whom she'd shared a bunkroom. The bedroom alone was twice as big as the bunkroom, not to mention the kitchen, sitting area and private washroom. Absolute and utter luxury compared to the battlestar's cramped quarters they'd all become accustomed to. She smiled warmly though, just thinking of the old girl. Then it hit her. She was never going back.

Never.

She'd made her choice - and it didn't include Galactica, the old man ... or Lee. Her life was here now with Samuel. All that Galactica represented - the struggle for life itself, freedom of the skies, family ... was no longer hers.

Tears stung her eyes. She'd known this would be a different life - one that would require some sacrifices but until this moment she hadn't realized just how much she'd have to give up to stay here with him ... everything.

The tears began to fall as she turned and walked away.

fin