In Another World
Chapter 3: Reality Check

The next thing I remember was waking up in an infirmary bed. I must have passed out from the stress; I could still feel the tension and sorrow built up inside. I tried opening my eyes, but it was so bright above me. A strange feeling came over me without warning. This place was familiar. I blocked that thought immediately; I was just trying to make excuses. I could've kicked myself. Of course it felt familiar, infirmaries were usually the same: uncomfortable beds, bright lights, and doctors.

Finally able to adjust to the light I opened my eyes, only to find that my previous thought had been correct. And it scared me. This place didn't just feel like my home, it was home. I was in Atlantis. My mind boggled with ideas, it was almost too hard to keep up with all the questions. I tried not to panic, but I couldn't stop myself form crying again. This couldn't be home; our home was destroyed by the Wraith. I went through the gate, no, I was pushed through the gate. John saved my life, risking his own, without a second thought. I saw him….I saw….still I couldn't admit what happened.

Then someone took me by surprise. A recognizable man stood above me, questionable look on his face. He carefully wiped the last tears from my eyes.

"C-Carson?" I questioned weakly.

"Aye, lass, try to relax." He said tentatively.

"How long was I out?" I tried to sound normal.

"About five hours. It appears you were in a heavy state of post traumatic stress. You had no injuries."

"So I'm alright?"

"It appears so. But there is one problem."

"Yes?" Should've figured something was wrong. Nothing was ever perfect…except for John and I. We were perfect together. How we managed that, I don't think I'll ever know, but I guess now it didn't matter. Instinctively I pressed my hand to my stomach.

"This isn't your reality." My mind spun.

He's got to be kidding. Then again, it's not unbelievable. I'd read many reports from the SGC about alternate realities and universes. They had even met. Now it was happening to me. Somehow the gate must have malfunctioned; it had to have been from all the stunner blasts. I dropped my head and let out a long breath. This was Atlantis, home, but in a different reality.

"Do you need some time to think?"

"No, actually I'm okay. You can call me by my name, I'm sure you do in this reality."

"That might get a little confusing." A woman's voice came from the doorway. Instantly I knew, it was me, well, the me from this world. She walked towards me, excitement in her eyes. I would've matched her expression if my arrival here had been under different circumstances.

"Elizabeth Weir, I presume." She said with a smile.

"According to my birth certificate, yes. I suppose yours is identical, though."

"Probably is. So this is what's it's like to have a twin. Always wondered…"

"Yeah, me too." At least I was able to laugh about something.

"I'm gonna leave you two, but you will need to rest soon." Carson said, ready to leave. I could tell he was easing up, but it was going to take some time. It must've been hard seeing me like that. I could only hope that I didn't scare too many people with my uncharacteristic break down.

"I know," and "Thank you," came out of both of us. I was going to say the latter but she beat me to it. I'd have to get used to that.

We probably would've continued talking if not for the recognizable figure that entered the room. Less than a second later he was there, right in front of me. Lt. Colonel John Sheppard. I froze, my eyes transfixed on the man I….no, I realized, it wasn't really him. This was her John Sheppard. He may have the same messy hair, charming look, and dare I imagine it, comforting touch, but it couldn't change the fact that he wasn't mine. Questions flooded my mind, again. Were they together in this reality? Did they even have feelings for each other? Then one came that shocked me. Could I love him…Oh my god; how could I even think that?

While I was staring, they had said a few words to each other. The easiness between them was clearly seen; they stood directly next to one another, practically holding hands. Then they turned their attention to me.

"Hi, uh…Elizabeth," That was the first thing he said to me.

"Colonel Sheppard," I couldn't bring myself to call him John, not yet, it would've been too much.

"Yeah, wow," He looked between the two of us. "How am I gonna tell you two apart?"

Finding my voice, I spoke up. "Well, I'm pretty sure there's one thing we don't have in common."

"What might that be?" She asked intrigued, raising a brow.

"I'm pregnant."

Their reaction was priceless; the news had definitely shocked them. They exchanged similar expressions: mouths open slightly, wide eyes; they couldn't look away from each other. It was like they were contemplating whether or not I was telling the truth. I didn't blame them, but the most shocking part was still to come.

Finally able to break from the trance, their eyes were now fixed on me.

"Pregnant?" They asked at the same time.

"Yes." I smiled while placing a hand on my still small stomach and glancing down.

"Well, uh, congratulations." Sheppard managed to say.

"Thank you," I said sincerely.

"Was it planned?" Elizabeth asked curiously. I could tell she was interested. Seeing your twin from an alternate reality was weird enough. Finding out the other you is pregnant was crazy.

"Not exactly, but we'd talked." The moment I said 'we'd' it hit me hard. I knew I'd have to tell them what happened, face the facts. It would be hard, but I could handle it.

They were more curious now, understandably. They stole glances at each other, neither of them exactly wanting to ask, but waiting for me to bring up the name of the baby's father.

"I know what you're thinking. My child's father is John Sheppard."

For once they couldn't turn their heads to acknowledge each other. Utter avoidance. They separated from their close stance, mumbling 'uh huhs' and 'ohs'. Sheppard pushed his hand through his hair staring at the floor as if something fascinating was below him. Elizabeth on the other hand, bit her bottom lip and raised an eyebrow at me. Now that was weird. Before she had a chance to question me, Carson appeared again.

"Time for you to get some rest, lass," He nodded to Sheppard and Elizabeth who quietly exited nodding as well. He smiled then followed them out.

And I was left alone in silence. From where I was I couldn't hear the soothing sound of the waves against Atlantis, but I imagined I did. In my mind I lay peacefully in bed, John's arms wrapped protectively yet comforting around my waist.

"Goodnight John." I whispered to my empty surrounding.

And as I drifted off, I knew I heard his sweet voice in reply, 'Goodnight, Elizabeth.'

a/n: Sorry for the wait on this fic too! School time again….sucks. More importantly, I love your reviews, thank you so much! Hope you enjoy this chapter too!