"Secrets and Challenges"

Ch. 8

(Medical Lab)

Major Sheppard sat beside Stacey's bed. He waited impatiently for her to wake up.

"Why hasn't she woken up yet?" John asked Dr. Beckett impatiently.

"Relax, Major," he told him, checking on Stacey's vitals. "She's only sleeping now."

"It still shouldn't take this long for her to sleep. I mean, it's been nearly 12 hours already!" John said.

"Will you two be quiet? People are trying to sleep around here!"

They heard a familiar voice interrupt them. They looked around for the source. The two men looked down and found Stacey sitting up. Major Sheppard didn't bother to say anything. He stood up, leaned over, and gave Stacey a huge, passionate kiss. Dr. Beckett quickly snuck away, leaving them in privacy.

"It's about time, Stace," he said when he finally broke away. "I was starting to worry."

"Starting too? " Carson tried, and failed miserably, to hide a snort from across the lab. John looked over to him annoyingly.

"I'm sorry," she told him tiredly.

John turned to Carson. "So, when can she get out of here, Doc?"

"She can leave now if she'd like," Beckett told him.

(Random Corridor)

"You know, people are going to start spreading rumors about us," John said. "Oh, let them talk," she said. "It's almost time," Stacey said softly and simply.

"I know," he nodded.

"In a day I will be a monster and there will be no way in stopping me,"

"I know that too," John answered calmly, nodding. "So, let's make the most of today before you go all crazy on me, okay?"

Stacey nodded.

"I'm gonna grab a bit to eat. Wanna join me?"

"Sure," he shrugged.

(Kitchen)

Stacey was rummaging through the cabinets and drawers, while John watched her. He appeared to be highly entertained, just watching his wife look through the Atlantis Kitchen. She noticed the grin on his face as he watched. Stacey turned to him and said:

"Ya mind giving me a hand?"

"It looks like you're doing pretty well on your own," he told her.

"There is nothing here!" she said, finally stopping.

"There's plenty here, Stace," John said, opening up the Ancient's version of a refrigerator and showing her how full it is.

Stacey was getting more and more fidgety, John observed. He closed the door.

"Have you meditated at all these past few days?" he asked, as she made them both a sandwich.

"No," she answered quickly.

"Stacey, Honey, you should take some time to meditate. If you don't, tomorrow will be even worse," John said, putting his hands on her arms gently, stopping her.

"I will after I get something in my stomach, John," she said hurriedly.

"Promise," he said letting go.

Stacey gave the sandwich to him and set her own down on the table. She began eating. John sat down next to her.

"Stacey?" he urged.

"I promise," she said, semi-impatiently.

"Good," he said, but didn't really believe her.

To be continued . . .