CHAPTER 25
"QUESTIONS"
"Why?"
"We just needed some time apart Honey."
"But where is Daddy going to stay?"
"He is staying with Alice and Alex."
"Can we visit them some time?"
Those questions, each and every one of them were hurting Sam more and more, and she could do nothing to stop them. She had to try and answer him, try to tell her son that everything was going to be all right. Yet, now, two days latter, he still kept asking questions, wanting to find out what was going on, why his dad was not in the house and why he was not calling him. Sam knew Pete was harsh, but he had no right to cut off communications with Aron, to try to use him like this.
She knew him well enough, knew that he was just using his own son as a bargaining chip. She couldn't do the same, yet she could not call him, because it would give him the wrong idea, shaking her head she glanced at her crest fallen son and took a deep breath; she needed to do this for him, his safety was her priority and that was what she was going to do. Pete didn't trust her and next time he did something she wanted to be sure she could be there for Aron. And she didn't want Jack watching her six all the time.
"We're here Aron."
"Ok."
He rushed off into the school building and Sam closed her eyes. Not even a goodbye kiss, or a see you later mommy. She clenched the wheel and slammed her fist on it.
"Ah… you ok?"
"Daddy, she is angry."
She turned towards the sound of the familiar voices and saw Jack standing there. April was holding her father's hand, and Jack was carrying her small backpack. A small smiled tugged at her lips at the sight.
"Where's Aron? Did you guys fight?"
"He's inside and no we didn't fight he… he's just sad."
"I'll go cheer him up, right Dad?"
"Sure thing kid and remember Janet is picking you up today."
"Yes Sir."
She smiled and rushed off right before returning and giving him a peck on the cheek. Sam closed her eyes and Jack turned towards her; as April once again entered the school he squatted beside Sam's car and cocked his head to one side raising an eyebrow.
"Every thing ok?"
"No. Pete left a while back."
"Oh?"
"I'm getting a divorce."
"Hard on the kid, I see…"
"You have no idea…"
"So what's the plan?"
"I don't know… the house is his. Everything… is his… God this is such a mess!"
"Carter come on, this isn't like you."
"I've never been good at this have I?"
"At what?"
"The whole couple and family thing."
He brushed his hand over the side of her face, a small smile on his lips.
"Nope, but then again you're new at this whole thing and it takes two to tango."
"This is harder than blowing that… you know what…"
"Yeah well 12 is a bitch Carter, just remember that."
She smiled and nodded, he had experience with kids. As they talked, inside the school April looked at Aron. He was in his seat, looking out the window and frowning.
"Aron, you ok?"
"Daddy is gone."
"Where'd he go?"
"With Uncle Alex."
"Oh, but you can see him right?"
"Mommy is angry at him."
"Oh… I'm sure they'll make up and then you'll have your daddy back."
"I don't know…"
"Well… I don't have a mommy and my real daddy is gone too."
Aron looked at April who smiled sadly at him. He looked at her strangely.
"Where'd they go?"
"Up there."
She pointed to the sky and the teacher looked at them. She was about to start the lesson but she had heard them talking.
"How can they be up there?"
"Aron, April's mom… is in Heaven along side her daddy."
Aron frowned and the teacher explained. He nodded and much to the teacher's surprise Aron seemed to have left his bad mood behind and he went to play with April. After a while he slowly he stood and rushed towards the teacher.
"What is the matter?"
"April's dad is alone then?"
"Why yes, he is."
"Oh I was sad 'cause Daddy went to live with my uncle, but I can still see him. April can't see her mommy or daddy can she?"
"No, she can't sweetie."
"Then I'll cheer her up!"
"You do that, but get ready okay? Class is about to start."
She smiled and watched as Aron rushed off to help his friend. A sad look came over the teacher. April was one of a kind kid and so was her dad; the man had told her about her family. Her real dad and mom, and how they went to visit them often, yet for April knew Jack was her Daddy, nothing could change that.
Sam on the other hand was currently holding back tears, telling Jack, her friend, what had happened and all Jack was able to do was listen to her and offer her kind words; yet she wished for so much more. She wanted his arms embracing her, his tender words and his hand resting kindly on her back as his other one ran softly trough her hair. She so wished he would just take her in his arms, but knew that it was not going to happen.
"Look Carter, I don't know anything about your marriage, but it sounds to me like you have all of this planed out. Why the hesitation?"
"Because of Aron, I don't want to take his father away from him and be the bad mother."
He smiled and shook his head. Sam was right and yet she was so wrong. Taking a deep breath he signaled her to follow him to a more private area. They walked to the near by wood where he stoped and took a deep breath looked at her straight into her eyes.
"Sam, trust me, it's better to have an absent parent than live in an unhappy home."
"Jack?"
"My parents weren't that great."
"Oh… h-how did you?"
"Dad and Mom fought all the time and well let's just say I lashed out. When they divorced I was relieved that I didn't have to hear the fights and my parents were talking to one another."
"It was better?"
"Not better, but it was easier to accept."
Jack smiled and they headed back towards their vehicles, she jumped in her and looked at his truck as he drove away. Things were going to get harder, but she could deal with them, somehow today told her that maybe, just maybe he was beginning to accept her return.
"You're late, Jack."
"I know, Jan I know."
"Do you know how frustrating it is?"
"I'm sorry, okay?"
She pouted and he smiled, he just signaled her to follow him. Janet saw that there was something up with him and wondered if it had to do with Sam and her recently resolved problem. She took his hand and signaled him to enter a nearby office.
"Yes mom?"
"Stop the jokes Jack."
"All right, all right. It's Sam."
"Oh?"
"She is having some home problems… gave her some advice."
"You did? Ok. Yeah, sorry."
"Its okay, I just hope that kid can deal with it."
"I'm sure he will Jack. You did."
He smiled and nodded.
"Thanks Janet."
"No problem Sir."
Walking towards their respective positions, Janet wondered how he dealt with everything he had been through, wondered just what had happened to Jack's personal life. She had heard the rumors that he had gone out with Daniel and Teal'c to a singles bar which was weird. He had expressed his dislike of those kinds of places, yet he had gone to one with them. Deciding against going towards the infirmary she decided to make a side stop at Daniel's office.
She had to know what had happened after all. Arriving, she noticed Daniel was laid out on his desk groaning. She smirked and taped him on the shoulder. He turned sideways and smiled at her touching his head; he had a hang over. One beer and Daniel was out cold. Sitting up he smiled at her.
"So how did it go?"
"I think he got a few numbers, so did I…"
"Oh?"
He smiled and nodded pulling a piece of paper from his pocket. She frowned of course, yet he didn't notice. That was Daniel. He had the perfect woman in front of him and he didn't even have a clue.
Continued