"I wonder what's been going on while we were gone?" Jack showed Sam the list of messages. She shrugged.
"Do you recognize the number?" Jack opened the truck door for Sam and went around to his side.
"I can't be sure until I get back to your place and check but this might be Leslie's number. I forgot to call or leave her a message before we disappeared. I'll call her and let her know we don't need her any longer." Jack put the key in the ignition and backed out of the space.
"Why don't you tell her we're back and she can come over when ever she feels like it."
"Sam?"
"I owe Leslie." Sam kept a straight face but Jack was perplexed. When they got home Jack checked and made sure it was Leslie's number. She had also left ten messages on Sam's machine. She was apparently very worried and had even threatened to call the police if they didn't call and let her know Sam was ok. Jack called her, made many apologizes, and relayed Sam's messages. Leslie headed straight over.
Sam put her dark glasses back on and relaxed on the sofa. Jack decided to stay out of this discussion. He opened the door when Leslie knocked and tried to look busy in the kitchen. Leslie followed him.
"Why did you take her away just as we were making progress?"
"It was necessary."
"Necessary?" Leslie's hands were on her hips as she followed him around.
"I told you I couldn't explain on the phone and I still can't explain here." Jack ignored her as he poured out spoiled milk. Leslie gave up and went to Sam. She dug the printer out of its bag and wrote out a message to Sam.
'I'm glad you're back. Are you ready to work?' Sam read the message and suppressed her grin.
"Not interested." Sam wadded up the paper and tossed it. It landed just in front of Leslie's right foot. Leslie sighed and tightened her lips. She glared at Jack's back and wrote out another message.
'We've made progress. Don't let it go to waste. Let's work on writing.' Sam was appalled. Didn't she know Sam had learned to write when she was three!
"Take a hike, shorty. I'm not interested." Leslie stood, huffed, and went over to Sam's desk. She got out some paper, a pencil, and a ruler. She returned to the sofa and placed the materials in Sam's lap. Sam picked them up and laid them on the sofa beside her. Leslie picked up Sam's hand and tried to force her to hold the pencil. Leslie had no idea what happened but she was suddenly pressed face down against the arm of the sofa with her arm twisted behind her back. Sam leaned forward and whispered in her ear.
"I can't believe I was stupid enough to let you get away with dumping ice cold water on me. Today is the day when you learn you can't be disrespectful to your clients. I happen to be well trained in hand-to-hand combat and you're not. Even injured I could have kicked your short scrawny rear. Yeah, you heard me right...you're short." Leslie was stunned. She was breathing hard but she stayed as still as a post.
"I'm sorry." Sam released her.
"You have the potential to be a good therapist but you've got to let your attitude go. Not everyone will be as patient with you as I was. Count yourself lucky to still be employed and whole." Leslie nodded. Sam removed her glasses and Leslie sucked in a deep breath.
"How the..." Jack grinned and stepped into the room.
"Like I said it was an important trip." Leslie nodded again. Sam put out her hand.
"Good luck and think of me whenever one of your patients ticks you off." Leslie grinned slightly.
"I will. I promise." Leslie left without turning back. If she had risked glancing back, and could look through the wood of the door, she would have seen General Jack O'Neill envelope Colonel Samantha Carter into a hug followed by a passionate kiss. As Daniel would say, things had changed.
----
I had a vigilant reader point out that Leslie was an over dramatized spoiled brat and I whole-heartedly agreed. I purposefully made this story over the top and soap operaish. Never let anyone treat you or your loved ones like Leslie treated Sam. Speak up and report abuse!