New Home (Stargate Atlantis fanfiction)

15 She is the one - part 1

"I will not be able, Dave" said John holding his cell to his ear. "I'm sorry, but I need to be in Washington... yes, job to do... No, nothing bad, in fact I don't want to leave my post, I like it."

"John, what is wrong?" Asked Elizabeth coming closer and putting a chocolate cake on the table in the garden. "You know, you can always leave me for a month, I will be all right."

"No, Melissa, it's not some protection program..." He spoke again to the phone. "I don't want to leave her alone for too long..." Then Elizabeth saw him looking at her curiously and a little questioningly. "If you insist... I will ask her, but I don't know... ok, ok, I'm asking right now." He covered his cell and turned to her. "Elizabeth, would you like to visit my brother and his family two weeks from now?"

"I don't think I should intrude in your family days..."

"You are invited to join me there." He smiled expectantly. "Melissa loves guests, and their children will surely love you."

"If you..."

"I insist, Liz."

"Don't call me Liz!" She playfully punched him on the arm.

"Then go with me..."

She was visibly trying to avoid agreeing, but he held her gaze. She nodded at last and left to get drinks from the house.

"She agreed, Melissa, yes... Yes, two weeks from now, Saturday morning... I'll call you from the airport, ok?... You will all like her, I'm sure. Mel, thanks..."

They got their bags and waited for less than fifteen minutes until John spotted Dave waving for him.

"Come on." He said and tugged at Elizabeth's hand. "I can see Dave, our transport has arrived."

"John, are you sure?"

"Come on, Elizabeth Weir, great international diplomat, scared of meeting Sheppards family?" He smiled assuringly. "I thought better of you." John took both their bags and lead her towards his brother. He noticed she was really apprehensive and tried not to show being at least slightly worried and scared. John took her hand and sqeezed lightly, earning a thankful look from Elizabeth. When they got out of the car she was even more scared, so he kept her close, to offer some help if needed. She tensed and allowed John to get her even closer. She felt considerably safer with him and it was really much for him. Meeting Dave was very stressful for her. Probably because it was someone from his family and she was not really sure of herself yet. Familiar ground was also really far.

They were approaching the front porch of the house, when the door opened and two little figures went running in their direction. Both soon landed in John's outstretched arms.

"Uncle John," shouted little boy. "Will you take us flying again?"

The little girl just clutched his arm and looked at Elizabeth with reserve. "Who is this?" She asked in a small voice.

"This is my friend, Elizabeth." He smiled and led the girl closer to Elizabeth. "She came with me to meet you all."

Melissa, who was standing at the porch looked at the scene with amusement and curiosity. Her little daughter was not the one to initiate any contact, she was really shy kid who needed to be dragged to any social activity. However, she outstretched her had to a woman whom she saw for the first time in her life. It had to be the fear that Mellisa sensed in the other woman. She was even more scared and shy than the girl.

"I'm Andrea," said John's niece. "Hi."

"Hi Andrea," said Elizabeth smiling. "nice to meet you."

It looked like Andrea took an instant liking to Elizabeth. She grabbed her hand just like her brother did with John. The other soon found itself in Melissa's hand in a very warm greeting. There was no presentation this time, Elizabeth knew who was waiting for them and Melissa recognized the woman from the photo instantly.