Disclaimer: These people aint mine, never will be, but I can always pray!!!
Ok, this is the second part. It is no where near as long as the first, but it is something. This is hopefully the second to last part. Please review, and thank you for all the good reviews on the last section.
"AL!" Sammy Jo screamed, and caught the Admiral just before he hit his head on the floor. "Gooshie, help me get Al into the Waiting Room." She said while she struggled to set Al down gently on the floor. With the help of Gooshie, Sammy Jo got Al into the Waiting Room. "Oh Al, I hope this works." She said as she glanced back on her way out the door.
Sam and Al's bodies laid there for what seemed like an eternity before Ziggy picked up on any movement. Sam Beckett's body shifted a little, then his eyes opened, and a wave of relief washed over the man inhibiting it.
"It worked." Al said from inside Sam's body. Glancing over to his own body, he saw Sam open his eyes. Immediately, Al was standing over him and watching him like a hawk. When it dawned on Sam what had happened he sat up, with a little help from Al. Al realized that they were home, both of them, and his eyes started to well up with tears. To him- the man in front of him looked like Sam, and vice versa, and they were home. Sam slid his hand up Al's arm, testing it. Al just laughed and helped Sam get to his feet, then pulled him into a huge bear hug. Both hung on tight until the Waiting Room door slid open. Donna and Beth rushed in. Donna went to Sam, or Sam's body, then she realized the mistake and went to the other man. Beth grabbed the real Al and kissed him deeply. She found it strange to kiss someone who didn't look like her husband, but when he responded by taking her in his arms and kissing her warm and deep, she knew it was Al.
The two couples looked at each other and laughed. Sam was home, as was Al, and they were all together again. That night they all went out and celebrated, leaving Johnny with Danielle. After a night of dancing and reminiscing, the two couples parted.
As they went their separate ways, Sam pulled Al aside.
"What if we leap, Al?" Sam asked worriedly.
"Well, we will just have to come back again." Al responded. A compassionate grin came over his face, and smiling softly, he said, "Don't worry about it, Sam. Just enjoy it and if it happens, then it happens. It will work out in the end. Everything always works out in the end, especially since you have been there to fix it." Sam looked into his partner's comforting eyes. He always could trust Al, and he knew that he could now.
"Ok. Good night, Al." Sam agreed, squeezing Al on the shoulder as he passed.
"Night, Sam." Al replied as he headed for his apartment. Just before he went inside, he stopped and leaned against the wall beside the door. As a range of emotions was about to take him over, he looked up and silently prayed.
"That's what? 22 to 6?"
"No. 22 to 14. Okay, give an old guy a break, will ya?"Sam and Al were out playing basketball, just like old times.
"Old guy?" You're in my body, so you're younger." Sam said as he threw up a three pointer. When the ball missed and bounced off the rim, Al gave him an evil grin.
"Not technically, but I am suddenly feeling a bit younger." He hollered back at Sam as he stole the ball and put it up for a lay-up.
"Yeah, well, I'm out of practice." Sam complained back. Al gave him a "yeah-right" look and tossed him the ball. Sam raced at Al and slammed into his shoulder, almost knocking him down, then made the shot. "You should know better than to stand in my way." Sam retorted.
"Well, I'm used to you just passing straight through me." Al smirked. The men just laughed.
"Actually, that was a foul and he gets a free throw." Came a voice from the far side of the court. It was Johnny. " It was a charge, which means he gets a free shot." Johnny explained.
"What are you doing out here Johnny?" Al asked.
"Mom and Beth sent me out here to tell you that lunch would be ready soon. Besides, they were talking about kissing, and were giggling, so I didn't mind leaving." He answered with a roll of the eyes. Sam and Al just looked at him, then each other and laughed. Sam grabbed one of Johnny's hands and Al took the other and they all set off for Sam and Donna's apartment to eat. ________________________________________________________________________
"Where's Johnny?" Donna asked. After lunch he left and they hadn't seen him since. She looked around and the others shook their heads.
"I haven't seen him since lunch." Beth pointed out.
"Yeah, me either. He seemed upset a little though." Sam said, a bit worried. "Maybe I should go find him."
"No. I know where he is. I'll go talk to him. I think I know what it is, anyway." Al stood up and left, not noticing Sam's hurt expression.
"He's my son." Sam thought angrily, but he didn't protest.
* * * * * * *
Johnny was sitting in his father's office, in the big, worn leather chair behind the desk. Al had given him clearance after he had found the boy sitting in front of the door, staring at it.
"You are too predictable, kid." Al said as he walked in. Johnny just kept staring into space.
"Ok, kid. Spill it. What's eating you up this time?" Al said with a mixture of gentleness and joking. The boy just sighed and shrugged. "This is going to take a lot of effort". Al thought to himself, but he was wrong. Before he could say anymore, Johnny started practically shouting at him.
"What am I supposed to say to him, Al? I mean, I just met him three days ago, and he acts like he has been here the whole time. You have been more of a dad to me than he will ever be! It isn't fair, Al. I don't know what to say to him, whether to call him Dad, or Sam, or buddy…what?!" Johnny said, clenching his tiny fists together and trying to ignore the tears about to roll down his cheeks. They didn't go unnoticed by Al, but he let the kid vent. He needed it, and Al knew that interrupting him was the wrong thing to do to someone who was stressed. "Wow. I have actually learned from Verbeena!" He thought for a brief second, then looking back at Johnny, he noticed that he had gotten up and was about to leave. Johnny was starting to sob and Al grabbed him into a hug. He let the tears run there course and he stroked the boy's back and head, letting him quiet down some before he spoke. He pulled back from Johnny to sit down in the chair. Looking straight into the child's eyes, he said,
"It's okay, Johnny. I know how you feel. Sam, your Dad, loves you very much…"
"How can he love me? I barely know him." Johnny sniffled, cutting Al off.
"Trust me, he loves you. It is going to take some time, though. Give him a chance. He told me that he is spending the whole day with only you tomorrow, so you can get to know each other better. Give him some time and a chance." Al said, not breaking his eye contact with the young boy.
"But I don't…" Johnny started.
"Give him a chance." Al cut him off to say evenly. Johnny wiped his nose and nodded. Al hugged him tight and they walked back to the apartment. When they got back, Sam was waiting for them.
"There you are. I was starting to worry." He said, shooting Al an angry glance. It caught Al off guard, but he brushed it off after a second.
"Hi Sa…er…Dad." Johnny said, catching himself. He had avoided calling father anything quite successfully until now.
"Sam? Did you almost call me Sam? Johnny, remember, I am your dad, so you can call me Dad." Sam said gently to the boy, but looking even angrier at Al.
"Uh, hey, Johnny. I think your Dad and I need to talk alone." Al said, grabbing Sam by the shoulder and pulling him out the door. Al closed the door with a loud thud just as Sam forcefully disengaged himself from Al's tightening grasp.
"What the hell is up with you, Sam? Why all the nasty looks?" Al said, staring Sam down, or trying to. Even an Admiral in the United States Navy couldn't have held the stare against Sam's. Sam was very, very angry. "What is bugging you all of a sudden? One minute we are fire, the next I'm coming back with Johnny and your pissed…"
"You're coming back with Johnny?! You're coming back with Johnny. Al! He is my son. Thank you for watching out for him, but I am back and I think I can handle my son." Sam said heatedly. Actually, he was fuming, but once Al heard and registered what he said, he sighed. He understood now.
"Sam, listen. Johnny doesn't know you. He is used to coming to me, and I am used to…taking care of him." Al said gently.
"Well you can quit now! I can take care of Johnny! So let me!" Sam screamed. Then, something in Al snapped. Something he didn't even know he had.
"Yeah? Well, I didn't see you taking care of him for the past seven years. You didn't see Donna cry after Johnny went to bed every night. You didn't get a present on his birthday, signing the card 'Love, your Dad.' You didn't have to see the look on his face when I told him that I wasn't sure when you, his Father, would be home. And you didn't see his heart break when he wished for you to come home every night and you never did. You didn't take care of him, Sam! I did!!" Al screamed. He was almost ready to punch Sam if need be. He stopped, out of breath, and realized what he had just said. Although he had looked Sam straight in the eyes throughout all of it, he hadn't noticed the tears rolling down his friend's face. He calmed down and watched as Sam leaned against the wall and slid down it. He put his head between his hands and lowered his face down to the floor. Al just stood there, watching his friend. His anger was dying quickly as he realized how unfair he had been. He bent down, sat on his haunches, and put a hand on Sam's shoulder.
"Sam, I'm sorry. I know you couldn't help it. I…I'm sorry. Al said. He sat down beside Sam. The two sat quietly for a long time. Sam eventually lifted his head and leaned it against the wall, staring off into space.
"I'm sorry, too, Al. You and Donna did a good job with Johnny, and if I couldn't do it, I would want it to be you to help him. I mean, you're my best friend, and seeing you girls - you are a great father. Johnny is lucky to have had you around." Sam sighed. Al pondered this for a while then replied.
"Thank you Sam. Johnny is a great kid, and I was happy to see him grow up; but I can't replace his real father - no one can." He said, looking at Sam as he spoke his last words. Then he stood up, took Sam by the hand and helped him up, too.
"I've just missed so much, Al." Sam said, still holding Al's wrist. Al just grinned at him.
"But you won't miss anymore, Sam." Sam grinned back at his buddy as he realized al was right. "Go get some sleep and I will se you to morrow night. Don't forget that you are coming over to my place for dinner. You don't want to miss my Calavicci Lasagna." Al said, about to turn Sam's hand loose. Before he could though, Sam had pulled him into a hug.
"Thank you, Al."
"No. Thank you, Sam." They parted.
"So, we need to figure out how to switch." Sam said once in his office with Al. They had taken a couple of weeks off and was now back to work. The two just sat there looking at each other and discussing possiblities, even calling on Ziggy to help some. Then they sat in silence. An hour went by before either of them looked up from their respective drawings and equations.
"I don't know, Sam. We have been trying to figure this out for years and never could." Al finally said, receiving a nod from Sam. The phone rang and Sam answered it.
"Sam Beckett." He answered. AL watched him as he said the usual yes, and I know, and Oks, then he said "I am sorry, too." Al was perplexed until Sam finally said, "I love you too, Johnny. Bye." Sam hung up and looked at Al with a confused, but happy look. "That was Johnny. He called to apologize about how he had acted and said that he was giving me chance." Sam said, beaming. Al just grinned widely back at him.
Suddenly it happened. Sam looked up at Al with horror, which Al returned. The tingling had started. * Oh no. Oh please, God, no. Not now! I thought we had fixed this!* Sam prayed. White light surrounded his vision and the familiar surge of electricity started to surge through his body.
"Sam! What is happening?! We are leaping. Sam! No! SAM!!!" Al screamed out, not realizing that Sam couldn't hear him. Both snapped into the oblivion that one goes into when Leaping.
Ok. Here is the second part of my story. No doubt there are TONS of mistakes, and typos, but I would hope you can get the gist of what I am trying to say. If you wanna thank anyone, thank my friend Suzie for typing this, cause I never would have gotten to it. I hope you enjoyed it and I hope to have the last part up ASAP.
REVIEW!!!! If you want the last part.
---Liana
Ok, this is the second part. It is no where near as long as the first, but it is something. This is hopefully the second to last part. Please review, and thank you for all the good reviews on the last section.
"AL!" Sammy Jo screamed, and caught the Admiral just before he hit his head on the floor. "Gooshie, help me get Al into the Waiting Room." She said while she struggled to set Al down gently on the floor. With the help of Gooshie, Sammy Jo got Al into the Waiting Room. "Oh Al, I hope this works." She said as she glanced back on her way out the door.
Sam and Al's bodies laid there for what seemed like an eternity before Ziggy picked up on any movement. Sam Beckett's body shifted a little, then his eyes opened, and a wave of relief washed over the man inhibiting it.
"It worked." Al said from inside Sam's body. Glancing over to his own body, he saw Sam open his eyes. Immediately, Al was standing over him and watching him like a hawk. When it dawned on Sam what had happened he sat up, with a little help from Al. Al realized that they were home, both of them, and his eyes started to well up with tears. To him- the man in front of him looked like Sam, and vice versa, and they were home. Sam slid his hand up Al's arm, testing it. Al just laughed and helped Sam get to his feet, then pulled him into a huge bear hug. Both hung on tight until the Waiting Room door slid open. Donna and Beth rushed in. Donna went to Sam, or Sam's body, then she realized the mistake and went to the other man. Beth grabbed the real Al and kissed him deeply. She found it strange to kiss someone who didn't look like her husband, but when he responded by taking her in his arms and kissing her warm and deep, she knew it was Al.
The two couples looked at each other and laughed. Sam was home, as was Al, and they were all together again. That night they all went out and celebrated, leaving Johnny with Danielle. After a night of dancing and reminiscing, the two couples parted.
As they went their separate ways, Sam pulled Al aside.
"What if we leap, Al?" Sam asked worriedly.
"Well, we will just have to come back again." Al responded. A compassionate grin came over his face, and smiling softly, he said, "Don't worry about it, Sam. Just enjoy it and if it happens, then it happens. It will work out in the end. Everything always works out in the end, especially since you have been there to fix it." Sam looked into his partner's comforting eyes. He always could trust Al, and he knew that he could now.
"Ok. Good night, Al." Sam agreed, squeezing Al on the shoulder as he passed.
"Night, Sam." Al replied as he headed for his apartment. Just before he went inside, he stopped and leaned against the wall beside the door. As a range of emotions was about to take him over, he looked up and silently prayed.
"That's what? 22 to 6?"
"No. 22 to 14. Okay, give an old guy a break, will ya?"Sam and Al were out playing basketball, just like old times.
"Old guy?" You're in my body, so you're younger." Sam said as he threw up a three pointer. When the ball missed and bounced off the rim, Al gave him an evil grin.
"Not technically, but I am suddenly feeling a bit younger." He hollered back at Sam as he stole the ball and put it up for a lay-up.
"Yeah, well, I'm out of practice." Sam complained back. Al gave him a "yeah-right" look and tossed him the ball. Sam raced at Al and slammed into his shoulder, almost knocking him down, then made the shot. "You should know better than to stand in my way." Sam retorted.
"Well, I'm used to you just passing straight through me." Al smirked. The men just laughed.
"Actually, that was a foul and he gets a free throw." Came a voice from the far side of the court. It was Johnny. " It was a charge, which means he gets a free shot." Johnny explained.
"What are you doing out here Johnny?" Al asked.
"Mom and Beth sent me out here to tell you that lunch would be ready soon. Besides, they were talking about kissing, and were giggling, so I didn't mind leaving." He answered with a roll of the eyes. Sam and Al just looked at him, then each other and laughed. Sam grabbed one of Johnny's hands and Al took the other and they all set off for Sam and Donna's apartment to eat. ________________________________________________________________________
"Where's Johnny?" Donna asked. After lunch he left and they hadn't seen him since. She looked around and the others shook their heads.
"I haven't seen him since lunch." Beth pointed out.
"Yeah, me either. He seemed upset a little though." Sam said, a bit worried. "Maybe I should go find him."
"No. I know where he is. I'll go talk to him. I think I know what it is, anyway." Al stood up and left, not noticing Sam's hurt expression.
"He's my son." Sam thought angrily, but he didn't protest.
* * * * * * *
Johnny was sitting in his father's office, in the big, worn leather chair behind the desk. Al had given him clearance after he had found the boy sitting in front of the door, staring at it.
"You are too predictable, kid." Al said as he walked in. Johnny just kept staring into space.
"Ok, kid. Spill it. What's eating you up this time?" Al said with a mixture of gentleness and joking. The boy just sighed and shrugged. "This is going to take a lot of effort". Al thought to himself, but he was wrong. Before he could say anymore, Johnny started practically shouting at him.
"What am I supposed to say to him, Al? I mean, I just met him three days ago, and he acts like he has been here the whole time. You have been more of a dad to me than he will ever be! It isn't fair, Al. I don't know what to say to him, whether to call him Dad, or Sam, or buddy…what?!" Johnny said, clenching his tiny fists together and trying to ignore the tears about to roll down his cheeks. They didn't go unnoticed by Al, but he let the kid vent. He needed it, and Al knew that interrupting him was the wrong thing to do to someone who was stressed. "Wow. I have actually learned from Verbeena!" He thought for a brief second, then looking back at Johnny, he noticed that he had gotten up and was about to leave. Johnny was starting to sob and Al grabbed him into a hug. He let the tears run there course and he stroked the boy's back and head, letting him quiet down some before he spoke. He pulled back from Johnny to sit down in the chair. Looking straight into the child's eyes, he said,
"It's okay, Johnny. I know how you feel. Sam, your Dad, loves you very much…"
"How can he love me? I barely know him." Johnny sniffled, cutting Al off.
"Trust me, he loves you. It is going to take some time, though. Give him a chance. He told me that he is spending the whole day with only you tomorrow, so you can get to know each other better. Give him some time and a chance." Al said, not breaking his eye contact with the young boy.
"But I don't…" Johnny started.
"Give him a chance." Al cut him off to say evenly. Johnny wiped his nose and nodded. Al hugged him tight and they walked back to the apartment. When they got back, Sam was waiting for them.
"There you are. I was starting to worry." He said, shooting Al an angry glance. It caught Al off guard, but he brushed it off after a second.
"Hi Sa…er…Dad." Johnny said, catching himself. He had avoided calling father anything quite successfully until now.
"Sam? Did you almost call me Sam? Johnny, remember, I am your dad, so you can call me Dad." Sam said gently to the boy, but looking even angrier at Al.
"Uh, hey, Johnny. I think your Dad and I need to talk alone." Al said, grabbing Sam by the shoulder and pulling him out the door. Al closed the door with a loud thud just as Sam forcefully disengaged himself from Al's tightening grasp.
"What the hell is up with you, Sam? Why all the nasty looks?" Al said, staring Sam down, or trying to. Even an Admiral in the United States Navy couldn't have held the stare against Sam's. Sam was very, very angry. "What is bugging you all of a sudden? One minute we are fire, the next I'm coming back with Johnny and your pissed…"
"You're coming back with Johnny?! You're coming back with Johnny. Al! He is my son. Thank you for watching out for him, but I am back and I think I can handle my son." Sam said heatedly. Actually, he was fuming, but once Al heard and registered what he said, he sighed. He understood now.
"Sam, listen. Johnny doesn't know you. He is used to coming to me, and I am used to…taking care of him." Al said gently.
"Well you can quit now! I can take care of Johnny! So let me!" Sam screamed. Then, something in Al snapped. Something he didn't even know he had.
"Yeah? Well, I didn't see you taking care of him for the past seven years. You didn't see Donna cry after Johnny went to bed every night. You didn't get a present on his birthday, signing the card 'Love, your Dad.' You didn't have to see the look on his face when I told him that I wasn't sure when you, his Father, would be home. And you didn't see his heart break when he wished for you to come home every night and you never did. You didn't take care of him, Sam! I did!!" Al screamed. He was almost ready to punch Sam if need be. He stopped, out of breath, and realized what he had just said. Although he had looked Sam straight in the eyes throughout all of it, he hadn't noticed the tears rolling down his friend's face. He calmed down and watched as Sam leaned against the wall and slid down it. He put his head between his hands and lowered his face down to the floor. Al just stood there, watching his friend. His anger was dying quickly as he realized how unfair he had been. He bent down, sat on his haunches, and put a hand on Sam's shoulder.
"Sam, I'm sorry. I know you couldn't help it. I…I'm sorry. Al said. He sat down beside Sam. The two sat quietly for a long time. Sam eventually lifted his head and leaned it against the wall, staring off into space.
"I'm sorry, too, Al. You and Donna did a good job with Johnny, and if I couldn't do it, I would want it to be you to help him. I mean, you're my best friend, and seeing you girls - you are a great father. Johnny is lucky to have had you around." Sam sighed. Al pondered this for a while then replied.
"Thank you Sam. Johnny is a great kid, and I was happy to see him grow up; but I can't replace his real father - no one can." He said, looking at Sam as he spoke his last words. Then he stood up, took Sam by the hand and helped him up, too.
"I've just missed so much, Al." Sam said, still holding Al's wrist. Al just grinned at him.
"But you won't miss anymore, Sam." Sam grinned back at his buddy as he realized al was right. "Go get some sleep and I will se you to morrow night. Don't forget that you are coming over to my place for dinner. You don't want to miss my Calavicci Lasagna." Al said, about to turn Sam's hand loose. Before he could though, Sam had pulled him into a hug.
"Thank you, Al."
"No. Thank you, Sam." They parted.
"So, we need to figure out how to switch." Sam said once in his office with Al. They had taken a couple of weeks off and was now back to work. The two just sat there looking at each other and discussing possiblities, even calling on Ziggy to help some. Then they sat in silence. An hour went by before either of them looked up from their respective drawings and equations.
"I don't know, Sam. We have been trying to figure this out for years and never could." Al finally said, receiving a nod from Sam. The phone rang and Sam answered it.
"Sam Beckett." He answered. AL watched him as he said the usual yes, and I know, and Oks, then he said "I am sorry, too." Al was perplexed until Sam finally said, "I love you too, Johnny. Bye." Sam hung up and looked at Al with a confused, but happy look. "That was Johnny. He called to apologize about how he had acted and said that he was giving me chance." Sam said, beaming. Al just grinned widely back at him.
Suddenly it happened. Sam looked up at Al with horror, which Al returned. The tingling had started. * Oh no. Oh please, God, no. Not now! I thought we had fixed this!* Sam prayed. White light surrounded his vision and the familiar surge of electricity started to surge through his body.
"Sam! What is happening?! We are leaping. Sam! No! SAM!!!" Al screamed out, not realizing that Sam couldn't hear him. Both snapped into the oblivion that one goes into when Leaping.
Ok. Here is the second part of my story. No doubt there are TONS of mistakes, and typos, but I would hope you can get the gist of what I am trying to say. If you wanna thank anyone, thank my friend Suzie for typing this, cause I never would have gotten to it. I hope you enjoyed it and I hope to have the last part up ASAP.
REVIEW!!!! If you want the last part.
---Liana