School Play

Title: School Play
Author: Tels
Fandom: Stargate SG1
Characters: Jacob/Sam/Mark
Rating: G
Word count: 1,482
Prompt: #88 - School
Summary: Like father like son

Jacob sat in the crowded school auditorium, reading the programme. Sam sat on one side of him and Laura the other. Mark's chair was conspicuously empty still. Jen wriggled on Laura's lap. “Daddy late,” she said.

“Daddy will be here,” Laura told him. “He got stuck at work.”

“Sounds familiar,” Sam muttered.

Jacob looked at her. “It happens Sam, you know that.”

She nodded. “Yes I know.”

The lights went out and the chatting in the hall faded as the school orchestra stuck up the introduction. Ryan had the lead in the school play. They were doing the musical Sweeny Todd and he was adamant everyone should come and see him. He came out on stage and looked in the sea of faces for the family he knew was there but couldn't see them. Knowing they were there was enough and he launched into his opening speech.

Mid way through the first act Sam felt someone at her side. “Psst, let me through,” Mark whispered.

Sam swung her legs to one side, as did Jacob to let him in.

Laura glared at him. “You're late,” she hissed.

“Traffic was horrendous,” Mark hissed back. “At least I made it unlike some people.”

Laura looked at him but didn't comment as she was intent on watching the play. During the intermission she turned to her husband. “What did you mean?” she asked.

Mark looked at Sam and then at his father. “Long story,” he said.

Jacob cleared his throat. “He's getting at me,” he said quietly determined not to get into a fight now. Much to his relief Jen demanded to be taken to the bathroom so Laura got up and took her, ending the conversation there.

Mark wasn't so prepared to let it drop and resolved to bring it up later. The second half of the performance was just as good with the kids getting a standing ovation. The biggest cheers went to Ryan who had astounded both staff and parents with his acting ability. Once he'd changed he found his parents in the auditorium. Mark clapped him on the back. “That was fantastic,” he told him.

Ryan smiled. “Thanks Dad.”

Jen looked at him. “Daddy was late,” she said matter-of-factly.

Ryan looked at his father. “You were late?” he asked.

Mark looked at him. “I missed about ten minutes,” he said. “I got held up on I-52. The traffic was horrible.”

Laura looked at him but didn't say anything.

Ryan shook his head. “But you came,” he said, trying not to show how hurt he was. “That's what matters Dad. You were here.”

Jacob looked at his watch. “I should be getting back,” he said. “You were wonderful Ryan.”

“Thanks Grandad. You really have to go already?”

Jacob nodded. “I have an early flight and need to get back to the base tonight.”

Sam looked at him wondering what was up as this was the first mention of him leaving early. She hugged him without saying anything, figuring he had his reasons he just didn't want to go into.

Leaving the school, Jacob walked to where he'd left his car and got in. He sat there for a moment his elbows propped on the steering wheel and his head in his hands.

--- ---

Sam looked at her brother. “Is Daddy here yet?” she asked.

Mark shook his head. “Course he isn't. He never is. It'll be work or the traffic or some other excuse. When will you realise he just doesn't care enough to be here?” he told her sharply.

“But he promised he'd be here,” Sam said, her bottom lip trembling. “I get to be Mary and he promised he'd be here to see.”

Mark put his arms round his little sister. “Don't cry Sammie,” he said. “I'm here. I'll sit in the audience with Mom and watch you.”

“Want Daddy,” she said, pushing the white cloth off her head. She started to cry. “Don't wanna do it if he's not here.”

The kindergarten teacher, Mrs Edwards, looked at her and then went and found Alison. “I'm sorry Mrs Carter but Samantha is rather upset. I thought perhaps you could come and see her?”

Alison left her coat on the chair and followed the teacher to the back of the stage.

Mark looked at her. “Mom… I tried but…”

Alison smiled, gathering her sobbing daughter into her arms. “It's okay Mark. Thank you. You want to go sit out the front and I'll be there in a few?”

Mark nodded and went out front of house.

Alison drew Sam onto her lap and rocked her singing softly to her to calm her down. Then once she had she convinced her to go out on stage and be the best Mary she could be.

Sam looked at her. “But you're the best Mommy,” she said, her face wet with tears.

Alison kissed her and wiped her face dry. “And you're the best Sammie,” she said. She picked up the headdress and arranged it on Sam's head.

One of the problems of this line of work Jacob reminded himself as he flew up the path to the school hall is never being around. Duty shifts over run or he got called off base or posted somewhere at a minutes notice. The hall was in darkness, the performance started. He made his way to his seat, apologising as he trod on toes.

Alison gripped his hand as he sat down. “You're late,” she hissed.

“Sorry, but I am here now.”

A Christmas tree twinkled at the edge of the stage as the nativity play unfolded. Seven year old Sammie sat by the manger, the doll cradled in her arms. You could have heard a pin drop as she suddenly, totally unscripted decided that the baby was crying and started singing ‘Little Jesus sweetly sleep' as she rocked it.

--- ---

Sitting in the car, Jacob remembered the fight he and Alison had had later that night after the kids were asleep. She'd told him how upset Sam was because he was late and how she didn't want to do the play without him there. Things had improved slightly after that but after Alison had died, he had buried himself in his work. His children had become second to that and he'd ignored them more and more. Never going to school plays or fairs or matches.

There was a tap at the window and Jacob glanced up. Seeing Mark standing there in the darkness he sighed and rolled down the window. “Yes?” he asked.

Mark took a deep breath. “I hurt Ryan,” he said. “Oh he won't out and say it but I did. I did what I swore I'd never do. Put work before my kids.”

A light drizzle began to fall and Jacob opened the door to let Mark get in. He watched as his son slumped in the passenger seat and shut the door. “I failed him. Did what I blamed you for doing for so many years.”

Jacob looked at him. “Work does crop up and get in the way,” he said slowly. “But sometimes we let it.”

Mark didn't look up. “He looked at me the way I used to look at you.” He sighed. “I guess I'm a lousy father after all.”

Jacob put a hand on his son's arm. “You listen to me. You are a much better father than I ever was. Those kids dote on you. Don't put yourself down because you were late once.”

Mark looked at him but didn't say anything.

Jacob went on. “After your Mom died, it was just easier not to go to school functions because they reminded me of her. I didn't stop to think how it affected you and Sam. For that I can never apologise enough or forgive myself. You have the chance to do something now.”

Mark looked up. “Before my kids resent me the way I resented you?” he said quietly.

Jacob looked at him. “I didn't say that.”

“You didn't need to Dad,” Mark told him. “I just hope it's not too late.”

Jacob shook his head. “It's not. I saw the way Ryan looked at you and it's not too late.”

There was another tap on the window. Jacob rolled down the window and smiled at his grandson. “Hey Ryan.”

Ryan smiled. “Mom wants to know if you're coming back to our place after all.”

Mark looked at him. “Please Dad.”

Jacob nodded. “Sure.”

Ryan beamed and turned back to Laura and yelled “He said yes!” Then he turned back to Jacob. “Can I come in your car Grandad.”

Jacob nodded. “Just go and tell your Mom.”

Mark watched as Ryan ran off and then looked at his father. “Thanks Dad.”

Jacob smiled at him. “If something is worth having you have to work at it,” he said. “That's one lesson worth remembering.”