Sam Beckett (Quantum Leap) Sims 3 story
Hey fellow simmers and story writers! 😀 Oh boy! Are you in for a treat! (Lol! You know I had to... 😜 ) Having been a Quantum Leap fan for some time now (and lover of the great and talented ...
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The Defining Moment
A week passed and Al visited Sam every single day. There was just one concern though...Sam never spoke a word to him. Day after day Al would address his best friend, offering comfort, nearly begging him to speak, but it was to no avail. It wasn't that Sam was angry with Al, on the contrary, he was just simply too depressed to speak. Al knew that. It worried him though and whenever he would find himself right back in the Imaging Chamber after visiting with Sam, he would utter a silent prayer to the great Healer of the universe that the next day...Sam would speak.
Two more days passed...still not a peep out of Sam. Al's visits had become shorter and shorter as a result. But I will NEVER give up on him, Al thought with determination, I'll visit him every day even if he never speaks again! Although he groaned in his heart that that would never be the case! Oh God why have you forsaken him? Al found himself asking all too often. If there was ever a time Sam needed a blessing...it was now.
The third day of the second week came and Al appeared to Sam the same time each morning like he always did. Sam stood near the back door of the house, overlooking his garden, just staring into nothingness. Al crept closer and asked, co'c'k'ing his head to the side trying to get Sam to look at him, "Sam? Are you alright?"
There was no response, but Sam did meet his gaze.
"You feel like talking today?"
Sam gave a light shrug. "You're stuck in the couch Al."
"Wha-?" Al began to ask, looking down. Sure enough it was true.
https://s20.postimg.cc/5hoplp3gt/Sams_depression_27.jpg
"Huh," he said, "would you look at that. One of the joys of being a hologram," he grinned stepping forward a little to get out. Then it hit him. "Hey!" he cried. "You spoke! Thank God!"
"Yeah," Sam mumbled.
"It goes without saying kid, but I was worried about you," Al said, drawing in a puff of cigar smoke and blowing it out. "A lot!"
https://s20.postimg.cc/9j17dm6dp/Sams_depression_20.jpg
"Sorry, I just...needed some time to process everything."
https://s20.postimg.cc/y38laln7x/Sams_depression_3.jpg
Al nodded, understanding. Then he noticed Sam give him a distasteful look as he studied his friend from head to toe.
"Geez Al," he began, "It's been two years since we've last seen each other and you STILL haven't changed out your wardrobe?"
https://s20.postimg.cc/z0f0jgyq5/Sams_depression_9.jpg
"Hey!" Al countered, but quickly put a smile on his face. "Why would a man as sophisticated as myself want to change out looks that are so fitting for him?"
https://s20.postimg.cc/qkpg1yvv1/Sams_depression_11.jpg
"Fitting? C'mon Al, how you ever got women in the past wearing all that has been beyond me."
"Well, I happen to like my style thank you very much."
"How does Beth feel about it?"
Blowing out some more smoke, Al replied with a shrug, "Eh...she didn't like it at first, but she's getting used to it."
https://s20.postimg.cc/n2dg5kuz1/Sams_depression_2.jpg
Rolling his eyes Sam felt sorry for the poor woman, but he shrugged it off. There were a couple of important things he wanted to discuss with Al. However he couldn't help asking first, "So how's Donna?"
Al stood still for a moment, lowering his cigar as he thought about how to break even more sad news. "She's doing alright," he said, "she's left the Project though. It was just...too much for her."
https://s20.postimg.cc/mo7is8lhp/Sams_depression_1.jpg
Sam nodded. That reality stung a little bit, but he honestly couldn't blame her. "So," he said, "The Project is still going on then?" He remembered the continued threats of de-funding.
https://s20.postimg.cc/tl6aii765/Sams_depression_6.jpg
"Well," Al began with the cigar between his teeth now, "Four years after you left we began calling it Operation: Retrieval instead of Project Quantum Leap. It became a mission instead of a project which helped us get the continued funding so we could get you home."
Sam lowered his head. He didn't have to say what he was thinking. Al knew.
"But since that isn't a possibility anymore," Al sighed, removing the cigar, "Donna felt her work was done and...she left." He half shook his head in sympathy. "I'm sorry Sam."
https://s20.postimg.cc/t3kbu4wct/Sams_depression_22.jpg
"It's ok Al," Sam said, while another reality hit him like a ton of bricks. "But that means you'll lose the funding and you won't be able to communicate with me anymore!" The thought freaked him out a bit, especially since he knew he would be staying in this world for the rest of his life.
https://s20.postimg.cc/6tx7w3m4t/Sams_depression_4.jpg
"Relax," Al calmed, gesturing with his hands. "What makes you think we told the government that little detail of you not coming home?" He winked.
A smile crept upon Sam's lips.
"Don't you worry about it kid...I'm taking care of it."
https://s20.postimg.cc/kg2j2dt59/Sams_depression_18.jpg
He always did, with his connections from being a Navy Admiral and all. "Thanks Al," Sam said indebtedly.
Al let out a puff of smoke and half nodded.
"I was just hoping," Sam began again, looking down, "that I could talk with Donna again, you know," he looked up, "through that telepathy technology you all came up with." He cracked a smile. "That was pretty ingenious. Who invented that?"
https://s20.postimg.cc/7yvvf7xzh/Sams_depression_16.jpg
"Gushie," Al replied with his arms stretched out in surprise, "Can you believe that!?"
"Not really," he chuckled, but got serious again. "So...could I speak with her?"
Al had to choose his words carefully with this one, but it was necessary to let Sam know the truth about this newfound technology. "The telepathy is not exactly safe Sam, that's why we didn't use it very much."
Sam looked upon his friend questionably.
"According to Gushie and Ziggy, it tends to damage brain cells and could cause permanent brain damage with prolonged use."
https://s20.postimg.cc/4t6ob9pzh/Sams_depression_7.jpg
"That's a risk I'm willing to take," Sam declared, stepping forward.
https://s20.postimg.cc/aveb1refh/Sams_depression_8.jpg
"Sam!" Al addressed firmly, causing Sam to stop in his tracks. "Donna didn't tell any of us where she went."
https://s20.postimg.cc/4zoys3oi5/Sams_depression_12.jpg
The glimmer of hope in Sam's countenance fell upon hearing that.
"Why!?"
"Like I said before Sam, it was just too much for her to handle." Al placed his hands in his pockets and sighed. "Dr. Beeks has been informing me over the years about the effects your absence has been having upon Donna's mental health."
Sam looked away. He could only imagine.
"It's affecting her physical health as well," Al continued. "She just...can't do it anymore Sam."
Now Sam was fighting back tears. "But Al," he cried, "you said there was no way I could get home being in this world, but what if God," he paused, scolding himself for bringing Him up, "leaped me back to Earth? Then I'd be able to get home to her, right!? There'd still be a chance!?"
https://s20.postimg.cc/dyjmivirx/Sams_depression_15.jpg
Running a hand over his face, Al replied, "Possibly. But we were still trying to figure that out remember?"
"D****t!" Sam cried, turning away from Al. He felt so defeated.
"Sam...," Al addressed, but he stopped, giving his friend a few moments. When those moments passed Sam turned to face Al again, ready to continue the discussion.
"This is your destiny Sam," Al continued. "Leaping through time, putting right what’s gone wrong, has always been God’s plan for you.”
https://s20.postimg.cc/bc441xrkd/Sams_depression_21.jpg
"Please don't mention God Al, I'm still a little upset with Him."
“Well, stop it!” Al ordered sharply. “And get a hold of yourself. Where’s the Sam Beckett I know!? Telling me not to mention God…” He looked upon him with disgust and disappointment as Sam pursed his lips. “I know you feel betrayed, but you taught me that God does not betray. He simply does what is needed to carry out His grand plan which is always for our betterment whether we can see it or not! You know that!”
https://s20.postimg.cc/qv1jz1zv1/Sams_depression_19.jpg
He stopped to let that sink into Sam a bit. “We thought it was fate or time controlling all of this, but no…it was the work of a higher being. HE called you to make the world a better place whether it’s on Earth or here. I will not watch your faith falter over all this. You’re better than that Sam! Now buck up!”
There was a period of dead silence.
Sam knew Al was right, but he couldn't help shaking his head in disbelief muttering, "I just can't believe this is happening Al."
Al gulped. "I know, kid," he said calmly now, digging the tip of his shoe into the carpet. When he looked up, Sam continued to stand there with the most horribly crushed look upon his face.
Al didn't want to say it, but knew he needed to. "You can do this Sam," he started, "just like you always have."
There was a bit of silence again.
"Donna's moving on," Al continued, "it's time you do the same."
https://s20.postimg.cc/p0tav228d/Sams_depression_28.jpg
With his hands clenched into fists and resting them on his hips, Sam looked down nodding in agreement among his whirlwind of emotions. The tears began streaming down his cheeks. He didn’t want to move on. He wanted to know RIGHT NOW what God’s continued plan was for him, but that was something he was just going to have to figure out, have faith in and…he couldn’t do it ignoring God anymore. He needed His help and guidance more than ever.
“You’ll be alright Sam,” Al assured, breaking Sam out of his thoughts. He wished he could pat his friends shoulder for comfort and reassurance.
Wiping at his nose, he responded, “I know Al and honestly though,” he paused, meeting his gaze, “I don’t even remember what it’s like to be with Donna. Isn’t that sad? I mean, faint memories are still there, deep within my heart, but… it’s been so long that…” he shook his head, unable to continue.
https://s20.postimg.cc/cuzi6wy4t/Sams_depression_14.jpg
Nodding understandably, the response Al gave him wasn’t at all what Sam expected. “Well kid,” the man with the cigar said, “that’s a start.”
https://s20.postimg.cc/u74g63gzx/Sams_depression_24.jpg
A helpful start in moving on.
To be continued...
A week passed and Al visited Sam every single day. There was just one concern though...Sam never spoke a word to him. Day after day Al would address his best friend, offering comfort, nearly begging him to speak, but it was to no avail. It wasn't that Sam was angry with Al, on the contrary, he was just simply too depressed to speak. Al knew that. It worried him though and whenever he would find himself right back in the Imaging Chamber after visiting with Sam, he would utter a silent prayer to the great Healer of the universe that the next day...Sam would speak.
Two more days passed...still not a peep out of Sam. Al's visits had become shorter and shorter as a result. But I will NEVER give up on him, Al thought with determination, I'll visit him every day even if he never speaks again! Although he groaned in his heart that that would never be the case! Oh God why have you forsaken him? Al found himself asking all too often. If there was ever a time Sam needed a blessing...it was now.
The third day of the second week came and Al appeared to Sam the same time each morning like he always did. Sam stood near the back door of the house, overlooking his garden, just staring into nothingness. Al crept closer and asked, co'c'k'ing his head to the side trying to get Sam to look at him, "Sam? Are you alright?"
There was no response, but Sam did meet his gaze.
"You feel like talking today?"
Sam gave a light shrug. "You're stuck in the couch Al."
"Wha-?" Al began to ask, looking down. Sure enough it was true.
https://s20.postimg.cc/5hoplp3gt/Sams_depression_27.jpg
"Huh," he said, "would you look at that. One of the joys of being a hologram," he grinned stepping forward a little to get out. Then it hit him. "Hey!" he cried. "You spoke! Thank God!"
"Yeah," Sam mumbled.
"It goes without saying kid, but I was worried about you," Al said, drawing in a puff of cigar smoke and blowing it out. "A lot!"
https://s20.postimg.cc/9j17dm6dp/Sams_depression_20.jpg
"Sorry, I just...needed some time to process everything."
https://s20.postimg.cc/y38laln7x/Sams_depression_3.jpg
Al nodded, understanding. Then he noticed Sam give him a distasteful look as he studied his friend from head to toe.
"Geez Al," he began, "It's been two years since we've last seen each other and you STILL haven't changed out your wardrobe?"
https://s20.postimg.cc/z0f0jgyq5/Sams_depression_9.jpg
"Hey!" Al countered, but quickly put a smile on his face. "Why would a man as sophisticated as myself want to change out looks that are so fitting for him?"
https://s20.postimg.cc/qkpg1yvv1/Sams_depression_11.jpg
"Fitting? C'mon Al, how you ever got women in the past wearing all that has been beyond me."
"Well, I happen to like my style thank you very much."
"How does Beth feel about it?"
Blowing out some more smoke, Al replied with a shrug, "Eh...she didn't like it at first, but she's getting used to it."
https://s20.postimg.cc/n2dg5kuz1/Sams_depression_2.jpg
Rolling his eyes Sam felt sorry for the poor woman, but he shrugged it off. There were a couple of important things he wanted to discuss with Al. However he couldn't help asking first, "So how's Donna?"
Al stood still for a moment, lowering his cigar as he thought about how to break even more sad news. "She's doing alright," he said, "she's left the Project though. It was just...too much for her."
https://s20.postimg.cc/mo7is8lhp/Sams_depression_1.jpg
Sam nodded. That reality stung a little bit, but he honestly couldn't blame her. "So," he said, "The Project is still going on then?" He remembered the continued threats of de-funding.
https://s20.postimg.cc/tl6aii765/Sams_depression_6.jpg
"Well," Al began with the cigar between his teeth now, "Four years after you left we began calling it Operation: Retrieval instead of Project Quantum Leap. It became a mission instead of a project which helped us get the continued funding so we could get you home."
Sam lowered his head. He didn't have to say what he was thinking. Al knew.
"But since that isn't a possibility anymore," Al sighed, removing the cigar, "Donna felt her work was done and...she left." He half shook his head in sympathy. "I'm sorry Sam."
https://s20.postimg.cc/t3kbu4wct/Sams_depression_22.jpg
"It's ok Al," Sam said, while another reality hit him like a ton of bricks. "But that means you'll lose the funding and you won't be able to communicate with me anymore!" The thought freaked him out a bit, especially since he knew he would be staying in this world for the rest of his life.
https://s20.postimg.cc/6tx7w3m4t/Sams_depression_4.jpg
"Relax," Al calmed, gesturing with his hands. "What makes you think we told the government that little detail of you not coming home?" He winked.
A smile crept upon Sam's lips.
"Don't you worry about it kid...I'm taking care of it."
https://s20.postimg.cc/kg2j2dt59/Sams_depression_18.jpg
He always did, with his connections from being a Navy Admiral and all. "Thanks Al," Sam said indebtedly.
Al let out a puff of smoke and half nodded.
"I was just hoping," Sam began again, looking down, "that I could talk with Donna again, you know," he looked up, "through that telepathy technology you all came up with." He cracked a smile. "That was pretty ingenious. Who invented that?"
https://s20.postimg.cc/7yvvf7xzh/Sams_depression_16.jpg
"Gushie," Al replied with his arms stretched out in surprise, "Can you believe that!?"
"Not really," he chuckled, but got serious again. "So...could I speak with her?"
Al had to choose his words carefully with this one, but it was necessary to let Sam know the truth about this newfound technology. "The telepathy is not exactly safe Sam, that's why we didn't use it very much."
Sam looked upon his friend questionably.
"According to Gushie and Ziggy, it tends to damage brain cells and could cause permanent brain damage with prolonged use."
https://s20.postimg.cc/4t6ob9pzh/Sams_depression_7.jpg
"That's a risk I'm willing to take," Sam declared, stepping forward.
https://s20.postimg.cc/aveb1refh/Sams_depression_8.jpg
"Sam!" Al addressed firmly, causing Sam to stop in his tracks. "Donna didn't tell any of us where she went."
https://s20.postimg.cc/4zoys3oi5/Sams_depression_12.jpg
The glimmer of hope in Sam's countenance fell upon hearing that.
"Why!?"
"Like I said before Sam, it was just too much for her to handle." Al placed his hands in his pockets and sighed. "Dr. Beeks has been informing me over the years about the effects your absence has been having upon Donna's mental health."
Sam looked away. He could only imagine.
"It's affecting her physical health as well," Al continued. "She just...can't do it anymore Sam."
Now Sam was fighting back tears. "But Al," he cried, "you said there was no way I could get home being in this world, but what if God," he paused, scolding himself for bringing Him up, "leaped me back to Earth? Then I'd be able to get home to her, right!? There'd still be a chance!?"
https://s20.postimg.cc/dyjmivirx/Sams_depression_15.jpg
Running a hand over his face, Al replied, "Possibly. But we were still trying to figure that out remember?"
"D****t!" Sam cried, turning away from Al. He felt so defeated.
"Sam...," Al addressed, but he stopped, giving his friend a few moments. When those moments passed Sam turned to face Al again, ready to continue the discussion.
"This is your destiny Sam," Al continued. "Leaping through time, putting right what’s gone wrong, has always been God’s plan for you.”
https://s20.postimg.cc/bc441xrkd/Sams_depression_21.jpg
"Please don't mention God Al, I'm still a little upset with Him."
“Well, stop it!” Al ordered sharply. “And get a hold of yourself. Where’s the Sam Beckett I know!? Telling me not to mention God…” He looked upon him with disgust and disappointment as Sam pursed his lips. “I know you feel betrayed, but you taught me that God does not betray. He simply does what is needed to carry out His grand plan which is always for our betterment whether we can see it or not! You know that!”
https://s20.postimg.cc/qv1jz1zv1/Sams_depression_19.jpg
He stopped to let that sink into Sam a bit. “We thought it was fate or time controlling all of this, but no…it was the work of a higher being. HE called you to make the world a better place whether it’s on Earth or here. I will not watch your faith falter over all this. You’re better than that Sam! Now buck up!”
There was a period of dead silence.
Sam knew Al was right, but he couldn't help shaking his head in disbelief muttering, "I just can't believe this is happening Al."
Al gulped. "I know, kid," he said calmly now, digging the tip of his shoe into the carpet. When he looked up, Sam continued to stand there with the most horribly crushed look upon his face.
Al didn't want to say it, but knew he needed to. "You can do this Sam," he started, "just like you always have."
There was a bit of silence again.
"Donna's moving on," Al continued, "it's time you do the same."
https://s20.postimg.cc/p0tav228d/Sams_depression_28.jpg
With his hands clenched into fists and resting them on his hips, Sam looked down nodding in agreement among his whirlwind of emotions. The tears began streaming down his cheeks. He didn’t want to move on. He wanted to know RIGHT NOW what God’s continued plan was for him, but that was something he was just going to have to figure out, have faith in and…he couldn’t do it ignoring God anymore. He needed His help and guidance more than ever.
“You’ll be alright Sam,” Al assured, breaking Sam out of his thoughts. He wished he could pat his friends shoulder for comfort and reassurance.
Wiping at his nose, he responded, “I know Al and honestly though,” he paused, meeting his gaze, “I don’t even remember what it’s like to be with Donna. Isn’t that sad? I mean, faint memories are still there, deep within my heart, but… it’s been so long that…” he shook his head, unable to continue.
https://s20.postimg.cc/cuzi6wy4t/Sams_depression_14.jpg
Nodding understandably, the response Al gave him wasn’t at all what Sam expected. “Well kid,” the man with the cigar said, “that’s a start.”
https://s20.postimg.cc/u74g63gzx/Sams_depression_24.jpg
A helpful start in moving on.
To be continued...
