Sam struggled to open her eyes. It couldn't have been more than two hours since she had last fallen into a state of unconsciousness. Hayden – her two year old son – ensured that she gain no rest through the preceding hours. She didn't completely blame him, though. It was her idea to take him for a stroll through the park in the middle of winter. Hayden had been relentlessly complaining, and she did her best to ease his mood. The few hours she did have time to do anything, preferably sleep, were always serene and well-deserved.

Sam looked at the small boy in her hands. When she looked at him all she saw was herself. He had golden hair, sparkling blue eyes (which were now shut tight), and a small nose. His lips, however, were thin, but fitting, just like his father's. She slowly rose out of her bed and wandered into Hayden's room, laying him in his bed, and placing a small kiss on his forehead. Sauntering back into her own room, she lay atop her own bed, where her boyfriend lay, too. As determined as she was not to wake any of her sleeping men, her PearPhone had other tactics. It rung. Her boyfriend stirred next to her and she quickly grasped her cell, placing the phone to her ear.

"Hello?" she asked groggily, slipping under the covers.

"Sam!" Carly's desperate voice filled her ears, and she rolled her eyes. Recently, Sam had only heard Carly's voice this flustered when she misplaced one of her fresh lip balms, so you could guess that Sam wasn't the least bit concerned.

"Carls, I love you and all, but in case you still haven't realized, there's a five hour difference—"

"Sam, this is serious! Spencer…I—"

Sam, grumbling, huffily interrupted Carly, "I don't have any more fire hydrants to lend him—"

"Sam!" Carly yelled. "I'm at the main Seattle hospital…I found Spencer passed out in the loft."

At this, Sam jolted up in bed. Sam's breath caught in her throat, and she began to breathe inadequately. Though she hadn't seen Spencer in about three years, he was still the same genuine, artistic 'older brother' she had for provision. He was the only one who told her to follow her dreams when she broadcasted to everyone she was moving, and as an adolescent, he permitted her to stay in his loft, and consume every bit of his food. The thought of him in an unwholesome condition nearly broke her completely. "W-what?"

Sam heard Carly pause, the sound of a small sniffle coming through the line. "I-I don't know, Sam, but I'm scared…"

"Carly, shh," Sam pacified. "Spencer's a solid guy…he'll be alright."

Sam tried to calm Carly down. He may have posed as an older brother to her, but he actually was Carly's brother by blood. If she was feeling like this, Carly must have felt ten times worse.

"But Sam," Carly whimpered. "What if he won't?"

Feeling like nothing else she could say would help, she settled for saying, "Alright, Carls...I'll be there as soon as I can."

Carly nodded, though Sam couldn't see her. Sam tapped the 'end' button on her PearPhone, and sat back down on the bed, taking a minute to regain her composure. This would be the first time in three years she'd be seeing Seattle. More importantly, this would be the first time in three years she'd be seeing him because she knew he'd be there if Carly told him. Two years ago she thought she had found the love of her life. She thought he loved her, and for a second, thought maybe he wouldn't hurt her. She didn't think she'd see him and his ex-girlfriend…together…in a dark corner…kissing…at a very hip party. Hm, now that she became exposed to those few flashbacks, she realized she used to think a lot of things. Now, her life revolved around Eric, Hayden, and precision. For the past three years, she had begun to act more and more like a perfectionist – trying to dodge any type of mistake. But she couldn't help it. He had done this to her. It was his fault.

After the events of that party took place, Freddie pleaded and pleaded for forgiveness, but she never gave him the time of day. After a while, her trust went downhill, and she begun to block everyone out. No one stood a chance; not even Carly, since she was in direct relation to him. She shook her head and climbed out of bed once again. This wasn't about him right now; this was about Spencer.

"Sam? What are you doing up?" Eric rose from the bed, pecking Sam lightly on the forehead.

She looked up at him and sighed. "Eric? You have that business trip for two weeks, don't you?"

Eric shrugged, and placed an arm around her middle. "Yeah, why? What's wrong?"

She looked into his genuine brown eyes. Eric was the only person she trusted after the Freddie issue. He was so nice, and wonderful, and optimistic. She loved that he cared about her, and she knew he'd never do anything to hurt her. "I just got off the phone with Carly…and she's at the hospital."

"Is she okay?"

"She's fine. Something's wrong with Spencer."

"Oh," Eric said, embracing her. She wasn't the hugging type, but when they came from Eric, she took them.

"Yeah, and I told Carly I'd be there as soon as possible and—"

"Wait, wait," Eric interrupted her. "You're going back to Seattle? I thought you said you wouldn't because…you know."

"Chill out," Sam said, firmly. She was still stressing more than ever. "I'm going for two weeks and—oh shit!"

"What?" He asked, quickly, releasing her from the hug. "Did I hurt you? Baby, I'm sorry—"

"No, I just don't know who'll watch Hayden. I told the babysitter she could have the whole week off because I'd be able to watch him."

"Well, I'll ask my parents to take care of him."

"They hate me."

"Yea, but they love their only grandson."

Sam nodded, muttering a "Right" and turning away. "I'll just take him with me. Carly's been longing to see him anyway."

"Alright, Baby," he said, kissing her lips. "If you need me, don't hesitate to call. I'll answer on the first ring."

He flashed her a cheeky grin and stalked into the bathroom. She smiled after him. It was amazing how incredibly happy this man made her. Maybe this was it. Maybe, now that she was 28, she had found someone who loved her. Maybe Eric was it for her.

She took a suitcase from her closet, and threw a few clothes inside. She sighed, inwardly. This was it. After three years of her absence, she was finally visiting her home town again. Deep down inside, she was excited, and for ulterior motives.

AN-Sorry I've been MIA for like a week on Fanfiction! And MIA on Twitter for the whole day. I was seriously busy from dusk to dawn. Such a hectic day. Anyway, here's the first chapter of my new story, Deep Down Inside, and no, this is not a continuation to This is Love. I'm still in the process of thinking about what I wasn't to do with that piece. Review?

PS. I know a lot isn't revealed about Eric & Hayden yet, but it will be pretty soon! :)