Voice mail: Hey it's Friday so I'm watching a movie and refusing to answer my phone. If I don't call you back on Saturday that means I didn't get a chance, and Sunday I am hanging out with whoever made plans with me. I will try to call you back when I get the chance, so be patient and leave a message after the beep. Unless this is a sales call because I am not buying anything and Dom I promise I will drop off those tickets. -BEEEEEEEP- Um hey you probably don't remember me because we haven't really spoken in a while.-
Danny paused the movie and started to listen to the familiar voice.
Voice mail: then I didn't make it to the reunion a couple weeks ago, but I uh was just going through some old boxes and I found my old year book. And you probably still haven't figure this out because I bet you are still clueless, uh it's Sam … Sam uh Manson. So yeah … if this is the wrong number I'm sorry and really embarrassed and if you don't even remember me well then this is really awkward. Oh shit (mumbled yelling and then a click)
Danny laughed as a smile spread across his face. He walked over to the phone and picked it up off the line. He hit star 69 and listened to the ring. He then began to get nervous
Sam: hello?
Danny: uh-uh-uh
Sam: hello? Hello?
Danny then hung up. He sighed and picked up the phone again. He pressed one number and waited.
Danny: yes can I please have the address of a Samantha Manson.
Danny: does that really matter? Thank you.
Danny then hung up and redialed another number.
Danny: hey it's me
Danny: no-no
Danny: yeah
Danny: well I am going to need a plane ticket.
Danny: to New Haven, Connecticut.
The timer on the oven went off, the phone rang, and the doorbell rang. Sam ran in all different directions.
Sam: Lea, get the door. It should be your father.
Lea: do I have to
Sam: get it!
Sam then picked up the phone and turned the oven off.
Sam: John?
John: Samantha something came up I can't make it.
Sam: what do you mean can't make it?
John: some business stuff. Tell Lea I'm sorry.
Sam: John you own a strip club you scumbag. She's your daughter and you missed last weekend. When are you going to spend time with her?
John: okay so I have a date at the house
Sam: I swear to God John. If you are not here in two minutes I am going to make sure every girl thinks that you are gay. Can that register in your brain? Huh?
Sam then hung up the phone. Sam let out a huge sigh and paced into the living room finding Lea on the sofa ignoring the door.
Sam: what part of "get the door" do you not understand?
Lea: I peaked it wasn't John
Sam groaned, Lea almost refused to call her father dad or father or something along those lines, she gave it up when she was thirteen and he vanished from her life, seeming to not be interested in her or being a father. Sam then opened the door. A man with messy black hair and crystal eyes looked at her. He seemed nervous and almost lost.
Sam: can I help you?
Danny: I-I uh, uh I-
Sam: look I'm not buying anything right now so don't waste your breath
Sam went to shut the door, but he put his foot in the door.
Danny: Sam?
Sam's eyes widened for a second, she looked back at her daughter who pretended not to be interested but was listening quite intently. Sam then pushed him out on the porch and shut the door behind her.
Sam: shit Danny.
Danny: hey Sam…
Sam: You should have called before you came.
Danny: I tried, but-
Sam: oh my god that was you? I'm sorry for telling you off.
Danny: no it's okay, I missed you.
Sam: no you didn't. You probably moved along fine and have a family and a perfect life with some beautiful woman and perfect children and every morning you say "how perfect"
Danny: no … no family. What 'bout you?
Sam: me? What else but life knocking me down. Nothing seems to get better. I've had it hard, but that's a long sad sob story no one really wants to hear.
Danny buried his nervous hands into his pockets.
Danny: so uh what's new with you?
Sam: well besides the whole occupation thing I have a daughter.
Danny: oh
Sam: yup
Danny: so who's the lucky guy you married then?
Sam: no not married. You know I just figured I get pregnant and he would walk out.
Danny: I'm sorry
Sam: oh I fully enjoyed the pregnancy and the hours of labor and then raising her was a fun experience.
Danny looked at her with an expression of concern.
Sam: calm down it's a joke, I would never take back having Lea.
Danny: okay
Sam: sorry just today isn't really the best day.
Danny: I hope it get's getter.
Sam: I think it will-
Just then the tires screeched into the driveway, Sam turned her head over to the car and then back to Danny.
Sam: Uh Danny you should uh go wait inside.
Danny: are you sure
Sam never answered the question. A man with dirty brunette hair, polo, a tee shirt under his polo and straight fitted black jeans. He stormed straight over the car.
John: What the hell, I thought you didn't want me to have any contact with her. You made that almost clear with your pregnancy.
Sam: how would you know what I was like when I was pregnant you were *never* around
John: oh here we go
Sam: she needs a father, John. Dammit.
John: why the hell is this so important to you?
Sam: you decided you didn't need to know that when you walked away.
John: you know I actually felt bad about leaving you, but now I am not!
Sam: happiest days of my life!
John: oh did she suck you in too? Cause that's all she does is suck people in she is like a bitching vampire but worse.
Sam: oh fuck off, forget about your daughter. You don't have a daughter, from now on.
John: I tell everyone that anyway.
Sam: oh so I just got myself pregnant
John: exactly.
Sam: I decided to climb on top of myself, have sex, and get pregnant?
John: yes?
Sam: I bet that would have been way more damn enjoyable.
John: oh I didn't hear you complaining that night.
Sam: oh my god. I thought you were making it race … "faster, faster, faster!"
John: you were speechless
Sam: I passed out! And before that you plopped down and said "Let's go!"
John: well if you weren't so drunk maybe you could have saved all this trouble.
Lea then came storming out with her bag. She stops and looks at Danny questionably, she gives him a once over while her parents are still arguing.
Lea: you here to take me away?
Danny: what?
Sam: Jesus Christ John, why do you have to do this all the time?
Lea: you guys are making a scene for the neighbors. John let's just get this over with.
John: are you sure you want to spend the weekend at my house.
Lea: fine I'll stay here. You don't ever come get me again, when every guy comes over nervous I'll tell them not to worry "I don't have a father, he never wanted to be in my life my mother just made him try for half of it."
John: Lea, I was just never meant to be a father.
Lea: well you get your wish once again. Go back to your blonde bimbo before she locks herself out of the coverable with the windows down.
Lea then walked back into the house ignoring her mother trying to help her.
Sam: Lea-
Sam: John, just don't come back!
John: Sam I-
Sam: I think it would best for everyone if you just stayed away. Okay?
John then walked back into his pick up and drove away. She sighed out a great groan and walked back into the house, she walked into the kitchen muttering stuff. Danny followed her a little worried. Sam pulled out a pan and slammed it on the counter. She pulled out what looked like a chicken, but probably was some vegan tofu thing that looked like chicken. She then took out a huge chef's knife.
Sam: he does this all the time. I can't believe I even believed when he said he wanted to be in her life. I should have known better. I saw this coming yet I caved in. I am so stupid
Sam then took the knife and stabbed it into what looked like chicken; she then pulled it towards her in one shift motion creating a slit. She then pulled out some vegetables and started to chop them up.
Sam: you know what he has done for us? Nothing, Nothing! I mean she needs a father in her life. I have no idea what a parent does because mine were never around and so I am just making this up as I go along and I feel lucky if I actually do something right. Half the time I don't even know what she is up to. Why the hell did my daughter have to be like me? I mean I know I was awful but come on if you met my parents you would be awful too. You would also think that with her being just like me it would be easier. No way! She also has her father in her, which is where I tend to everything wrong, especially when she started dating, and then all I asked was to meet the boy. I didn't embarrass her, and I didn't make up any stupid ass rules, what happens she still ends up sneaking around. I thought we had a good relationship until last week. It was career week in her school and I of course got called in. I started talking about my career and what happens this stupid punk kid raises his hand and asks "Is it true you had Rory when you were only 20" well I said yes and try to change the subject, but then another one starts up with a question about my pregnancy. Then she just totally acts mad at me, but when I ask what's wrong she says "nothing" and not like a rude annoyed nothing just like …. Nothing …. Nothing. Then I get the call from the doctor and now my life is spiraling out of control. …. Uh can I get you anything?
Danny: give me the knife
Sam: why?
Danny: because you are obliviously upset and you shouldn't have a knife in your hands when you are upset
Sam: I'm fine
Danny: right and that's why you were talking faster than my brain and processes.
Sam: sorry. I guess I should take her out and tell her what's going on. Oh dammit I have appointment. You mind hanging out here?
Danny: uh no … may I ask why? You used to stay home alone all time.
Sam: I know, but our next door neighbor is a pedophile and he already tried to break in once.
Danny: and he isn't arrested because
Sam: he is like a billionaire and because I couldn't call the cops on him a second time because I pulled a gun out on him.
Danny: oh well, I guess it's a good idea to have a gun then.
Sam: I bought it so I could shoot her father, but then I figured it isn't a very smart idea to raise a child in jail, but if I wasn't pregnant I defiantly would have gone through with it.
Danny: uh huh.
Sam: okay I guess I am being a vague on the details, but I'll fill you in when I get back. Um just don't feed her walnuts because she is highly allergic if she does happen to eat nuts her epée pen is in the drawer to the left of the phone in the front.
Danny: no walnuts got it. Don't worry about anything.
Sam: Lea get down here!
Lea then came running down the stairs and stood staring at her mother.
Sam: I have to go out. Danny is going to hang here. Do not set the place on fire; do not set him on fire! Do not fake death! Do not call 911 about a burglar, rapist, trespasser, or all the above and others you can think of. Do not pretend to flirt or have a sexual attraction to him. Do not walk around undressed. Do not tell him any lies about me, for example I am a stripper and I call myself Tammie or that I have actually have seven kids. Do not leave the house without telling anyone where you are going. Do not ask questions about bras, underwear, sex, puberty or anything along those lines. Why? Because I know I have discussed everything with you very clearly. If I find out that you do anything to him like the others the door is coming off your room. Why can I do that? Because I am the boss of you and I will always be the boss of you until you are eighteen then you can do whatever you want to do with your life.
Lea: fun sucker
Sam: I love you too, I'll be back later
Sam then walked out the door with Danny following behind her.
Danny: Sam? Uh Sam?
Sam: yeah
Danny: should I be worried. Is there anything else I should know?
Sam: you'll be fine. She's like a fish, you feed her and she'll stay alive, unless you give her walnuts, but I already told you about that. Oh she's lying if she looks you in the eye and flat out says it. She is telling the truth if she is soft and asks you A How you know me B what made you come C why do you care and anything else about you. You know you pass her test when she nods and tells you something about herself. I promise everything will be okay, and if you need anything don't hesitate to call. My cell phone number is on the fridge.
Danny: okay
Sam then in her car and drove away letting the engine roar and the tires screech. Danny sighed and walked back inside. He found a pair of eyes glaring at him
Lea: What do you think you are going to get lucky or something?
Danny almost chocked.
Danny: what?
Lea: You know you pretend to mister perfect and like kids, but in reality you hate them and you just want to do her and leave the next morning.
Danny: I would never do that.
Lea: uh huh …. How do you know my mother anyway? You pick her up in a bar or something.
Danny: we went to high school together and we used to be best friends.
Lea: then why all of a sudden do you show up. I mean you were out of her life for years and you decide to just show up at her doorstep.
Danny: well she actually called me.
Lea: why?
Danny: I don't know.
Lea: Well I hope you know my parents are going to get together.
Danny: Lea, I know I am butting in, but why would you think that?
Lea: because they had to love each other at one point. I mean I was always taught when you have sex you are supposed to love each other.
Danny: well I don't know what happened with your parents, but I want to say that some men don't actually love the woman and they just say it.
Lea: why would they just say it?
Danny: I don't know.
Lea: okay … well what do you do for a living? I mean you have a job right?
Danny: I teach high school science.
Lea: wasn't able to make it the labs
Danny: close I wanted to an astronaut
Lea: what stopped you?
Danny: something got in the way of grades and there was something more important that I needed to stay on earth for.
Lea: drugs?
Danny: no
Lea: alcoholic?
Danny: no
Lea: love?
Danny: no
Lea: physical
Danny: no
Lea: then what?
Danny: just something
Lea: hmmm…. (Nods)…. I want to be Journalist, eventually an editor of a newspaper.
Danny: That's cool. I wasn't very good at writing or English.
Lea: oh. Hey are you close with your students? I mean do they come to you for advice and help?
Danny: what kind of help?
Lea: like situations help, stupid drama help.
Danny: I guess so. Why?
Lea: because you're pretty easy to talk to.
Danny: uh thanks...?
Lea: So I need some help and I totally can't tell my mom or anyone else. I mean I guess I could tell my mom we are pretty close, but I dunno.
Danny: what kind of help are we talking?
Lea: okay I am just going to flat out say and rip it off like a band aid because it is that bad.
Danny: okay.
Lea: I'm pregnant and I am going to elope.
Danny: is one of those things your mom was talking about?
Lea: no I am defiantly pregnant. I took like four pregnancy tests.
Danny: okay wow. Um how old are you?
Lea: seventeen.
Danny: I think you need to tell Sam, your mom.
Lea: I can't.
Danny: I'll be there and your mom would never hate you or disown you or make you do anything you are not willing to do. Trust me I grew up with her.
Lea: can you tell her.
Danny: if you really want me to, but I think that you should tell her.
-Couple Hours Later-
Sam back into the house with stress running through her, she set her keys and purse down and walked into the dining room, she flicked on the light and jumped when she saw Danny and Lea sitting there.
Sam: you guys scared me. Is everything okay?
Lea was silent and Danny looked at her.
Sam: oh my god, what did she do?
Danny: Sam, we need to talk.
Sam: Lea what happened this time?
Lea: I'm pregnant
Sam: what?
Lea: I'm pregnant
Sam: I'm sorry I just had a really long drive; I don't think I'm hearing you correctly
Lea: I'm pregnant
Sam: is this something you two came up with? Something to keep my mind off everything?
Lea: no
Sam: Lea don't kid around with things like this
Lea: mom, I'm really pregnant
Sam: well how did this happen?
Lea: I don't know mom, how did I happen?
Sam: watch your mouth.
Lea: sorry
Sam: Lea can you go to your room for a minute. I'll be up to talk to you.
Lea walked up with her head down. Sam sat down for a second feeling a little light headed, but soon coming back. Danny had no idea what to say, he had no idea why he was here, he had no idea why she was even speaking to him, remembering the last time they had spoken.
-FLASHBACK-
The house was filled with noise, between the music and people screaming over the music, and the shouting over the people screaming over the music. Everyone was either flat out drunk or at least buzzed. A guy stood up on the table and screamed out the class number and a Wahoo. Well what do you expect after they graduated? Sam walked in and looked around. She then spotted Tucker grinding up with two other women. He smiled at her and excused himself.
Tucker: you made it!
Sam: no
Tucker: what?
Sam: let's go outside!
Tucker: what?
Sam rolled her eyes and pulled Tucker out the door, there were a bunch and people outside and you could still hear the music quite clearly, but at least you could hold a conversation.
Sam: so this is where I say goodbye?
Tucker: what are you talking about? Goodbye?
Sam: I'm leaving first thing tomorrow morning.
Tucker: aw Sam
Sam: you're a great friend. I'm promise to keep in touch.
Tucker: okay but don't let those college kids get to ya
Sam: don't worry.
Tucker: you saying goodbye to Danny boy?
Sam: you better have a ride home mister drunk
Tucker: yeah, yeah, and you still have to answer my question.
Sam: no I don't think so. We haven't exactly been on speaking terms and I don't think I can take it.
Tucker: well I think you're making a big mistake
Sam: I'll be fine
Tucker: No, you won't be fine.
Sam: I can piece myself back together don't worry.
Tucker then hugged tightly.
Tucker: give me a call when your plane lands.
Sam: okay … bye Tuck
Tucker: see ya Sam.
Sam tapped the last box in her room and sighed. She stood up and saw Danny standing there out of breath.
Danny: is it true?
Sam: is what true?
Danny: you're leaving
Sam: yup
Danny: why?
Sam: it just has to be this way
Danny: we're supposed to stay friends forever
Sam: do you really think that was gonna happen. We have to go to college, we have to get jobs and live in the real world. In the real world people do not stay friends forever.
Danny: why can't we be forever?
Sam: we are like Lennon and McCartney
Danny: they were great together
Sam: yeah, while it lasted, but soon they couldn't stand to be in the same room with each other.
Danny: I don't want you to go.
Sam sighed and turned away; Danny flung her around and pressed his lips to hers. He looked down at her.
Danny: I still love you …
Sam looked at him and then pressed her lips against his, heating the moment even more.
Danny woke up with the sun shining in his face. He rubbed his eyes and turned over seeing an empty space next to him. He sat up letting the sheet fall off his chest. The room was empty except for a note on the window sill. He couldn't believe it was goodbye.
-ENDFLASHBACK-
Sam: where did I go wrong?
Danny: you did nothing wrong
Sam: I sure as hell messed up somewhere.
Danny: I'm sure you didn't
Sam sighed and walked up the stairs. She knocked on the door. Lea answered the door in her baggy tee and pajama pants.
Lea: mom, I'm really tired can we talk tomorrow.
Sam: I'll only be a second and I just need to tell you something really important.
Lea let her in; Sam sat on the bed next to her daughter.
Sam: I now probably is not the best time for this, but –
Sam stopped when she heard a sneeze.
Sam: your boyfriend's in the closet
A boy the age of Lea walked out. He had on jeans and a tee shirt, his hair was blonde and curly. The anger rose in Sam and she forced over to him.
Sam: what the hell do you think you are doing?
Shawn: Ms. Manson wait ….
Lea: mom!
Shawn: I told my parents about the baby and they didn't want anything to with Lea or the baby, but I don't want that.
Sam: how could you get her pregnant? Why did you push her into having sex then?
Lea: mom, it was my idea
Sam turned around thunder shock and taken back.
Sam: what?
Lea: I'm sorry,
Shawn: Ms. Manson, please understand. We're in love.
Sam: love? How the hell do you know what love is?
Lea: we are getting married whether we have your permission or not.
Sam was silent for a moment. The two stood next to each other looking at her with hope.
Sam: Shawn why don't you go get your stuff, you can stay in the spare room.
Shawn walked outside and saw Danny on his phone. Shawn wondered who it was, but he knew he was coming back if the man with black hair turned out to be any trouble. Danny walked outside when he got a phone call from Tucker.
Danny: what's up?
Tucker: what do you mean what's up. I stopped by your apartment and you weren't there.
Danny: oh sorry. Hey you think you can substitute for me?
Tucker: okay why? No wait first where are you?
Danny: Sam's
Tucker: Sam who? Ohmigod did you get someone pregnant and now you have to marry them? Is she a librarian stripper, she sounds like one.
Danny: no, Sam, Sam that Sam
Tucker: you lost me
Danny: Sam Manson!
Tucker: not uh … no way
Danny: yeah
Tucker: but she-
Danny: I know
Tucker: I want to talk to her!
Danny: uh now is not the best time
Tucker: you two had sex didn't you?
Danny: no!
Tucker: then why can't I talk to her
Danny: look she is really stressed right now
Tucker: she is still pissed at you, isn't she? Why did you just go see her anyway?
Danny: I don't know if she is still pissed at me, and she called me. You can check the message machine if you don't believe me.
Tucker: well what are you doing there?
Danny: I don't know. We really haven't had a chance to talk.
Tucker: oh man
Danny: what?
Tucker: you're still in love with her.
Danny didn't answer.
Tucker: oh my god, you really are.
Danny: look I don't know if I am, and even if I am that doesn't matter. I've got to go, bye.
Sam walked out of the room and down the stairs, as she walked down she could feel tears welt up in her eyes. Danny got a glimpse of them and met her at the end of the staircase. He took her in his arms and held her tight.
Danny: hey, everything is going to be okay.
Sam: alright well I am not letting you stay at a hotel, um you can take my room and I'll sleep down here.
Danny: I won't take your room.
Sam: no it's fine really-
Danny: you need sleep
Sam: you have a long flight and car ride, besides I never sleep anyway
Danny: when was the last time you had sleep, and don't lie to me
Sam: uh three nights-no four- I can't remember! But that doesn't matter.
Danny: well the least I will let you do is share the bed.
Sam: fine
Danny: Sam?
Sam: hmm
Danny: I missed you
Sam looked up at him almost shocked; she slowly closed her eyes and leaned closer. Danny barley felt their lips touch when she pulled away; he opened his eyes and caught her looking at a boy who couldn't have been much older than Lea.
Sam: (gulp) uh Shawn-
Shawn: Ms. Manson I'm sorry I-
Sam: call me Sam, the guest room is up stairs last on the right.
Shawn: you hate me don't you?
Sam: I don't hate you.
Shawn: No?
Sam: No, though I did imagine at least 20 different ways to remove your head from your body.
Shawn: Really? Which one looked the best?
Sam: Hedge clippers. Really dull ones.
Shawn: No, you wouldn't want it to go quick, would you?
Sam: go to bed Shawn.
Shawn: right
Sam turned back to Danny and jumped back seeing how close they really were.
Sam: um can I get you anything?
Danny: Sam?
Sam: cause I am going to have some green tea and go to bed
Danny: Sam?
Sam: yeah
Danny: I uh- I think we should talk
Sam: oh really about what?
Danny: well let's start with why you called
Sam: uh … I was going through my year book and I just thought-
Danny: you just thought you would contact me after all these years, after you left me.
Sam: and I wanted to say sorry about having sex with you and leaving.
Danny: why did it take so long?
Sam: well you could have called me
Danny: I think you made it clear that you didn't want that
Sam: come with me
Sam grabbed Danny's hand and led him into the basement. The light was dim and old and the place was filled with boxes.
Danny: keep everything don't you
Sam: oh half of it is John's stuff, but the court wouldn't let me burn it. Just watch your step.
Danny: what are we doing down here?
Sam: this is where I kill you.
Danny stopped shocked.
Sam: kidding, I told you …. I have to show you something.
Sam stopped at the back wall and reach up over the trim of the door. She pressed her feet to the balls so she could reach further back.
Danny: you want help
Sam: I got it
Sam pulled down a key and handed it to him.
Danny: a key?
Sam: you can open the door if you want.
Danny: nothing is going to pop out of me, right?
Sam: only one way to find out.
Danny opened the door and boxes slowly slid down off a pile. Sam reached up on the shelf and pulled down three bundles of envelopes.
Danny: what? When?
Sam: I just never got the courage to send them, after I didn't get a call or email, or letter from you.
Danny: and Tucker?
Sam: I sent him gifts and we tried to keep up, but soon we got busy and haven't really spoken a lot after college.
Danny: oh … I just didn't think you wanted me to … you know.
Sam: I didn't know if you wanted to.
Danny: can I read them?
Sam: they're yours; you can open the gifts too.
Danny smiled and opened the first letter.
Dear Danny,
College is pretty awesome. I lucked out with my roommate; she is the total art freak and often starts projects randomly. It could have been worse. I could have someone like Paulina. She is the one who got me to sit down and write this letter to you. That's right I told her about you. I didn't tell her everything; she just asked if I have ever had really good friends. So I bet you enjoying the whole college experience with Tucker. I hope you are still not mad about me going to a college far away. I know we planned on going to college together, but not everything goes as planned. I guess that also applies to our friendship and relationship. I don't think you will get this letter, so there is no point of really saying much. I don't think you are going to get this letter because I don't think I am going to send it. I don't think I am going to send it because I haven't heard from you. Tucker and I still keep in touch and I have been waiting for a call or email, but so far nothing. That is why you won't get this letter. You probably already have moved on. Just promise me that you keep safe.
Much of Luck,
Sam
-FLASHBACK-
Sam and Danny leaned against the car. Tucker was sitting on the hood well into his game, until Paulina walked down the steps in a strapless top and mini skirt. Sam looked up at Danny who seemed to be starting to stare. Sam softly touched his face and pulled him down for a kiss. When she pulled away she raised an eyebrow.
Danny: what?
Sam: just reminding you … that your girlfriend is standing right here.
Danny: maybe you want to remind me again.
Sam: no I think you get it.
Tucker: thank god.
Sam: you're just mad because you don't have a girlfriend
Tucker: maybe I'll ask the new girl
Sam: we don't want to punish her
The bell then rang.
Danny: come on … Lancer is going to throw a fit if I am late again
Sam: Mr. Hero no way. He will throw a fit if I am late again. Everyone worships you now; they could never get mad at you.
Danny: I wish they would.
Sam: well you didn't wish that before.
Danny: I know I know, let's just go
The three walked into the auditorium, where their English class being held today, and sat in the front, but the last of the rows that was to be filled up. The row in front of them sat the usual popular crowd. Paulina came in bouncing after them; she stopped at their row and smiled. Both boys smiled back while Sam scowled at her. Ever since Paulina and everyone else had found out about Danny's secret she has wanted to steal him, stealing him from Sam was just a plus.
Paulina: hi guys,
Sam: what do you want Paulina
Paulina: don't hate me just because you don't have boobs
Sam: aw well at least I don't stuff my bra
Paulina: I do not stuff my bra
Tucker: I think-
Sam/ Paulina: no one cares!
Sam: hey don't talk to him that way, only I can talk to him like that!
Paulina: aw looks like wlittle Sam woke up on the wrong side of her coffin
Sam: bite me
Paulina: I'm not the vampire
Mr. Lancer then came pacing in.
Mr. Lancer: Okay, everyone settle down, Manson, Sanchez take your seats. Unless there is a problem, then please let's discuss it.
Paulina: I was trying to sit down, but Samantha wouldn't allow me to sit there.
Mr. Lancer: Manson-
Sam: oh but Mr. Lancer people are beginning to talk
Mr. Lancer: that just pushed you to a double.
Sam shrugged and plopped back down in her seat.
Mr. Lancer: now that we have settled that dispute let us begin our lesson on Shakespeare.
Danny leaned in and whispered to Sam.
Danny: why did you do that?
Sam: I was getting detention anyway
Danny: I mean fight with Paulina
Sam: I am not about to sit here and let her do that
Danny: do what?
Sam: you know -… and no it is not getting to me!
Danny: what are you talking about?
Mr. Lancer: Miss. Manson would you care to share what you and Mr. Fenton are talking about?
Danny: (whisper to Sam) don't
Sam: I was just saying that since Shakespeare lived in such a time period where women were forbidden on stage he expressed expressions of love through words, thus making him one of the greatest.
Mr. Lancer: would you care to tell me how he did so?
Sam: since he did not want two men on stage having sex because the audience may laugh, he wrote it through words so they would find it romantic, so in one way he words are like sex.
Dash: hey I think Goth Girl is asking to get some, I would offer-
Sam: save your breathe you'll need it to blow up your date
The whole class laughed at her snappy comeback as dash sunk in his seat.
Dash: Mr. Lancer I think we should have Manson take her Midol before class.
Mr. Lancer: at least she still passes my class, Mr. Baxter. Miss. Manson is also right about Shakespeare. Women were not allowed on stage back then and since so, he would not appreciate the audience laughing at the wrong time. So he expressed actions through words.
Paulina turned around and smiled at Danny, passing him a note. Sam glared at her and felt a stab of jealousy run through her. She hated that she was jealous of Paulina, but Danny had been lately staring off at her, and giving her a charming smile. He also had the perfect excuse if he was late for a date, which he was often, but Sam could never argue his excuse.
Mr. Lancer: To get in the spirit of Romeo and Juliet, we will be taking a trip to Italy. When we return you will all be given the parts of which I think you can portray and instead of reading the play on your own you will be acting it out here. Class will be in the auditorium until we are finished. Don't worry you will not be performing for others, only me, and there will be no auditions. I ask you to please pick up a form on your out and have them returned and signed by tomorrow. We will leave this Friday. That is five days from now. We will then return after a two weeks.
-Detention-
Mr. Lancer sat at his desk grading papers, while Sam sat in her seat trying to pass time. Then a ghost whooshed by followed by Danny, who was followed by Paulina. She made a mumbled irritated noise and pushed her chair back.
Mr. Lancer: something wrong Miss. Manson?
Sam: nothing ….
Mr. Lancer nodded and Sam pulled out a paper.
Sam: Mr. Lancer?
Mr. Lancer: no you cannot leave early
Sam: no, um let's go hypothetical
Mr. Lancer: okay
Sam: let's say there is this girl, and these two other people who she grew up with and let's say one of them always wanted it to be the three of them together forever, and they all apply for the same colleges, but the one girl applies for one more and the college is really far away from where they innately planned to go. What happens if she got in?
Mr. Lancer: Miss Manson you were always my best student.
Sam: what about Nate?
Mr. Lancer: Nate is not going to make it in the real world. Sure he is the smartest kid here, but you have the guts and confidence that get you places. I suggest you go to the Ivy League school, if that is what you want to do. If you wish to stay with your friends, there will be no doubt that you will succeed in that school either, but what does Sam want?
Sam: hmmm ….. Well do you believe in long distance relationships?
Mr. Lancer: if she is living and a human and will give me a chance please introduce me, whether she cheats or not.
Sam: so I am permitted to go on the trip
Mr. Lancer: as long as you prevent any physical contact with Miss. Sanchez.
Sam: well my time is up.
Mr. Lancer: I'll see you in class tomorrow, on time please.
-End Flash Back-
Dear Danny,
Happy Valentine's Day! Gag me! Yes I still find this holiday pointless. It is only here for marketing and to point out who has someone and who doesn't. Nightmare, isn't it? Spoils of war. The result of a commercially financed assault against the unattached individual. Week after is always the hardest. These newbie couples have the lifespan of a monarch butterfly. By Friday, the streets will be littered with their crispy corpses. I am sitting here in the café, having my chi tea while a bunch of love sick puppy couples are cuddling close. So why do I miss you so? I hate this holiday, but for some reason it only made me miss you more. My daughter, who I have mention in the last couple letters, is spending the day with her deadbeat father. Trust me I wouldn't mind if he got hit by a car. I think I did hit him once with a car? But you really didn't need to know that. I will let you go back to life, probably with a girlfriend, fiancé, or wife, while I go back to my exact version of 'hell on earth'.
Sam
Danny looked up to find Sam gone. He stood up and walked back up to look for her. He walked out onto the porch in the backyard and saw Sam standing in the pouring rain. Her clothes and hair both clung to her face and body. He walked out and stood in front of her.
Danny: What are you doing?
Sam: I know Lea told you. I knew she would, so I wouldn't have- so wouldn't have-
Danny: Lea did not tell me anything
Sam: I'm sick, I'm pretty sick.
Danny stood there taken back and confused.
Sam: (broken up and emotional, and heavy breathing) I ha- I have breast cancer. Tomorrow morning I have to- I have to go into the hospital and they have to cu- oh shit. And they have to cut off [motions towards breast] (sobbing) Jesus. I hav- shit!
Sam then sat down sobbing. Danny knelt down and touched her arm reassuringly.
Danny: hey look at me; I want you to look at me. I'm right here and I promise you, you're going to be alright. You're going to be alright.
Sam started to say something, but Danny pressed his lips against hers. Sam pulled away shaking her head and breathing heavily.
Sam: I didn't mean that. I didn't-
Danny then pulled her up and into his arms with another passionate kiss.