A.N.: So I only got one review to continue the story, but it happened to be a review from a very important person, so here's chapter two.

Disclaimer: I do not own these characters. I also do not own the lyrics at the end of the chapter. They are from "Not That Different" by Collin Raye.

...

Sam did what any respectable woman would do after having that kind of conversation with a man she had such strong feelings for...she moved on in hopes of forgetting those feelings. Her brother had called her up the week prior, telling her about his best friend and how he was going through a tough time right now and could use some company. At the time, the idea seemed ridiculous. She didn't have time in her life to be company to a man who was having a hard time in life. Now, it seemed like it might be the perfect escape.

"Mark?"

"Oh, hey, Sam. What's up?"

"Well, I've been thinking...remember that guy you were telling me about? I think I'd like to give that a try."

"Uh...yeah...sure...I mean, I wasn't actually expecting you to say you would do it. I mean, don't get me wrong...I'm happy. You deserve it and all, but you've been so wrapped up in the deep space telemetry, or whatever you do in that mountain, that you haven't really had much of a social life..."

She was annoyed by this point. She hated how her brother always had to bring that up. If he only understand what it was she really did for a living, he might begin to understand why she was so wrapped up in it all the time.

"Yeah. Yeah. Just give him my number, okay?"

"Yeah, sure, okay."

His name was Pete. She didn't know much about it, but at the moment, that was okay. All she knew was that he was a cop from Denver who was recently divorced. She had to admit, he wasn't without charm. He was a nice guy, a real nice guy, but she wondered if he was maybe a little too nice for her. It wasn't like she was planning on the relationship getting serious or anything, though. It was just something to help her get her mind off her current situation. The vision of her dad was right. It was time for her to be happy.

Now, she just had to decide whether or not to tell her friends. Contrary to what they might think at times, she really didn't like keeping things from them. She found herself outside the door to the lab of one of her closest friends.

"Hey, Daniel, can I come in?"

"Do you really even have to ask?"

"Yeah, I suppose not. So, guess what?"

He looked up in anticipation.

"I have a date for Friday."

"You? A date? With who?"

"His name's Pete. He's a cop out of Denver."

"Well, okay. I'm happy for you, I guess."

"You guess? What's that supposed to mean?"

"Is going out with Pete what you really want?"

Damn. She knew he knew. He was too smart for that.

"Sometimes you can't get what you really want, Daniel. Sometimes you have to lot go of your false hopes and move on to the next best thing."

"Or sometimes, your hopes and dreams just need a little more effort. Anything really worth hanging onto isn't going to come easily, Sam."

"Well, unfortunately, I can't wait any longer to be happy, Daniel. I have to do this for me."

"Well then, I wish you the best."

She left his lab with a heavy mind. He was right, you know. She should have given the possibility of a relationship with Jack a little more effort. She supposed she still could.

He came back from lunch in a huff. He had been regretting his words when talking to her yesterday. She deserved more than that, but then again, that was the whole point. She deserved more than what he could offer her. Much to his surprise, he found yet another note laying on his computer.

Words to a song that I love.

I laugh.

I love.

I hope.

I try.

I hurt.

I need.

I fear.

I cry.

And I know you do the same things, too.

So we're really not that different, me and you.

He read it one more time to make sure he got the words right, and then he stashed it away in his top drawer.