As soon as I got home I ran to the backyard. I needed to think about my feelings for Freddie; which I really shouldn't have at all. I barely know him. And the things I know aren't the most important things. I don't know what makes Freddie Benson tick. But in all honestly nobody knows what makes me tick.

Out of the corner of my eye, I spotted Sir Lance a-lot darting across the yard. He settled in between my feet. When I really took a look at him, the tiny puppy was shaking. Without a second thought, I picked him up.

I wanted to wrap him up and bring him inside, but he wasn't my puppy. So I decided to bring him back to his home. Sir Lance a-lot whimpered the entire walk, almost as if he were afraid to go home.

Being at Freddie's door step, involuntarily caused a small smile to appear on my face. Until, I heard the shouts, from inside the house. It seemed to be coming from an older man. There was a slight crack in the front door, so I listened.

"You worthless piece of shit. I gave you everything and you do this to me," he sounded furious.

"Dad, I'm sorry, but it's my life not your life," Freddie said. This was not the voice I'm used to saying from Freddie. This voice was unconfident and scared.

"Get out; I want you gone by midnight."

The next sound wasn't voices, but the sound of a hand being across the face. I didn't want to hear anymore, so I picked the dog and ran home.

The first thing I did when I arrived home was look for Jennifer. I eventually found her in the living room.

"Jennifer, we need to talk," I said in a serious tone.

Her eyes sparkled a little, because I've honestly never put forth the effort to talk to her. Right now, though I really need her advice and comfort.

"Okay Sam."

I wasn't sure how to start, so I took a deep breath and let it all out. I told Jennifer everything. She found out about Freddie and my mom. I never meant to go talk that much, but it just happened.

Once I calmed down and wiped my tears, Jennifer finally spoke.

"Sam, first we need to help Freddie. I have lived next door to him for a long all this time and I never knew."

"He hid it so well."

"You also need to go return that puppy," she nodded her head in Sir Lance a-lot's direction.

He was curled up into a ball, sleeping soundly next to my feet.

"I just want you to know that I am here for you. I know I'm not your mother, but if you ever feel the need to talk, just know that my ears are always here."

She pulled me into a hug and I greatly returned it.

"I never got to thank you guys. So thanks for taking me in and thanks for treating me like your own."

"That's what family is for," she said with a gentle smile on his face.

"I'm going to talk to Freddie and bring him his dog back."

"Okay, I'm going to go start dinner."

The walk to Freddie's was different. I had a million things running through my head. But I had to push them out in order to talk to Freddie. With shaky hands I knocked on the door and waited for a response. I heard footsteps heading towards the door and I thought it was Freddie. I was surprised to see Mr. Benson answer the door.

"Can I help you with something," he said I an intimidating voice.

"You dog ran into our yard again," I said to him as I handed him the dog.

"Okay."

We both stood there starring at each other. I was waiting for him to say something.

"Do you need anything else," he said in an extremely rude tone.

"Is Freddie home," I asked, but almost afraid to.

"Yea, I'll go get him."

Waiting for Freddie to appear caused me to turn into a nervous wreak.

When he finally appeared he had a smile on his face. How could someone be verbally and physically abused and still be happy.

"Not that this isn't a pleasant surprise, but what are you doing here?"

"Do you want to live with me," I blurted out. I couldn't stop the words from pouring out.

"Excuse me," he asked confused.

"I know what's going on with your dad and I know that he kicked you out and that you have no place to go."

His face instantly changed from confused to serious. He grabbed me by my arm and pulled me to my front lawn. I guess he wanted to be somewhere safe.

"How do you know about that," his voice had a slight edge to it.

"Well, Sir Lance a-lot came into my yard again. So I picked him up and brought him to your house, but before I knocked I heard yelling. Then I heard him say to get out and then a slap to the face. I got scared and ran." It all came out in one quick breath.

He studied me for a moment and then spoke. "Leave it alone Sam."

"Where are you going to go?"

"I will find some place to stay. I'm already eighteen; I can take care of myself."

"Look we are more than happy to help you out."

"I can't just move in with you."

"Yes you can. Jennifer said we will do anything to help you."

"But for how long?"

"As long as you need."

"I need to go get whatever he will let me get."

"Okay, I will stay out here and wait. Unless you want me to come with you?"

"No I'm a big boy. I can do this by myself." Just like that the happy Benson is back.

It took about ten minutes for him to gather his things. The walk to my house was extremely awkward and confusing. I wasn't sure if I was elated to be helping a friend out or nervous that the friend moving in is hot.

When we walked in we went to the kitchen and talked to Jennifer.

"Freddie this is Jennifer, but you already knew that." He let out a chuckle because he sensed my nervousness.

"Remember how you said that we could help Freddie out, no matter what?"

"Yea."

"Can he move in with us?"

Jennifer looked at him once and then agreed that he could move in. I guess it was the pathetic look on his face.

"Why don't you show him to his room?"

I turned to Freddie and said "Follow me."

The only other room that was completely was directly across from mine. I opened the door and motioned for him to walk in.

"Well this is where you will stay. I'm directly across from you."

Not even looking at the room, he pulled me into a hug. It took a few seconds before I responded. I wrapped my arms around him and rested my head on his chest. The hug felt nice and lasted a little longer than a friendly hug should have.

I cleared my throat a little and then began to speak. "The bathroom is straight down the hall and if you need anything, don't hesitate to knock.

I left Freddie to his thoughts and went in my room to do homework. After an hour of working, Jennifer called me down to talk to me.

"We were going to surprise you together, but due to recent events your father decided I that I should give it to them separately. So here."

She handed me a pair of car keys and a cell phone. I was stunned. I practically throw my body at here as I pulled her into a hug.

"Oh, I talked to your dad and he is fine with Freddie staying here, but he wants to talk to you guys after dinner."

"Okay."

"And go get Freddie and tell him that dinner is ready."

"Sure."

I ran up the stairs to get Freddie, but he must have heard Jennifer because he was walking out of his door. He landed on top of me and started laughing as he got off of me.

"Seriously Sam if you want to date me, all you have to do is ask," he said in a teasing tone. A blush appeared on my face as I muttered that dinner was ready.

When David arrived home, we all settled at the table. For once there was an actual conversation at the table. We all talked and laughed.

When dinner was over David motioned for Freddie and I to the living room to talk. Freddie and I sat next to each other on the sofa. We were close enough for our shoulders to touch and for me to be self-conscious.

"I don't have a problem with you being here. I only have a few rules. You have to go to school, be home for dinner during the weekdays and two o'clock on the weekends, and finally I want you both to keep your grades up."

"Now you kids go to get some sleep."

We walked up the stairs side by side and silently. When I went to my door Freddie grabbed me again, but this time he planted a kiss on my cheek.

"Thanks again," he said and walked into his room.

I stood there speechless, with warm cheeks.

This is my first author's note. I didn't want to bore you guys with these things. All I have to say is thanks for the reviews and alerts. They really mean a lot to me and motivate me to keep writing.