The next day I as I got ready for school I could tell everyone knew that I knew. It was hard to explain, but I could feel it.

"How long did you know?" I asked Jake as I handed him his half of the pop tart.

"Since they were first introduced to you. Sam talked it over with the council when he saw Paul had imprinted on you too."

"And ever since then they what- have been fighting for my attention?"

"Basically," Quil said getting in the car.

"Great," I heaved out. The rest of the ride to school I just stared out the window. This was really happening. When we had to get out of the car, I saw Kim instantly drift over to me.

"Rough night huh?" she asked.

"Don't remind me," I said. She shut up, not saying another word as we walked into the building. Math was hard, again. I had to stay after school so Mr. Levin could explain to me what was going on. As for the rest of my classes, it gave me a long time to think.

"You okay dear?" Mrs. Treadwood asked. "You are looking pale."

"Yea," I said giving her a smile. I popped some pills with a drink of water and did some work.

I avoided Paul and Sam like the plague. For over a week now I made sure to stay after school, even if I didn't need help from Mr. Levin. Sometimes I would watch the basketball team, while other times I just sat in the hall and did my homework.

Today was one of the days I stayed after to get help from Mr. Levin though. We stayed at school till around 4:30 going over my first math test. A 78%, 'not bad' he would say when I stared at the grade in disappointment. I studied hard for that test. I thought I aced it. Guess not.

Putting things away in my locker, I headed out of school with my keys in hand. Stupid math. Stupid father. Stupid mother and stupid boys. Paul, the wolf Paul, had been lurking around my window these past days and nights after our 'talk' with Sam in my room. At first, it was nice, to think he was caring and sweet, but then I remember how he was all cocky and had a fuck buddy and that set me off again. I had been itching to fling open my window and shout 'Get away you asshole! I want space!'

Glancing towards my truck, I found Sam leaning against it. Perfect (sarcasm enforced).

"Hey," I breathed as I got near.

"Thought you were avoiding me," he said as I stood in front of him. Guilt swept through me. Pushing it away, I moved to the driver side and opened the door.

"What gave you that idea?" I asked throwing my stuff at the passenger side. I slid in the car but couldn't escape. Sam had held the door open, hovering against the sides of my car to be near me as I sat there.

"You haven't stopped by my house after school in over a week, you haven't answered my calls and haven't been around at night to get visitors," he told me in that deep voice which made me shiver.

"I've been busy," I swallowed. "Math and all. Had to study," I explained. Then my thoughts drifted to Paul. Another reason to add to the pile of why I wasn't around at home.

"Mmhmm," he said skeptically. I didn't dare meet his eyes this whole time. I felt bad enough as it was, I just couldn't decide.

"Yea," I breathed. Awkward tension.

"Bella?" he asked.

"Yea?" I wondered.

"I can tell when you are lying." I looked up to his accusatory eyes and found nothing but the truth in them. Great. Just fucking great.

I turned in my seat facing the steering wheel and leaned my head back. Why life? Why did you always kick me in the ass?

"I just-" I started, "I'm mad. I don't know if it's at you, or Paul, or my dad. I feel so angry-"

"You and your dad still not solved?" he wondered. I glanced up at him. He was no longer the dominating, need for answers man that he just was. He was now the Sam I first started to like- the one where I felt like I could literally tell him anything and everything. I must have been starting too long because he seemed a bit worried.

Answering his question, I leaned my head over to the side of the car. It was just a bit closer to him. "He thinks were fine. And I guess we are. Its stupid," I said beating myself up. Time and time again I scolded myself for not being nicer to my father. I came to live with the man so I could see him yet I was doing anything except that.

"Nothings stupid," Sam said putting a hand on my thigh. I let out a puff at the gesture. The fact that I enjoyed his warm hand on me for comfort was bad.

"There are a lot of stupid things," I contradicted. "For one, saying nothing's stupid is stupid because I'm for sure my thoughts are ridiculously stupid. They are wrong and jealous and I shouldn't feel like I do because it's not fair to my dad."

"Bella," Sam said moving my legs so they were hanging out of the car again. I was now facing him. I couldn't meet his eyes though. I wanted to cry. I hated myself for being jealous.

"Hey," he said putting a finger under my chin. I pushed it away but he just as gently put it back under there and guided my face to look at his.

"Bella," he called when I refused to meet his eyes. Tears rolled down my cheeks and I cursed at myself. He shouldn't see me cry. No one should see me cry.

Before I could raise a hand to wipe my tears, Sam had done it for me. That caused me to look at him, and that caused me tare my head away and break down. It came rushing out like a dam broke inside of me. I bawled in his chest like a baby while he held me tenderly in the school parking lot whispering tender words in my hair.


When I composed myself, I pushed my self away from him slightly. What was I doing?

"I-sorry," I muttered out. I wiped my face and went back to not looking at him.

"Don't do that," he said.

I felt confused. He made sure I was looking up at him. "Don't push me away."

But I did. I tugged my face from his grip and sat there.

"Can we talk about this?" Sam asked.

"There's nothing to talk about," I said raspily. "I had a weak moment. It's done."

"That was more than a weak moment Bella. This has been killing you." I snorted at his choice of words.

"Come on, if not your place then mine."

I huffed and looked at my hands. "That's not it. It doesn't matter where we were to go. Charlie probably won't even be home tonight anyways."

I could feel his confused stare on me. He brushed some hair away from my eyes even though I wasn't staring at him. Setting it behind my ear, I closed my eyes. Why did he have this power over me?

"I feel so jealous of the Clearwater's," I admitted. I waited for him to tell me I was being ridiculous or how rude that was, but nothing came. I stared into his eyes but all I saw was concern.

Breaking the gaze, I turned in my seat and fiddled with the steering wheel again. "I feel like my dad has found another life. One that doesn't include me. Ever since I found out about him and Sue, he just…he hasn't cared- he didn't care about how I felt about it; all he was looking for was approval- that I wouldn't tell my mom. But it was so much more than that for me." I trembled. "I tried so hard to think that he loved me just as much as Sue's kids. That he was just adjusting to having more people in his life. But then it kept lingering with me. He never told me, he never fought for me and he lied to my face. Sam, the man had a month of custody over me each year before I turned 18 but he never took it. He never once called or emailed me. And if I hadn't-" I cut off what I was about to say. I wasn't even going there today.

Taking a deep breath I continued to pour my heart out, " he was here playing family man when I needed him," I said. My mind flashed over to when I was going through the diagnosis process. Renee cried in her room every night when she thought I was asleep; I could hear Phil try to comfort her. I needed my real dad then. I needed Charlie. My heart felt exposed but I continued. "I needed a dad figure in my life. How come Seth and Leah get one-…get mine" I corrected, "and I am left with none."

My heart continued to break as I confronted another realization, "he is over there all of the time. Always leaving early for work so he can get out earlier to go see Sue and her kids afterwards. He's never home anymore," I said with more tears, "he's never home for me. It's like he can't stand being with me in the same house. When I see him, I get so mad at him. He doesn't even try and talk to me even when I'm mad. The best I get is a goodnight."

"Bella," Sam said trying to comfort me. I looked over at him and he just felt for me. Everything on his face was for me. He wanted to comfort me. Hold me. So I let him. I moved so I stood on the pavement and he just hugged me tightly in his arms.

"I feel like I am a bother by staying here," I whispered.

"No," he said kissing my head. "Bella Swan, you are nothing like that."

I gazed at him skeptically and leaned back on his solid chest. "And I have been avoiding you. But its not because I don't like you or don't appreciate what you have done, its just…I don't know. Charlie's been out a lot anyways and so have I. I stay at school late most days and go to the library. It really didn't cross my mind that you would stop by."

He accepted the answer by kissing my head, but I don't think it mattered. He just wanted me to feel better.

"But Sam," I whispered now getting stiff, "I still can't choose."

"Relax," he commanded gently. "We don't have to go over that right now."

I sighed in relief. Hearing my phone ring, I broke away from Sam and grabbed my bag. Renee. Wiping my tears I composed myself a bit before answering.

"Hey mom," I said sitting back inside the car.

"Hey sweetie, how you feeling?" she asked.

I placed my words carefully, "good, I'm doing okay."

"No more tremors?" she asked. I put a hand over my face. Sam was sure to hear that.

"All good," I said frustrated. She just had to add onto the stress.

"Okay good. Well look sweetie, I know I said I would think about it last week but-"

"Mom?" I asked cutting her off. Sam didn't need to hear anymore. "Can I call you back? I'm… out with someone," I said.

"Oh, right. Sure of course. Hey wait, is it that guy you were talking about? Sa-"

"Bye mom," I said loudly. I snapped my phone shut and let out a huff. Wonderful.

"Come on, I'll drive you home," he said without bringing up the previous conversation I just had. Opening my mouth to protest, I glanced around and noticed his car was nowhere in sight. Figuring out he ran here, I moved over and let him drive. I set the keys in his hand and sat on the passenger side thinking.

We actually stopped somewhere. Not finding it familiar, I looked over to Sam. He put the truck in park. "I'll be right back," he told me. Nodding I watched him get out and go into a building. I waited for a few minutes till I decided to take some more pills. Getting a bottle of water out of my bag, I popped open the prescription bottle and downed two pills.

Sam opened the door, startling me a bit. He looked at me oddly wondering what I was just doing.

"So umm…where are we?" I asked changing the topic as I slid the tiny bottle back in my bag.

"I had to tell some guys a few things for work," he said shifting into reverse. I watched him for a few seconds. He was clearly not looking towards me for a reason. Then, it dawned on me.

"Sam Uley!" I scolded. "You had work tonight? Why didn't you tell me? God, you shouldn't be skipping something like that for me."

"It's fine Bella," he said taking a quick peek over at me.

"No its not. Sam I said I would be fine," I whined. Ignoring my complaining, we pulled up into the driveway. The lights were all off in the house and I knew Charlie wouldn't be home tonight.

Opening my car door, I slid out of the car. Sam tossed me my keys and I looked for the one for the house. Putting it in the lock, I turned it and went inside.

Flipping on the lights, I took of my shoes and dropped my bag. With a sigh, I felt more alone than I had when living with Renee.

I walked into the kitchen, flipping on that light too. Sometimes I hated the dark. Turning to Sam with my hands in my back pockets I stared at him.

"So, I am going to go change. Make yourself at home."

He nodded watching me leave. When I got to my room, I carefully shut the door and let out a breath. Life was in the dumps today. I was feeling guilty for making Sam skip work, I was sad that Charlie wasn't home, and I felt nervous that it was just Sam and I in the house. Changing into to some sweatpants and a sweatshirt, I pulled my hair up and went back downstairs.

"Did you want something to eat?" I asked looking in the fridge. "You're probably hungry. It's dinnertime anyways. I can make something. Umm…pasta, chicken, salad, sandwiches…"

Sam got up from his seat at the table and put his hands on my shoulders. "Relax," he said again. How was he so calm as a cucumber? Did he not see it was just him and I in the house together? Did he not get I was so uncomfortable with pouring my heart out to him?

We gazed into each others eyes till I relaxed. My shoulders hunched forward and I let my exhaustion spread. Leaning forward, I seeked comfort in his arms again. What was with me today?

He held me tight, just as he had done when I stood at the door of my car.

"How about pasta?" I asked when I was calmer.

"Sounds great," he said letting me pull away from him slightly. "I have to leave for a few okay? I'll be back."

I was confused. Where would he go for just a minute? And what wasn't he telling me? "Please don't tell me you are about to go and bail on your patrol for me," I groaned as he stepped into the foyer.

He froze and I let out a sigh. "Sam, no, you can't do that."

"Bella," he sighed not turning to face me.

"You already skipped out of work for me. You can't skip patrols too. Its not fair to the others," I scolded walking over to the man. I touched his shoulder and he slumped forward. Looking over at me, I gave him a look that meant business.

"I appreciate what you are trying to do for me and all, but not fulfilling your responsibilities as a wolf isn't really helping me either. You need to go do your patrols. I'm fine here."

"I don't want to leave you," he admitted with a hand on the side of my face. My insides just melted. Was he the perfect guy or what?

"I will be fine. I have stayed in this empty house a while before I told you. Don't worry," I said with emphasis. "Come on, come eat before you have to go? When are your patrols?" I asked taking his hands and pulling him back to the kitchen. He reluctantly went, even though I knew if he really wanted to he could stay firmly in his spot, no matter how hard I pulled at him.

"11," he said sitting back down. I glanced over at the stove and found it was only a quarter to 10.

"Okay, a little over an hour is good," I claimed getting out a large pot and some noodles.

"You don't have to do this," he said watching me.

"Its fine," I said putting some water on to boil. He stood up again and caught my waist.

"I know what 'fine' means. Especially in girl code."

A smile broke out on my face and I laughed. "Well, as nice as that is to know," I put my hands on his pectoral muscles. They seemed to fit right there. It was a comfortable gesture, which I smiled at. "I really am okay. I like to cook. So I don't mind."

He nodded and put his forehead against mine. I sucked in a breath. The atmosphere went to light and fun to…deep emotional stuff. It threw me off for a second. His…advances were a lot to handle sometimes, even if they were just little things. Staring into his intense gaze, I felt myself crack a bit.

"Okay," I said backing up a bit. He could make me feel so nervous and give me this sudden rush of feelings. It was strong- too strong.

I turned back to the pot of pasta as he went to go sit back down. I knew it probably hurt him for me to step away like that, but I wasn't sure yet. Was I really ready to take a step forward with Sam? What about Paul? Did I really want to deal with this whole imprinting thing?

Pasta was probably not going to be enough for Sam. Something I learned from Kim was that wolves eat a lot. They have a higher metabolism and burn off calories faster so they scarf down a lot of food. Pulling out some garlic bread from the freezer, I set the oven timer and went to make a salad.

When the water began to boil, I broke the noodles in two and dropped them in the pot. About ten minutes later everything was ready. I set out the pasta, sauce, bread, and salad. Sam had set the table for us, which was nice. Honestly, my body felt at peace. It was like around Sam; my body had a chance to slow down. My mind though, well it was still on full spin. Everything was still rushing on about the problems here at Forks.

We finished washing the dishes a few minutes before 11.

"You should go," I told him with a dishtowel in hand. His face looked heartbroken.

"Sam," I whined as he made me feel guilty. "You have patrol. Plus, if you were to stay here, it would be boring. I have a bunch of math homework to do anyways."

"I could watch," he offered. I rolled my eyes. "You're more of a distraction than a help when you do that. In a good way though," I added as he looked like a wounded dog when I said those words.

"Go," I commanded gently. Shoving him kindly to the front door, I smiled as we slowly progressed there.

"Go," I laughed again as he swung me into his arms. "You're going to be late," I sang aloud. He let out a huff and I grinned at him.

"Go doggy go," I joked. Cracking myself up, he let me laugh in his arms till I calmed down.

"I will see you later," I said more serious with my hands on his chest again. He stared at me and I rolled my eyes. "Stop that," I commanded.

"What?" he asked.

"That stare," I said faking anger. He raised an eyebrow at me. Taking my hands away from muscles, I reached behind my back and found his warm pair of hands.

"Goodbye, have fun, and be safe," I said stepping away from his reach. Finally after a few more seconds of protest, he left and I shut the door. What a man, I thought to myself. Grabbing my bag, I headed upstairs for my room and took out my books.

Bring on the math.


I groggily woke up to someone touching my hair, sitting up a bit, I rubbed my eyes and found Sam.

"Hi," I grumbled out.

"Hey," he smiled.

"What time is it?" I wondered sleepily.

"A little after 1."

"Great," I groaned sitting up properly. I must have fallen asleep while doing math homework.

"Lets get you to bed," he suggested.

"No," I protested with sleep. "I have to finish this tonight. I need to stay caught up."

He sighed with his hands crossed on his chest. "I'll go make the coffee." He walked out of the room with heavy steps.

Brushing some hair from my face, I gathered my bearings. What time did I fall asleep? How did I fall asleep? My face was practically planted on the stupid workbook.

Getting up from the chair, I rubbed my tired eyes and began walking around the room. Maybe stretching my legs would help. I needed to get the blood flowing that's all.

"Here," Sam said handing me a mug.

"Thanks," I said still partially asleep. I sat back down in my chair and raised the mug to my lips. "Hey wait, what are you still doing here?" I asked him spinning around lightly in my chair. He lay on my bed, leaning against the headboard looking at me.

"I wanted to check on you after my patrol. Your lights were still on."

"Oh," I said taking a sip of the warm beverage. That made sense.

"So how's the math?" he asked.

"Considering I fell asleep with my head in the book, not too bad," I joked. He cracked a smile. It soon became quiet as I struggled to finish my work. Sam promised not to be too big of a distraction with that stare of his and all.


Around 3:30am I finally finished. Closing my book, I looked over to him. Sam was asleep on my bed, resting peacefully. Smiling, I stuffed my work in my bag and turned off my desk lamp. Crawling up next to him, I put my head on his chest and fell asleep soundly.

My alarm woke me up with the daylight shining through the drapes. Groaning, I opened my eyes and found Sam still next to me. Neither of us had moved in our sleep.

"Hi," he said softly. His arms were around me, lightly drawing patters on my skin.

"Hey," I said recovering from my deep sleep. Sam was a good pillow. A really good pillow. I sat up in bed and ran a hand over my face. I needed a shower and to change.

"How long have you been awake?" I wondered turning back to him.

"An hour, maybe more," he said watching me.

"Right," I said getting up from bed. Crap I had slept with Sam. Obviously not in that way, but I mean…we slept in the same bed, sure it was just sleeping, but it was with each other. Did anyone else find this wrong?

"Okay well I have to shower," I said spinning around to look at him. I was still in a bit of a haze. Mornings were not my specialty. "So…you are welcome to make yourself at home. Usually I just grab some toast and a poptart for breakfast so its not anything special but-"

His raised eyebrow expression gave me the signal that I was rambling on. Great. Blushing, I grabbed my things I needed for the bathroom.

"Hey wait. Crap. Aren't you supposed to be at work or something?" I asked. Work was an everyday thing for him right?

"I don't have to go in until 8." He said. I glanced at my clock and found it was only 6:30.

"Oh okay," I said. I took my clothes I needed for the day. "Well…I'll be in the shower," I said awkwardly. Making a quick escape, I darted to the bathroom and shut the door. I was such an idiot.

I stepped out of my clothes and into the shower. Getting all cuddly with Sam. That was wrong. Wrong!

He was too old for me- no one would approve. Wait. When did I care of who approved my life?

Since birth, I said in my head. Groaning, I let my thought continue to ping pong at each other.

Sam was nice. He imprinted on me. He liked me. Why was that a bad thing? Just because of a stupid age difference thing? Why did that matter so much? It was only society's little pressure rule. A lot of people didn't follow it.

But I still care. I know how Renee would flip and my dad would blow a casket. My friends would think 'what the hell was I doing?' and what about Paul?

I shook my head scrubbing the shampoo in my hair. Since when did I care about Paul so much? We barely hung out anymore and it's not like we really had anything in common. Sure he imprinted on me but he wasn't here like Sam was. He was a total jerk- or was known to be. He uses woman and was labeled a man whore to be truthful. Sex is always on his mind. If I were to be with him would he expect that kind of thing from me?

What about Sam? He is older. I'm sure he's had experience in that department. Would he expect that kind of thing from me too if I was to start a relationship with him? I was still a virgin- and I planned to be until marriage. Sure it was silly for this day and age but I don't know. Renee had always made a point in telling me it was supposed to be special. She didn't want me to go through with it and later regret it like she did.

Was I going to be pressured by the two guys that happened to imprint on me? Was I really ready to deal with all of this?

I rinsed the soap from my hair and sighed. What about now? Renee wanted me to come home. And as much as I wanted to argue with her, a part of me thought it would be better. I wouldn't have to choose between Paul and Sam. I would go back to my regular level of education, and I would finally get away from all of the problems with Charlie. I honestly didn't care about resolving things with him anymore. If he didn't care then why should I?

But what about Leah and Seth? I had stepsiblings. If I were to leave now, I would never be back. And what if I was to really die one day? It could be next year or next month. Was I really ready to just walk away from the two?

Finding the argument in my head to be pointless, I finished up my shower. By the time I stepped out of the bathroom and back into my room, I found it was 7:15. Shoot! Jake usually got here at 7:30. Quickly drying my wet hair with the towel, I pulled my pills from my bag and popped two in my mouth. Swinging my bag over my shoulder I made my way downstairs.

"Hey," I said to Sam. He was still here, making toast in the kitchen. "Thanks," I smiled as he handed me two slices. I grabbed a glass and some orange juice. 7:25 the clock read. Scavenging the pantry for the box of pop tarts, I stuffed more toast in my mouth and found it.

"You always like this in the morning?" Sam wondered as I went to put on my shoes.

"Not always," I said with toast in my mouth. I swallowed the bread and chomped the last piece into my mouth. "I stayed in the shower to long and it threw me off."

"I can tell," he said walking over to me and showing me my shirt over my tank top was on inside out.

"Great," I said. Not really caring at the moment, I crossed my arms tugging at the hem of the shirt. Turning it right side out, I slipped my limbs through the holes.

"Good?" I wondered. He looked me over and nodded. There was a honk interrupting us.

"Go," he commanded.

"Okay," I breathed. I grabbed my ring of keys and looked at him. "Umm lock up when you leave? There is a spare key at the top ledge of the door? Make sure to put it back afterwards though," I told him slipping on my jacket. He nodded still watching a flustered me.

"Thanks again. For the toast and…stuff," I said referring to last night. He gave me a small nod while watching me.

"See ya," I breathed and slipped out the door.

"Hey sorry," I called to Jake as I walked to his car.

"What was the hold up?" he asked.

"Weird morning," I said ending it there. I grabbed the package of pop tarts I slipped in my bag and opened it for the two of us.

Looking in my bag, I made sure to have my bottle of pills. Shoot. I didn't.

"Jake you have to go back," I told him.

"What why?" he asked.

"I…umm… I forgot my math book. I really need it Jake," I said with pleading eyes. He let out a sigh and turned the car around. I took in deep breaths. My heart was pounding. How could I forget something like that?

Pulling back up into my driveway, I jumped out of the car and opened my front door. It was still unlocked.

"Bella?" Sam asked coming in the foyer.

"Hey!" I yelled running to my room. I felt a small pain in my chest and I slowed down once I found the bottle of pills. On the nightstand. Right. I must have set them there when I threw them in my mouth.

Securing them in a small zipper pocket of my bag I rushed back downstairs. Sam was looking at my confused.

"Sorry," I said skipping the last two steps. On reflex, I walked over to him, planting a kiss on his cheek. Pulling back, I realized what I did. Freezing, I stared at him. Fuck.

His face was stunned, along with mine who's was just as surprised. What the hell did I just do? I didn't even think when I went to kiss him. I was just…did. An impatient honk broke me from his presence.

"I have to go," I breathed nervously. Opening the door, I quickly ran back out.

"Got everything now?" Jake asked. I nodded mutely. "You okay? Something happen?" he wondered.

I just stared blankly at nothing. "I'm fine," I said softly when I was nowhere near that.

"Who was the later tater this time?" Quil asked getting in.

"Me," I breathed out still shocked.

"Is she okay?" Embry wondered. I nodded unconsciously. I kissed Sam. Whether it was on the cheek or the mouth I still kissed him. My lips made contact with his skin. What did this mean? Did I unknowingly accept his imprint? Why was I feeling so guilty? I keep feeling like I cheated on Paul when I haven't even seen him in over a week.

We pulled up to the school and I got out on autopilot. "She okay?" Seth asked about me to Jake.

"She says so but I don't know," he said skeptically.

"Bella?" Leah asked.

I stood on the pavement near the passenger side of the Rabbit.

"She looks catatonic," Jared spoke.

"Bella?" Kim's voice rang.

"I have to go to class," I said to all of them and walked into school. I heard their mumbles about me but I couldn't really bring myself to care. What did this mean? What was it going to mean? Was my relationship with Sam going to change? Was Paul going to get mad?

My mom called me when I was at my locker putting away some things. Ignoring the call, I shut my locker and walked early into class.

'What's up? Call me,' she said with a text. I quickly replied saying I just got into school. I asked her if she needed something and waited for a reply. Truth be told we could still have our phones out. It wasn't until the bell rang that we had to put them away. But I couldn't deal with her right now. I wasn't sure if I could even speak.

'You okay today?' her text asked. 'We need to talk about your living arrangements.'

I swallowed hard. Since I obviously knew I was leaving, what did this mean for Sam and Paul? Now especially, since I pulled that move on the way older man.

'All good,' I replied. 'Call you later.'

After that I shut off my phone for the day and pulled out my math things. Mr. Levin seemed busy getting ready to start the class but smiled at me nonetheless.

"So how did you do?" He asked when I walked up to his desk. Pulling my head together, I focused on math.

"It was difficult, but I think I got it." I told him. I passed him my homework from last night and he briefly looked it over. "I don't see many major problems. Are you free to stay after school today?" he asked me.

I paused. Was I? It would get me away from Sam's house after school. But we had that Spanish project and I needed to start working on that essay for Creative Writing class.

"I can't today," I said. "But maybe at lunch?"

He thought about it for a second and nodded. "I'll check this to see how you did with this and then we can see at the end of the class to see if you need to stay for lunch. Sound good?"

I nodded.