Again… OOC warning. And for the one unnamed reviewer who flamed a/b Jake calling Sam baby--it's called fanfiction for a reason. It's not supposed to be exactly like Terri's writing. And it's my story, so get over it. To everyone else, ENJOY!!

Crossing Paths

Ch. 7- No Matter The Cost

A month passed but Maxine and Wyatt didn't drift apart. They became even closer. Sam and Jake didn't know what to do or who to seek comfort in anymore except for each other. They spent long nights talking together at Ms. Allen's. They spent endless time there helping Ms. Allen with things around the sanctuary and using it as an excuse to stay away from their parents.

That night, a month after Sam and Jake had caught their parents together, they lay next to each other in sleeping bags looking up at the starry sky. Sam whispered, "You realize they're just getting closer as time passes, right? Really Jake… what are we gonna do?"

Jake wrapped his arm around her shoulder and pulled her closer, "I really don't know. School starts again soon. Maybe with less time to spend together, things will just go back to how they were."

"I hope so Jake. I really hope so…"

River Bend Ranch that same night…

Wyatt and Maxine were sitting in front of the TV with his arm around her shoulders. Maxine sighed, "You know things with Jake and Sam are only getting worse Wyatt. I barely see much of either of them anymore. They spend all of their time at Ms. Allen's or out riding together. There is still a slight hope in me that Luke will come back, but I don't think he is going to and Jake just isn't accepting that. None of my sons are. I barely see any of my boys anymore. They just don't want to talk to me. They feel like I've betrayed them and their father, but I'm just trying to do what's best and move on. It's been hard on me too. They don't even know." She sighed again and rested her head on his shoulder and a tear rolled down her cheek.

"I know… I know… Things will get better soon. I promise."

A hospital somewhere in southern Nevada that same night…

"Am I ever going to remember anything??!! I'm tired of not knowing who I am! None of your stupid exercises to help me remember are actually doing the helping part!" the man yelled. The doctor quietly responded, "For some it takes longer than others to regain memories. For some…… the memories never return… I'm very sorry…"

Ms. Allen's sanctuary…

"We need to get some shut-eye Baby. Dealing with hungry horses and fences that need mending on no sleep will not be fun. Please try not to worry too much," Jake whispered in Sam's ear before kissing her tenderly on the cheek.

"I know. I'm trying. But I can't think of life not being able to be with you. I mean, I guess I would eventually be able to get used to it… Wait! What am I saying?! I'd never be able to get used to just being your sister Jake, I just couldn't do it!" Sam sat up quickly and pulled her knees to her chest, "I just couldn't do it…"

A silent tear began to roll down her cheek as Jake sat up next to her. He saw it glisten in the moonlight and gently began to wipe it away, "We'll make it through Sam. It may not be easy, but we're gonna do it, no matter the cost … to anyone."

AN: Well? Yea, I know. Short and more drama. A few people review and I'll post the next chappy. I've already got it on my docuements so push the little purple button!! Kat