It has been 91 hours, 47 minutes and (ok I don't know the seconds), that I have been confined to these four walls (take away hours at school which is still punishment if you ask me). I have read 7 books, I'm now up to date with my math and history homework and I have almost finished my English assignment. Obviously I'm bored out of my mind, right? It saddens me to report that the highlight of my week thus far was when my Mom made me vacuum the living room (Well that and seeing Tim Smith with a black eye and swollen jaw on Monday). I am going insane.
School has been my savior over the last four days. I never thought my countdown and excitement in anticipation of the final bell of the day would ever waiver, but at the moment it's a sound I dread.
"Breakfast!' My Mom called from the kitchen. I quickly ran a brush through my messy brown hair and decided against a headband. I had inherited my dad's dark brown hair but unfortunately it's not as straight as I would like. It's wavy as hell and when I'm being lazy, totally unmanageable. After cursing my mother for her curly DNA I grabbed my bag and followed the smell of coffee and eggs to the kitchen. Today was the first day since Sunday that I was invited to eat a meal at the table with everyone else, rather than have it delivered to my cell.
"Morning.' I said happily to Mom and Keith.
"Morning.'
"After practice tonight Sam, I want you straight home.'
"Yes Mom, I know.' Talk about a broken record, "Nate will drop me off.' It's not like she is going to be home anyway I thought to myself bitterly. I must have rolled my eyes.
"5 days down,' Keith thought to himself for a moment, "16 to go!'
"Are you trying to make me feel better? Coz that totally didn't work!'
"Good Morning.' Lucas joined us. "Good to see you out and about. It's been…what? 4 days and you're already finished with meals on wheels? That always took me at least 6. And you think I'm the favorite child?' He laughed.
"I don't think. I know.'
"Oh don't start this again!' Mom joined us at the table, "Parents don't have favorites.' We do this a lot.
"That's laughable, its so obvious you like Lucas better!' I cried out.
"How do you figure?' she hid a grin.
"Well you always take his side, and talk about how wonderful he is, and you're even nicer to him!'
"What a load of crap!' she shot out. We all laughed at her outburst.
"It's ok Mom, I accepted it a long time ago. But it all works out cause Dad loves me most.' I told her confidently. Lucas and Keith laughed quietly at my rationality.
"So let me get this straight, the guy who tries to ground you for the rest of your life and a mere 4 days ago wanted to beat the crap out of you loves you. Yet the woman who lessened it to a few weeks and wouldn't allow the beating, she hates you?'
"Yeah, that's it in a nutshell.' I smile cheekily.
Lucas pulled his serious face, "Hate to tell you Sambo, but that doesn't make much sense.'
"You want to hear about parents playing favorites? Take a look at mine. Danny Boy is the apple of my Mother's eye and my Dad thins that the sun shines out of his ass!' Keith exclaimed dramatically.
"But you're not bitter hey Keith?' Lucas laughed.
"See Mom. This is what the little game of favoritism you play does to its victims,' I pointed to Keith, "is this what you want for me?'
"Oh stop it!' she smiled. "Keith Honey, if it makes you feel any better, you're my favorite.' She kissed him. Parents kissing at breakfast, eww. Parents kissing at anytime, eww.
"That reminds me, it's Dad's birthday in 3 weeks or so, that should be fun.' Keith was only ever sarcastic if it involved his dad.
"Oh! I forgot all about that!' Mom looked concerned, "I'll have to ask Hayley to run the café.'
"She'll probably come with Nathan.' Lucas always thought ahead.
"Maybe Jake then.' Jake had been working at Mom's café since Jenny was born. He needed some cash and Mom was more than willing to help him out.
"So let me try and get a grip on this, I get released from this grounding hell in 2 weeks and 3 days…'
"Not that she's counting.' Lucas interrupted quickly.
"And my first weekend out I have to spend at grandma and Nazi's house?' I wasn't a big fan of my grandpa or the 4-hour drive to his house. That's an understatement. I hate them both.
"Sounds about right!' Keith saw the funny side, which I must have missed.
'Will this punishment ever end?' I put my hand on my head dramatically.
"You make out like you've never been grounded before with all your complaining, from what I recall, it's not an unusual occurrence.' She shot me her evil stare.
"But, you see, you always ground me, never dad, and usually for about a week usually starting on a weekend. Therefore I spend the majority of the grounding at Dad's.' I tried to explain it delicately.
"I don't get where you're going with this.' She was curious.
"Being grounded at Dads, A LOT different from here.' I emphasized the 'a lot'.
"That's not true.' She dismissed it, "You're just melodramatic!'
"Mom…' Lucas nodded simply.
"You too? Why?'
"Because, it's the truth Mom!' Lucas added some emotion to his voice. "So much so that if I ever know that I have to do something, lets say wrong? And I know I'm going to get busted for it, I try and time it so I do it when I'm with you and then I do the time..' She squinted sheepishly, "at Dads.'
Keith and I laughed and pretended we were none the wiser while Mom acted all offended and shocked; "I'll remember this guys!' She got up and started clearly our plates.
"We better get going!' I jumped up from the table, "C'mon Luke!' I grabbed my bag, kissed my parents and ran to the car, Lucas followed slowly. I had automatic shotgun.
"The annual trip to Grandma's and Royals, how exciting!' He mocked reversing out of the driveway.
"I hate Grandpa! He is such an ass! And Dad turns all weird and tight when we are there! He is on edge all the time.'
"They have a complicated relationship.'
"That's one way to describe it. Luke you're going the wrong way!'
"I'm picking up Brooke.'
"You just hate me having my front seat glory, don't ya?'
"Something like that.'
Brooke lived a few streets over from my Dad on the rich side of Tree hill. A totally inconvenient stop over seeing school was so close to my Moms. She was waiting out the front when we pulled up out the front.
"Morning Boyfriend.' She kissed him while I jumped into the back.
"Hey Brooke.'
"Hey Sam.'
"Oh Lucas, just before I forget, are you having a party that weekend your parents are away?'
"Don't know yet. Nathan has probably planned it already though. So I guess I'll have no choice.'
"Awesome! How cool is that going to be?' Sounded good to me.
"I don't know if it's a good idea for a party, maybe a just a few friends over one night or something.' He suggested.
"Shut up Grandpa! We are so having a party. It's perfect, Mom and Dad are both away, how often does this opportunity arise?'
"Aren't you in trouble at the moment for something about a party?' His sudden amnesia annoys me.
"No!' I exclaimed, "It's not the same.' I lowered my voice after realizing the similarities.
"It's not this weekend but next, right?' Brooke put a stop to an impeding argument.
"That's right.'
"My parent's are making me check out beach houses in Miami that weekend with them. It's their warped idea of quality time, but I have to go. Which sucks cause I'll miss out on your party.'
"That sucks!' Lucas said genuinely, "I guess we can't have a party then, everyone knows there is no party without Brooke Davis.' What a suck, but she fell for that and smiled.
"Get me a bucket Luke! We are still so having a party.' I declared, "No offence Brooke.'
"What do you care anyway, you'll still be grounded that weekend!' He pulled up at a red light and turned to face me.
"Grounded while Mom and Dad are away? Yeah good one!'
"What makes you so sure I won't enforce it?' he smiled.
"Because I'd actually hate you until the day I died if you did!' Although it sounded over the top, I was quite serious.
They both laughed as we pulled up at school. "Have a good day!'
Noting the time I raced to my locker and on to my first class. My geography teacher was very anti lateness and with PTA's next month I tried my very hardest to be there on time lately.
……………………………………………………………………………………………
Morning classes dragged on, as usual and it was a relief when the lunch bell rang. I met the usual crew at our usual table. Hayden, Jess, Jason and I had been in our group together since Junior high. Jessica was a cheerleader and probably belonged to the bitchy group but some how ended up with us. She is pretty, popular and, well, not overly intelligent. Hayden is a good guy, maybe a bit nerdy. He wears glasses and is short and skinny but he is crazy into politics and global issues. He has been arrested twice while protesting! How cool is that? Yeah, Dad doesn't think so either.
"Have you heard Mr. Bush's latest childcare policy? Utterly Ridiculous!' Hayden always went on about government policy and we never knew what exactly he was on about. We all just smile and nod.
"Anyway!" Jess thankfully changed the subject, "Are we all still up for hanging out after school today? My Mom is having a fit still over my Dad's affair and it was like a week ago that she found out so I hope she gets over it soon! She is not fun to be around at the moment.' I always wondered how she made such big things seem so trivial.
"It's Thursday Jess, I have practice. Just like every week.' Seriously, not a genius here.
"After it?' I shook my head slightly.
"I'm clearly grounded! You know that.' See what I mean.
"Since when has that stopped you from hanging out after school anyway?'
"She's with her Mom.' Jason helped me out.
"Oh.' She finally understood something.
"Boys?'
"Sorry, Weight training.' Jason, of course. Her and Hayden made plans quickly while Jason and I discussed the Knicks latest downfall. Just as we started on the greatness of Stephon Marbury, Mouth walked past our table and totally ignored me, just like he has all week.
"I know you claimed you and him shared a 'moment' at that party, but I'm starting to not believe you.' Jess said slyly.
"Whatever. I know it happened.' I smiled.
"Prove it!' Usually I was unfazed by Jess's hazing and constant dares but this one actually stirred something in me. Her second call of 'prove it' was all I needed. I jumped up from the table and chased him down.
"Mouth!' I called after him; he stopped and turned after my second attempt.
"Oh Hey Sam, how are you?' he smiled happily.
"I wanted to thank you for Saturday night, you really made me feel better but I wanted to know; have I done something to upset you Mouth?' I stood in front of him.
"No of course not. I tried calling you a few times but you didn't answer. Why do you say that?'
I didn't know about the phone calls. I explained the phone confiscation. But it didn't explain the ignoring me at school part; "You've been avoiding me all week.' I stated.
"No I haven't, on purpose, i…' he couldn't get out whatever he was trying to say. I cut him short anyway when I put my hand on his chin and gently pulled him in for a kiss. Now I'm no expert in the field of kissing but from what I know, it was great!
He looked shocked but after what seemed like forever he smiled, "I meant to say I'm just shy.'
"Don't be. I'll cya soon, ok?' I smiled as sexily as I could and felt like a complete idiot. I walked back to my friends trying hard to contain my excitement at what I actually just did.
"Yeah, ok cool. I'll cya soon.' Mouth called after me.
"Believe me now?' I sat back down at the table and tried to stop myself from screaming.
Jess and Hayden relished in my excitement with calls of 'oh my god!' and 'I can't believe you just did that!'
"The bells going to go in a minute, I'm going to go get ready for PE.' With that Jason left and effectively ruined the mood.
"He has been acting weird lately.' Hayden said, but I'm glad someone else recognized it. I agreed.
"Maybe it's basketball, he might be under a lot of pressure to play as well as last week.' I thought that could be it. I know I get stressed when I've got a big game coming up.
"You guys think I'm an idiot? HA! It's so obvious why he just left then!' With that Jessica left the table too, leaving Hayden and I to shrug shoulders at each other and apparently gave him an opening to inform me about foreign affairs until the bell rang.
……………………………………………………………………………………………
While I often complain about basketball, not getting to watch or play it for a few days really made me realize how much I love the game. And yeah, I have been having some pretty intense games against myself on my mini ring in my room, but it's just not the same. Thursday after school was the Wildcats main training session, we often did a Monday lunch time too but Thursdays were more important. Grounded or not, my parents understood that I, as well as my brothers, had a commitment to a team that we had to honor.
I had hardly seen Nate this week so when he walked into the gym I ran over and gave him a hug.
"What's up Sam?' he lifted me in a hug and then let go of me.
"Nothing. Most boring week of my life. You?'
"Pretty similar. The house is way too quiet when you guys aren't home.'
"Despite the fact that I'll regret this in about an hour I'm so pumped for practice. I feel so lazy at the moment.'
"Your conditioning on Saturday was pretty average to what it use to be. We might start running in the mornings again.'
"Yeah, sounds good.' I love morning runs.
"Whitey's not here yet, so I may start you guys on sprints.' He walked to the center of the court, "Alright girls 10 sprints base to base then meet me at the free throw.'
We all did as told and when I was struggling after 7 I knew those morning runs really were needed. I had been so slack on my cardio lately. Whitey joined us and proceeded with the torture. Although practice usually made me hurt in places I never knew I had muscles, I always felt good after it. I grabbed my bag and opted for a shower at home as I didn't want Nate to have to wait around. As we walked to the door I was called back by Whitey.
"Yeah coach?' I walked towards him.
"You played well on Saturday, you trained well today, I can't fault you on the court Scott.'
"Thanks..' I treaded carefully knowing there was a 'but' coming.
'But it's off the court that is my reason for concern.'
"What are you talking about Whitey?' I was genuinely interested.
"Sneaking out to senior parties and what not, your math teacher spoke to me today and said your grades are slipping rapidly and your attitude too. There not the types of things I like to hear about my captains. It reflects badly on the team and myself.'
I didn't even bother asking about his information source, we do live in Tree Hill, but that math thing came as a surprise, I only got one D. "Sorry Sir, I'll improve.'
"Well you'll have to, this is far warning. If your grades don't improve or I hear of another misdemeanor I'll have to reconsider your captaincy and maybe even your position on the team.'
Harsh I thought, but simply nodded.
"I don't want that, but that's how it goes here.'
"Yes sir, I understand.' I nodded again and walked towards the door where Nathan was waiting. I knew I would bring my Math grade up because I had been studying all week so that was covered and I was serving my time for the party thing. I should be fine I thought to myself.
"Threaten you with kicking off the team?' he took my bag for me as it was visibly weighing me down.
"How did you know?' I asked knowing he wasn't in hearing distance of the conversation.
"He has done it to me for years. It's a bluff. We doesn't sack his best players, trust me!'
I felt a little reassured but still a tad worried. I told myself I had to be better. We got in Nate's car and headed back to Mom's.
"How about we stop for an ice cream or something?' I tried while approaching Mom's street.
"Are you kidding? I have to get you home, your Mom told me to get you straight home and I don't mess with Karen.'
"You're really just a big girl under that macho boy aren't you Nathan?'
"No, I'm just smart. Know your audience.'
"What? Was that suppose to be philosophical?'
He laughed, "Forget it.' He pulled into the drive. "Heard about you making out with Mouth today.'
I was totally taken aback. Not only by the randomness of the comment but also the tone of his voice while saying it and the fact that it was already a rumor.
"Kissed him. Didn't make out!' I clarified, "And god I hate this town!'
"Whatever. How did that happen?' he was so calm and it felt right to tell him.
"He took me home Saturday night. I know you think I'm too young and all that but he is a great guy and I really like him.' I had to put my defense in while I could.
"He is a great guy. But he is older than you Sam and you're too young to date…'
"How old were you when you were screwing around with Peyton? Not that screwing around is my intention but I'm getting sick of being treated like a baby.'
"You have too much to say!' He smiled and shook his head then turned to me seriously, "Let me finish. Mouth is a great guy and while I think you're too young, being that you're my little sister that is going to my excuse until your 30. But, if it's going to happen, which it is, I'm glad you got yourself sorted and chose a Mouth instead of a Tim.'
I was confused but I thought he was giving me the go ahead, "Does this mean I can see Mouth?' I asked excitedly.
"Not go out with him or anything, but I'm not against you and him hanging out a bit. Dating is a 16 year old thing at least.'
I hugged him quickly, "You are the best ever!' I grabbed my bag and ran to the door giggling to myself in excitement.
"But no more making out at school!' Nathan called as he drove away.
I ran inside and when no one was home I rummaged through my Mom's cabinet on top of the fridge to find my cell. I had a few missed calls from Mouth and I quickly returned the call.
"Hey Sam!' he answered cheerily.
"Hey Mouth!'
"I thought your Mom had your phone?'
"She's at work but I had to say that I'm sorry if I weirded you out today. I'm not usually like that, I don't know what came over me.' I blushed on my end of the phone.
"No, no, don't be sorry. It was kinda cool.' He laughed. "Listen I'm not use to doing this kinda thing either, but here it goes, do you want to maybe hang out? I know your grounded and everything but maybe whenever you can?'
"Sounds great!' I tried to hide the fact that was about to scream. We chatted for another minute or two when I heard a car door.
"I gotta go Mouth, I think my Mom's home.'
"Ok cool. I guess I'll cya tomorrow then? Oh before you go, what about your brothers? Cause I saw Tim and I'm not sure I could wear black eyes as well as him. Plus Lucas is one of my best friends, it would have to be alright with him.'
"It's fine. Nathan knows and he is ok with it, he is the hard one. Lucas will be all right with it too. I gotta go! Bye.' I hung up and threw my cell back in the cabinet just as the door opened.
"Hello?' he called. It was only Lucas.
"You gave me a heart attack! I thought you were Mom.' I jumped up and grabbed it again and began messaging Jason with the good news.
"Sorry! But you shouldn't be using it anyway, plus if that were Mom you would have been busted. What's so important that is worth risking her wrath?'
"Nothing.' I sent the message and waited on Jason's reply which usually took 2 minutes tops.
"Mouth?' he asked seriously.
"Does the whole town know my damn business?'
"Word spreads fast.'
"Lucas it's so great, Nathan said it was alright and he just asked me out, Mouth that is! Isn't that amazing?'
"Yeah brilliant.' He said with no enthusiasm in his voice what so ever.
"What's wrong Luke?' my elevated mood sunk quickly.
"I don't know. It's just strange. He is my best friend and you're my little sister. I don't know if it's a good idea is all.'
"Lucas, please I really like him. Don't ruin it for me!' I knew if it wasn't ok with Lucas it wouldn't be ok at all.
"I don't want to ruin anything for anyone. It's just weird.'
"Can you just think about Luke? Please? I do really like him.'
"Last week you liked Tim Smith!' he laughed.
"I didn't like him, I was just flattered! Plus Mouth and I aren't going out or anything, just getting to know each other better.'
He paused pensively for a brief moment, "I'll think about it.'
"Think more yes!' I smiled, "And keep in mind how open I was to you dating Brooke!'
He laughed loudly; "That's a good argument for your case!' he headed towards his room.
I waited a minute or two and still no reply from Jason. Strange. I heard another car door and this time threw the phone back in the cabinet and got into my room before the front door went. Mouth McFadden. I thought to myself. Mouth McFadden and me. I smiled until my mouth hurt. 3 weeks was totally worth it. I knew there were things to be worried about, Math and Whitey talking to my parents, Lucas's decision and Jason's weirdness. But at that moment, nothing else really mattered.
What did ya think? Good or bad? Let me know….Any parts make you laugh? Or any parts you hate? Let me know. I do have plans for the future of this fic, I know I've told u 1000 times but Brucas Drama on the way, as well as a drama for Naley!! REVIEW! Please. Also I apologize for any grammatical errors, while reading over chapters I try and change things but it isn't fixing after its been posted. Sorry. It's mainly your and you're mix ups, please excuse them!