Ch.10 Time Heals All
It had been four months since Sam had come to live with Spencer and Carly. The first thing Spencer did was re-register her at Ridgeway. It was the last month of school, so Sam had to was going to have to do summer school to make up for the missed time. She gladly agreed. She was going to graduate on time, no force could stop that. As for her mother, she had recieved a twenty-five year sentence for criminal child abuse. Given her age, and the fact that she wasn't up for parole, it was likely that she'd die in prison.
The state decided that Melanie should also be remanded into Spencer's custody, as their relatives were less than suitable. Spencer decided that Melanie would start her next year of schooling at Ridgeway, as he could not afford her private school. Melanie made no objection. "I get to go to school with Sam," she said happily. The Shay apartment was already prepared to take her. Sam had never been happier. The burn on her side didn't even hurt anymore. Sam acted as though it never existed.
Carly cheerfully rounded the corner to her locker. It was the last day of school, and she began cleaning out her locker. She was so busy, she didn't realize who was behind her. That is, until she was roughly spun around and pinned against the locker next to her. "I told you you better watch your back, Shay," Valerie threatened. Carly looked at her fearfully, and noticed the girls behind her. "What?" Valerie questioned. "Where's your bravado? You don't look so tough now!"
Carly bit her lip. "If you do this, you're gonna regret it," she warned. Valerie had no idea. "Yeah, right, Shay," she answered back. "Sam's gone, and Freddie's not here to protect you." Valerie didn't notice that Carly wasn't looking at her. "As a matter of fact, Sam's all talk. Now, I believe I owe you a black eye." As she pulled her fist back, she found herself thrown backwards. "I'm all talk, huh?" Sam asked. The girls backing Valerie up ran in fear.
"Sam? When did you get back?" Valerie stuttered. Sam never took her eyes off her opponent. "I've been here the last month," she replied. Valerie was stunned. "Oh, I never noticed. What with no one giving a damn about you," Valerie fired back. Carly shuddered in fear. It was about to get fighty. "I'm gonna do you a favor. Two actually," Sam said in a calm voice. "First, I'm gonna pretend you didn't just say that." Valerie chuckled. "And the second and probably more important favor I'm gonna do for you, is pretend I didn't just see you attempt to hit Carly."
Valerie tried to maintain her bravado. Sam grinned menacingly. "That is, if you don't get out of my face in about two seconds," she threatened. Valerie considered it. "I'm not scared of you, Samantha," she said with a sneer. Without warning, she threw a punch, aimed at Sam's head. Sam effortlessly ducked out of the way, and positioned herself in front of a locker. "Try that again, I dare you," Sam dared. Valerie was too happy to oblige.
She threw a second punch with as much strength as she could muster. Sam ducked again, and everyone within earshot was treated to a sickening crunch, followed by a deafening scream. Valerie clutched her hand, which was now gushing blood. It was clear that there were multiple bone breaks. Principal Franklin arrived shortly thereafter. Valerie tried to blame Sam, to no avail. At least ten came forward to say that not only had Valerie thrown the first punch, but Sam never laid a hand on her in return.
"Save it," he said sternly. "Go to the nurse's office to get your hand checked out, then report directly to my office," he ordered. Valerie nodded meekly. "Thanks, Ted," Sam said with a laugh, earning her a stern look. "Sam, you know very well to address me as Principal Franklin," he said sternly. Sam nodded. "Sorry, Principal Franklin." He smiled. "Welcome back, Sam," he said with a smile. "Good to be back," she replied. With that, Carly and Sam left to begin their summer break.
Freddie heard what happened later, and all three had a good laugh about it. It turned out later that Valerie broke every bone in her hand. Sam sent her a sympathy card that read, "Maybe next time you'll think twice before messing with Carly!" Life was good.
The End