Making It Work
Chapter 12 – Here's The Kicker
"It was my parents," Sam said glancing at his phone again. "I'm moving."
"What?! NO!" Finn shouted, banging his hand against the table. "You can't, you just came back."
Finn was angry and surprised by this unexpected news. He had been growing more and more attached to Sam since his return and he really enjoyed having him around to play video games and watch TV with. Sam couldn't leave again. This was completely unfair.
Rory just sat quietly at the table staring at Sam. He was in shock and he simply refused to believe his ears. This was impossible. It just couldn't happen. Sam was the only thing keeping Rory together. Even before they had been a couple Sam was the only thing keeping him together. If Sam left...
"Finn, it's okay," Sam said, startled by his reaction.
"How is this okay?" Rory demanded, feeling instantly angry with Sam for saying that. This wasn't okay, this was the worst news Rory had ever gotten. It felt like his life was over. How could Sam be so calm about this?
"Oh, um, I'm not going far," Sam said as he blushed and looked around the table at the three upset faces. He now realized that he definitely should have opened with that piece of information. "No, it's good news. My parents are moving back to Lima!"
"You idiot!" Kurt exclaimed as he smacked him hard on the arm. Over the past few months Kurt had started to view Sam almost as a second brother, similar to the way he felt about Finn and he definitely counted him as a close, trusted friend. Kurt had been trying to stay calm because he knew the other three guys would likely fall apart as this conversation progressed, but now that he knew the truth he was furious. It was completely unacceptable that Sam had just put them all through those few seconds of shock and disappointment if he was just going to be moving across town.
"I'm sorry, guys," Sam said as he rubbed his arm; Kurt could pack a surprisingly strong punch. "I was still trying to like, process the information. I didn't realize how it would come out."
"So I'm not losing ye'?" Rory asked in a small, emotional voice. He felt like he had fallen out of an airplane only to have a parachute he didn't know he was wearing open at the last second.
"Of course not, Ror!" Sam leaned across the table and gave him a quick kiss.
"That was so not cool, man," Finn said, glaring at him and still fuming.
"It really wasn't," Kurt agreed as he tried to cool down. "But go on, tell us the details."
"Well you know how my dad's company downsized last year?" Everyone nodded. "Well now that the economy is bouncing back a little they're doing much better. So they're rehiring people. They're even going to give Dad a raise and pay to have him relocate back!"
"Sammy, that's wonderful!" Rory said as his emotions did a complete 180 and he started to feel happy for his boyfriend.
"It still kinda sucks that you won't live here anymore," Finn remarked, still a little disappointed. He and Sam had a lot in common, they even played the same position on the football team the previous year, and having him live with them had reminded Finn a lot of the sleepovers he used to have with Puck when they were kids. There was always something fun to do while Sam was around.
"I know. I'm going to really miss being with you guys so much," Sam said putting a hand each on Finn's and Kurt's shoulders. "I'll never be able to thank you guys for everything you've done for me," he added quietly.
"No thanks are needed, Sam," Kurt said as he got up and gave him a hug. "I'm really glad you'll get to be with your family again."
"The rest of my family," Sam corrected him as he squeezed Kurt again and then let go and looked at Finn expectantly.
Finn realized he was being selfish so he smiled, then got up and gave Sam a big hug, "I'm happy for you, dude."
Rory continued thinking things over as he watched Finn and Kurt make their peace with Sam's move. Reality was starting to sink in. Not only was Rory not losing Sam; he was getting Sam's parents and little brother and sister too! Rory had connected with the Evans family right away on Christmas break and he was thrilled that he'd get to see them regularly now.
"Sammy, this is so great!" Rory said a few minutes later as they walked into Sam's room. He had managed to contain his excitement somewhat while they had still been with Kurt and Finn because he knew his friends were sorry to see Sam go, but now that he was alone with Sam he couldn't wait to celebrate the good news.
"I know!" Sam beamed as he closed the door and put his arms around Rory's waist. Sam couldn't believe how lucky he was. He would still get to be with all of his friends – friends he was closer to now than ever before – and he would also have his family back. To top it all off he had this terrific new relationship with Rory which already felt better and more intense than any relationship he had ever been in before. Everyone he loved was going to be within a few miles' radius of him and he could see them whenever he wanted! He had even made up with Mercedes today and gotten a cool new phone too. Sam was on cloud nine; this was the best day ever!
"So when are they actually moving back?" Rory asked as he kicked off his shoes and broke Sam's hold on his waist so that he could pull him onto the bed.
"They're not sure yet. The company wants dad to start next week and they're willing to pay for temporary living expenses so it may actually be pretty fast," Sam said as he stretched out and folded his arms behind his head.
"Wait temporary?" Rory asked as he scooted in closer and laid his head against Sam's chest. "So they would 'ave t'move twice back t'back?"
"Yeah, maybe so," Sam said. "That part does kinda suck, but it's unlikely we'll be able to find a permanent place that fast. I'll probably stay here till we do."
"Really?"
"Yeah, Mom and Dad said there was no point in me moving an extra time as long as Burt and Carol are okay with it being for a little longer," Sam explained.
"You know they will be, Sammy. Everyone loves having ye' around." Rory stated as he snuggled into his boyfriend's chest.
"I know," Sam said. Then he realized that sounded conceded so he clarified, "I mean I know they probably won't mind."
"Are Stevie and Stacy okay with everything?" Rory asked. He felt Sam tense up slightly as soon as he mentioned them.
"I didn't talk to them, but Mom said they were kind of upset about leaving their new friends. It's been tough for them moving so many times in the last few years."
Sam hated that his little brother and sister had had to go through all that. First they left their home in Tennessee to move to Ohio, then they had to leave their house in Ohio to live in the tiny motel room, then they had moved to Kentucky, and now it was back to a new place in Ohio where they would probably have to move again almost immediately. Sam knew it must feel like there was no stability in his brother's and sister's lives. He prayed that this would be the last time they had to go through this until they were adults.
"At least they get ye' back," Rory pointed out helpfully.
"Yeah, that's true," Sam admitted, resolving to be the best big brother possible when they were reunited. "They did take it pretty hard when I left Kentucky. I really can't wait to see them again!"
"I know, Sammy. It's wonderful how close ye' are," Rory said slightly envious, but mostly just glad for his boyfriend.
"You and Seamus are pretty close too though, huh?" Sam asked, remembering how often Rory spoke about his little brother.
Rory shrugged against Sam's side. "I love him lots. Didn't realize how much 'till I left. We didn't have the same kind o' relationship as ye' and ye'r siblings though."
"What do you mean?" Sam inquired.
"Well, ye're protective o' Stevie and Stacy, and they idolize ye' as their big brother." Rory said, "But Seamus is only a few years younger, so I never felt as protective I guess. And since I'm only a few years older I don't think he finds me all that impressive. I miss him, but as soon as I see him again I know we'll go back t'arguing and annoying each other. Besides we're interested in different stuff. I was more into school, books, singing, church, TV, and movies, ye know?" Sam nodded. "But he was always more athletic, more popular in his year than I ever was. He already 'ad a girlfriend when I moved." Rory was amused to realize that Sam might actually have more in common with Seamus than he did.
Sam thought that over. "So you guys are more like Kurt and Finn?"
Rory laughed. "No, Kurt and Finn are friends and peers. Plus they didn't actually grow up t'gether, so they can probably put up with each other a wee bit better."
"Do you think Seamus would be okay with it if he knew you were gay?" Sam asked as casually as he could. Based on what Rory had told him in the past he knew better than to ask about his parents, but he was hoping Rory's brother might support him.
"No," Rory said without thinking twice about it. "He'd call me names and hit me."
"Oh no, really?" Sam asked as he wrapped his arms around Rory.
"O' course," Rory said almost amused that Sam thought otherwise. It had never even occurred to him that his brother might accept it. "There's no one more homophobic than a young teenage boy from a conservative, homophobic family," he pointed out.
"I can't believe he'd hit you though," Sam insisted. "I mean I guess you would know, but that's so awful."
Rory chuckled slightly. "We've hit each other lots o' times, Sammy. We're brothers, close in age. It happens."
"Seriously? You hit him too?" Sam couldn't image Rory hitting anyone, except maybe a bully or some other dangerous person in self-defense. Not someone in his own family.
Rory leaned up off of Sam's chest and looked at his confused face. His boyfriend was so adorable when he was showing how sheltered his life had been, at least until the last year or so. "Yes, Sammy. I think brothers hit each other in America too, but it definitely happens in Ireland." Rory kissed his forehead and then his lips. When he pulled away Sam had a tense, thoughtful look on his face. "What's wrong?"
"I was just thinking about if...I mean since we're both guys how..." Sam didn't even want to say it. "We can't ever hit each other. No matter what, that can never happen."
Sam was terrified of that line being crossed. It had never occurred to him that there might be violence in any of his relationships before. With girls it was ridiculous to him because hitting a girl was just completely inconceivable to Sam. It also hadn't seemed feasible that one of his girlfriends would ever hit him, although in retrospect Sam could kind of imagine Santana getting angry enough to do it. But what if this was something that was different about being with a guy? What if this really was something that could happen. Sam had fought with guys before. When he was younger he'd even gotten into fights with guys he considered friends. But with Rory? No, that was just too terrible to think about. He would feel like if they ever hit each other it would be too big a violation of trust.
Rory smiled at Sam and kissed him again before pulling back and looking into his troubled green eyes. "I could never hit ye', Sammy. I love ye' way too much. I don't ever imagine that happening, but t'make ye' feel better, I promise I'll never do it, even if ye' make me really angry."
Sam breathed out in relief and put his hand on the side of Rory's face. Rory's beautiful, delicate face. No, he could never hit Rory. He could never live with himself if that happened. "I promise too. I swear I would never ever do that."
Sam looked so serious that Rory just smiled and leaned into his hand, but he was laughing on the inside. He could never imagine Sam striking him under any circumstances and Rory hadn't felt like he even needed to hear it, but he was glad if it made Sam feel better to say it. The blond had stated to relax now that his fears were allayed so Rory lay back down against his chest.
"I think Stevie and Stacy used to push and hit each other when they were really little," Sam said thoughtfully as he continued to ponder 'domestic violence'. "But they don't anymore."
"It's pretty normal, Sam," Rory reassured him. "And ye' know, they still might when ye' and ye'r parents aren't looking."
"No!" Sam said incredulously. Rory smiled softly against Sam's chest and made a mental note to be the one to check up on their kids if he and Sam ever got to that point someday.
"What did your parents do when you and Seamus fought?" Sam asked still curious about the whole thing.
"Pap would whip us and send us t'our rooms," Rory answered.
"You mean you'd fight with your brother and then your dad would hit you too?!" Sam hated the idea of so much violence happening to and around Rory.
"Well it was discipline, Sam. He wasn't just being mean," Rory said not wanting Sam to think less of his father. "What do ye' parents do when ye' misbehave?" Rory found himself intrigued by how the Evans might handle it. The whole time he had been there for Christmas Sam had gotten along almost perfectly with his family, but he assumed it was just because of the holidays and perhaps because Rory himself was visiting and he was on his best behavior. He didn't believe that Sam always got along with his parents.
"They were kinda big lecturers I guess," Sam said reviewing some of his past transgressions and punishments in his head. "They'd talk to me about what I did. Make sure I understood why it was wrong...basically make me feel guilty." he laughed a little before continuing. "Then if it was something fairly serious I'd lose a privilege like my computer, phone, or TV, you know that kinda thing. A couple times after I got my license they wouldn't let me drive for awhile, and a few times I got grounded, but if it wasn't too bad and they knew I was sorry they'd just let me off with a warning most of the time."
Rory was kind of amazed. When he got in trouble he would get whipped, told how disappointing he was, and lose a privilege. He would have expected Sam to have turned out incredibly spoiled getting off so light most of the time, but Sam had turned out to be a really good person. Perhaps it was just something about Sam himself and he would have turned out nice no matter what. Then Rory began thinking about something else that had been on his mind.
"Sam?"
"Yeah, Ror?"
"Um, do ye' think ye'r parents might be mad at me when they see me again?" Rory asked nervously as he kept his head against Sam's chest.
Sam was completely confused by the question. "No, of course not. Why would they be?"
"Well ye' know, for being ye'r boyfriend," Rory explained feeling a pain in the pit of his stomach at the idea of the Evans disliking him.
Sam sat up, pulling Rory up with him and made eye contact with him. "Rory, of course they're not mad. They already really like you. If anything they'll like you even more now because of how happy you make me."
"But what if ye' don't know? Like what if they're not mad at ye', but they're mad at me for...making ye' this way? And they just didn't tell ye'?" Rory couldn't help but to play out all the worst case scenarios in his head before he could relax.
Sam tried not to giggle. "So you think maybe it'll be like in the movies when the parents secretly don't like the person their kid is dating so they act all nice to you when we're together, but then as soon as I leave the room they give you dirty looks and try to break us up?"
"Exactly," Rory said sullenly, not realizing that Sam was kidding.
"Rory!" Sam said laughing and kissing the upset boy. "There's no way that's going to happen. Can you really see my parents doing that?"
Rory had to admit it didn't fit with what he knew of Sam's parents. "I guess not," he said hopefully.
"Of course not," Sam insisted. "And if it does happen you better tell me. Even if there's some good reason why you shouldn't, like I'm destined to rule an empire or someone's child's health depends on it or something," Sam said, trying to suggest dramatic, movie-type possibilities to drive home his point.
"Well Sammy, if ye're going t'rule an empire I don't want t'stand in ye'r way," Rory said smiling and starting to giggle too.
"I don't want riches if I can't have you, babe," Sam said with a cheesy grin as he kissed Rory again.
Rory leaned into him again feeling better but also starting to feel overwhelmed. The last thing he wanted was another emotional breakdown today, even one in a more positive context, so he decided to change the conversation completely. "Now that we're done talking about this stuff, let's play Mario Kart!" Rory suggested enthusiastically, thinking it would be a nice way to spend the rest of his time with Sam.
"Okay!" Sam agreed right away, liking the idea and getting excited. "Can Finn play too?" he asked sounding a lot like a little kid. He was thinking Finn would enjoy it and that it would help him get over his earlier disappointment.
"O' course, Sammy," Rory responded, amused that Sam seemed to be asking for his permission. "Kurt too if he wants."
"I doubt he'll want to, but I'll ask," Sam said as he got off the bed and left the room to find his friends.
Kurt didn't want to, but Finn thought it was a great idea and the three of them spent the next hour and a half battling and racing. They were about to start another round when Burt knocked on Sam's door and stuck his head in. "Hi guys," he said, nodding at everyone. "Sam, can I talk to you for a little while?"
"Sure," Sam said as he put down his controller and stood up. "You guys go ahead," he said to Rory and Finn.
"Nah, we'll wait, Sam," Rory said.
"Awww no! Come on, Ror, I want to play," Finn whined, not wanting to stop. "Sam can play again when he gets back!"
Rory snickered and thought how adorable it was that Sam and Finn both got so excited about video games. "Okay, I guess I'm up for another race," he agreed. Finn gave him such a big, happy smile that Rory immediately decided it was worth it to make Finn that happy even if he did have to play without Sam.
Sam frowned slightly when he saw Finn select one of his favorite courses and realized he'd miss it, but he followed Burt out of the room without complaint.
Burt led him to the living room where Carol was already waiting on the couch. He hadn't heard either of them return from work, but he hadn't been paying much attention so he wasn't surprised. He smiled and took a seat across from her on the couch, then looked back and forth between the two of them expectantly. He wondered if they had maybe spoken to his parents. He was planning to talk to them about everything later that evening anyway.
"Sam, you know we talked to Principal Figgins yesterday," Burt started.
"Yep, thank you," Sam answered looking at him with a sincere smile. He hadn't really wanted Burt and Carol to do that in the first place, but he appreciated their good intentions and wanted to be polite.
Burt nodded and continued, "We didn't ask him to let you back on the swim team."
Okay, good. I didn't want that, Sam thought to himself, but just nodded waiting to see where this was going.
"But we did complain about the situation," Burt went on bracing for Sam's reaction. Anger flashed across Sam's face briefly but then he clenched his jaw and waited for Burt to continue. Burt and Carol exchanged glances, pleasantly surprised by his low-key reaction. Both Finn and Kurt would have likely gotten angry and started yelling or tried to storm off.
"It just isn't fair to you, Sam," Carol said soothingly. "You shouldn't be discriminated against at school."
"And as an elected official and a parent of a gay son, I feel extra responsible to make sure that doesn't happen," Burt added.
"I can understand that," Sam said trying hard to be reasonable. "But I wish you'd have told me first, and I still just don't want to be on that swim team anymore."
"Well, when we spoke yesterday Figgins agreed to talk to Coach Roz today, and this afternoon he called me after their meeting," Burt went on. "She wants to apologize to you personally and she is indeed going to offer to reinstate you. Figgins assured me that she won't put up with any prejudice or harassment on the team either."
"Okay, she can apologize, but I'm not going back on the team." Sam stated firmly.
"That's fine, but can I just tell you why I think you should? Then I'll respect your decision whatever you decide," Burt asked.
Sam sighed but looked at him and nodded. The least he could do was hear him out.
"I think you should because it sets an important precedent. It says gay people can't be discriminated against in sports and that's a tough arena in the battle for gay rights. Winning a foothold there sets a good example. Plus, you'll also be showing your teammates that you're just as good as you always have been, gay or not, and they may even learn an important lesson about acceptance too."
Sam frowned and looked at the floor. He wasn't interested in setting precedents or teaching lessons. All he wanted to do was be with Rory and be left alone. He didn't even identify as gay. He believed in equal rights and wanted to support gay people, but why was it suddenly his responsibility to do all that?
"I'm not gay," Sam said after a little while, hoping that the statement might get Burt to withdraw his request.
"I'm sorry, bisexual," Burt corrected himself. "Force of habit from Kurt I guess," he added lightly but continued to look at Sam expectantly for his answer.
"But I don't know if...I mean I guess I must be bi, but...but I don't know." Sam felt frustrated. He didn't know how to express what he was feeling. "I just don't even really want a label, and I believe in equal rights but I don't want to be..." involved, he thought realizing how bad that sounded.
Burt and Carol didn't say anything so Sam took a few deep breaths to compose himself and then thought over what he wanted to say before continuing.
"I don't feel like I'm anything," Sam said not sure he himself even understood what he was trying to say. "I'm just trying to be true to my feelings, and I know how I feel about Rory: I love him. And Kurt too for that matter, just in different ways. I don't want anyone to ever discriminate against them, and if anyone tried to, I'd defend them in a heartbeat, but I..." Sam still didn't know how to finish so he just clenched his hands together and looked at the floor again.
"Okay Sam, It's fine," Burt said putting his hand on Sam's shoulder. "I respect your decision."
"Are you disappointed?" Sam asked him directly as he looked up and re-established eye contact. Sam couldn't get over the feeling that he was letting Kurt and Rory down somehow by not wanting to get involved in gay rights, and he thought that if that was the case Burt had every right to be disappointed in Sam. Sam himself wondered how he could reconcile his feelings of failing Rory with his desire to be true to himself.
"Not in you, Sam," Burt assured him looking him in the eye. "I'm disappointed that things like this even come up. You've been there for Kurt in the past," Burt said picking up on some of Sam's feelings from the teen's previous statement. "I'm very grateful to you for that. I know you won't stand for discrimination on a personal level, and I know you'll be a supportive boyfriend to Rory. None of that is at all in question. If you don't want to get involved in the bigger, more abstract cause that's completely fine. It's your right and your decision."
"I'm sorry," Sam said softly, breaking eye contact and still feeling disappointed with himself even if Burt wasn't.
"Don't worry about it, honey," Carol said sliding over next to him on the couch and putting an arm around him. "You're a great guy. You don't have to do anything to prove that."
Sam leaned into her and tried to push away his conflicted feelings. He wanted to help fight for equal rights, he really did, but the whole thing just seemed so overwhelming and confusing to him.
After a few minutes Sam decided now was as good a time as any to have his conversation with them. "So um, I actually wanted to talk to you guys anyway," he said before launching into his story. Sam proceeded to explain the whole situation and asked if he could stay a little bit longer.
"Of course, don't give it a second thought," Carol said squeezing his shoulders. "I'm so glad for you that your parents are moving back. You must be really happy."
"Absolutely," Burt agreed. "That's great."
"Thanks," Sam said, smiling and enjoying this shift in the conversation to a more pleasant topic. "I am really excited and very happy about this. I mean I've also been so happy here, and thank you guys so much. I can never repay you guys for all you did for me," Sam went on feeling a little bit choked up. "But it is going to be great to live with my family again."
"It's been really great having you here, Sam, and you're always welcome. I know Finn and Kurt have enjoyed it too," Carol assured him.
Sam smiled again and started to get up, then another thought popped into his mind and he settled back down.
"Hey Burt," Sam called, stopping the man just as he was about to leave the room. "Can I ask you one more favor?"
"Sure," Burt said turning back around. "What's on your mind?"
"Would it be okay if I worked with you at the garage from time to time? I'd really appreciate learning more about cars. I want to be able to fix mine or my family's or friends' if anything happens."
That was all true. Sam already knew a little bit about cars, but he had been wanting to improve his skills for a long time. However, one of the main things he wanted to do was find a good excuse to stay in contact with Burt and through him Carol too. Finn and Kurt would be graduating at the end of the year and though he knew he'd be able to stay in contact with them, he didn't like the idea of losing touch with their parents after all they had done for him. "I'll try to stay out of your way of course," he added.
Burt grinned; Sam couldn't have asked him anything that would have made him happier. "Absolutely, any time you want. Just let me know, or even just drop by when you have a little free time."
"Thanks!" Sam declared, pleased that Burt seemed to like the idea.
Sam returned to his room and played another battle round of Mario Kart with Rory and Finn. When they were done Rory asked Sam to take him home.
"Hey Sam, on the way back can you pick up some lunch meat and a box of Cheerios?" Finn asked as Rory and Sam put on their shoes for the ride to the Pierces.
"Yuck," Sam remarked fumbling with his shoe strings. "But sure."
"I'm not going to eat them together. One's for a sandwich later tonight and one's for breakfast tomorrow," Finn explained as he opened his wallet and handed Sam a ten dollar bill. The three boys left Sam's room and Finn returned to his own while they continued down the hall.
"Ohh and some ice cream!" Finn shouted sticking his head back out of his door as Sam and Rory turned the corner.
"What kind?" Sam shouted back, slowing down a little but continuing to walk.
"Chocolate!" Finn yelled in response.
"Okay!" Sam screamed back as he and Rory opened the front door and left.
Inside his room Kurt rolled his eyes at the shouted conversation about ice cream taking place from opposite sides of the house. It certainly wasn't the first time Finn and Sam had communicated in this obnoxious manner. Then a few seconds later Kurt's spirits faltered as he realized that in a few short weeks his goofy brother wouldn't be shouting back and forth with the other guy he had come to think of as a goofy brother. Oh well, I can do with the peace and quiet, Kurt stoically tried to convince himself as he returned to his moisturizing routine.
On the drive to the Pierces' Sam told Rory what he had discussed with Burt and Carol. He was eager to get Rory's opinion, especially since he still felt like he was somehow letting Rory down.
"Am I not doing enough to support gay people?" Sam asked Rory when he was done explaining everything.
"Ye're dating one. I don't know what else people could want," Rory joked trying to get more comfortable with referring to himself that way.
"So you don't mind at all?" Sam asked as he pulled up into the Pierces' driveway and turned off the headlights.
"O' course I don't, Sammy. It's ye'r business. I'm behind any decision ye' make," Rory stated.
"Thanks Rors," Sam said grinning and feeling much better.
"Ye're welcome. Now don't forget t'call me when ye' get home," Rory instructed wanting to hear Sam's voice at least one more time before bed.
"Sure, any excuse to use my awesome new phone!" Sam remarked holding it up proudly. Rory glared at him even though he knew Sam didn't mean it.
"Just kidding, babe. I never need an excuse to talk to you. I'm already counting the minutes," Sam assured him as he kissed him softly on the lips.
"How many then?" Rory asked, deciding to hold him to his comment.
Sam checked the time on his phone and then made a big show of calculating how long it would take to drive to the store, pick up Finn's items, and then return home. "Hmm, twenty-eight minutes and forty-seven seconds," Sam declared pulling a figure randomly out of the air.
"Ye're silly, Sammy," Rory chided him affectionately as he kissed him again and squeezed his hands. "I'll see ye' tomorrow."
"K, see you then, and I'll talk to you in exactly..." he checked his phone again, "twenty-eight minutes and twenty-two seconds."
I may just have the cutest boyfriend in the world, Rory thought as he got out of the car and walked to the front door. Sam didn't pull away until he was safely inside.
Sam grinned happily and backed out of the driveway. As he drove to the grocery store and parked he continued wearing a small, but very content smile the entire time. Everything is just going so GREAT! He thought to himself as he got out of his car and walked toward the entrance.
Sam was so busy being happy that he didn't notice the hostile stares he was receiving from two guys who were standing a couple of rows down in the parking lot. Rick the Stick was leaning against his car talking to one of the other guys from the hockey team and as soon as they saw Sam get out of his car they started shooting him dirty looks.
"Stupid queer-ass faggot," Rick remarked to his friend.
"Yeah, little girly fag," his teammate John responded. John was the bully from the team who had tripped Sam as he had run out of the cafeteria on Monday.
"Let's go teach him a lesson!" Rick barked as he pushed off the car and started to follow Sam into the store.
"Oh, uh..." John didn't like this idea. Puck had made it pretty clear to him the morning before what would happen if he bothered Sam again.
"Come on, don't be a fag," Rick goaded him as he glared at John and walked toward the store. John had no choice but to chase after him or allow his reputation to take a significant hit.
Sam walked into the store and started to grab a basket before he reconsidered. Nah, I think I'll pee first, he decided noting the pressure in his bladder and detouring into the restroom near the front of the store. A couple of minutes later Sam had taken care of his business and washed his hands. As he reached for the handle of the door it started to open.
"Excuse me," Sam said as he stepped back to get out of the way, still unaware of who was walking in.
"Oh the fag has such nice manners," Rick taunted as he entered the room and immediately got in Sam's face.
"Rick!" Sam snarled surprised and instantly loosing his good mood. He stood his ground and glared at the gangly hockey player completely unimpressed by his attempts to be threatening.
"You better get out of my face, queer," Rick egged him on, moving even closer.
"Or you'll what?" Sam challenged as the adrenaline pumped through his body. Sam wasn't the least bit afraid of Rick, in fact he was almost looking for a reason to punch him out.
"Or we'll kick your ass," Rick answered emphasizing the plural. Sam glanced past Rick just long enough to notice John for the first time. The other teen was standing a few feet back, somewhat intimidated by the menacing former football player and not pleased about the situation he suddenly found himself in.
"You just try it, Stick," Sam taunted back as he flashed on memories of Rick pushing Rory against lockers and calling him names.
At that provocation Rick swung a wild right hook at Sam but the agile former swimmer was ready for it and quickly leaned backward out of range. Then before Rick had fully regained his balance Sam shoved him backward hard. If Rick hadn't stumbled back against John, who was now reluctantly moving forward in preparation of the fight, he would have gone down. Rick instantly righted himself and darted back at Sam bouncing from foot to foot waiting for the other teen to strike.
"Get the fuck out of my way," Sam ordered walking right into Rick's path.
Instead of moving Rick lunged forward again and hit Sam square in the chest. As his fist connected with Sam's strong upper body, Rick was surprised by how little effect it seemed to have on his muscular adversary and he briefly wondered if he had made a mistake by challenging Sam. He didn't have long to contemplate his actions though before Sam had grabbed him by the front of the shirt and slammed him hard against the door to one of the stalls. As soon as Rick hit the door it swung open and Rick found himself tumbling backward into the stall and landing on his ass, banging the back of his head against the front of the toilet bowl in the process.
John watched as his loudmouthed friend disappeared into the stall with a thud. Then John's mouth dropped slightly as Sam advanced toward him. Sam had every intention of simply walking past John and ignoring him completely, but as he got closer the nervous hockey player panicked and kicked as hard as he could at Sam's crotch, desperate to keep the other guy as far away from him as he could. Sam was still on high alert and his hands automatically darted up in front of his privates blocking the full impact of the assault.
"Oommph," Sam gasped as he caught John's foot with his fingers and heard the crunch as two of the fingers on his right hand cracked under the impact. John's kick also succeeded in driving Sam's own hands back hard and fast enough to cause significant pain to his genitals.
"Eeughh," Sam groaned again as the second wave of pain crashed over him, this time originating in his groin rather than his now throbbing hands. Sam continued to hold onto John's foot, as much out of surprise as anything else, and that caused John to lose his balance and tumble over, landing hard on his side against the cold, damp floor of the public restroom.
Sam took a deep breath and held it, trying to block out the crushing pain he felt in three distinct locations of his body – each hand and his groin. As he continued trying to work through the pain he did his best to assess the situation. Everything had happened so fast that both of his attackers were still on the ground, though Rick was even now grappling with the sides of the stall and trying to pull himself back to his feet. John was also starting to get back up on his hands and knees. In a few more seconds Sam would be facing an angry reprisal from both boys and in his current state he was in no shape to handle it. He doubted his abused hands could even make a fist.
Then it dawned on Sam that he didn't actually have to fight anymore and he could still leave with his dignity if he simply hurried. He quickly stepped over to John, who was still between him and the door, and pushed him over again with his foot. He could have returned John's own punishment and given him a sharp kick, but Sam just couldn't bring himself to literally kick someone who was down so he settled for simply knocking him over again to make sure John didn't try to stop him from leaving.
Sam stepped to the door and yanked it open before realizing how much pain that would cause him. He let out an agonized gasp which he quickly covered by turning it into an angry, terrifying growl. "You fucking assholes, don't come near me again or I'll finish you."
Sam's threat sent chills up John's spine and stopped Rick in his tracks. They each silently decided that messing with Sam hadn't been a good idea.
Now safely back in the atrium of the grocery store Sam left as quickly as he could – which actually turned out to be much more slowly than usual given the pain still radiating from his crotch. As he slumped into the front seat of his car and slammed the door shut, once again being reward for his efforts with pain, Sam spared a quick glance around the parking lot. He was relieved to see that his attackers were nowhere in sight and apparently hadn't followed him. In fact they were still trying to clean themselves up at the sinks in the men's room while arguing with each other over whose fault everything had been and nursing their wounded egos.
Relaxing a little, Sam took a few seconds to check his hands. He had a pretty good idea that the middle finger on his right hand was broken and he didn't like the look and feel of his third finger or pinky, although it was too painful to try to touch the bones with his other hand to examine them more carefully. Sam's left hand still hurt like hell and was scrapped up in several places from John's shoe but Sam was pretty sure the extent of the damage would end up being scrapes and bruises, not broken bones.
Sam grimaced again as he realized that it would be stupid to continue sitting in the parking lot when he knew Rick and John would be coming back out at any moment. Feeling like he had no other option, Sam clenched his teeth and began the agonizing process of trying to get his key into the ignition. Once it was in place he steeled himself and prayed he could drive the short distance to the Hudson-Hummel home. As he pulled out of the parking lot Sam used only his left hand to steer while he rested his throbbing, mangled right hand in his still-aching lap.
