Chapter 13: The Only Exception
If this didn't work I was going to be a dead woman. I mean Sam is way smarter than she used to be, she's going to know that I was trying to meddle, but I don't see any other way to help her. The second time Sam and Freddie dated; she would always play this song after they had a date that went well. Every time it played she'd sing or hum to it and in those few moments she would get all girlie. I went up to the DJ and asked him to play it after I spoke to the crowd. I found Dylan and made my way to the middle of the floor. I tapped my champagne glass with my fork gathering everyone's attention.
"I'm sorry to interrupt the party, but I just wanted one more opportunity to share with everyone how lucky I am. I've never had a guy just get me the way you do. It's like you're inside my head and you're never ending support and love. I'm just so lucky." I was getting choked up. I didn't mean to, Dylan chuckled to himself as he grabbed my hand. "I love you and I wanted to share one more dance tonight in front of all of our friends and loved ones. I looked toward the D.J. to let him know this was his cue. The songs soft melody began to play and Dylan took me in his arms. I glanced at Sam out of the corner of my eye and prayed that this worked.
When I was younger I saw my daddy cry
and curse at the wind.
He broke his own heart and I watched
as he tried to reassemble it.
And my momma swore
that she would never let herself forget.
And that was the day that I promised
I'd never sing of love if it does not exist.
"This is there song isn't it," Dylan whispered in my ear and I nodded. "You just can't help yourself." I couldn't tell if he was disappointed or amused.
But darling,
You are the only exception.
You are the only exception.
You are the only exception.
You are the only exception.
"I know, but this is my last try I promise." I kissed him on the cheek and I heard a couple of people at the party AWW us.
"Well, it looks like you are getting some form of reaction from Freddie. He grabbed another drink and doesn't look too happy." He whispered and I snickered slightly. Freddie had really become quite the alcohol enthusiast while he was here.
"And what about Sam? Do you see her?" I asked.
"No, I don't know where she took off to." I went to turn around but Dylan held me in place. "Sweetheart, please don't worry about this right now." He kissed me so gently on the lips. "In a few hours this will be over I just don't want you to regret any moment of tonight."
"You're right the only that should be important in this moment is us. I love you like crazy." I returned his kiss with one of my own and added a pinch more passion. When I pulled away from him he took a deep breath.
"I can't wait until phase two of tonight." He breathed and I smirked. I loved how easily I got under his skin. I didn't want tonight to end I'm sure this has to be the best moment in my life.
Maybe I know somewhere
deep in my soul
that love never lasts.
And we've got to find other ways
to make it alone.
Or keep a straight face.
And I've always lived like this
keeping a comfortable distance.
And up until now I've sworn to myself
that I'm content with loneliness.
"Dammit Carly!" I now stood in the hallway by the ladies room trying to brush away tears that I could no longer fight. "Why would you do this … that was our song."
Because none of it was ever worth the risk.
Well you are the only exception.
You are the only exception.
You are the only exception.
You are the only exception.
You are the only exception.
I've got a tight grip on reality,
but I can't let go of what's in front of me here.
I know you're leaving in the morning
when you wake up.
Leave me with some kind of proof it's not a dream.
I tried to sob silently and get out of my system, but I couldn't grab control of myself. I need to get away from the music and away from all of those memories. They were all lies anyway, it was never Freddie's fault I just lied to myself. I went to go inside the restroom when I practically tackled Adam and Maddie on the way out.
"We were just uh," Maddie immediately tried to explain.
"I don't care what you two were doing." I grouched, "just move … please." I said as I shoved her to the side.
"It's just … are you okay Sam?" Maddie asked as she took a minute to take in my demeanor. I hated when people asked questions they already had the answer to.
"No I'm not, but there's nothing you can do so leave both of you." I slammed the door in both of their faces. I didn't care. I just wanted the hurt to stop. Then I heard a faint knock on the door.
"GO AWAY!" I was on the brink of snapping. These people at least should have the decency to let me do it in privacy.
"Sam, I was going to give you my car keys so if you wanted to leave you could do it without being found out." Maddie confessed through the other side of the door. "Do you want them?" I thought about for maybe a millisecond before taking her up on the offer.
"Uh, yeah … thanks," I said as I opened the door.
"No problem and oh, can you slide my key to Freddie's room under the door. I won't need it anymore." She and Adam then walked off arm and arm. I was sincerely sick of all the couples here.
I was drunk and pass ready to leave. This song reminded me of Sam, it was the first time she actually asked me to do something romantically normal. We were chilling by ourselves in her apartment she downloaded the song to my pear phone and stood up once it started to play.
"Dance with me Benson." The way she said it made her wish seemed kind of like a command, but it was the look in her eyes that told the tale. She was asking in her own special way. That was the first time I'd held her that close, our bodies completely touching and being welded together. It was also one of the first times that I realized I never feel as connected as I felt to Ms. Puckett. I shook my head and tried to focus on the present. The song was over and all of the wedding activities had pretty much been done. I was going to say my goodbyes and head back to my room to get ready to leave in the morning.
I headed toward the couple. They were talking with another guest at their party I was going to have to interrupt because I was ready to go like yesterday.
"Hey guys … I think I'm about to take off," I said all in one breath. I didn't want to give them a opening to ask me anything.
"The night is still young Freddie, you haven't even gotten any cake!" Carly whined.
"I was at the taste test remember I know that it is delicious." I cooed her as I reached for a small hug. I shook Dylan's hand.
"Take care of her man, congratulations again." I smiled to the best of my ability. I actually was starting to regret coming here at all. I thought that I had moved on enough so that seeing Samantha Puckett wouldn't hurt, the reality was now I was just as raw as the day she left, and just as confused.
I dragged myself up the stairs of the Scott's estate. The place was a little creepy at night. Most of the lights were cut off and those that weren't were very dim. I grumbled to myself I hated the fact that I had to even come back here and even more the fact that I had to spend one more night in the bed that I had slept with Sam in. I stuffed my hand in my pocket searching for the key to my room. Before I could open the door it swung open and a red eyed Samantha was staring at me apparently shocked by my presence.
"What the …," I started to fume.
"Don't get all snappy I was just returning your partners key," she explained as she tried to move past me but I wouldn't let her.
"So you had to go inside my room for that? Couldn't you've just slid the key under the door?" I didn't know what Puckett was up to but something about the way she looked at me divulged that there was more going on than she was telling me.
"Why are you giving me the third degree?" She fussed and once more tried to make her exit. "Move Benson!"
"I will as soon as you tell me why you were in my room!" I stood there blocking her exit. I couldn't help but think back to when we were younger. I used to expect to have some kind of argument every time I'd be in the same room as Sammy, at least some things didn't change.
"Fine," she yelled as she stormed into my room she grabbed something off the bed. "Take it ya Nub it has the answers you've been wanting so badly." She shoved a couple of pieces of paper into my hand and then shoved past me. I watched as she opened the door to her room and then slammed it shut behind her. I couldn't believe it, I was finally going to get the answers I was looking for or was it just another façade.