Chapter Fourteen
Weeks passed; spring came to Seattle, and Spencer found that a new dynamic had emerged in his household. Over time Sam had been asserting more independence, and Carly, unwilling to incur her wrath, had not challenged this. Sam now spent most of her free time working with Spencer on his projects, with the notable exception of the mystery piece. While she still returned home on school nights, Sam routinely spent whole weekends at the Shay's apartment. That, in itself, was not unusual. The problem with this (from Good Spencer's perspective,) was that her habit of appearing in his room at night had persisted. Spencer was now intimately familiar with every lump on the couch, since each Friday and Saturday night without fail, he found himself there. He had adjusted his own routine to accommodate this, usually forgoing sleep to work on his special piece. The early morning would find him brewing coffee and perusing the newspaper until Sam materialized. If he were honest, he would have to admit that he looked forward to their conversations, which could be silly or serious – once they had even discussed their absent fathers. By unspoken agreement, there was only one topic that was never mentioned (much to the satisfaction of Bad Spencer, who felt vindicated, and was in total agreement that they should let sleeping Sams lie.)
Spencer wasn't sure where the time had gone, but woke that morning with a sense of great anticipation. It was April 17th, the day that his mystery piece would be revealed. Not coincidentally, it was also Sam's eighteenth birthday.
After school the gang descended upon the Groovy Smoothie to celebrate Sam's birthday. T-Bo tried to offer her a cupcake on a stick, but since cupcakes rarely survive intact after being impaled, she politely declined.
"Hey Carls, I got some money for my birthday. I was thinking maybe we could go shopping on Saturday. I really do need to get some earrings or something to go with my prom dress."
Carly was ecstatic. "Yes! Oh, it's going to be so much fun! I still need to find shoes, you know."
Freddie and Sam both shook their heads. Carly had already purchased at least a dozen pairs, and still hadn't settled on one. The two had joked that Carly would just have to go barefoot.
"Yeah, I guess I am sort of looking forward to it," Sam admitted.
Carly still had hopes that Sam would come around. As the event approached, the senior class was focusing more and more on the light at the end of tunnel. Soon they would be let loose upon the world, and prom was their chance to get together for one last hurrah before adulthood officially claimed them. The excitement was contagious; surely Sam couldn't be immune. Carly decided to push her luck.
"You know, "she started delicately, "the teachers are submitting prom court nominations next week. I know you're not interested," she added hastily as Sam started to frown, "but what are you going to do if you DO get nominated?"
"I'm really not expecting to be nominated Carly. I guess I'll think about it if it happens."
It was a start; at least she hadn't outright refused. Carly was encouraged by this but decided baby steps were in order. There was still time; she could wait.
The trio waved goodbye to their friends, heading back to the apartment. Spencer had promised fried chicken for dinner, and despite Sam's new affability, Freddie and Carly were not keen to get between her and a piece of crispy poultry!
Coming through the door, Sam inhaled deeply saying, "It smells heavenly in here!"
Spencer leaped up from the couch. He'd been idly plucking a tune on his banjo, trying to occupy both his hands and his mind until Sam and company arrived. "Happy Birthday!" he exclaimed, impulsively dancing a little jig, accompanied by the birthday song on the banjo.
"Thanks Spencer!" Sam smiled brightly. "Dinner smells delicious. Is it time to eat?"
Carly shook her head. "Sam, I swear you're a bottomless pit! You just finished a triple extra large black raspberry smoothie. How can you possibly be ready for dinner?"
Sam arched an eyebrow – "I am ALWAYS ready for fried chicken!"
Spencer smiled at the exchange, which reminded him of the way things used to be. He'd noticed those moments didn't come around as often anymore.
"Dinner's almost ready. There's just one thing I have to do first."
"What's that?"
"Give you your birthday present."
"OOH! I wonder what it is!" Carly squealed. "Spencer always comes up with the best gifts! Well, except for that lamp that caught on fire, and -"
Spencer gave her a look, and she quickly closed her mouth.
He disappeared for a moment, returning with a square box wrapped in gold foil. An elaborate bow held a delicate spring blossom tightly in place. He handed the package to Sam, almost shyly. It had taken him weeks to finish and he was quite proud of it. Holding his breath, waiting for her to open it, Spencer realized how much he really wanted this to be "the" gift this year. The one that was admired and talked about and loved.
Sam carefully extracted the flower from the mass of curling ribbons, placing it down beside her. More patiently than her friends had ever seen her, she ran a finger under the tape on one end and lifted the flap. Rather than ripping the paper away, she gently teased the box out.
"Would you open it already?" Carly demanded, impatient to see what was inside.
Before lifting the lid, Sam glanced over to see Spencer watching her intently, the look of anticipation unmistakable on his face.
A small smile curled on her lips. "Maybe I should wait to open this until after dinner," she teased.
A resounding "NO!" came from the peanut gallery.
Taking a breath, she slowly opened the box.
A/N: Sorry folks, you'll have to read the next chapter to find out what was in the box! You've probably figured out that this is the mystery project that Spencer's been working on for so long.