Sawyer walked into her home after a long day. Haley had dropped her off. The house was empty, so Haley stayed and waited for her parents to come home.

"Sweetie are you hungry?"
Sawyer let out a tired breath, "Nah I'm fine. I'll be in my room. My dad texted me he'll be here in like half an hour. My mom's with some band right now. So yeah. You don't need to hang around."

Haley rolled her eyes, "Yeah, nice try kid. I'll be on your sofa grading some papers if you need me."

"I can't wait 'till everyone backs off the mistrust." She mumbled as she walked into her room.

It had been 45 minutes and Lucas had not gotten home.

'I guess I'll just keep grading.' Haley thought. She came across Sawyer's recent paper. They had just finished reading Romeo and Juliet and they were to write their own feelings and interpretation of the play. The title read: "A Lover's Guide to Hell." She wanted to laugh, but she heard a door open. It was Peyton.

Peyton saw Haley and gave her a grateful smile, "Hales thank you so much for staying with Soy."

Haley stood up and had her sit down at the counter. She handed her a glass of water.

"Geez you'd think I was the guest in my house." Peyton remarked.

"Well it seems like you have been."

Peyton looked at her questionably. "Damn. Easy on the passive-aggressiveness." She muttered.

"Peyton. You've drowned yourself in work to avoid the one thing in your life that needs the most work." She said in a sharp low voice, pointing to Sawyer's door.

Peyton mind rushed for a justification, "Haley I've been busy!" She said in disbelief at her remark, "I'm not trying to avoid anything."

Haley stopped her, "Oh please. I've known you since high school Peyton!" She said stridently. Slowly growing more annoyed. "Every time I drop her off you've been at work. Lucas has been the one here. And she's told me that you've argued more than talked to each other."

Peyton let out a deep breath. She felt discovered. "Haley I've talked to her plenty okay? She knows how I feel about the situation. She knows that I'm disappointed, but that I still love her. She knows I'm not putting up with her lying anymore. She knows that she needs to gain my trust back. Work's been hectic. Give me a break!" She said almost trying to convince herself.

"Okay, fine. But hear me out. You know better than anyone what it's like to have problems with your mother. Most of your life you've struggled with it. Sawyer needs you. Now more than ever. Just ease up. Show her that you aren't just a warden. She knows you love her, yes. But, when your 14 you lose sight of those things sometimes."

Peyton just stared at her. Haley gave her a kiss on the forehead, "Did you hear any of that?"

"Loud and clear."

Haley smiled, "I gotta go. Nathan's not the best cook."

They both laughed. "Soy I'm leaving!" Hales said out loud.

Sawyer came out and was surprised to see her mom home earlier than what was the usual lately.

"Oh, hey mom." She said normally.

Peyton smiled, "Hey Sawyer." She expected a hug from her daughter but felt slighted when she only went towards Haley.

She gave Haley a kiss and a hug, "Bye Aunt Haley. I love you." Peyton winced. How long had it been since she heard those words? The last time Sawyer said them, she didn't say it back. She felt like crying.
"See ya kiddo. I love you too."

Sawyer was walking back to her room and texting simultaneously. "I know you're tired mom. I ate after practice with the girls. You don't have to make anything."

Peyton grabbed onto Sawyer's arm. She jumped a bit,

"Why'd you jump?" Peyton asked her.

Sawyer shrugged, "I don't know. I just didn't expect someone to feel up my arm out of nowhere." She answered in her teenage manner, although truthfully.

Peyton cleared her throat, "Soy. You know I love you right?"

Sawyer looked at her puzzled, "Umm yeah. You're my mom. You kinda have to."

Peyton gave her a warm smile and grabbed her hand. Sawyer instantly felt uneasy. "I'm sorry I've been at work so much lately."

"It's fine. I get it." She mumbled looking away and feeling the vibration from her phone. Peyton gently put her hand on the phone.

"Let me finish sweetie." Peyton said, "I know we haven't been…seeing eye to eye lately. But I'm still your mother and I just want what's best for you. You can still come to me if you wanna talk."

Sawyer felt super uncomfortable "I know." She said aloud trying to get away.

Peyton didn't believe it, "I mean it Soy."

Sawyer slowly pushed her mom's arm off hers, "I know mom. Don't worry." she said pronouncing it carefully. There was a silence. "Uhhmmm" She hesitated, "I'm kinda tired mom. Can I go to my room now?"

Peyton frowned hoping for something more heartfelt between them. Nothing. "Sure. Go ahead."

"Wait." Sawyer said, "When's dad coming home? I gotta talk to him about something."

She felt a sharp feeling of jealousy, "Uhmm he'll get home in a bit don't worry."

"Alright cool. I'll be in my room."

Peyton nodded and watched her daughter leave. No hugs, no "I Love You's," no crescendo of emotions. She took a deep breath and distracted herself.

… … … …

Sawyer waited up for Luke. She wanted to see if he knew anything about Michael, since he worked at the school. Finally he came into her room. "Hey Soy."

Sawyer looked over towards the door, "Geez dad. You took forever to get home." She said glad that he finally came in.

He chuckled and grabbed a chair and sat in front of her, "So you wanted to talk to me?"

"Uhhmm yeah." Sawyer sat up, "It's about, uhh…" She wasn't sure how to put it.

Lucas was losing his patience. "Just say it Soy."

"A guy. His name's Michael."

He felt uncomfortable and shuffled in the chair, "Soy how 'bout I bring your mom. I think she'd be-"

"NO." She said in a flash. He looked at her a bit shocked at how quickly she replied with a no. Sawyer calmed herself down. "I mean, it's nothing she can help me with. I was just wondering if you knew anything about a new kid named Michael."

Lucas thought for a moment, "I think I have someone named Michael Doris who just came in to one of my gym periods." He folded his arms, "Why?"

She felt her ears turn red, "No reason. He's just seems really shy and stuff I kinda feel bad for him."

Lucas clicked his tongue, "And you want to help him?"

Sawyer thought about it. Maybe that's why he's dominated her thoughts so much. But he wasn't poor or anything, at least from her knowledge. He just had this aura about him. He screamed of loneliness to her. Besides she still felt she had a chance with Justin.

"I don't know. He's just…different. I tried talking to him, but he pushes me away."

'That little boy likes her.' He thought to himself.

"Well Soy, you just be the respectful, nice, and kindhearted girl that I know you are. I'm sure you'll be a good friend to him if he lets you."

Sawyer blushed. He touched her daughter's arm, "And Sweetie?"

She looked up at him. "You can't save every lonely boy that comes your way."

Sawyer looked at him slyly, "Mom told me you were a pretty lonely guy yourself."

He felt caught, "Uhm. That's. That's different. We're not talking about me."

She laughed, "Thanks daddy." She gave him a kiss on the cheek and hugged his neck. He embraced her. "Finish your work kid. You're not gonna eat?"

She let him go, "I finished it. And I'm not hungry."

He walked out, "Alright then. Love you!"

She smiled at her dad, "Right back at you."

… … … …

The next morning Sam got up and quickly got ready for school. She was ecstatic that Jack was going to be at school again. She was about to dash out the door but she bumped into Julian.

"Whoah there Samson." He held his coffee up high preventing it from falling on her.

"Sorry. I'm heading to school." She said excitedly.

He put his coffee down, "Sam hold on." He grabbed onto her.

"Ugh. What now?" She was annoyed.

"Did you forget what you have today?"

"What?" She took a moment, but realized what he was talking about, "Oh. My. God! You mean that stupid appointment with Dr. Gold? I thought you canceled that!" She was becoming distressed. She hated going to see him.

He sat her down, "Why would we cancel it Sam?"

She groaned, "Because Jack's back. I'm fine Julian."

Julian sighed, noticing the growing uneasiness in her voice, "Sweetie you need to go. Court order, remember? It's been more than three months. Besides, you'll benefit from it, especially after everything that's happened."

She shook her head adamantly, "Come on dad! Please, I don't want to go!"

Brooke came out from her room, "SAM." She said well aware of why she heard whining.

Sam turned sharply toward her, "Mom! I don't need to go! Jack's back. I'd rather see him, be at school. That's better than talking about my stupid feelings and stuff!"

Both Brooke and Julian sensed a breakdown coming on.

Brooke stood right in front of Sam and bent her knees to Sam's level.

She grabbed onto her hands and looked straight into her eyes, "Samantha. You're going. That's final."

Sam took a deep breath, calming herself, "But Brooke I'm fine. I'm not crazy." she said more quietly.

Brooke put her hand up motioning her to stop, "Sam I know you're not crazy. Nobody thinks that. But you also know that I'm not opposed to holding your hand and dragging you in there."

"UGH. This is so stupid." She muttered. "I can walk on my own. I don't need you to hold my hand."

Brooke smiled and patted her knee. "Well then, stop whining and we won't have to resort to that. We're leaving in a bit."

Julian kissed Sam's forehead, "Don't worry Samson. If your session ends on time and you feel up to it, you can go to school right after."

This made her feel slightly better.

Once they got to Dr. Gold's office Sam felt anxious. They got off the car and Sam just wanted to run. She took a deep breath. Julian massaged her shoulders, "You'll be fine." He whispered in her ear.

As they were walking the butterflies in her stomach intensified. 'Damn it I hate this place.' She thought. Brooke looked towards Sam and gave her a maternal and reassuring smile. Sam grabbed onto her mom's hand and squeezed it, forgetting her comment against the gesture. She didn't let go. They walked towards the building together. Brooke's heart warmed but she didn't say a thing. She didn't want Sam to feel uncomfortable.

Once inside Sam sat down sulking as Brooke talked to the receptionist. Julian sat on her left and Brooke went back and sat on her right. It seemed like an eternity to hear her name called. She laid her head on Julian's shoulder waiting impatiently, but focusing on Julian's breathing eased her.

"Samantha?" She heard them call.

Sam instinctively grabbed onto Brooke's hand once more. Brooke placed her other hand on hers, "We're right outside Sammy. Don't worry. Just be honest with him."

Sam nodded and reluctantly got up.

… … ….

When Sawyer got to school she saw Jack and her eyes lit up. She ran to him.

"Holy hec dude!" She said excitedly. Jack hugged her and laughed. "I'm baaacckkk."

"Does Sam know?" She asked him

He looked at her disbelievingly, "Of course she does. I saw her yesterday. But she's coming later on today. She has an appointment with her therapist right now."

Sawyer frowned, "awww. I thought I was gonna see an emotional reunion or something."

He laughed, "Yeah. We had that. But it was private."

Sawyer's jaw dropped, "Wait. Are you. Did you? Wait?!"

"No dude! We just talked for a long while, on her bed yesterday, before her mom caught us. But she wasn't too mad."

Sawyer breathed relief, "Oh geez. Scared me for a while there."

Sawyer was joking with Jack when suddenly one of her friends whisked her away.

"Bye Jack!" She called back. Jack just rolled his eyes. "You're such a ditz!" He yelled.

Her friend looked at Sawyer, "I don't get why you talk to that loser. You're too good for him."

Sawyer frowned and stopped walking. Cassie looked at her confused, "What?"

She narrowed her eyes, "Cassie he's Sam's boyfriend and he's actually really cool. Leave him alone. I'm serious." She said defensively. Cassie backed off, "Alright damn. I'm just looking out for you. But we have bigger problems."

Sawyer rolled her eyes, "What now? You always say that." Cassie pointed to the problem. And there in front of them was Justin talking and touching another girl's face."

Sawyer's heart dropped. Cassie pushed her towards them, "Go get your man back!"

"Cassie no!" She said under her breath. But it was too late the girl turned and saw Sawyer. She backed up, well aware of who Sawyer was.

"Umm Justin?" The girl said.

"What's up babe?" He asked smoothly.

He turned around and saw Sawyer. He sighed, "What the hell do you want?" He said angrily.

"She gulped, "I just, I just wanted to say Hi. And I was wondering if we could talk later on." She stammered. A slow group of people started forming. Michael was walking by and he saw the small group. He walked towards it and saw Sawyer. He stood from afar watching it all go down.

"I just got back from stupid rehab and you want to talk?" He scoffed.

Sawyer didn't know what to say, "I'm sorry. I didn't know my dad would call your parents."

He got closer to her, "Leave me the fuck alone Sawyer. My sister might not blame you for anything. But I hate you. You've ruined everything. And you know what? We can talk right now."

Sawyer took a step back, but he got closer, "Justin stop. Let's do this somewhere else." She said almost pleading and embarrassed.

He disregarded her and flung his hands in the air, "It's OVER. You're just some spoiled little girl! You can't handle anything can you?!"

Sawyer wanted to run. The group around them stayed quiet. Suddenly a loud voice boomed, "LEAVE HER ALONE BITCH."

Michael emerged from the group and went right in between them. He went straight in front of Justin's face.

"You think you're tough? Who told you that's how you treat a girl?" He said menacingly.

Justin breathed harshly, "Get out of my face before I punch it."
Michael didn't move. He knew Justin wouldn't do a thing, "I. Dare. You." He said.

Justin just huffed but did nothing. It was dead silent. Sawyer felt herself breathing hard. Suddenly a security guard saw the stand-off between the hormone-induced freshmen. "Hey! HEY!" He grabbed onto Michael and pushed Justin away, "I'm giving all y'all 5 seconds to spread the hell out, and you two better not do this again. GOT IT?!" He barked.

"Yes sir." They both said simultaneously.

They both stood staring each other down, "Scram!" The security guard yelled. Michael grabbed onto the frozen Sawyer, "Let's get out of here." He said almost dragging her.

"I didn't need you to do that." She said as they walked quickly away. He stopped, realizing how protective he was being for a girl that didn't even like him. He let her go and kicked the dirt on the floor, then looked up at her, "That jerk doesn't deserve to treat any girl like that! Nobody deserves to be treated like that! Got it?!" He seemed frantic.

She looked into his eyes. He seemed so passionate. They locked eyes and neither stopped looking. Sawyer saw pain. Michael saw innocence and curiosity. He blinked and turned to pick up his backpack, "I gotta go." The bell rang, but Sawyer put her hand on his chest, "Michael wait. Please." She spoke in a low voice.

He looked at her impatiently. Sawyer knew what trauma did to a person. He was protective like Sam.

She left her hand on his chest, "Did someone treat you the way he just treated me?"

Michael felt his heart skip a beat.

Hoped you guys liked it! Please review guys. They keep me going