Taken Away
Chapter 24
it's that feeling you get at 17
or 18 that nobody in the history
of the world, has ever been this close
or has ever loved as fiercely or laughed
as hard or cared as much...
Last night would live on in their memories and hearts. Their reality was entwined with the other. But it would be different in every way. Knowing all of this beforehand. The two still decided to lead with their hearts. Spending a portion of the night at the beach. Then going back to Sam's where they spent the night.
Love was about sacrifice. At least that's what I had been taught. If I ever needed proof of that it was right next to me. Moving away stray hair from her eyes. A smile coming across my face. Watching as she put her hand on mine. Her eyes looking back at me. Smiling with this sense of peace I had never seen.
"I like this face." She said. Touching my face with her hand.
"I love you." "Every part especially your heart." I said in response.
"Last night was very eventful." She said. Looking back at him.
I was taken off guard. I had just told her I loved her and she didn't just not say it back. But she was trying to act like it never happened. And that hurt.
Taking a breath. As I looked back at her. "Yea nothing like sandcastles and a late night swim to make you feel alive." I said to her.
"Then everything that went on with us here in this room." She said. Looking into my eyes.
"I should get going you know school and stuff." I said. Getting up as I started getting redressed. Not noticing her hand going to my arm. As she looked up at me.
"You're just leaving." "I thought we would get breakfast and go to school together." She said. Looking back at me.
"No I'll get something on the way and then head to class." I said. Heading out the door. And into my car. Driving away.
Turning off my phone. Stuffing into my pocket as I headed to Karen's order a to go meal and eat it in my car. Minutes later I was on my way to school.
Some time later I get inside and start the day.
Hours later. Walking in the direction of my car.
Feeling a tap on my shoulder. I turn around. Expecting one person instead I am face to face with someone I've only heard about."
"Jamie Scott." "I never thought I'd get the chance to talk to you alone."
"Your always hanging around someone." "I get it I'm the same way."
She said. Looking back at me.
"How are you Madison.?" I asked her.
Smiling as she responded. "Off to cheer practice the first game of the season is coming up in a matter of days." "Everyone is full of excitement."
"We'll be seeing each other since you're on the team and I'll be cheering for you and the other team members." "I'll look out for you." I said to her.
"Before I forget here is your invitation to my party." "Drinks, food, music, my pool, no parents, it will be a fun time." "Hope I see you there." She said. Smiling at me. Putting her hand on my shoulder as she squeezed it. And walked in the direction of the school again.
Taking a look at the flyer more closely. As he heard Andre's voice behind him. Taking his eyes off of it. Listening while Andre spoke.
"Dude the most popular girl in school just invited you to her party."
"I cannot believe it." "We have to go." "Her parties are legendary." Andre said with excitement in his voice.
"Sounds good to me and I welcome your company." I said. Looking back at him.
"After the game this party will be a life changing experience." "Popularity is at your door just out of reach." Andre said. Looking to me.
"Let's get to practice." I said to him. As he filled me on Madison and the reputation of her parties.
…
The look in his eyes. And the feeling in voice when he told me he loved me.
Had taken me by surprise and I just froze. A boy had never said anything like that to me before. I didn't know how to tell him what I felt so I said nothing.
Seeing the look on his face afterwards. Made me want to burst into tears. I wanted so much to stop him from leaving. Instead I just let him go.
Sam wiped her eyes. Shaking her head. As she got into her car and headed home. Driving slowly since the road was practically empty. The memories of the other night sent chills through her body.
I had never been so vulnerable. He unlocked this hidden part of myself and I couldn't go back now. My heart was open and feelings were coming from every direction. Especially when it came to him.
Parking in the place she used to call her home. She opened the door and went to her room. Grabbing the hoodie, he had given her. Placing it under her arm as she began to head back down the stairs.
Stopping as she noticed the room her mother used to be in open. The door practically closed. Except for the small crack in the door. Making it easy to open. Not remembering going anywhere near the room. Sam took careful steps walking over to the door. As she turned the knob slowly.
The door opening slowly. Looking around the room. Emotion caught in her throat. Remembering the last time, she had been in here. The frame falling on the ground. Sam's eyes looked up. Now face to face with her unexpected house guest.
"Sammie." Peyton said softly.
"Momma." Sam said quietly. Tears welling up in her eyes. As she shut the door. Taking heavy steps down the stairs. Getting into her car. Driving away.
Trying to catch her breath. As the tears in her eyes clouded her vision.
To preoccupied in her own mixture of emotions. To notice the direction, she was driving in. The sounds of loud honking cause her to swerve.
….