Chapter 27 – Wine and Dine

Another filler chapter really. But the next one is likely to have Dan finding out about the pregnancy and the return of Keith. So if you read it, please review the story. I get so many views but so little reviews. Only 2 for my last chapter. These take ages guys so I appreciate the feedback. Thanks to those who enjoy and review. DO enjoy!

I searched my entire closet for at least 40 minutes trying to decide what one wears to third wheel their parent's weird date. I had never really been to dinner with just my Mom and Dad before. I felt weird about it. I am sure that was more due to the current Tree Hill gossip situation and the fact people were going to see us and it would spur these crappy rumors on. I am sure if this dinner proposition came at any other time in the past I would have been excited and not at all weird about it.

A knock at the door interrupted my impending anxiety, 'Come in!' I called.

'Wow.' Lucas looked astounded at my door with his dad-inherited bulging eyes, 'it actually looked like a hurricane has been let loose in here, Sam!'

'Here I was thinking the 'wow' was about this outfit I agonized over!' I exclaimed, mostly joking.

'That sentence was such a Brooke moment!' He laughed and then paused in a smile, 'you look great!' He winked.

'Doesn't count once promoted!'

'Seriously?' He looked under my bed and before I could ask him what the hell he was doing he poked his head up, 'Is Brooke in here or something? You sound exactly like her!'

We both laughed and I dropped out of diva mode and sat next to him on my bed.

'What's wrong?' I asked him, he seemed a bit distracted.

'I am about to head off to this party and just thought I'd ask if you were ok actually. I know you're worried about it and I understand why.'

'Yeah, I am. I feel almost sick about the idea of sitting in a restaurant with my two favourite people in the world, present company excluded of course, and having everyone around us whispering about them, you know? Like I know that isn't the likely scenario I realise but at least some people will stare and gossip and I just don't want them to see it.'

He nodded, 'I thought about that too and yeah, it sucks! But Just think about it this way, Mom and Dad aren't strangers to the Tree Hill rumor mill. They're not strangers to getting whispered about either, or publically condemned. Dad had two sons to two different women, around the same time. Think that got swept under the rug?' He laughed then continued, 'Mom then hooked up with is brother – I can't imagine that went down well in Tree Hill! And then you came along.' He laughed again.

'I guess you're right.' I laughed too.

'I am.' He went serious again, 'Seriously, this will be water off a duck's back to our parents. They won't care. They've done it all before.'

'Only difference is now two of our family members are in on it, Luke. What happens if Keith sees us? He already has it in his head, it would be the worst thing that could happen.'

'He won't see you, Sam. Besides it is just a dinner with Mom and Dad. It's not some weird date with their kid third wheeling!' He laughed and I dare not tell him that is what I had been thinking of it as.

I smiled and nodded.

'Just enjoy it for what it is. A movie and dinner with your parents. Which to be honest doesn't sound that exciting at all does it?' He laughed and I punched him in the arm.

'Shut up! More exciting than spending another night at home or in my room.' I felt like I hadn't had a night out of this room in years. I couldn't actually wait to get to my Dad's tomorrow. I knew my Dad would let me have a lot more freedom than my Mom does when grounded. But then I thought of my Mom alone here and suddenly didn't care about my freedom at all.

'Are you going to stay here next week, Luke? With Mom?'

'Yeah, I think so. Don't wanna leave her by herself the way she is. She is trying to be brave, as always, but I know she is a real mess. I hear her crying every time she thinks she is alone.' He looked down.

'Yeah, it sucks seeing Mom this sad.'

'That is why I am not keen on tonight. Like usually a night with Brooke and the boys with a few drinks would be the best thing I could think of but not when I'll be worrying about Mom.'

'Just enjoy it, Luke. Mom is with me and Dad for the night. We will look after her for sure. Just have fun! How long has it been since you've had fun?'

'A while. A lot of crap has been going on lately huh?' He grimaced.

'Exactly. You haven't had fun in ages and you're not even grounded like me, so you don't have an excuse. Like even our house party was a nightmare. Just get drunk and have a great night!'

'Thanks Sam.' He looked at his clock, 'It is almost 6 now and Nathan started drinking at 4ish so safe to say, I think tonight could get messy.'

'Good, go get messy with him! Don't spend tonight babysitting. Not me, not Mom and not Nathan. Just seriously – be a kid for once!'

'Ok ok, little sister. Thanks for the advice.' He stood and frowned, 'Dad is on his way now and you guys are dropping me off on your way out so hurry up!'

I only had to put on lip gloss and I was ready so I scrambled on the floor to find one. He was right about the hurricane. I could barely see my floor.

'and my last comment before I go be a 'kid', as you suggested, Clean this room! It is disgusting! You're lucky you're allowed to go out with your room looking like this!' He scolded but when I frowned at him he broke into a smile and left, closing my door after him. I found a lip gloss, not the colour I was after but didn't care. I kicked some stuff under my bed so it at least looked a little cleaner and followed Lucas out. I heard Dad's voice in the kitchen as I left my room.

'Don't you look lovely.' He smiled. I rolled my eyes. Dan Scott, the smooth talker. It was suddenly becoming obvious how he knocked up two girls within a few months of each other. Gross. I assumed he was talking to my Mom and again, grimaced. This rumor seems realer by the second. I was so relieved to see Brooke in my kitchen. I walked to my Dad and squeezed him from the side.

'Hey Sam!' She smiled as I sat down at the table. He was right, she did look beautiful. But she always did anyway.

'Hey Brooke, excited for tonight?' I asked, even though I could already tell she was. I was suddenly so devo I wasn't going. I genuinely wished I could go and party with her. She is so fun.

'SO excited!' She squealed.

'About a small non-drinking get together?' Dad chimed in.

Brooke looked nervous and it made me laugh. 'He is just teasing you, Brooke!'

She laughed nervously and seemed relieved when Lucas walked in.

'Sit down, Son.' Dad gestured to the chair. Luke held a chair out for Brooke and then sat next to her with a smirk on his face. The weird thing is if this was Nathan or I, we'd know this meant we were in trouble or about to get a lecture. But Lucas knew it was going to be something he could smile through. He always treated Lucas like he was so much older than Nathan and I, which was mostly annoying. But it makes sense, he mostly acts older than us I guess. Even as kids I remember thinking Lucas was a grown up when he was like 10. Nathan and I have always seemed closer in age than him and Lucas. Mom says he is an old soul. But he still stuffs up and gets in trouble, just not near as often as Nath or me. Sometimes I envied he way Lucas seemed to get more rights but mostly I felt bad for him because he got stuck with more responsibility. Especially when it concerned Dad. Dad expected him to make sure Nathan and I stayed in line and often Dad blames him if we muck up, even if it has nothing to do with him.

'Behave tonight, ok? Just make sure it doesn't get out of hand?' Dad smiled too.

'Always, Dad. But I am not responsible for Nathan tonight, I'll look after him though.'

'What does that mean?' Dad looked concerned, 'is he drunk already?'

'I didn't say that…'

'He is such an idiot!' Dad slapped the table with a huge sigh.

'Relax, Dad!' I laugh, 'What is the worst that can happen from him being drunk. Just let him have fun.'

'You be quiet Missy.' He turned to Lucas, seriously. 'Luke, I mean it. Behave tonight and make sure it doesn't get out of hand. I am not in the mood for any more drama. I don't need the stress and I certainly don't want to spend my Sunday cleaning up vomit and belting my sons.'

'It will be fine, Dad.' Luke assured him.

'I might check in when I drop you off and have a word to Nathan. Although I am pretty sure I made it clear to him to not be an idiot when I dropped him at the beach house a few hours ago.'

'You can't stop people from being what they are, Dad.' I smirked. He grabbed me from my chair and pulled me onto his knee.

'That is enough out of you!' He let out a deep chuckle and Brooke looked relieved. I guess my Dad is a scary guy until you know he is a big softie. Most of the time anyway. He can certainly be terrifying if he loses it. I've only seen him lose it twice. Both at Nathan. About a year ago Nathan got drunk and went for a joyride in one of Dad's cars him and his friends 'borrowed' from the dealership after the game. They got arrested and Dad was another person he was so mad. It was scary. Mom said he had a terrible temper when he was younger but had got better as he got older. Thank goodness. I never want to do anything that unleashes that beast.

'Are you excited for your night?' Brooke smiled, changing the subject. Thrilled I thought.

'Yeah, should be fun.' I forced a smile. But before anyone could call me on the forcing of the smile Mom entered. Really done up. In a dress that looked way too formal for taking me to dinner. An occasion she usually wore no make up and jeans for…my heart sank. Lucas looked at me as if to say wipe that shocked look off your face.

'Wow.' Dad stood up. 'You look beautiful.' He was genuinely blown away and I was genuinely sick.

'Karen, you look incredible!' Brooke was easily excited.

'You look great, Mom.' Lucas smiled. I knew it was forced. She thanked them all and blushed.

I was still almost shocked with a million thoughts running through my head.

'Are you alright, Sam? You look like you've seen a ghost.' She noticed. I saw Lucas' face almost threatening to kill me if I said anything.

'You just look really beautiful, Mom.' I said honestly, 'and I haven't seen you so dressed up in a long time.' Everyone looked relieved with my answer….it felt strange that we were all a bit tense. It went unspoken though.

'Let's get going shall we?' Our dinner reservations are at 6:30.' Dad informed us.

'Dinner reservations? Is this like some formal event or something?' I don't think I had ever had dinner reservations. I felt underdressed and…weird. Dad and Deb went out for formal dinners a lot, but never took us to anywhere too fancy.

'I just wanted to take you somewhere nice, baby!' Dad led the way and we all followed him to the car. I saw his suit jacket on the back of his car seat. A suit. To dinner. What the hell?! But I just got in the car silently.

Lucas and Brooke started making out in the beat seat next to me. 'Gross!' I yelled, 'Get some idea of public appropriateness!' Seriously. Who does that?!

'Sorry!' Brooke giggled.

'My bad.' Lucas certainly has become a lot more out there now that Brooke is on the scene. He was a lot more nerdy before she came along.

'I think you were conceived in a backseat, Lucas.' Dad chuckled from the front.

'Dan!' Mom exclaimed but thought it was funny.

It wasn't. I almost vomited in my mouth. 'Seriously, this night is already too much. Please take me home.' I was serious but no one took it seriously.

We pulled up at the beach house and Brooke and Lucas got out after Mom gave Lucas her speech about being responsible. The one she gives both of us before every single party we attend. I rolled my eyes in the back. Dad suddenly got out of the car, it was horrifying.

'Dad, what are you doing?' Lucas knew too, this was a bad idea.

'I just want to go warn Nathan to pull his head in.'

'Dad, no!' Lucas blocked his path, 'I will! I will tell him. Don't come in.'

'Lucas, what is going on in there that you don't want me to see?' Dad suddenly sounded worried.

'Dad, nothing at all! I just don't won't you to worry. It will be fine. I will go check on Nathan. You coming in being all parental will just kill the vibe…I promise – it will be ok.'

'Dan, leave them.' Mom called from the front seat. Dad retreated and got back in the car but waited until Brooke and Lucas were inside before he hesitantly drove away.

'Dan, don't worry. What is the worst that can happen?'

He sighed loudly, 'Karen, we have been spoilt with having a teenage son like Lucas. Nathan is forever a reason to worry when at a party and drinking. Trust me.'

Mom and I giggled. Life would be boring without Nathan, that is for sure.

'I told them it has to be wrapped up by midnight so I will go pick the kids up around then and bring them all home to ensure it doesn't go all night.'

My Mom smiled at him adoringly, like he was some kind of hero for being such a nazi, like she often is I guess. I again rolled my eyes in the background.

'What movie are we seeing by the way?' I chimed in from the back.

'The Artist is playing so I thought that would be something we would all enjoy.' Dad pulled in to a park.

'What the hell is the artist?' I asked, unbuckling my seat.

'Samantha!' They both boom from the front. Seriously – what the hell was going on tonight!

'What?!'

'Watch your mouth, young lady!' My Mom turned to me seriously.

'What did I say, hell?! I can't say hell now? Geez.' I rolled my eyes again. Who are these people?

'Excuse me, lose the attitude please.' Mom warned. 'Your father has organised a lovely night for us and you will be on your best behaviour.' She smiled at Dad. Gross. This leave it to beaver shit was too much for me.

We all got out and walked to the restaurant. It was way too fancy looking. I was wearing high top nikes while everyone else was in dress shoes and heels. I felt 10. We were seated and the waiter guy even put napkin things on our laps for us. It was a bit much. The menu was in French.

'How am I spose to know what to order? I can't understand this.'

'Samantha.' Mom kicked me under the table.

'It is nice to experience different cultures, Sam.' Dad said, 'the movie we are seeing is French too. So I thought the French restaurant was a good match. You'll love the food here.' He smiled and I felt bad for cursing in my head when he said the movie was French too. He'd obviously put a lot of thought into this bizarre evening but it felt like he was some guy trying to impress my Mom and her daughter…instead of just my Dad.

The waiter came and took our drink orders.

Pregnant Mom ordered something non-alcoholic in French.

'I'll have your best white wine please.' I told him.

My Dad laughed it off, 'We will have a bottle of your best white please.'

He turned to me, 'What do you want to drink?'

'I'll have the wine too.'

'Just some mineral water too.' He told the waiter.

My Mom kicked me again.

'Samantha, what is wrong with you? Why are you being so difficult?' She demanded.

'Dad, you said it was good to experience different cultures and French kids have wine with their dinner! I wasn't being difficult.'

'Don't be smart!' Her voice went up.

'Sam, what's wrong?' Dad asked earnestly.

'What do you mean?' I tried.

'You've been acting weird all night, in fact all day.'

'Nothing really.'

'Something is on your mind, I can tell. You're only ever this painful if something is on your mind.' He smiles at my Mom.

'Nah, sorry. I'll stop being a dick.'

'Samantha!' Mom said as softly as she could while also being threatening.

'This is officially your last warning! If you keep this up, you'll be home in bed with a sore behind and it will happen so fast your head will spin.'

'Sorry!' I didn't mean to swear sometimes! High school makes you do it. 'I'll be good.'

She scowled at me and shook her head like she did when I disappointed her. 'Your father and I have brought you out for a nice evening with us to try and do something nice for you, despite the fact you're grounded and you have the audacity to behave badly.' She covered her face with her menu. Probably to cry. I felt guily as. Before I could apologise Dad kicked me hard under the table.

'Ow!' I scowled at him. 'Sorry, Mom. I don't mean to act bratty. I just have a lot on my mind at the moment. I am really happy to share a meal with you and Dad. It's really nice and I appreciate it.' I smiled I her direction and she pushed the menu down and smiled back. I felt relieved and told myself to do my best to keep her happy.

'What is it Sam?' Dad asked me, again.

I sighed loudly.

'Come on, talk to us. I know you haven't had an easy run lately and the last few weeks haven't been great for any of us, especially not you. So please do talk to us, about what is bothering you and we can help as much as we can. That was the reason we wanted to do tonight, Sam. To spend some quality time with you because we do realise how…well, shit things have been for you.'

Mum rolled her eyes at him and I laughed.

'Thanks Dad and Mom, for this.'

'Sweetie, talk to us. Tell us what is worrying you or ask us anything you need too. We are both here for you. And don't say nothing because we know you're a bit confused and scared and sad. You haven't been yourself for weeks. Lucas and Nathan have told us bits and pieces you've told them and today at basketball nothing was more obvious than the fact you weren't yourself.' Our drinks arrived and surprisingly, Dad actually poured me some wine.

'Yeah lots of stuff I guess. But I am ok. Obviously I am gutted about Keith.' I said first, almost testing the waters. Neither of them seemed shocked or upset by me saying that….which was good. And normal. I don't know what I expected, them to cry and publically declare their love for each other? I realised how ridiculous it was that I had feed so much into this crap and the rumors. I felt instantly more at ease.

Dad ordered us all meals to share and we spent the next few hours talking and eating amazing food. We all agreed to skip the movie, I preferred the talking in English anyway. They both opened up about the Deb situation and about Keith. They spoke about their fears in parenting and their regrets. It wasn't like they were my parents, but cool people to talk too. And it was nice to be treated like an adult, or at least not a baby.

I guess I felt too comfortable. Because all the sudden before even realizing it I re-laid to them the whole story about the rumor and the fact apparently Keith had visited Deb and told her. I'm such an idiot.

They both looked horrified. Mom was trying not to cry and Dad kept looking at her like he wanted to hug her. He asked for the bill while Mom sat next to me silently.

'Sorry, Mom.' I tried.

'What for?' She looked at me like I was strange.

'Ruining our night. I didn't want to burden you with this crap. Luke said he'd fix it but I don't know what he meant and I just didn't mean to upset you.'

'Baby, this isn't your fault. Not this rumor, not Keith's choices – none of it. Just like the Deb situation isn't your fault either. At all. None of it, ok? So you have nothing to be sorry about.' I nodded and she squeezed my hand. And I took hers and we followed Dad to the car.

'Thanks for a great night guys, sorry I put a damper on it. I shouldn't have told you.'

'Sam, stop saying sorry for shit that we are responsible for, ok? You're the kid. We are the parents. This is our mess. I'm just sorry you've been subjected to it.' Dad kissed my forehead as I got in the car.

Just as he started the car, his phone rang. We all paused concerned.

'Hello, this is Dan Scott.'

I tried to listen to who it was on the other end of the phone or what they were saying but couldn't make either out.

'Thank you, Officer. I'll be right there.' Were the next words I heard. Shit. He hung up.

'Is everything ok, Dan?' Mom cried out.

'Fucking Nathan!' He almost punched the steering wheel and speed out of the car park. This was the really angry version of him I described earlier.

Suddenly I was terrified of my Dad.

To be continued….

REVIEW GUYS! Although not my best, I need these chapters to get the story back on track!

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