Sammy's POV
Saturday, April 20...
John and Claire had to go to work, and I was left to take care of little John. Claire and John were nervous to leave me with little John, but they decided they could trust me. It was twelve noon and time for the baby's lunch. I was warming his bottle in the microwave when the doorbell rang. I took out the bottle and set it on the table, then went to answer the door.
"Brian,"I asked.
"Hey Sammy,"Brian said.
"Come in,"I said.
He came in.
"Where's John and Claire,"He asked.
"At work,"I said.
He smirked.
"I'm babysitting, Bri,"I said.
He followed me as I grabbed the bottle from the kitchen, checked it, then went to feed the baby.
"Do you want me to leave,"He asked.
"No, stay here,"I said,"I might need your help."
I sat on John's bed as I fed little Johnny.
"So, you need help,"He asked.
"Yeah,"I said,"Will you bring me my bookbag? It's in my room."
"Yeah, sure,"He said.
I held the baby as he left and came back with my bookbag.
"Will you hold him for a second,"I asked,"He likes to be held after he eats."
I handed him the baby and he held it carefully in his arms. I took my homework out of my bag and started working on it. I looked at Brian, who was gently rocking the now sleeping baby, and thought of how great a father he would make. He looked at me, smiled and made the shh signal, then put the baby in the crib.
Brian's POV
Sammy lowered her head and groaned quietly in frustration. I sat next to her again.
"What's wrong,"I asked quietly.
"I can't get these problems,"She said.
She handed me the paper full of eraser marks and the math book. I looked at the problems.
"Problem five. You forgot to add the Y."
She corrected the problem.
"And number ten,"I said,"You have to square root the denominator, not multiply."
She smacked her forehead with her hand.
"How did I miss that,"She said.
"Common mistake,"I assured her,"I do it all the time, don't worry."
She kissed my nose.
"Anything else, Mr. Smartypants,"She joked.
"Not that I see,"I said,"MRS. Smartypants."
She finished her work and put it back in her bag.
"How's it going with Vernon,"I asked.
"He's being reviewed by the board,"She said,"Apparently, hitting a pregnant girl is a big no-no. No matter who's sister she is."
"That's good."
Sammy's POV
"Hey Bri,"I said,"Are you SURE you've never had a girlfriend?"
"Yeah,"He said,"They spit in my face. Even the nice ones just want to be friends."
"Have you ever kissed anyone? Before me?"
"Not a girl,"He said.
"You kissed a guy?!"
"Yeah. ONCE,"He said,"I was maybe...fifteen. I actually thought I liked guys for a while. It was a one time thing, that's it."
"Who was it?"
"He moved away. We used to be really good friends. He asked me to do it. I didn't like it, that's all there is to it."
Brian's POV
"You're weird, Bri,"She joked.
"Like YOU'VE never kissed a GIRL,"I asked.
"At a party,"She said.
She kissed my cheek.
"Nothing as good as kissing you,"She said.
I smiled. I tilted her chin up and kissed her softly on the lips.
"It's hard to believe,"She said.
"What's that?"
"That you never had a girlfriend,"She said.
"I told you. They spit at me."
"What about in college,"She asked,"Any girls hit on you?"
"A few. But they know I'm taken."
"I can always trust you."
"What about you? Do you flirt with anyone?"
"Larry,"She joked,"We're seeing each other behind your back."
I let out a fake and dramatic gasp. She giggled.
"I..can't handle this...betrayal,"I acted in a dramatic voice,"You...should go!"
"But..I live here,"She acted in the same voice.
"Go...,"I acted,"I...cannot face you any longer!"
She fell back on the bed, laughing hysterically. I laughed with her. We hadn't laughed this hard in a while.
"Did you get taller,"She asked.
"Since when?"
"A few months,"She said,"You're taller than me!"
"We've been dating almost a year,"I said.
"When did we start?"
"Hard to say,"I said.
Sammy's POV
"Remember when you asked me to prom,"I said,"You were so nervous."
"Remember when you kissed me? At the park?"
"Yeah,"I said.
"You ran away before I could say anything,"He said.
I began to blush heavily.
"I thought I ruined our friendship,"I said.
"You did,"He said,"When I met you, I thought 'that girl MUST be taken'. Then, you gave me your number and kissed me on the cheek, and I thought,' this number is fake, she's messing with me. There's no way a girl like that, John Bender's sister, could possibly like a dork like me'."
I laughed.
"I was kicking myself,"I said,"I thought, 'there's no way a smart senior could like me, a stupid freshman'."
"You're not stupid,"He assured me,"You're very smart."
"And YOU are not a dork,"I said.
"Yes I am."
"No,"I said,"You're a sweet, sensitive guy, who has communication problems, and is VERY self-conscious."
"And YOU... are a sweet, caring girl, who is tough as nails, and loyal to the people close to her. And...you're very protective of your brother."
"Sounds about right,"I said.
"Should we check on the baby? He hasn't made a peep since we started being loud."
I got up and checked on little John.
"He's fine,"I said,"Sleeping."
"Through all that?!"
"He can sleep through anything,"I said,"Get's it from John."
Monday, April 22..
I was heading to my second hour class when I saw one of my buddies from math club being stuffed into a locker by two Andy-type jock assholes. I couldn't just walk by and let this happen, so I ran over to them.
"Hey,"I yelled,"What the FUCK are you doing?!"
One of the guys turned to me.
"The hell does it look like? We're shoving this nerd into his locker."
"What's going on here,"Someone asked.
I turned around and saw Mikey.
"They're picking on my friend,"I said.
Mikey grabbed one of them and hurled them to the other side of the hall, where there were more lockers. The other guy let go of Xander, the guy from my math club. Mikey grabbed the guy's shirt and lifted him above the ground.
"Leave this kid alone, asshole,"Mikey said.
Mikey put him down. The two guys left. Xander tried to run off, but Mikey grabbed him and pulled him over by us. Xander was wide-eyed.
"Hey Xander,"I said.
"Hey Sammy,"He said, not taking his eyes off Mikey.
"Got a date for prom yet,"I asked.
"Nope."
"Wanna go with me?"
"Are you sure?"
"I'm sure Brian won't mind,"I said.
A look of sadness and suspicion crossed his face.
"For real,"He asked.
"Yeah,"I said,"For real."
"Okay, then. Sure, I'll go."
"Good,"I said,"See you after school."
I went to my second hour class.
Mike's POV
I faced the kid toward me and grabbed him by the shirt.
"Look dork,"I said,"Samantha is my friend. I don't mind if you go to prom with her, but she's got a boyfriend. So keep your hands where they belong, and don't try anything. If you do, I'll snap you like a twig, got it?"
Xander nodded.
"Got it,"He said.
"Good. Now get to class."
Sammy's POV
I called Brian after school.
"There's something I have to tell you,"I said.
"What's that,"Brian asked.
"I'm going to prom with someone,"I said,"Someone that's..not you."
"Larry?"
"No,"I said,"Xander."
"Why,"He scoffed.
"Do I detect a hint of jealousy,"I joked.
"Jealousy?! No!"
"I'm going with him because of what happened this morning,"I said.
I explained what happened.
"I hate when that happens,"He mumbled, then said,"All right. But be careful, that kid's a little weird."
"Weirder than you?"
He chuckled.
"I don't know about that,"He joked,"But really, he's been trashed by girls like you."
"Girls like me?"
"Pretty ones,"He said,"I'm not the only dork who gets his face spit in."
Saturday, May 4...
"Sammy, are you sure about this,"John asked as Claire finished my makeup.
"Yeah, I'm sure,"I said as I walked down the hallway.
"I mean going with a dork,"He said,"Two years in a row? Why not a jock? Or..."
"Or a criminal,"I finished as I saw him in the living room.
John was wearing a red flannel shirt, his leather jacket, leather gloves, blue jeans, and hiking boots.
"Why,"I asked, referring to his clothing.
"Gotta make an impression,"He cracked.
I rolled my eyes.
Xander's POV
I got out of the car, driven by my brother Peter, at Sammy's house. I hoped to god this wasn't some cruel trick.
"Will you get in there already,"Peter snapped encouragingly.
I went up and rang the doorbell. A guy answered the door, wearing a leather jacket, gloves and jeans. I gulped. Seeing his face, I recognized him as the infamous John Bender. It WAS a trick. Sammy sent me here just to get beat up by her brother. She wouldn't do that, she's my friend. Shut up, loser! You have no friends! I stared blankly at him.
"Are you Xander,"John asked, snapping me out of my thoughts.
"Yeah,"I said.
"John, are you being nice,"Sammy said as she walked up behind him.
John smirked and turned to Sammy.
"Always,"He said.
John kissed Sammy on the head and she stepped outside.
"Behave,"John said, pointing at the both of us.
He closed the door. I looked at Sammy, she was wearing a purple dress that squeezed perfectly against her slim figure. Running my hands down the length of her body, feeling her skin, pressing my body against hers...stop it!
"Sorry about John,"She said,"He likes to..um..intimidate."
"That's okay,"I said,"You..you look great."
I grabbed her hand and led her to the car.
"Thanks,"She said.
I opened the back door of the car and Sammy got in. I shut the door and got in on the other side. Peter turned to look at Sammy.
"You must be Samantha,"Peter said,"I'm Peter, Xander's older brother."
"Hi,"She said,"People usually call me Sammy."
"Well Sammy,"Peter said as he backed out of the driveway,"I'm glad you're going with him. He's been mopey lately."
"Pete,"I yelled.
"It was no trouble,"She said,"Xander is one of my friends."
How her lips moved when she said my name...I shook my head clear. Peter pulled into the parking lot of the school around 6:45.
"Pick you up at eleven,"Peter said.
I got out and shut my door, then went over and helped Sammy out of the car. I grabbed her hand gently and led her through the double doors into the school. I hope I don't screw this up! Peter drove off in the car. We went into the gym, where there was rock music playing. I was glad it wasn't slow music, not just yet. I could barely handle myself around her. I might kiss her. Kiss her, lean her back on the table, raising her dress to reveal her thighs, running my hands up them...knock it off! I was ashamed at the sick thoughts that ran through my head. You're sick! That's sick! She's your friend, she trusts you! I found myself staring into her eyes. When she noticed, she smiled.
"Do...uh..do you want a drink,"I asked.
"Sure,"She said.
"Like what?"
"Punch is fine,"She said.
I went over to the drinks table and poured two cups of punch. I was glad to be out of her sight for just a moment. Long enough for my imagination to get hold of itself. It was hard not to be mesmerized by her. Her brown eyes, long, brown hair.
"Hey dork,"Someone said.
I set the drinks down. I wasn't about to have the contents poured on me. I looked for the person that said that. It was none other than Sammy's friend.
"Mike,"I asked.
"Where's Sammy,"He asked.
"Over by the corner,"I said,"I was just getting us drinks."
He followed me, his punch in hand, over to Sammy.
"Mikey,"Sammy exclaimed,"What are you doing here?"
"I was bored,"He said,"Someone spiked the punch."
"Did YOU spike the punch Mikey,"She asked.
"I'll never tell,"Mike said slyly.
8:00 p.m.-
I couldn't begin to count the dreams I'd had about Samantha, the fantasies, sick ones at that. The things I'd do to her, things I'd do with her.I kept remembering these as she held me closely for a slow dance. At the end of the dance, she hugged me, tightly, and then I knew. I knew she felt the tightness in my pants as much as I did. I knew because she pulled away from me with a confused look on her face. I looked away from her, waiting to be humiliated in front of everyone, waiting for Mike to come over and kick my ass for being such a huge perv.
"I...I.."I stuttered, but no words came out.
"Xandy..."She questioned, using her nickname for me.
I closed my eyes and prepared for the worst.
"What's wrong,"She asked.
I still couldn't talk. I looked at her one more time, then ran out the door, out to the field, and sat under the bleachers.
Sammy's POV
8:30 P. M.
Mikey and I looked all over for Xander. He must've thought I was mad at him for what happened. I wasn't mad, just surprised. He looked humiliated, just ran out before I could say anything to him. We found him under the bleachers, sitting by himself. I went over by him, Mikey following close behind.
"We've been looking all over for you,"I told him.
"To kick my ass,"He asked jokingly.
I laughed and sat by him.
"No,"I said,"To talk to you. I'm not angry. In fact, I probably shouldn't have gotten so close to you."
Xander laughed.
"Here's the thing,"He said,"I like you, a lot."
"I like you too,"I said.
"No, I mean..I have a crush on you,"He said,"A really, really big crush on you."
"That's so sweet,"I said,"No one's ever had a crush on me before. Except Brian."
"I'm sure most of the guys in math club are in love with you,"He joked.
Mikey sat down next to me, so that I was in-between the two of them. Mikey took out his weed stash, and rolled a joint, then lit it with his lighter. He took a long drag off it, then passed it to me. I took a long smooth drag, relaxed, then blew out the smoke. Mikey was smirking at me.
"What,"I asked,"You think I'd live with John Bender for sixteen years and NEVER try weed?"
I passed the joint to Xander, who shook his head.
"Come on,"I said,"It won't bite."
He sighed and took it. He held it to his lips, sucked in, then coughed up smoke, and gave it back to me. Mikey laughed.
"Be careful,"I laughed.
9:00
"How long have we been out here,"Xander asked.
I was lying down on the grass.
"No idea,"I said.
"Sammy,"Xander said.
"Yeah, Xandy,"I asked.
"I'm glad you went to prom with me,"He said,"It's better than what I had planned."
"What's that?"
"A lot of things have been going wrong for me,"He said,"At home, at school. And when you invited me to prom, I thought it was some sort of cruel trick. If it was, well, that was the final straw."
"What do you mean,"Mikey asked.
"I wrote a note,"Xander said,"Saying goodbye..to everyone..I was going to..sneak out of the house..find the bridge at the end of town...and jump."
I sat up and put my arm around him.
"What would you wanna do a thing like that for,"Mikey said.
"I'd be better off dead,"Xander said.
"Don't say that,"I said.
Tears fell from Xander's eyes.
"I'll be lucky to find a girl HALF as beautiful or kind as you,"Xander said,"But..let's face it. I don't have anything a girl could want."
"You're very nice,"I said,"And cute. And you have a really unique name. Any girl who doesn't see that, is really missing out."
His face brightened.
"Really,"He asked.
"Absolutely,"I said,"If I wasn't already committed to Brian, I would love someone like you as a boyfriend."
I grabbed his chin and kissed him gently on the lips. Xander and Mikey both went wide-eyed.
Claire's POV
I put little John in his crib for the night, then went to look for regular sized John. I found him in the garage, drinking from a can of beer.
"John,"I asked.
He crushed the can and threw it away. He came over towards me. Still wearing his leather jacket and gloves, he looked intimidating. I saw the tears in his eyes.
"I'm sorry, Claire,"He said.
"John, I don't care about the drinking,"I pleaded,"Just, please, tell me what's wrong with you."
He didn't say anything, just blinked back tears. I tried a different approach.
"How long have you been bottling up your emotions,"I asked.
"As long as I can remember,"He said.
"That's bad for you,"I said,"Really bad. Maybe you should get some help."
"If I do that, they'll take Sammy away,"He said.
"No, they won't,"I said,"Only if you're dangerous. And I know you, you'd never hurt Sammy."
He nodded.
"Okay,"He said,"I'll think about it. But Claire?"
"Yeah?"
"If they do take Sammy away,"He started,"Promise me you'll adopt her. I don't want her to get taken by some stranger, where she could be hurt again."
"That won't happen, John."
"Just...please. Promise."
"Okay,"I said,"I promise."
He was still holding back tears.
"Just tell me,"He said,"Tell me I've become my father."
"No. Never."
I followed him as he walked into our bedroom, where the baby was. He reached down and gently stroked the baby's cheek. He smiled as I stood by him.
"If I ever hurt you,"He said,"Or the baby, then I want you to leave. Get as far away as possible."
I wanted to argue, tell him he wouldn't hurt anyone, but I saw he was too distraught to listen.
"Okay,"I said.
He sat on the bed, buried his head in his hands, and cried. I sat by him.
"John, I can't begin to know what happened to you and Sammy,"I said,"But please, talk to me."
He looked up at me, teary-eyed.
"Do you know what it's like,"He asked,"To think everyone hates your guts? Like the whole world is caving in on you?"
I nodded.
"It's my fault, you know,"He said,"I let Sammy get raped. More than once. She had a baby, and it's all my fault."
"You didn't know,"I assured him.
He chuckled, then stared deeply into my eyes. There was rage on his face, like he could kill me, but he didn't move.
"Remember last year,"He asked,"At detention? When Andy said I didn't matter..he was right."
"You do matter,"I said,"To me. And to Sammy, and the baby. And your friends."
"I keep thinking that I deserved it,"He said.
"Deserved what?"
"What my parents did,"He said,"Beating me. Sammy didn't deserve it, she didn't deserve any of it, but I did."
"The baby, little John loves you,"I said,"His face brightens when he sees you. He smiles. He loves you, John."
"I love him too. I hope he knows that."
"He does,"I assured him,"In his tiny little heart, he knows it."
10:00 p.m.-
Sammy's POV
"Geez Mikey,"I exclaimed jokingly,"How many of those do you have?!"
Mikey pulled out another joint and lit it.
"About ten,"Mikey joked,"More or less."
Xander began laughing hysterically, nearly dropping his joint on the ground.
"How many have YOU had,"I asked him.
"About ten,"Xander said,"More or less."
I smirked at him, taking a drag off mine.
"Hey,"I whispered,"Wanna hear a secret?"
"What,"Xander asked.
"I was pregnant once,"I whispered.
"What,"Xander repeated.
"Mikey...can tell you,"I said.
Xander's POV
"I'm not supposed to tell, Sammy,"Mike said.
"Wanna know why they call me a slut,"She asked.
"Umm..,"I said.
"There was a rumor,"She said,"That I fucked some college guys."
"Sammy, I don't think you should...,"Mike started.
She looked into my eyes. She was smiling, giggling, but her eyes had a pained expression.
"I didn't fuck them,"She said,"They fucked me, not that I had a choice in the matter."
"You mean.."
She nodded.
"Yeah,"She said,"My fault really, should've known that bastard was watching me."
She hung her head and started to cry. I put my arm around her shoulder in a friendly manner, and she leaned on my shoulder.
"Wanna go back inside,"Mike asked.
Sammy sat up and wiped her tears. I stood up then helped her up.
"Let's go,"Sammy said.
11:00-
I held Sammy's hand as we waited outside for Peter to pick us up.
"Th..thank you Sammy,"I said,"For..for being my friend."
"Xander, you're a great guy,"She said,"I'm glad to be your friend."
"Thanks,"I said.
Peter picked us up and drove to Sammy's house. I helped Sammy out and walked her to the front door.
"Promise me you won't do anything stupid,"She said,"I'd BETTER see you at school on Monday."
She smiled and kissed my cheek. I smiled.
"I promise,"I said.
I went back into the car and got into the passenger seat.
"How was it,"Peter asked.
"Terrific,"I said.
"Do you like her,"He asked.
"She has a boyfriend,"I said,"We're just friends."
Saturday, May 11...
John's POV
I went with Claire and Sammy to see a psychologist. They sat in the waiting room while I went in to see a Mrs. Smith. I told her about my parents, about Sammy, Claire, and the baby.
"I didn't tell anyone,"I said,"About how I felt, what I was going through. I didn't think anyone cared. I thought everyone hated me, Sammy, Claire, my friends, everyone. Claire wanted me to get help. I didn't want to, not at first."
"Why didn't you want help, John,"She asked.
"I thought..that Sammy would get taken away from me,"I said.
Sammy's POV
I was worried about John.
"Do you think he'll be okay,"I asked.
"I think so,"Claire said,"I hope."
John came into the waiting room later.
"What happened,"I asked.
"She said I'm depressed,"John said,"They're giving me pills. I..I still get to keep you Sammy."
"I'm glad you're okay,"I said.
I called Brian when we got home.
"How is he,"Brian asked, concerned.
"He has depression,"I said,"He's getting medicine. I think he'll be okay. Don't tell anyone, not just yet."
"I won't,"He said,"So..been kissing anyone lately?"
"Not this week,"I joked.
"Geez,"He joked,"First Larry, now Xander. How many nerds are you gonna kiss?"
"Brian, you know you're my prince,"I said.
"Yeah,"He said,"See you Sammy."
"Bye Brian,"I said.
I hung up. I went to John, who was in his room with Claire, who was holding the baby.
"Hey Johnny,"I said.
John looked up and smiled at me.
"Come here, Sammy,"He said.
He scooted over so I could sit between him and Claire. He put his arm around me and kissed my cheek.
"I love you, Sammy,"He said.
"You too, John,"I said.
He looked at me sadly. I knew what was bothering him, I could read my brother like a book. I leaned my head on his shoulder.
"You have to forgive yourself,"I said,"What happened to me...wasn't your fault."
"You got pregnant,"He remarked sadly,"Because of ME."
"You didn't know,"I said,"You couldn't have. I don't blame you."
"You don't?"
"No,"I said,"John, you blame yourself for everything. What our parents did, to you and to me, it wasn't our fault."
"You and I both know I deserved what they did,"He said.
"No. You didn't,"I said,"You're innocent, too. I wish you could see that."
"You're a good man, John,"Claire defended,"And I know you're afraid of being hurt. I won't hurt you, you know that."
"Neither will I," I said.
"You have to let us in,"Claire said.
He reached past me and around Claire's shoulder, pulling us into a sort of sideways group hug.
"It feels good to have a real family,"He said,"For once."
It IS nice to have a family for once.
Monday, May 20...
I waited at the lunch table for Mikey, Xander, and Larry. Mikey sat next to me first, then Larry, Xandy and a skinny girl with red hair who I didn't know sat across from me.
"You met a girl, Xandy,"I asked.
"Well, I've known her for a while,"Xandy said,"She's my lab partner in physics. I just, never, umm, thought she liked me, untill now."
The girl sighed in fake annoyance at Xandy's shyness.
"Hi,"She said,"I'm Ashley Oswin."
I flinched at the name. I looked at Mikey, who grabbed my hand comfortingly. Mikey knew the names of the guys, and the one who I'm sure was the father, Blaine Oswin.
"Hi,"I said back,"I'm Samantha Bender."
Ashley's eyes widened. She gasped.
"You're the girl,"Ashley said,"The one that...that my brother.."
"Raped,"I finished quietly.
She nodded. I leaned my head on Mikey's shoulder as the memories of that day flowed back.
"I can go,"She said,"If I'm making you uncomfortable, I'll leave."
"No, it's okay,"I said,"Just, the name, it brought back memories."
Ashley's POV
I watched guiltily as Sammy cried softly. 'Sammy the Slut', as some, rather mean, people called her. I'd been at the trial, listened to everyone speak. I'd visited Blaine in jail, though my parents, and even Blaine himself told me not to. He'd shown me the picture of the baby, his child, Cynthia.
I was ashamed that my brother, usually so sweet, could even think to do that to someone. I'd seen Samantha around school, but was too afraid to talk to her. She wiped her tears and regained her composure.
Sammy's POV
"So anyway,"I said,"John's birthday is today. Claire's having a small party, and I want you guys to come. It's at my house, today after school. You can come too, Ashley..if you'd like."
"Sure,"Ashley replied.
After school, Xandy approached me at my locker.
"Sammy, I didn't know Ashley was that guy's brother,"He said,"I'm sorry."
"It's okay, Xandy,"I said,"You deserve her."
"When I read in the paper last year,"He said quietly,"About those guys, who raped that young girl. That..was you?"
I nodded.
"I don't like to talk about it,"I said,"The..the one who planned it...was my ex boyfriend. He'd been stalking me."
"Well Sammy,"He said,"I have to go. See you at the party."
"Bye Xandy,"I said.
I met up with Mikey down the hall and we went out to his car.
"H..how's Cynthia,"I asked.
That question had been burning at me all day.
"Cynthia is great,"He said,"Eating, sleeping, pooping. You know, baby stuff."
"Good,"I said.
"My parents said you could come see her,"He said,"If you wanted to."
"Okay,"I said.
When Mikey and I got to my house, Claire and John were waiting in the kitchen, where the cake was. John answered the door later when Xander, Larry, and Ashley showed up.
"Who invited the nerds,"John joked,"And uh..the redhead?"
"I did, Johnny,"I said,"Do you have a...PROBLEM with that?"
Larry, Xander, Ashley, Mikey and I sat together on the couch and ate cake.
"So Xandy,"I started,"How long have you and..Ashley been dating."
"Uh..today,"Xandy said,"I didn't have the courage to ask her out."
"All year,"Ashley said,"He's liked me all year, and never bothered telling me."
"Maybe he should've asked you to prom,"I joked.
"Yeah,"Ashley said,"I was going to ask about it, but then I found out he was going with you. I actually thought you two were dating."
"I wasn't ready for the rejection,"Xandy said,"The whole,'Why would I want to go out with a loser like you?!',rejection that I get from most girls."
"So I asked if he was dating anyone,"Ashley said,"And he said no. So I told him I liked him. He said he liked me too. Then I asked if he wanted to date me, and he said yes."
"When did this happen,"I asked.
"Second hour,"Xandy said,"Physics."
Friday, May 31...
It was the last day of school. I went to my first hour class, English. Larry was already there.
"Hey Sammy,"He said.
"Hey Larry,"I said.
"Is um, is Andy home from college yet,"He asked.
"He got home last night,"I said.
He nodded. I looked at him for a second, then smiled.
"You're gonna kick his ass,"I said,"Aren't you?"
He flexed his muscles.
"Think I could?"
Andy's POV
I lied on the couch in the living room of my parent's house, watching tv. It was about three thirty, and John wanted me to visit thier house at four, after he got off from work. I turned off the tv as the doorbell rang. I went to answer it.
"Who the hell are.."I started,"..Larry?!"
I stared in shock at the guy who stood in front of me. The kid that was once hairy, pale and very small, was now tan, tall, and muscular. Easily three times the size he was when I saw him last.
"Yeah, it's me,"He said,"Hey Andy."
"Uh...come in,"I said.
I let him in and shut the door behind him.
"So, what did you want,"I asked.
He cracked his knuckles.
"Honestly, Andy,"He said,"I came here for a little payback."
"What are you..."
He screamed and ran toward me, tackling me to the floor. I landed so hard on my back that it knocked the wind out of me. He punched me in my stomach, my chest and my head. He had me pinned to the floor, his fist raised high in the air, about to punch my face, maybe break my jaw. I closed my eyes as his fist swung near my face.
"All right, Larry,"Someone said,"I think he gets the point."
I opened my eyes. Larry got off of me and went to stand near..
"Allison,"I asked.
Sammy came in from the kitchen a second later, laughing hysterically.
"Did you get all buffed up just so you could do this,"I asked.
"No,"Larry said,"I had a growth spurt, over summer. I worked out a little, so shithead jocks don't beat me up again. I came here to fuck with you."
Larry laughed.
"Had you scared, didn't he,"Sammy said.
I scoffed.
"I was not SCARED,"I said.
I realized that he didn't hit me hard enough to bruise, or even hurt that much.
"You weren't even TRYING,"I said,"Come here."
"I'd rather not,"Larry said.
I walked over to him and grabbed his arm. I curled his hand into a fist.
"Hit me,"I said,"Punch me. Right in the jaw."
He stepped back a little, shaking his head.
"No,"He said.
"Don't be scared,"I said,"Hit me. Come on, you know I deserve it. And I KNOW you want to. So do it."
Larry's POV
I sighed and curled up my fist. Finally, a chance to get back at the guy who humiliated me. I tightened the muscles in my arm and swung back. I punched him right in the cheek. He turned his head, then held his mouth for a second. I pulled my hand back, shaking. There was a confused look in his eyes, then he pulled his hand away from his mouth, revealing a bloody tooth. The three of us gasped.
"Andy...I.."I stumbled.
Andy chuckled.
"My last baby tooth,"He said slowly,"Been waiting for this thing to come loose."
He left for a minute then came back.
"Sorry,"I said.
"It's okay,"Andy said, patting my back,"You're not still scared of me, are you?"
"No,"I said,"Why would I be? I mean, you only beat me up once."
"You're pretty strong,"He said,"Maybe stronger than me."
"That's why I made him my bodyguard,"Sammy said.
"Seriously, Andy,"I said,"Are you okay?"
Andy's POV
"Yeah, I'll be okay,"I said.
"Are you guys ready to go to my house,"Sammy asked,"I'm driving."
"In that case,"I joked,"I think I'll walk."
Sammy laughed and grabbed keys out of her pocket.
"Coming, Larry,"She asked.
John's POV
Sammy came home in the car, bringing Andy, Allison, and Larry with her.
"What is this, a 'Bring the Nerd you beat up in high school' party,"I teased her,"Huh, Sammy? Cause if it is, there's a lot of other nerds I can call."
"That reminds me,"Sammy joked,"Where's my nerd?"
"Brian is in the bathroom,"I said.
Sammy's POV
I waited for Brian to get out of the bathroom, then hugged him tightly.
"Woah,"Brian said,"Oh, hey Sammy."
"Brian,"I said,"You're home for vacation!"
"Yeah,"He said.
I sat down at the kitchen table with him.
"I need to talk to you,"He said.
I looked at his face, into his eyes. The storm is back, and it's bigger than ever. Tears choked up my throat and I couldn't hold back the thought that dug at my mind. He grabbed my hand. I knew it would happen eventually. I had to face the inevitable.
"Y..you found someone else,"I said.
He stared at me for a second, then shook his head swiftly.
"NO,"He darted,"I just..need to tell you."
"What?"
"You were right about the pills,"He said,"My roommate found them. He flushed them down the toilet, after my seizure."
"What happened,"I asked.
"It wasn't exactly a seizure,"He said,"Dan found me passed out on the floor, foaming spit. I took a whole bottle of those damn things. It was too much, he thought I was dead. He thought I did it for suicide. It..it was an accident."
"When?"
"About a week ago,"He said.
"Why didn't you tell me?"
"You would've worried,"He said.
"Well, of course I would have!"
He put his hand behind my neck.
"You didn't REALLY think I'd break up with you,"He asked.
"I..yeah,"I said.
"No, Sammy,"He said,"I want to be with you..forever."
"Me too,"I said.