Layla Ch.3: Pure Imagination

Lina chuckled a bit. "So..did Sapphire ever ask Lincoln out?", she asked. Sam shook her head. "If she wanted to, she never did. I think she knew I liked your father."

"So, what happened next Mom?"

"Well, before we get there, have I ever told you how I met your Aunt Luna?". Lina looked thoughtful for a moment, before shaking her head. Sam nodded and began the tale.

To say Sam Sharp was the subject of a major crush by Luna Loud was an understatement.

Luna and she had not spoken once when she set the letter in that locker. Sam was an antithesis to the rocker stereotype when it came to academics. Except for one class, she was an AP student.

On that fateful day of February 14th, 2016, Luna hid behind a hallway wall, waiting for Sam to come to her locker. Nervous. It was as if she were to fight Cthulhu. Her knees shook. Her mind bombarded her with the what ifs. What if Sam rejected her? What if...

Sam hated her?

After saying a cheerful goodbye to her mates, Sam opened her locker. Her eyes scanned down as a piece of notebook paper floated to the tiled floor. Picking it up, she scanned the words, and broke into a huge smile.

While Luna was not the best English student, she knew how to express love. She was honest and direct. Instead of flirting and the like, she chose to use metaphors for how she felt, such as "Your eyes reflect the most beautiful lake in the world." Sam could not help it and tuned to the right, spotting Lunas's hand holding the hallway wall.

Sam could not help but to call out. "Did you write this?"

Luna nervously stepped out of her hiding spot. Her knees shook and she had to catch herself from falling. With a sheepish smile, she nodded.

Sam nodded and approached the trembling girl. "Luna Loud. I am honored you feel this way. I have never had anyone say this. Nonfamily anyway. But...". Sam hesitated. She did not want to lose a possible friendship from her telling the truth. Almost as if she knew, Luna frowned and began to step away, muttering "I knew it" to herself.

She soon stopped a few feet later as a hand gently placed itself on her shoulder. "I'm straight. But I think you are awesome. In fact. I know a girl you would love. She would snatch you right up. And I wanna be your friend too."

Luna was stunned from her end. This girl had not only let her down gently and kindly, but wanted to be her friend? And to boot, had a friend that might like her?

This was Lunas billion-dollar day. The best day she could imagine.

Lina took a second to process what her mom had told her. A question popped up. "That friend of yours. That was Sapphire right?"

Sam nodded. "Yup. You know those old cartoons where Tom would fall head over heels for a girl cat? That was Luna when she met Sapphire."

"So, Mom. Why didn't you tell Lincoln at the sleepover?"

Sam smiled mysteriously. "All good things to those who wait..."

April 23rd, 2017

It was the next day that Lincoln and Luna were returned home in Sam's 2014 Toyota Camry. She only had a permit, but it was not restricted as long as she did not drive a long distance.

As soon as his seatbelt was unbuckled, Lynn opened the back door with a flourish and dragged Lincoln inside. Seemed like Lincoln had something the jock wanted him to participate in.

Sam and Luna laughed as they stepped out of the car and headed for the family's garage. They had a gig coming up in 3 weeks.

Sam for her part was trying to remain upbeat. But Lincoln was so close to her. What was she doing? He was 12 for God's sake! His family would throw her out of the house...

Luna had sat down in a camping chair. Her and Sam liked to be "Inspired" before practice. Luna had set up a chair next to her. She frowned as she noticed Sam pacing back and forth.

"Ya okay Sam?", she asked.

Sam shook her head. "I... I don't want you to hate me..."

Luna was shocked and got up, crossing over to her friend. "Hate you? Never. You know better than that", she said, trying to give her best friend a hug. Sam frowned as her eyes threatened to tear up.

"I have been holding something in for 4 months. I..."

"Sam... tell me", Luna encouraged.

"I... I have a crush on your brother, okay?"

Luna stepped back and returned to the chair. This was not unusual among the older friends of Lincolns siblings. Dana for example. But Sam did?

Sam had collapsed her knees to the garage floor, bawling. She was prepared for the guillotine. This friendship was over. Luna would throw her out. Even Luan, who she considered a friend, would not like her anymore.

"Go ahead. Tell me I am sick. That I need to leave and never come back."

Luna got up and quickly walked over to her friend. She stood Sam up and slapped her, open handed. Sam reeled back, yelping.

"No. You really think I hate you for feeling that way?"

Sam nodded, wiping her eyes. Luna gave a big smile. "That's a dumb thought. Ya should know me better than that. So, what if you guys are a few years apart age wise?"

"But. I'll be 16 in August", Sam started. "As long as you aren't trying the tango with him. I don't got an issue. Like I said, Lincoln needs someone to love. And my best friend likes him? That is awesome", Luna said, giving a thumbs up.

Sam walked over and embraced Luna; her crying stopped. "Thanks Luna."

"In a few weeks here when everyone's free and clear. We will talk to them"

Sam nodded, knowing she was on the Journey now. But. She needed to be sure. A talk with Sapphire, who knew Lori well, would do...

A/N: Well, here we are! Chapter 4 will see a conversation between Sam and Sapphire, as well as how the 4 became friends. See you next time!