Notes:

This chapter contains sexual content.
The scene between Joanna and Sebastian in his room is loosely based on his 2 heart event - adapted to fit the story line.

Saturday 20 February
Sebastian's Bedroom
After Midnight

Sebastian sat on his bed and stared at the card Joanna had given him with her number. He reached for his phone on the small table next to his bed and he typed in her number adding her to his contacts. He still was not sure what would have happened before Shane had interrupted them. What was wrong with him? This is a complication he does not need…

He fell backwards onto his pillow…he could still feel the silky softness of her shirt as he had pressed his hand onto her back…the gentle touch of her fingers as she had traced his tattoo. Somehow this girl with fire in her hair has gotten under his skin and it was burning him up. He has not felt like this is a long time…the need to touch, feel…kiss. And he wanted to do all that to Joanna. He had gotten a taste tonight…the subtle touch of his hand on her back... hip…arm…he wanted more…he needed more. The phone suddenly vibrated in his hand.
Sam: Hey Bro, you and Jo made a great team, but next time she is my partner. Abby poked me hard man…I have a bruise on my stomach!
Seb: LOL Is Abby okay?
Sam: She is going to have one heck of a hangover tomorrow…
Seb: Good thing she is staying over…let her sleep it off.
Sam: Yeah…she will be okay, you know…when you leave.
Seb: Yeah, I know.
Sam: Abby likes Jo and they get on great…so that will help.
Seb: That is good.
Sam: I like her too…
Sebastian stared at the text…there it was again…Sam liked her…what did that mean? That Sam like liked her?
Seb: She is cool.
She is hot…
Sam: She is great. G'night Seb…see tomorrow?
Seb: Yes Night Sam.
Hopefully he will be able to get some sleep…

Macpherson's Ranch
Shane's Room
Early Morning

Shane groaned as he rolled over onto his stomach to smash with one hand his phone that was beeping earsplitting loudly. The phone fell off the side table and continued its screaming on the floor. Shane cursed and he rolled out of bed onto the floor…it did take several more ear piercing moments to find the stupid phone and shut it off. Shane touched his head…it has been months…months since he has had this kind of hangover. Willy and his stupid homebrew liquor…the old snake had sneaked it in last night and when Gus was not looking he was generously giving him and Clint a taste. Shane could not deny it was better than the beer he had been drinking…but and he touched his head again…much more lethal. Shane grimaced…he had seen her…the girl with flames in her hair. He had caught a glimpse of Joanna at the pool table standing with Robin's son…Sabian?…Solarion?…after he had been to the bathroom. You get a full view of the games room when you stand at the entrance of the little hallway that led to the back of the saloon where the bathrooms were located. The vampire had his hands all over her…Shane was almost 100% certain the guy was one…you only see him after sunset…and if you did happen to see him during the day he would be standing in the shade…or it would be raining. Suspicious? Absolutely! Shane had grunted as he had watched the vampire seductively move his hand over her hip…he had waited for a few minutes more to see if he was actually going to expose his fangs and bite her. Did they know anyone could see them? Why it had bothered him Shane had no idea, but it made him want to drink…a lot. And he did. He is not too sure but he thinks he might have unintentionally crashed into them when he was coming out of the saloon last night…it had looked like the vampire was about to show off his fangs…

Well, the hens are waiting…better get up…now where the heck did he put his sunglasses?

Robin's House
Late Morning

Joanna stood nervously in front of the main door of Robin's huge wooden house, not sure whether she should knock or just turn around and run straight back home. She fidgeted with the strap of her backpack and kicked the gravel with the tip of her sneakers. She did not sleep much last night…and she knew her sleeping in Sebastian's jacket might not have been her most sanest idea…The quicker she can return it the better his smell was intoxicating…she loved his smell. It has been years since she has felt this way…after the accident…she shied away from men and relationships in general. She has not been physical attracted to a man since…Joanna shook her head, no I will not think of him…but it was too late and her stomach twisted into knots as the mental image of her ex-boyfriend appeared in her mind's eye…she would prefer not to be attracted physically or otherwise right now to anyone…or maybe ever…it is a complication she does not need.

Joanna knocked on the door and almost immediately a young girl with olive skin and ginger shoulder length hair a shade darker then Robin's pulled open the door. She was a few inches shorter than Joanna and her curviness filled the purple overalls she was wearing with wide hips and full breasts. Her pretty oval face was framed with a pair of glittering pink rimmed glasses that only enhanced the large brown eyes that were sparkling with excitement.
"Oh! Aren't you the one who just moved in? On Sunshine Farm?" she asked.
"Y…y…yes" Joanna stammered.
"I'm Maru. I've been looking forward to meeting you! You know with a small town like this, a new face can really alter the community dynamic. It's exciting!" Maru grinned and held out a hand. Joanna hesitantly took her hand and Maru shook it vigorously.
"I like you!" Maru beamed and then still holding onto her hand she pulled Joanna inside. Maru released Joanna once they were past the foyer and standing in a big room filled with wooden furniture displayed everywhere. There was a long wooden counter up against the top wall where Robin was busy talking with a tall, dark haired man with the same olive skin as Maru. This must be the Robin's shop…Robin had mentioned at their first meeting that she had a shop and a workshop that was part of her house.
"Joanna!" Robin smiled, "How are you?"
"I am good, thank you" Joanna returned a smile and awkwardly responded to the hug Robin gave her.
"This is my husband Demetrius" Robin introduced and the man moved forward a hand stretched out towards her.
"Hello" he greeted and Joanna shook his hand "H…Hi".
"He is a scientist! He is studying the local plants and animals and he is my Dad" Maru said proudly and Demetrius hugged his daughter.
"What can we do for you today?" Robin asked as she led Joanna towards the counter and Demetrius and Maru disappeared down a hallway that led deeper into the house, Maru waving goodbye over her shoulder.
"Oh…uh…I actually came to see Sebastian" Joanna said in a small voice and she saw the fleeting look of surprise cross Robin's face. Robin's eyebrows furrowed as she studied Joanna's face for a moment. Joanna tried not to look nervous but she was finding it very hard to look Robin in the eyes, guilt flushing her cheeks. It was so uncomfortable to be in the presence of the mother of the man you had dreamt about.
"He is down in his room…he stays in the basement" Robin said and she quickly looked at her wrist watch, "he should be awake…come I will show you the way" and she smiled leading Joanna down the same hallway stopping in front a small corridor that led downwards into the house.
"I will be in my shop if you need me" Robin said turning to head back to the front of the house.

Joanna let out a shaky breath then slowly she descended the narrow staircase leading down the corridor…it was dark and she could barely make out the door that was at the bottom. Joanna softly knocked and she waited…after a few seconds she knocked again a little bit louder.
"Go away" a voice groaned from inside.
"Oh...okay" Joanna responded stunned and she turned to walk back up the steps but she had not even reached halfway when the door was wrenched open.
"Wait!"
Sebastian stood in the doorway and Joanna caught her breath. He was only wearing a pair of sweatpants and his beautiful raven black hair was messy. He had obviously still been in bed…the sight of his bare chest was wrecking havoc with her insides. He quickly moved up the few steps grabbing her hand pulling her towards him and into his room. Once inside he closed the door behind them and Joanna found herself with her back against the door with Sebastian's face only inches from hers.
"Hey…" he whispered.
"Hey…" she whispered, her eyes drifting to his mouth, oh Yoba, I want to kiss him…

Sebastian cleared his throat when he saw her looking at his mouth, shit, and quickly walked away towards the four drawer dresser standing against the right wall. What had he been thinking opening the door for her? He had almost kissed her just then and he knew if they had kissed they would be on his bed right now…luckily the sweatpants he was wearing were large and baggy enough to hide his arousal. He had still been in bed reluctant to let go of the dream he was having…the knocking interrupting and when he had heard her voice and not that of Robin's or Maru's…he had jumped out of bed rushing to open the door…not thinking…He doubted more and more his rash decision of taking her up on her offer to go with her on Tuesday…He was behaving like a hormonal teenage boy and he needed to get a grip. His future was his priority now…not a farmer or whatever she really was.
"Sorry…I thought you were Mom…or Maru" he said as he retrieved a shirt from the top drawer and pulled it on.
"Oh…" Joanna breathed as she tried to regain what little composure she had left. She stepped away from the door and removed her backpack. Her hands were shaking as she undid the small strap that kept it closed. She hurriedly pulled out his jacket and handed it to him as he again came towards her.
"Thank you for lending me this last night" she smiled almost reluctant to let it go. For a moment he looked at the jacket, frowned and then took it from her.
"You could have given it to me on Tuesday" he stated as he dropped the jacket onto a box that stood next to the door.
"I had to see Robin anyway…so I thought…you know…kill two birds with one stone kind of thing" she lied watching Sebastian walk over to the large wooden desk in the left corner that had two computer screens on it. Her eyes quickly glanced over the rest of the room. Sebastian's bed stood in the center against the top wall surrounded by books and boxes. It was a low flat wooden base double bed and the disheveled bedding was evidence that he had indeed still been in bed… The dresser along with two bookshelves stood against the right wall. The room was flooded with a dull yellow light that illuminated from a string of bulbs that were strung across the center of the ceiling. There were no windows… and that made the room claustrophobic and…depressing. Joanna remained standing near the door and she shifted uncomfortably. Sebastian's demeanor has changed suddenly…reminding her of their first meeting.
"Oh…yeah I suppose you would need to see my Mom…farm stuff" he said sitting down on his desk chair. Sebastian turned to stare at his computer screen…maybe he should just work…that has always been the best distraction for everything.

"What are you working on?" her sudden question made him look at her.
"I do programming…freelance but it is good money" and he started typing.
"Is that why you want to move to Zuzu City?" he stopped typing…
"No…I can do this anywhere…"
"Oh…of course" stupid…Joanna was starting to feel unwelcome and she should go…"I have to go…I still need to water my parsnips…I will see you on Tuesday then?" she asked smiling as she opened the door, trying to not let his sudden aloofness effect her.
"Yeah…"Sebastian nodded, returning his attention back to the computer screen.
"Okay…oh I don't have your number…"
"I have yours…I will text you later"
"Okay…bye" Joanna left…she was almost running up the stairs to get away, briefly nodding in Robin's direction as she fled from the house. So much for not wanting to be attracted…apparently her body has a bloody mind of its own!

Sebastian let out the breath he was holding and sat back in his chair. His groin was aching and his heart was crushing against his chest. He will have to get himself under control before Tuesday. Being distant and slightly rude might be the only way to resolve this…it is going to be a challenge to be alone with her for a whole night…better to keep his distance.

Sam's House
Early Afternoon

Abigail groaned as she sat pouting against the tree in front of Sam's house, she was wearing the biggest sunglasses Sam could find in his mother's collection.
"Why do we have to be outside?" she moaned and Sam rolled his eyes.
"We are waiting for Seb"
"Again…why outside?" Sam could feel Abigail's annoyance radiate off her body as she spoke clenching her teeth. The hangover remedy has not kicked in yet, but should by the time Sebastian arrives…Sam sighed it would be nice if Doc Harvey could concoct one that had an immediate effect.
"The fresh air will help with your recovery" Sam tried to appease her but he could see she was not buying it…this was after all not his first Abigail hangover.
"Sebby needs to hurry…this sun is killing me…" she moaned.
"You'll survive…" Sam said and he walked towards the river's edge.

Most days he did not like spring…the pollen that generally fills the air is not his best friend and today his nose was more runny and itchy than normal. And Abigail's moaning was making it worse…He was irritated not with Abigail although she was being a great contender…he was irritated with Penny. She had texted him this morning…wanting to know if he would have time for a bathhouse visit. No hello…no how are you? He was feeling like a doormat for sex…He had not responded and he doubts he will today anyway. Since meeting Joanna he has been thinking about Penny less and less…and he felt guilty.

"Sammy!" Abigail cried "I am dying…"
Sam sighed, Sebastian better get here and soon or he is going to throw Abigail into the river…

Sunshine Farm
Early Afternoon

Joanna groaned and grunted as she tried to move the large boulder…how hard can this be?
She had carefully dug a slope towards the pond then she wedged the pole underneath…but this freaking rock monster did not want to move. She was pushing with her back against it with her heels digging into the sand…

Shane stood in the shade of a big oak tree that bordered on Sunshine Farm in his arms he held a tray of 28 freshly laid eggs. He had been deep in thought when he had come up the path from Cindersap Forest, scowling once again that he had to be the delivery boy…but had stopped short when he saw her…the farmer was pushing against a boulder with her back…and for the last 10 minutes he had stood and watched…mesmerized by her.

Joanna roared then turned viciously shoving a fist into the air "you stupid STUPID rock!" and then she flopped over the boulder in exhaustion, head and arms dangling over one side and legs and feet the other…Shane chuckled and then despite his mind telling him to run the other way he walked towards her.
"Can I help?" he asked as reached her. Joanna swung her head around at the sound of his voice. Strands of hair that had escaped her ponytail were sticking to her sweaty face and neck. Her cheeks were red in frustration. She squinted against the glare of the sun and then she rolled her eyes when she clearly recognized him. He was dressed in his usual dress code minus the blue jacket and she smirked when she saw him sporting a pair of black sunglasses.
"No…I was just sunbathing" she said sarcastically. Shane did not seem fazed by her tone and proceeded to continue walking towards her cottage. Why was he going to her cottage? And what the heck was he carrying?
"Just going to put these on the porch" he said as if he read her mind…
"What is it?" she called after him.
"Eggs"
"Oh…"
It took him a good 5 minutes to reach the porch safely, satisfied that not one egg was cracked or broken. He placed them down softly on the porch then made his way back to the boulder…oh and her.

Joanna was still perched on top of the boulder like a pancake when Shane returned.
"You will have to …uh…get off…" he said, shoving his hands into his shorts pockets.
Joanna groaned..."I can't…I hurt" she said completely deflated. Shane chuckled.
"You should visit the bathhouse" he suggested and Joanna sighed.
"I would…if I knew where it was"
"Look…let's get this sorted first…then we will get you sorted, yes?"
Joanna eyed Shane suspiciously…why was he being friendly? Why was he helping? She has not forgotten about the saloon... Shane stood rocking on his feet patiently waiting for her response. Joanna sighed…
"Okay…" and she tried lifting herself up but only managed to make herself slide sideways and land unceremoniously on her behind. Shane snorted his chuckle and quickly jogged forward to help her up. Joanna gratefully grabbed Shane's outstretched hands and allowed him to pull her up. He pulled harder than he intended and she landed against his chest with a thud. Joanna grabbed his shoulders to steady herself and his hands went around her waist.
"Sorry"
"Sorry"
They both apologized together and for a moment they stood frozen. Joanna stared at his chest feeling Shane's firm shoulder muscles under her fingers and the warmth of his hands on her waist even through the overalls she was wearing she could feel their strength and heat. She was admittedly still over-sensitive with her confusing reaction to Sebastian even though most of her frustration had been depleted by her unsuccessful endeavors to move the boulder.

Shane was the first to move almost roughly pushing her away to turn his attention to the unyielding boulder. Joanna blinked…she had actually liked Shane holding her.

Shane grabbed the pole and he pushed down as hard as he could. His hands were on fire and he was using that sensation to urge the pole downwards. The boulder moved…slightly but it moved…he pushed the pole further underneath the boulder and it moved again. Shane pushed again and the boulder rocked…he wedged the pole as far underneath as it could go then with a big heave he placed his full weight against it and pushed. The boulder relented under Shane's force and rolled down the slope into the pond….disappearing underneath the water. Shane stood breathing heavily, his hands on his hips…
Joanna wanted to jump for joy but the look on Shane's face when he turned back towards her was one that would even make her scarecrow shiver…the dark sunglasses making the scowl even more menacing.
"Thank you" she squeaked.
"Hmphhh..you are welcome" he rasped. He needed to get away…and fast. Shane shoved his hands into his pockets.
"I have to go…" he said and then with a nod and a very quick walk he headed towards Cindersap Forest.
"Wait…your eggs!" Joanna shouted after him.
"They are yours!" he shouted back, "a gift from Marnie!"
"Oh….Thank you!" and he disappeared from view…sigh, he never told her where the bathhouse was…

Macpherson's Ranch
Shane's Room
Late Afternoon

Shane stood in the shower letting the icy cold water flow over him. When he had gotten home earlier he had been flushed and irritated and his hangover headache had come back with a vengeance. He had gone to the coops to check on the chickens then he went to lie down after choking down several aspirin…but about 10 minutes later behind his closed eyes he was remembering how Joanna felt underneath his hands. She had only been in his arms a few seconds but it had been enough to feel her soft body against his. He had wanted to do what the vampire had done…move his hand over her back… The growing bulge in his shorts had forced him to push her away and attack the rock….and now again he was forced to take a cooling dip in the shower and this was one time he had been grateful for the small adjoining bathroom in his room. It has been years since he has had any kind of bodily reaction for someone…to be honest he can't even really remember what a woman feels like anymore…to have someone that close to him. Sure, the farmer was pretty but not really his type…he grimaced no woman was his type…or should he rather say he is not any woman's type…no woman in her right mind would want him…he does not even want himself.

Shane does not like her, he does not want to like her and his momentary lapse of weakness was simply because he has not been that close to a woman in a long time….and next time Marnie wants something delivered she can dang well do it herself. He is staying as far away from that farm as possible…and her.

Mountain
Bathhouse
Early Evening

Sam made his way through the small tunnel entryway that led to the Pelican Town Bathhouse and Train Station. The bathhouse and train station were nestled in a clearing in the center of the mountain. The bathhouse was built over a natural hot water spring and the waters were soothing for sore and aching muscles, some even claimed the water had healing properties. Sam had not wanted to come, but when Penny had texted she was here and waiting he became more than just annoyed. He had tried texting her back and when she did not respond he tried phoning…but her phone was turned off. By the time he got up the mountain and he was passing Sebastian's house he was fuming. Maybe he should have just left her waiting…but Sam knew it was not in his nature. He and Penny needed to talk.

The bathhouse door was ajar and Sam could see a soft glow of candle light coming from the main part of the pools. There were two separate entrances one for women and the other for men, but they all led to the same pools. Sam walked through the men's changing room and stopping only to remove his shoes, the floor surrounding the pools were slippery…When he stepped out into the pool area he saw Penny was in the pool, floating on her back and she was naked, the warm glow of the candle illuminating the thrusts of her breasts and pearly shine of her skin. Sam's stomach twisted into knots, he was and always has been attracted to Penny. He did love her to a degree and he loved being with her…but they rarely talk anymore…the last year has only been about the sex and at best their relationship has been strained.
"Sammy" Penny said her voice a seductive slur when she saw him, "Why are you still dressed?" and she started to swim towards where Sam was standing. Sam shifted uncomfortably and avoided looking at Penny. The water hardly moved as she swam and then and Sam knew she purposely climbed the steps up slowly.
"Sammy…" she breathed huskily as she came to stand in front of him, "I've missed you…" and her arms snaked around his neck and she pressed her wet body against him.
"Penny…" he started but his mouth went dry when she started to kiss his jaw line, soft feathery kisses until she brushed his lips with hers. He could feel the heat rising in his cheeks and a pull in his groin.
"Kiss me, Sammy…" she whispered against his mouth and she pressed herself even closer, her one hand going down to the fastening of his shorts. Sam groaned, this is not why he had come…but he had known what would be waiting, but he had hoped he would be able to resist. He had to resist…this had to stop…
Penny's hand slipped inside his shorts and she kissed him full on the mouth, flicking her tongue against his lips seeking entry. Sam could feel his resistance crumble as his arousal grew underneath her hand. Sam grabbed Penny by the waist and he turned them around pressing Penny back up against the wall and then he was kissing her. Their tongues fueled together and his hands moving up to cup her breasts…Penny had small perky breasts which just fitted in the palms of Sam's hands. Her nipples were erect and rubbed against his palms as he molded them. Penny moaned arching her hips to grind against him her hand was still in shorts holding him feeling his heat. What was he doing?
With all the strength he had…Sam wretched himself away from her…leaving her against the wall gasping for air.
"Sammy?"
"We need to talk, get dressed…I will wait outside" Sam said not looking at her and he left as quickly as he could.

He leaned against the wall next to the door in front of the bathhouse, his eyes closed. He was trying to control his body, he had wanted to keep on kissing Penny, keep on touching her…but he knew that afterwards she would run and they would still not have had any kind of conversation and he really needed to talk to her. His eyes opened as he heard the door open…Penny's green dress clung to her wet body, evidence that she had hurriedly gotten dressed. Her hair was tumbling in wet strings around her face and her eyes were wide with worry.
"Penny…"
"W…what do you want to t…talk about Samuel?"
Sam cringed Penny only ever called him by his full name when she was very insecure or angry.
"We need to talk about us…this…this that we have now…what is it? Are we in a relationship? Are we even friends anymore?" the words just came rushing out and he saw Penny was withdrawing, not knowing how to respond.
"Sam…I…I…thought we were friends…" she whispered.
"Are we Penny? We never talk anymore…we never do anything except have sex" he said and she winced, "I thought we were more than that…"
"We are Sammy!" she cried, "you know I love you…I…I "
"Are just not in love with me…I know Penny"
"Sammy?"
Sam's chest tightened like someone was ripping out all the air…
"I don't think I can do this anymore…" he said.
"W…what do you mean?" Penny sounded scared and his heart jumped.
"I love you Penny, I always will…but I think this whatever it is over"
"Sammy…"
"I am sorry…I think it will be for the best if we take a break from each other for awhile"
"Don't…y…you want…to…be my friend…anymore?" Penny was starting to shake, her eyes blurring.
Sam's heart was beating frantically and he could hardly breathe.
"I want to still be friends Penny, but we can't keep doing …this…maybe…maybe staying away from each other….will put things in perspective...you know?"
Penny was fidgeting with her dress looking down at her feet.
"I don't know what we are anymore Penny" Sam moved forward and he took her hands into his, "are we girlfriend and boyfriend? Are we lovers? Are we friends?"
"I…don't know…" she whispered and then "maybe…maybe you are right, Sammy…things have changed…we are not kids anymore…maybe…maybe we do need time apart to figure out what we want…need…what we are…"
"Penny…"
"I have Maru, Sammy…I will be okay…" and with a quick kiss on his cheek Penny ran. Sam did not watch her go…instead he stood looking into the darkness in front of him. His heart felt like it had been wrenched from his chest. He knew this was for the best…but why did it hurt so much?

Sunshine Farm

Joanna was stretched out on her sofa fresh from her shower dressed in comfy flannel pajamas. Even though it was spring, the nights were still chilly. She snuggled into her blue crocheted wool blanket and flipped through the book she was reading. It had been riveting for the first two chapters and then suddenly it became predictable…and now all enthusiasm for reading it was gone. Her body ached slightly…she could she suppose go to bed. She was thinking about her options when she heard the soft knock on the door.
She maneuvered herself up onto her knees on the sofa and peeked through the curtain of the porch window that was closest to the door. Sam? Joanna jumped off the sofa to unlock the door and when she opened it and saw the distraught look on his face, she quickly grabbed his shirt and pulled him inside.
"What is wrong?" she asked closing the door and moving to stand in front of him. The glow from the small lamp that was on the side table bounced off Sam's honey blond hair. His handsome features were twisted in the most heart wrenching expression Joanna had ever seen. His shoulders were slumped forward…Oh Yoba, she did not know what to do.
"Sam?" she gently touched his shoulder and he lifted his eyes to look at her, they were clouded, "what has happened?"
"I…I think I just lost a friend…a girlfriend…" he said on a choked breath.
"What?" Joanna was clearly confused…she did not even know Sam had a girlfriend…but he looked so lost.
"I am so sorry, Sam" she said and then she threw her arms around his neck and hugged him. He gratefully sank into her hug, his arms coming around her and holding her tightly. He snuggled his face into her neck which was slightly awkward since he was taller than her but she stroked his hair gently. She continued to hold him until she could feel the tension ease from his body.
"Come on" she said slowly untangling herself and taking his hand to lead him to the sofa. They both sat down and she threw the blanket over both their legs. She was still holding his hand and she gently squeezed it.
"You must think me a total idiot… and I am so sorry for coming here…I was on my way home…but somehow I ended up on the mountain pass and then…then I was here…" he was rambling…Mountain pass?
"No, you are not an idiot and you can cry if you want to…do you want to talk about it?" Joanna asked and she tried to sound comforting, but this was new territory for her…she has dealt with broken hearts but they were usually her own. Sam turned to look at her…
"I should go home…"
"Sam" she said firmly, "you are staying here. I am going to make us some nice tea…yes tea don't give me that look, then I will put on a nice sad movie and we can cry together. And when you are ready to talk about it, I will be here."

Joanna stood up to go to the kitchen leaving a stunned Sam on the sofa to stare at her. It was true what he had said…he had been on his way home. He had been leaving the bathhouse and then for some reason he had turned towards the mountain pass. He wanted comfort and solace…he knew Abigail and Sebastian would not really care about what he was feeling since their opinion of his relationship with Penny was everything but supportive. He knew Joanna did not even know about Penny or the complexity of their relationship and maybe that is why he thought she would understand…that she will be able to give him the reassurance and confirmation that he had done the right thing. Whatever his and Penny's relationship had been was over…and they might be friends again one day…but he knew they will never be able to go back to how it had been.

Joanna quickly made some chamomile tea and then returned to Sam, he was lost in his own thoughts…She placed both cups down on the side table then disappeared into the room with her boxes. She came out with her laptop and small bag which she placed next to Sam on the sofa and then with a few grunts pushed a box to just in front of the sofa. She positioned the laptop onto the box and switched it on. She removed a disc from the small bag and inserted it into the laptop. She waited a few seconds, glancing over at Sam who was now watching her again, she smiled and then when the movie started to play she took a cup and handed it to Sam then sat down next to him, covering her legs with the blanket. Neither of them spoke as they sat drinking their tea and watching the images on the laptop's screen.

It wasn't awkward…it was nice. Both had relaxed and had settled comfortably into the sofa…it was about an hour into the movie when Joanna could feel her eyes getting heavy and she was trying hard to stay awake. This wasn't the plan…and she yawned, and she felt herself falling sideways bumping into Sam's shoulder. Sam chuckled…Joanna was not like Penny at all. Penny would never walk in front of anyone in her pajamas…Sam's eyes moved over Joanna, down her hair that were in two pigtails over her shoulders and the pink flannel pajamas covered in small yellow flowers. She was beautiful…Penny was beautiful with her small oval face and those huge emerald eyes you can get lost in for hours…Sam's heart jumped painfully and he stared at the laptop's screen. He had really loved Penny in his own way and still does…but they need time to figure out what they want…and he looked at Joanna again.
"You are tired…" he said in a low voice…scared to disrupt her slow descent to his shoulder.
"Yeah…had a nasty disagreement with a rock today…really took a lot out of me" she murmured and she rested her head on Sam's shoulder. Sam's hands were on his legs and Joanna reached for the one closest to her, entwining her fingers with his. Sam swallowed…watching their hands and for the first time tonight he was truly happy he had walked down the mountain pass…
"Sam…?"
"Yeah?"
"This movie is stupid…" and Sam chuckled again, his shoulder vibrating against her head, "it is not sad at all…"
"That is okay, I am enjoying it" he said although he had no idea what it was about it.
"You are? Well that is okay too…" and Joanna yawned again.
"Sam…?"
"Yeah?"
"I am sorry your heart is broken…but we will fix it okay?"
"Okay" This was an unorthodox situation…Sam did not want to move, the fact that he had ended a complicated relationship of ten years to walk straight in the arms of the new farmer …even though it had only been a hug…was weird and if he had to explain this to anyone he would not know how…except that he was exactly where he wanted to be…right now.