« You've got to be kidding me ! » Brooke exclaimed after reading the letter from the agency.
« what is it ? » Sam asked a bit worried. At that moment Julian entered the room.
« What's going on ? » He asked.
« It's been denied. » Brooke answered still looking down at the letter. « I can't believe it. » she said more to herself than Sam or Julian.
« What ? Why ? What happened ? » Sam got closer to her foster mom.
« Well apparently your biological mother didn't sign off her parental rights when she put you up for adoption and now, I can't go through with it. » Brooke told her.
« Bullshit ! She made it pretty clear by giving me up in the first place. » Sam's anger made Brooke look up from the letter and even though she disliked Sam's language she didn't feel like stoping it either. Instead, she just let her daughter express her frustration. « And now I can't be adopted because she was too much in a hurry to actually take the time to sign those damn papers ! It's not right ! » Sam continued.
« I know sweety, I'm sorry too. I didn't expect that but it doesn't matter, I mean, it doesn't change the fact that no matter what, you are my daughter. » She said while taking her daughter's hands in her.
« Your mom's right. We are a family and we don't need anyone's approval or god knows what on the matter. » Julian said moving towards the girls and placed a hand on the teen's shoulder.
« Alright. » Sam said with a bit of sadness in her voice.
« Although, it doesn't mean I'm giving up on the adoption, I'll call the agency and see what can be done about it, alright ? » Brooke quickly added.
« 'Kay. » The teen replied. Brooke studied her face. She wanted to make sure Sam knew she was not going anywhere and that she was loved.
« Come here kiddo. » Brooke engulfed the teen in her arms. « We love you very much. » She whispered in her ears. Both Sam and Julian smiled.
« I know. Thanks guys. » Sam said.
« Well how about a movie, huh ? » Julian offered and after Sam and Brooke exchanged a look, they nodded.
After the movie, Brooke finished working on some designs and Julian was still making business calls with some producers. As for Sam, she decided to join Haley and Jamie at the river court and shot some hoops. Brooke took the opportunity to go out on the patio and called the agency.
« Hello ? May I speak with Mrs Brown please ? » Brooke asked on the phone. « Yes regarding the adoption of Samantha Walker….That is correct…Alright I hold on…Thank you. » Brooke took a deep breath and realized she was actually kind of nervous. « Mrs. Brown ? Hello I …. Oh okay…. I understand… yes I received it… Well I was wondering if there was anything we could do to….okay…really ? is there any other options ?... No… I see. Thank you for your time. » And Brooke hung up feeling frustrated.
« Is everything okay ? » Julian asked seing his wife looking angry when she appeared from outside.
« I don't know. » She answered with a sigh. « I've just called the agency. » She paused and Julian waited for her to continue. « Apparently there's nothing we can do except finding Sam's biological mother and asked her to sign the papers. » She told her husband.
« Oh I see. » Julian said and approached his wife. « How are you feeling about it ? » he asked.
« I don't know. I mean I want to adopt Sam but I'm not sure I want to bring her biological mother in the picture. Is that awful to say ? » Brooke asked her husband who pulled her in a hug.
« Not at all love. » He replied and tightened the embrace. « Listen, I get it. You feel threatened but there's no need to be. Sam's never expressed any desire to find out about her and her birth mother's never contacted her or us. Maybe she just forgot to sign the papers, that's it. If we find her, we can fix that mistake. Don't worry hun. Everything's gonna be okay. »
After Brooke had told Sam about calling the agency and had expressed her nervousness about reaching out her biological mother, Sam decided to secretly investigate anyway. After nearly a month of research and multiple trips to social services, she managed to get a name and a phone number. Rebecca Dennis, the woman she needed to get free from. Although she was thrilled to finally get information about her, Sam also felt bad for going behind her mom and Julian's back. So, she decided that before doing anything she would talk to them about her discovery once at home.
« Hey sweetheart ! Where have been ? It's starting to be really cold out. » Brooke asked once Sam opened the front door.
« I've been busy. » Sam replied. Brooke and Julian exchanged a look.
« Busy with what ? » Julian asked.
« Oh, I'll tell you after diner, I'm starving ! » at least it would buy her some time to think about how to approach the issue.
« Well in that case, I'd better call Domino's. » Julian exclaimed and was quick to reach the phone.
« Wait what ? Did he say Domino's ? And you're cool with that ? » Sam playfully asked her mom whom she knew was not really fond of that type of food.
« Well, what can I say ? Julian's already on the phone and I've been busy as well so pizza's good for tonight. » Brooke answered with a sigh which made Sam chuckle.
Once the delivery man arrived and Sam was done showering, the family gathered in the living room ready to eat.
« So what's up in the kitchen anyway ? » Sam asked refering to piles of sketches spread all over the counter.
« All my new designs were mixed up so I'm sorting them out. » Brooke answered.
« Inspired lately ? » Julian asked.
« Actually, yes I have been. I think I'm on something here. » Brooke said proudly.
« Well, that's great honey. » Julian said. « Right Sampson ? » he asked the teen who seemed distracted.
« What ? oh yeah, that's great Brooke. » However Brooke knew something wasn't right.
« What's up kiddo ? » She asked suspiciously and pointed her fork in direction of her daughter.
Yes, I said a fork because even if it was pizza for diner, it wasn't an excuse to not use cutlery. Well, according to Brooke Davis that is, I remember Sam and I never use them for junk food.
« Nothing. Just disappointed you got inspired without me having to throw a party for that in the first place. » Julian laughed and received a small kick from his wife under the table. However Brooke wasn't buying it and Sam knew it. So, she decided now might be the best time to talk to her parents.
« Well, I've got something to admit. » She said a bit anxious.
« We're listening. » Julian encouraged the teenager to continue.
« I've done some research on my own about my mo- my biological mother without telling you guys. » Sam looked at Julian who seemed to take the news pretty well and hoped it would be the same for Brooke but she couldn't really say for sure.
« Well, thank you for telling us now. » Julian was about to continue but Brooke cut him short.
« Did you find what you were looking for ? » Brooke asked with a bit of hostility in her voice. Sam caught it.
« Well yes and no. I found out her name and phone number but I didn't want to do anything with it until I talked to you guys about it. » Sam paused and studied her mother's face. « Look Brooke, I know you're not comfortable with this whole idea but I just need to - » she was cut short.
« I know. » Brooke said. « You need to know where you come from and I get that but what I don't get is why you haven't talked to us about it sooner, why the secrecy ? » Brooke was hurt, anyone could tell.
« No, you don't get it. My only motive here was to get to know who she was so that I could ask her to sign off her parental rights and you could adopt me. I swear. » Sam clarified. Brooke was a bit puzzled.
« So you're not interesting in getting to know her even a bit ? like spending time with her and everything ? » Brooke asked a bit surprised. Sam chuckled.
« No, I'm not interesting in any of that. Why would I be when I can do all that with you guys ? » Sam said offering her mother a smile. Brooke looked at her and felt love.
« Told you. » Julian said under his breath but everyone heard it. « What ? Just saying. » He defended himself.
« So about my plan, how are we feeling about it ? Shall we try to give her a call and set up a meeting or something ? » Sam asked.
« I'm okay with that. I think the four of us need to sit down and talk it through. What do you think honey ? » Julian said.
« Can I have a couple days to think it over ? » Brooke replied. Julian nodded.
« Of course. But if you worry I might have a change of heart once we meet her, I won't, I know I won't. » Sam tried to reassured her mother.
« I'm not worry about that love, well not anymore. But it's a big decision and I don't want to rush things. » Brooke explained. The truth was she worried about Sam's biological mother. What if she tried to get in touch with Sam but couldn't. What if she changes her mind about Sam. What if she's going to take her daughter back.
« What's her name ? » Julian asked.
« Rebecca Dennis. » Sam answered.
Rebecca Dennis. Brooke repeated in her head. She didn't like it, she had a bad feeling about it but figured it was just her insecurities taking the best of her. Oh boy, if only she trusted her guts.
The next morning, Brooke's mind was still racing. On one hand she wanted to deal with Rebecca and put an end so that Sam would be legally hers but on the other hand, there was stil this voice whispering what if ? inside her head. And even when Brooke managed to quiet it down, there was still the ache in her stomach she couldn't make go away. Anyway, she had enough of it and took her cell and dialed the number Sam left her.
Ring- ring
« Hmm.. hello ? » Brooke's voice was hesitant.
« Yes ? Who is this ? »
« Ahem, my name is Brooke Davis, am I speaking to Rebecca Dennis ? » Brooke was getting annoyed with herself for letting her uneasiness shown.
« Who wants to know ? »
« The mother of your biological child. » Brooke was surprised at how the words came out so easily and in a stern voice. However, Brooke was on the defensive and she needed to chill a little as Sam would put it.
« … Samantha's with you ? » It's weird but Brooke was pretty sure to recognize panic in the woman's voice.
« hum… yes she is and we would like to arrange a meeting, my husband, Samantha and I with you. We need to talk to you. Could we meet soon ? » Brooke at that point was bitting her lips and fidgetting a little.
« … Absolutelly. I'd love that. » Brooke didn't know if she felt releaved or disappointed that Rebecca agreed to the meeting. « How about today after my shift ? I'm done at 5 pm. I work at The Star Diner, do you know where that is ? »
« Yes I know. See you there then. Goodbye. »
« Goodbye. »
Brooke hung up the phone and just stood there a few seconds with thoughts rushing in her head.
At Tree Hill High
Sam's phone vibrated and she answered it.
« Hello ? »
« Hey kiddo, how are you ? »
« Oh, hi Haley ! I'm good. How about you and your family ? Still enjoying Spain ? » Nathan got a year contract there and after four months of being apart, Haley thought of surprising Nathan by coming and staying for a few weeks. Jamie was missing his dad very much and it wasn't very difficult to convince his mom to home school him.
« Yes, everything and everyone's good. Except Jamie misses hanging out with you and so do I. » Sam smiled.
« Everyone misses you guys too here. Hey look, I'd love to talk to you some more but I have class in like 2 minu – wait nope, class actually started 2 minutes ago. » Haley laughed.
« Alright kiddo. I just wanted to wish you luck for your meeting with Rebecca. Brooke told me about it. »
« Thanks Hales. I see even miles away from here, Brooke still snitches. » She said playfully.
« Haha, sweet. You're family Sam, everyone knows everything about everyone. It's a rule. We keep an eye on one another. »
« Yes I know. Thanks. »
« Well, I guess I'll let you run to class and oh Jamie says hi. Love you guys, bye. »
« Bye Haley. Love you too. » Sam hung up with a smile across her face. She felt so lucky to have a great godmother/goddaughter relationship with Haley even though this title was not official but it didn't matter because that the way she felt, that they both felt.
After her last period, Sam walked out of school and met with Brooke and Julian in their car.
« Hey Brooke, hi Juju ! » She said closing the door behind her.
« You know, I'm not so sure how I feel about this new nickname Sampson. » Julain said with a smirk.
« Oh you feel great about it, in fact you love it. » Sam answered for him and Brooke laughed while Julian was shaking his head with a smile.
« How was your day kiddo ? » she asked.
« hum let's see… One of our teacher had a nervous breakdown, there were rats in the cafeteria at lunch and the school filed a missing file report for the whole volleyball team. » Sam aswered nonchalant.
« What ?! » Brooke exclaimed.
« Haha gotcha ! Just kidding. Nothing's new. » Sam laughed some more seeing her mother's face slowly finding its color again.
« Jeez Sam, you're the worst. And you think it's funny Julian ! »
« Actually, yes, a little. » Both Sam and Julian laughed.
And then they drove away. A few minutes later, they were parking in front of The Star Diner.
« Alright, are you sure you want to do this ? » Brooke asked Sam who became incredibly quieter towards the end of the ride. Julian eyed Sam. He could notice she was a bit agitated.
« Yes, I'm sure. Just a bit nervous I guess, that's it. Let's get it over with shall we ? » Sam said exiting the car. Brooke and Julian nodded. On their way to the front door, Julain pulled his wife a bit to the side.
« What about you ? are you sure this is what you want ? »
« Well, let's find out » Brooke answered with a sigh. « Do you think this is a mistake ? » she looked at him straight in his eyes.
« Not at all. Do you know why ? Because I think A : she just want a closure or B : after seeing how happy Sam is with you, with us, there's no way she'll take that away from Sam. Alright ? » Brooke nodded and kissed him.
« Thank you Julian. »
Once inside, the three of them sat in a booth and waited. They were a bit anxious. Sam was the first to break the silence.
« Hey, I was just thinking. Let's not make a big deal out of it. I mean, whatever happens tonight, it doesn't matter. I mean, I guess what I'm trying to say is I like you guys, like… a lot, you know ? » Sam blushed a little. She was still uncomfortable talking about her feelings and showing emotions. The couple smiled and Brooke reached for Sam's hands and placed them in hers and gently squizzed them.
« We love you too Sampson. » Julian replied.
Rebecca Dennis handed over her apron and walked out the 'staff only' door. She scanned the room and spotted a woman, a man and a younger woman who ressembled her sister. She looked at her for a while from behind the counter and at some point their eyes met and they stared at each other.
« I think she's here. » Sam said without looking away. Julian and Brooke turned their heads to where Sam was looking and noticed a woman looking back at them.
« Are you sure ? She's not coming over. » Julian said. However, shortly after saying it, the woman walked towards the trio. Brooke felt slightly embarrassed not to have been able to recognize the woman. She couldn't help but feel insecure to the fact that Sam instantly knew who the older lady was. 'They're bonding already' she thought and didn't like that thought very much.
« You must be Samantha. » The older woman said still looking at the teenager.
« And I'm Brooke Davis » Brooke cut her short, extending a hand.
« Right, nice to meet you. » Rebecca answered shaking Brooke's hand.
« This is my husband Julian and this is indeed Sam. Please sit down. »
« It's nice to see you again. You've changed since I last saw you. » Anyone could sense the awkardness. « You must have a lot of questions. » She continued while Brooke looked at Sam and wondered if her presence was not one too many. Perhaps Sam should have gone alone ?
« Actualy, not really. » Sam replied a bit embarrassed.
« Oh good. There are things better let unknown sometimes. » Awckard again.
« Do you have any questions ? » Sam asked in an attempt to break the awckard silence.
« Of course ! Tons of them but they can wait another time. » Another time ? everyone thought. Oh oh… « Right now I'd really like to know what your favorite pie is – out of the five we serve that is. » She continued with a smile and Brooke and Julian couldn't help but notice how similar it was of Sam's.
« The pecan pie ? » Sam hesitated.
The pecan pie ? Brooke thought. But she doesn't even like pecan pie or maybe I don't know her as much as I like to think I do…No, you're being silly, this is just a pie...right ?
« Hey Clara, could you bring us four pecan pies please ? » Rebecca asked her colleague and friend. « On the house » she finished winking at the trio – well Sam especially.
Great ! and what does she want now ? A gold medal for giving her kid one free pie in over sixteen years ? No stop it Brooke, don't be jealous, you're being stupid.
Sam realy wanted to stop beating about the bush and get straight to the point but it felt weird to say 'thanks for the pie and now could you sign off your parental rights please ?' No, that was too harsh. Julian could sense Sam's struggle and decided to jump in.
« So Rebecca, there's something we need to discuss. » Oh thanks God Julian both Brooke and Sam thought.
« I'm sure there is. I'm listenning. » Rebecca replied.
« Well, we love Sam very much and we would love to adopt her. » He paused and everyone paid close attention to Rebecca who seemed to be waiting for the man to continue. « So…we would really appreciate if you could give away your parental rights so that we could go through the adoption. » Brooke's heart was beating so fast that she even glanced down at her blouse to see if you could notice her heart's throbs through it. Sam actually caught it and once Brooke looked up again their eyes met and the young girl smirked at her mother who blushed a little feeling silly. Damn… that girl is a mind reader. Brooke thought.
« I'm not sure I understand. Why do I have to sign them off again ? » she was confused.
« Again ? » Brooke was puzzled.
« The adoption service told us you didn't sign any documents. » Julian explained.
« She didn't ? » Rebecca said causing everyone to raise an eyebrow. « I mean I didn't ? »
« Well, there must have been some sort of a mistake. The thing is we need your signature on those papers. » Brooke said.
Rebecca's mind was going a million miles an hour. « No, I mean yes I understand the situation, I do. » she paused. « Look, I've got to get going but I'd be happy to meet you again to talk things through. » She quickly said while getting up.
« Alright, when will you be free ? We can have the original documents send to us in a couple days. » Brooke asked.
« Hum… I have to check with my boss but hey, I've got your number so I'll text you as soon as I know, alright ? » Brooke was about to protest but Rebecca beat her to it. « Bye Samantha. It was nice to meet you two. » she said towards Julian and his wife. « Talk to you soon. » and then she left.
« Well, that went well I guess. » Sam said.
« Yeah, not bad right ? » Julian said.
« Yeah. » Brooke said quietly.
« She'll text. » Sam reassured Brooke and the woman felt bad for showing her concern.
« Yeah, I'm sure you're right hon. Well, it's been a long day. Shall we go home now ? » Brooke offered trying to burry her doubts as deep as she could.
Please, don't forget to comment and thanks for those who already have. It's great to have your thoughts . Have a good one everyone !