Brooke watched the weather report with a bit of concern. "The Wilmington area will be under an extreme risk for severe weather on Saturday. All modes of severe weather are possible including: strong winds, hail, heavy rains, and tornadoes. This includes the towns of Wrightsville Beach, Ogden, Murrayville, Tree Hill, Bayshore, King's Grant, and all surrounding areas. Anyone who lives in or around the aforementioned towns should review emergency plans and be prepared to take cover should severe weather become imminent."
Brooke took a deep breath and called Julian. "Hey, it's me. Have you seen the weather report for tomorrow?" Julian replied, "I was just watching it. Sounds like tomorrow will be a day to stay in and get cozy. Want to get cozy with me, Brooke Davis?" Brooke chuckled, "well I was hoping that you would stay here with us. You know...just in case." "Of course I will. But don't worry too much about it. These kinds of things are forecast all of the time and very rarely live up to all of the hype those weather goons make them out to be." Brooke laughed once more and said, "I hope you're right...but I'm not taking any chances! You're staying here, so pack a bag and be here before it gets crazy." "Yes ma'am!" Julian belted out.
Just then, Sam walked back into the living room and sat down on the other end of the couch, picking up a cookie and eating it quickly before grabbing another. Brooke said, "ok baby, Sam just came in and we're gonna chat for a bit. I'll talk to you in the morning. I love you." "I love you too, Brooke Davis," Julian cooed as he hung up the phone.
"Whoa! Easy Cookie Monster," Brooke jokingly admonished, "Save some for me!" Sam laughed as she asked, "I heard you tell Julian that he has to stay here tomorrow night. You're definitely the boss of him," Sam said as she rolled her eyes. "Hey! Watch it!" Brooke laughed. "We may have some crazy weather tomorrow evening and he's going to stay here with us just to make sure all is well." "Ohhhh...convenient," piped Sam. "Maybe so," said Brooke, "but better to be safe than sorry."
"Ok! Here's what we need to talk about," Brooke stated as she placed a sheet of paper on the coffee table in front of them both. "What is that?" inquired Sam. Brooke looked into Sam's eyes and replied, "I spent most of the day today working on writing out the expectations I have for our home. You may not like me for it, but this will keep us on the same page. No questions about what I expect from you and what consequences will be if you choose not to abide by these expectations." Sam took a deep breath, "Ok." Brooke grinned a little, "I know it may seem like a lot, but I promise you, it will help you. This will give you boundaries to operate inside of. And boundaries are good. They help."
"Um...ok. What are they?" Sam asked. "Sam, I want this to be a CONVERSATION, ok? I don't want to do all of the talking. You can ask any questions that you want. You can disagree and share your concerns. That doesn't guarantee that I will change something, but it does guarantee that I will listen and I will hear you." Brooke looked softly into Sam's eyes and her heart ached. She knew this was all new to Sam. Sam's world had been turned upside down. She was used to caring for herself and doing things her own way. Brooke knew that these boundaries would be good for Sam, but she also knew that some growing pains would inevitably come along with them.
Inside her head, Sam was reeling. On one hand, she was thankful that she finally had a parent...a true parent. But on the other hand, she was overwhelmed by her new life. Having someone who cared about her took some getting used to. Sam couldn't just think about herself anymore. She had Brooke now and Jamie, Aunt Haley, Uncle Nathan, Aunt Peyton, Uncle Lucas, and Julian. Her actions affected more than just her now. It wasn't as easy as it seemed to "flip a switch" and begin to behave completely differently than she had when she was on her own. Sam began to cry at the immensity of it all.
"Oh, honey, don't cry," Brooke cooed as she wrapped Sam in a hug. "Talk to me, sweetheart. What is it?"
Sam spilled her thoughts about not knowing how to follow rules, because she never had them. She told Brooke how nervous she was that she just wouldn't be able to live up to any of her expectations. She spoke of how she didn't want to disappoint Brooke or any of her new family, but she felt like she just couldn't help it.
Brooke's heart shattered and she said, "Sam, honey, it's not on you to follow any of these expectations all on your own. I AM HERE. I am here to help you. We will do this TOGETHER, ok? And I promise you, these are for you and for your good. I love you, Sam, and I want you to succeed both now and in the future. Together, we will see that you do."
Sam nodded her head at Brooke. "Ok, then," Brooke started, "let's take a look at them, shall we??"
Brooke picked up the paper and began to read the first item aloud while Sam listened, still in a bit of a haze.