Chapter Four
Sami sat in the living room of her apartment wondering why in the world she'd suddenly found herself weak over a man. Never before had she let herself play the role of the victim. In the past if someone had wronged her or threatened what she'd wanted, she fought tooth and nail for what she felt entitled to. Sipping her tea, she wondered if perhaps she was losing her desire for having it all, or maybe if this was what was called growing up. Either way she hated it as she thought of how she'd allowed Brandon to slip away. She just let him walk out of her life and she hadn't even fought for him. What did that say about her?
"Oh Sami, you've turned into the very thing you hated," she sighed leaning back into her sofa, "god, Carrie would truly be laughing at you now seeing as your life has suddenly become hers," she shuddered at the thought as she reached for the remote control turning on her television, "maybe you can find something worthwhile to watch," she decided flipping channels as it dawned in on her that she was truly pathetic. Here she was on a Saturday morning locked up in her apartment with no one to talk to and nothing to do but mope.
"Samantha, get off your butt and do something," she urged herself as she shut off the television, "but what? Normally if you were bored, you'd call Brandon and try to talk him into doing something, but that's out. I could call Eric, but do I really want to let him know I was duped by a Walker when I sat there chewing him out for the very same thing so long ago," her gaze drifted to the phone as she realized there was really no one to call. A frown swept over her lips as there was a knock on her door. She looked to it realizing it was too early for Will to return as she rose from the sofa smoothing her hair as she walked over to the door. Opening it, she saw Lucas standing on the other side.
"Lucas, what are you doing here?" she hissed at him, "I thought you and Will were playing hockey?"
"He's still at the rink with Phillip, but I thought I'd stop by and check on you," Lucas explained simply, "last night you were so upset that I was worried."
"Lucas, you can cut the act," she shut the door as he walked over to her couch taking a seat, "I know you could care less that I'm upset about Brandon, so what's the real story?"
"Can't I just be caring and concerned about you?" he questioned as she shot him a glare, "okay, so maybe that wasn't the only reason I was here."
"That's more like it," Sami crossed the room reaching for her mug of tea as she sat down in the chair folding her legs beneath her, "what's going on?"
"Well, last night I wanted to talk to you...."
"You got that far," she nodded, "but that's where it ended."
"Thanks to that muscle bound moron you were dating," Lucas blurted out seeing the look on her face as he instantly regretted the words, "look this isn't about Brandon. This is about me and something I need to talk to you about."
"I'm listening," Sami eyed him expectantly, "what are you trying to shock me with now?"
"Sami, there's no easy way to put this except to be honest here," Lucas took in a breath, "I've met someone and I think we're going to get married."
"Come again," Sami blinked back at him, "you can't be serious. I didn't even realize you were seeing anyone."
"We were keeping it low key considering," Lucas explained simply, "but the thing is Will already loves her and so do I. I know this is a surprise, but I really think she's it for me. She made me see some things about myself and about our relationship with one another and she showed me that things would be better for Will if you and I tried to make peace with one another."
"Did she?" Sami questioned skeptical, "and just who is this mystery woman of yours?"
"Actually," Lucas shifted in his seat a little bit, "she's not so much of a mystery woman as you already know her."
"So let me get this straight. You took me out last night to butter me up to the fact you've met your perfect woman and you want to marry her," Sami collected the facts in her mind, "and you came here for what? To ask me if Will could stay with you and her? If she could take my son from me because I'll tell you right now there's no chance in hell of that happening."
"That's not what I'm saying. That's not it at all," he sighed in frustration, "Sami, I'm not asking for her to take your place in our son's life, but I wanted to let you know what I was doing so you wouldn't think it was some kind of scam I was running on you. I believe Will deserves both of his parents and with my being with Greta...."
"Wait back up," Sami's eyes widened, "Greta? Did you just say Greta?"
Lucas nodded, "I did."
"As in Greta von Amburg?"
He nodded again, "She and I grew rather close during the time I was in Africa with Will. We ran into one another by accident and something happened between us. At first it was about friendship, but then that changed. Something between us changed and well I realized that she and I had something special. I would've said something sooner except for the fact that before the other day you and I couldn't be in the same room without sharing two words with one another," Lucas explained simply, "as I said before this isn't about taking Will away from you. This is about a choice I'm making in my life and I just want to make you aware of it."
"You really love Greta?" Sami shook her head in disbelief, "I never saw that coming."
"Neither did I," Lucas admitted with a shrug, "After Nicole I just never imagined I'd want to get married again. Hell when my mother found out that I was still married to Nicole it put our plans so far behind, but still we are planning on getting married."
"And I'm the only person you've told about Greta?"
"Well, Will knows, but he hasn't' said anything," Lucas answered honestly, "he and Greta are really good together though and he doesn't seem to mind having her around."
"That's a bit different than having her as his step-mother," she sipped her tea, "though I'll be the first to admit it's a step up from Nicole."
"I know you and Greta don't really like one another, but she's a good person."
"Too good for you," Sami remarked offhandedly.
"She is," Lucas agreed much to her surprise, "but she makes me want to try again and do things the right way."
"You're really serious about this?"
"I am," he nodded, "but that doesn't mean that I want to discount your thoughts about this."
"Lucas, what do you want me to say here?" Sami questioned in confusion, "What do you hope you'll hear from me?"
"I don't know, but a blessing might be nice," he shrugged.
"I'd give it to you, but we both know love is just a joke," she shook her head, "but if you think marrying Greta is the key to happiness, then power to you."
"Sami, you don't need to be so glib," Lucas frowned, "you know seeing you like this isn't good on any of us, especially Will."
"I'm a good mother, so don't start with me," Sami warned him sharply.
"I'm not starting with you, but maybe just maybe you need some time away to think, to recollect yourself," Lucas suggested after a moment.
"Is this your way of trying to get rid of me?" she arched a brow.
"No, that's not it," he shook his head, "I was just thinking maybe it would do you some good. I could watch Will and you could get your thoughts together."
"Lucas, if this is some kind of trick," she started.
"Look, Sami it's no trick. I honestly want to see you back to your old self," he paused thinking over his words, "never thought I'd say that in this lifetime."
"Neither did I," Sami couldn't help but laugh, "but maybe you're right. Maybe just maybe I should take some time for me."
"That's all I'm saying."
"And when I return Will won't be whisked away to Paris with you and Greta?" She questioned skeptically.
"He can even stay with your grandparents for a while if you don't believe me. I'll even take him to Marlena's place if that would make it easier," Lucas offered up, "Sami, I'm not going to kick you while you're down."
"This is a change from the wedding with Austin."
"As I told you before, being with Greta has changed my life," Lucas admitted, "I don't need to spend my energy making you miserable. I can see my son and he's happy. That's all that matters to me."
"Lucas, I really shouldn't do this because you were the one to suggest it, but I think I will take some time. Maybe I'll get a room at Green Mountain Lodge and unwind for the weekend."
"I think that would be best," he nodded, "but if you change your mind, you could always join Will, Greta and I for dinner tonight...."
"I'll pass," Sami shook her head, "but thanks for the invite," she thought about it for a moment, "and Lucas, if you're trying to screw me in any way here..."
"This time Sami, I swear I'm not," he raised his hands in the air, "I swear to it."
"I'm going to hold you to that Lucas Roberts. Don't make me regret it or else you'll be sorry," she warned as she realized that maybe some time away was just what the doctor ordered.
****
It was late afternoon as Brandon stood at the door to Samantha's apartment contemplating the right words to say to her as he thought of their last encounter with one another. Her words still cut like a knife, but he couldn't leave it at that as his heart longed to be with her. His meeting with Lexie the previous evening went less than savory as she had turned a bit more clingy than he'd imagined, yet as he stood here at Samantha's door, he wanted nothing more than to be with the woman he loved. Somehow he had to make her see how right they were together as he couldn't toss their love aside. Knocking on the door, Brandon waited for her to respond a few minutes before he realized that she could very well be ignoring him. He knocked again before speaking out to the door.
"Samantha please," his voice cracked with emotion, "I know you're in there. I need to talk to you. Don't shut me out of your life. I know I made a mistake, but all I'm asking for is five minutes. Just give me that and I promise I'll leave you alone if you still aren't convinced of how much I love you after that. Please Samantha...." his voice trailed off as he awaited her response. After a few moments of silence, he knocked on the door again, "Samantha.....Samantha please open up..."
"You don't know how to take a hint, do you?" Lucas frowned at him as Brandon turned his eyes to find Lucas standing outside his front door glaring at him, "she already told you she doesn't want anything to do with you, so just do the smart thing and get lost."
"This doesn't concern you, Lucas," Brandon warned him sharply before knocking on the door again, "Samantha, please let me in to talk with you."
"It does concern me," Lucas stepped forward, "and besides, you can knock all you want, but she's not there. She left."
"Where did she go?" Brandon turned to face him.
"Why should I tell you anything," Lucas folded his arms in front of his chest, "I already told you a million times that she's not interested in whatever you have to say, Brandon."
"But she's interested in what you have to say, huh?"
"At least I don't try to manipulate her emotions," Lucas challenged, "I gave her something to be happy about in her life. What good have you ever done for her?"
"I love her and I'll make her see that," Brandon answered firmly.
"What good has your love done her?" Lucas questioned again, "The way I see it, you've taken the spirit of a woman who was very strong willed and determined and you've crushed it. What kind of love is that?"
"I didn't crush her spirit," Brandon shook his head.
"Take a good look at her, Romeo," Lucas argued with him, "before she met you she might've been a bit of a bitch, but at least she knew what she wanted and went for it instead of having to run away."
"Samantha is not a bitch," Brandon stepped forward reaching out to Lucas and placing his hands on the lapels of Lucas' jacket, "now I'll ask you once and only once. Where is Samantha?"
"Go to hell," Lucas shot back at him, "your bullying tactics don't work with me."
"Don't they," Brandon tightened his grip on Lucas as he began to raise him off the floor.
"Brandon, put me down," Lucas yelped.
"Or what?"
"Or I'll call the cops," Lucas offered up weakly.
"Go ahead. Why not get Abe Carver while you're at it? I'd love to have a few words with him as well."
"I'll just bet you would seeing as you knocked up his wife and still have the balls to chase Sami around like she's your flavor of the week," Lucas glared at him despite his position.
"That's it," Brandon slammed him into the wall roughly, "Lucas, tell me where Samantha is."
"Why should I? After the way you're acting, I don't want you anywhere near her," Lucas began as Brandon shoved him again, "hey knock it off."
"Tell me where she is."
"She left Salem," Lucas offered up after a moment, "that's all I know."
"Don't lie to me," Brandon threatened, "I'm warning you."
"Look, that's all I know, now let me down, Brandon," Lucas hissed at him as Brandon reluctantly followed his request.
"If I find out you know more," Brandon warned.
"You know you should really work on that anger management issue of yours," Lucas rubbed his neck, "one day you're going to screw with the wrong person..."
"Lucas, just hope I find Samantha," Brandon shot him a glare before taking off down the hallway determined to find her.
"Brute," Lucas hissed after him wondering why on Earth Sami had decided to hook up with a guy like Brandon to begin with. Surely she must be insane for thinking this guy was worth crying over. He shook the thought as he returned to his apartment realizing that Sami really needed a talking to again when she returned.
****
The snow began to pick up outside the sedan as Sami turned the wipers on full blast. It was cold on this winter day, but she was determined to find some peace of mind as she made her way out of Salem. Lucas was right. She needed to give herself a break and that's what she intended to do. Granted she was torturing herself a bit in booking the room she'd shared with Brandon where they'd made love the first time, but she needed to return, to think back to when things were so wonderful, even if that was the only time they would be like that. A sigh escaped her lips as she listened to the weather report on the radio indicating that the storm warning was in effect as she drove on.
"Just a little while longer," she tried to assure herself as she popped in a cd and began to sing along to the soft, mellow rhythm Celine Dion offered. As she drove on, she felt the road pull a bit as the ice patches were no doubt forming up ahead. She continued to sing along trying not to swell on the weather as her car suddenly encountered another ice patch spinning her car out of control. She struggled to regain control of the car, but alas her efforts were in vain as the car circled faster than before and continued until it collided with something and suddenly the world around her went black.
Sami sat in the living room of her apartment wondering why in the world she'd suddenly found herself weak over a man. Never before had she let herself play the role of the victim. In the past if someone had wronged her or threatened what she'd wanted, she fought tooth and nail for what she felt entitled to. Sipping her tea, she wondered if perhaps she was losing her desire for having it all, or maybe if this was what was called growing up. Either way she hated it as she thought of how she'd allowed Brandon to slip away. She just let him walk out of her life and she hadn't even fought for him. What did that say about her?
"Oh Sami, you've turned into the very thing you hated," she sighed leaning back into her sofa, "god, Carrie would truly be laughing at you now seeing as your life has suddenly become hers," she shuddered at the thought as she reached for the remote control turning on her television, "maybe you can find something worthwhile to watch," she decided flipping channels as it dawned in on her that she was truly pathetic. Here she was on a Saturday morning locked up in her apartment with no one to talk to and nothing to do but mope.
"Samantha, get off your butt and do something," she urged herself as she shut off the television, "but what? Normally if you were bored, you'd call Brandon and try to talk him into doing something, but that's out. I could call Eric, but do I really want to let him know I was duped by a Walker when I sat there chewing him out for the very same thing so long ago," her gaze drifted to the phone as she realized there was really no one to call. A frown swept over her lips as there was a knock on her door. She looked to it realizing it was too early for Will to return as she rose from the sofa smoothing her hair as she walked over to the door. Opening it, she saw Lucas standing on the other side.
"Lucas, what are you doing here?" she hissed at him, "I thought you and Will were playing hockey?"
"He's still at the rink with Phillip, but I thought I'd stop by and check on you," Lucas explained simply, "last night you were so upset that I was worried."
"Lucas, you can cut the act," she shut the door as he walked over to her couch taking a seat, "I know you could care less that I'm upset about Brandon, so what's the real story?"
"Can't I just be caring and concerned about you?" he questioned as she shot him a glare, "okay, so maybe that wasn't the only reason I was here."
"That's more like it," Sami crossed the room reaching for her mug of tea as she sat down in the chair folding her legs beneath her, "what's going on?"
"Well, last night I wanted to talk to you...."
"You got that far," she nodded, "but that's where it ended."
"Thanks to that muscle bound moron you were dating," Lucas blurted out seeing the look on her face as he instantly regretted the words, "look this isn't about Brandon. This is about me and something I need to talk to you about."
"I'm listening," Sami eyed him expectantly, "what are you trying to shock me with now?"
"Sami, there's no easy way to put this except to be honest here," Lucas took in a breath, "I've met someone and I think we're going to get married."
"Come again," Sami blinked back at him, "you can't be serious. I didn't even realize you were seeing anyone."
"We were keeping it low key considering," Lucas explained simply, "but the thing is Will already loves her and so do I. I know this is a surprise, but I really think she's it for me. She made me see some things about myself and about our relationship with one another and she showed me that things would be better for Will if you and I tried to make peace with one another."
"Did she?" Sami questioned skeptical, "and just who is this mystery woman of yours?"
"Actually," Lucas shifted in his seat a little bit, "she's not so much of a mystery woman as you already know her."
"So let me get this straight. You took me out last night to butter me up to the fact you've met your perfect woman and you want to marry her," Sami collected the facts in her mind, "and you came here for what? To ask me if Will could stay with you and her? If she could take my son from me because I'll tell you right now there's no chance in hell of that happening."
"That's not what I'm saying. That's not it at all," he sighed in frustration, "Sami, I'm not asking for her to take your place in our son's life, but I wanted to let you know what I was doing so you wouldn't think it was some kind of scam I was running on you. I believe Will deserves both of his parents and with my being with Greta...."
"Wait back up," Sami's eyes widened, "Greta? Did you just say Greta?"
Lucas nodded, "I did."
"As in Greta von Amburg?"
He nodded again, "She and I grew rather close during the time I was in Africa with Will. We ran into one another by accident and something happened between us. At first it was about friendship, but then that changed. Something between us changed and well I realized that she and I had something special. I would've said something sooner except for the fact that before the other day you and I couldn't be in the same room without sharing two words with one another," Lucas explained simply, "as I said before this isn't about taking Will away from you. This is about a choice I'm making in my life and I just want to make you aware of it."
"You really love Greta?" Sami shook her head in disbelief, "I never saw that coming."
"Neither did I," Lucas admitted with a shrug, "After Nicole I just never imagined I'd want to get married again. Hell when my mother found out that I was still married to Nicole it put our plans so far behind, but still we are planning on getting married."
"And I'm the only person you've told about Greta?"
"Well, Will knows, but he hasn't' said anything," Lucas answered honestly, "he and Greta are really good together though and he doesn't seem to mind having her around."
"That's a bit different than having her as his step-mother," she sipped her tea, "though I'll be the first to admit it's a step up from Nicole."
"I know you and Greta don't really like one another, but she's a good person."
"Too good for you," Sami remarked offhandedly.
"She is," Lucas agreed much to her surprise, "but she makes me want to try again and do things the right way."
"You're really serious about this?"
"I am," he nodded, "but that doesn't mean that I want to discount your thoughts about this."
"Lucas, what do you want me to say here?" Sami questioned in confusion, "What do you hope you'll hear from me?"
"I don't know, but a blessing might be nice," he shrugged.
"I'd give it to you, but we both know love is just a joke," she shook her head, "but if you think marrying Greta is the key to happiness, then power to you."
"Sami, you don't need to be so glib," Lucas frowned, "you know seeing you like this isn't good on any of us, especially Will."
"I'm a good mother, so don't start with me," Sami warned him sharply.
"I'm not starting with you, but maybe just maybe you need some time away to think, to recollect yourself," Lucas suggested after a moment.
"Is this your way of trying to get rid of me?" she arched a brow.
"No, that's not it," he shook his head, "I was just thinking maybe it would do you some good. I could watch Will and you could get your thoughts together."
"Lucas, if this is some kind of trick," she started.
"Look, Sami it's no trick. I honestly want to see you back to your old self," he paused thinking over his words, "never thought I'd say that in this lifetime."
"Neither did I," Sami couldn't help but laugh, "but maybe you're right. Maybe just maybe I should take some time for me."
"That's all I'm saying."
"And when I return Will won't be whisked away to Paris with you and Greta?" She questioned skeptically.
"He can even stay with your grandparents for a while if you don't believe me. I'll even take him to Marlena's place if that would make it easier," Lucas offered up, "Sami, I'm not going to kick you while you're down."
"This is a change from the wedding with Austin."
"As I told you before, being with Greta has changed my life," Lucas admitted, "I don't need to spend my energy making you miserable. I can see my son and he's happy. That's all that matters to me."
"Lucas, I really shouldn't do this because you were the one to suggest it, but I think I will take some time. Maybe I'll get a room at Green Mountain Lodge and unwind for the weekend."
"I think that would be best," he nodded, "but if you change your mind, you could always join Will, Greta and I for dinner tonight...."
"I'll pass," Sami shook her head, "but thanks for the invite," she thought about it for a moment, "and Lucas, if you're trying to screw me in any way here..."
"This time Sami, I swear I'm not," he raised his hands in the air, "I swear to it."
"I'm going to hold you to that Lucas Roberts. Don't make me regret it or else you'll be sorry," she warned as she realized that maybe some time away was just what the doctor ordered.
****
It was late afternoon as Brandon stood at the door to Samantha's apartment contemplating the right words to say to her as he thought of their last encounter with one another. Her words still cut like a knife, but he couldn't leave it at that as his heart longed to be with her. His meeting with Lexie the previous evening went less than savory as she had turned a bit more clingy than he'd imagined, yet as he stood here at Samantha's door, he wanted nothing more than to be with the woman he loved. Somehow he had to make her see how right they were together as he couldn't toss their love aside. Knocking on the door, Brandon waited for her to respond a few minutes before he realized that she could very well be ignoring him. He knocked again before speaking out to the door.
"Samantha please," his voice cracked with emotion, "I know you're in there. I need to talk to you. Don't shut me out of your life. I know I made a mistake, but all I'm asking for is five minutes. Just give me that and I promise I'll leave you alone if you still aren't convinced of how much I love you after that. Please Samantha...." his voice trailed off as he awaited her response. After a few moments of silence, he knocked on the door again, "Samantha.....Samantha please open up..."
"You don't know how to take a hint, do you?" Lucas frowned at him as Brandon turned his eyes to find Lucas standing outside his front door glaring at him, "she already told you she doesn't want anything to do with you, so just do the smart thing and get lost."
"This doesn't concern you, Lucas," Brandon warned him sharply before knocking on the door again, "Samantha, please let me in to talk with you."
"It does concern me," Lucas stepped forward, "and besides, you can knock all you want, but she's not there. She left."
"Where did she go?" Brandon turned to face him.
"Why should I tell you anything," Lucas folded his arms in front of his chest, "I already told you a million times that she's not interested in whatever you have to say, Brandon."
"But she's interested in what you have to say, huh?"
"At least I don't try to manipulate her emotions," Lucas challenged, "I gave her something to be happy about in her life. What good have you ever done for her?"
"I love her and I'll make her see that," Brandon answered firmly.
"What good has your love done her?" Lucas questioned again, "The way I see it, you've taken the spirit of a woman who was very strong willed and determined and you've crushed it. What kind of love is that?"
"I didn't crush her spirit," Brandon shook his head.
"Take a good look at her, Romeo," Lucas argued with him, "before she met you she might've been a bit of a bitch, but at least she knew what she wanted and went for it instead of having to run away."
"Samantha is not a bitch," Brandon stepped forward reaching out to Lucas and placing his hands on the lapels of Lucas' jacket, "now I'll ask you once and only once. Where is Samantha?"
"Go to hell," Lucas shot back at him, "your bullying tactics don't work with me."
"Don't they," Brandon tightened his grip on Lucas as he began to raise him off the floor.
"Brandon, put me down," Lucas yelped.
"Or what?"
"Or I'll call the cops," Lucas offered up weakly.
"Go ahead. Why not get Abe Carver while you're at it? I'd love to have a few words with him as well."
"I'll just bet you would seeing as you knocked up his wife and still have the balls to chase Sami around like she's your flavor of the week," Lucas glared at him despite his position.
"That's it," Brandon slammed him into the wall roughly, "Lucas, tell me where Samantha is."
"Why should I? After the way you're acting, I don't want you anywhere near her," Lucas began as Brandon shoved him again, "hey knock it off."
"Tell me where she is."
"She left Salem," Lucas offered up after a moment, "that's all I know."
"Don't lie to me," Brandon threatened, "I'm warning you."
"Look, that's all I know, now let me down, Brandon," Lucas hissed at him as Brandon reluctantly followed his request.
"If I find out you know more," Brandon warned.
"You know you should really work on that anger management issue of yours," Lucas rubbed his neck, "one day you're going to screw with the wrong person..."
"Lucas, just hope I find Samantha," Brandon shot him a glare before taking off down the hallway determined to find her.
"Brute," Lucas hissed after him wondering why on Earth Sami had decided to hook up with a guy like Brandon to begin with. Surely she must be insane for thinking this guy was worth crying over. He shook the thought as he returned to his apartment realizing that Sami really needed a talking to again when she returned.
****
The snow began to pick up outside the sedan as Sami turned the wipers on full blast. It was cold on this winter day, but she was determined to find some peace of mind as she made her way out of Salem. Lucas was right. She needed to give herself a break and that's what she intended to do. Granted she was torturing herself a bit in booking the room she'd shared with Brandon where they'd made love the first time, but she needed to return, to think back to when things were so wonderful, even if that was the only time they would be like that. A sigh escaped her lips as she listened to the weather report on the radio indicating that the storm warning was in effect as she drove on.
"Just a little while longer," she tried to assure herself as she popped in a cd and began to sing along to the soft, mellow rhythm Celine Dion offered. As she drove on, she felt the road pull a bit as the ice patches were no doubt forming up ahead. She continued to sing along trying not to swell on the weather as her car suddenly encountered another ice patch spinning her car out of control. She struggled to regain control of the car, but alas her efforts were in vain as the car circled faster than before and continued until it collided with something and suddenly the world around her went black.