Chapter 34: Will You Marry Me?
~Sam's POV~
It's the day of graduation. This whole week has been overwhelming for me since I was informed that I was going to be valedictorian at graduation. I have been trying to come up with something to say for graduation and I have nothing as of yet. At the same time, I've been trying to get used to not going out and training everyday with Paul. Christine had come over everyday since I've come back home last Tuesday morning. Vince had only allowed Mark, Paul, Shane, Matt, Jeff and Adam off for the weekend. Adam and the guys had come yesterday afternoon and I was so excited to see them. Right now, I'm eating at In and Out burger for lunch with the guys and Christine. "Babydoll, have you written your speech for graduation yet?" Paul asked as he took a bite out of his burger.
"No, I've been trying to come up with something, but nothing."
"Just write something from your heart."
"I have been trying to and everything that I write sounds funny. I'm trying to not think about it because I thought it would come to me if I don't think about it."
"That sounds like a good idea," Adam said.
"Yeah," Christine said, "What's the plans after graduation?"
"Well, mom wants to have a party at home afterwards," I said solemnly.
"Baby, what's the matter?" Jeff asked as he put his arm around me.
"I just wish my dad was here," I said softly, but was loud enough for everyone to hear. No one said anything for some time. We just sat there eating our lunch and I was thinking about my past year and all that has been happening. All of a sudden, I thought of something, I grabbed my schoolbag and got my pen and paper and started writing. I was grateful that we had the afternoon off. The seniors only had half a day since the graduation was tonight. I had to go back to school after lunch since I was valedictorian and I needed to be at the meeting for a last run through and last minute problems. After a while, I reread what I wrote and was satisfied with what I wrote. I put it back in my schoolbag and looked up at everyone. "What's the problem?" I asked as the guys looked at me weirdly.
"What did you just write?" Matt asked "My speech," I said simply and popped a French fry in my mouth.
"You finished it in a few minutes?" Matt asked.
"Yeah, I just thought of a good idea of what to talk about and I wanted to write it down before I forget."
"Ok," Matt said.
"Sam, isn't it time for you to go to the meeting?" Chrissy asked.
I looked at my watch, "Oh yeah, I need to go." I gathered my things, kissed Jeff and ran out of the restaurant and ran across the street. School was across so many different fast food joints. Chrissy and I always went to In and Out burger for lunch. The guys who work there know us oh so well and know what we want. The meeting lasted for an hour and I finally started to walk out of the entrance of the school and started to walk home. I saw a group of people talking across the street and thought it was another group, so I decided to walk home alone.
As I was walking away from the restaurant, I heard someone call me, "Samantha!"
I looked over to where the voice was and smiled, "Jeff, what are you doing here? I thought you guys left already."
We hugged, "We couldn't leave you to walk home alone not on your graduation day."
I smiled and tiptoed up to kiss him, "I love you."
"I love you too," he said as he leaned down to kiss me. The simple kiss led to a make out session on the sidewalk. We let go once we heard gagging noises. We looked around and smiled, we saw Chrissy, Matt and Adam gagging at us. Shane, Paul and Mark were standing behind them laughing.
"Very funny, guys. Remind me to do that when you have girlfriends and boyfriend, ok?" I said. The guys shut their mouths right there and then. Shane, Mark, Paul and Jeff laughed at the comment.
"How was the meeting?" Jeff asked.
"It went fine, though I am a little suspicious about something."
"What about?"
"When I got to the office, they stopped talking about something as if they know something that I don't know. I just pushed it aside for now. I'm sure that it was nothing," I said as I pulled away from Jeff and straightened my schoolbag.
"Let me hold that for you," Jeff said as he took my schoolbag.
"That's not fair!" Chrissy pouted.
"What's not fair?" I asked.
"How come Jeff is helping you and no one is helping me?"
"That's because they don't want to help you," I said simply.
"That's true," Matt chipped in.
Chrissy looked at him hatefully and rolled her eyes at him, but she managed to say, "Sam, do something." She looked at me and I shrugged. "Aren't you going to do anything?"
"Nope, why should I? I don't control him," I said.
She looked at me skeptically then looked at Paul, "Aren't you going to help me?"
"Samantha took the words right out of my mouth," he said, shrugging.
"Why isn't anyone helping me?"
"Because Matt is like a brother to me and he has his own opinion about it. Also, I'm not getting involved with your involvement with him," I said, then took Jeff's hand and started walking. "Come on guys, let's go to the car. This silly argument isn't worth my time," I said walking in the opposite direction that I came from. Matt and Chrissy started having problems as of late. They have tried to get me involved and I told them that I refused because I have nothing to say about it. We all left Matt and Chrissy standing there in disbelief. I screamed as soon as Matt came running and picked me up onto his shoulder. "Mattie, put me down!!!" I yelled and screamed as he continued to walk until we reached the car.
"Not until you take back what you said," he said as he pinned me.
He looked at me with deadly eyes. His eyes always scared me when he was angry. "I didn't. say. any. thing," I managed to squeak out.
"Yes, you did. you said it wasn't your problem. I'm telling you now, it is your problem," Matt said and started to pinch me.
"Matt, stop!! You're hurting me!" I said. I tried to fight back but he kept pinching me harder and wouldn't stop.
"Not until you take back what you said," Matt said angrily. Now he was pulling my hair, ready to bang it against the car.
"Daddy, make him stop!!!" I cried out in pain.
~Paul's POV~
I ran over to where Sam was and pulled Matt off of her. I heard her crying and whimpering in pain. "Take it easy, Matt!!! She was joking. everyone knows that!!!" I held onto Matt and I looked behind me, I saw Chrissy, Adam, Jeff and Shane helping Samantha as Mark came to help me hold Matt.
Samantha was in Jeff's arms and she said something softly, but it was loud enough for all of us to hear, "I was being honest. I don't want to get involved with your problem."
Then Chrissy walked up to Matt and said, "I can't believe that you would do something like that to my best friend!" She stood there in anger, trying to get revenge for her best friend. Out of nowhere, she slapped him for all he was worth. "That was for Samantha!" she said and slapped him again. "That's for me!" with that, she walked off.
"You're lucky that we have two cars. You are not going in the same car with Samantha. Shane, you come with us. Adam, could you take everyone else to your house? We'll meet you there," I said.
"Yeah, that's fine with me," Adam said as he led them to the car. Samantha was walking slowly with Jeff.
~Sam's POV~
"Guys, just wait right here, I'll bring the car up here. I don't want Sami to struggle to get into the car, ok?"
"Ok," Chrissy said for all of us.
Adam walked down a couple of cars and went inside and brought the car out for us to go into. Chrissy sat in the front with Adam as Jeff and I sat in the back and headed home. When we got home, Jeff helped me out of the car, "Adam, could you get my schoolbag from the trunk?"
"Yeah, I'll be there in a second," Adam said as Paul's car drove into the driveway a few seconds later.
"Jeff, could we go into the house? I don't want to face Matt right now," I said, not taking my eyes away from Matt.
"Yeah, let's go in," Jeff said as he held onto me as we got into the house and went to my room. I didn't want anyone with me especially Matt. Jeff stayed with me and helped me calm down and make sure that I was ready by 4:30 since the graduation ceremony started at 6 pm. I needed to be at school by 5 for any last minute details and practice. It was only 1:45 so I had a few hours to kill. "Baby, are you ok?"
"I'm fine, it's just my sides hurts."
"Does it hurt bad?"
"Not too bad. It's tolerable. I'm just hoping that it will go away by the time I have to leave for graduation tonight."
"I'm sure it will. Do you need to do anything right now before leaving?"
"Yeah, I just need to type my speech."
"Why don't I leave you alone so that you can do that by yourself, ok?"
"Could you stay here with me? I don't want to be alone right now."
"Yeah, I'll stay here with you. You know what?"
"What?"
"You're lucky that you have a TV in your room."
I smiled. "Jeff!"
"What?" he said innocently.
"Why is it you always make me smile or laugh every time I go through a hard time?"
"Because I love you."
"I love you too," I said and kissed him. Then Adam knocked on the door. "Come in."
"Hey, Sami, here's your schoolbag."
"Thanks Adam."
"You're welcome. How you doing?"
"Not too bad."
"Good, you're taking this better than Matt."
"What do you mean?"
"He's still upset. He's not coming into the house."
"I hope he cools off before my graduation tonight."
"I'm sure he will. just give him time, ok?"
"Ok."
"I better go and see how Matt's doing," he said as she nodded. "I'll talk to you later."
"Adam, thank you," I said.
"What for?"
"Just for being here," I said as I walked up to him and hugged him.
"You know that I would do anything for you," Adam said as he hugged me tightly.
"I love you."
"I love you too," he said as we pulled away from each other. He kissed my forehead and left. I closed the door and wanted to cry again. Jeff opened his arms towards me and I went straight into them. I cried because of what happened to me and Matt, I cried because it happened on my graduation day and I cried because I wasn't sure of what to do. Jeff held me until I couldn't cry anymore. He just held me, allowing me to get my frustrations out. A little while later, there was a knock on the door. "Who is it?"
"It's Paul."
"Come on in," he said as he continued to stroke my back.
Once Paul came in he saw that Samantha was crying, "Hey, babydoll."
I looked up, "Daddy!" she got out of my arms and went straight into Paul's arms.
"Hey, it's going to be ok."
I cried some more but I managed to say, "Why did Matt say that to me? He knows how I feel about him and Chrissy."
"I don't know honey. He's not talking to anyone right now. Adam told me what you said to him. I'll make sure that Matt calms down before your graduation ok?"
"What if he doesn't?" I said as I sniffled.
"Then he's not coming. Tonight is about you and Chrissy. and nothing is going to ruin that, ok?" Paul asked as he pulled away and kissed my forehead.
"Ok," I said then I leaned against him, taking a few minutes to soak in his strength.
"Did you start typing your speech yet?"
"No, I was going to do that," I said as I pulled away.
"Do you want us to leave so that you can work on it?"
"I want Jeff to stay with me.'
"Ok, I'm going to go downstairs and make sure that everything is good and drop Chrissy off home, ok?"
"All right, could you tell Chrissy to come up for a minute before you leave?"
"Yeah, sure," he said as he got up with me still in his arms and carefully placed me on the bed. "Chrissy will be here in a minute."
"Thank you, daddy," I said.
"You're welcome, sweetheart," he said and left. I took the tissue that Jeff handed me and cleaned my face and blew my nose. I simply looked at Jeff who had so much love and concern in his eyes. I went up to him and kissed him.
"What was that for?"
"That's for being here with me," I said.
"When was the last time I told you I loved you?"
"A few minutes ago."
"A little too long. I love you," Jeff said as he kissed me.
"I love you too," I said as I hugged him. We stayed that way for a while until there was a knock on the door. "Come in."
Chrissy opened the door and said, "Paul told me that you wanted to see me."
"Yeah, close the door," I said as she closed the door. "I just wanted to say thank you for being there for me even though I didn't mean to say anything bad about your relationship with Matt," I said as Chrissy and I took each other's hands.
"You have said nothing wrong. You were just expressing how you feel; that's why you're my best friend. You always say what's on your mind. I'm just glad that we're still friends," she said as she started to cry.
"Chrissy, nothing is going to break up our friendship. I will always be here for you, no matter what, ok?" I said as I pulled her into a hug.
"Ok," she said as we hugged.
"And thank you for slapping Matt for me," I said as I smiled.
She laughed, "I had to." We all laughed, even Jeff. "Jeff, I'm sorry that I had to hit your brother," she said as soon as we calmed down.
"Don't apologize. He deserved it for what he's done to you. both of you. He's acting like a S.O.B. as of late. I'm not going to defend someone like that, even if it is my own brother," he said as he came towards both of us.
"Group hug!!" I said as we all hugged and laughed. "Ok, I better let you go and get all ready for the graduation tonight," I said, as I pulled away and cuddled by Jeff's side.
"Ok, I'll talk to you later," Chrissy said as we smiled to each other and she left.
I burrowed my face into Jeff's chest and sighed. "What's the matter, babe?" Jeff asked.
"I need to type the speech but I don't want to." I whined.
He laughed, "Baby, you need to. I'll be right here with you, ok?"
I whined some more. "I better start working on it and get it over with."
"Yeah, think of it this way. this will be your last assignment for school and you're done with it. No more school, no more books."
"No more teachers' dirty looks," I said softly as we laughed.
"That's it. come on and type your paper for graduation tonight. If you finish, I promise that I'll give you my present before you leave," Jeff said.
"You have a present for me?"
"Yep, but you can't have it until you finish typing your paper."
"Ok," I said and started to type my paper.
~Jeff's POV~
She turned on her computer and got what she needed to write her paper, "Sam, I'll be right back, ok?"
"Where you going?"
"I need to talk to Paul about something," I said.
"Ok," she replied as she started typing. I looked at her for a little bit and sighed. I knew that I was going to wait until the party tonight to ask her to be my wife, but I wanted to ask her now because of what had happened with Matt. I needed Paul's advice. I have no idea as of what to do. I opened the door and found Paul there ready to knock.
"What's up Paul?" I asked.
"I just wanted to see if Samantha is doing ok?"
"Yeah, she's fine. She just started typing her paper."
"Ok, that's good. How did you know that I was going to knock?"
"I didn't. I was going to leave and find you. I need to talk to you about something."
"Ok, does Samantha know?"
"Yeah, she does."
"All right, whenever you're ready," Paul said.
"Ok, Sam, I'll be back after I talk with Paul, ok?"
"All right," she replied. I closed the bedroom door and walked downstairs right behind Paul. We went into the living room and found Mark sitting there in his thoughts and I looked outside the window. I saw Matt sitting on top of the car, still pissed. Adam and Shane were there with him, trying to understand where Matt was coming from and defending Samantha.
"So, what's up?" His voice woke me up from my thoughts.
I looked at him and Mark and sighed, "Well, we all know that I was going to propose to Samantha at the party." they nodded and I continued, "I was thinking of asking her after she finished typing her paper because of what had happened with Matt but I haven't decided yet. I just wanted to know what you thought about that."
He sat there, looking out the window, thinking. After a few moments, he spoke, "Honestly, I think that you should do it. but not because I told you to or because of what happened with Matt. I mean, to me, it's obvious that you want to do it because you love her and want to protect her from all harm. All I'm saying is. go for it because you love her, not because of what somebody did or who told you it was right."
"Mark, what do you think?"
"I agree with Paul. If you want my honest opinion. I think you should go for it because it will help her think of other things other than what had happened with Matt."
I took in what they said. I nodded and said, "Thanks, Paul and Mark, I needed that."
"No problem. I just want the best for Samantha. all of us want the best for her," Paul said, Mark nodded to what he said.
We sat there in silence for a few moments, lost in our thoughts. Our thoughts were woken up by Samantha's voice. "I'm done with my speech for graduation tonight."
I looked at my watch. "That was fast."
"It's short and sweet. The principal told me to write something simple and heartwarming. So in a way it was easy for me."
"I see," I said as I opened my arms and she walked into them.
As soon as she sat on my lap, she said, "Where's my present?"
"Present?" Mark said.
"He told me that he would give me something if I finished my speech," I said as Mark shook his head. I looked at him suspiciously. "What's going on? Why is Mark acting like that? And why are you so quiet?"
"Well, first, promise me something," I started to say.
"What is it?"
"Promise me that you will think about it before you answer what I have to ask you, ok?"
"I will. I promise," she replied.
I gently pushed her up to stand and I stood up. I looked at her and started to say, "Samantha, in the past few months we have been through so much together. more than any couple would during their lifetime together. You wouldn't believe how much I love you and how much I want to spend my life with you for all eternity. I'm so thrilled that we found each other at the time that we did. I have tried to think of other ways to express how much I love you, but I can only do that in the only way I know how. I wrote a poem for you and I'm going to read it to you," I said as I got the paper from my back pocket. "It's called 'You.' Here it goes.
You comfort me better than any chair, bed, room or house You amaze me more than any facts, stories, truths or lies You enhance me more than any drug, drink, pill or powder You predict me better than any parent, coach, counselor or teacher You season me better than any salt, pepper, winter or summer You entertain me better than any movie, show, song or competition You control me better than any school, job, jail or prison You love me more than any person, God, business or existence In my existence. Believe. I do In our existence. I live. For you,"
I looked at her and she had tears in her eyes. I grabbed the ring box that was in my left pocket and got down on one knee. She gasped, and I said, "Samantha, I love you with my heart and soul. will you marry me?" I looked at her; I knew that she didn't know what to say. I continued to look at her. she was in shock and didn't know what to say. I looked down because I couldn't bear the thought of not being able to marry her.
~Sam's POV~
It's the day of graduation. This whole week has been overwhelming for me since I was informed that I was going to be valedictorian at graduation. I have been trying to come up with something to say for graduation and I have nothing as of yet. At the same time, I've been trying to get used to not going out and training everyday with Paul. Christine had come over everyday since I've come back home last Tuesday morning. Vince had only allowed Mark, Paul, Shane, Matt, Jeff and Adam off for the weekend. Adam and the guys had come yesterday afternoon and I was so excited to see them. Right now, I'm eating at In and Out burger for lunch with the guys and Christine. "Babydoll, have you written your speech for graduation yet?" Paul asked as he took a bite out of his burger.
"No, I've been trying to come up with something, but nothing."
"Just write something from your heart."
"I have been trying to and everything that I write sounds funny. I'm trying to not think about it because I thought it would come to me if I don't think about it."
"That sounds like a good idea," Adam said.
"Yeah," Christine said, "What's the plans after graduation?"
"Well, mom wants to have a party at home afterwards," I said solemnly.
"Baby, what's the matter?" Jeff asked as he put his arm around me.
"I just wish my dad was here," I said softly, but was loud enough for everyone to hear. No one said anything for some time. We just sat there eating our lunch and I was thinking about my past year and all that has been happening. All of a sudden, I thought of something, I grabbed my schoolbag and got my pen and paper and started writing. I was grateful that we had the afternoon off. The seniors only had half a day since the graduation was tonight. I had to go back to school after lunch since I was valedictorian and I needed to be at the meeting for a last run through and last minute problems. After a while, I reread what I wrote and was satisfied with what I wrote. I put it back in my schoolbag and looked up at everyone. "What's the problem?" I asked as the guys looked at me weirdly.
"What did you just write?" Matt asked "My speech," I said simply and popped a French fry in my mouth.
"You finished it in a few minutes?" Matt asked.
"Yeah, I just thought of a good idea of what to talk about and I wanted to write it down before I forget."
"Ok," Matt said.
"Sam, isn't it time for you to go to the meeting?" Chrissy asked.
I looked at my watch, "Oh yeah, I need to go." I gathered my things, kissed Jeff and ran out of the restaurant and ran across the street. School was across so many different fast food joints. Chrissy and I always went to In and Out burger for lunch. The guys who work there know us oh so well and know what we want. The meeting lasted for an hour and I finally started to walk out of the entrance of the school and started to walk home. I saw a group of people talking across the street and thought it was another group, so I decided to walk home alone.
As I was walking away from the restaurant, I heard someone call me, "Samantha!"
I looked over to where the voice was and smiled, "Jeff, what are you doing here? I thought you guys left already."
We hugged, "We couldn't leave you to walk home alone not on your graduation day."
I smiled and tiptoed up to kiss him, "I love you."
"I love you too," he said as he leaned down to kiss me. The simple kiss led to a make out session on the sidewalk. We let go once we heard gagging noises. We looked around and smiled, we saw Chrissy, Matt and Adam gagging at us. Shane, Paul and Mark were standing behind them laughing.
"Very funny, guys. Remind me to do that when you have girlfriends and boyfriend, ok?" I said. The guys shut their mouths right there and then. Shane, Mark, Paul and Jeff laughed at the comment.
"How was the meeting?" Jeff asked.
"It went fine, though I am a little suspicious about something."
"What about?"
"When I got to the office, they stopped talking about something as if they know something that I don't know. I just pushed it aside for now. I'm sure that it was nothing," I said as I pulled away from Jeff and straightened my schoolbag.
"Let me hold that for you," Jeff said as he took my schoolbag.
"That's not fair!" Chrissy pouted.
"What's not fair?" I asked.
"How come Jeff is helping you and no one is helping me?"
"That's because they don't want to help you," I said simply.
"That's true," Matt chipped in.
Chrissy looked at him hatefully and rolled her eyes at him, but she managed to say, "Sam, do something." She looked at me and I shrugged. "Aren't you going to do anything?"
"Nope, why should I? I don't control him," I said.
She looked at me skeptically then looked at Paul, "Aren't you going to help me?"
"Samantha took the words right out of my mouth," he said, shrugging.
"Why isn't anyone helping me?"
"Because Matt is like a brother to me and he has his own opinion about it. Also, I'm not getting involved with your involvement with him," I said, then took Jeff's hand and started walking. "Come on guys, let's go to the car. This silly argument isn't worth my time," I said walking in the opposite direction that I came from. Matt and Chrissy started having problems as of late. They have tried to get me involved and I told them that I refused because I have nothing to say about it. We all left Matt and Chrissy standing there in disbelief. I screamed as soon as Matt came running and picked me up onto his shoulder. "Mattie, put me down!!!" I yelled and screamed as he continued to walk until we reached the car.
"Not until you take back what you said," he said as he pinned me.
He looked at me with deadly eyes. His eyes always scared me when he was angry. "I didn't. say. any. thing," I managed to squeak out.
"Yes, you did. you said it wasn't your problem. I'm telling you now, it is your problem," Matt said and started to pinch me.
"Matt, stop!! You're hurting me!" I said. I tried to fight back but he kept pinching me harder and wouldn't stop.
"Not until you take back what you said," Matt said angrily. Now he was pulling my hair, ready to bang it against the car.
"Daddy, make him stop!!!" I cried out in pain.
~Paul's POV~
I ran over to where Sam was and pulled Matt off of her. I heard her crying and whimpering in pain. "Take it easy, Matt!!! She was joking. everyone knows that!!!" I held onto Matt and I looked behind me, I saw Chrissy, Adam, Jeff and Shane helping Samantha as Mark came to help me hold Matt.
Samantha was in Jeff's arms and she said something softly, but it was loud enough for all of us to hear, "I was being honest. I don't want to get involved with your problem."
Then Chrissy walked up to Matt and said, "I can't believe that you would do something like that to my best friend!" She stood there in anger, trying to get revenge for her best friend. Out of nowhere, she slapped him for all he was worth. "That was for Samantha!" she said and slapped him again. "That's for me!" with that, she walked off.
"You're lucky that we have two cars. You are not going in the same car with Samantha. Shane, you come with us. Adam, could you take everyone else to your house? We'll meet you there," I said.
"Yeah, that's fine with me," Adam said as he led them to the car. Samantha was walking slowly with Jeff.
~Sam's POV~
"Guys, just wait right here, I'll bring the car up here. I don't want Sami to struggle to get into the car, ok?"
"Ok," Chrissy said for all of us.
Adam walked down a couple of cars and went inside and brought the car out for us to go into. Chrissy sat in the front with Adam as Jeff and I sat in the back and headed home. When we got home, Jeff helped me out of the car, "Adam, could you get my schoolbag from the trunk?"
"Yeah, I'll be there in a second," Adam said as Paul's car drove into the driveway a few seconds later.
"Jeff, could we go into the house? I don't want to face Matt right now," I said, not taking my eyes away from Matt.
"Yeah, let's go in," Jeff said as he held onto me as we got into the house and went to my room. I didn't want anyone with me especially Matt. Jeff stayed with me and helped me calm down and make sure that I was ready by 4:30 since the graduation ceremony started at 6 pm. I needed to be at school by 5 for any last minute details and practice. It was only 1:45 so I had a few hours to kill. "Baby, are you ok?"
"I'm fine, it's just my sides hurts."
"Does it hurt bad?"
"Not too bad. It's tolerable. I'm just hoping that it will go away by the time I have to leave for graduation tonight."
"I'm sure it will. Do you need to do anything right now before leaving?"
"Yeah, I just need to type my speech."
"Why don't I leave you alone so that you can do that by yourself, ok?"
"Could you stay here with me? I don't want to be alone right now."
"Yeah, I'll stay here with you. You know what?"
"What?"
"You're lucky that you have a TV in your room."
I smiled. "Jeff!"
"What?" he said innocently.
"Why is it you always make me smile or laugh every time I go through a hard time?"
"Because I love you."
"I love you too," I said and kissed him. Then Adam knocked on the door. "Come in."
"Hey, Sami, here's your schoolbag."
"Thanks Adam."
"You're welcome. How you doing?"
"Not too bad."
"Good, you're taking this better than Matt."
"What do you mean?"
"He's still upset. He's not coming into the house."
"I hope he cools off before my graduation tonight."
"I'm sure he will. just give him time, ok?"
"Ok."
"I better go and see how Matt's doing," he said as she nodded. "I'll talk to you later."
"Adam, thank you," I said.
"What for?"
"Just for being here," I said as I walked up to him and hugged him.
"You know that I would do anything for you," Adam said as he hugged me tightly.
"I love you."
"I love you too," he said as we pulled away from each other. He kissed my forehead and left. I closed the door and wanted to cry again. Jeff opened his arms towards me and I went straight into them. I cried because of what happened to me and Matt, I cried because it happened on my graduation day and I cried because I wasn't sure of what to do. Jeff held me until I couldn't cry anymore. He just held me, allowing me to get my frustrations out. A little while later, there was a knock on the door. "Who is it?"
"It's Paul."
"Come on in," he said as he continued to stroke my back.
Once Paul came in he saw that Samantha was crying, "Hey, babydoll."
I looked up, "Daddy!" she got out of my arms and went straight into Paul's arms.
"Hey, it's going to be ok."
I cried some more but I managed to say, "Why did Matt say that to me? He knows how I feel about him and Chrissy."
"I don't know honey. He's not talking to anyone right now. Adam told me what you said to him. I'll make sure that Matt calms down before your graduation ok?"
"What if he doesn't?" I said as I sniffled.
"Then he's not coming. Tonight is about you and Chrissy. and nothing is going to ruin that, ok?" Paul asked as he pulled away and kissed my forehead.
"Ok," I said then I leaned against him, taking a few minutes to soak in his strength.
"Did you start typing your speech yet?"
"No, I was going to do that," I said as I pulled away.
"Do you want us to leave so that you can work on it?"
"I want Jeff to stay with me.'
"Ok, I'm going to go downstairs and make sure that everything is good and drop Chrissy off home, ok?"
"All right, could you tell Chrissy to come up for a minute before you leave?"
"Yeah, sure," he said as he got up with me still in his arms and carefully placed me on the bed. "Chrissy will be here in a minute."
"Thank you, daddy," I said.
"You're welcome, sweetheart," he said and left. I took the tissue that Jeff handed me and cleaned my face and blew my nose. I simply looked at Jeff who had so much love and concern in his eyes. I went up to him and kissed him.
"What was that for?"
"That's for being here with me," I said.
"When was the last time I told you I loved you?"
"A few minutes ago."
"A little too long. I love you," Jeff said as he kissed me.
"I love you too," I said as I hugged him. We stayed that way for a while until there was a knock on the door. "Come in."
Chrissy opened the door and said, "Paul told me that you wanted to see me."
"Yeah, close the door," I said as she closed the door. "I just wanted to say thank you for being there for me even though I didn't mean to say anything bad about your relationship with Matt," I said as Chrissy and I took each other's hands.
"You have said nothing wrong. You were just expressing how you feel; that's why you're my best friend. You always say what's on your mind. I'm just glad that we're still friends," she said as she started to cry.
"Chrissy, nothing is going to break up our friendship. I will always be here for you, no matter what, ok?" I said as I pulled her into a hug.
"Ok," she said as we hugged.
"And thank you for slapping Matt for me," I said as I smiled.
She laughed, "I had to." We all laughed, even Jeff. "Jeff, I'm sorry that I had to hit your brother," she said as soon as we calmed down.
"Don't apologize. He deserved it for what he's done to you. both of you. He's acting like a S.O.B. as of late. I'm not going to defend someone like that, even if it is my own brother," he said as he came towards both of us.
"Group hug!!" I said as we all hugged and laughed. "Ok, I better let you go and get all ready for the graduation tonight," I said, as I pulled away and cuddled by Jeff's side.
"Ok, I'll talk to you later," Chrissy said as we smiled to each other and she left.
I burrowed my face into Jeff's chest and sighed. "What's the matter, babe?" Jeff asked.
"I need to type the speech but I don't want to." I whined.
He laughed, "Baby, you need to. I'll be right here with you, ok?"
I whined some more. "I better start working on it and get it over with."
"Yeah, think of it this way. this will be your last assignment for school and you're done with it. No more school, no more books."
"No more teachers' dirty looks," I said softly as we laughed.
"That's it. come on and type your paper for graduation tonight. If you finish, I promise that I'll give you my present before you leave," Jeff said.
"You have a present for me?"
"Yep, but you can't have it until you finish typing your paper."
"Ok," I said and started to type my paper.
~Jeff's POV~
She turned on her computer and got what she needed to write her paper, "Sam, I'll be right back, ok?"
"Where you going?"
"I need to talk to Paul about something," I said.
"Ok," she replied as she started typing. I looked at her for a little bit and sighed. I knew that I was going to wait until the party tonight to ask her to be my wife, but I wanted to ask her now because of what had happened with Matt. I needed Paul's advice. I have no idea as of what to do. I opened the door and found Paul there ready to knock.
"What's up Paul?" I asked.
"I just wanted to see if Samantha is doing ok?"
"Yeah, she's fine. She just started typing her paper."
"Ok, that's good. How did you know that I was going to knock?"
"I didn't. I was going to leave and find you. I need to talk to you about something."
"Ok, does Samantha know?"
"Yeah, she does."
"All right, whenever you're ready," Paul said.
"Ok, Sam, I'll be back after I talk with Paul, ok?"
"All right," she replied. I closed the bedroom door and walked downstairs right behind Paul. We went into the living room and found Mark sitting there in his thoughts and I looked outside the window. I saw Matt sitting on top of the car, still pissed. Adam and Shane were there with him, trying to understand where Matt was coming from and defending Samantha.
"So, what's up?" His voice woke me up from my thoughts.
I looked at him and Mark and sighed, "Well, we all know that I was going to propose to Samantha at the party." they nodded and I continued, "I was thinking of asking her after she finished typing her paper because of what had happened with Matt but I haven't decided yet. I just wanted to know what you thought about that."
He sat there, looking out the window, thinking. After a few moments, he spoke, "Honestly, I think that you should do it. but not because I told you to or because of what happened with Matt. I mean, to me, it's obvious that you want to do it because you love her and want to protect her from all harm. All I'm saying is. go for it because you love her, not because of what somebody did or who told you it was right."
"Mark, what do you think?"
"I agree with Paul. If you want my honest opinion. I think you should go for it because it will help her think of other things other than what had happened with Matt."
I took in what they said. I nodded and said, "Thanks, Paul and Mark, I needed that."
"No problem. I just want the best for Samantha. all of us want the best for her," Paul said, Mark nodded to what he said.
We sat there in silence for a few moments, lost in our thoughts. Our thoughts were woken up by Samantha's voice. "I'm done with my speech for graduation tonight."
I looked at my watch. "That was fast."
"It's short and sweet. The principal told me to write something simple and heartwarming. So in a way it was easy for me."
"I see," I said as I opened my arms and she walked into them.
As soon as she sat on my lap, she said, "Where's my present?"
"Present?" Mark said.
"He told me that he would give me something if I finished my speech," I said as Mark shook his head. I looked at him suspiciously. "What's going on? Why is Mark acting like that? And why are you so quiet?"
"Well, first, promise me something," I started to say.
"What is it?"
"Promise me that you will think about it before you answer what I have to ask you, ok?"
"I will. I promise," she replied.
I gently pushed her up to stand and I stood up. I looked at her and started to say, "Samantha, in the past few months we have been through so much together. more than any couple would during their lifetime together. You wouldn't believe how much I love you and how much I want to spend my life with you for all eternity. I'm so thrilled that we found each other at the time that we did. I have tried to think of other ways to express how much I love you, but I can only do that in the only way I know how. I wrote a poem for you and I'm going to read it to you," I said as I got the paper from my back pocket. "It's called 'You.' Here it goes.
You comfort me better than any chair, bed, room or house You amaze me more than any facts, stories, truths or lies You enhance me more than any drug, drink, pill or powder You predict me better than any parent, coach, counselor or teacher You season me better than any salt, pepper, winter or summer You entertain me better than any movie, show, song or competition You control me better than any school, job, jail or prison You love me more than any person, God, business or existence In my existence. Believe. I do In our existence. I live. For you,"
I looked at her and she had tears in her eyes. I grabbed the ring box that was in my left pocket and got down on one knee. She gasped, and I said, "Samantha, I love you with my heart and soul. will you marry me?" I looked at her; I knew that she didn't know what to say. I continued to look at her. she was in shock and didn't know what to say. I looked down because I couldn't bear the thought of not being able to marry her.
