This chapter is the calm before the storm…things will now start getting interesting. I hope!
And thank you to all those who have reviewed thus far. I love love love you.
Chapter Twelve
Sam straightened her dress and frowned in the mirror. Her hair was smoothed nicely and curled under. Her black velvet dress was wrinkle free and the little sterling silver bat necklace, Danny had given her for her birthday last year hung around her neck. Her eye make up was flawless.
"I look just like I did in high school." She sighed not sure if she liked the effect. "Except a little older." She applied purple lipstick to her lips then grinned wickedly as she rummaged in her makeup box. She found a pair of scissors and a comb.
Sam Manson considered herself in the mirror for a moment. She knew she needed a change, but taking a step backward in personal style required a few moments of consideration. She surveyed her face for a moment in the mirror. Her eyebrows, were now finely arched after a fight with a pair of tweezers in her first year of college. Her skin however was still pale and she did little to encourage color, though often a flush of pink tinged her cheeks, usually in when in the vicinity of Danny.
With the practiced ease of a girl who learned to cut her own hair because her mother disapproved of all her hair styling choices, she deftly combed and cut her bangs into her signature pointy wedge. Sam grinned at her results then rummaged in her make up box for two green hair ties. Five minutes and a little hair gel later she looked like she'd stepped right out of ninth grade with her two spidery pig tails. And even though she shouldn't have. Even though she should have moved on, she was very happy with the results and wondered why she abandoned the look a few years ago.
"Because people are supposed to evolve Sam," She said to herself as she slipped a tinkling group of silver bangles onto one arm. "We're supposed to grow and change. Not regress." But, she was happy with her appearance. It made her feel comforted. She was feeling nervous and unsettled. She looked at the ring on her finger and sighed. It wasn't her art exhibition which made her feel nervous. It was the fact that probably two minutes until midnight, she was going to lose her left ring finger. She grabbed a shimmering purple shawl, draped it over her shoulders and headed to the living room where Danny, Tucker and Jazz waited.
XxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxX
Tucker looked up from his seat in the living room. He was taking a sip of drink when he saw Sam approaching down the hall. He took one look at her and began to choke.
"Tucker!" Jazz said in concern as she put her hand on his back. "Are you all right?" Tucker was shaking his head and coughing as he pointed to Sam. All eyes turned to the Goth girl.
"I've heard of breath taking before," Sam said as she looked at Tucker who was still a little beside himself. "But really Tucker get a grip."
"You," Tucker said as he coughed and wheezed. "Killed Bangless Bob!" Jazz looked up at Sam and her eyes widened and a smile spread across her face. She immediately looked at Danny who turned around and covered his mouth with his hand to hide his grin.
"Sam," he said as he surveyed her, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "We better get going or Mr. Lancer isn't going to let us into the dance because we're late."
"Ha ha," Sam said. "You're so cute." She surveyed Danny in his blue dress shirt and tie and combed hair. She frowned as she walked up to him and mussed his hair and fiddled with his tie.
"Isn't my wife supposed to straighten me up?" Danny asked quizzically as he ran his fingers through his hair trying to fix the mess Sam created.
Sam reached up on her tip toes and whispered. "Well I suppose so, but I'm not your wife so it's not my job to straighten you out." She smiled sweetly and turned to Tucker.
"Are you all right Tuck?" she asked. He was looking at her like she was going to snap at any minute.
Tucker directed his gaze to Danny who was smiling adoringly at Sam. "Can I stay home Danny?" he asked. "I don't want to go. I really, really don't want to go. This is a bad omen! It's like time is folding in on itself and the ninth grade is beating down our door!"
Danny gave Tucker a warning look. The last thing he needed right now was to scare Sam or make her suspect the events that had been set in motion, she'd run back into her room and lock herself in it forever.
"Sam," Danny said calmly. "You look incredibly beautiful. I love your hair." And it was the truth. He always loved Sam's quirkiness.
"It's certainly unique," Jazz said as she stood and patted Tucker on the head. "And we should get going. You don't want to be late now do you?"
XxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxX
It took about thirty minutes and a round of Abby and Michelle following her around the gallery excitedly talking about potential buyers for Sam to finally relax. Her mother stood in front of a painting of green, black, white and red swirls with a funny look on her face.
"Sammykins baby," she said as she stood with a cup of tea in her hand and a napkin in the other. "What does this painting mean? The name is, Plasmius in a blender, but...Sam that read thing looks like someone's eye!"
"It's kind of hard to explain Mom," Sam said then turned as her agent, Marjorie walked up with a smile on her face.
"It's also sold," Marjorie said happily. "A private investor came in this afternoon Sam and I just haven't been able to catch up to you to tell you. He was very interested in this piece. It was all I could do to convince him to leave it for the show."
"A private investor?" Sam asked feeling a little intuitive tickle. "His name wouldn't happen to be Vlad Masters would it?"
"Vlad Masters?" Pam Manson laughed. "He's a multi-millionaire! Why would he come here to look at art. I mean this isn't exactly art Mecca or anything?" She smiled not quite aware of the insult she'd just paid to her daughter. Sam gave her an annoyed look and sighed.
"He bought three others as well. He seemed to really like your Plasmius series." Marjorie said. Sam only laughed.
Sam looked over Marjorie's shoulder and paled. Her glass slipped out of her hand and clattered to the floor. Pam Manson gave her daughter a look of concern. Marjorie turned and looked. There was no one behind her except a woman in red leather.
"If you will excuse me a moment," Sam said as she stepped away from her mother and Marjorie, I need to get someone to clean this up. Then she turned and fled.
Valerie Grey smiled as she looked around the room and spotted Danny Fenton standing with Tucker Foley. She walked forward quietly and waited to be noticed.
"Val?" Tucker said as he looked at her with wide eyes. Yes Valerie had changed. She was tall and slim. Her hair was cut very short which emphasized the exotic features of her face. To say she was beautiful was an understatement.
"That would be me." Valerie said as she hugged Tucker. "You look different!" She said as she eyed the now tall and handsome Techno Geek.
"Yes," Tucker said. "Time has been very kind to me." Danny rolled his eyes then looked around for Sam. She was no where in sight.
"And Danny!" Valerie exclaimed. "You really are a sight for sore eyes."
"As are you," Danny replied as he hugged his former nemesis. "Great dress by the way."
"Oh you like it?" Valerie asked teasingly as she smoothed her leather skirt. "I bought it especially for tonight."
"Sam is going to kill you," Tucker warned in a very serious tone of voice. He looked from Danny to Valerie to Danny again. The two were locked in smiling eye contact.
"Wait," Tucker gasped. "You planned this didn't you?" He looked around for Jazz hoping to grab her and escape. But unfortunately Jazz was talking to Sam.
"Come with me," Danny said as he took Valerie by the elbow. "Lets go see Sam."
"Oh joy," Valerie said nervously.
Sam turned in time to see Danny with Valerie's arm linked in his. He was smiling down at her as they walked toward her. Sam's stomach turned and she took a deep breath and covered her mouth as she turned her back to them. Jazz looked in the direction of Danny and Valerie and her eyes widened.
"Um Sam," she said shakily. "I need to find Tucker. I'll talk to you later." She paused for a moment, shook her head and practically ran in the other direction.
"Coward," Tucker teased as Jazz came to stand somewhat behind him.
"No," Jazz said as she gripped Tucker's arm. "Survival instinct. When you see someone lighting a fuse on a stick of dynamite, the smartest thing to do is run in the other direction." Tucker laughed and put his arm around her.
"Sam," Danny said loudly. "Look who dropped into see you! Our dear friend Valerie Grey." Sam turned and looked at Danny then at Valerie. She was speechless. Actually Sam felt inadequate and silly standing before the sophisticated and older Valerie, and direly wished she hadn't decided to cut her hair. She felt dumb and gauche.
"You remember Valerie don't you?" Danny asked almost woodenly.
Sam took a deep breath. "Yes Danny. I do remember Valerie." She turned her attention to the other girl. She looked her up and down in a manner that would have reduced a lesser person into a puddle of tears. But Valerie was made of stronger stuff than most people.
"It's good to see you!" Valerie said strongly. "You haven't changed a bit Sam!"
Sam smiled weakly. "Interesting dress," She said stiffly. "Is it…"
"Leather?" Valerie finished. "Why yes it is. Calf skin to be precise." She watched as Sam's fists clinched. Valerie didn't allow Sam to break into the tirade she knew was coming. Instead she put her hand on Danny's arm.
"I was just telling our Danny that I should never have let him slip away from me." Valerie said smoothly as she made flirty eyes at Danny. "I should have never been so stupid and unforgiving."
"You tried to kill him!" Sam growled as she clinched and unclenched her fists. Her ring finger began tingling and burning, and Sam was gripped by an over whelming urge to punch Valerie in her self satisfied face.
"Ahhh but that was when we were kids," Valerie said dismissively. "I'm older now. I wouldn't be so dumb as to let a prize like Danny slip away."
Sam looked at Danny who was blushing a bright shade of red. She took a deep calming breath. "If you'll excuse me," Sam said. "I really need to talk to my fiancé for a moment." She looked at Danny who was again smiling at Valerie. She grabbed him by the arm and pulled him away.
"Don't go anywhere Val," he said. "We'll be right back."
"I wouldn't think of leaving," Valerie replied in a husky smoky tone of voice.
XxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxX
"What is she doing here?" Sam asked as she rounded on Danny.
"I invited her remember?" Danny said slowly as he eyed Sam with a look of concern.
Sam closed her eyes and took a deep breath. No she didn't remember. She didn't care. Her emotions were wound so tight she couldn't think straight.
"Val has changed a lot hasn't she?" Danny asked as he looked wistfully in the other girl's direction. Sam clenched her teeth and stared at Danny. She took a few deep breaths.
"I don't see that much of a change," Sam said coldly. "People can change their appearance and still remain the same on the inside." She looked at Danny for a moment then said. "Go talk to your girl friend. I need to circulate." Then she turned on her heel and walked away. Danny watched her go nervously then made his way back to Valerie's side.
"Whoa," Valerie said to Danny as she watched Sam walking around the room like a thundercloud. "She really does hate me doesn't she?"
Danny nodded his head slowly and Valerie looked sad. "I can't say that I blame her considering. I guess if I was in her place I'd hate me too." She looked up at Danny and gave him a searching look.
"I'm sorry to put you in this situation Val," Danny started. "But Sam needs help."
Valerie put her hand on Danny's arm again and shook her head. "It's all right Danny. I sorta owe one to Sam. But if she's just as repressed as she was in high school, I don't think it's going to work."
"If you push the right buttons," Danny said softly into Valerie's ear. "She'll snap. Trust me I know how Sam works." Sam was across the room talking about one of her paintings to a potential buyer. She was watching Danny and Valerie out of the corner of her eye. She tried to keep her expression pleasant but Danny could tell she was getting angrier and angrier.
Valerie looked at Danny a moment as he watched Sam. "You really love her a lot don't you?" she asked.
Danny chuckled a little. "You have no idea." He smiled down at Valerie who smiled back sadly. He then looked around for Jazz and Tucker. They were sitting in a dark corner talking quietly. Danny smiled in satisfaction then turned his attention back to Valerie.
"You know," Valerie said thoughtfully. "I should have held on to you when I had the chance. I was so stupid in high school with my stupid vendettas and grudges."
"Yes you were," Danny said teasingly. "But your determination was something I liked about you." Valerie smiled then took a deep breath.
Sam made her way around the gallery watching Danny and Valerie flirt as she went. Part of her wished she still had her Exacto knife in her hand. But for what? To stab that self satisfied grin off of Valerie's face?
Finally Danny and Valerie walked over to Sam realizing she was avoiding them. Valerie smiled sweetly at Sam and said, "Do you mind if I borrow Danny? Just for a few hours?"
Sam blinked at Valerie and looked at Danny who was smiling his idiot grin. "Yes I mind!" Sam growled. "He's my fiancé. I don't lend him out to other women."
Sam was unconsciously wiggling her left hand in front of Valerie, but it was more because her hand was aching so bad than trying to show off her ring..
Valerie looked down at Sam's hand and smiled a slow predatory grin. "Danny," she said sweetly as she clung to his arm. "Isn't that the ring you were going to give me in high school?"
"Agghh!" Sam growled in anger. "I hate you Valerie Grey!"
Valerie blinked at Sam for a moment then spat. "I hate you too Sam Manson, and that ring should be mine!" Before Sam could react Valerie grabbed her hand and wrenched the ring off of Sam's finger. Sam screamed in anger as she fought to get away.
Valerie stepped back and away from Sam as Danny grabbed a hold of her. "Sam," he said softly. She blinked up at him through tears. He smiled gently and put his arm around her. "Look" he said. Sam turned her head and looked at Valerie who was holding up the ring for her to see. Sam gasped and looked at her finger. All the fight went out of her and her shoulders dropped.
"What is this scene terrible scene about?" Pam Manson asked as she approached. "This is quite unseemly!"
"Mom," Sam said softly. "This is an old friend from high school Valerie Grey. Valerie, my mother Pam Manson."
"Pleased to meet you," Pam said as she extended her hand toward Valerie and lightly shook her hand. She then turned back to Sam. "I just wanted to give you a kiss good bye dear. I have to go meet your father now." She air kissed Sam's cheek then gave Danny a nod as she left.
"Sam," Danny said. "I'm sorry."
Sam looked at Danny and shook her head then turned back to Valerie. "Thank you so much," she said softly as she rubbed her hand. She should be glad to have the ring off, but now she felt…well she didn't know how she felt other than sad. "I-I need to attend to my guests." She looked at Danny then walked away, calling over her shoulder, "You can go if you want. I'll have Tucker and Jazz take me home."
"Wow," Valerie said as she passed the ring over to Danny who frowned at it for a moment and put it in his pocket. "She really hates me huh?" Danny shrugged feeling bad for needing Valerie's help and putting her in this situation.
"Sam doesn't express some emotions well," Danny said. "She doesn't hate you."
"Uh Danny," Valerie laughed "The ring says otherwise." She frowned. "What's with giving her a cursed ring anyway. Don't you know how to do anything without getting some kind of ghost weirdness involved?"
"I don't think so," Danny said as he continued to watch Sam.
"Well at least you can marry Sam and live happily ever after now," Valerie laughed.
Danny sighed. "It's not that easy Val." He let her in on the news about ghosts being unable to marry humans.
Valerie shook her head as she laughed, "Danny Fenton I was right when I said it before, and I'll say it again now. You ain't nothing but trouble." She frowned at the haunted look in Danny's eyes.
"You're right Val," Danny agreed as he continued to watch Sam who was trying not to turn and look at him. "I am nothing but trouble and I bring heartache to those I love the most."
Valerie put her arm around Danny and hugged him. "But you have Sam. She has stuck by you through so much. She must really love you."
"I hope so," Danny said wistfully.
XxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxX
Jazz let out a sigh of relief as she watched Valerie pry the ring off of Sam's finger. She leaned against Tucker who was smiling himself.
"Well that was a little easier than I expected," Jazz said softly.
"But look Sam is still mad," Tucker replied as they watched her walk away from Danny and Valerie.
"She'll get over it," Jazz said confidently.
"Yeah but not without waking me up crying at three am." Tucker sighed. "She needs to talk to Danny."
"She wakes you up at three am?" Jazz asked incredulously.
"Well no," Tucker answered. "Sometimes it three thirty. Sometimes four twenty. Occasionally one fifty two. And that doesn't count the talks I have with Danny in the afternoon."
"I understand why you want to move out," Jazz said sympathetically.
"So you're saying you'll go with me?" Tucker asked hopefully.
"I didn't say that," Jazz said as she laughed. "I still need to think."
"You think too much Jazz," Tucker groaned.
"Informed decisions…" Jazz started.
"Are b.s.," Tucker interrupted. "I love you Jazz Fenton. Run away with me."
Jazz laughed as she cuddled into Tucker. "No," she said. "I can't too many responsibilities. But keep asking. I might bend."
"Okay," Tucker sighed. "How about skipping out of here before any more trouble starts brewing. We can hide for awhile."
Jazz grinned at Tucker. "I know just the place to take you to hide," she said as she stood and extended her hand to Tucker.
"Are you kidnapping me Miss?" he asked. Jazz nodded her head. Tucker took her hand eagerly and they ran out the door together. Both were unaware however that they were being watched.
XxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxX
Okay, time to review. So. REVIEW. Don't make me beg. If you read this. Review! Otherwise well…..I guess I'll have to take your name and hunt you down…and tickle you till you pee your pants.