It was late when Sam got home. He had changed into jeans and a sweatshirt and settled down with a glass of wine and an ice pack for his hand. Originally, Sam had planned to finish the book he was reading, but rage and resentment were still running through his body and causing him to be unfocused. Instead, Sam settled for late night television. When he heard a knock at his door, Sam almost ignored it. It wasn't until the visitor knocked a second time, and more forcefully, that he decided to open it.

"Hi." Juliana said. Sam noted that her voiced didn't waiver. There was no trace of remorse or uncertainty. Sam didn't say anything in response. He walked back to the couch.

"We need to talk about what happened today." Juliana said.

"I don't think we do." Sam said coldly.

"I'm not here to beg for your forgiveness. I would love to make your anger go away. But, I have a feeling that the only way that would happen is if Josh and I had never happened. And since I can't travel back in time and change things, that's just not going to happen."

"Then I guess we have nothing to talk about." Sam's tone remained flat and unresponsive. He took a drink of his wine and kept his gaze focused on the TV.

Juliana wasn't backing down. She stood silently, waiting for a response from Sam. Finally, Sam spoke up.

"I told him to stay away from you." Sam said. Juliana felt it came out as more of an accusation.

"I have news for you. You have no control over who I spend time with and date. I know he's your friend. But, I am an adult and have power over my own life. Josh and I made a conscious decision to be together and we didn't need permission to do so." Juliana spoke calmly.

Sam was surprised that she wasn't more emotional or pleading for his understanding. He was beginning to realize that Jules hadn't come over to seek his approval, or even to offer an explanation for her relationship with Josh. She had come to issue an ultimatum – accept that she and Josh were involved with each other or resign himself to the fact that he didn't need to be involved in her life.

"I love you, Sam." Jules continued. "You're my brother, but you're going to have make a decision. Are you going to support me and allow me to be happy, or are you going self-centered and alienate your friends and family? It's up to you. I don't need you to approve of my life, but I need you in it."

Jules looked at Sam. He had been sitting quietly during Juliana's speech. Sam had expected her to yell, rant and rave. Sam knew he had acted irrationally earlier with Josh, but he wasn't about to back down and apologize. The last thing he wanted for his sister was for her to be hurt by Josh Lyman.

"I can't, Jules. I can't tolerate a relationship between you and Josh." Sam rose up off the couch, turned off the TV and began walking towards his bedroom.

Knowing that he was trying to make his escape, Juliana grabbed Sam by the arm to stop him.

"I won't ask you to, then." Juliana said quietly. She wasn't angry or mad. Sam could tell that she was hurt, but her tone really conveyed an ambiance of understanding. Juliana hugged Sam briefly, a hug which he did not reciprocate and, and tenderly kissed him on the cheek.

Juliana walked out the door and closed it gently behind her and Sam slunk off to bed, the room and world spinning.