I'm glad you liked the last chapter. I'll try to make this one a little longer. With the last one, it just seemed right to end it there. R&R!

Should I?

Ch. 3- The Dance

As Sam was finishing getting ready, with the help of Bryanna, she heard a knock on the door. She heard her dad open the door and say hi to Jake. He didn't sound all that happy to see Jake. Her dad wasn't exactly happy about the arrangement for some reason. Ever since Sam had told him, he avoided Jake at all costs. The only time he talked to him was regarding horses. Sam was a little worried. She didn't want her relationship with Jake to damage either her or Jake's relationship with her dad. But right at this very moment she wasn't thinking about that. "Sam, Jake's here. Come down now. I don't care if you're ready or not." Sam raised her eyebrows at Bryanna. She shrugged her shoulders. What in the heck is going on with him? Sam thought. "Coming!" she yelled as she ran down the stairs. She tripped but managed not to fall. When she came to the bottom of the stairs she stopped. Breathe Sam. You can do this. It's just Jake. Sam took a deep breath and stepped into the kitchen. Oh my gosh. He looks so gorgeous. Keep it together Sam, especially around dad right now. Jake looked up and his normally serious 'mustang eyes,' as Sam used to call them, got wide. He quickly recovered, rubbed the back of his neck, and said, "You look great Sam." "Thanks," she whispered and blushed. Her dad rolled his eyes and walked out of the room mumbling, "Have a good time," and in an even lower voice so no one else could hear, "and don't do anything stupid."

Sam climbed into the truck after promising Bryanna they'd be back before midnight. After they pulled away, Sam just had to ask, "What's up between you and my dad lately? He's been acting weird since I told him about you asking me to the dance." Sam heard Jake sigh before he finally answered, "To tell you the truth, I really have no clue. He's been acting different since I first asked you out. You probably just didn't notice. I think it might be because I'm his partner and he's known me a while and he just can't adjust to the fact that we're going out." Sam nodded. This problem between Jake and dad is because of me? I don't want them to have a fight over me. And why does dad have a problem with me dating Jake anyway? Isn't it a good thing that he's known Jake forever? Sam suddenly spotted the Phantom's herd and watched them as they galloped across the desert.

Sam was absorbed in thought till they pulled up at school. "Sam, Sam, SAM!" "What? Oh, Sorry. We're here?" Jake sighed, "Yeah, let's go." Sam stepped out of the car and looked around. The school looked a lot different with all the decorations up for the dance. Sam saw all of the people arriving and stopped. Jake took another step before he realized Sam had stopped. He turned around and took her hand. She smiled an unsure smile and walked in with him

After walking in, Sam and Jake talked to a few people and she felt surer of herself. Then she spotted Jen and Ryan and waved. When Jen noticed Sam she waved and came running over. She gave Sam AND Jake a hug and Jake returned it with a warm smile. Did they make up for me or something? Normally they can't stand one another! Ryan gave Sam a hug and a warm smile and extended his hand to Jake. Sam felt Jake's muscles tighten under her grip and she elbowed him in the side. He shook Ryan's hand very firmly and then quickly let go. For a minute they just stood there not knowing what to do. A moment later, the DJ began a slow song. Jake finally relaxed some, smiled, and said, "Wanna dance?" Sam nodded and followed him onto the dance floor. Jen and Ryan did the same and the two girls smiled at one another as they began to dance. Jake wrapped his arms around Sam's waist and she shivered. Not a bad shiver though, she liked Jake and couldn't imagine anyone else. She wrapped her arms around his neck and rested her head on his shoulder. They danced like this till the song ended and the fast music began again. After they walked through all of the dancing people Jen grabbed Sam and pulled her towards the bathroom.

"Oh my gosh! This is so much fun! You and Jake make a cute couple. When did he ask you? Why didn't you call me?" Jen took a deep breath. She was about to say more but Sam cut her off. "Ok, I'll answer in order. Yes this is fun. Thanks. About a week ago. And because I was so in shock myself, I didn't even know what to say. Ugh. I can't breathe," Jen released Sam from her death grip and smiled. She held up her arm, "Let's go!" Sam smiled, "Yes let's. We mustn't keep the boys waiting." They linked arms and walked out of the bathroom only to find Jake and Ryan scowling at one another. Sam walked up behind Jake and took his arm. His muscles tensed and then relaxed. She smiled and he smiled back. "You want some punch?" Sam nodded and Jake walked off to get the drinks. Jen and Sam talked for a few minutes before another slow song started. Ryan asked Jen to dance, but she declined. Ryan turned to Sam and smiled, "Since my date has turned down my request, would you like to dance?" Sam blushed and nodded. Ryan led her onto the floor and put his hands on her hips. Sam shivered. This isn't Jake Sam, pull it together. This is Ryan, who asked JEN out. He is not your boyfriend. Sam very carefully put her hands on his shoulders. Sam looked at Ryan and then blushed and looked at the floor. Oh my gosh. This can't be happening. I don't like him, I don't. And just as Jake was walking up, Ryan's lips met hers. Sam jumped as she heard glass shatter and looked up to see Jake and Jen standing there speechless.

AN: Was that long enough? I personally thought it turned out pretty good. What did ya'll think? kat