Chapter 2: One Step Closer

Sam's POV

The sights and smells and sounds of the real, beautiful world. I drink it all in like a newborn infant, because I did not think I would ever have the chance to experience any of it again. And the greatest sight of all is my house, as my dad pulls us up the driveway. On the front stoop is a sight that is a close second in its beauty: my new boyfriend, Kent, dutifully waiting for us and now springing to the minivan to assist me; he drove on ahead from the hospital. Although I haven't told my parents about my new relationship, they seem to have worked it out for themselves, judging by how Kent and I refused to let each other out of our sights in the hospital. They love him, praising him for how helpful he's been, which makes my heart swell with happiness.

"OK, I've got the crutches - here, Sam, give me your arm." Kent gently helps me out of the car and onto unsteady feet. I grip his forearm tightly as I work to maintain my balance. Slowly, I hobble up to my front door and enter the house, Kent physically glued to me the entire time.

"Just another step... there, the worst is over, darlin'!" I blush at his pet name for me, and let him lead me towards the couch. The steps are starting to become painful now, and my one crutch slips from under me and clatters to the ground.

Kent doesn't even think about it. He promptly sweeps me off my feet, grunting a little to support my weight, and he bridal-carries me to the couch and sets me down. I gaze at him with admiration.

"You're so strong," I flirt. Kent turns bright red.

"Guess that gym membership paid off, huh?" he cracks.

"It did, indeed," I praise, beaming. Kent slowly sits down beside me and I curl into him. We notice, but don't acknowledge, how my parents and Izzy are regarding us with knowing amusement. My sister's eyes are shining, glinting with mischief, and I know she will want all the answers I can give her.

As part of my discharge, I have been ordered to stay at home for three weeks and off my feet as much as possible. Kent will return to school on Wednesday, and has promised to seek out the girls and give them updates. My friends visited on Sunday, and seemed to appreciate that Kent was there. That doesn't mean I have any clue how Lindsay, Ally or Elody will react to Kent speaking to them within the walls of Jefferson High.

"I'll bring you your assignments every day," Kent promises. "And messages from your friends."

"Hmm," I purr contentedly. I raise my eyes to his. "Be careful," I implore him. "Around them all, but especially Lindsay."

"I'll handle it," he promises.

I kiss the corner of his mouth and snuggle deeper into him. "Good."

The next day is Wednesday, and Kent heads off to school, but not before texting me as he leaves, ending with an 'I love you.' That afternoon, and many that follow, he arrives at my house with all the work I need to make up. It is almost... domestic, like I am waiting for my husband to return from work. The thought makes me flush as soon as I think it. Kent and I... married? I shock myself when I do not immediately shoot the idea down. Sure, we're only 18, but perhaps... someday.

Winter turns to spring, and I gradually become stronger. Near the end of my three-week confinement, my mom and dad become confident that I can handle one weekend on my own, with Kent watching from afar. So they and Izzy go out of town, a decision which I happily endorse and encourage. They have been so amazing in helping me, and deserve a rest.

Friday afternoon, I hear the key turn in the lock from all the way in my bedroom, and know that Kent has let himself in.

"Sam, honey?"

"In my room, Kent!" Footsteps are heavy on the stairs, and he soon emerges in my doorway, smiling and bashful and his bangs adorably in his eyes.

"Got the weekend's homework," he sits down on the edge of my bed. "How are you feeling?"

"Like I'm ready to get out of here," I deadpan. He laughs.

"Three more days," he encourages. "You're moving with so much more assurance!"

I bite back a smile and avert my gaze. "Thanks." When I dare to make eye contact again, Kent is gazing at me with what can only be described as adoration. I giggle awkwardly.

"What?"

"I just can't believe I get to be with you. And you want me around."

I shake my head, smiling. "Oh, Kent... I'll always want you around." And I'm so moved, that I cannot contain myself any longer. Grabbing his neck, I yank him clean across the bed and kiss him fiercely.

We quickly become very involved, and we are soon tugging at each other's clothes in a dance that we have perfected but never rehearsed. A dance inherently learned. Kent only gets a hold of himself once I am in his lap and half-naked.

"Sam... Sam: are you sure?" I can hear it in his voice: his concern for my physical well-being, and while it is sweet, I have dealt with the fragility routine enough with my family.

I almost scowl at him, but refrain. "I'm not incapacitated," I say simply. "And I am ready." Kent stares into my eyes now clouded over with lust, and seems to register that I mean what I say. "I want you, Kent."

That does it. Our mouths snap back together in even more of a frenzy, and we hurriedly undress each other. Kent bends me back onto the mattress and I instinctively wrap my legs around him.

"Your... your family..." he practically chokes.

"Are gone for the weekend," I assure him. I grin impishly. "No one will hear you make me scream."

Kent groans and slowly shifts in between my legs. Only I know that I have technically lost my virginity during my February 12th time loop, but if I have to have a real first time, I know that Kent is the only partner I want.

So I feel almost relief when I sense my purity being shattered all over again as Kent gently enters me, as if Rob Cokran never dwelled there at all. I gasp at the sensation of us unifying, and rock my hips insistently, egging Kent on as he builds his confidence with each thrust.

"Oh, Kent... Kent, please!" I am sobbing from the pleasure now, tears pricking at my eyes over my love for this sweet, wonderful man.

We are awkward and moaning, but we learn together, and with tiny cries, climax within seconds of each other. Resting against each other, we watch the sun set through my window, back-dropping the skies of Washington State.

It is deep night as we still lie naked together. I feel Kent spooning me, his fingers drumming lightly along my bare skin. I sense him drop a kiss along the curve of my neck.

"You OK?" he rumbles. "You're so quiet."

"I know. I'm just... happy," I murmur sleepily. I laugh and crane my neck back around to see him. "This has been a great first date!"

"Damn right," he chuckles. "I've never stolen second base this fast in my life. Hell, I've been lucky to make first." We kiss chastely once, then again, before settling down in each other's arms.

"Good night," I whisper, just before I drift off.