Danny walked through the parking lot trying to juggle all his papers plus car keys and pull out his phone that was ringing.
Danny: Hey Sam I know I'm late, I'm sorry, I just had my hands full with papers and -
Sam: (sad) Danny-
Danny: then a ghost came then –
Sam: (sad) Danny
Danny: I had to supervise a detention, but I'm on my way right now.
Sam: (sad) Danny … it happened
Danny: what happened?
Sam: (sad) Can you pick something up for me
Danny: Sam what's going on? Is everything okay? You're not making any sense?
There was no answer on the other line.
Danny: Sam?
Sam: I'm here
Danny: what happened?
Sam: just hurry home.
Sam then hung up. Danny then flung everything into his car and rushed home. He paced up to his apartment and ran in looking for Sam. He found her sitting on the couch teary eyes and her head resting in her hand. He walked up to her and sat down next to her. Her fist was closed shut tightly.
Danny: what's wrong?
Sam then slowly opened her hand with tears sliding down her cheek. In it was a clump of black hair to match hers.
Danny: Oh Sam
Sam then stood up and grabbed the white bag in front of her. She walked into the bathroom and turned the light on. Danny watched her from the doorway with not even the faintest idea of what to even say. Sam opened the bag and pulled out a razor used to shave off hair. She read the back of the box carefully then pulled out a pair of scissors.
Danny: Sam…,
Sam looked at him with empty eyes almost as if reading his mind
Sam: I have to do it Danny. I either walk around bald or I have bald spots and thinning hair. I'd rather be able to put a scarf or wig on than to have a mess on my head.
Danny: Sam, I'm so sorry
Sam: it's the price of hope
Sam then pulled the strand back out and cut it off. She repeated this, picking up pace until her whole head was done. She then plugged in the razor. It buzzed and vibrated and she began to shave off the rest of her hair. Tears were falling from her eyes as the hair hit the tile floor. She was in constant pain, and couldn't eat anything from the nausea and now she had to lose her hair too? All just for the chance if getting rid of the cancer and it could still come back. It seemed like it was worth living her last few months than going through this. That is what she normally would have done, but she had to think about her daughter. She wasn't just responsible for herself anymore. She had a daughter to worry and care about.
All Danny could do was to watch as the hair hit the cold tile floor and the tears streamed down her warm cheeks. He then began to remember prom.
-FLASHBACK-
Not too long after everyone returned from the European trip was prom. The theme was royalty. The votes were casted and the dresses were picked out before the trip. People already had dates, that is except Sam, she was planning on going with Danny but then nothing went according to plan. Danny ended up going with Paulina and Sam showed up with a new boyfriend. Sure he was good looking and had money and was perfect, but he wasn't for her. She really wasn't planning on even going anymore until he came over and told her to get dressed and that she is going. So she was defiantly arriving fashionably late.
Danny was dancing with Paulina when Sam walked in. He froze when his eyes met hers and she moved her glance to the floor. She was wearing a Mesh Beaded Halter Dress. The song ended and everyone clapped and Paulina turned to see what Danny was looking at.
Paulina: what is she doing here?
Danny: I have no idea
Sam walked over with her date escorting her. She stopped in front of Danny.
Sam: hi
Danny: hi
Paulina: who is this Samantha your cousin
Sam: John, this is Paulina and Danny and no John is not my cousin.
John: nice to meet both of you.
They shoot hands and the DJ then took over.
DJ: okay everyone it's that special time of night, were we announce our royal court. The princesses are Miss Paulina Sanchez and Miss Star.
The two stood up and acted shocked and surprised even though they both had expected it to come.
DJ: and the princes are, Mr. Dash Baxter, and Mr. Kwan.
They two football plays walked up jumping around excitedly.
DJ: our Jester is Mister Tucker Foley and next up we have our own Prom King, Danny Fenton.
Danny walked up shyly with a smile. They crowned his head and he took his place in line not taking his eyes off of Sam.
DJ: lastly this year's Prom Queen is … Miss Samantha Manson.
Sam looked horrified. She didn't move from her spot, her mouth was dropped low. John finally pushed her up to go. She walked up trying not to look at Danny. As they crowned her head Paulina gave her the death stare, trying to melt her with her eyes.
DJ: and now for our King and Queen Dance.
The song started up softly as Danny walked over to Sam extending a hand.
Danny: shall we?
Sam slowly placed her hand in his and allowed him to escort her to the dance for the dance.
You're in my arms
And all the world is calm
The music playing on for only two
So close together
And when I'm with you
So close to feeling alive
They placed their hands and positioned themselves and then began to waltz. Sam remembered when she first taught Danny to waltz for her parents New Year's ball. He defiantly picked it up easily and remembered everything.
As life goes by
Romantic dreams will start
So I bid mine goodbye and never knew
So close was waiting, waiting here with you
And now forever I know
All that I wanted to hold you
So close
They began to twirl and the room spun around. Both stopped looking from each other's eyes. Danny twirled Sam and she came back to him and picked up from where they left off. Neither smiled or said a word.
So close to reaching that famous happy end
Almost believing this was not pretend
And now you're beside me and look how far we've come
So far we are so close
Paulina glared daggers at the two of them. She wondered why she was not prom queen and that she was not dancing with him. Danny then began to sing along looking into her eyes which showed all her emotion and was where Danny could easily read her mood.
Danny: -beside me and look how far we've come
So far we are so close
Sam slowly moved closer to him leaning her chin on his shoulder. She moved back to her original space and the two picked up the waltz picking up speed. The room seemed to vanish along with everyone else in it and a smile spread across Sam's face. Danny picked her up and twirled her around the room. A smile then crept across his lips as she pulled her arm tighter around him. He set her back down on the ground and spun her around one more time.
Danny came back in about to lean in and kiss her when he felt a hand on his shoulder. He turned around and saw Paulina.
Paulina: Mind if I cut in?
Sam was startled by Paulina. She had forgotten that she was in a room with other people.
Sam: no of course
Sam slowly back up with hope and smile dropping. Danny then began to dance with Paulina as Sam walked away meeting up with John.
How could I face the faceless days
If I should lose you now?
We're so close
To reaching that famous happy end
And almost believing this was not pretend
Let's go on dreaming for we know we are
So close
So close
And still so far
John took her hand trying to be a good boyfriend. He looked at her and examined her expression.
John: You're Sad.
Sam: no, I'm fine
John: I'll get your coat
Sam turned around fighting the tears and watched as Paulina and Danny kissed in the middle of the dance floor. A new song quickly started up. John came back and planted a kiss on her handing her, her coat
John: I know where we can have some fun
Sam gave him that painted smile forcing the tears back.
John and Sam stumbled into the room trying not to break their lips. Both were drunk, Sam a little less than her new beau. John jumped down on the bed as Sam teased him by zipping down her dress slowly.
John: let's go!
Sam jumped down on the bed forcing her lips onto his.
Sam woke up to see John next to her. The buzz was gone and so was the painted emotion. Danny had never done this to her. He always made sure she knew what she was getting into and they both waited until both of them were ready. When she had sex with Danny it was special and romantic. It was never some drunken evening and an excuse for getting over another man.
-End Flashback-
Sam neatly tied the headscarf around her head and started to sweep up all her hair off the floor. Danny then took over. He picked her up and laid her gently on the bed pulling out a tee shirt and sweat pants for her to wear. She didn't move or look at him or say anything.
Danny: Sammy, it's going to get better
Sam: compared to the way I feel it doesn't seem so
Danny: you want some medicine
Sam: no
Danny: do you want me to call the doctor
Sam: no
Danny: well you should get some rest.
Sam: stop it. Okay? Just stop it
Danny: what
Sam: taking care of me. I can take care of myself. I don't need some nurse or doctor or parent or whatever you think you are trying to be.
Danny: I am trying to be your fiancé. I am trying to help you.
Sam then turned away ashamed and embarrassed for snapping.
Sam: I'm sorry; I'm just really tired I guess.
Danny: its okay, but you should really get some rest, you look really exhausted.
Sam then pulled the covers over to skinny pale body and closed her eyes. Danny smiled and turned the light out on his way out. Sam made sure he was long down the hall before she curled up and sobbed her tears out. She opened her hand to show a fist full of black hair and sobbed harder before shutting her fist again.
Danny walked into the kitchen looking around for something. He sighed and put his hand on the counter and fell to the floor sliding against the cabinets. He ran his fingers through his hair and then pulled his knees to his chest and buried his head in his arms. He only looked up when he heard a buzzing coming from the table. He got up and looked at Sam's phone with half a smile. Thinking to himself that she ditched the dark heavy rock ringtones and went to silent mode. He then flipped it open and placed it his ear.
Danny: hello?
Lea: Danny?
Danny: who's this?
Lea: Lea, why do you have my mom's phone?
Danny: it's a long story. What do you need?
Lea: where's my mom?
Danny: she's asleep.
Lea: no she's not … she's not at home I am sitting in her room right now?
Danny: I thought you went away?
Lea: I took a trip back for a little visit to catch her up on things in person. I have photos and I wanted to talk to her about adoption and everything. Where is she? Where are you?
Danny: well we are at my place.
Lea: what? When did this happen? How did this happen?
Danny: Lea it's a long story that your mom should be telling you.
Lea: (sigh) alright. Well how is my mom?
Danny: she's doing great …
Lea: how about with the cancer
Danny: she's doing wonderful
Lea: don't lie to me … I can take it
Danny: she's a fighter
Lea: okay, well have her call me when she wakes up please
Danny: will do, keep safe
Lea: bye
Danny flipped the phone shut and let out another deep sigh. He then walked back down the hallway and opened the bedroom door. He opened it and saw Sam lying there curled up. He thought she was asleep until he heard the faintest sob come from her. She must not have known he was there because she never acted like this. Why was she trying to be brave? Was she trying to be brave for him or for her? Either way she shouldn't be forcing herself to be brave and then cry when no one is looking or listening. He slowly and quietly walked over and lied down next to her. He then pulled her close; she only made a small gasp and hurried to calm herself down.
Danny: it's okay … you can cry
Sam: who said I was crying?
Danny smiled and kissed her on the cheek before pulling her closer.
Sam groaned as she felt someone nudging her and pestering her.
Danny: Sammy wake up!
Sam groaned again as she flipped over and pulling the covers over her head.
Danny: come on Sam you know you have to get up.
Sam: no I don't
Danny: what are you going to do stay in bed all day?
Sam: yup!
Sam then flipped over and looked at him.
Sam: you know I had a bad dream last night
Danny: oh really? What about?
Sam: I dreamt that I lost my-
The smile then disappeared from Sam's face.
Danny: Sam?
Sam: never mind
Danny: I'll make you breakfast if you get out of bed.
Sam: no thank you
Sam lied back down flipping over and pulling the covers back up.
Danny: I have a present for you
Sam: what?
Danny: you have to come get it
Sam: Danny I am not in the mood to have sex right now
Danny rolled his eyes and leaned over her pulling out a velvet box out of his pocket.
Danny: this was your gift
Sam then sat up and pulled the box out of his hands.
Sam: what is this?
Danny: an elephant
Sam: why'd you get me a ring?
Danny: because I love you and I thought we were getting married?
Sam then opened the box and pulled out the ring.
Danny: we are getting married right?
Sam looked up from the ring.
Sam: why would you want to marry someone with no hair?
Danny: you don't have hair? I didn't realize I couldn't get past your eyes.
Sam gave him a playful shove and looked back to the ring. She squinted reading the inscription. Bella Notte (This Is the Night) 4/26.
Sam: Danny
Danny: hmmm
Sam looked up at him.
Sam: when did you get this ring?
Danny: what?
Sam: when did you get this ring?
Danny: don't worry about it … okay
Sam: Danny answer me!
Danny: I have to get ready for work
Sam: When-Did-You-Get-The-Ring?
Danny: why are you so upset about it? Huh? Does it really matter when I got the ring? The only thing that matters is it is yours and we are going to get married!
Danny then kissed her and grabbed his things and was out the door starting to remember when he did have the ring.
-FLASHBACK-
Danny walked up to Paulina who was posing trying to get his attention.
Paulina: Danny, finally ditched that Goth freak?
Danny: No Paulina … I need your help
Paulina: just use the line I use when I brake with someone
Danny: Paulina I am not breaking up with Sam!
Paulina: (seductively) really?
Paulina then walked close to him, so close that their bodies touched. Danny tried to back away, but then Paulina pulled him into a kiss. Danny pushed her off.
Danny: I said no Paulina!
Paulina: excuse me!
Danny: Paulina I want to marry Sam! I want to propose to her here in Italy. I need your help finding a ring and sizing it.
Paulina: why should I help you?
Danny: because you know all about jewelry and good deals, because you can pretend it's you when you try on a ring, because I saved your life, because either I can make you or you will choose to do it. … Also because Valerie isn't here!
Paulina: fine
Danny leaned over the glass looking down at the rings.
Danny: what about that one?
Paulina: no
Danny: okay, what about that one
Paulina: what about a diamond
Danny: the ring is for Sam, not you
Paulina: okay fine … there is a gumball machine out there
Danny: come on … please help me
Paulina: (whine) fine, here this one, she'll like this one
An Italian man then pulled out the case and showed Danny the ring and a paper and pen for the inscription. Danny put the ring on the counter and picked up the pen thinking about what to write
Paulina: how'd you get the money for a ring anyway?
Danny: I took up a couple jobs here and there
Paulina: how many is a few
Danny: three
The truth is that is why he has been late to all the dates, but if he told Sam she would get suspicious of why he wanted to save up money. He didn't want her to know he was planning this; he just wanted it to happen, like in the movies.
Danny saw Sam walk down the cobbled road and called her ran trying to catch up to her. Danny then ran faster, still calling her name. He held the ring firmly in his pocket, hoping he wouldn't somehow drop it. He then grabbed her arm, once caught up with her.
Danny: didn't you hear me? I was calling for you.
Sam: sorry
Danny: what's wrong, I thought we had a date
Sam: well I just thought you know you got busy again
Danny: Well I'm here now
Sam: you know I am not even worried anymore.
Danny: what? Why are you mad at me?
Sam: I'm not mad … I just … I've done some thinking.
Danny: about what?
Sam: you are always late to our dates …
Danny: Sam, it's not like I can help it … I mean-
Sam: that's just it, you have the perfect excuse … I would never know if you ever cheated on me because you have the perfect excuse, that I just have to accept. I want to trust you and I do trust you …. It's just ….
Danny: didn't you hear me? I was calling for you.
Sam: sorry
Danny: what's wrong, I thought we had a date
Sam: well I just thought you know, you got busy again
Danny: Well I'm here now
Sam: you know I am not even worried anymore.
Danny: what? Why are you mad at me?
Sam: I'm not mad … I just … I've done some thinking.
Danny: about what?
Sam: you are always late to our dates …
Danny: Sam, it's not like I can help it … I mean-
Sam: that's just it, you have the perfect excuse … I would never know if you ever cheated on me because you have the perfect excuse, that I just have to accept and cannot question. I want to trust you and I do trust you …. It's just ….
Danny: wait … I'm confused-what are you talking about?
Sam: You've had a crush on her since forever and you want me to just play dumb and pretend that you're not thinking about dating her now that you can have her
Danny: Sam, I would never … I love you.
Sam: Danny, why were you late?
Danny: you want the truth
Sam: yes
Danny: I was with Paulina but its not-
Sam then began to walk away not wanting to hear it anymore and not wanting to cry in front of him.
Danny: Just listen to me! Alright?
Sam: why should I … why do I need to hear more. Either way I know she kissed you and flirted with you and before it got out of control you just went along with it, like you have been, just acting like it's normal and nothing is different. Expect the problem is everything is different. I know I am being a stupid whinny jealous bitch, but I have been trying to tell you something really important, but every time I try to talk you about it, a ghost comes, or she hangs on you, or something distracts you and what I say goes in one ear and other the other. I feel like what I have to say doesn't matter. I am also sick of not being my own person …. I am now known as your girlfriend …. I guess that is a hell of a lot better than Goth geek, Goth Freak, Goth girl … but at least then I knew I was someone and not just a girl who is dating a hero. Yes I knew this was going to happen, but I'm still my own person-
Danny: wait what have you been trying to tell me? Huh …. Because you haven't exactly come out told me. Maybe you've dropped hints but hints aren't telling me
Sam: I got accepted into Yale …. And I want to go
Danny stood there shocked for a second.
Danny: but I thought we agreed to go to the University of Dc?
Sam: I know, but I didn't think I would get into Yale, and …. -come on you know we couldn't have stayed together forever.
Danny: why? What would stop us?
Sam: Everything …. We know it's not just us in this world. There are other guys I am going to meet and there are plenty and prettier girls out there-
Danny: what are you saying that there are better men out there for you to date?
Sam: no, I am saying that there are better women out there you can date
Danny: so you date other men?
Sam: (Groan) I don't like when we do this
Danny: I don't either.
Sam: And I'm sick of it.
Danny: Well, so am I.
Sam: We can't keep getting this close just to have something completely derail us again. And frankly there's only one thing I can think of that could solve it. …. ….. Break up.
Sam almost chocked on her words, it was a hit in the stomach but it was the right thing to do and had to be done, she couldn't keep being so jealous and worried.
Danny: Ugh.
Sam: Well, I'm not interested in a murder-suicide kind of thing. .
Danny: We should get married.
Sam was taken back, she couldn't tell if he was kidding or not, he said it so causally.
Sam: Give me a clue as to whether you're kidding or not.
Danny: I am not kidding.
Sam: Good clue.
Danny: What do you say?
Sam: No. Danny, you did not just propose to me.
Danny: Yes I did.
Sam: No. A proposal had to be something more than the desperate desire to end a bickering match.
Danny: It was more than that.
Sam: No it wasn't, it has to be planned. It should be magical. There should be music playing and romantic lighting and a subtle buildup to the popping of the big question. There should be a thousand yellow daisies and candles and a horse and I don't know what the horse is doing there unless you're riding it, which seems a little over the top, but it should be more than this.
Danny: No …. Let's get married. You can still go to Yale, I'll go to the university of Dc and-and we don't have to worry about other people -
Sam: it doesn't work like that.
Danny: we don't even have to get married until after college if you want.
Sam: Danny, we can't get married, we aren't going to get married.
Danny: why not?
Sam: because it's not as easy as that
Danny: yes it is. I know I love you …. I know I want to marry you.
Sam: how can you know if you have never been with someone else?
Danny: wait … are you saying you don't love me?
Sam: no I love you; I love you like crazy … just how do you know … it's this love you're supposed to be with
Danny: so this is it … you're just going to give up when things get ruff?
Sam: we don't have to break up right away, or even say it we just … we just have to leave the option to date other people when we get into college …
Danny: no I think I get exactly what you want. I'll make it easy for you …. We're broken up.
Danny then stormed away, leaving Sam in tears. He realized he needed a place to clear his head and his rage that was building up. He needed somewhere quiet. He sat down on top of a building by the water. He pulled out the box that was in his pocket and opened it examining the ring. Did she really not want to marry him? Did she really not love him, the way he loved her? He then held up his hand ready to throw the ring into the water, but then he sighed and placed it back in his pocket.
-END FLASHBACK-
Danny sat as his computer grading papers while his class was doing a lab. He was way too upset about this morning to be able to teach. He thought to himself as he stared at the screen. 'That ring must have a damn curse. Every time I try to give it to her she gets mad. I am trying to be romantic and she gets upset. This has happened twice to me! Does she even want to marry me? Does she even love me? Is this all because she is upset about losing her hair? I don't care if she has hair, she should I know it doesn't make me love her less.' His thoughts were interrupted when the bell rang. All of the students packed up quickly and were out the door fast. He sighed and waited for them all to leave before he went to get his phone. He decided to maybe see if Sam wanted to have lunch with him. He got a voice mail instead. He looked up from the floor and saw Sam standing there.
Danny: how did-
Sam then held up the ring. 'Is she really doing this? Does she really not want to marry me?'
Danny: wha-Sam? Did you really change your mind?
Sam: what? Change my mind?-
Danny: about marrying me?
Sam: no! ohmygod Danny don't scare me like that. I just think you should hold onto the ring.
Danny: why?
Sam: well I want the date to mean something other than the date we broke up.
Danny: what should it mean then?
Sam: the date we get married
