AN: This chapter is all about Sam and Jess meeting and the friendship which they develop. I tried to stay as true to canon as possible, for example, having Brady introduce them (as painful as that was to write, knowing what's to come! *cries*). As much I enjoyed writing about Jess' experiences in college, I've enjoyed writing Sam and Jess together even more. Hope you enjoy reading - reviews very much appreciated :)

4th February - 11th March 2004

4th February 2004

Dear Diary,

I'm never going to be able to memorize all I need to for this exam. There is literally no more space in my brain. Maybe if I scooped out how to cook and swim, and all that apparently pointless knowledge, there might be some space left in my memory for more case studies, but somehow I doubt it! This is insane! Every spare minute I'm revising, I can't take much more of this!

I was getting sick of the library walls, so I decided to brave the quieter end of the quad and get some fresh air whilst I studied. It worked for a while, and I can finally tick Vygotsky off my list, thank goodness. If I hear one more thing about 'proximal development' I'm going to scream! Anyway, whilst I was out there, Brady found me. He had this guy with him. Sam. Apparently Brady knows him through the debating society; he studies pre-law. He seemed kind of shy but really nice. He asked me what I was reading, and had actually heard of Vygotsky! Can you believe it?! Normally no-one outside of Ed. theory has heard of him!

We chatted for a while but then Brady had to go. Sam stayed for a bit longer before dashing off to his next seminar. He was sweet; he offered to test me which I thought was really kind. He told me he was super stressed as well since he's got mid-terms coming up too. He offered to buy me a coffee from the stall across the way when I said I was feeling kind of tired; said he needed a 'pick-me-up' too. But when we got there it turned out he hadn't got enough change. He seemed really embarrassed by it; he full-on blushed and everything, but hey, I know what living on a student budget is like! You're lucky if you have two cents to rub together! Thankfully Beth paid me back the ten dollars she owed me yesterday so I was able to get them for us. Sam argued at first, but when I told him he could get them for us next time he agreed. He seemed shocked that I said there'd be a next time. I hope there is; he was sweet. But maybe that should wait until exams are done – sleep-deprived and high on caffeine is not the best combination when wanting to get know someone! Another reason for these stupid tests to be over with quickly!

Off for more caffeine after my short journal break (but I'm not addicted, I swear!).

Jess

12th February 2004

Dear Diary,

MID-TERMS ARE DONE! Sleep! Off to hibernate. Back in a month's time!

Zzzzzzzzz!

Jess

16th February 2004

Dear Diary,

OK, so now that exams are done and I'm all caught up on sleep, (and feeling slightly more human!), I've got a lot to write down. Woke up this morning feeling much better, but too late to catch the cafeteria breakfast, so I went down to 'Benjamin's' just off campus. Nothing like yogurt, fruit and granola to wake you up in the morning! I was enjoying the delicious food and just simply watching the world go by, when my phone rang. I didn't recognise the number, but it wouldn't be the first time Nicolai has lost or broken his phone and has had to borrow someone else's to let his friends know. It wasn't Nicolai though; it was Sam!

Turns out Brady had told him I'd had my last test and had given Sam my number, telling him it would be a good idea to call me. He seemed nervous talking over the phone, but super kind and polite as ever. He asked me how exams went and whether I'd caught up on sleep yet. He said that he didn't like being in my coffee debt so would I let him take me out for coffee some time? He sounded so surprised and happy when I said yes. He couldn't do today, but I'm meeting him at 2 tomorrow at Bean o' Clock a couple of blocks over.

I'm looking forward to it. It's not a date or anything, just friends, or at least, I hope we can be friends. He seems really kind and more normal than Nicolai ever has a hope of being! Nicolai's kind of insane! The fact that it's not a date isn't stopping me from feeling jittery about the whole thing though. I've already started to think about what I should wear and I don't think I've shut up about Sam since I've got back. Lotta said she's going to smack me round the head with her Complete Works of Shakespeare if she has to hear any more of my wonderings about what he's like. I phoned Brady for the inside scoop, but he hasn't been any help in telling me more about Sam, just that he's a good guy with a wicked sense of humor. Can't wait to spend some more time with him and find out more about him.

Wish me luck for tomorrow!

Jess

17th February 2004

Dear Diary,

It's 9 o' clock and I've only just got in from coffee with Sam! Lotta made some lewd comment about what we'd been up to but we actually spent the entire afternoon in the window table of the coffee shop chatting away like old friends. He seemed a bit nervous at first, fidgeting and fiddling with the condiment tray on the table, but as soon as we'd started talking and got a proper conversation going he seemed to relax. We talked about Stanford, lecturers, how I was settling in, my family, politics, books, places we've been on holiday, just everything. Sam seems really well travelled; I think he's been to every state! It's amazing! Wish I'd had a chance to see as much of the country as Sam had growing up, but, who knows, maybe I'll be able to do some travelling of my own once I'm working and bringing in the big bucks! It was strange though, hearing Sam talk about it; sometimes it was as if he would start to say something but then thought better of it, maybe like he shouldn't. I think he's just shy.

I didn't realise the time until Lotta called, asking where I was because she'd locked herself out and could I get my butt back home so I could let her in? I didn't want to go but what could I do? Sam offered to walk me back. I told him he didn't have to, but he insisted; said he didn't want me walking back in the dark on my own since I couldn't know what was out there in the dark. I laughed at that before I saw his expression. He was so earnest and serious about it; he almost seemed worried about me, so I agreed, not that I took much persuading since it meant more time in his company!

Even though we were talking all evening I don't feel like I know a great deal more about him, factually at least. But I do feel like I know more about him as a person. He's as sweet and kind as I thought; he held the door open for me which I thought was really considerate and he made sure to thank and tip our barista before we left. He even lent me his jacket when it started to get a bit chilly walking back. Such a gentleman! Why can't more guys be like him?!

I had such a great time with Sam. My cheeks ache from smiling so much! Hope we can get together again soon.

I'm not going to be able to concentrate on any work now, so I'm off to lounge in front of the TV for a while before bed. Don't judge me!

Jess

19th February 2004

Dear Diary,

It was the annual Winter Hog-roast today so Lotta, Nicolai, Beth and I headed down to the quad for some food and laughs. I was looking forward to it anyway, but it turned out so much better than I'd hoped… I was sat with my paper-plate full of salad and honey roasted ham, chatting with Beth about the next swim gala, when someone comes up behind me and covers my eyes, asking 'guess who?' It was Sam! He was there with his friends too; Brady was with him, Eli, a girl called Becky and her brother Zach. We shuffled around and made room for them all and we spent the evening eating and chatting. It was great – good food, even better company. Even though we were on the soft drinks Brady decided it would be fun to play 'I never…' which was interesting to say the least! This descended into a Truth or Dare style game (yes, we are all twelve years olds, what can I say?!), resulting in Nicolai running through the quad with some underpants on his head! Not sure whose they were. We ended up back at Becky's, playing Twister all of things! Can't remember the last time I laughed so hard; my sides still ache from it! Sam won but I think he had an unfair advantage being as long-limbed as he is!

It was so nice to see Sam with his friends; he's not loud by any means, but he was so open and relaxed, smiling wide and laughing at Nicolai's jokes like they were the funniest he'd ever heard. He has the best laugh; I just couldn't help but smile every time he did.

Sam's friends are so nice. Becky, Brady, Sam and Eli are going to the movies tomorrow and they asked if we wanted to go, make it a thing. Lotta and Nicolai can't since they're travelling home for their grandparents' 60th wedding anniversary, but Beth and I said yes. Sam smiled at this, bumping his shoulder with mine. Not sure what to read into that; maybe he was just being friendly… We're meeting everyone in town at the food market beforehand to grab a bite before we go in. It's going to be so fun hanging out with everyone and getting to know Becky, Sam and Eli better. (I already know more about Brady than I'd care to admit; he has this problem with over-sharing! Oh, the stories I've heard!)

Better get some work done since I didn't get much done today and I want to be able to enjoy tomorrow with the gang.

Jess

21st February 2004

Dear Diary,

Food and the movies was great! Well, the movie was terrible, seriously awful, but I had so much fun. I was sitting next to Sam in the cinema and after about 20 minutes into the movie we were already bored so we started to throw our popcorn at Beth, Becky and everyone. We even worked out a point system based on how far down the row they were – 1 point for Becky, 2 points for Eli, 3 for Beth and 4 for Brady. Sam has surprisingly good aim and beat me by about 10 points. We kept getting glared at by the people in front; I'm guessing our whispers and giggles weren't as quiet as we thought. Ooops!

It didn't take long for the four of them to fight back, which totally wasn't fair since Eli had nachos and he got dip everywhere! We almost got thrown out when Sam tipped the rest of our popcorn over me and Becky; I kind of shrieked, but it was worth it to see Sam laugh so hard he nearly cried.

Sam and Becky had to get back straight after the movie; Sam said they'd got an early morning tomorrow, something about a visit to county court, I'm not sure. Becky's studying pre-law just like Sam.

I really like Sam. He's a great guy. I mean, I knew that from when we went out for coffee and he made sure I got back to mine safely but he's just… I don't know, he's funny, he's kind, he's cute, he works hard, he cares for his friends. I really like him and I don't know if I'm imagining it or not but maybe he likes me too and there could be something there…? I caught him watching me during the movie; I don't know if he realised he was doing it. If I caught his eye, he'd smile, blush, then look away. He's adorable! I'm so glad Brady introduced us.

Off for a shower now to get the sticky sugar out my hair from Sam's popcorn ambush. I'm going to have to think of a way to get him back for that! I'm sure Becky will help me.

Jess

1st March 2004

Dear Diary,

Five days until the charity Art gallery. My painting is finally finished and submitted, so now the committee is working hard to get everything set up ready for the weekend. Invitations have already been sent but they needed some people to help put up flyers around campus and the general town. So I spent today with my bag full of leaflets, sticking them up everywhere I could and talking to people about the event, trying to encourage them to come along. Lots of the people I spoke to seemed interested which I'm happy about! Hopefully there should be a good turn out; it's a great cause after all.

I bumped into Sam on the way back. He asked me about the event and he said he'd love to come along! He said he might be a bit late because he needs to finish writing his part of his presentation first, but he said he really wants to see my painting! I can't decide whether to feel super-excited or super-nervous! I hope he likes it. I'm going to be there most of the day helping to prepare and set up refreshments as well as do additional fundraising things during the evening, but hopefully I'll be able to spend some time with Sam too.

Can't wait!

Jess

6th March 2004

Dear Diary,

The charity gallery and auction went so well! I'm shattered since I was up half the night, helping to tidy everything away but it was so worth it! We raised $12,352! Can you believe it?! Some of the high-ranking college sponsors were there and were really impressed and donated a lot of money, which is awesome! My painting sold for $250! I can't believe it! Why would someone pay that for something I made?! Although, I think the fact that Sam said he liked it meant more to me than what someone wanted to pay for it. He looked at it for ages, head tilted to the side, frowning slightly, as if trying to read the hidden meaning of the universe in it. It made me worry he didn't like it. I think I chewed a hole in my lip I was so nervous!

Once he snapped out of it, he asked me if it was a donkey. A donkey!? The cheek of it! I knew he was teasing though; his eyes had that sparkle they get when he's bantering with someone. I smacked him on the arm for that which made him laugh. He said he liked it, how I used the colors and textures. He said I've got a lot of talent! He added that he didn't know the first thing about Art and it could be total trash for all he knew, but he liked it anyway because I'd clearly spent a long time on it and for some reason it made him feel like he was looking at another world. And that was the best compliment I've ever had for something I've made. It was honest, heart-felt, direct, none of this fancy artistic language and metaphors. And I know that Sam never says anything that he doesn't mean, always thinking about everything, weighing everything up, so he wouldn't have just said that because he felt he had to…or at least I hope he wouldn't!

So, good day, but even though I've been taking it easy today I think another early night is in order before work begins again in earnest tomorrow.

Night!

Jess

11th March 2004

Dear Diary,

Today has to be the most fun day I've ever spent in the library! I'll give you two guesses why, but you're probably only going to need one. Guess I've been becoming a one-track record lately about a certain someone, but I can't help it. And I'm not sorry!

I got to the library mid-morning, needing to do some research on Piaget and child development theories, not particularly looking forward to the whole thing. I collected my books and made my way to the study area. Sam was there with someone, clearly working on something together, paper and books spread out in front of them. Sam looked stressed, frown on his face. Despite wanting to go over and say hi, I didn't want to interrupt so I just found a spare desk and got started. Sam did see me after a while; he waved and smiled, before carrying on with his work. How can a simple wave and smile make a morning so much brighter!? Lotta says I've got it bad but I think she's just being melodramatic.

Anyway, it got to lunchtime and I was getting fed up. I looked up to see Sam's workmate leaving and Sam dropped his head to his hands, softly banging his head off the desk a few times before running his hand through his hair. I packed up my things and went over to see if he was ok, sitting myself in the seat Sam's friend just left. He said he was fine, just stressed. He's got this presentation coming up and he's been paired with Kallum and apparently it's a nightmare. The guy isn't pulling his weight and any work he does do is so far off the mark Sam's basically having to do it all again to make sure it's right. Kallum's so close to dropping out and just doesn't seem to care anymore from Sam what was saying, and being paired with him is really making life difficult for Sam.

I asked him if he wanted to come and get some lunch with me, take a break from everything, but he said he couldn't. Presentation's only a week away and since Sam's carrying them both, he's got twice the workload and no way around it. I asked if it would help if he talked through what he had so far, have someone to listen and to bounce ideas off of, someone who wouldn't either ignore him or make completely nonsensical suggestions. He said that that would really help, but only if I didn't mind. I assured him I wouldn't have offered if I didn't mean it, so we gathered up all of his books and found an empty study room so we could talk without disturbing everyone else.

We spent most of the afternoon in there. It was fascinating, listening to Sam talking about the different legal procedures and the importance of the differing legal responsibilities assigned to different groups, protecting their rights and how these structures can be made stronger and more reliable, more protective and beneficial to the parties involved. Once he'd worked out a few of the kinks in what he was trying to say, Sam really got into the flow of his presentation. It was amazing to see; he's got such passion and conviction in what he's saying. Just the way he spoke, moved, used his gestures to back up his argument, the minutely detailed evidence he presented. He's incredible; I was hanging off his every word.

Whilst it's unfair that he has to work harder than anyone just because his partner is a free-loader, Sam doesn't need him in the slightest. The presentation is perfect and he has nothing to worry about. He blushed when I told him that, the more confident Sam shrinking slightly into the more unassuming, self-deprecating Sam I've come to know. He said he's really nervous about it because apparently there are some scouts coming to view the presentations and from that they will be getting an idea about who they might be inviting for interview for their law schools. That's a long way off, but Sam said that even now, if you get your face and name known, then you have a significantly higher chance later down the line if they've already got you pegged as someone to watch out for. I'm sure they'll snap him up; he's clearly good at this.

He asked me what I was doing next Wednesday and whether I would consider coming to watch too. He said knowing that someone was there supporting him would make him feel calmer. I agreed in a heartbeat. I'd love nothing more than to cheer him on, and I told him so. His smile was so wide I thought his cheeks would break! He scooped me into the tightest hug. He gives the best hugs!

I haven't stopped smiling since then! Sam's going to be great next week, and he's going to knock those head-hunters dead with his talent, I just know it!

Not that I'm biased or anything!

Jess

Next chapter coming soon.

Hope you enjoyed! Reviews are very much appreciated :)