Chapter 3 – The Talk

The next day the three of them drove to the airport. Brooke hadn't spoken to Sam since she took her keys and license away, and Sam had avoided contact with her at all costs. Julian didn't want to go, especially considering the situation, but he had to, and Brooke understood.

On a happier note, Brooke and Julian convinced Jack to turn himself into social services. He was moving into a foster home in Charlotte in a few days. He and Sam both approved of the parents, and they both hoped for the best.

Brooke and Sam walked with Julian until security wouldn't let them go any farther. "I guess this is it." He smiled laying his book bag down. Brooke's eyes filled with tears, but he quickly kissed them away. "I'll be back before you know it." He whispered to you before pulling away. "And you," he turned towards the younger girl, "better stay out of trouble." He warned, trying to be parental, but failing hard core.

"I will." She said quietly, still not feeling like herself. She glanced towards Brooke who was looking at her feet.

"It'll be okay." He promised. "Now give me a hug." The two girls watched as he walked away. "I love you!" He called to Brooke. "Be good, Samson!" He added before he turned to head through the metal detector.

Brooke didn't speak to her on the way to the car. She didn't speak to her as she started the car, or while she maneuvered her way out of the parking lot. She didn't speak until they were seated at a diner, and their food ordered.

"I'm really disappointed in you." Her words were low, but Sam heard her clearly.

"I know."

"No," Brooke's voice was rising, "I don't think you do know. Remember when I came to talk to you about driving, and you groaned." Sam nodded knowing Brooke was getting angrier as the conversation continued. "Well, I trusted you Samantha, I thought you would be smart, but obviously I was wrong." She was quiet then, letting the words sink in.

"I'm sorry." Sam offered to deaf ears.

"Driving is a privilege." Brooke began again, "A privilege that can, and as you know, will be taken away if you abuse it." Brooke wasn't trying to hide her anger from Sam. "So, as you know you've lost your license and your keys, but if I ever decide to give them back to you I want to be clear on the rules." Brooke calmed down as the waitress placed their food in front of them. "First, drinking and driving is absolutely forbidden."

"It won't happen again." Sam was serious. She wasn't going to go down this road again.

"I mean it Sam. That includes driving with someone else who has been drinking. It's stupid and it's dangerous." She waited for Sam to agree before adding, "If you ever find yourself in a situation like that I want you to call me. No questions asked."

"I will." She promised, and Brooke hoped that she would.

"Rule number two, don't do anything else stupid or illegal while driving. Including speeding, not wearing your seat belt," and the conversation continued. Brooke went over every rule she could think of, and let Samantha know that each rule would be strictly enforced when and if she ever got her license back.

Finally, Brooke ran out of rules and the two fell into an uncomfortable silence both pretending to be more interested in their food than anything else. Finally, Brooke decided to speak. "Samantha," her voice was softer than it had been since the incident, and Sam looked up relieved, "do you understand why I'm so angry?"

Sam nodded, but Brooke's eyes told her to continue. "It was stupid." Sam was at a lost for words.

Brooke sighed, "Yes, it was, but the reason I am so angry is because it was a decision that put your life at risk, and every other person on the streets too." Brooke stared into her eyes, making sure her words were clicking.

"I know." Sam said quietly.

"Then why did you do it? Why did you drink, and why did you try to drive?" It was a simple, honest question, and yet, Sam found it hard to find the words to answer it.

"I don't know." She offered more to fill the silence, and give her some more time to think of a viable answer. "I guess I was afraid if I didn't Jack wouldn't stay." Her words were quiet and sincere.

"Sam," Brooke hooked a finger under her chin and pulled her face up, "a true friend is your friend because of who you are, and if they want you to change the person you are inside then they're not really your friend."

Sam nodded. She had heard it before, and she knew on some level it was true, but she couldn't help but feel that her and Jack were becoming less connected as her life dramatically changed from what it once was.

Brooke stared at the girl, and knew that there was more meaning to her words then she had previously let on, but she had learned that Sam would tell her when she felt like it. She didn't push. Instead she continued with her lecture. "Samantha, I want to be able to trust you." The words brought Sam's gaze back to her. "I really do, but when you make poor decisions it makes it really hard to." Brooke was calm. The anger was mostly gone. She was disappointed, but glad that Sam was at least remorseful. "You're grounded."

"For the summer?" Sam had figured she be grounded, but she wanted to confirm the length.

"Well, I was thinking more along the lines of three weeks." She explained, "But, if you rather spend the summer being---"

"Three weeks is fine." Sam quickly interrupted, and the two laugh together, breaking the tension that had come between them.

"Three weeks, you will go nowhere but to the shop for work, no computer or cell phone." Brooke explained the regulations. "And, each week I want you to research a minimum of three articles that deal with drunk driving and write a discussion of them. " She wanted Sam to take something more than if you drink and drive you'll get grounded. She wanted to see that there are consequences for your actions, and she hoped this would help. "For that you can use the computer, but I'll supervise."

Sam nodded. She felt like she was getting off pretty easy, but she wasn't going to argue. "Am I going to get my license back?" She didn't mention the car. She didn't want to push her luck.

Brooke nodded, "You will get your license and the car back when you prove to me you're trustworthy and responsible." Sam nodded, but she wasn't sure if she'd ever be able to prove that to her.

The weeks of Samantha's punishment seemed to fly by. She wasn't allowed much freedom, but the little she was allowed was greatly appreciated. She actually enjoyed working at the shop. It got her out of the house, and sometimes Brooke would even let her walk home.

Things in the shop were good too. The new line was a success, and business was booming. Enough that Brooke decided they needed some part-time help. She put the sign in the window about a week into Sam's grounding.

Sam was the only one in the store when he came in. Brooke had run to the bank, and Millie had the day off. She was trying to figure out Brooke's design for the display window. It didn't make much sense, and you could by her face that she was utterly confused. "Need some help."

"Oh my god!" She said, not realizing he had entered the store. "You scared me."

"Sorry," He laughed, and she noticed his baby blue eyes glimmering in the afternoon sunshine, "you looked confused."She didn't respond at first as she was lost in his eyes. The rest of his face wasn't so bad either. "Um, hello?"

"Oh," She pulled herself out of the trance, "sorry." She laughed nervously. She sounded like an idiot, but he didn't seem to notice.

"I'm here to apply for the job." He said after a moment of awkward silence.

A/N: Thanks so much for the awesome reviews! I hope you guys like the new chapter, let me know what you think.