Chapter 2

A/N: I didn't think I would get such a response for this story! But thank you for the reviews. I know it's a little sad and dark right now BUT that's what angst and drama is all about. Besides …the story is just beginning. And this chapter is a tad bit short but it moves us along. Or, so I think ...

Liz blinked twice and watched as Sam rubbed her small hands together to create warmth. She then shook her wet umbrella catching the confusion on Liz's face.

"Jason doesn't know I'm here," Sam said quietly. "I flew here alone. He's out of town with Sonny." She began to ease her way towards the opening of the door. "Do you mind if I come in?"

Still speechless, Liz motioned for her to come in.

She was amazed at how much Sam had changed in a little less than four years, physically anyway.

She seemed to have gained a little weight but not too much. She had also cut her hair to shoulder length and instead of her usual black attire, she wore a simple blouse and knee length skirt. Even the way she walked made her seem a little bit a mature; as if she had finally gotten it together.

In most areas anyway.

Sam stopped as she entered the living room and looked around.

"It's really beautiful in here," she said quietly. "Did you hire a professional decorator?"

Liz shook her head no.

"You did all of this by yourself?"

Liz nodded.

"Wow." Sam walked over to the coffee table and ran her hand across a vase. "This is beautiful. This place is better than Jason described. And the artwork in this room is am-"

"Did you bring her?" Liz whispered.

Sam gently sat the vase back on the table. She looked at Liz and shrugged. "I didn't."

Liz eyes widened. "You didn't bring her? You … you travel all the way from Port Charles and you didn't bring her?"

Sam sighed. "Surely, you didn't expect me to?"

"You know the details of our agreement," she continued when Liz said nothing. She placed herself on the couch and crossed her legs. "Jason and I have sole custody. Why would I bring her?"

"Why wouldn't you?" Liz replied. "I somehow doubt you flew hundreds of miles just to check out my sofa and the price of my picture frames."

"I'm not allowed to see how you're doing?" Sam replied as she ran a manicured finger along a pleat on her skirt. "I can't check up on you?"

"Emily calls. Get updates from her."

Liz smirked and turned to walk into the kitchen. She felt the need for a drink, something that was unusual for her.

"What is your problem?" Sam asked walking through the swinging door. "She's safe. Jason is the best father in the world. He even moved out of the penthouse for her."

"Oh, wow, Sam!" Liz cried sarcastically. "A new house? Really? Give the man a ribbon! Making sacrifices for his child!"

"We have a brand new house," Sam said. "A beautiful house in upstate New York. A backyard, a porch with a swing …"

"Sounds catalog perfect. Tell me, do you and my daughter wear matching dresses and hats to church on Easter Sunday?" Liz poured a glass of wine. "Or are you starting to feel remorse or something."

Sam snickered and leaned against the refrigerator. "Okay, I'll play along. Why would I be feeling remorse, Elizabeth?"

Liz shrugged and kept quiet. She wasn't exactly sure why she had said that or why she even expected Sam to feel any sort of emotion towards the situation.

Sam rolled her eyes. "Exactly. By the way, I don't really think you're in any position to get haughty with someone."

As Liz opened her mouth to speak the doorbell rang again.

She rushed out of the kitchen thankful that her dinner had finally arrived but suddenly felt a little embarrassed.

Sam was here. On a Wednesday night.

Wednesday nights meant "me time" for Liz. Sure, every night could be considered "me time" since she did live alone and had no man currently occupying the empty space beside her at bedtime but Wednesdays were somewhat special to her.

Once a week, for just a few hours, she would allow herself to escape her own life and just not give a damn.

She'd forget anything and everything regarding Jason and Sam –including her daughter- sit in the dark with her takeout, soak her feet, pin up her hair and catch an old movie.

Sure it was a simple ritual but it was hers. And Sam was here. And An Affair to Remember was starting in 17 minutes.

Liz paid the delivery boy and sat her food on the coffee table before going back into the kitchen.

"Look Sam, if you're just here to … bother me, annoy me, or whatever, I really don't have the time."

"I'm not here to bother you," Sam said nonchalantly.

"So - " Liz stopped and sighed when the phone rang.

"Hello?" she asked into the phone, closing her eyes. Why couldn't people just leave her alone?

"Hey! It's Emily. I just got back from Jason's. I have some news for you!" She sounded out of breath and just a little too excited.

Liz looked over at Sam. "Em, I'm really sorry but I'm sort of busy right now. I'll call you back in a few."

"You'll never guess what I just heard!" Emily continued not waiting for Liz to respond. "Jason and Sam are getting divorced!"