Another REALLY long chapter! It's shocking and funny xD yay!

Danny Phantom Fan1:
Glad I can make you laugh xD !

Max Ride Fan35:
Thank you for quoting me...making me laugh at my own quote...and for laughing at it too!

RabidZukoFangirl:
LONG REVIEW! D: haha!

FivelFluerHavens:
clowns are awful! teletubbies are just weird o.O

MusicAdict101:
very witty review xD hahaha! it made me laugh :D

Jump4Life:
so glad i'm making you excited! i got you hooked mwhahaha xD!

Jessie Wyatt James:
Lol before i read your whole review i was shocked to read that someone loved teletubbies...then i read the rest hah!

pagepacer:
there is going to be A LOT of jake...lol you may even get sick of him ;)

wildhorse5:
i wish i could have seen you rapping! HAHA!

Jasper Winked:
i forgive you for not reviewing the last chapter lol :)

hippicowgirl:
hope you like this chapter then ;) though you probably would have never suspected it...

WHEW! that takes care of that...haha oh and to answer a frequently asked question...THIS IS A SAKE! now you know :)

So despite being a little disappointed that I didn't get to see Jen...I was extremely happy on my ride home. Finally something was working out for me. Finally, I was running the show. Just...finally.

Ace seemed relaxed too, sensing my happy demeanor probably helped. Recently, I've been a little grumpy...sorry Ace. The sun beat down on our backs and I could feel it soaking into my hat. At least it would be nice and soft...if not a little stinky. I kind of wished that I had asked Ryan for a bottle of water but I had been in a hurry to leave. Sure, he was really nice today and tolerable...didn't mean I wanted to spend my entire Saturday with him.

But I had decided it was okay for Jen to like him now. He was a decent dude...or chap...or fellow...or whatever they say in England. Anyway, he wasn't as bad as I thought.

As I got closer to home I wasn't surprised to see that Gram and dad hadn't gotten home yet. What did surprise me was a Dodge Challenger parked in front of my house.

At first I really hoped by some miracle it was a gift for me. But then reality kicked in and I realized with a shock it was Zach.

Zach? What on earth would Zach be doing here—ooooh. Right. The movies.

In all the craziness I had forgotten that I had told him I would go to the movies with him. Darn tootin'.

I kicked Ace into lope and scanned the property for Zach; I pulled him to a skidding halt spotting Zach on the porch. He turned, his eyebrows rising. For some reason I couldn't help but notice how good his jeans looked on him...or how his white v-neck t-shirt showed off his slightly chiseled muscles.

The heat was really getting to me.

He smiled his teeth about as bright as the sun and making me squint. "Impressive."

I stared at him confused and disoriented. Finally, I snapped out of my weird reverie and smiled back. "Psh, that was nothin'," I brushed it off but couldn't help but feel a little glow from his compliment.

He stepped off the porch and walked a little closer. "So, I guess you forgot," he stuck his hands inside his pockets and stared at Ace.

I swear if horses could glare...well it just felt like Ace was. Always trying to intimidate...naughty pony. The little glow that was growing in me suddenly went out and was replaced by guilt. Ace stomped impatiently, making Zach take a small cautious step back. I bit back a smile; it was weird to see someone so hesitant around horses.

"I'm sorry Zach," I started but he just shrugged.

"It's okay, really," he shook it off and pulled his keys out from his pocket. "Maybe some other time," he smiled, trying not to look disappointed but I could tell he was.

"No!" I yelled quickly when he started to walk away. He turned back looking a little hurt and I shook my head quickly. Hopping off of Ace I ground tied him and jogged over to Zach.

"Wait...not 'no' as in like...well 'no'. I mean 'no wait'," I started stumbling stupidly over my words, out of breath. "Let me make it up to you?" I finally got out, taking a deep breath. "Today..."

He looked uncertain but also curious. "How?"

"Well, let me take care of him and...," I looked at my sweaty shirt...a little embarrassed, "clean up a little. Then I'll show you."

He sighed, a smile slowly forming. "Alright, deal."

I smiled too. "Awe-"

I was cut off by the roar of an engine. We both looked towards the bridge, even though I already knew the source of the sound. Jake's ol' reliable truck bumped over the bridge, the suspension squeaking a little. He parked next to Zach's car, making his truck look just that much more older. Yet, adding a sweet dated charm to it. Ol' reliable...good ol' reliable. The engine made a bit of a deathly kerplunk noise as he cut the engine.

Jake looked up at us and paused. It took him a minute to actually open the door and climb out. I waved and he gave a slow confused wave back.

"Hey!" I called, a little amused. It wasn't often you'd be able to catch Jake off guard. Though recently it seemed to be really easy.

Jake strode over and stopped in front of us; he shoved his hands in his pockets and tilted his head down so his hat shadowed his face from my view.

"'Sup?" He gave a curt nod towards Zach before turning his main focus on me. "I gotta talk to you."

"Uh," I glanced over at Zach who seemed a little uncomfortable then back a Jake. "Right now?"

Jake sighed. "No I drove over here just to tell you I need to talk to you then go back home and wait for later."

"I thought I was the sarcastic one?" I asked. Out of the corner of my eye I saw Zach smiling, amused.

"Seriously Brat."

I tried not to blush at that ridiculous nickname but failed. Hopefully it just looked like the heat was making me flush. "You're the one being sarcastic!"

"Do you need me to go?" Zach asked, raising his hand.

"No-," I started.

"Yes," Jake said at the same time. I glared at him before turning to Zach.

I pointed at him. "You stay."

"Woof."

I tried not to laugh as I turned to Jake. "You go. I'll talk to you later."

Jake looked a little hurt, the shadow of his hat covering his frown. "It's important," he insisted. Whenever Jake was insistent usually it was important.

Undecided, I bit my lip and glanced between them. Either way, someone would be disappointed. But I had made an earlier commitment to Zach...then again Jake has been my best friend for years. Decisions, decisions...

"Sam," Zach caught my attention and I turned to him. He gave a half smile and shrugged. "It's okay. Maybe we can hang tomorrow...when you don't smell like a horse," he smiled to show he was teasing and I smiled back.

"No Zach-"

He held up a hand. "Seriously. I'll see you tomorrow at five," he started backing away towards his car. "But this time...don't forget," he winked and climbed in his car. With a roar, his powerful car started and I watched as he whipped it out of the parking space and across the bridge.

I turned to Jake and glared. "Nice."

Though he tried to hide it I could still see his smug little grin. "You don't want to go out with him anyway."

Cocky little man. I put my hands on my hips and pulled off my best 'Brat' look. "Oh, really? I forgot that you know everything."

His grin grew. "Well try not to forget. It'll make your life easier."

"Jake this really isn't funny," I told him, hoping he'd wipe that stupid grin from his face.

It did falter. "What?" He pointed towards the direction Zach drove off. "You really do like him?" He asked a little surprised and a bit disappointed...which was weird.

I blushed. Did I like him? Not like it was any of Jakes business anyway... "You had something you had to tell me?" I changed the subject, a little aggravated now.

He sighed and shook his head. Walking to the porch he sat down and I followed him, readying myself for something bad. But then he smiled up at me. So now I was just a little frightened...and weirded out.

"I talked to my parents."

I smirked. "Congratulations."

He glared at me before continuing. "I asked them if it would be okay if we took on a couple of River Bend horses if you guys couldn't take them with you."

My stomach dropped to my toes. I had forgotten that Ace and the others wouldn't be coming with us. I glanced over to Ace, he was munching on what little grass he could find, still tacked up. In the excitement of all of my plans I've forgotten a lot of the bad stuff...only now to be reminded. Yet, at least there was a little hope with what Jake said. If I was ever able to come back and visit there would be some of my horses here to see...and if I couldn't come back, well at least I knew they were being well taken care of.

I looked down at my boots, feeling grateful and bitter at the same time. "You'd take Ace?"

"Of course," he sounded surprised that I would even ask. He bumped me on the shoulder and I looked up. "Besides I don't think anybody else would be able to handle him."

We both glanced over at Ace and as if feeling our stares he looked up at us. With a snort he turned his butt towards us in search for more food. I smiled and shook my head, Jake was probably right. I sat in silence, staring at Ace in appreciation. Sure, he could be a brat—horse like owner I guess—but he was still an amazing horse and I love him a whole lot. I was sure going to miss him.

Sighing, I stood up and started walking towards Ace without a word. It was time to get him cleaned up and back with his buddies. With every step I took towards him he seemed to take one away.

"Ace," I grumbled and he stopped with a snort. I gathered the rein and began leading him towards the barn; he followed happily realizing he didn't have to work anymore.

"Hey Sam!"

I stopped and waited as Jake jogged up. Ace tugged towards the barn but I planted my feet. Jake stopped in front of me and I waited for him to go on.

"Look, Darrel and I are going to the track tonight...if you want to come let me know," Jake kicked a random rock, trying to avoid my gaze.

I blinked. He never—I mean like EVER—invites me to hang out with him and Darrel. Like, if he had to choose between cutting off a limb or inviting me...he would choose the limb. I remember a year ago they were going to the fair and I wanted to go with them but Jake absolutely refused to take me. So of course I had to go and let the air out of tires...too bad Darrel had just gone and picked him up. That got me grounded for a week by the way...therefore I never got to go to the fair.

"Huh...," I stared past Jake into nothingness contemplating. Part of me really wanted to go, another part of me felt bad (for Zach) if I did...and there was another part of me that was still a little resentful to all the times Jake had told me no.

Screw it.

"Sure," I shrugged; pretending like it wasn't a big deal even though inside I was dancing with happiness. I haven't been to the track before, so there was no doubt it'd be really, really cool.

Jake smiled. "Cool," he fetched his keys from his pocket and glanced back at it. "I've gotta get back home...but I'll pick you up in like two hours."

"Is Darrel racing?" I asked, wondering if I should bring some sort of protective body suit.

Jake smirked. "Yeah."

"Should I wear my Team Darrel shirt?" I teased.

Jake rolled his eyes before turning and walking towards his truck. "No need to boost his ego."

x-x-x-x

Going to the track was like going to Chuck-E-Cheeses for the first time. Extremely exciting. To the point where there were a few times I thought I might pee my pants...good thing I grew past that faze in my life after I actually did pee my pants in the ball pin and had to leave before I even got the chance to go down the slide. Worst birthday ever. As we pulled up I could already hear the deafening roars of boosted engines and the squeal of tires against asphalt. I bounced in my seat excitedly hoping that Jake would just hurry up and find a parking space. When he did I shot out of the car but Jake caught my attention and I stopped.

"We have to find Darrel...he's probably over by the drag races," he said and started walking in the opposite direction I had been running.

I skipped up to him and had to almost jog just to keep up. But I didn't complain. I was too excited to do so. Instead, I annoyed him in another way...

"Oooh, they have funnel cakes here? Let's get a funnel cake! Or deep fried Oreo's!" I said excitedly, sounding like a little kid. "Look! Hand squeezed lemonade! Mmm...that actually sounds gross...they probably have grease on their hands. Unless it's not literally hand squeezed...then they'd just be lying."

"Look there's Darrel," Jake interrupted ignoring my rambling.

I stopped in the middle of the crowd and people tripped to get around me, a few cursing on the way. I searched through the picnic area crowd and all around but I didn't see Darrel anywhere. Then remembering Darrel I looked towards the concession stands...but he wasn't even over there.

"C'mon," Jake grabbed my hand and I almost collapsed in shock. He dragged me through the crowd clearing a path easily.

"Where's Darrel?" I asked still looking while trying not to trip.

"I don't know...it got ya to shut up though."

I could see the corner of his mouth lift as he smiled...amused by teasing me. Go figure.

"Oh, well hardy-har-har," I wheezed out nasally.

Jake led us towards the back of the track. The crowd began to thin out some and I noticed we were back were the drivers parked their cars. People lounged around on their cars, smoking, laughing, and having a good time. I smiled looking around in wonder at all the tricked out cars...and tripped. Luckily, Jake noticed and helped me stay on my feet instead of dragging me around like a sack of potatoes. Looking at the cars I caught one of the driver's eyes and he winked. I started walking fast and I heard him whistle after me. Jake turned back and glared but didn't bother to stop instead he pushed me in front of him and we stopped.

"Just try not to catch anyone's attention...or talk to anyone," Jake said sending another glare over his shoulder like a protective mamma bear.

I flipped my hair over my shoulder like I had seen Rachel and her bimbo's do. "It can't be helped," I said as haughtily as I could.

Jake just rolled his eyes.

"Darlin'!"

I turned, recognizing that stupid voice and smiled. Darrel jogged towards us and I waved to him. When he reached us he swooped me off of my feet in a big rib crushing hug.

"Hi Darrel," I croaked, my lungs having all of the air squeezed out of them.

He set me down and looked down at me, hands on hips and a smile on his face. "You came!"

I glanced around. "Nope."

He wrapped his arm around my shoulders and ruffled my hair. "And you brought your charm with you!" He took another look at me and smirked. "You look cute. But I thought Jake said you were going to wear your Team Darrel shirt?"

I heard Jake mumble to himself. He hated it when Darrel acted a little flirty towards me...but that was just Darrel. He'd flirt with anything that had boobs...seriously, anything. One time we even saw this dude with man boobs and Darrel had put the moves on him...it was more for a joke though...at least I hope so. It made me laugh. I looked down at what I was wearing. Nothing special, just a plain ol' striped shirt that hung off of one shoulder and showed a little skin down by the hem. Put on a plain pair of ripped denim shorts and a belt to keep them on the viola, I was dressed.

"Sorry I didn't get around to making a Team Darrel shirt," I apologized a little sarcastically.

Darrel smiled and stared down at my 'shirt' (a.k.a probably my boobs). "Well I'll make you one for next time."

"No that's okay," I could only imagine what Darrel would make...or what he wouldn't.

"Darrel," Jake almost growled and Darrel turned towards him quickly. "What time do you race?"

He looked smug as he stared at us both, smiling dumbly. "I already did twice. I made it into the semi-finals...if I win that I get into the finals...then if I win that...I make bank!"

I smiled, even though I was surprised. Here I was thinking his car would probably break down...way to prove me wrong. "Wow, Darrel. That's awesome!"

"I'll make it rain on these bit-"

"That's enough Darrel," Jake shoved him before he could finish. People stared in our direction, probably due to Darrel's obnoxious yelling.

"Yes mommy dearest," he grumbled brushing off his shirt like it had gotten dirty.

"Can I see your car?" I asked before they started going at it. Even though it probably would have been amusing.

Darrel smiled and wrapped his arm around me once again, leading me further back into the land of cars. He stopped in front of a black car I had never seen before and he looked at it with pride.

"Say hello to KITT," he motioned towards his car with a girly flourish and I laughed.

"Knight Rider?" I asked giggling. Darrel would.

"It's totally pimp and you know it," he said sounding a little defensive.

"Does it talk?" I cooed. I just couldn't help but tease him.

Darrel frowned. "Not yet..."

Jake laughed this time too, shaking his head at Darrel's stupidity.

"You guys are just a bunch of hata's," Darrel said in his best (which wasn't very good) ghetto voice.

The overhead loud speakers blared and a voice announced the next race. Darrel jumped up from the hood of his car and walked towards the driver door.

"That's me!" He said excitedly climbing in.

"Good luck! And...be careful idiot." I said before he started the engine.

Jake waved to him and Darrel winked at me totally ignoring Jake. With a sigh, Jake turned away from him and faced me.

"Wanna go find a seat?" He asked nodding in the direction of the track.

I smiled. "After I get a funnel cake."

x-x-x-x

We climbed the bleachers to find a good seat. I was juggling a funnel cake and their not-hand-squeezed hand squeezed lemonade. Stupid people didn't even have lids...which would have been very useful. Jake finally found a seat that was good enough and sat, not bothering to help me even though my hands were full. Well fine. I was a grown girl...I was capable of handling myself. I waddle carefully past a few people who were already sitting and they glared at me as if I had just blocked their view from the non-existent race. Sheesh.

"Hey sweet stuff! Try sitting down!" Someone yelled.

I glared in the general direction of the yell and would have given them the bird had I had a free hand.

"Bite me," I grumbled, finally making it over to Jake. I glared down at him. "Don't worry. I got it."

He ignored me of course.

I sat down with a huff and almost spilled some of my lemonade. But I didn't, smiling victoriously I set it down safely and stared at my funnel cake it total bliss. It was a sugary fried doughy heavenly mess. Praise be to heaven! I licked my lips excited to finally have some and just as I was reaching to rip a piece off Jake snatched some.

"Hey!" I yelled indignantly. How dare he steal my heavenly fried mess!

He stared at me innocently, as if he hadn't just completely offended me. "Hi."

I twisted my body so it blocked the funnel cake from him and glared over my shoulder. "My cake."

"Would it kill you to share?" He asked, trying not to smile.

I pursed my lips. "It might."

His look said he didn't believe that. He must not understand my feelings for fried cake.

"Would it have killed you to help me carry something?" I countered, mimicking him.

He shrugged. "Most definitely. It's a family curse really, an ancient one. You see we are forbidden to carry anything for anyone named 'Sam' or 'Samantha'."

I stopped chewing and stared at him with my cheeks full of cake. "You're so full of it," I trying not to spit my food everywhere.

He laughed. "Pretty much."

I shook my head and glanced back towards the track. There were people on it now and a set of cars. It wasn't Darrel's though. I watched as they revved their engines, waiting for the light to turn green. Once it did there was a deafening squeal of tires against the asphalt and a cloud of smoke left in their path.

My mouth dropped open almost releasing my chewed up food. "Whoa."

Jake nodded and then sat up straighter. He pointed down at the track and nudged me. "There's Darrel."

The loud speaker screeched and I cringed.

"There has been a scratch from one of the racers. So now our finalists are number forty-eight and number twenty-seven!"

I wracked my brain trying to remember if Darrel had a number on when I saw him...and what it was.

"Darrel's number twenty-seven," Jake answered as if reading my mind. Leave it to him to notice what I had missed.

KITT pulled up to the starting line along with another bad-ass looking car. Again, there was the whole revving the engines ordeal while they waited and this time I was perched on the edge of my seat watching. It only took a blink for the light to turn green and for both of the cars to shoot forward. They were head-to-head neither one pulling forward nor falling back. I knew the track wasn't long so I knew that one of them needed to kick it into high gear or something. I stood and of course got yelled at but I didn't care, I wouldn't miss this.

Then a loud pop, like the sound of gun fire, rang through the track and sparks flew. The car going against Darrel's had popped its tire and was now skidding out of control...so of course now everyone stood. It spun almost hitting Darrel's but luckily missed and slammed into a wall, people cheered and I watched Darrel's car pass the finish line and let out a cheer too.

"He won!" I yelled excitedly.

"Did you see that crash?" Someone yelled behind me and I rolled my eyes.

Jake smiled. "He sure did...c'mon let's go down there."

I let Jake pass me and followed him excitedly down to the track. Darrel climbed out of his car, a huge grin on his face and when he spotted us he waved. Jake hopped over the small concrete fence easily and I scrambled after him. Darrel was already being ushered towards the center of the track to receive his trophy but he pointed towards us and said something to the worker and we were too ushered after him. It was all a crazy and exciting buzz that I didn't hear the announcer say his name or anything. I just wanted to congratulate him.

Jake and I stood off to his side while he talked to the announcer. Someone brought through a big trophy and people started hootin' and hollerin'.

"Good job Darrel!" I yelled and he looked over.

He smiled at me, grabbed the trophy, and to my surprise grabbed me and next thing I knew he had swooped me off of my feet and in for a kiss. There were even more hollers now and even whistling. I was too shocked to notice, especially since his lips were still on mine. He put me down finally and I almost toppled over. I glanced over at Jake in shock and his mouth was hanging open in surprise also.

Darrel had just kissed me...

My first kiss had just been with Darrel...

What the hell!

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