AN: Thanks for reading, it means a lot. So we have got a terrified Brooke that thinks she is failing as a mother, a scared little girl who is fearful of each move she makes, and Haley who knows both sides of the story but doesn't know what to do with the details. All she knows is that she wants to mend broken hearts and broken lives. Oh, and lets through a little Julian into the story. Please continue to tell me how you feel! Thanks. Peace.

It was nearly noon by the time Brooke opened her eyes. The light coming into the room was too prominent now. She looked at the clock and nearly jumped from her bed at the time. "Sam," she screamed hoping to get the girl up as she scrambled to put some clothes on in order to drive Sam to school. She was a mess, but she made it to Sam's room in less than two minutes. She didn't even knock on the door; she just sprung right in, "Sam." But she wasn't there.

Brooke was able to slow down momentarily in hopes that Sam was responsible enough to get herself to school on time, something apparently Brooke could not do. She gave Sam full faith, but she had to call Haley just to ensure her faith was warranted. She felt more dependent on Haley in the last few days than during their entire friendship. She never had this dependency problem before, but she had to admit, it did feel nice to have someone supporting her at all times. Never before could she have said this. Brooke knew that Haley was in school, but she was sure that Haley's lunch hour was noon, so she dialed.

Haley had just taken her salad out of the refrigerator in the teacher's lounge, when she felt a vibration in her pocket. She was never without a phone ever since uncontrollably bad things had happened to her family in the last several months. She looked down, and had to smile, it was Brooke. She did not mind for one second the insistent calls. Haley had basically thrown Sam on Brooke; it was for the growth of both parties, so it would only be fair if she contributed.

"Morning, Sunshine," Haley had a small smile on her face, because she knew too much withheld information to actually be truly happy.

"How did you know?"

"I just had a feeling you needed it."

"Oh, did I need it. But I didn't mean to. I didn't even wake up to give Sam breakfast. And when I did wake up, she was gone, and I was just wondering…"

"She made it to school, Brooke," saying exactly what Brooke needed to hear.

"Thank God," the relief poured through the phone.

"Is there something you aren't telling me, Brooke?" the relief was so overwhelming that it had to be something more.

"If I tell you I am going to sound like an awful parent."

"I will be the judge," even though she secretly knew something even more.

"She came to the store after school yesterday, which I was so pleased about," she paused because she would have to admit her fault as a parent. Unfortunately for Brooke it appeared there were a lot of faults going around lately.

"But?" there had to be a but to this situation.

"I went back to tell her I was going to grab us some dinner and she was gone. Again. I went home and I waited. I waited for hours. I didn't think she was coming back, Haley," remembering events from just hours ago caused Brooke to be hit with another brink of emotions. It was hard enough waiting for Sam to return, waiting in despair for something that might not ever happen. But Sam came home last night, and then Brooke had to cringe and wonder what if she didn't?

"Why didn't you call me, Brooke?" she was trying to put more details together with each amount of new information she acquired.

"What could you have done? Sam is my responsibility, and calling you would have only caused you to worry. You don't need that," truth be told Brooke would have easily allowed Haley to curtail some of the worry that was wracking her. And matter-of-factly would had called Haley if Sam had not returned at all. She tried to avoid that thought, but it was so present in the moment, that it could not slip her thoughts.

"Yeah but you needed me. I could have taken away some of that weight of agony you must have been going through." Haley knew all too well that pain, that suspense, that fear that the child you love the most in the world might not return into your arms. She shivered just recalling the hours in which Jamie was out of her sight.

"Thank you, Haley. But it was something that I thought I needed to do alone," she may have needed to do it alone, but it was not something she desired. Haley had always been her rock, and she might have been better off with some solid support last night.

"I understand, Brooke. Nevertheless, I will always be there, Brooke. You know that though. So did she come home?"

"I was about to give up. I thought that I had completely failed her. Haley, there has to be a reason that she is running away. I was beginning to think it was me she was running from," Brooke had to wonder why else would Sam leave such a privileged home?

"Do not believe that for one second. She is a teenager, do not take anything personally."

"It is really hard not to, Hales," she admitted.

"I know, Honey," she knew how hard it was for Brooke in this situation as she had a similar hero-complex in regards to saving those that need to be rescued.

"Well, I was in tears, ready to really call it a night, and she comes through the door. I wasn't even angry with her; I was just so happy that she had returned to me. I squeezed her so hard because I was so relieved. I am surprised she didn't break," recalling the moment that she could finally breathe again last night, it wasn't until Sam was in her arms. Brooke declared that it was where she always belonged. She just hoped Sam would just stop running.

The last statement had Haley cringing slightly, she knew that the possibility was even greater than Brooke could have ever imagined. "I am glad she came home, Brooke. It meant that she knew she could. You see she is not running away, she knows where to come home to at night. She knows to come to you."

"I suppose. I am just still unsure what is causing this all. I am worried about her, Hales. I am worried that one day she won't come home at all. Then what am I supposed to do?" her voice cracked with the realization that this was potentially a serious situation that could occur.

"Please do not even think about that," when too many people start believing in the pessimistic, bad things begin to happen. The problem being, too much bad has already happened.

"It is extremely hard not to." Brooke had provided Sam with everything she ever wanted as a child, and yet Sam never remained in the luxury of it all. However, Brooke was never after luxury, she just wanted the love and support of her parents. And Brooke might not be Sam's parent, however, she would love and support Sam through anything. Unfortunately, she could not support her if she was not there. Brooke used to run because what she longed for was not there. It was there, Sam, why do you keep running?

"I know, I know it is hard, Brooke. But you cannot break down. Just let her know you are there for the long haul, that is all she needs to hear," Haley knew this was exactly what Sam needed. Sam was scared that Brooke didn't want a weakened version of a teenager. Truth be told, Brooke would take one in any form, but more than everything she would take Sam.

"I told her I loved her last night," it was something she had known for awhile, but there never seemed to be the right moment to say it aloud. It just came out last night, which meant the moment was right. And she didn't need anything in return; all she needed was for Sam to know – that was all that mattered.

"You did?" If Brooke had told that to Sam, then why couldn't she break away from Marcus' abuse when there was a willing and loving relationship available to her? Though Sam had denied it, there had to be a fear stigma attached to the relationship. If there was not then Sam would have broken away sooner, and yet she remained as Marcus rag doll. Samantha Walker was not anyone's rag doll, she just needed to be returned to her rightful owner, and that was Sam, herself.

"I told her I loved her, and that she didn't have to say anything. I just wanted her to know, just in case. Just in case something happens," since she was younger there was this looming sense that if the worst thing could happen, it would. She was fearful now more than ever because it wasn't only her life that could end up in turmoil. There was a girl out there that had already gotten her share of calamity in fifteen years for her entire life, Brooke didn't want Sam to have any more. She had had enough.

"What is going to happen, Brooke? No, stop thinking about her leaving. And you will never even know how much she needed to hear you speak those words. She is not one to show it, but I am sure that whatever she is going through right now, you are helping her pull through it with those words." Haley knew the complete story now. Sam was longing for a supportive relationship since she was abandoned in life. She found Marcus, and he became extremely attentive of her. Sam misconstrued this as support, and vowed not to lose her only connection to another human being. Now Brooke was showing her something she had never seen before, authentic admiration. However, Sam could not break from the constraint in which Marcus and his so-called affection had used to deny Sam her happy ending.

"Do you know something that I don't know, Haley?" Haley's confidence in her statement left Brooke in wonderment.

"All anyone ever wants is to be loved, Brooke. That is what we search for our whole lives, whether it is in a partner, a parent, or a child. Everyone needs to be loved, and now Sam knows, that is all I saying," it pained her to withhold information from Brooke. She was fearful of Sam running as well, and if she felt that both had given up on her then she had no chance at all. Zero was not a percentage that Haley wanted to put up.

"Okay. Can you do me a favor? Another one, I know," motherhood was difficult, but she never had done it before, and she knew Haley was always one to depend on.

"Of course, anything," and she meant it.

"Can you make sure that Sam has a lunch? I know I suck, but I do not even know when the last time she has eaten was," last night she went straight to sleep, the morning before she was angry at Brooke and left without a chance for breakfast. Feeding the child was one of the obvious parts of the job, and she couldn't even handle that. Maybe motherhood wasn't one of her strong suits, but everyone needs to practice before they perfect something, this was her practice.

"You don't suck, Brooke, stop it. Of course, I think it is her lunch block now anyways. And if you sucked so bad than you wouldn't be calling me right now, close to tears." She didn't need to be with Brooke currently to know the pain that was weighing down Brooke's frail shoulders.

"Thanks, Hales," a small smile appeared across the line, Haley knew her too well.

"Anything for you, Brooke Davis."

Haley ended the call, and headed towards the cafeteria. She did not spot Sam right away. But she did spot the six foot Marcus Haywood. Once she approached him she could see that Sam was hidden by his size. If she had never seen the bruise on her back or the pain in her eyes, Haley would never have guessed that Sam was in an abusive relationship. But isn't that how the story goes, public appearance is everything. If things look like they are going well, no one questions what is actually going on behind the public's shield. The two were actually laughing. It ended abruptly when they both saw Haley.

"What now?" Sam pleaded; she had enough talking for a lifetime.

"It is not about an assignment I promise," hoping to eradicate some uneasiness.

"What is it now, lady?" Marcus asked this time, he did not like the presence of others.

"Sam, your foster mom called, she said you forgot your lunch this morning. Here," Haley said handing Sam hers.

Sam was slow to grab it. She had to admit that she was hungry, but she hated this extra attention. She grabbed it anyways, "Thanks," giving Haley a quick glance of appreciation.

"No problem," and with that Haley walked away. She was not going to linger any longer; there was no need at all. Not now at least.

As soon as Haley had left the cafeteria, Marcus spoke, "I think that lady likes you or something."

"Eww, that is so gross," she had to laugh at his comment. And in a rarity, he allowed her to. See, this wasn't so bad after all, Sam thought. Haley was wrong. Marcus cared about her.

It took Brooke another hour to actually be presentable. She rushed through the doors of Clothes ova Bros, "I am so, so sorry, Millie," she called out to what she soon realized was an empty boutique. "Millie," she called out once more, slowing down.

"I sent her home," a voice from the back called out.

"Oh did you?" Brooke had to smile at the owner of the voice, "I thought I was the boss around here?"

"Well not a very good one," his smile lit up the room.

"Oh, is that true. Are you the ultimate judge?" she asked seductively.

"Something like that," he said getting closer.

"I think I am okay with that. It doesn't look like much is happening anyways," she said looking around at her almost bare shop. Damn Victoria had taken an unwanted hold of her life. And after she had thought that it would be nice to have a mother around.

"Well we can change that," he pulled her into a passionate kiss.

"Now that was definitely not a play kiss," she grinned.

"I am not playing anymore," he was adamantly serious.

"Okay, boyfriend. How about we get some food? I am starved."

"Already taken care, my dear. Care to join me," he extended a bent arm to her.

"I would love to," she was impressed already, accepting his arm as he led them to the back room. She was even more impressed with the newly decorated backroom. "Wow."

"You like it?"

"I might just have to keep it like this for now on."

"It can be arranged."

"So what are we having, sir?" she was enthralled with him now.

"A meal meant for a goddess."

"You invited a goddess?" she couldn't even pull off her own joke, smile on her face.

"Yes, she should be coming shortly," he pulled out the seat for her, "but until she comes, how about you take her seat," he couldn't contain his smile.

"If you insist."

"Actually, I would pick you over the goddess any day, Brooke Davis."

"Perfect answer," this time she pulled him in for the kiss, "perfect answer."

The school day somehow came to an end more quickly than the day before. The occupants were slightly changed however from yesterday. Sam wasn't rushing out, and Haley wasn't searching for her. Instead, Sam found Haley. She felt like a timid student as she knocked on the door.

"Come in," Haley called from inside.

Sam slowly opened the door, not completely sure why she was there in the first place. She did have Haley's Tupperware so that was a start. She saw Haley look up from the paper she was grading. Haley looked relieved to see the girl. It was a new feeling to have someone actually pleased to see her.

"Sam, I have to admit I wasn't expecting you," especially after the conversations of the day. It was too much for anyone to want to come back. But Sam was here now.

"I have your container," she said showing Haley, edging a little closer. "Thank you again. I know it was your lunch."

"It is not a problem, Sam. Thank you for returning it," she said grabbing it, wondering if anymore words would be exchanged. "Anything else?"

"Umm," looking around seeing if she should or not.

"Like I said, Sam. You can trust me," hoping to pull something out of the already hurting girl. Any weight Haley could take she was more than willing, for the weight was too heavy for a girl to carry alone.

"Do you think Brooke is mad at me?" She needed to know.

"Why would she be mad, Sam?"

"I keep breaking her rules," looking down not really wanting to admit what she was saying. But it was the acknowledgement that was necessary.

"She is not angry, she is worried. She wants to know why you keep running. She thinks that she is the reason. Is that the case?" She was not going to assume anything until Sam spoke the words Haley was waiting to hear.

"No, no. That is not it," not understanding how Brooke could possibly think that she was the reason that Sam was running. Brooke was the only reason that Sam was still here.

"Then what is it?" hoping that Sam was really going to tell her the facts now.

"Marcus gets mad," three words closer to reveal. It was a huge step for both parties listening.

"He gets mad if what, Sam?" placing her pen down and walking to stand on the other side of her desk so she could be closer to Sam.

"If I am not there," she did not look up, admitting it was hard enough, it would be nearly impossible to say the words looking into the eyes of someone who actually seemed to care for her.

"Not where, Sam?"

"It is our hang out spot, all of his friends. We go there all the time. And if I don't show up, he gets mad," she didn't think that anyone would ever hear her story, and now here it was.

"So that is why you are running away. You are afraid of what will happen if you aren't there?" Trying to figure this all out, but finding it really hard to even fathom the immensity of all that Sam was experiencing.

Sam kept her head down and nodded slightly. She was petrified. All she ever wanted was to be able to live a life with Brooke without the fear of Marcus' retaliation. She was even more fearful of what would happen if she didn't show up than staying with him, and it hurt too much stay with him.

"So when Brooke grounded you, you were scared that Marcus would do something if you didn't show up, that is why you ran?" Haley had to admit that it was worst than she feared it was going to be, hearing her life's details out loud.

She didn't look up, but nodded her again.

"Oh, Sam," Haley empathized with the teenager. She knew that there was pain, but she didn't know that the fear was this severe. She put a hand on Sam's shoulder, and it was only then did she realize the girl was shaking.

She spoke this time, "Please, don't. You wanted the truth, so I gave it to you. Please don't patronize me now," contorting her body she that Haley's comforting hand fell off of her shoulder.

"I am not trying to, Sam. I am just extremely concerned for your well-being."

"I didn't come to you in hopes of you fixing things. I just wanted you to know."

"What are you going to do then?" She had to wonder what the next step of Sam's already established plan was going to be. It was apparent that she was not stepping away from the situation. So that left only one option.

"Go to him."

"Sam, you just told me how scared you were." Even though she knew that this was going to be Sam's response, it was not acceptable situation to be going to.

"That is why I have to go to him. It is better than if I don't." All she knew was the pain administered at Marcus' hands, but that pain had never been from pure defiance. The unknown is what scared her the most.

"This is no life for you to be living. I cannot accept this way of living for you." She would not wish it on anyone, a life of fear, a life of uncertainty; it was no way to live. Unfortunately, it was Sam's present way to live.

"I don't really think it is up to you," for the first time looking up at Haley.

"You had to tell me for some reason, Sam. You must have thought I could have helped you. Please let me help you," this time Haley was the one pleading.

"I shouldn't have come here. It was wrong," she turned to walk away.

"No, Sam, it wasn't wrong. You came to me for a reason, let me be the right reason," she grabbed her arm, hoping that her pleas would be enough.

"I am sorry, Haley, that I burdened you," that was her greatest regret in all of it, and her greatest reason for never allowing another to endure her private hardships.

"It isn't a burden, Sam. I want to help." That is all she wanted to do.

"I think I realized that no one can really help me. I am sorry to waste your time," this time not turning back as she walked away. Sam didn't realize how hard it would be to leave the room, to leave her first opportunity towards happiness. But she knew better than to hold onto things that were not guaranteed. Well she was batting .500 now. Marcus was never worth it.

Haley's words were not going to be enough now, she had to let one of the most scared little girls in the whole world leave her classroom and she could not do anything to help her. As Sam left, Haley quickly sprung into action. She gathered her items in ten seconds flat. If Sam was not going to let Haley help her, then she was going to have to break the code. She had to tell Brooke. She had to tell Brooke now.

Sam felt so stupid for going to talk to Haley. Why did she do that? That might have been the worst possible idea. Haley just seemed so welcoming, and it appeared that she truthfully just wanted to help Sam out. So under pressure she cracked, and she revealed way too much. And now she was late, it was a two-fold mistake. Let's just hope that Marcus was thoughtful today, wow, that was the overstatement of the year. Not ever going to happen. So she ran, hoping it would be enough. She just hoped it would be enough this time.

Julian and Brooke were so engrossed in the romantics that he had provided that they didn't even realize somebody came into her store. They were mid-kiss when Brooke swore she heard her name. Brooke looked down at her watch, "Shit!"

"What, What?" he was beyond confused.

"Sam. School let out. She is going to be here soon."

"Well there is some food left," he tried to pull her into another kiss.

"Julian, stop. I told you she comes first," she put a hand out to distant them. "Could you please clean this up?" She turned to leave leaving Julian awestruck. Brooke turned around, and walked back to him, giving him a small peck, "Thank you." That was all that needed to be said to represent her feelings. She had sincerely appreciated the efforts he bestowed upon her. But if it was Sam calling her name, she came before Julian, which is how it was always going to be.

She was utterly surprised to realize that the voice beckoning her was not Sam. "Brooke," Haley said pleased that she was there.

"Haley?" she said, and then really looked over her friend. Something was wrong, something was terribly wrong, and she felt awful for missing it at first glance. She got closer, "Haley, what is wrong?"