Sweet Escape
chapter 9
Freddie's Pov
I've never seen Sam as anxious as she is now except the time we were at Troubled Waters. I know deep down that meeting her father is something very important and she's really looking forward for it.
I look over her side in the car as her foot continue to bounce. Even though she looks so stress she still looks stunning. She's wearing a simple baby blue ruffled blouse and a short jean skirt - care of Carly Shay - and cute doll shoes. Her hair is down in her natural waves and she wears light make up. Yeah, she is gorgeous.
Not tearing my eyes away from the road, I grab her hand and brush her knuckles over my lips before brushing it over my cheeks.
"Everything's going to be fine, baby."
"I...I know...It's just, I can't help it." she whine, huffing loudly.
"I understand. I bet your dad's nervous too and if it makes you feel better...I feel like peeing in my pants." I shot her a glance and gave her a small smile.
"Why? It's not your dad. It's mine."
"Precisely my point. He's your dad. And...I'll be meeting him. He'll know that I'm your boyfriend and I'm sure he won't pass the opportunity to interrogate me...like all dads do." I sigh.
"Baby...what are you worrying about? He's just my dad."
"He's not just your dad. His opinion about me matters. I want him to like me."
"Of course he'll like you. Who doesn't? And even though he will not. I'll always like you...love you even." she smile widely, kissing my cheeks.
"I know. But...I want to impress your dad. I want him to know that his daughter is in good hands."
"Trust me...he'll like you. Wanna know why?" I let her continue, looking at her as I stop under red light."Because you're Freddie Benson. The most loving, caring, wonderful and amazing guy in the world. Any girl will be lucky to be in my place. So stop being a nub."
People say Sam is not those people who can be sweet and nice but I totally disagree with them. She might not let people see it but when it's just the two of us...she's the sweetest and caring girlfriend ever, curling up on my side, snuggling close and telling me how much she loves me even though I don't say it first.
"Thank you so much."
"For what?"
"For being the amazing girlfriend ever."
"Nyeh..it's part of the package. Can't help it. I'm born to be amazing. You're lucky you have the chance to experience my amazingness." she wiggle her eyebrows and smirk.
"Oh yeah...Me so lucky." I smile and kiss the tip of her nose.
I thought that after my nonstop assurance for her in my car that she'll be calm and relax now but man, I am dead wrong. She's almost on to biting her fingernails as we sit side by side at the table.
"Sam.." I start.
She look at me under her thick bangs and I can see fear in her eyes. I grab her face and plant a soft kiss on her temple before I whisper.
"I love you." I know that it's not comforting to everyone but everytime I tell her this..it keeps her relax knowing she's not alone and I'll always be at her side. The word means so much for us that we don't need to say much more. I guess it's part of our thing.
I see her eyes relax and her body to relax as well as she let out a sigh.
"Have I told you that you look soo beautiful tonight?"
She chuckle and nod."Yeah..like...a thousand times."
"Well, let me tell you again. You look soo beautiful tonight Ms. Puckett."
She smile and blush creeps to her face. She looks so cute looking so adorable while her cheeks redden even more.
She lean in and give me a small peck and whisper.
"You look handsome too, baby."
Our conversation is interrupted with a clearing of throat of someone in front of us. I guess we didn't notice the person not until he makes himself noticable.
We both look up and see a man in a jeans and blue button-up shirt. He looks in his mid-50s and it's obvious that he's aging because of a small wrinkles in his forehead but either way he's handsome for his age. I instantly know that he's the man we've been waiting for because he's a carbon copy of my precious girl. Same color of the eyes,nose and the warm smile he's giving us.
I immediately stand up and guide Sam to do the same who I must say is rooted in her spot. I reach for my hand and give my own warm smile as well.
"Mr. Puckett."
He cock his head to the side and look at me in confusion.
"Oh..where are my manners. I'm Freddie Benson. Sam's boyfriend." I say politely, motioning to the frozen girl by my side.
"Oh.."he nod understandingly."...nice to meet you, Freddie." his eyes shift to Sam and look at her expectantly.
I squeeze her hands lightly but enough for me to bring her back to the world. She shakes her head as if in daze.
"Dad." is her words. It sound so soft and quiet like it didn't even come from her but because I'm beside her I know for sure it's from her.
"Sammy." I watch as Mr. Puckett smile in pride as he take in his daughter's presence.
"Why don't we sit down." I suggest and they both nod.
A waiter went to our table and fill our glass with wine and ask for our orders. I can say that the Pucketts are really meat lovers in blood and soul because Mr. Puckett sure is a big fan himself. He ordered the large sweet and spicy ribs and buffalo wings. Sam order herself a medium cut steak with mashed potato on the side while I order a pork chop and a caesar salad. I can say that I'm not expecting for them to actually hug tightly and gush about the years they missed from each other but the constant staring and glances as if hesitating to speak first is quite nerving.
"So...Mr. Puckett-"
"Oh, call me Ray instead. Mr. Puckett is quite too formal and I feel too old for my age."
I nod and smile before continuing.
"So, Ray...it's nice to finally meet you."
"It is for me too." his eyes turn to Sam."How are you Samantha?"
Something about this man tells me he's good person. I expect for Sam to growl in annoyance when he used her full name but she didn't. She actually like she's missing to hear her name.
"I assume you hear more about me from mom and Mel."
"Indeed. I heard that you're quite a successful young woman now and is very taken care of..your mother and your sister's words." his glance to me and I can't help but flush by the compliment.
"You heard right Ray."
"I always thought that Samantha is a boy-hater. She didn't entertain boys from her school or our neighborhood. But I always knew that she'll find her own prince someday."
"I'm not really a boy-hater. Boys from school just irks me because they're all nubs." I chuckle as I hear her say this because deep down I know that not all nubs irks her.
"Of course you think they're all nubs." Ray lets out a chuckle himself."I always believe that you two will end up together."
"What do you mean?" I thought it was me who said it but it was from Sam.
"The secret flirtings behind those fights and jabs in the show? Yeah. I definitely see it coming. You two just have this...spark."
"You watch the show?" Sam mumble in disbelief.
His eyes soften and stare at her."Always. I also made this funny username...If I do remember it's..seddieforthewin." he laughs and shake his head in amusement."See..I'm a fan of the two of you since then."
Well I do remember that username always in the comment box...wow. He is a fan.
The corners of her lips twitch and I know that she find it sweet and amusing but knowing Sam, she'll never admit it.
"But...but why didn't you show yourself to me if you knew where I am?"
"I know it will sound stupid but...I wasn't ready at that time. I was afraid that you'll just run away from me. I don't know if you will forgive me so I settle in just watching you on the internet." his head hang low in shame and I feel him. I feel sad for him.
"Still..if you really love me...you should've call or look for mom...but you didn't." her voice crack and it pains me to hear her. I rub her knees to comfort her because I know that it's the best way to do and I'm not in the position to interrupt their conversation. I actually feel like I'm eavesdropping and that I shouldn't be here.
"Sammy...you gotta understand. Daddy's scared that won't forgive him. I do love you. You, Mel and Pam. I regret everything I did. I regret leaving you. It pains me to not be with you..my family but I don't know how to get back on you guys. I don't have the face to do so." He reach for her hand that's resting above the table and good thing she didn't snatch it away. She just stare at their hands.
"You do know it'll take me more time to let the pain you cause to heal. I'm really trying to be open-minded but...it hurts more that I see you now."
"I know. I understand. But don't worry. I'll wait till you're ready. I will not go anywhere. I just want to know that you forgive me."
"As much as it hurts...you're still my dad and...I miss you." tears prickle on her beautiful face and I panic a bit. I try to wipe it but Ray stand up and walk towards her, engulfing her in a tight hug.
"I miss you too, Sammy, honey. Daddy miss you so much." I hear him whisper to her ear repeatedly.
I'm smiling so wide because I'm soo happy that everything's good now with Sam and her dad. Her issues with his dad is actually what's been keeping her mind off of some things and I hate seeing her so distracted and stress out, it worries me so much. She may not admit it to me, I know deep down she's having a hard time dealing with a bunch of shits. I tried my hardest to keep her to open up to me but Sam's really tenacious in keeping her problems bottled up to herself and that scares me big time. It scares me not to know what her problems are. It scares me not to be able to help her and that she'll just have a mental breakdown. I want to help her soo bad. I feel so unuseful. I'm her boyfriend and I should be the one being able to help her in times she needs the most. I'm just glad she shares me her problem with her dad and even asked me to come with her. It means that she trust me.
Sometimes I feel like she doesn't need me that much. I mean, we're all aware that she can take care of herself and she doesn't need me to do it for her. It gives my heart this stab whenever it pops in my mind. I love Sam to death. She's like oxygen that without her, I can't breathe. I can't live. I want to be able to be there for her every time. I want to be able to help her. I want her to need me even though I know she don't.
I may not say this to Sam but I'm insecure. I'm insecure of her...of the guys around her. I'm insecure of her because she's so successful...running her own business without anyone's help and she's studying! I want to have that too. I don't want that someday to come wherein I'm the one who'll depend on her. I'm not saying that it's a bad thing that she's doing so well in her life. I'm soo proud of her and never been so happy seeing her to do what she loves the most because it's what helps her to become very successful. I just want to be needed...by her.
Insecure to the guys around her. It's no doubt Sam's very very hot. And I know that I'm not that one that can see it and that what's irritates me. Everytime we go outside, guys go ogling to her like they're eye sexing her! I know I should be proud that I have this amazing woman as my girlfriend but sometimes it just irks me especially those morons who have the nerve to even hit her while I'm in the room! I just want to knock a two or three tooth out their mouths. Even Brad and Gibby are noticing how Sam's soo hot. I know that they're my bestfriends and they do their hardest not to look at Sam's...features out of respect to me ( and they're scared that Sam might catch them and kill them both ) but they're guys...and they're not blind. I'm afraid that someday Sam will make notice of the other guys and see them much better than me and leave me, more handsome or more muscular. I know it's a bit low for me or even for Sam but you can't blame me for feeling that way. I'm not perfect and there are guys who are better than me in so many ways and I dread the day that Sam will notice it. For me Sam's perfect and for a perfect girl like her...she deserves better than to settle to a nerdy tech stooge like me who's hobby is to watch the reruns of Galaxy Wars and collect the limited editions Galaxy Wars items. I'm positively sure that if Sam's hearing me now she'll probably cut my arms and use it to beat the shit out of me for even thinking of these stuffs she might think as stupid. I know she loves me...I can feel and see it. She say it all the time but it doesn't lessen the fact that I'm scared..or insecure. Maybe because I'm just scared to lose her for good because as I've said..I love Sam so so much. She's my whole world without her I'm nothing but a little nerd boy who has an overbearing mother and probably die alone. She gave meaning to my life. She light up my world. In short, she's my everything. I just wish I can be the better person she deserves. I just wish I can manage to be the best boyfriend for her because she's been the best girlfriend ever.
It is a fine sight to see Sam and Ray talking animately, filling every little gap with each other. I learned that Ray is now working in this real-estate company and is earning good. I can see Sam's eyes glittering with excitement as she tell him all her jokes, stories and achievements. Even now that I'm her boyfriend, she still makes fun of me and now, in her father's presence. We made a banter not few seconds ago and Ray was very amused, hiding his chuckles behind fake coughs.
Like Sam, Ray is quite an amazing man. He's very humorous and I can tell that Sam got it from him.
Of course, all things must come to an end. Before we know it, it's already time to leave.
"I'm really glad that we finally meet each other. I really miss you, Samantha."
"Me too." I see tears start to pool in her eyes but it didn't fall.
Knowing Sam, she'll never let anyone see her in her weakening state.
"I'll see you around, honey."
They both break apart and smile at each other.
"Okay."
He look at me nd narrow his eyes and for a moment I think of what I did wrong.
"You take care of her now, son."
I breathe a sigh of relief then nod.
"You don't need to remind me, Ray."
We shake hands and they exchange numbers and do some hugging again.
"Bye, Sam. Freddie."
"Bye, Ray."
"Bye dad."
"Are you okay?" I ask Sam, glancing to her.
She's been awfully quiet, looking out in the window.
"So much." she turn and smile.
"You love him."
"That I do."
"I told you everything will be fine."
"Yeah...I'm happy it did."
"So...Am I going to look forward in going to New York with you soon?" I give her a teasing smile and she roll her eyes.
"Not yet, nub. I still have to clear my schedule then we'll go to New York."
I grab her hand and kiss the back of her palm.
"I'm so proud of you. And so happy that you're happy."
She brush my cheeks gently and kiss it.
"I could've not done it without you by my side. Thank you Freddie."
"You're very much welcome. You know I'll be there for you always, baby." he smile."Always."
A/N: THERE YOU GO, CHAPTER 9. I'M STILL WORKING ON THE OTHER CHAPTERS AND FOR THOSE WHO READS iSTILL LOVE YOU, DON'T WORRY I'M STILL WORKING ON IT TOO. IT'S JUST THAT, I HAVE A LOT ON MY PLATE RIGHT NOW BECAUSE OUR FINALS IS ON IT'S WAY SO, YEAH, I'M SOO BUSY :( I PROMISE I'LL UPDATE SOON AS I CAN :)
AND YOU GUYS SHOULD WATCH PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER :)))) I LOVE CHARLIE. LOGAN LERMAN IS SOO CUTE. I BOUGHT THE BOOK AND I'M SOO INLOVE TO IT.
ANYHOO, REVIEW GUYS :)) IT MEANS A LOT :D