Told you that I'd give you a long chapter! Get ready for a long ass drama filled chapter (YAY) and...THE DANCE! :) I hope this isn't too cheesy :/ PS: thanks for all the reviews :D

"Um, where are we going?" Sam asked as Gabe pulled his car off the main road and onto a dirt one.

He smiled. "Be patient won't you?" He drove a little more before the road dead ended. They were now at a large opened field a single tree standing just a little ways from them. Gabe cut off the engine and held up his hand.

"Wait here, I'll be right back."

"Ga-" Sam started to call but he climbed out of the car, he peeked back inside.

"Do me a favor?" He asked sounding shy.

"What?" Sam asked still confused as to what he was doing. They were supposed to be going to a restaurant near the mall and at this rate they won't have time to.

"Close your eyes until I get back."

"Gabe what are you-"

"Just trust me ok?" He asked his gaze telling her it was ok.

Sam closed her eyes with a huff. "Fine, fine." But she couldn't help the smile coming to her lips after she heard the car door shut.

She waited in the silent car for what felt like a while before she finally heard the sound of the door opening again. Opening her eyes she found Gabe leaning inside of her car door.

He held out a hand for her and helped her out of the car. Silently Gabe led her in the direction of the lone tree. He seemed nervous as he offered her his arm to take.

"Where are we going?" Sam asked taking it as they continued walking.

He chuckled. "You really have no patience do you?" He teased and Sam shoved him with her shoulder, smiling at him any how.

"I do to have...," she trailed off as the came upon the tree. Underneath of the tree lay a large quilt with candles surrounding it and in the middle food had been set out. "Wow."

Gabe shrugged. "I just thought it would be better than some restaurant...I mean I know it's kind of cheesy and all, so if you want to go to the rest-"

Sam clapped her hand over his mouth laughing. "You're babbling," she said, the thought of having someone babble for her sake just blew her mind.

She saw a faint redness grow on his cheeks and she slid her hand from his mouth to his cheek, it was warm from his blush. Sam felt her own cheeks flush and her heart flutter. It couldn't be good and she felt guilty, because for a moment she had wanted to kiss him. Worse...she still did.

Even worse? She couldn't get her mind off of Jake.

So while her heart fluttered her stomach clenched the feeling of liking someone a lot and the feeling of guilt. Really, not a good combination. With what little strength she had she lowered her hand. Gabe watched it fall and took it, still staring at it.

"This is perfect. Thank you," Sam whispered watching his face as he stared at her hand. She wondered if Jake would do something like this for Rachel. She felt herself becoming jealous and hurt, she had to do her best to suppress all these crazy feelings inside her, so before she could think to hard and long about anything she took a step closer to Gabe.

She rested her forehead against his and she felt him sigh. His gaze lifted from her hand that he was still holding to her eyes.

"I'd do anything for you, Sam," he whispered his lips coming closer so they grazed hers, but just barely. "And that kind of scares the crap out of me."

Sam closed her eyes and breathed him in her heart breaking and rejoicing all at once. He pressed himself to her, kissing her passionately, and Sam kissed him back. He pulled away first, his breath heavy and Sam opened her eyes to find him smiling.

"We should eat, or we might never leave." He said taking her hand again and leading her to the blanket where they both sat, but Sam found that she wasn't very hungry.

What a fool.

x-x-x-x

Darton High was crammed pack, there were teenagers huddled outside of the school waiting to be let in, the parking lots were filled with parents dropping their kids off and cars which some kids drove. Finding a parking space had been a pain in the butt. Gabe opened the door for Sam again and helped her out of the car. She was nearly tackled; luckily Gabe had kept her from falling.

"Oh my God. Sam you look so sexy!" Jen squealed into her ear. Where did she even come from? Sam wondered.

She stepped back from Jen's death grip to get a look at her best friend. "Wow, Jen you look stunning," Sam said smiling. She really did look beautiful, in Sam's dress and her blonde hair curled and pulled back. Jen was even wearing light matching makeup and replaced her usual glasses with contacts. It was weird seeing her without her glasses; it was like seeing a cow with no hair...except Jen was pretty...unlike a bald cow.

"Hey there Gabe. You look rather dashing," Jen said playfully giving him a curtsy.

He bowed in return. "And you look lovely, Jennifer."

Jen pretended to fan herself and Sam rolled her eyes.

"Whoa."

Sam, Gabe and Jen turned to see Ryan. Sam smiled at him even though she didn't really care much for the British tool.

"You look nice Ryan," she said politely taking Gabe's arm.

Ryan cleared his throat and offered his arm to Jen. "Uh, so do you." He whispered to Jen and she nodded.

"Hey, I'll catch up with you later ok? Save a dance for me!" Jen called as Ryan led her towards the school.

Sam and Gabe followed the crowd towards the school. She snuck gazes around the parking lot, wondering where he was, how he looked, and sadly, even what his date looked like. It was a waste of time; she couldn't see anybody through the crowd.

"Hi Sam!"

"Oh, it's Gabe!"

"What's up Sam?"

People called from every direction, people who Sam didn't even know. They sure were getting a whole lot of attention...very much unwanted attention.

"I swear if someone comes and asks for your autograph I may have to punch them," Sam said as she smiled to some other girl she didn't know. Gabe laughed.

"I might just have to find somebody to ask me in that case...," he teased as if liking the idea of Sam punching someone.

"Oh my golly gee! It's like Sam and that total babe Gabe!"

Sam turned to glare at some bimbo but found a smiling Darrel instead. He winked at her.

"Hey babe, can I get your autograph?"

Sam smiled and hugged him. "What are you doing here? I thought you weren't coming. Oh and...," she punched his arm and he rubbed it.

"Sheesh, what's with the sudden burst of violence?" He asked and Sam just stared at him waiting for him to answer. "I have some...business...to take care of," he answered vaguely peeking Sam's curiosity.

"What kind?" She asked nosily.

His gaze went towards the school and Sam followed it. But she wasn't sure if she was mistaken, because she found herself looking at Jen.

He shrugged. "You know...business."

Sam smiled. "You hurt her I'll kill you," she warned finally realizing his 'business'.

He smiled at her too. "I know Darlin', I know. By the way, has anyone told you how sexy you look?"

Sam rolled her eyes and took Gabe's arm once more.

Darrel laughed and patted Gabe's shoulder. "Just so you know, every guy in here is probably thinking: 'luck bastard'."

Gabe smiled. "I guess I am."

"Damn, straight. Hell, Sam save me a dance I wouldn't mind pissing off a few pricks either!"

"Darrel don't you have some business to take care of?" Sam asked giving him the stink eye. He held his hands up in surrender and started backing away.

"Just don't forget my dance!" He called before heading off in the same direction as Jen.

Sam's feet were killing her by the time they had gotten into the school. Walking in heels wasn't too bad; it was standing still and waiting in line that killed her feet. And to top it off, she still hadn't seen any sign of him.

Gabe bent towards her to ask if she wanted to dance, his lips close to her ear since it was so loud. Sam nodded and took his hand, leading him out on the floor. The music played loud and with a heavy bass, Sam found her body moving to it naturally. Dancing with Violette would make it natural she guessed.

Bodies on the dance floor were pressed close and Sam found herself dancing with Gabe intimately. His hands on her waist and her body pressed close to his. He bent low to her ear again.

"People are staring," he said chuckling and Sam looked up, her gaze meeting his.

He stared at her and she stared back. He froze while she still danced and he watched her, Sam could feel him watching her movement like a hungry cougar. It was like a spell, time had frozen in that moment, before Rachel showed up.

Rachel grabbed Jake from around the waist and spun him so he no longer faced Sam but her instead. In her dress that was cut to low and the hem too high she began dancing with Jake.

With a pang in her heart, Sam turned so she wouldn't be facing them. Gabe looked at her concerned.

'You ok?' he mouthed, both of them pausing. Sam wiped some sweat from her forehead. She wondered how long they had been here; they had danced quite a bit. Sam gave him a tiny nod that didn't seem to convince him but he didn't push it.

"Darlin'! My turn to dance!" Darrel yelled loud enough that a few people turned their heads. Sam didn't let go of Gabe though, she wouldn't leave him to the hounds, so she would just have to dance with both of them.

A techno pop song came on that was obviously popular because the dance floor suddenly got really crowded.

Darrel was even singing it. "Damn girl you's a sexy bitch!" It was with Darrel's idiocy that made Sam forget her worries momentarily so she could smile, laugh, and dance with him and Gabe.

The song finished and Darrel kissed her hand. "Thank you m'lady. But I believe there is a slow song coming on and I would like to steal somebody," he winked and dashed off into the crowd.

Just as he did a slow song came on. How on earth does he know these things? Sam wondered.

Gabe took her hand. "May I have this dance?"

Sam rolled her eyes and he smiled. "You're right, you are totally cheesy," she said wrapping her arms around his neck, while he wrapped his arms around her waist.

She rested her head on his shoulder as they slowly danced making a small circle. Gabe tripped as Sam stopped abruptly.

"What's wrong?" He followed her gaze which rested on Jake and Rachel, embraced in a kiss.

All the feeling Sam had repressed came flooding to the surface. She felt her eyes watering and she hated the fact that she was about to cry, and she hated the fact that he was once again the reasons for her tears. Most of all, she hated how much of a hypocrite she was being. She had kissed Gabe, so maybe this was pay back. Maybe this was a cruel reminder, or even karma. Without a word Sam spun and left the room.

"Sam!" Gabe ran after her but she didn't stop until she was outside. "Sam, stop!" He grabbed her arm and spun her around to face him. His face which was concerned became even more so when he saw the tears staining her cheeks.

She felt horrible. And when Gabe hugged her, she felt even worse. Of course, he knew now and yet he was comforting her.

"I'm so sorry Gabe," she cried softly into his shirt. He rubbed her back in a comforting way telling her nonsense.

"I'll take you home." He said fishing for his keys. Sam stopped him.

"I'd rather just walk," she said making him stare at her as if she was crazy.

"Are you out of your mind? It's dark and late and too dangerous, not to mention to far."

"I have my phone, please Gabe," she pleaded.

He looked torn but finally pulled her into a hug as if complying. "It's ok," he said over and over again. Even though it was far from that.

"How can you say that? You should hate me."

He pulled her back making her look him in the eyes. "Sam, did you forget what I said already?" He asked. Sam hiccupped. "Remember, I'd do anything for you. That means, I'll let you go. If you love him, I'll let you go. Doing anything for you, anything that will make you smile...anything that makes you truly happy. It's been like that since that night you showed me the stars, you let me into your world and I never wanted to leave it, I want to be in your world forever. But, in that world, you have to be happy or else it just isn't right...off balance almost."

Hot fresh tears filled Sam's eyes again. "Oh, Gabe," she blubbered hugging him again. She truly didn't deserve him. She didn't deserve anyone and their kindness, why should she deserve to be happy? Most of all, she didn't deserve Jake, all these years she never appreciated him the way he deserved to be, that is why she had lost him. "But he doesn't even want me," she said her voice thick with tears.

Gabe looked at her again, a sad smile on his face. "Frankly my dear, that is impossible."

She sniffled. "But you saw him...kissing her...," her voice trailed off as a sob threatened to escape.

"I also saw him watching your every move all night. Sam, sometimes you've got to fight for the things you want, for the things that make you happy. That is why I am fighting off every urge to pick you up like a sack of grain take you to my place and never let you leave...because what I want is for you to be happy and if I did that, you wouldn't be," Gabe said a twinkle of amusement in his eye.

Sam smiled sadly too. "Well, I better get walking. Thank you, Gabe. Honestly, for everything." She kissed him on the cheek goodbye and began her walk home.

"Sam remember to call me if you get tired of walking or well, anything. I really don't like this but...," he shrugged.

She waved and began her walk.

x-x-x-x

The lights from the school had faded and Sam's feet had blisters, she had just now taken off the heels and was scolding herself for not doing it earlier. All she knew was that when she comes walking home her dad was going to kill her...or Gabe. But she would explain it, she would tell him she even threatened his life...he'd probably believe it.

A car whizzed by and honked their horn. Sam grimaced. "Disgusting," she grumbled sniffling. Her face felt dirty and stiff from crying and her nose was running. She felt sexy. She saw the glow of more headlights coming from behind her and stepped off the road onto the dirt. But the car never passed; instead it slowed down and followed her. Sam's heart raced and she reached for her phone. She had a new text message.

Please stop.

-Jake

She froze, frowning at her phone. She had just gotten it. The car behind her stopped also and Sam spun when she heard the door shut as somebody climbed out. Her heart threatened to bust from her rib cage as she stared at the last person she thought she'd see again tonight. New tears swelled in her eyes making her angry for crying again.

Especially in front of Jake.

He gazed at her as if he couldn't get enough, his eyes glazed over and he even looked a little sad.

"Sam...," he breathed quietly causing her tears to spill over silently. She turned and started walking again, away from him. Even though all she wanted was to run to his arms, to cry and hit him, to call him a fool and tell him how much she loved him.

"Stop!" He called his footsteps sounding behind her.

"Go away!" She yelled back, her voice hoarse from crying. His footsteps quickened and he grabbed her arm making her stop and spin to face him.

Angrily, she tried to jerk her arm from him, hitting him with her shoes. He flinched but never let go, he just let her hit him and yell. Until finally, he had enough.

He grabbed both of her wrists, restraining her arms so she couldn't hit him anymore. Her tears blurred her vision, but she swore she saw an unfamiliar shine in his eyes too. She tried to kick him.

He dragged her over to the truck, Sam fighting the whole way, and pinned her against the hood, between the headlights.

"Let go of me! I hate you!" She yelled no longer able to hit or kick him.

"Will you shut up and listen to me?" He asked quietly, but his voice powerful. Sam stopped struggling and fell quiet. But he didn't speak. Instead, he wrapped his arms around her, hugging her tightly, so tight as if he were afraid if he let go he'd lose her. He bent, resting his head on her shoulder and after a moment of fighting with herself, Sam rested her head on his.

"I'm so sorry, I know those words sound weak and aren't nearly enough, but Sam, I was such an idiot...," his warm breath caressed her neck and she shivered. He pulled back took her face in his hands, their lips nearly touching. "I couldn't stand the thought of losing you...I was an idiot to think that I was, you have to forgive me, I can't keep going like this. I love you, hell; I love you more than you could ever know. I have for a long time now, so please, please, forgive me."

A small sob escaped from Sam's lips. "Jake you idiot."

She closed the distance, kissing him with all her might, she wanted him to know how she felt too, and she was telling him through the kiss. Breaking apart, she rested her forehead on his.

"I love you too," she whispered brushing a lose piece of hair behind his ear.

Jake pulled her to him again, where they shared a kiss full of love and tears.