"Hey Michael, your mom's on the phone." Julian said as he walked into Michael's room. Michael who was anxiously waiting for the morning to come so he could talk to Sawyer again looked up from his computer, "Ohh, thanks Julian." He grabbed the phone, "Hi mom!" He said glad to hear her voice.

"Yeah, I miss you too….Everything's going great."

Julian stepped out slowly giving Michael his space. It was a little while later that he went back in. He needed someone to brainstorm ideas to, and Michael was a great listener.

"Hey Michael?" He said knocking on the door.

He heard him clear his throat, "Yeah?"

"Can I come in?"

"Yeah, yeah, of course." He responded.

Julian opened the door and grabbed his desk chair, "This is a nice chair. it's comfortable." He said, smiling at Michael.

Michael looked at him confused, "Yeah...it's nice.

Julian saw his downcast eyes. His face softened, "You miss your mom, son?"

Michael shrugged, "Yeah...but, ummm.." He looked unsure of what to say. He looked up at Julian's friendly face, "umm can I tell you something kinda personal?" He asked.

"Always little man."

Michael nodded, "You and Brooke took me in, and I know that you guys didn't have to do it. And you guys have taken care of me, comforted me, and punished me when I needed it. You're like real parents to me."

Julian looked at him intently, "You mean a lot to us Michael."

Michael continued, "And I already have a mom, but Brooke's become my mother too. She's like a second mom, and I don't doubt for a minute that she loves me. And well, I've never had a dad…."

Julian felt himself tense.

"Until now." He looked up at him, "Julian, you're the first dad I've ever had. And I just, I was wondering if I could still talk to you and stuff when my mom comes back. If I could still talk to you and Brooke."

He looked Julian in the eyes whose serious face burst into a smile. He got closer to Michael, "Kiddo, you are always welcome here. If you need to talk about a girl, about anything, I'm here."

"Really?" He said.

He nodded, "Brooke and I want to be there for you every step of the way. When you graduate high school, college, when you get married. Everything. We wanna be there...if you let us."

Michael jumped up and gave him a big hug. His voice caught, "I've never had someone tell me that before. Thank you, thank you so much."

Julian squeezed him and held him for a moment then pulled him back, "Bud, sit back down. Let me tell you something."

Michael did as he was told. Julian chose his words carefully, "You, Sam, and the little bugger in Brooke's stomach, you have my heart, all three of you. Nothing's gonna change that. The way you protected Sawyer today, damn am I proud of you. That took guts, self-control, and a whole hell of a lot of love."

"No one deserves to be treated like that." Michael simply said.

Julian put a hand on his shoulder, "I'm gonna ask something of you, okay?"

"Anything."

He squeezed his shoulder, "The way you protect Sawyer, I need you to do the same for Sam, and for the baby…"

"Like a big brother?" He said apprehensively.

Julian took his arm off and nodded, "Exactly like a big brother."

Michael couldn't help but smile, "I promise."

Julian was about to head back out, thinking that brainstorming could wait for another day. "Hey Julian?"

"Yeah?"

Michael blinked, "I love you."

Julian gushed, "Love you too kiddo."

…. ….. …..

The next morning Peyton happily went into Brooke's house, letting herself in. "B. Davis I'm here!" She said happily, "The door was open!"

Brooke popped out from upstairs, "Hey you." She said with a smile. But she knew that her friend's happiness would soon come to an end. "Is Sawyer awake? We've got a doctor's appointment."

"I think she's just getting ready. Want some coffee?"
"Of course! I have to tell you all about yesterday anyways." She then looked at her watch, "Soy hurry up!" She said in the direction of Sam's room.

"You know what, gimme a sec. I have to go talk to Sam really quick."

She headed into Sam's room, "Girls, I'm coming in." She said before opening the door.

Sam was still asleep, but Sawyer was sitting by the bed, completely ready to go, but refusing to move. "Your mom's outside." Brooke said quietly.

"I heard her."

Brooke gave her a faint smile, "You could've stayed in the guest bedroom."
She shrugged, "I wanted to stay with Sam."

Brooke's tone changed, "You can do this Sawyer. None of this is your fault."

Sawyer nodded, "I don't want mom to freak out."

Brooke chuckled, "That goes without saying. She's your mother, you can't expect her to stay calm."

Sawyer got up, "I guess so." Brooke followed her out.

"Hey mom."

Sawyer looked up from her coffee, "Hi baby. Ready to go? We're running late."

"Mhm."
"Brooke, we'll catch up later?"

"Of course." Brooke said.

Sawyer turned to Brooke who mouthed the words, "You can do it."

As Sawyer walked to the car she felt sluggish, but thought nothing of it.

As they were driving Peyton turned to Sawyer, "You look really tired Soy. Did you get any sleep?"

Sawyer played with her hands, "Yeah we kinds stayed up late."

Peyton looked over, "Well we can stop by a Starbucks afterwards. Sound good?"

"Yeah...sure."

Sawyer felt more and more tired by the minute. She thought it was just because of yesterday. In an effort to keep herself balanced she grabbed a hold of her mom's hand, and trudged her way into the doctor's office with her mother. Peyton was caught off guard by the gesture, but gladly squeezed her hand.

Sawyer sat down on the office couch, and felt in a daze. The room was spinning. She didn't know what to do, but was internally panicking.

"It'll be a few minutes." Peyton told her as she sat down. Sawyer instantly laid her head on her mother's lap and coiled in. She closed her eyes hoping to make what she was feeling go away, not caring that their was other people around.

Peyton felt alarmed, "Sweetheart what's wrong? Are you okay?"

"I-I feel really dizzy and tired."

Peyton knew exactly what that meant, "Soybean can you sit up for a second?"

She did as she was told. Peyton looked at her intensely, "Did you take your medicine today?"

"Yeah, I did."

Peyton's worry began to show, "You must have high blood sugar. The doctor's gonna call us up any second now, okay?"
"Okay." Sawyer said softly.

Peyton patted her lap, "Just lay back down for now."

When it was finally their turn Peyton led her daughter in, "Dr. I think her blood sugar's high right now. can we just quickly test it, please?" Peyton said as calm as possible, so as not to scare Sawyer.

The doctor complied, "Sure thing. That's odd, has she taken her medicine?"

"Yes." They both said.

He nodded and then pricked her finger for blood. "I'll just be a minute."

Sawyer was on the table, while Peyton stood soothingly rubbing her back.

When the doctor came back in, his face was serious. "What's wrong?" Peyton asked anxiously.

"I need to administer this high dose of insulin, right now, and no sweets for today. Sawyer, your blood sugar is dangerously high. Are you sure you've been taking your medicine?"

Peyton looked at the doctor, "She has. I make sure she does."

He injected the insulin in her, meanwhile Sawyer was still in a daze.

"Any higher, and this could've turned out drastically different." He said towards Peyton.

Peyton's heart dropped at the gravity of it, "Are you kidding me?"

"No. We need to make sure her medicine is still effective. If not, we'll have to administer higher doses."

Peyton kissed the top of Sawyer's head at the thought of losing her, "But she'll be okay now right?"
"This should do the trick, yes." He then turned to Sawyer, "Now Sawyer I know right now everything's real fuzzy, but I'm gonna ask you some questions."

She just nodded, "Okay."

"Have you been stressed?"

Sawyer gulped, "What do you mean? Like, school?"

"More like, did something big happen that could cause you to feel high levels of arousal, like stress, or anxiety?"

Sawyer turned to her mom, then back at the doctor, "...yeah." Was all she said.
Peyton looked at her stunned, "What?"

He asked again, "Are you sure?"

She crossed her legs, "I'm, I'm sure."

He turned to Peyton, "High stress levels raise blood sugar on occasion. This probably explains it. You can take her home. We'll schedule a general appointment for another time." He looked at her more sympathetically, "Talk to your daughter."

When he walked out, Peyton put a hand on her hip, "Sawyer Brooke Scott." She said in a soft, but commanding voice.

Sawyer rubbed her eyes, "Momma, not now." She pleaded feeling extremely light headed. Peyton frowned, looking at how weak her daughter looked. She let her arm fall and grabbed Sawyer's hand. She sighed, "Come on honey, let's get you home."

She put her daughter's health first, although she was dying to know what had happened.

Sawyer followed her mother into the car. As they drove Peyton kept looking over to the half asleep Sawyer. "I'm tired." Sawyer said in a weak voice.

"I know sweetie. We're almost home."

Sawyer fell asleep in the car and once home collapsed onto the couch. This gave Peyton time to call Lucas.

When he got home his face was only filled with concern, "Where is she?" He asked. She pointed to the couch, and put a finger to her lips, "She's asleep."
He nodded then went over and bent down to Sawyer. He moved some hair out of her face.

"So what, what happened?" He asked her.

"I don't know. I haven't gotten the chance to talk to her. She's been asleep." Peyton said with worry written all over her face.
He ran a hand through his hair, "Well I guess we'll just wait. Don't worry babe." He said grabbing her close, "It's probably just normal teen drama that caused this. Don't worry just yet." He gave her a small kiss, which she gladly took.

… ….. ….

Brooke walked into Sam's room, "Sleepyhead wake up." She said throwing a pillow that was on the floor onto the bed.

Sam groaned, "Broookkee quit it."

"Sawyer left already sweetie."
This got Sam's attention, and she sat up, "Wait, did she-"

"She's going to." Brooke answered already knowing what Sam was going to ask.

"I should be there."

Brooke stopped her, "No, no. You need to let her do this by herself Sam. I know you love her, but Sawyer needs to do this, not you."

Sam frowned, "Whatever, fine. Where's Michael?"

"They went to watch a game of basketball with Nate."

Brooke leaned on the wall as she watched Sam lay back down. "I'm going back to bed." She mumbled.

"Don't waste the day asleep Sam."

She mumbled into the pillow, "I'm not. Jack and me are gonna hang out later on."

Brooke nodded and put her hands in her pockets, " 'Kay. Don't do anything stupid. By the way I'm going into the office for the day."

Sam took the pillow off her face, "On a Saturday?"

"Yeah." Brooke grumbled, "It was the only time most of the editors could meet."

"Damn. They got you working like a racehorse."

Brooke chuckled, "Yeah, well, I have an empire to run."

Sam rolled her eyes, "Well get ready to see that empire fall after you have the baby."

Brooke's heart skipped a beat, as her comment was so appropriate to her meeting, "Don't curse my business!" She said jokingly.

Sam sat up and got out of bed, heading into the closet, "You're getting defensive because you know I'm right." She said with a smirk on her face.

Brooke smirked at her back, "I'll educate you on running a business another day smart ass, but for now, I'll see you later."

Sam smiled, "Great, I'll be ready to take notes."

Brooke rolled her eyes and made her way out.

…. … . …. …. ….

Sam skated down the road as she headed to the park. She saw Jack laying down catching some sun. She picked up her board and then went over and laid down next to him, "Boo!" She said scaring him, as he was sleeping. "What the hell?!"

She started cracking up, "Damn Jack. Didn't know you were so jumpy."
He glared at her, "Very funny, jerk."

She bent in and kissed him, "You look good under the sun." She whispered. He smiled, "Don't make me blush." He joked.

"So , Sawyer, how is she?" He asked her as he sat up."

She turned more serious, "She's holding up fine. She's gonna tell her parents today."

"Damn, that's rough."

"I know." She responded.

They laid there for a while, until Sam had an idea. "Hey, let's go to our old spot."

"You mean where Jake used to tag up and stuff?" He asked.

Her face brightened at the thought, "Yeah, man! It'll be like old times."

He thought about it, "I guess it'll be fun. We just have to jump the fence. So it shouldn't be that bad."

Both agreeing, they went towards where they used to watch their foster brother tag. They jumped the fence and the old sofa where they would sit was still there behind the old dilapidated building.

"Wow, man. Old times." Jack said.

Sam sat down, feeling the old plush of the sofa, "Still as gross as ever." She said. He sat next to her, "You know Brooke would have a fit if she saw you sitting on such a gross couch" She laughed then got closer to him, "Well good thing she's not here."

Jack kept staring at her.
"Is there something on my face?" She asked him.

He shook his head, "You just look really pretty today."

She tried her best not to blush. He put his arm around her, and they sat on the sofa comfortably. He saw her pensive face, "What're you thinking of?" He asked her.

"I wanna do something crazy. I feel like everything's been so serious lately."

He agreed with her, "Yeah. We should go to a party and destress." He then saw a huge smile form on her face.

"What?" He asked suspiciously.

"This would just be a perfect hangout spot. Don't you think?"

He looked around, it was a big lot and people hardly looked to the back of the building, "You're totally right."

"It's still early afternoon. We can get some people to come, I think." She added. He agreed, "Yeah probably. Let's do it?"

"Yes!" Sam said happily.

"Can we invite Sawyer?" He asked. She glared at him, "Think about it Jack. I don't think she's up for it. But I'll text her anyways, just to let her know where we are. It's weird though, I've been texting her and she hasn't responded. I think we should go over tomorrow to her house."
"That works." He said, "I'll start calling some people."

Soon enough the pair had managed to get a group of 12 kids in the back. They were all having a good time. Someone even brought a grill and food. Others brought snacks, and a stereo. Unfortunately someone brought beer. Sam and Jack looked at each other, knowing that if they got caught, it'd be on them, but they went with the flow anyway. As soon as it started getting a little too crazy Sam stood up and turned the music off. Everyone lasered in on her angrily, but their attention was quickly diverted to the sounds of a police car.

"COPS, RUN!" Someone yelled. Quickly some of them dispersed, others stayed.

"SHIT JACK." Sam said. They quickly started to throw all the beer bottles into the trash can, but didn't work fast enough. Two cops went towards the back, "Everyone stop NOW!" One of them commanded. The six or seven kids all looked at them like deer in headlights. They examined the damage, and it was easy to spot the beer bottles. "Alright, against the wall. All of you NOW!" The same officer barked.

As they lined up they were instructed to take out some form of identification. Unfortunately not one of them was over 21.

"Who's in charge of this party?"

No one answered. "Y'all want me to write each and every one of you up?" The other officer asked.

Sam, not wanting to get them all into trouble raised her hand, "I did, sir." She said. Jack spoke up, "We both did."

The meaner officer walked up to them, "You bought the beer?" He hissed.

Sam and Jack pled their case, and fortunately the officers found it compelling enough. The other kids vouched for them saying that some of the others that managed to leave brought the beer. The seven of them took a breathalyzer test, and most of them passed. Sam and Jack could relax a little easier.

The soft spoken officer stood in front of all them, "Listen up kids. We're gonna let most of y'all go. Except for you two." He said pointing to Jack and Sam, "You guys come with us."

The other kids scrambled away.

"You two realize the liability that's involved in under age drinking? Now, we ain't chargin' y'all, but we feel that you need to be punished somehow. So we're gonna take you down to the station."
Both of their eyes widened, "Are you kidding me?!" Sam spoke up.

"YES." He spoke more forcefully, "You won't be put in jail. We're just gonna call your parents to pick you up.

Sam could already imagine the hell that was about to happen, 'And I was doing so good.' She thought.

…. …. …. …

Sawyer woke up and found herself on the couch beneath a blanket. "Mom?" She called out. Lucas came out, "Hey Kiddo. Mom's outside. How're you feeling?" He asked her.

"I feel better, now."

"Not dizzy anymore?" He asked her.

She shook her head, "Not anymore."

She got up and headed to her room, "I'm gonna go shower."

"We need to talk after, okay?"

She stopped and looked at him. He saw her look at him completely surrendered to the idea, "Yeah, I know." She replied.

When she came out, she was wearing simple shorts and a tshirt. Her mom and dad were cooking something, and she sat on one of the barstools. Peyton looked up at her thankful that she looked better, "Feeling better Soybean?" She asked her with a smile.

"Mhm."

Lucas put the vegetables in a pot, "So what's this about a stressful situation?"
Sawyer wanted to shrink away, but knew that wasn't an option, "You know how I left early yesterday?"

"Okay." Peyton answered putting the knife down and putting her attention on Sawyer, Lucas then doing the same.

"Well I was upset because, Chase…"

"Did you guys fight?" Lucas asked.

She shook her head, "Not really. He, umm, he wanted to have…"
Lucas's eyes widened. "Sex." Sawyer said, "He wanted to have sex and I didn't want to."

Peyton felt her anger pulsate, "Sawyer, did he touch you?" Her voice was commanding.

"He, uhh, grabbed me, but I pushed him off and he apologized after he realized what he did."

Lucas, in anger, forcefully put down a plate and it broke the instant it made contact. Sawyer jumped, not expecting her dad's reaction. Lucas looked at the plate, "I'm, I'm sorry." He said. he looked at Sawyer and could only see her four year old self. He wanted to kill Chase. "You have to call his father. We're breaking this endorsement off." He told Peyton.

Sawyer looked at her mom, "I'm really sorry." She said.

Peyton grabbed her hands, "No Soybean. I shouldn't have put you in that position. I'm so sorry." Her voice cracked. She pulled Sawyer in, "This shouldn't have happened."

Sawyer could see the anguish in her parent's eyes. She pulled away, "Mom I'm okay now, really. He, he was a jerk. But he didn't hurt me, or do anything to me. I didn't let him. He regrets it too. I promise."

Lucas was breathing heavily, "It's no excuse that little jerk is gonna pay."

Sawyer looked at him desperately, "Dad stop! Can we just forget it. Cancel the endorsement, sure, but we don't need to do so much please. He wasn't trying to rape me!"
Peyton and Lucas stopped when they heard the word come out of her mouth. "We'll take it slow Sawyer." Peyton finally said after a moment of silence.

Lucas said nothing. The room was quiet. Peyton wanted nothing more but to go back in time and save Sawyer the grief.

Sawyer looked down, "Um, Michael was gonna stop by in a bit. We're gonna go watch a movie. I should get ready.

Lucas looked at her incredulously, "Sawyer you're staying in today."
"What? Why? I thought you guys said I didn't do anything wrong! And I feel better now. My blood sugar's back up."

Peyton chimed in, "Sweetie, I'd prefer if you'd stay in too. Please. I'd feel better if I could see you here."

"That makes no sense! Why am I being punished?"

Lucas sighed, "Soybean you're not being punished. I think your mom and me just need to process what happened and would prefer if you stay here. Just for today, please."

"By prefer you actually mean you're forcing me to stay here, right?"

"Baby don't make this hard." Lucas said going over and standing her up, pulling her into a hug, "I love you bug." He said.

Sawyer hugged him back. She looked at them slightly angry, "Fine. I'm going to my room." She mumbled as she made her way back.

When they heard the door close Peyton turned to Lucas and he held onto her, "He's losing that senator spot. I promise you that." Lucas said gravely.

… …. ….

Millie heard the phone ring, "B. Davis. This is Millie speaking."

"H-hey Millie." Sam said relieved to know that someone picked up the phone. "Sam? Sammy! I haven't seen you in ages! What's up? Your mom's in a meeting by the way."

Sam rubbed the back of her neck, "Y-yeah, I know. It's just that my dad forgot his phone at home, and Michael's phone goes straight to voicemail...and I need someone to pick me up."

Millie was a bit confused, "Wait, where are you?"

"Ummm…"
"Samantha." Millie said.

"I'm kinda in Jail."

Her eyes widened, "WHAT?!"

"Not like in, in jail. Someone just needs to pick me up."
"Samantha what happened?! Your mom is going to kill you."

After explaining everything to her, Millie exhaled the breath she was holding, "Ohh Sam." She said very disappointed.
"I know. I know." Was all Sam could say.

"I'll talk to your mom. Just hold tight."

Millie waited for those in the meeting to come out for lunch. When they finally did she got ready to tell Brooke, but Brooke wasn't coming out. Although she did hear her voice, "Victoria I'm not letting you do that to my company!"
"Oh hush Brooke. Don't be so melodramatic."
Millie knocked on the door, "You're not coming out for lunch?" She asked Brooke.

Brooke looked over at Victoria, then rolled her eyes, "Gladly. Let's go for lunch Millie."

Victoria rudely pushed past them both, "Excuse me."

Brooke narrowed her eyes, "That bitch." She said loudly. When she turned to Millie she could tell something wasn't right.

"Millie, what's wrong."
"Uhhmm, can we talk in your office?" She asked her apprehensively.

"Yeah, of course. Let's go."

"Millie what's wrong?" Brooke asked concerned.

She took a deep breath, "Sweetie, umm, Sam needs someone to go pick her up...from jail."
Brooke felt time stop, JAIL?!"

"Well not jail, jail...see they just picked her up and took her to the precinct…" Millie explained what she knew of the situation with Brooke.

Brooke rubbed her neck, feeling stressed, "I don't have time to deal with this! I have Victoria bitching at me, attempting to snatch the business that is rightfully mine, editors vying for my time, and now my daughter needs to be picked up from jail?! Perfect. Just PERFECT."

Milie shyly spoke up, "To be fair you called Victoria for her help once the baby is born."
"Exactly! I give her an inch and she takes a mile!" Brooke then shook her head, "But that's not the point! I'm going to go pick up Sam."
"But you're meeting!" Millie exclaimed.

"What choice do I have?"

"I'll go. I'll pick her up and take her home."She offered.

Brooke rested her hand on her desk, "No. Bring her here. And sit her down outside my office, where you can see her." Her voice was determined.

… …. ….

Sam felt Millie's eyes pierce into her as she sat down outside her mom's office, "Why can't I wait in her office?" She asked.

"Would you like to go into her meeting and ask?" Millie asked her voice dripping with attitude.

"No, not really." Sam said frowning, and took her place in the chair. She took her phone out and lazily looked through it, trying to buy time, and forget her anxiousness, "How much longer?" She asked.

"Soon." Millie replied.

Sam heard the door creak open and her mother's voice trail behind, "I'll be right back." She told those inside. Sam looked up and it seemed as if Brooke was charging towards her. She sat up in preparation, "Brooke let me explain!"

"Get up." She commanded her, opening the door and pointing towards the office, "Inside. NOW." Millie and a few others looked up at the scene before them.

"Brooke wait, calm down." Sam said trying to negotiate with her. But Brooke was not in the mood.

"Samantha Davis, if you don't get your little butt up and into this office in three seconds! You will not be happy. Get. In. NOW!

Sam hung her head and did as she was told. Her face turning red as she felt the stares of the people around her.

Brooke closed the door behind her, and wasted no time, "You have approximately ten minutes to think and THINK HARD about what you have to say to me."
"Mom I-"
"Samantha, is it your turn to TALK?" Her voice boomed.

Sam shrunk in the chair, "I guess not...geez." She mumbled.

"I've spent hours today, HOURS, in meetings. And you know what the cherry on top was? Hearing second hand that you were in jail!"
"I wasn't, technically!" Sam defended herself.

Brooke narrowed her eyes, and her voice turned grave, "Little girl you better get it together. Today is NOT the day."

Sam could sense the stress and frustration in Brooke's demeanor. She looked at her with wide eyes, "Mom?"

Brooke shook her head in disappointment, "Ten minutes, Sam. And don't you dare get up."

Sam raised her eyebrow, "I'm in a time-out? Isn't that a little bit much?"

She saw Brooke's eyes blaze, and realized it wasn't the right time to be sarcastic. "Yes Samantha, like a time out. Because apparently that's what my fifteen year old daughter needs, a childish punishment, since she can't be trusted to be by herself AT ALL. Say one more thing and I'll put you in the corner, if you so prefer."

Sam bent her head, "It was a joke."

Brooke clenched her fists, "Of course it was." With that she made her way out closing the door behind her.

And she wasn't joking because ten minutes later Sam heard Brooke's cheery voice saying goodbye to those in the meeting. She braced herself. Brooke came in, without saying a word. She sat at her chair directly in front of Sam.

"Have you thought about what you're going to tell me?"

Sam nodded, and cleared her throat, "I, umm, I just wanted to hang out with friends at my old spot."
"No, you trespassed." Brooke added stringently.

Sam squeezed her hands together feeling the heat, "I didn't know they were going to bring alcohol, Brooke. I'm sorry."

"You're always sorry Sam." Brooke said more quietly.

Sam felt the words hit her hard. "The police believed me, and they're not even mad! They didn't write me up or anything."

Brooke took a deep breath, "But they could've. I called them, and I had to be lectured by some random police man about how I should be more careful with you, and how different this could've turned out had they not stopped it in time!"

"I know you think I can't be trusted, but I really didn't mean for it to get so out of hand. I just wanted to have fun with friends. It wasn't my intention to get into trouble. I know I used to that before, but it's not the case now. Please believe me." She spoke with sincerity.

Brooke knew Sam felt bad, but she wasn't holding back. She wanted Sam to understand why she was frustrated, and it wasn't because of the party. "You're in trouble for something that your so called friends caused. Do you understand that Samantha? I don't care about you hanging out or having a party. I care when the people surrounding you leave you out to dry."

She waited for her words to sink in. "Those aren't friends Samantha.." She replied disappointed. Sam felt her heart fall at her mother's words.

Sam could say nothing else. Her mother was right, and she knew it, "I didn't know it would turn out like this...Mommy don't be mad...please." Sam said defeated.

Just as Brooke was about to say something else Victoria stormed in, "What's this about your daughter in jail!?"

Sam looked over, having never met the strange, but overpowering presence that had rudely come into her mom's office. Millie strode behind, "She took it out of me. I'm sorry!"

Brooke glared at her, "Victoria leave. This is a private conversation."
Victoria looked over and saw Sam for the first time in person, "So this is the little troublemaking rebel."

Sam looked at her insulted, "Who the hell are you?"

Victoria looked over at Brooke, "Really, Brooke? My grand daughter doesn't know who I am?"

Sam's eyes widened, "You're Victoria?! Holy hell!" She said momentarily forgetting what had just happened.

Brooke stood up and opened her office door, "Victoria get OUT! I'm talking to MY daughter!"

Victoria calmly grabbed Brooke's hand and took it off the door, then closed it. "You stupid girl. What do you think you're doing?" She asked her, "You can't even control one!" She said pointing to Sam, "How do you expect to control two PLUS a company."

Brooke, feeling twelve years old again and under her mother's thumb, bowed her head and stumbled on her words, "I, I-"

"You can't even answer my question! This just proves my point! And I'll make sure to bring it up in the next meeting."

"Millie, take Sam to get food." She said quietly.

"Wait, Brooke-" Sam said, wanting to stay and defend Brooke.

Brooke, finally lifted her head and turned to Sam, "Now, young lady."

Sam got up frustrated, "Fine, whatever!" She left the room with Mille quietly behind her.

"Don't want your daughter to see you get scolded?" Victoria chided.

Brooke tried to regain her ground, "You might have been able to control me before, but I'm not that same girl anymore Victoria. I know I'm a good mother, and a good businesswoman."

"You are drowning and you know it." She pointed out.

Brooke clenched her fists, "I asked for your help, not for you to take over. I can end this now, if I so choose to! NOW GET OUT!"

Victoria narrowed her eyes, "I'm trying to help you."

"We're all business, and that's it Victoria." Brooke said feeling powerful again, " I don't need your motherly advice. Our meeting ended half an hour ago. YOU. CAN. LEAVE."

Victoria rubbed her temple, "You're impossible."

"Well I must've got it from you." Brooke spit back. "Why are you still here?"

"Why haven't I met Sam, formally I mean." Victoria asked her tone changing the conversation completely.
Brooke sighed heavily, "Maybe it's because you're a bitch, and I don't want you talking to her."

"Brooke Davis, I am your MOTHER!"

This didn't stop her, "Mother?! Yeah right! She means the world to me, and I don't trust you at all. And by the way she's not a trouble making rebel, you don't insult her!"

Victoria backed off, "Fine, I get it. But you need me...and you know it."

With that she put on her sunglasses and walked out.

Brooke fell into her chair and took a deep breath. She held her stomach and a coupe tears fell from her cheek.

A few moments later Brooke heard a knock on the door, "Mom?" Said the apprehensive voice.

Sam opened the door and saw Brooke wipe her cheeks, "Mom were you crying?" Sam asked worried as she saw her mom's red eyes.

Brooke attempted to compose herself, "...A bit Sam. But I'm okay now."

Sam grabbed a chair and sat right next to her. She didn't know how to console her, so she did what she knew best, "I would cry too. She's terrifying."

Brooke broke a smile and rubbed the top of Sam's head, "Thanks Sam." She said hoarsely.

Sam looked at her more seriously, "And I think that you're doing a great job as a businesswoman. I'm sorry that I made you look bad today in front of her."

"I don't care what she thinks. That's not why I was and continue to be upset with you."

Sam got the hint and cringed.

Brooke looked at her for a moment, "Samantha, you can't let yourself be put in these hard places. You know the courts are watching us closely because of your situation. I know you didn't mean for it to happen. I know you didn't buy the beer, but please, please think about the situation more completely before you decide to invite friends to PRIVATE property."

Sam nodded glad that her mom wasn't mad at her…technically. .

"It won't happen again Brooke."

"And Samantha know that if I ever have to bail you out of jail you will not be a happy camper. Trust me on that."

Sam bit her lip, "You won't have too. I promise."

Broke lasered eyes, "I don't care if your 23 and moved out. If I bail you out you'll be back in our house banished to your room. You'd lose your status as an adult so quick. Is that understood?"

Sam looked at Brooke as if she was crazy, but not wanting to poke the bear wisely nodded, "Yes, I understand."

"Great." Brooke said.

"Am I allowed to go?" She asked her standing up.

She grabbed onto Sam and pulled her onto her lap, "I'm sorry I was so hard on you earlier. I was just worried and Victoria's presence didn't make it any better." "Yeah, I know." Sam answered, "I could see it in your eyes."

"My sweet girl." Brooke said as she held onto her. Sam felt like a child, but didn't deny Brooke this moment.

Just then someone came into the office. Brooke looked up smiling, "Yeah, Ricky?"

Sam felt herself blush as she was still sitting on her mom's lap. Ricky feeling that he had interrupted a moment answered nervously, "I, uhh, just needed you to approve this."

"Put it on my desk. I'll take it back to you."

Ricky put it on her desk and headed out quickly.

Brooke looked back at Sam, "No more unannounced parties young lady. Understood?"

"Yes m'am." Sam said.

Brooke squeezed her tightly, "Love you sweet pea." And gave her a kiss on the cheek.

"Alright and that's enough of that!" Sam said getting off her mom's lap.

Brooke chuckled, "Alright. You're staying with me for the rest of the day."

"What?" Sam whined.

Brooke lifted her eyebrow as if to say try me, "You can help Ricky and the other interns finish up organizing the binders for the upcoming catalog.

"Great." She grumbled.

… …. …. …. ….

Lucas and Peyton were eating at the kitchen table when they saw Sawyer come out. Then they heard the doorbell ring. "Michael's here." She said.

Peyton stood up, "Uhhh Soy, no, no come here."

When she got to the door Michael was already in, "Hi Mrs. Scott." He said happily.

Lucas then joined them. "Oh hi Mr. Scott." He said as well. "We're just gonna go to a movie. I'll bring her back at 9pm. Promise!" He said flashing a smile. He was unaware that they didn't want her going out.

Lucas and Peyton glared at her, and Michael was catching the hint. He played with his sleeve, "Umm, is there a problem?...We don't have to go if-"

"Mom? Dad? Can I go?"

Lucas sighed heavily. She took that as her sign, "Thanks dad!" She grabbed Michael's hand and left as quickly as possible.

It was 8:45pm and Peyton and Lucas were sitting down watching television. Peyton walked in and closed the door, "I'm here!" But no one was home. She checked her phone and it was her mom saying they went out to talk with Chase's parents. They'd be back by 9:30pm. She texted her mom saying she was home and then changed into pajamas and slid into her bed, but she felt terribly alone. Her mind went back to the night before, and she shivered at how close she was to something terrible happening to her. She shuddered and fell into a fitful sleep. In a moment of wakefulness she heard the low drone of the TV. Slowly, she got out of bed and headed to the living room.

Her parents saw her. Peyton was laying on Lucas's chest, but lifted herself up and moved giving Sawyer space to sit in between them. She extended her arm, "Come on honey." She said softly.

Sawyer stood in front of them, "I couldn't sleep. Are you mad at me for going out with Michael?"

Lucas patted the couch, "We shouldn't have forced you to stay in for no reason. We were just worried."

She sat in between them and snuggled into Lucas, "Daddy can you hold me?" She asked almost embarrassed at her request. Lucas had no qualms about it and held her tightly, "Always baby bug." He answered as he would when she was younger. Peyton smiled and rubbed Sawyer's back. She fell into a deep and restful sleep.

Hey all, hope you enjoyed the chapter! Please, please review! Tell me what you think of the chapter. 2-3 chapters left :D Continue to review and I'll continue to write stories like these.