Do not own General Hospital or any of the characters.

Just wanted to say thank you for all the reviews on the last chapter. I know a lot of you weren't happy with what happened in it and I'm sorry. I wasn't planning on taking it there but I did. And I hope after reading this chapter, you understand a little better what had happened and why Jason had did what he did in away.

anyways, enjoy, it's a long one!

The Flame of Franco

It's My Birthday and I Will Cry If I Want too

While she was in the shower, Jason came home. His head was pounding as he walked through the door, throwing his keys and wallet onto the desk. He couldn't remember the last time he had ever felt this hung over before. After walking around the street for a bit, he had ended up at Robin's house. The two of them talked about Michael until the sun had come up. Robin could tell that Jason was upset by something else other then just Michael, but she had not pushed him. His 200 and something pounded body ached with exhaustion as he looked up towards the stairs, were he could hear the water of the shower going. He assumed it was her as he heard commotion in the kitchen, whom he knew was Spinelli.

Standing there for a moment, he closed his eyes briefly as he rubbed his forehead. He wasn't sure where to go. He just wanted to sleep at the moment. But knew he couldn't sneak into the bedroom. He knew he couldn't go into the kitchen to get an Advil for his head, either. So he just instead took a seat on the couch, waiting for someone to confront him. He didn't have to wait long as she soon came down the stairs. Her hair hung damp around her face as she slowly walked down the stairs. She didn't notice him at first until he looked up and catch her eye.

Sam stopped a brutally in her path as her brown eyes looked into those pale blue ones. She was surprised to see him. Neither of them spoke as they continued to look at one another.

He stood up slowly, debating if he should go towards her or not. He looked down at his feet for a second before glancing back up at Sam. Her expression said it all. She wasn't too happy to see him. She didn't say a word to him as she looked away and moved in the direction of the kitchen. She was in need of a coffee. She needed to do something with her hands she found. She needed a distraction. She was surprised to see him but it hurt to much to look at him at that moment.

Swearing angrily under his breath, Jason made his way towards the stairs. He knew there was no going after her. He knew he only had himself to blame for what happened between them.

"Faire Samantha, there is a fresh pot of coffee," explained Spinelli as he glanced over his shoulder at Sam, who had just entered the kitchen. She just nodded her head in reply at this. She didn't have the energy to speak, afraid of what might come out. Her mind was a ball of fuzz as she made he way over to the coffee machine. She was surprised to see Jason home so early. She assumed that he would have never come back after what had happened. She didn't really know what she should be feeling towards him. She wanted to hate him but at the same time she still loved him. What had happened between them that night had been an accident, a terrible accident but still an accident. She wanted to blame him but she couldn't, not in the way she should. Closing her eyes and letting out a sigh, she reached for a clean mug from the cupboard and proceeded to pour herself a cup of coffee. As she brought the hot drink to her lips, Spinelli interrupted her thoughts.

"Was that Stone Cold I heard come in a few moments ago?" he asked towards her as he turned off the oven and poured the scrambled eggs he had on the frying pan onto three plates.

"Yes," she murmured, trying to keep her voice as neutral as possible as she quickly met Spinelli's eye. She knew it would break the young man's heart to found out what had happened between her and Jason last night. She especially didn't want anyone to find out about it. It was between her and Jason. She then looked away as she took a sip of her black coffee and made her way back into the living room, where she took a seat at the dinning room table. Drawing her knees to her chest on the seat, she cradled the warm mug in her hands.

Jason stood in the door way of the bedroom. He didn't know what he was doing up here. He didn't know why he was home at all. He should had stayed away. After what he had done...he should had gone away. Sam, he knew didn't want to see him. And he didn't blame her. He hated himself more then ever at the moment. His whole body reeked of shame and guilt for what he had done. He couldn't seemed to close his eyes without seeing the panic on the Sam's face. The hurt and fear that had flashed through her eyes as she had look at him as he sat there. Too buzzed to fully understand what had just happened.

Taking a step into the room, he realized that he also reeked of alcohol as he lifted his shirt to his nose. He then stripped down to nothing as he threw his dirty clothes into the hamper and made his way towards the bathroom.

After a brief shower, Jason headed back into the bedroom, were he proceeded to get dress in a black t-shirt and dark washed jeans. He left his feet bare as he took a seat on the end of the bed and caught his reflection in the mirror on Sam's vanity. He didn't not recognize himself. The last 24 hours had changed him dramatically. He no longer knew who he was. Running his hands through his wet hair, he closed his eyes for a moment.

The room blurred slightly as he rose to his feet and made his way over to the dresser. His head was still throbbing. Closing his eyes briefly as he opened the top drawer and began to look for a pair of socks, his hand came into contact with a small leather box. He was slightly puzzled by this object as he appeared at it in his palm. It then dawned on him. It was Sam's birthday gift. He had bought it two weeks ago. He then realized what day it was.

He cursed loudly at this thought as he pocketed the small box in his jean pocket before pulling out a pair of black socks. Guilt filled the pit of his stomach. This was not how he had imaged starting off Sam's birthday. He had planned it all out. They were suppose to wake up in bed together. He had planned on making her breakfast. Then he would had given her gift to her at the perfect moment, getting down on one knee and all that stuff. But now it was all ruined. He had screwed it all up. He didn't know where to go from here. He loved Sam very much and wanted her to be his wife. But he wasn't so sure of what Sam thought of him now. He had to talk to her before he decided his next move. He had to found out if she still loved him after what he had done.

Spinelli and Sam had just finished eating when Jason appeared down stairs. He caught Sam's eyes briefly before she dropped her gaze onto her empty plate.

"Good Morning Stone Cold!" spoke the Jackal warmly as he appeared over at his roommate. Jason acknowledged Spinelli's greeting with a nod of his head but continued to look on at Sam, who had excused her self from the table and was moving into the kitchen. It took all of his power not to go after her and stay standing there, pretending to listen to Spinelli as he chattered on. "I'm so sorry to hear about Young Michael! It is just devastating to hear that the Young Mr. Sir will have to go to prison at such a young age!"

Jason just grunted slightly at this. He didn't want to talk about Michael. At least not with Spinelli. The Jackal could sense this for he suddenly stood up from his chair, "Oh, look at me going on and on like this when you probably would like to spend some time with the birthday girl," realized Spinelli as he smiled broadly at Stone Cold as he cleared his plate and moved into the kitchen.

"I will leave you two to be," he finished explaining to Jason as he returned back into the living room. The computer hacker then returned to his pink bedroom upstairs. He could sense something had happened between the couple but did not push it. It was none of his business.

Jason walked slowly into the kitchen where he knew Sam was. She had her back towards him.

There was tension in her shoulders as she scrubbed at a plate in the sink. They had a dishwasher but Sam found she had to do something with her hands. So she was doing the dishes by hand. She could sense Jason's presence but did not turn around.

He didn't know what to do as he stood in the entranceway of the kitchen. He had his hands in his pockets just staring at her back side. She looked like a small bird as he admired the movement of her muscles beneath her long sleeve shirt she was wearing. He stayed standing there for a moment before taking a small step towards her. He desperately wanted to hug her and wrap his arms around her waist. However he knew better. He feared to touch her again. He didn't want to harm her anymore then he had already had.

"Sam," he whispered towards her. He suddenly had the urge to tell her all about Michael and how it had all played out at the courthouse. Except he remained silent as he continued to stare at her back. She either had not heard him or had chosen not too. She continued to scrub away at the plate.

"Sam," he spoke again, this time a little bit louder. He wanted her to turn around so he could see her face.

However, she did not. It took him a third try before she dramatically dropped the plate into the sink and turn to look at him. There was a mixture of anger, fear and sadness on her face as her brown eyes locked with his. She did not say anything at first. She had nothing really to say to him.

Jason opened and closed his mouth. He didn't know what to say either. He had just wanted her to look at him. And now that she had, he wasn't quit sure what to do next. There was a million things he knew he should say but nothing seemed to fit right. Nothing would cover up what he had done. The damage he had done.

After a moment of silence had passed, the tension that Sam had previously in her shoulders was gone. She dropped her gaze on Jason for a second before looking back up at him. There was sadness in her eyes. All the anger and fear was gone. "I don't hate you," she spoke in a low voice, tears filling her eyes slightly. She had thought long and hard about this. She did not hate him, she could never hate him. She would always love him.

Jason's blue eyes widened slightly in shock at this. He was taken back by what she had just said. She didn't hate him. How was that possible? he asked himself. He had practically done what Franco had done to her. How could she not hate him? He hated himself for what he had done, so how could she not either?

"You were drunk and upset over what had happened to Michael. You weren't yourself, Jason," she continued on, "I understand." Sam was rapidly blinking back tears as she took a step towards him. However she didn't reach out towards him. She held her hands at bay by her sides. It was hard for her to say this but she truly did not blame him. He had been a different Jason last night. She had heard the news of Michael from Spinelli who had heard it from Maxie who had reported it from Lulu. She had been told about it last night and assumed that was why Jason had not come home straight away from the trial. She knew he would had been hurt and guilty about the news of his nephew and blaming himself.

He didn't want to hear this. He didn't deserve her understanding. He wanted her to be mad at him. He shook his head slightly from side to side. "Sam," he whispered. He didn't want her to say what she was saying just because. They needed to be honest with one another. He didn't want this to be something they smoothed over easily. Just to get rid of the problem. They needed to discuss it.

"No, Jason, just don't!" spoke Sam softly. "I don't want to fight about this. You weren't yourself last night. Lets just leave it at that." She didn't hate him but she found she was needing sometime by herself. It was hurting to much to look at him and not thinking about the roughness of his hands on her. She just needed time to process things.

Jason's hand clenched at the box in his pocket. He could hear the hurt still in her voice. He knew she was trying to remain strong. He could see it as she looked away from him, biting her bottom lip like she did when she was nervous. He desperately wanted to take her in his arms. Not being able to fit the urge any further, he took a slight step towards but froze when he saw that Sam had took a step back.

"I'm sorry," she cried meeting his eye before walking passed him and out of the kitchen. He stood there listening as the front door opened and closed. Jason swore angrily under his breath. He hated himself more then ever now. He moved towards the coffee machine. He was suddenly in need of caffeine.

Jason drank two cups of black coffee before making his way into the living room. His head was still pounding but he ignored it. He deserved to be in pain he thought to himself. Every sob of his temples was a punishment, a reminder of what he had done. He welcomed it.

The Penthouse was quiet. Spinelli was upstairs still but he figured he was lost in one of his video games. Jason paced around the living room, losing himself in thoughts. He wanted to make it up to Sam but he didn't know how he would go about doing it. She clearly wasn't mad at him like she had said. But she still didn't want to be around him. Did he really blame her? No he didn't. He had betrayed her like he had promised himself and her, he would never do again.

After leaving the Penthouse, Sam had not been sure where to go. She was so confused on what to feel. She didn't know if she should hate Jason or not. She knew that she didn't but wasn't she supposed to be? She had tired calling Laney but had gotten her voice mail. She felt so lost. She needed to talk to someone but she didn't know who. She had to tell someone soon or else she was afraid that it would eat her alive. She needed someone's opinion on the situation, other then her own.

She walked around the park for a bit before deciding to go to Kelly's. She had gotten a text from Maxie that she wanted to meet for lunch. She had forgotten yet again that it was her birthday. She wasn't one for birthdays. They never really felt like any different from any other day to her. It had been like that since she could remember. But everyone around her seemed to want to make her birthday something over the past few years since finding out that Alexis was her mother. She now just went along with things.

"Happy Birthday!" cried Maxie as she wrapped her arms around Sam and pulled her into a hug. She had just arrived at Kelly's.

"Thank you," replied Sam, smiling at her friend as they pulled away and took a seat at a small table by the door. "Have you been waiting long?" she asked towards the blonde as she opened the menu. Maxie had gotten there before Sam had.

"No about five minutes or so," replied Maxie looking up at Sam.

Sam nodded her head at this before turning her attention to her own menu. A blanket of silence then fell on to the two friends as they read over the familiar menu. But it didn't matter how many times they read over the specials, they always seemed to order the same thing.

Once the waitress had taken their orders, both of them ordering Caesar salad chicken wraps, Maxie turned to Sam who was staring down at her hands which rested on the table. She could feel Maxie's eyes on her but she did not look up. She was suddenly nervous. Maxie was one of her dear friends and knew she would be a person to tell of what happened with Jason. But didn't know how to tell it with out Jason coming out worse then he already was. She knew Jason better then everyone and knew he was not himself last night and he had been upset over what had happened to Michael. And Maxie being not Jason's biggest friend, she knew that the blonde would use this against him.

"So how's your birthday been so far?" asked Maxie. She could sense something was up with Sam. There was something on her mind other then the fact she was a year older. She just couldn't place it.

"It's been okay," spoke Sam, smiling weakly at her friend. "Spinelli was really sweet and made me breakfast, which was nice. And my mom is having a big dinner thing for me at the lake house tonight." She ran a hand through her dark mane of hair as she rambled on.

"Yeah, I got the invite. I'm sorry I can't go. I have to go with Kate to Paris for Fashion Week. We are flying out tonight," murmured Maxie.

"Oh, I know. Its fine Maxie. I don't even want the party, it's my mom's idea," replied Sam to her friend. If she had a choice in the matter she wouldn't want the party at all. She rather just have take-out and curl up on the couch watching a movie.

Maxie smiled widely at this. "So, what did Jason get you?" she asked as she took a sip from her water, her blue eyes appearing into Sam's brown ones.

Sam looked briefly away at this. She didn't know what to tell Maxie. She thought about telling her the truth, that he had come home hung over and barely spoken a word with her before she had fled the apartment. She hadn't given him enough time to wish her a happy birthday or to give her anything.

"Don't tell me he forgot?" snapped Maxie, as a moment of silence passed. She knew something had happened between the two of them.

"He has a lot of his mind with Michael going to prison and everything," lied Sam. She was happy that her friend had jump to a conclusion, so she didn't have to tell her the truth. She knew that if Maxie found out that Jason man handed her, that she would go ape shit. She didn't need that.

"That bastard!" cried Maxie, her blue eyes widening. "He just forgot! Like that!"

"Well, like I said he has a lot going on. Look Maxie it's no big deal," she lied reaching out across the table and touching Maxie lightly on the wrist. "Yes, I was a little hurt but I honestly don't care about my birthday. He apologized and we are good."

"Well that's good I guess. I dunno if I were you, I would be pissed. I mean if Spinelli ever forgot my birthday I would be make him suffer and know that I was mad," rambled on Maxie as she took another sip of her drink. Her voice was much calmer now.

Sam couldn't help but smile at the thought. She knew Maxie's feistiness. "So, tell me about Paris?" she asked changing the subject. She needed to talk about something other then Jason or Michael. This was why she loved having Maxie has a friend. She was good at talking about herself. Something that Sam did not mind at this moment. The two friend then ate their meals and talked about Maxie's upcoming trip to Paris.

After their plats were cleared and they were waiting for the bill, Maxie presented Sam with her present.

"You didn't have to get me anything," commented Sam as she leaned on her elbows on the table.

"Oh, stop being so noble and take it, would you!" teased Maxie as she held out a neatly gift wrapped box in front of Sam.

"I'm just saying," murmured Sam as she took the package from Maxie's out stretched hands. "Thank you," she added as she placed the box down on the table and began to undo the black ribbon on it. Sliding the ribbon off, she began to carefully rip open the silver gift wrap. She knew immediately what it was as she slowly took off the slid of the box. She could always count on Maxie to get her the latest trendy pieces in fashion. It was a clutch bag.

"Now I know you don't usually use purses but when I saw this on the runway, I knew you would love it! It just screamed Sam to me!" explained Maxie briefly as Sam pulled out the bag from the box. It was about 8 inches long. It sort of looked like a small canvas pencil case but slightly bigger. It was made out of soft butter black leather on one side and black suede on the other. It had rose gold hardware on it. It was also studded with small spiky studs , which ran along in a thick strip down one side of the leather side. They were also rose gold. The bag looked like a classic but with edge. It was very Sam. " You can also use it as a purse," added Maxie as Sam opened it to find a delicate rose gold chain inside.

"I love it!" spoke Sam in a soft voice. She was suddenly over come with emotion at her friend's thoughtful gift. She could always count on Maxie to get her something beautiful and trendy. But this by far was the best that she had received from her. "Thank you!" she whispered looking up and meeting her friend's eye.

"Your Welcome!" spoke Maxie, slightly standing up as Sam leaned over the table and gave her a quick hug. This bag was still just a bag. But in some strange way it gave Sam hope for the future.

"There's the birthday girl!" cried Alexis as she opened the front door of the Lake House, just as Sam, Spinelli and Jason climbed up the front steps.

Sam couldn't help but roll her eyes slightly at her mother's enthusiasm . It was a character that Alexis rarely embraced. "Here I am!" replied Sam back as her mother's threw her arms around and pulled her into a hug.

"Happy Birthday!" whispered Alexis into her ear as kissed her on her cheek before pulling away. Sam was stunned by her mother's actions. She was never really the public affection type, especially with her. The two woman seemed to have an understanding on that matter.

"Thank you," replied Sam, a slight amused smile playing on her face as her mother smiled back at her before pulling her into the house, leaving Spinelli and Jason to follow. Jason let out a sign as he stepped into the house. He was slightly antsy. He had not been home when Sam had come back from lunch with Maxie. He had gone off to the PCPD to see Michael before he was transferred to Pentonville. When he had gotten home, Sam was already dressed and waiting for him. He had yet again forgotten about Sam's big birthday dinner at her mom's house. They had only spoken briefly as they were interrupted by Spinelli. Jason had then taken this moment to get dressed into a suit and dress shirt. He also remembered to place Sam's gift into his jacket pocket. He knew he needed to make it right still between him and Sam. And he was hoping to be able to get some alone time with her tonight. Even if he had to wait after the party was over to do so.

"OH my gosh! You are looking fine Sister!" cried Kristina as she stood up from her seat on the couch and ran towards her older sister. Sam just smiled nervously at her younger sister as she continued to gawk at her outfit. Sam, who wasn't dressed in anything fancy didn't see what the big deal was. Yes, she was wearing a dress, a change from her normal attire. But it wasn't really anything different, she thought to herself. Her dress was an off the shoulder body con dress midi dress, that came to just mid calf on her. It had been Maxie's birthday present to her last year. The dress hugged her in all the right places, showing off her small peite frame. It had black and white strips running down it. She wore nude platform heels and her new bag with it. Her makeup was her usual , with her hair in loose waves.

"I love your bag!" commented Kristina as she eyed the studded bag in Sam's hand.

"Oh, thanks. Maxie gave it to me!" replied Sam, looking down at the bag in her hand before looking at her sister. Kristina smiled broadly at her. "Happy Birthday Sam!" she spoke, before hugging her tightly like their mother had.

"Thank you," laughed Sam slightly at the attention she was suddenly getting from her family. She also couldn't help but smile at her sister who after all she had been through was smiling. She was happy that Kristina was feeling like her old self again. Therapy was helping her.

Jason stood off to the side as he watched as Sam embraced her youngest sister, Molly. He couldn't help but smile as he watched the smile grow on her face as Molly spoke something to her. He had to agree with Kristina, she was looking beautiful tonight. Sam always looked beautiful to him. But tonight, there was something else about her. He couldn't take his eyes off of her. He didn't know if it was because he didn't want to miss her looking at him or anything. Which she did every now and then as they all took a seat on the couch in the living room.

He and Spinelli wear seated on the arm chairs on either side of the couch, while the Davis girls took over it. He was glad that at times like these were he was useless to Sam, she had her sisters and her mother to cheer her up. As Alexis handed him a beer, his eyes did not drift from Sam's face. She had her eyes closed and her chin titled back as she laughed at something that Kristina had said. He wasn't sure what was spoken for all he could hear was the sweet ringing sound of Sam's laughter in the room. It was a rare sound. He was happy despite what had happened between them that she could still laugh openly and smile.

"Is something going on between you and Jason?" asked Alexis towards her eldest daughter. They were in the kitchen. They had just finished eating dinner and Sam was helping her load the dish washer.

"No, why would you assume that?" asked Sam, suddenly stopping what she was doing to stare at her mother. She had her defences up.

"No reason," spoke Alexis slowly. She knew she had to chose her words carefully. She could tell she had hit a soft spot with Sam with the way she had suddenly jumped to conclusions. "It just seems like their distance between the two of you that's all. Did you get into a fight or something?" Her voice was filled with concern. She knew that Sam had been through a lot and things between her and Jason had not been easy. She just wanted her daughter to be happy for once.

Sam was silent for a moment as she suddenly turned her back on her mother and took a brief step away from the dishwasher. She had her hands covering her face as she leaned against the counter. She was suddenly over come with emotion. She knew she couldn't hide it any longer. She knew she could trust Alexis. She just wasn't sure where to begin.

"Sam," whispered Alexis softly as she approached her daughter from behind. She placed one hand on her bare shoulder, touching her lightly. Sam turned around to face her immediately at this. "What happened?" she whispered, reaching out and cupping the sides of her daughter's face. It didn't matter how old Sam got, she could still making out the little girl in her. Even know she hadn't known her as a little girl, she could see the outline of her in her sad eyes. She looked like Kristina and Molly had looked like.

"It's a long story," replied Sam, after a moment as she met her mother's eye. "I don't know where to begin," she confessed.

"Start at the beginning," stated Alexis as she lead Sam out the back door and onto the porch, which wrapped around the entire house. They were facing the lake as they took a seat on the porch swing.

Sam kicked off her heels and tucked her feet underneath her self. She did not dare to look at Alexis but continued to stare out onto the calm dark water as she began to tell her story. "It happened last night. I hadn't heard from Jason all day. He said he was going to call me after the trial but I don't think he expected, no body had expected that Michael would end up going to Pentonville. That had come to a shock to him. I'm not sure what happened afterwards. I stayed up waiting for him. He didn't come home until late at night. Around mid morning or so I guess. I don't really remember..." her voice trailed off slightly as she brushed her hair away from her face and let out a deep breath. Alexis wrapped her arm around her daughter, waiting patiently for her to continue on.

"He was drunk when he came home. Plastered. He wasn't himself. Jason doesn't usually get drunk. I could tell right away he was upset about something. Something had happened at the trial. He had wanted to try and forget something. To numb the pain away. When I heard about Michael from Spinelli, I knew that Jason was with Carly or Sonny. I had wanted to give him space, knowing that was what he needed. So I hadn't called him. I had tried to talk to him when he had gotten home but he was too drunk. and clearly didn't want to talk about anything at the moment. He had wanted to do other things," Sam was trying to keep her emotions at bay but was struggling too at this point. "We haven't had sex since..." her voice trailed off slightly. She didn't have to say what it was, Alexis knew. She held her daughter tighter as she sensed what happened next.

"We have tried and Jason has been so good and patient with me. It's just...I freak out and remember what Franco did..." Her voice trailed off again as she cried into her hands. She didn't want to break down like she was. But the emotion kept on flowing out of her. She couldn't control it she found.

A moment passed, before she regained her voice again. "It had started off with a kiss. I was nervous but I wanted it. But things became a little to aggressive...I guess," tears welded up in her eyes as she looked over her shoulder at her mother. "He wasn't himself," she stated again. "He was on top of me. His hands were on me. His touch was becoming too much. I had tried to stop him but he had thought I was into it. So he continued to kiss my neck and such. I'm not really sure what made him stop..." her voice trailed off as she remembered back to last night and how she had screamed almost at the top of her lungs for him to stop. She had been panicked that he would hear her and would go all the way.

"You don't have to tell me anymore," spoke Alexis as she pulled her daughter to her chest like she was a little girl. It pained her to hear Sam speak like this. When Sam had told her she was raped, she had thought that that would be the worse she would ever see her daughter. But at this moment, Sam was at her very worse. "Shhhh," whispered Alexis into Sam's ear as she cried. She knew that Sam didn't want her to blame Jason for what had happened. But Alexis could only seen how Jason had hurt her daughter. It was yet again another Kiefer/ Kristina situation, she thought.

They stayed like this for a good ten minutes or so before Sam finally pulled away from her mother. She suddenly needed to be alone as she wiped her eyes with the back of her hand and stood up. "Please don't say anything to Jason," she begged her mom in a small voice. She needed to handle Jason on her own. The last time Alexis had meddled into their relationship, she had lost him and her self in the progress. She couldn't lose him this time. Yes, she knew who she was without him. But he was still the love of her life. And what had happened between them had been an accident. Jason had taken things too far that was all. She didn't blame him or was trying not too. She wasn't so sure anymore. But she knew she didn't need Alexis point fingers. Alexis didn't look too happy about this but agreed all the same. She didn't want to upset Sam then she already was. She would support her daughter in anyway she needed her too.

Jason could sense something was wrong immediately when Alexis returned from the kitchen without Sam. And when the older woman met his eye from across the room, he knew in that second that she knew. Guilt and bitterness filled his stomach as he moved away from Spinelli and the girls, who were putting candles on Sam's cake. He wasn't sure what he was going to say but he knew this was his moment to speak with Sam.

"She's out on the porch," spoke Alexis, reading his thoughts as he made his way towards the kitchen, were she had just come from. His blue eyes met hers yet again. Her voice was cold. She found that she couldn't hate him like she wanted to. She knew he cared deeply about her daughter and was probably feeling even worse for what had happened. She knew he wasn't entirely to blame for his actions. Everyone did stupid things when they were drunk. She knew this all too much. However, she still wasn't pleased with him.

"Thank you," he whispered in gratitude at her before heading into the kitchen and out the back door.

"Please just leave me alone, mom," whispered Sam as she looked over her shoulder at the sound of the screen door opening and closing behind her. However, she let her voice trail off as she locked eyes with Jason.

"I'm sorry, I'll come back," apologized Jason, nodding his head at her before turning to leave.

"No wait!" she cried suddenly after him. He turned back to look at her at this. He was surprised by her out burst.

"Stay," she whispered, gesturing to the porch swing.

Okay, I know that was not the best ending but more will be coming soon! Thanks for reading and please review!

Julie