It had been four weeks since Sam moved schools. Things had died down a bit, and Sam had stopped complaining about Tree Hill. Brooke was hitting away at her computer keys when she noticed her door creak open. She knew it was Sam and gave a small smile, though she kept her focus. It was wonderful how normal it felt to feel Sam come and just sit on the floor in her office. Sometimes she'd talk about her day, other times she was aloof, but it made Brooke feel at peace. And for Sam, Brooke's mere presence was an ultimate comfort.
Sam opened the door, then closed it behind her quietly so as not to disturb Brooke. She padded over and sat down to the left of Brooke's chair and leaned on the wall, criss cross applesauce as usual. She had already placed a pillow and blankets there, which Brooke did not move, even though her office was usually immaculate she couldn't bring herself to clean up the nest Sam had propped up for herself.
"Hi sweetheart. Why aren't you up with Tamara?" Brooke thought Sam was going to just ask her something, but then when Sam went over and sat down she knew she'd have a visitor for at least a good half hour.
"Tamara's asleep." Sam said as she got comfortable.
Brooke looked at the time and figured it was still early for a teenager to go to sleep on a Friday night, especially when with a friend. She pressed 'send' and went to the next email, "This early? You must've worn her out Sam." Brooke said jokingly looking at Sam out of the corner of her eye. She saw Sam's face fall a bit and then turned to her.
"She got moved to a foster home, it's kinda loud there I guess." Sam said cuddling into one of the blankets.
Brooke could hear the sadness in Sam's voice, "Do they treat her well Sam?"
Sam shrugged as she tried finding her spot in the book that Haley had given them. Brooke's office was her reading spot." They're the ones that do it for the money. They give you food, a place to sleep. You shut up and try not to cause a scene. There's probably seven kids. She has to share a bed with two other kids. She doesn't really get much sleep there." She looked up at Brooke, "She might be spending more time here. Is that okay?" She gave her mom pleading eyes, but Brooke didn't need her to beg, "Of course Sam. As long as her foster parents are okay with it, so am I."
"They don't care." Sam mumbled, finally finding her spot in the book.
Brooke took a deep breath, she kept looking at Sam. Had she been in a foster home like that?
After Thrice had given them the case report four weeks ago Lucas and Brooke were a bit more enlightened of Sam's past. Sam had had three good homes. They might've been emotionally neglectful at times, but they never hurt her. Yet Sam always did something to be sent back. The reasoning Sam gave was that she needed to be at Clydesville for when her mom and dad came back. Brooke and Lucas both had misty eyes after reading that court statement. But Sam also had three particularly bad homes. One when she was six and their preferred disciplinary tool was a thick belt, another when she was eight, her foster parents were drug addicts and particularly mean and angry drunks, and the last when she was with Mike. But all they could get from the report was that Mike gave her a broken arm by pushing her down the stairs. They knew there was more to it, but Thrice told them that Sam would open up with time. Even Thrice was unaware of what he had done.
Brooke and Lucas's heart broke multiple times that day. They decided to watch a movie with Sam that night, making sure to love her up as much as they could, and Sam soaked in it. Sam really liked that day, of course she didn't know about the case report.
"Brooke?" Sam said after 15 minutes.
She rose up an eyebrow to signal she was listening, "Hmmm?"
'You've been spending a lot of time in here. You've been super busy and I know it's because of me and you moving to Tree Hill. I, umm, I think you should go to New York more often, I'll be fine now." Sam replied meekly, hoping she sounded convincing.
Brooke put her pencil down, "Samantha this isn't your fault. It's just a crazy time. New York or not, there's a lot to get done. And I'd much rather spend my nights here in this office talking to you and watching you read, than over there." She could see how guilty Sam felt, and sighed, "I know I've been busy these past two weeks, but that's why Rebecca's coming down Sunday. She's really gonna relieve a lot of the workload. You'll see."
Sam slumped her shoulders. Brooke had been mentioning this Rebecca character for three weeks already. She was her right hand in New York and she had decided to move down to Tree Hill. She also had a daughter, who Brooke seemed to be head over heels for. Sam would be lying if she said she didn't feel a bit threatened by this mysterious "Elizabeth" character.
And apparently it was through Rebecca that Brooke met Julian, as she was Julian's cousin. That made it a bit better. Sam was excited that Julian would be coming down when Rebecca and her daughter moved in to Tree Hill. She'd finally get to see him!
Sam snapped out of her thoughts, "I'm excited to see Julian." She mentioned and looked to gauge Brooke's reaction. She could see the slight wince, "Brooke, it's okay right? I can hang out with him?"
"He means a lot to you Sam. I'm not taking that away."
Sam smiled at her mother, glad that she was so understanding.
"And you're gonna love Lizzie. She's the best and only a year older than you. You guys are gonna hit it off!" Brooke added with a huge smile.
Elizabeth was a freshman in high school, but Sam was the youngest in the freshman class as she started kindergarten at four and not five like most.
"Yeah...sure." Sam said trying not to show her indifference, or better yet, jealousy.
They stayed in a comfortable working silence for another half hour before Brooke got up. "Kiddo I'm going upstairs. Are you staying here?"
"I'm just gonna finish this chapter then go with T again." Sam said looking from the rim of the book.
Brooke bent down and gave Sam' a kiss on the top of her head, staying like that for a brief moment, inhaling her daughter's scent. Watermelon shampoo and very light body wash. Sam got used to using the cheapest toiletries, and Brooke grudgingly obliged. I mean, Brooke Davis buying $2.00 shampoo? What a travesty. But she was getting used to her daughter's faint scent, the same way Sam got used to the lavender scent that followed Brooke around.
"Don't wake her if she's still sleeping, okay?" Brooke said gently, referring to Tamara.
"I won't."
" Night Sammy. " Brooke said as she stood back up.
"Night Brooke."
When Sam finally went into her room Tamara was sprawled out all over her bed,
"Damn it T." She grumbled. She picked up her blanket, and was going to get a pillow but Tamara was on top of all of them. Sam rolled her eyes and went into Brooke's room standing near the door. Brooke, who was looking over some contracts in bed put the papers down.
"Brooke can I borrow a pillow? T's all over my by bed and took control of my pillows."
Her mother looked at her curiously, "Where were you planning on sleeping?" She saw that Sam had her blanket and Barry the bear in one hand.
Sam shrugged, "I don't know on the floor or the couch I guess."
Brooke let out a scoff, "No, you will do no such thing." Came her no nonsense voice, "Now come here." She patted the bed twice.
Sam held onto the doorframe. She hadn't slept in Brooke's bed since she had woken up from the fallout of Lucas's overnight stay all those weeks ago.
Brooke could see that Sam was trying to decide.
"Samantha get on the bed." She spoke once more. She wouldn't budge on this one. There were only two rooms with a bed in her home, and Sam was going to be asleep in one of them and since Tamara had overtaken hers, then her bed would have to do.
Sam let go of the door, "Brooke the couch is fi-"
"Now Sam." She gave the mattress a small slap, "Get on the bed."
Sam sighed and trudged over, then crawled under the covers.
Brooke picked up a contract with one hand then looked over at Sam who was still sitting up,
"You are always welcome here. My bed is your bed. My room is your room. You come in here whenever you want, okay?"
Sam looked at her then scooted closer to her mother, "Okay then." She said softly. Brooke extended her hand, "Now come here silly." She smiled invitingly at her and Sam gave her a sheepish look, but scooted some more and laid her head on Brooke's side. She saw her mother's vacant hand and carefully took a hold of it, absentmindedly playing with the ring on her mother's finger. It had her birthstone on it! It was practically begging Sam to play with it.
"Brooke?" She asked later, now half asleep.
"Yes?" Brooke answered still concentrated, although Sam's small hand in hers, constantly fiddling with her ring was enough to want to gather her girl and never let her go...damn work, ruining everything.
"Will you and Lucas always hold me? Even when I'm not sick or we're not watching movies or something?"
This caught her attention. She put the contract aside and looked down at her daughter, who was refusing to look at her, "Sammy, we can hold you if you just want to be held. You don't need a reason to sit on your dad's lap or my lap. You don't need a reason to ask for a hug. We'll give you all the love and cuddles you want for no reason at all." She assured her, and made a mental note to maybe give her baby more random hugs.
Brooke knew Sam was half gone by now, else she wouldn't have asked such a question. She turned out the light and maneuvered herself to lay down, then pulled Sam close to her. She felt as Sam melted into her side and Brooke's heart soared. She kissed the top of Sam's head, "I love you my little knucklehead." She whispered.
Sam smiled, "I really like being your knucklehead."
Brooke chuckled, "I like that you're my knucklehead too."
The next morning Tamara woke up with no sign of Sam. She walked towards Brooke's open bedroom and found Sam nuzzled comfortably into Brooke, her back to her mother's chest, while Brooke's arms were wrapped around her.
Tamara rolled her eyes, "Ppssst. Sam." She whispered not so stealthily.
Sam stirred and Brooke reflexively tightened her hold, but nothing came after that.
She tiptoed into the room and pinched Sam's exposed arm.
"Ouch!" Sam hissed quietly, "What the hell?" Sam mumbled under her breath still somewhat asleep.
"Why didn't you stay in your room?" Tamara asked, not caring that she woke Sam up abruptly.
"You took over my bed." Sam grumbled, annoyed that she was being woken up from her sleep.
"Oh." Tamara said as she saw the pair. Brooke still looked comfortably asleep, and Sam wasn't opening her eyes.
"Sam get up. Jack's coming over remember?"
Sam's eyes shot open, "Shit I forgot." She moaned.
"Cuss one more time, I dare you." Came a stern, but tired voice that made both Sam and Tamara cringe.
Sam turned to look at her, "Brooke, I, I thought that you were still-"
Brooke's eyes finally opened, but she still held Sam, "I'm a light sleeper. Your friend over there woke me up with her not so subtle whispering."
Tamara just smirked, "My bad. Brooke, can we borrow your kitchen? I wanna make pancakes."
Brooke just wanted to go back to sleep, preferably with Sam still in her arms, but Sam was already trying to wriggle out of her embrace. She sighed and let go, "Yes you can. Don't burn anything down."
Sam sat up and tried to wipe the sleepiness off. "Hey Brooke can Manny come over too?" She said forgetting that she had already told him he could.
Brooke made no attempt to answer.
Sam shook Brooke's shoulder, "Come on, I know you're still awake. Can Manny come over too?" Sam tried again.
Brooke opened her eyes once more. It was a damn Saturday, what kind of kids were awake at this ungodly hour? Seven in the freakin' morning!
"Yes, now get out so I can sleep you little heathen." She groaned.
Sam laughed, "Whatever." She hopped off the bed, "Thanks! We'll save you some breakfast!"
…. …. …
By nine o'clock all four of the kids were downstairs. Manny stood next to Tamara, failing miserably at making a pancake. Jack sat at the island throwing daggers at the boy.
"Why are you so serious around him?" Sam asked Jack sitting next to him.
"I'm not." He squirmed a bit, "He's just...not like us." He said quietly so he wouldn't hear. Of course it was more like, he was a threat and Jack didn't like that one bit.
"So we're not supposed to hang out with him?" Sam countered.
"You can." He said with a hint of anger, "You're like him, or more like him than I am."
Sam glared at Jack, "Wow Jack. I'd expect that from T, not from you."
Jack sighed, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean it."
Sam was still incensed, "Yeah you did. Or else you wouldn't have said it." She got up and was about to leave him but Jack quickly grabbed her and pulled her towards the living room, "Sam look, I'm sorry. I'm just used to it being the three of us. Okay?"
She could see his sincerity and sighed, "I get it Jack, but don't worry what you and me have" She made sure to look at him with intent, "What we have is special." She gave him a kiss on the cheek and let him go, moving back towards the kitchen. Jack held his cheek and smiled.
"Sammy girl, check these suckers out!" Manny said staring at the two perfectly round pancakes he made.
Tamara just rolled her eyes, "It only took him ten tries."
Sam laughed. She was glad at how easily Manny accepted Sam's past. It wasn't easy to tell him, but he treated her no different, although he was a little star struck around Brooke when he first met her. And Tamara gained a liking for the boy, who although obviously wealthy and naive held no judgments on anyone. And Jack, well Jack was coming around.
"So Sam when are we seeing you perform?" Manny asked as they sat around the tv. Sam frowned. The showcase had been moved because they were still trying to gather enough money to make it happen this year.
"In two weeks, I hope." She answered. Manny's smile broadened, "I can't wait."
Jack felt Sam lean on him, "It'll happen." He assured her, "Thrice said they're getting an arts grant from the city."
It wasn't too much later that Lucas strolled into the home and was surprised to see four kids watching tv and eating.
"Well hello there." He said putting down his coffee.
"Hey."
"Hi Coach Scott."
"'Sup."
"Hi Luke."
Came the chorus of voices.
Lucas chuckled, "Where's Brooke?" He asked after giving Sam's forehead a light kiss.
She looked up at him, "Upstairs. I think she's still asleep."
He nodded and then went up to her room.
Tamara looked over to Sam, "Dude, are your mom and dad dating?"
"Who knows. They go out together and stuff but they're never like romantic and stuff. They're just weird."
It was true, for a month the pair couldn't deny that they loved one another, and so Luke and her started going out to dinner together, just the two of them. They would talk about a lot of things, and a lot of times about their daughter, but it was like rekindling a friendship that they had lost. They tried keeping it platonic, although sometimes a passionate kiss, or two…or three, slipped out.
He knocked on her bedroom door.
"Sam I'll be down in a minute." Came her voice.
"It's Luke." He said through a chuckle. Brooke sounded absolutely overwhelmed.
There was some shuffling and then she opened the door. He gave her a big, goofy smile,
"So mother bear, when did you have three other kids without my knowledge?"
She rolled her eyes, "If they're my kids, then they are your kids too."
"So are we playing house." He said a bit more seductively as he grabbed her by the waist.
"Maybe." She said giving him a teasing smile. He pulled her close and kissed her, then let her go.
A burst of laughter from downstairs brought them back down, and it was that same burst of laughter that made them feel completely whole. There they stood, a mother and a father, downstairs was their child, who despite the odds, was still quite happy. This was how things were supposed to be. Lucas felt Brooke grab her hand, and he smiled. Maybe this time around her answer to his question would be 'yes.'
"Sam, sweetie, Lucas and I are gonna go out and buy some things for tomorrow's dinner. Are you okay to stay here with your friends?"
Sam stood in front of her parents, who had called her over, and nodded at their question,
"But guys can't I just go to Southside tomorrow? I'll meet them eventually."
Brooke pursed her lips, "No, Sam. Tommorow's for family."
"But they're not my family!" Sam argued.
Lucas gave her a withering glare, "Young lady." He warned.
Sam stopped herself immediately. Brooke's hurt look and Lucas's words were enough, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean it like that. I just, I don't know them."
Brooke rubbed Sam's arm, "You will. No Southside tomorrow, okay?"
"Yes m'am." Sam gave them a long dramatic sigh that made Lucas smile.
"So we're good?" He asked.
Sam had no other option but to agree, "Yeah we're good."
Brooke noticed that Sam was still in her nightshirt, but had put some shorts under. She smiled deeply at her daughter. It was always the simple things that reminded the two parents how young Sam still was. The way she rubbed her eyes when she was really tired, or how she pouted when things didn't go her way, nonetheless they loved that about her.
Lucas leaned in to kiss her forehead, "We'll be back in a few hours. If you leave the house text or call one of us. Okay?"
Brooke nodded in agreement, "Yes, you better."
"I know, geez."
Lucas narrowed his eyes, but then smiled when Sam gave him a timid look, "Alright, deal."
Brooke gave her a quick kiss on her way out, "Bye honey. We'll be back." And off they went.
… ….. …..
Sam looked over at Brooke who was continuously checking her phone, "Can you chill?" She asked her, "You're making me nervous."
Lucas wrapped an arm around Sam who was annoyed at Brooke's fussing, "Give her this one champ. She's excited." He whispered to her. Sam sighed and rested her chin on her hands. She, for one, was not excited about meeting these strangers that Brooke was so enamored by.
Twenty minutes later a car pulled up and Brooke practically jumped out of her seat. Lucas and Sam stared at each other, and he gave her a wink, then got up and headed towards Brooke, while Sam stood far away, listening to their greetings.
"You're doing it for mom." She kept telling herself.
"BROOKE DAVIS!" Came an unfamiliar, but friendly feminine voice.
"Becky!" Brooke said as they enveloped into a long hug.
"Oh my God I missed you!" Brooke said, "Where's my beautiful niece?"
Sam felt her chest tighten. Niece? She thought they were just friends, are they that close?
"Aunt Brooke, I'm here!" Came a younger voice.
"Lizzie!" Brooke said as the girl wrapped her arms around Brooke, "Baby girl. How are you?".
"I'm fine. Missing New York already though." Brooke frowned a bit, "Well Tree Hill's not too bad. But I have someone you both would like to meet."
'Aww shit.' Sam thought, 'Here they come. Remember to smile, you idiot.'
"Sammy." Came Brooke's voice.
Sam had since sat back down, but she stood back up, "Yeah?.
Rebecca gushed at the sight and put a hand to her chest, "Oh Brooke, she's stunning." She said looking at Sam's intense features. It was like she unassumingly commanded a room.
Brooke smiled, "I know." She knew exactly what Rebecca meant. It took Brooke's breath away every time she remembered that the girl staring meekly at them was their daughter.
"And she's so little." Rebecca added. Elizabeth, her daughter was 5' 5',' Sam looked to be much shorter.
"She's not little." Brooke said staring at her daughter, "She's perfect."
Sam stood there feeling like she was being sold at an auction. Why do parents have to talk about their kids as if they're not there?
"Come here Sam." Brooke outstretched her hand for her daughter to take, "Come say hello." Sam looked to Lucas who was leaning on the wall and he motioned her to come over as well.
She went over and took her mom's hand, "Sammy this is Rebecca."
"Nice to meet you m'am." Sam extended her hand, but Rebecca laughed and enveloped Sam in a hug.
"Handshakes are for strangers, and I am not a stranger, at least I won't be very soon." She told Sam simply, "And call me Rebecca. And this Sam," She said pointing to Elizabeth, "Is my little girl, Lizzie."
Sam noticed the light blush pass through the girl's face. "Hi Sam." Elizabeth said, "It's nice to meet you."
Sam nodded, "You too Liz."
Brooke broke the awkward silence between the two teens, who were sizing each other up. Elizabeth was beautiful, she could definitely fit the part of head cheerleader. She had blonde hair, and eyes that were a beautiful greyish brown. She looked to be fit and had an easy smile and friendly face. Sam already knew this girl was popular, it was easy to tell.
"Well guys let's head to the kitchen. Everyone's coming soon, they told me they're on their way."
They all went over but Brooke felt someone tug on her shirt. It was Sam.
"What's up kiddo?" She said pausing while everyone made their way over.
"Where's Julian? I thought he was coming too. I was excited to see him."
Brooke put a hand on Sam, "He's coming. He needed to talk to Peyton first." Brooke said putting an arm around Sam's shoulder and ushering her into the kitchen. Sam sighed, hoping that this dinner went as uneventfully as possible.
As they all talked and Sam politely tried to answer all the questions coming her way, the doorbell rung and was the first one to jump up this time, "I got it!" She yelled already on her way. This time it was her family at the door, the one she was growing to love.
Julian was the first face she saw. "JULIAN!" She jumped up and he grabbed her in one arm, holding onto the door frame with the other so they wouldn't fall. Once he regained his balance he wrapped both arms around her,
"You missed me Samson?" He said laughing as he put her down. Sam's smile was wide, "Texting isn't the same as actually getting to see you."
He ruffled her hair, "Well kid you got me for two weeks in Tree Hill. It'll be fun."
Sam nodded excitedly.
"Did you meet my cousin and Lizzie?" He asked her
"Mhm." Sam said still smiling at Julian, "Well great, let's go in there then."
She let him in and then came the rest of the clan who all took their turns giving Sam a hug and/or a kiss, except for Jamie, he just turned twelve so he gave her a smile, "Hey Sammy." He said. Sam rolled her eyes and was the one that pulled him into a hug, "Hi James." She said. He groaned, he hated being called James.
By the time dinner was over Sam felt like she was ready to peace out and maybe head to Southside.
Lucas and Sam were sitting next to one another as she tried to time her ask for the perfect moment.
She squirmed a bit then turned to him, "Can I go to Southside?" She whispered as they were still talking.
Lucas looked at her sternly, "No. This is family time." He put an arm around her when he saw an upcoming argument and leaned in, "Don't fight me on this Sammy." He kissed the top of her head, and went back to paying attention to the conversation.
Brooke who was sitting next to Elizabeth heard Sam's ask.
Everyone else was staunchly listening to Rebecca's gripping story about airport security. Brooke shot Sam a glance that was not missed.
Sam shrunk into her seat and sighed. The dinner was done! Why did she still have to be there?
But a question peaked Sam's attention. "Sweetie are you going to try out for cheerleading at Tree Hill?" Brooke asked Elizabeth.
The girl's eyes brightened, "I hope so. Tryouts might be over, which I'm worried about."
Brooke just shook her head, "Oh don't worry about that. Just let me know if you have problems." She said giving her a wink.
Peyton just rolled her eyes, "Still evoking your will on others I see B. Davis."
Brooke just laughed.
"You can really do that Aunt Brooke?"
Sam held it together. Of course Brooke would be excited about her being a cheerleader.
"Yes! Anything for you. It'll be great."
Sam saw as Elizabeth melted into Brooke's embrace, a rush of jealousy hit her, but she just bit her lip and stayed quiet.
"You play any sports?" Lucas asked her.
She nodded, "Yeah, soccer." She said, "I'm trying out for that next season."
Lucas beamed, "Awesome! You're just great all around aren't you?"
Rebecca chuckled, "She's a great student too. She's got a lot of opportunities up her alley if she keeps going this way."
Sam looked at everyone who was nodding and smiling in agreement. Wonderful. Sam got up slowly. Lucas had already moved his arm and so Sam took the chance to leave, but Brooke stopped her, "Samantha where are you going?"
Sam sighed, "I was just gonna go upstairs. Jack's gonna call me." She lied.
Brooke shook her head, "You're staying here. Come on, sit next to me and Elizabeth."
Elizabeth looked at Sam then back down. She knew that Sam probably didn't want anything to do with her at the moment.
"I don't want to." Sam said only with a hint of defiance. They room quieted, as a mother daughter standoff seemed to be on the rise.
"Sam" Brooke said with warning.
"I-I'm not trying to be rude. It's just Jack's gonna call me. I'll be back down Brooke, I promise."
Lucas sighed, "Go and come back when you're done."
She nodded, grateful for her father's reprieve, but saw out of the corner of her eye Brooke's angry glare towards Lucas.
She made her way up and stayed sulking in her room for a bit until she heard them all move back into the kitchen for ice cream. She took her chance and grabbed Barry the bear and her blanket to head down into the basement. It was like a living room downstairs and she wanted to watch some tv. Her own tv had no cable yet. She padded down and was surprised to See Jamie there.
"Hey Sam." He said, as he moved the controller skillfully.
She went over and laid on the other side of the sectional sofa, her knees tucked in. She let Barry the bear's fur tickle her chin as she tucked him in her arm. "Hey." She said softly.
Jamie looked over at her cousin. Well, he considered them cousins anyway.
"Why aren't you up there?" He asked, "Tired of all the Liz love?"
Sam smirked, "Something like that. What're you playing?"
"Call of Duty. Wanna try?"
Sam shrugged, "not really, I'd rather just watch."
He played for a minute or two, but then paused the game and looked at Sam, "You look sad."
"It's nothing Jamie."
He huffed, "I'm 12 now, you know. I'm not dumb. Something's wrong, I can see it."
Sam sighed and looked away from the tv towards Jamie, "I just, I'm not like Brooke or Lucas, and Liz, well Liz is. She's...normal and...cool."
Jack stayed quiet for a second, "Okay, well, you know my dad loves basketball, and I, well I don't. I told him that once and he gave me this really weird angry but sad look."
Sam frowned, "Yeah, I guess it's kinda the same. I'm not a cheerleader or an athlete."
Jamie nodded, "Looks like we're both outcasts. But they still love us, you know that right?"
He needed to assure his cousin of that. He didn't really know a lot about Sam's situation, but he knew that she sometimes thought she was unloved.
Sam looked back to the tv, "Yeah, I know. It just sucks."
He agreed, "Yeah, it sucks. But, what are you good at?"
Sam laughed a bit. Should she tell him? But one look at the eager kid in front of her and she knew she could. Jamie was like a vault. He took other's trust so seriously, even at 12 years old, "It's a secret and you have to promise not to tell anyone."
Jamie rolled his eyes, "I'm the best at secrets Sammy!"
She nodded and then sat up a bit. It was the first time she'd be admitting this outside of Southside and Manny, "I play piano." She finally said.
He looked at her excitedly, "That's really cool! Why don't you tell anyone?"
She didn't really want to explain her reasoning, and even if she did a newly turned twelve year old would struggle to understand, "I will tell them, just later. It's gonna be a surprise."
"Surprises are awesome! I wanna hear you play."
"You will, give it a few weeks, I think I'll do it then." She told him laying back down to cuddle with Barry. She felt comfortable enough to do it around him. He nodded seeing that Sam didn't want to talk much anymore then went back to his game.
… …. …
"Where's Samson?" Julian asked putting a hand on Peyton's waist. Peyton was a bit surprised by the touch, but turned to look at him anyways, "I thought she'd be down by now, let me ask Brooke."
He lifted his hand away from her. She had a feeling the question was more of an excuse to touch her, and she let a satisfied smile befall her.
Peyton gently grabbed Brooke's arm and pulled her from the group, "Brooke, where's Sam?"
Brooke sighed and looked to the second story, "She's probably sulking upstairs. I was going to talk to her later on tonight."
Peyton gave her friend a gentle look, "Sweetheart do you think she's...jealous?"
Brooke wasn't too surprised to hear that. She knew she had probably talked Sam's ear off about Rebecca and Elizabeth, and their relationship was still so new anything to disturb it wouldn't be an easy adjustment, "Maybe, but if she wants to sulk, then she can sulk. I'll talk to her, I will."
Peyton smiled and they both went back in, but Peyton could only stay a few more minutes before she felt she needed to go find Sam. Besides, her and Lucas were only polite to one another, and seeing him so close to Brooke made her cringe a bit. And her and Julian well their talk just stirred up feelings that she didn't want to be feeling at the moment.
She went up and saw no sight of Sam. Telling herself not to panic yet, she went towards the basement to see if Jamie had seen her, luckily when she went down the stairs Sam was lying on the couch, while Jamie was explaining the happenings of his game.
"Hey you two." Peyton said walking towards them.
Jamie acknowledged her, but Sam shrunk away.
Peyton sat down between the two and noticed Sam pull further into herself, "Hey Jamie, why don't you go grab some ice cream? There's sherbert, your favorite."
Jamie didn't need to be told twice. He paused his game and ran up, "Eat it upstairs!" Peyton called after him.
"Got it!" He quipped.
Peyton could only laugh at the kid.
She then turned to Sam who was making no attempt to look at her. She was just patting Barry's fur.
"What's up Sam? Why so blue?" She said kindly.
"It's nothing. I'm just tired."
"Long weekend?"
Sam bit her lip and played with her sweater sleeve, "Umm yeah. T was here all weekend and just left this morning."
"Your mom's been all over the place this weekend too. With Rebecca coming and all."
Sam sighed, "Yeah, pretty much. It was tiring just watching her."
Peyton chuckled, "You didn't seem too happy during dinner either."
Sam looked away from Peyton, ashamed to admit that she was a bit jealous.
"Sweetie, what's wrong? I won't tell your mom or dad, unless it's dire. Just talk to me." She prodded.
Sam reluctantly looked up at her, "It's stupid, but...well, Brooke got really excited about the whole cheerleading thing with Liz and she calls her aunt Brooke...I, well I don't even call her mom." She said looking up at Peyton, "Yet." She added for good measure, "I don't call her mom, yet."
Peyton looked so deeply into her eyes, "Oh Sam, she's not replacing you. You know that right?"
"I know, I know it's stupid for me to feel this way. I know that." Sam admitted.
"No, no. Sam it's perfectly normal. You love Brooke, you just got her, it's weird to know someone your age, who's known her forever, who already has a relationship with her. I'd be a bit jealous too. Just don't let it get the best of you buddy."
Sam sniffed, holding back some tears and nodded, "I won't. I think I've gotten better anyway, with my, umm...meltdowns." She didn't like calling them tantrums, tantrums were for little kids, and Sam was definitely not that!
Peyton cupped her cheek, "And we're all so proud of you. Let's go upstairs now?" Hoping the girl would give in and enjoy the last of a winding down day.
Sam nodded, "I'll be up in a minute."
Peyton gave her a sympathetic smile and headed up. But Sam didn't go. She just laid back down and closed her eyes, hugging her bear for comfort, and the blanket grasped tightly in her hand. She figured Jamie would come back down, but whether he did or not was lost on her because she was fast asleep after ten minutes of pure thought.
After the family had left and Lucas and Brooke apologized for Sam's disappearance the pair went downstairs, where Peyton told them Sam was but were met with a deeply gone Sam. The tip of the blanket was already in her mouth and Barry was tucked in her arms.
Brooke turned to Luke, "Well I guess I'll have to wait 'til later to talk to her."
Lucas nodded and went over to her. He picked her up gently along with the blanket, "Can you get Barry?" He said adjusting Sam in his arms. Brooke grabbed the bear that had fallen out of Sam's arms and they both went upstairs.
He laid Sam down onto the bed, "Are you going to change her into her shirt?"
Brooke looked to Sam to see if it was worth doing so and risk waking her up.
"Yeah, she's still in her jeans. Give me a minute?"
He gave Sam a kiss goodnight and waited in the hall for Brooke.
Brooke adeptly slid the pants off of her daughter's small hips then sat her up, letting the sleeping child lean on her, although she was already stirring, "B-brooke?" She mumbled.
"Shhh." Brooke cooed as she unbuttoned Sam's flannel shirt, "I'm just changing you. Go back to sleep."
Sam nodded and went limp allowing her mother to do whatever she needed to do. Brooke slipped the oversized shirt on her daughter and smiled as she laid her back down, "Goodnight." Brooke whispered, "I love you." She placed her blanket and bear next to Sam and went out.
But Lucas caught her arm as she was closing the door. Brooke spun to check who was touching her.
She noticed the intense eyes he was giving her, "What?" She asked confused.
"I love you." He said not letting go of her arm.
"Lucas, what the hell are you doing?" He really chose the most inopportune times to bring that up.
"I'm telling you that I love you Brooke Davis, and I already know you know that, but I want you to say it back. Tell me that you love me." He said with what looked like desperation in his eyes.
"Lucas why are you doing this now?" She said pulling away from him.
"Brooke I could wait for the stars to align, while under the perfect moonlight and you would still think it was the wrong time. It's now or never Brooke. We've been going out just the two of us. We're all caught up, but you refuse to acknowledge it."
"Luke,"
He grabbed her hand, "Say it."
"Lucas."
"Say. It."
Brooke looked to Sam's room, then back to him.
"If it weren't for Sam would this have even happened?"
Lucas's determination broke a bit.
"That's what I thought." She said sadly.
He sighed, "Brooke, Sam, Sam brought us together, yes, but it happened because it was supposed to happen. I don't know how life works, and I'm not going to dwell on what could've been. I want to dwell on the here and now, on the you, me, and Sam. Now I'm asking you what do you want? Forget about everything, and just tell me honestly Brooke, please."
Brooke's eyes were glistening with hot tears.
"You, Brooke Davis, are it. It's always been you. I'm sorry it took so long for me to realize it." His eyes were also glistening as he choked back tears, "But I'm telling you now. Please Brooke, just give me an answer. I need something."
Brooke looked up at him, "Yes." She said in a voice so soft you almost had to strain to hear it.
"Yes, what?" He asked, searching her eyes.
"yes, I love you." There really was no more point in trying to hide it. She thought seeing Julian today would've brought back out her feelings towards him, but his hug was simple and his hello even blander. His smile did not drive her crazy, his laugh didn't send a tingle down her spine. But when she looked at Luke, her heart raced. His crooked smile made her giddy, his permanent brooding frown, his faint beard, those were the things that drove her crazy now. But what made her absolutely fall head over heels was his love for Sam. The way he drops it all to answer her questions, take her to bed, scold her, hug her, reassure her, do anything for her, he drops it all in a heartbeat. He was perfect.
"You really love me?" He said with a smile.
Brooke chuckled, "Yes."
"Love me, love me?"
She rolled her eyes, "Love you, love you."
He took a step towards her and picked her up by the waist hoisting her towards her bedroom, "Will you show me?" He said once she was laying on her bed. Her eyes twinkled with lust, "I can do that." She said breathlessly as he started kissing her neck.
…. ….. ….
The next morning Sam was downstairs eating cereal when Brooke came down, "Sammy, Liz is coming today. Lucas is taking you both to school, alright?"
"I was taking the bus today with Manny, but she can come with us."
She was hoping talking to Liz outside of the adult realm would lead her to liking her more.
"That's fine too. I told her to get here pretty early anyways, so you both can walk to the bus stop."
Sam eagerly chewed on her big bite of cereal, a trait that Brooke loved to hate.
"Sam." She scolded, "Small bites, not big ones."
That was only met with an eye roll.
"Where does she live anyways?" Sam asked.
"About three streets from here."
"oh." Sam was surprised at the proximity, but took another big bite of cereal. This time Brooke rolled her eyes.
She went over and took the spoon out of her hands. She showed it to Sam as if it were a demonstration and took a small amount of cereal. Sam watched her.
"Open."
Sam, in a bit of shock, did so.
Brooke put the spoonful in, "Chew."
She watched amused as Sam chewed.
"See, small bites. It's possible." She said putting the spoon back in the bowl and patted Sam's head. Sam could only blush as she swallowed.
Brooke walked back to her coffee, "Sam, about yesterday-"
"I shouldn't have just left, I know. I just felt...weird."
"I probably didn't make it any better."
Sam gave her a smirk but was mindful of taking a small spoonful of cereal, "No, not really. I just, you seemed really excited. I've never seen you that excited."
Brooke could sense the emotion behind her statement, "Sammy trust me, you've brought more excitement and love in my life than i could ever imagine."
"Really?"
"Yes, really. I mean you've also brought me some crazy stress, but I think that just comes with parenting."
Sam chuckled, "You win some. You lose some, I guess."
Brooke scoffed and watched Sam before she decided to venture into more dicy territory,
"Sam you've been pretty quiet about Tree Hill lately, how's it been going?"
"I don't know it's school. It sucks." Sam muttered.
Brooke could only wish that the girl opened up more. Sam was a guarded one when it came to certain things. One of them was school, and the other was her past.
"Just sucks? No particular reason?"
Sam shrugged, "I don't know. It doesn't matter anyways."
"Honey, yes it does. Have you made any new friends."
'Here we go.' Sam thought.
"I have Manny." She answered walking towards the sink. Brooke laid a hand on the counter and watched as Sam chugged the sugary milk down making slurping noises as she did so. Gag. She just couldn't understand Sam's eating habits either, and silently wondered if all mothers watched their kids with as much confusion as she was now watching Sam.
She was rattled out of her thoughts as Sam looked expectantly at her to say something more.
"Maybe you should join a club or two, maybe join a sport?"
"Uhh negative. Not athletic Brooke, and clubs are not my thing." Sam could see that Brooke wanted her so desperately to fit in, "Brooke. I'm not you, stop trying to think I can be."
Brooke sighed, "I'm not trying to make you into something you're not. I'm just worried about you."
"Well don't be." Sam told her pointedly.
"You know I'm sure Lizzie will get you into a lot of fun things. She'll help you out."
Sam could see where this was going. Brooke knew Liz was popular, and Brooke also knew that Sam was not. "You mean I should be helping her out. I'm the one that's been there longer."
"I know Sam, but Liz is more-"
Sam's eyes narrowed. "More, what?"
Brooke could already tell she went down the wrong rabbit hole. She took a deep breath, "more outgoing Sam. I just think she'll break you out of your shell."
Sam clenched her fists. Outgoing? This was ridiculous and she most certainly didn't need to be hearing this, "God Brooke, of course she is! She's perfect, and I'm not. I get it."
She got off her seat causing the chair to scrape the floor. Brooke caught her arm, "Stop it." She spoke firmly, "That is not what I meant and you know it."
Sam just gave her a glare that seethed.
Fortunately for both the doorbell rang, "Your darling is here." Sam said pulling away from her mother.
"Where are you going?" Brooke demanded.
"To get my stuff, so me and your Lizzie can leave." She said stomping up the stairs. Brooke took a deep breath to calm herself and opened the door.
Once Sam came back down Liz was waiting by the door with Brooke.
"Hi Sam." She said kindly.
"Hey Liz." Sam replied with the same kindness. She might be mad at the way they seem to idolize the girl, but Sam wouldn't hold it against her personally, "Ready to go?"
Liz nodded.
Brooke could sense some smugness on Sam's part, then turned to Liz, "Sweetheart can you wait outside a sec?" She looked to Sam who froze on the last step when she saw her mother's threatening face, "Sam'll be right out."
Liz didn't need to be told twice. She knew what that 'look' meant. Her mother had given it to her plenty of times before.
Brooke pointed to a spot directly in front of her, Sam walked towards it with her head held high, hiding her apprehension.
"What? You're gonna make us late. I'm being nice, what else do you want?" She huffed, crossing her arms
Brooke narrowed her eyes, "I'm warning you now Sam, don't do anything you're going to regret. She means a lot to me."
"Of course she does." She mumbled under her breath. Brooke cocked her head quizzically. She realized that Sam was in fact jealous. She closed her eyes once and continued, changing tactics,
"And no more going off telling me I think you're less than her, or that she's perfect and you're not because it's not true. Not one bit of it."
Sam softened towards the end of her mother's reprimand and let her arms fall. As mad as she was, her mother's reassurance was still calming.
Brooke saw Sam's wall break as her eyes made their way to her shoes. She sighed, walking closer to her daughter and gently pushed Sam's head towards her chest, "I love you sweetheart. You're my girl, and nothing's going to change that." She didn't know how many times she was going to have to tell Sam that she was loved and wanted before Sam believed it completely, but she would do it every hour of every day if it was necessary.
Sam nodded into Brooke's chest and gave into her caresses, "I love you too." Sam said in a contented sigh. Her mother's scent instantly easing her temper.
Brooke rubbed soothing circles on her back and kissed her daughter's head glad that Sam restrained herself from throwing any type of tantrum, "Now, go on. Your bus is coming soon." She handed Sam the bookbag that she left on the couch, then gave her a gentle pat on her bottom to propel her forward. She could only hope that Liz and Sam would become fast friends.
…. … …..
The walk to the bus stop was pretty quiet. Sam felt Liz glancing over at her and finally decided to speak, "I've been pretty stupid with you. My bad. But you sound pretty awesome. So you do a lot stuff at school, right?" Sam said turning to look at her. Not her most eloquent conversation starter, but hey, it'd have to do.
Liz laughed a bit, "Yeah, well I've been trying to. I'm only a freshman but I've been into student government and sports since middle school."
Sam nodded. She wasn't sure how much Liz knew about her past, so she wasn't about to divulge how she spent her middle school years, "That's cool. Sounds like you went to an awesome middle school."
They crossed the street and Sam pointed towards the bus stop at the end of the street, "It's right over there."
Liz acknowledged her direction and started talking once more, "Well I've been in private school since kindergarten."
"So why didn't you do that here."
She shrugged, "I don't know. My mom said she wanted me at Tree Hill, probably because you're there."
Sam restrained herself from saying the comment she was thinking. It probably wouldn't bode well with Brooke, and she had already gotten a warning. She wasn't about to play with fire, "Oh, well what's your schedule? We might have classes together."
Liz handed her the schedule. Sam took it and looked it over as they made it to the stop. "Oh cool, we have Haley together, of course, if Haley knows a student or their parent they magically end up there." She said rolling her eyes, "And we have biology together." She told her handing back the paper.
"Sounds pretty cool." Liz remarked. After a few moments she gave Sam a more anxious glance, "Look Sam I just wanna say sorry. I know everyone was asking you all these questions about your, umm, transition and stuff, meanwhile they were just talking about how great I am. I hope you don't think I'm full of myself."
Sam slung her book bag over her shoulder, "Nah I get it. You don't have to be sorry. I mean you do sound pretty great." She said smirking at her. Sam found herself liking Liz, she seemed easygoing.
Liz gave her a smile, relieved that Sam didn't harbor anything against her, "Well I am pretty okay." She said mimicking Sam's tone and nudging her, "You don't seem bad yourself."
Sam gave her a nudge back, "Thanks, and by the way don't give into Brooke's requests of helping me join a club, that'll be a hopeless pursuit." Sam was chuckling now.
"Well how about you get Haley to go easy on me in class and I'll make you a deal."
"Your mom said you get good grades." Sam replied confused.
She gave her a sly look, "Well getting good grades is different."
They both noticed more and more kids were coming towards the bus stop meaning the bus would be coming soon, "What do you mean?" Sam asked.
Liz laughed, "Come on Sam, you've never cheated your way out of something? Didn't you come from a rough school or something? Aren't they all like that? I know private school certainly was. We had whole cheating rings and people designated for certain stuff. Then again, our only option was to succeed." She trailed off towards the end.
Sam looked at Liz a bit shocked, but happy that this one thing made her seem more approachable...more real. But no, Southside wasn't like that, because nobody really cared. If you tried, you tried, and if you didn't, then you didn't. That's just how it was. Sure, people cheating was a normal part of school, but it wasn't something as big as what Liz made it seem.
"Umm, no not really, but whatever, good luck with that here."
Liz brushed off Sam's surprise. Sam saw Manny coming. He was waving his hand excitedly, "Liz, watch out that guy gunning towards us is Manny, he's awesome, but crazy."
Manny ran up losing his breath, "Beautiful Samantha and company!" He said breathlessly.
"This is Liz, the girl I was talking about."
He grabbed her hand and kissed it, a typical move for the dramatic boy, "Yes, yes. I remember. Hi Liz, I'm Manny."
Liz wanted to laugh at him, but could tell that this was his personality, "Hey Manny."
Sam rolled his eyes, "Why were you running dude?"
He grabbed his phone out, "Look what was on the school website!" He thrust his phone in front of Sam, "It's club starting season!" He said in a sing-song voice, "Sam let's start a glee club. I'll be the leader of course. You can play the piano, it'll be perfect!"
Sam's eyes grew wide and she jabbed his side, "Shut up!" She spoke forcefully. Manny instantly remembered that Liz was there, and gave Sam an apologetic look, "Damn it. Sorry Sam." He whispered. The piano was supposed to be a secret.
Liz turned to Sam, "You play piano? Nobody mentioned that."
Sam sighed and gave her friend an annoyed glare, "Nobody knows yet."
"Why don't you just tell Aunt Brooke?" She asked.
Sam took a deep breath, "It's just...personal. And hard to explain. Can you just keep it a secret?"
"I will if you play for me."
"What?!" Sam whined.
Liz took out her phone, "I guess I should just call Aunt Brooke then." Both Sam and Manny extended their hands to get the phone
"NO!" They both yelled, but Liz successfully moved it away from their reach. She looked at them and saw the utter look of desperation that Sam had. Shit, I guess it really was personal. She put it down, "I was just joking guys."
"Well don't!" Sam said now a bit heated.
"Sam, chill. I was just kidding. I won't call her. Are you mad?"
Sam shook her head, "I'm fine."
"But will you play for me?" She said now giving her a playful look. Sam saw the bus coming and let out a relieved sigh, "No, can we just get on the bus?"
Once at school Manny once more mentioned starting a glee club, or some sort of singing club at the very least. Mr. Parker wouldn't stop bugging them about joining choir and Manny would but was determined to only join a singing club if it was with Sam, which was easier said than done.
"Manny can you calm down!" Sam said frustrated with his pesky asks. Liz just laughed at the both of them.
"You guys both need to calm down." Liz answered, just as they were walking into Haley's class. When they sat down Ashley turned to give Sam her usual onslaught of insults. Ever since Sam refused to fall into her tricks of befriending her to get to Brooke, she decided some mild bullying was called for, but Sam learned to ignore the annoying blonde. But something caused Ashley to stop in her tracks. She caught sight of Liz and instantly knew that she was going to be one of them. She'd just have to get her out of the grasp of the idiot duo first.
"Perfect." She thought.
What do you think? Please, review! And to answer a question, Sam will meet Karen and Victoria.