A/N: There is a flashback to a small spanking and such. This is a reoccurring theme in my stories. Please, if you don't like it, don't read.
The rest of the week was a mostly quiet affair for the two parents and child. Sam took her grounding in stride, mostly because she didn't want to give them reason to ask her about her behavior on Monday. Lucas and Brooke could tell Sam was aloof, but did not push the quest for an answer to her behavior any longer. It seemed like an isolated incident.
Meanwhile, the two parents had taken their relationship to the next level after having talked to their friends, things seemed to be falling into place. Sam, of course rolled her eyes at them and gave them an exasperated "FINALLY!" when they told her. With the whirlwind of their rocky relationship taking a turn for the normal, they decided a party with friends was long overdue. They were planning a cookout for the family for next week. Lucas was excited because his mother would get there on Monday and finally meet Sam.
But now it was Thursday and Sam was a little bummed that she wouldn't be performing at the rally. She padded down the stairs and was surprised that Luke wasn't there.
"Where's Luke?" Sam said as she took a seat atop the counter, right next to where Brooke was leaning, and peeled a banana.
Brooke smiled warmly at her girl and gave her a kiss on her temple, "He had to run an errand this morning."
Actually, there was more to that, but it was a surprise.
Sam swallowed the bite of banana and swiped the coffee cup in Brooke's hands and took a swig of her coffee. She gave a dramatic grimace at the bitter taste and handed it back to her mother who was giving her a smug look.
"I don't know how you can drink that." She took a bite out of her banana trying to get the taste out.
Brooke took another filled cup next to her with more milk than coffee and handed it to Sam, "And I don't know how you can drink this concoction."
"Like this!" Sam said greedily taking the mug and slurping it just for the mere pleasure of seeing her mother groan and roll her eyes.
Sam looked at her mother with a mischievous smile, one that Brooke hadn't seen all week. She almost welcomed it.
"What?" Brooke said suspiciously.
"I'm just thinking about when I went to your office on Tuesday. Everyone's so like eager to please you. It's hilarious."
"Oh, it's hilarious, huh?" Brooke nodded, trying to keep the smile off her face, "I see how it is. My employees respect me more than my own kid."
"Uhh, well at least you know when I listen to you it's because I'm being genuine." Sam held up a finger, "And NOT being a kiss up."
Brooke nudged Sam, "Hey!" Sam put her cup down, "You made me spill." She mumbled grabbing napkins.
"Whoops, I slipped." Brooke said laughing.
"Haha Queen Davis." Sam groaned.
The moment ended by a cheery voice, "Brooke Davis!" Rebecca called from the door they came in through. Sam lifted up her head.
Brooke put her cup down, "Finish up sweetheart, you got to get to school." She gave Sam a kiss atop her head then went towards the voice.
"Coming!"
Liz walked into the kitchen just as Brooke was walking out. She stopped to give her niece a kiss, "Morning baby." Brooke said sweetly.
"Morning Aunt Brooke."
Liz walked over to Sam who was absentmindedly swinging her legs and taking a bite out of a banana.
"Hey Sam." She said giving her a smile and sitting next to her on the counter. Sam handed her a banana, "Want one?"
"Sam," She said giving her a duh look, "I hate bananas."
She shrugged, "How was I supposed to know?"
Liz rolled her eyes. She had told the girl last week! But no matter, there were more pressing things at hand.
Sam didn't stay mad at Liz about the incident. She had felt guilty enough, and Sam felt that was enough punishment. She wasn't one to hold a grudge anyways.
"Sam, so about the rally."
"I know, Manny and me can't perform 'cause we don't have a piano to practice since I can't use the one at school 'cause I'm grounded."
Liz thought for a second, "We can think of something. We still have time!"
"Yeah, like a day. So much time that is." Sam retorted.
Liz was determined to fix this for her friend, "Gimme the day to think about it. We can all come to your house after school since you can't come to us. I don't have cheer today anyways!"
Sam sighed, that might work, but who knows, "I guess we can try."
Liz gave her a wide smile, "Perfect! Sammy this'll work out you'll see!"
Sam leveled her with a look, "Fine, but do you promise not to cheat anymore?" Sam couldn't help but go back to that.
Liz gave her an annoyed sigh, "I promise never to cheat off you again." Then she jumped off the counter, "Come on Sam let's get to the bus! Manny's waiting."
Sam followed her, "That's not what I said! I didn't say just off of me!" She said after her but stopped once she got to the two mothers waiting to say goodbye to their kids before going off to work themselves.
Liz gave her a pleading look, and Sam just huffed and rolled her eyes. She wouldn't tell Rebecca, geez!
"Morning Sammy." Rebecca said kindly, "You look positively unexcited today." She said with a wink.
Sam shrugged. She'd got her in an annoyed moment, "Morning Rebecca."
The woman went over and gave Sam a warm hug and a kiss, "Have a good day at school Sam."
Sam smiled, "Thanks."
Brooke did the same to her, "Bye sweetheart." She said patting her bottom after the hug then letting her go, "I love you."
"Love you too Brooke."
"Bye mom." Liz said to Rebecca.
"Bye buggyboo." Rebecca said kissing her daughter on the cheek. Liz blushed. Why did her mom have to call her that in front of Sam and her Aunt Brooke?!
"Ugh. Mom." She whined.
Rebecca gave her a teasing smile, "Go on." She said with a light pat to her bottom to get her moving. Liz just pouted her way towards Sam who was waiting by the door.
She saw Sam give her a smirk as they walked out the door. Whatever Sam, you win this one.
… …. ….
Three thirty rolled around and Brooke heard a chorus of voices at the front door. She sighed, it looks like Sam had invited her friends. She was grounded, for pete's sake!
All three kids, Liz, Manny, and Sam froze when Brooke appeared in the hallway, "Samantha?" She said with an eyebrow raised.
Tamara walked by and gave Sam a sympathetic look. She would've texted Sam, but she didn't have a phone. The girl had gotten there before, but Brooke thought nothing of it because Tamara was a special case, sometimes she had nowhere else to go.
"I" Sam stuttered, "Wha-why aren't you at work?"
"Is that why your friends are here? You thought I wouldn't be here? Sam you're grounded, you know that."
Sam sighed, "It's not like that."
"Then what is it like? Hmm? Please enlighten me."
Sam looked to her friends who all gave Sam a sad look.
Brooke looked at her friends, "Kids I think you should go."
"Wait!" Manny said desperately, "Ms. Davis if I may."
"No." Liz said. She took a deep breath, "Aunt Brooke I told Sam that we all should come over. She didn't want to, but I was persistent."
Sam looked just as surprised as Brooke, but nodded her head eagerly, grateful for her friend's cover.
"Lizzie, you know Sam's grounded." Brooke scolded the girl firmly.
"Now may I?" Manny said noticing the embarrassed look Liz now had.
Liz sighed, "Fine."
Manny gave his long winded explanation of the club they wanted to form, and their plans at the rally, and finally their decision to try and figure something out at Sam's house since she was stuck there until Saturday. Sam finally had the courage to look up after Manny finished. She was surprised to see her mother beaming...with pride?
"You're not mad?" Sam said confused.
She looked at all the kids, "Everyone go sit down until Luke comes home. I think your dad and I have something that'll help you out with your club forming troubles."
The confused teenagers headed towards the living room but Brooke grabbed the back of Sam's shirt and pulled her in for a hug which Sam easily melted into, "Please don't be mad." Sam said once more.
"Shhh." Brooke said, her words muffled by Sam's watermelon scented hair, "I'm not. I'm proud of you, I'm glad you're opening up in school more."
Sam nodded into her mama's chest. She beamed at her mother's words.
"What's the surprise?" Sam asked.
Brooke held her at arm's length, "Your dad's coming in a few minutes. You'll see then. Now go watch some tv with your friends."
Sam scampered off glad that she wasn't in trouble for her friends coming over.
One episode of Judge Judy later and Lucas came into the house. Brooke had warned him of the kids and explained the situation. Lucas didn't mind, but he made sure to ask whether Jack was there. The kid wasn't allowed at their homes for the week, and thank God that Sam heeded that rule, else things wouldn't have turned out so pretty had Luke found out. He had no qualms about putting her daughter in place when it came to boys. Brooke, of course, was more sympathetic to the cause.
He walked in unnoticed by the teens. Liz and Tamara weren't particularly interested in the happenings of the show, but Sam and Manny seemed deeply focused, commenting on the case at hand.
"Guys?" Brooke asked with Lucas right next to him. They all turned.
"What're we waiting for?" Manny said excitedly, "I'm too amped up for this!"
Lucas smiled, "Why don't you guys head to the empty room downstairs and see. Their might be something to help you...musically for tomorrow." He looked at Sam and Manny when he said that last part.
Sam's eyes widened when realization dawned on her, "You guys-you-"
"YOU BOUGHT US A PIANO!" Manny said hopping off and pulling the dazed Sam with him. The others followed after.
Once downstairs Brooke and Lucas saw all the kids fawning over the piano. It was a baby grand and was sleek black.
Sam's face was in complete shock. The large room had been transformed, with the focal point being the piano. So this is why Brooke was early and Lucas had "errands" to run in the morning.
"Ho-LY HELL Sam." Liz said giving her a nudge. Sam just looked around in awe. The walls were a light hue that gave the room a warm look and there was another sectional sofa with a stand next to it, and the carpet was the same as the one in Brooke's office because Sam loved it so much. There was also a bookshelf with music books and some of the books that Sam had mentioned throughout her time with them, ones that she had wanted to read. She didn't know it but Lucas kept a mental list of every single one of them.
Manny, Liz, and Tamara were taking turns playing random notes on the piano. Brooke and Lucas saw Sam stay back a bit. She looked a bit apprehensive.
"Sam can we talk to you for a bit?" Lucas asked. Sam looked up and nodded grabbing his outstretched hand. The three moved towards the lounge space in the basement.
Sam sat down and looked down. They had expected her to be, well, a bit more excited than this.
"Champ you don't like it?" He was sure she did.
Sam looked up quickly with a hint of fear in her eyes, "No, no I do! I promise! It's just I know how much that piano costs. You guys must've spent more than what some people make in a year in that room. I-I'm so sorry. I'll pay you back. I only have 3000 dollars, but you can have it. I-I can also get a job, I know a place that gets young kids like me-"
She was retreating back into her fears. Lucas stopped her before she really got going, "Hey now. Champ look at us."
Sam obliged and looked at her parents tentatively.
"We wanted to do this Sam. Money is not an issue, we promise. We didn't break the bank with this trust us. We wanted this for you because you deserve it." Lucas spoke firmly and didn't waver as he looked straight at his daughter.
Sam was now even more confused. "But, but I've been bad this week. I'm grounded. I don't deserve anything like that."
"Oh sweetie." Brooke said now sitting next to Sam, "You deserve this simply because you are a great kid with a great talent. You messed up sure, but that's life. You being grounded doesn't make you any less deserving of anything, especially our love."
Sam wiped a stray tear. "What if you regret paying for this when I get in trouble again? You will! I just know you will!" Sam was thinking about a certain comment Ashley had recently spit at her.
'Your parents are gonna get tired of you foster care, you'll see.'
Sam was told time and time again that she was loved, but sometimes it was hard to believe it- truly believe it, especially with a nagging voice in the form of Ashley telling her otherwise. Part of her was just waiting for the walls to come crumbling down, and such an extravagant gift made her feel indebted to the two adults staring at her with such concern and love.
Lucas sat on the other side, "Nothing will make us regret this, no matter what kind of trouble you get into. This was an act of love and baby, we're your parents, our love isn't based on your actions, it's just, well, it's pure."
"Sweetheart." Brooke spoke softly, "You're all that we've ever wanted and more. This is the least we can do for you."
Sam wasn't sure if she'd believe it forever, but she felt reassured for now, and as a precaution she made them promise her.
She looked at them both, then stared at her dad and held up her pinky, "You pinky promise that everything you said is true dad?"
He smiled at her innocence and held out his pinky, "I pinky promise."
"Mom?" She said doing the same. Brooke held out her own pinky and interlocked it with Sam's. Sam would be content to just sit there with them, but Manny calling her name led her to get up with her parents behind her.
"Sam we came up with the perfect song for tomorrow!" Manny said once Sam came into view once more, "Come on!" He sat down on the bench and Sam went to the other side and sat next to him.
"What song?"
"Defying Gravity!" Liz said excitedly, "You guys are gonna kill it!"
Manny began to clear his throat and practice his range of notes.
Sam looked to Tamara, "T do you know that song?"
"Nope." The girl said.
"Me neither." Sam commiserated.
Liz huffed, "You haven't seen Wicked?!" She looked to her Aunt Brooke who was siting on one of the couches with Lucas, "Aunt Brooke you took me to that play like a million times! You haven't taken Sam yet?!"
Brooke saw Sam give her a sad look, but then quickly look back down once Brooke caught her eye. Brooke frowned hoping Sam didn't take that to heart. Sam sighed and looked at her phone. She and Tamara were now listening to the song on it.
"We'll do it soon, maybe you can come with." Brooke told her niece, who just nodded and joined the girls to hear the song meanwhile Manny was busy clearing his throat for the spectacle.
Brooke made a mental note to talk to Sam about it, if she still seemed a bit upset.
Manny looked over, "Are you guys done looking at it? Sam just put the lyrics on the stand and we'll practice!"
Brooke stood up and then walked over to the kids who were crowding around. They gave her space as it looked like she was going towards Sam. They were right as she bent down slightly to give Sam's head a kiss, "I'm glad you liked it honey." She said softly.
Sam nodded in agreement.
"We'll leave you to it. But let us see the final product!" She said looking at the kids and heading out with Lucas behind giving the kids a huge smile, "Play on champ! My little piano expert." He said with a wink towards his daughter.
… … …
It was now seven thirty and Sam and Manny had their friends plus Brooke, Lucas, and Rebecca in the room to hear their debut of Defying Gravity.
"Alright everyone Sam and I have perfected the song, and-"
Manny glared at Liz who was whispering something to Tamara, "Liz shut up!" He said annoyed. The girl just rolled her eyes. Manny was about to open his mouth again, but Sam intervened.
"And now we're just gonna play it. Come on Manny." The adults laughed at Sam's impatience and Manny's huff as he pulled back his monologue.
He sighed and stood by the piano the same way he did when they sang together for the first time.
Sam took a deep breath, then instantly fell into the song. She played the introduction, letting her fingers melt into the keys and was, surprisingly, the first to sing.
Something has changed within me
Something is not the same
I'm through with playing by the rules
Of someone else's game
Manny went in without hesitation. His voice and Sam's complimented each other's perfectly. He looked over and smiled widely at Sam as he sang his part.
Too late for second-guessing
Too late to go back to sleep
It's time to trust my instincts
Close my eyes and leap!
Sam returned the smile once they got to the chorus. She loved this. She wasn't shy when she played and singing with Manny was becoming second nature. He'd belt out a song as they walked in school and she'd sing along.
It's time to try
Defying gravity
I think I'll try
Defying gravity
Kiss me goodbye
I'm defying gravity
And you won't bring me down
Brooke felt the kiss that Lucas planted on her cheek as he put an arm around her. They didn't think they'd ever get tired of hearing their daughter play and sing alongside her friend.
Both kids sang the rest of their abridged version of the song.
I'm through accepting limits
'Cause someone says they're so
Some things I cannot change
But 'til I try, I'll never know!
Too long I've been afraid of
Losing love I guess I've lost
Well, if that's love
It comes at much too high a cost!
They sang the final chorus more powerfully and Manny took the last note, elongating it to a perfect end.
I'd sooner buy
Defying gravity
Kiss me goodbye
I'm defying gravity
I think I'll try
Defying gravity
And you won't bring me down!
"Y'all killed it!" Tamara was the first one to speak.
And Brooke and Lucas gave them a short-lived but enthusiastic clap.
Sam blushed and Manny hammed it up. "Thank you, thank you!"
Rebecca's eyes were twinkling with amazement, "You guys are definitely going to get kids at school excited!"
Liz nodded along with her mother, "That was so fucking great." She said more to herself, although her mother heard it and gave her a withering glare.
Eventually the adults ushered the kids out and up towards the living area. Brooke and Lucas wanted an easy night with Sam and Rebecca needed to have her own conversation with her, as of late, moody daughter.
Once upstairs Sam headed up to her room to charge her phone. Her battery was drained after playing the song over and over. Once up she caught sight of a blue booklet sticking out of Liz's bag. It looked just like the exam booklets that Haley handed out to them, wait, that's because it was the exam booklets. Why would Liz have one now? Their final exam for 'Lord of the Flies' wasn't until Monday. She knew that the test had already been made, since Haley was giving them clues as to what was on it. Hmmm. Maybe she was reading too much into it. Looking at it more closely she realized that the booklet read "FINAL EXAM: LORD OF THE FLIES." Sam's heart almost fell out of her chest. She was livid with her friend. Cheating again.
"Hey Sam have you seen my-" Liz walked in and saw Sam's angry scowl turn to her. Her gaze went to what Sam was looking at,
"Sam what the hell? Are you looking through my things!?" Liz crossed the room to her backpack and roughly jammed the booklet back in.
"Why do you have that?" Sam's eyes followed her friend's every move.
Liz slung her bag on one of her shoulders, "None of your business." She spit.
"You promised!"
"No!" Liz argued, "I promised I wouldn't cheat off of you."
Sam looked to her bedroom door, "I can tell them you know. Your mom and Haley."
Liz stepped closer to Sam and grabbed her arm, "Please don't. My mom'll kill me. I've never had a problem in English."
"Because you've always cheated!" Sam whispered harshly, "Even at your perfect little private school, you still cheated. And people think I'm the messed up one."
Liz rolled her eyes. It didn't matter she didn't want to disappoint her mom, and, honestly, she didn't want to quit cheerleading even though she knew it wasn't allowing her to focus, "Sam...just don't. Come on, don't be such a baby about this."
Sam grimaced at her, "I'm not!"
Liz just raised her eyebrow, like saying 'uh, yeah, you are.'
Sam groaned in frustration, "UUGGGHHH. Shit, fine. But you have to tell me how you got it."
Liz bit her lip weighing her options, but gave in, "Ashley had someone steal the test from Mrs. Scott's desk and make copies of it. She gave me one and got one for herself. Don't tell anyone Sam."
Sam narrowed her eyes, "Look Liz, we're friends, and I know you're friends with Ashley, but I'm telling you she's a straight bitch. She'll get you into trouble."
Liz just huffed, "Figures you'd say that."
"What's that supposed to mean?" Sam crossed her arms across her chest and spoke angrily at her friend.
Ashley says you're a jerk to her and you've never liked her even when she tried to be friend with you. Look Sam I know you have something against her."
"Are you fucking kidding me?! She's the bitch to me!" Sam was furious.
Liz really didn't know the whole story so it wasn't fair to point fingers, "Fine whatever, sorry, alright? But don't worry about me and don't say anything either."
Sam turned to her closet, "Whatever. Bye." She said tersely and went in. Liz sighed hoping that this was the last time she felt she had to cheat. It really was eating at her guilt and it was affecting everything!
The adults watched Liz stomp down the stairs. "What happened?" Rebecca asked concerned. "Nothing. Sam's just-" Liz stopped herself almost giving herself away. Shit, what should she say now? She really did not want to get Sam in trouble again. She already felt like a horrible friend lately.
"Sam's just being Sam." She mumbled. She gave Lucas a hug and Brooke the same. Rebecca gave her two friends a questioning glare but said her goodnights anyway and guided Liz to the car.
"We'll talk to her." Brooke said quietly to her friend as she thought back to Liz's Wicked comment.
Liz was now in the passenger seat of her mother's car. Rebecca kept looking over and her daughter had a permanent scowl on her face. "Lizzie." Rebecca sighed. Her daughter was in and out of moods this whole week!
"What happened buggyboo?" Rebecca said softly.
Liz turned towards the window avoiding the question.
"I asked you a question Lizzie." The mother said more firmly.
"And I don't want to answer it, shit." She said annoyed.
Rebecca tightened her grip on the wheel, "Elizabeth." She spoke severely, "Did we not just have a conversation about your mouth?"
Liz shrunk. Her mom had washed her mouth out with soap just three days ago. She had just come back from New York and they were supposed to watch a movie, but Rebecca decided she was too tired, and Liz had declared it as "so fucking stupid" and told her mother it was a "shitty bitch move." Rebecca took a deep, calming breath before she reached and pulled her daughter toward her that time. Then in one quick movement she had Liz bent over and tucked under her arm and up against her side. She gave her daughter's upturned bottom six stinging swats.
"Ow! Mom! Mommy!" Liz yelped trying to squirm away from her mom. When Rebecca let go she brought out the soap that only brought on more waterworks from her "buggyboo."
Rebecca didn't know it, but Liz just wanted her mom to make her feel better that day. She had gotten Sam in trouble and she felt so guilty, but her emotions got the best of her when her mom opted for sleep instead.
Liz was happy after though because her mom provided her with the care that came after a punishment; a mother's comfort. Rebecca thought Liz was just emotional because she hadn't had a dose of soap in two years and she absolutely detested being spanked, even two swats would cause the teen's eyes to fill with big tears. The girl once called 911 on Rebecca when she was four telling them her
'mommy was going to spank her bottom. Emergency! Emergency!' Even though Rebecca "spanking" four year old Lizzie was really just a couple swats, but to Liz it was the end of the world every time.
But Liz was emotional for many other reasons that Monday night. Guilt and stress being the main ones.
Rebecca gladly held her daughter that night, she had also missed her baby terribly and knew that her daughter was only acting up because she wanted to spend time with her. She even warmed up a cup of milk for her Lizzie, per her daughter's sweet request in between cries and hiccups of 'C-can I-I have m-milk mommy?'
It always calmed her daughter down and relaxed her to the point of sleep. It was Rebecca's secret weapon against a raging toddler, and now an emotional teenager. Rebecca even used to give her the warm milk in a sippy cup up until she turned ten. Although by then it was used sparingly, only when Liz was upset, or after a spanking if Rebecca felt she needed it. Liz found that the light sucking soothed her and she also knew that when her mother appeared with "cuppy" in hand she would also be held just like she was as a baby. It was their secret, and well Aunt Brooke knew too because she had once walked into their home and witnessed a self declared "grown up" nine year old clad in princess panties and a freshly spanked bottom peeking out, being rocked much like an infant in her mother's arms, whilst she drank out of her sippy cup, holding the cup with both her little hands.
Liz was embarrassed but Brooke assured her it was okay, telling her that she wished her mommy did that with her when she was little, and that spankings happen to everyone. Of course that made Liz feel better, if her cool aunt Brooke thought it was fine, then it had to be!
But later on Brooke and Rebecca had a conversation about weaning the child off the sippy cup. I mean, she'd be entering middle school soon, and that wouldn't be a good look. Brooke knew it was the pacifier situation all over again. Liz couldn't sleep without her pacifier until she was seven. Brooke had to tell her friend that enough was enough, else the girl would need a pacifier in college.
Sure enough, it took four months and many upset clamours for her "cuppy" but the girl didn't need it any longer. Although Rebecca couldn't bring herself to throw it away, she still kept it in the back of the cupboard...just in case. Logically she knew it would never be used again but "cuppy" had a lot of history and it brought back nostalgia of a younger Lizzie for the mother. Sometimes Rebecca would catch Liz holding a cup much like she held her "cuppy" and it melted her heart. Some things never changed.
"Elizabeth." Rebecca said bringing the fifteen year old back to the conversation at hand, "Do I have to have another talk with you once we're home again?"
Liz sighed in resignation and rested her head on the window, "No mommy." She spoke softly, "I'm really sorry, I'll stop."
Rebecca could tell something was up with her baby girl. She put a hand on her daughter's knee, "I'd still like to know what's been going on with you. You haven't been yourself this week." Rebecca gave her daughter a concerned look.
"Mom, please no." Liz said, "I'm just tired that's why I've been cranky and stuff. I've had a lot of school work. I'll chill out."
Rebecca sighed her daughter did look tired and it was late and her girl still had to do homework and get ready for bed, "We'll talk about it later okay Lizzie?"
Liz just closed her eyes and sighed.
Brooke and Lucas had gone up to check on Sam but she had gone to take a shower. They ended up staying there and talking and when Sam came out they gave her a near heart attack, "Oh my god!" She said putting a hand to her heart, "Can you guys not just sit there like that? You scared me!"
Brooke rolled her eyes, "We were waiting for you to come out."
"What if I had been naked?! That would've been mortifying." Sam countered indignantly. She always changed in the bathroom, but it was the principal of it all!
Lucas blushed, realizing he probably should've been more thoughtful, "Sorry Sam we kinda spaced out." Although Brooke wanted to laugh at the occasional dramatics that came out of her girl. She was just like her in that way.
Sam crossed over and hung her towel on her chair, "It's fine." She then stopped, and rolled her eyes. She turned and looked at her parents wearily, "Wait, guys, I don't wanna talk again." She whined.
"You don't even know what we want to talk about!" Lucas quipped cheerily.
"Well what is it?" Sam raised her eyebrow, and put a small hand on her hip.
Brooke chuckled, "Come here you."
Sam padded her way over and sat in between her parents.
"My mom's coming Monday" Luke said, "You're okay with meeting her right? We kinda sprung it on you."
Sam bit her lip. She was nervous to meet this woman. She'd never had a grandma before, but at the same time she was excited. She just hoped Karen liked her. "Do you think she'll like me?" Sam asked Lucas.
He placed a kiss on her head, "She'll love you."
Sam put her hands in her lap, "I don't have a problem meeting her. It'll be cool." She said more subdued. Brooke put a hand on hers, "Sweetheart I also wanted to talk to you about Liz and the whole Wicked remark she made."
Sam's face hardened at her friend's name. She was still upset at her, "Liz can kiss my ass." Sam mumbled.
"Hey." Lucas said with warning, "We've warned you a lot of times about that language. Do you need a firmer reminder about the rules?"
"Sorry." Sam said unconvincingly.
Brooke looked at Sam confused, "Are you mad at what she said? Honey I took her so many times because we lived in New York. I promise I'll take you. Don't be jealous of Lizzie, Sam. Please don't be mad at her, she didn't mean anything by it."
Sam stood up roughly and grabbed her backpack taking out a notebook, "God Brooke I'm not jealous of freaking Liz! She's not as perfect as you think she is!"
"I never said she was perfect Sam."
"Whatever. I don't even care. I have homework I need to finish."
"Sam," Brooke sighed in frustration. She knew Sam and Liz were friends, but it still seemed like Sam was jealous of her, "Liz will be a part of our lives. You love her, I know you do, and so do I. She's a good girl Sam, there's no reason to be mad at her….or jealous."
Sam looked up from rummaging through her backpack. Her parents were freaking oblivious!
"Are we done?" Sam asked looking at her parents.
Lucas stared at her, "Sam."
"I'm done talking." She said plunging her hand in the backpack looking for a pencil.
Brooke stood up a look of disappointment on her face, "Samantha, I love you, but you're giving your friend unnecessary grief. She's done nothing wrong. I'm asking you to stop."
"We're both asking you." Lucas said.
Sam took a deep breath and tried to hide the hurt that she felt. Her mama and daddy thought she was the bad one. Ashley's predictions were coming true.
"Fine. Can I be alone, please?" It wasn't demanding, it was just defeated. She grabbed the bookbag and threw it roughly next to the desk. She pulled the chair back and sat in it, completely ignoring her parents now. She was too upset. But she did make sure to say one last thing, "Thank you for the piano. It, it means the world to me that you guys did that." Although she didn't turn around. Brooke and Lucas both got up. They didn't understand it. Ever since Monday Sam was more sullen than usual. Brooke was thinking that maybe she shouldn't have brought Liz up at all. Maybe it was best to let the two work it out on their own.
Although upset Lucas still went over and kissed her atop her head before heading out.
"Night baby. Drop the attitude, okay? I love you and I'll see you tomorrow." Lucas said. He turned to Brooke, "I can't stay tonight, I forgot my playbook back at my house and I need to work on some plays for the game tomorrow. I'll come by tomorrow morning."
Brooke nodded and kissed him, "Night babe." She said. He knew Brooke was probably going to try and get Sam to talk so he backed out of the room and closed the door. Brooke turned to Sam, "Brooke I don't wanna talk."
"Hush." Brooke said firmly then turned Sam's chair away from the desk and towards her. She bent down so she was at Sam's level and put a hand on Sam's knees,
"You've been upset all week." Brooke started.
"Have not." Sam said rather childishly which made Brooke smile.
"Well I haven't." Sam said slumping in the chair.
Brooke raised an eyebrow, "Oh yes you have. You wanna know how I know?"
Sam looked at her mother skeptically, but nodded her head anyways.
"Because Barry and your blanket have been following you around all over this house." Brooke mused with a twinkle in her eye.
Damn. Caught.
"They have not!" Sam retorted.
Brooke stifled a smile, "Sweetheart." She spoke gently, "You had them Tuesday when you were watching me cook dinner, and then I found them in my room after you helped me fold clothes yesterday. I put them back in your room for you."
Sam looked away a bit embarrassed.
"Sammy it's okay. That's perfectly fine to do. I didn't point it out to embarrass you. I just want you to know that you can't hide when you're upset, you have a pretty easy tell." Sam gave her a small smile and ducked her head.
"And I'm telling you to talk to me. I can help you. Dad can help you."
Sam suddenly wanted her blanket and Barry again. And as if Brooke read her mind she picked them up from her bed, "Here honey. They'll make you feel better."
Sam took them, "I just need them. It doesn't make me a kid."
"I know." Brooke assured her. Although she still very much saw Sam as a kid. But that didn't have to be voiced at this particular moment.
"You probably wish I was more self assured like Liz. She probably doesn't need a stupid bear and blanket." Sam said looking at her weapons of comfort pathetically.
Brooke chuckled a bit, "Sam, trust me, even Liz needs reassuring now and again." She said thinking back to how hard it was to wean a young Liz off her pacifier and sippy cup.
Sam just shrugged, not really interested in continuing on the subject.
Brooke took Sam's hands, "Will you talk to me now?"
If foster care had taught Sam anything it was to be loyal, and as much as Sam wanted to tell her mom the truth, she couldn't do that to Liz. But she also had the insecurities that Ashley had exacerbated.
"Mama?" Sam said softly.
"Yes sweetheart?"
Sam took a deep breath, "I-I can't tell you everything."
"Why not?" Brooke felt herself getting frustrated, but didn't voice it out loud.
Sam shook her head, "Because I can't." Sam told her desperately, "but I'm okay because I feel safe with you and dad. But I-I'm just scared sometimes that you and dad, umm- well, you know, I'm not popular, and you guys were, and Liz is, and-"
"Peanut." Brooke cooed, "No, no. I don't care about that." She affectionately placed a strand of hair behind Sam's ear.
"But you and Lucas are so worried about me fitting in."
Brooke sighed, that was true, "I'm sorry Sammy. We didn't mean it like that. I know we've been putting pressure on you."
"It's fine." Sam sighed looking away, "I have homework." She stated not wanting to talk anymore.
Brooke knew she wouldn't get anymore out of her so she smiled sadly and kissed Sam's head, "Mama loves you." She whispered using the name that Sam used for her more and more often when she was vulnerable, "Please believe me when I say we don't care about you being something other than what you are." She told her before leaving Sam to her thoughts.
Both Liz and Sam fell asleep thinking about one another. But little did they know that all this was just the tip of the iceberg.
Hope you like this one! Not too much action, but I felt it necessary. Please continue to review! I'm starting school soon so your inspiration and love is crucial. Thanks!
Also I understand many of you want me to incorporate more Brooke and Lucas romantic scenes. Honestly, yes there will be, but not in every chapter. Please keep in mind that I wanted to write a story where the focal point was Brooke and Lucas's relationship with Sam. The romance will come, just give it time.