A/N: There is a spanking in this chapter. Please skip if it's not your thing. Sorry!
Sam sat across the dining room table. Both her parents were staring at her intently from the other side. They had just lectured her and she had managed to control her eyes from rolling at them.
"Sam, we've been through this a lot, and although you should be punished for ditching school and leaving this house you're not going to be." Her dad's voice was definitive, sounding more confident than what he actually was.
Sam's once crossed arms undid themselves, "Wait, what? Are you two okay?" She looked at the pair of adults suspiciously, she was expecting to be grounded with the horrible added punishment of extra chores, but it never came.
Brooke shook her head, "We're not done Samantha."
"Oh." Her shoulders slumped, her bliss quickly ending.
"You're not being punished because we know you've been on edge lately sweetheart."
Sam folded her hands in front of her and tried to look nonchalant.
Brooke put a hand on top of Sam's folded ones, "We know you've been upset at school, with Liz, and whatever that reason, it's really been affecting you."
Sam slid her hands from under her mother's, feeling as if they were dangerously close to exposing everything.
Lucas sighed, "But Sam everytime you run off it's because you're upset about something and we can only be so understanding especially after we've told you repeatedly that this can't happen. You're not listening to us sweetheart."
Sam tensed up. What did that even mean? Oh no.
Brooke saw the worry fall on her daughter's eyes, "Peanut." She said softly and waited for Sam's eyes to meet with hers, "We love you and we want you safe, that means knowing where you are at all times."
Sam adjusted herself on the chair, "So w-what are you gonna do to me?"
Lucas and Brooke exchanged a look and then looked back at their nervous girl, "Champ." Lucas started. "This is hard for us, please understand that, but mom and me talked about it for a long time while you were at school."
Sam nodded mostly because she felt like that's what she was supposed to do, but she had no idea what they were going to say next.
"And like we said we're not punishing you for it...this time, but baby next time you run away we decided that we're going to have to spank you."
Lucas let his words set in.
Sam's eyes widened and she sat up, "Sp-spank me?" Her proclamation was more anxious than anything. She had been beat with a belt before and she'd been smacked, but the politics of spanking out of love was not something she really understood.
Garnering the courage she looked up at her parents, "I-uhh, well I don't really know, are you..going to use-" Her voice softened, "A belt or something?"
Brooke shook her head, "No, no Sam."
"I don't really know how a spanking works." Sam added, cutting her mom off.
"We'll only ever use our hand. You'll go over my lap or mom's lap and we'll only swat you with our hand."
Sam's eyebrows furrowed thinking that finding herself in that situation would be mortifying, "But I'm fourteen and a half now, isn't that too old? I don't wanna be spanked!"
Brooke smirked at her daughter's indignance, "Sweetie that's the point. You're not supposed to want to be punished. And we'll only do it, like we said, if you run away, and for other major things where you put yourself in danger or any major disrespect."
"You don't think I'm too old? I mean look at me!" She pointed at herself, "That's for kids, really, I'll listen to you just the same if you ground me!"
Lucas chuckled a bit, "Sweetheart you are not too old. Trust me. It won't happen on the regular, only for major things, you'll know when you're crossing the line. Don't worry. We'll warn you." Her resistance to the threat made them silently agree that their decision was the right one. Hopefully this was the deterrent they needed.
Sam bit her lip, "I'm really sorry for yesterday though." She gave her parents the biggest puppy dog eyes, "Don't you believe me?"
Maybe a little manipulation on her part would work.
"We know you're sorry. We believe you peanut." Brooke said falling right into those big blue eyes, well, almost falling for them, "And we're fine now, okay? But we're telling you that next time you won't get off this easy."
"There won't be a next time." Sam mumbled. This time happened because of Liz and she was determined for that not to happen again. Liz could go fall in a ditch for all Sam cared.
Brooke sighed, "Sweetheart we don't mean to scare you with this whole new punishment."
Sam shrugged, "It is what it is. I'll be fine. I won't make you..spank me."
"That's the hope." Lucas said.
And it was the hope. They weren't sure if they'd ever be able to spank their baby past a couple swats, but wouldn't be surprised if they had to.
… …. ….
The weekend had finally come and Sam was glad to be out of school. Avoiding Liz was exhausting, and she had spent her time over at Jack's and Manny's, making it home just right on time for curfew. No doubt, a whiz at public transportation by now. All this just to make sure that she missed Liz if she was over at her home. Brooke and Lucas weren't particularly pleased with her very overt avoidance, but she seemed happy with her friends and seeing her happy made them happy. .
"Mom please, please, please, let me stay over at Peyton's tonight." Sam begged her mother as they walked around the grocery store for last minute items for the cookout the next day.
Brooke sighed feeling a hundred percent the frustrated mother she was at the moment, "Samantha, Peyton is coming over tomorrow, and besides I feel like I haven't seen you all week! You come in at nine and make a beeline to your room. I'd like this night for it to be you, dad, and me. Now tell me what is the problem with waiting until tomorrow to see Peyton?"
Sam rolled her eyes dramatically. There was no problem with waiting, but she also knew that Peyton would come later on in the party when things were in full swing and so she could easily slip away to her room or Lucas's basement without anyone noticing.
"Julian's gonna be there. I just wanna spend time with them. I haven't in a while."
Brooke grabbed the hot cheetos from Sam's hands, "Not these chips." She said putting them back. Sam gave her a pitiful look. She loved those chips!
Brooke raised her eyebrow, "You got a stomach ache last time remember?"
Sam would normally argue, but she had to choose her battles and going over to Peyton was currently the one she wanted to fight.
"Well which ones can I get?" She whined. I mean, she did still want those hot cheetos. They were her favorite! Too bad she ate the whole bag last time and spent that night tossing and turning until she ran to the bathroom to throw up.
That night Brooke and Lucas learned that Sam did not take well to being sick because she crawled into bed with them right after and told her mama in a very woeful manner that she had a stomach ache. Brooke wrapped her in a hug and rubbed her back, "I'll bring you some medicine princess. You can sleep with dad and me for the rest of the night, okay?"
Sam didn't particularly appreciate being called princess in all situations, but she had her moments, and Brooke seemed to know exactly when those moments were. She figured it was some form of "mom" intuition.
Lucas gave Brooke a fleeting sad look until Sam turned to look at him. He brought her in close, "Lay down champ. Mom'll come back with the medicine."
Once Sam snuggled into her father, Brooke returned Lucas's frown. This wasn't exactly how they were envisioning their night. They were expecting things to get a bit more...heated. But, alas, such is the life of a parent.
Once in the room and sitting on the bed Brooke gently instructed her daughter to "open up" and Sam reluctantly did so grimacing as she swallowed the horrid medicine. Lucas rubbed her stomach until Sam fell asleep snuggled between the two, her head resting on her dad.
This effectively ruined their plans to be, well, uhh...romantic. Not the sexy, steamy night the parents had in mind. Luckily for them, and Sam, they had heard her be sick in the restroom and so they had a chance to, ahem, redress themselves quickly.
"Whatever you'd like. Just no more hot cheetos." Brooke said thinking back to that night.
She checked her phone as Sam stood in front of the chip aisle deciding which ones would substitute the delicacies that were her hot cheetos.
"Sam this isn't a life and death decision."
Sam rolled her eyes, "I don't complain when you're trying to decide which shoes to buy."
"That's different!"
Sam snorted, "No way it's not! You like shoes. I like chips."
Brooke returned the eye roll, "Just choose something little one." She groaned.
Finally, finally, Sam chose on a spicy barbeque flavor and tossed them in the cart.
"So can I Brooke?" She asked taking Brooke's attention off her phone.
"You will not be eating this whole bag all at once." Brooke leveled her with a look, "And can you what?"Of course Brooke knew what.
Sam huffed at her mother, "I won't. And can I go with Peyton tonight. Come on!"
Brooke saw the puppy dog eyes her daughter threw her and sighed, "Come here kid." She pulled her in for a hug, "If you call her and she's fine with it, then I'll drop you off after this."
Sam threw her hands up in victory, "Yes! Ha, you're awesome!"
Brooke gleamed at her daughter's giddiness. She was so comfortable with them now. It was like they were never separated sometimes.
"Wait, mom." Sam said seriously.
"Hmm?" Brooke asked as she decided on the best avocado to choose.
Sam got closer so no one could hear, "I, I need Barry and my blanket." She said quietly.
Brooke hid her smile, "Okay, dad'll drop them off for you. Does that sound good?"
Sam smiled once more, "Did I ever tell you how awesome you and dad are?"
Brooke snorted, "Only when we give you what you want right?"
"Something like that. Otherwise, y'all are a pain."
Brooke laughed, "Well I'll keep that in mind next time you ask me for something else."
"Kidding!" Sam said before skipping off to find more junk food to drop into the cart.
The next day Sam was sitting next to Julian giving him pointers on his next film while they waited for Peyton.
"I just think it's a lame idea." Sam said plainly.
"It's not! I love my idea."
"Well then you can watch your idea fail in the box office. It'll be great."
Julian tussled up her hair, "Whatever Samson. I'm the one with experience."
She shrugged, "Fine don't believe me."
Peyton was walking by the couch and saw the pair pouring over something, "Are you two ready to go?"
Sam was excitedly holding onto Julian's arm leaning over him and pointing to some particular scene in the script Julian had.
"Sam don't kill Julian." Peyton said laughing.
Sam laid back, "Sorry."
She toned down her excitement. Julian could always make her days ten times better. "So let's go kiddo?" Peyton asked.
Sam sighed, "I guess." She slid off the couch and hoped to God that she could sneak her way into her room without having to say hello to anyone, particularly Liz or Rebecca.
"So are you guys a thing?" Sam asked Julian and Peyton from the back of the car. Julian started cracking up.
"It's a legitimate question!" Sam huffed annoyed.
"We're getting there." Peyton looked through the rearview mirror at Sam.
Sam scoffed, "What the hell does that mean?"
"It means we're trying it out." Peyton gave one more glance to the mirror.
"Oh." Sam's mind went to her parents. "Do my mom and dad know?"
Julian turned around, "Yes m'am."
"You still talk to Brooke, Julian?" It came as a surprise because she had never seen her mom talking to him on the phone. Maybe they texted?
He gave her a warm smile, "Yes, but mostly about you. We're trying to get back to being friends. It'll take time."
Sam leaned back onto the seat, "Well I wish you'd come down more often. I bet Peyton wishes that too."
Peyton almost turned beet red, "Well she has a point Julian."
Julian grabbed Peyton's hand and squeezed it, "It's been busy. I'll try to come down more." He turned to Sam, "For both of you."
Sam's face brightened at his statement. But that slowly turned into a frown once they were at Lucas's house.
Sam could tell that everyone was in the backyard so she quickly got out the car. This was her chance to make it in unseen, "See you inside!" Sam told Peyton and Julian before hurrying in ahead of them.
Peyton and Julian walked towards the backyard. Brooke felt a hand on her back. She turned and saw Peyton, she smiled at her best friend and gave her a huge hug, "I've missed you." Peyton said, "We haven't hung out."
"I love you P." Brooke let go of her friend after a long hug. They had originally reconciled, but it never felt truly set. But time had passed and the two were missing each other's presence.
It was a little while later that Liz went up to Brooke, "Aunt Brooke where's Sam?"
Haley watched the interaction from afar.
Brooke stopped what she was doing. Peyton had told her Sam went inside, but she realized her girl hadn't come out since. "I think she's inside Lizzie, but let me check on her for you."
Liz gave a dejected sigh. Brooke stopped, "I'm sure if you talk to her things will work out."
"She won't let me." Liz said sadly.
Brooke nodded, "I'll talk to her Lizzie. Don't worry."
Once Haley saw her walk away she approached the downtrodden teenager.
"Hey you."
Liz glanced up and quickly down. Her face burning with shame, "Uhm Hi Mrs. Scott."
"You're looking a little guilty there. Could it possibly have to do with a certain test in my class."
Liz scuffed the floor, "I-I don't know what you mean."
Haley put a hand on her shoulder, "I'm not trying to get you into trouble. I know you had one of the tests. You're face said it all in class. But because I'm not pursuing it with the others, I won't pursue it with you. But be careful Liz, these things have a way of catching up to us."
"I won't do it again. I promise." Liz told her.
Haley gave the girl a hug, "I know you won't. Sam talked to me a lot about guilt and compassion, and did a good job of conveying how you felt without once mentioning your name. That girl loves you Lizzie. Please don't take advantage of that."
Liz sniffled a bit, "I-I don't know how to fix things."
"Things have a way of working out, but you have to put in the effort."
Liz nodded and felt Haley kiss her forehead, "Be a good girl and follow your heart." She whispered.
Brooke went up the stairs towards Sam room, "Sam sweetheart." The room was empty. She sighed. Where was her girl? As she was walking down the stairs she caught Jamie running towards the basement, "Hold it kid!" She grabbed the back of his shirt.
"Hi Aunt Brooke." His eyes were wide and he had a small smile plastered on his face. She put a hand on her hip, "Do you happen to know where my daughter is?"
He looked away, "I'm not supposed to say."
"Oh?" Brooke said with a small smirk, "Maybe the tickle monster can get out of you."
"I'm 11!" He was indignant. Did his Aunt Brooke really think that would work?
"Well here goes then." Brooke started in on his ribs, his sweet spot, and he held strong for a mere second and then he gave up, "Okay I'll tell you!" He yelled.
Like taking candy from a baby.
"Spill it kid." Brooke responded content.
"In the laundry room downstairs." He mumbled, "But don't tell her I said it." She pretended to zip up her lips, "Totally sealed."
"Sam?" Brooke said as she walked into the laundry room. Sam looked up from her seat on the floor and frowned. Damn it Jamie! She really did not want to be forced to go upstairs and outside right now.
"Hey mom." She responded then looked back down at her laptop.
Brooke looked down at her daughter and crossed her arms, "You know ignoring me isn't going to make me go away."
Sam sighed then looked back up, "What's up?"
"Sam, everyone is outside, even Jamie, don't you think it's rude for you to stay in here?"
Sam shrugged, "Not really. I don't think anyone really minds."
"Let me rephrase that." Brooke said firmly, "Get up. We're going. Now."
Sam looked up at Brooke, "I don't want to...Liz is there." She mumbled annoyed.
Brooke sighed, " Sammy, Liz wants to talk to you."
"Well I don't want to talk to her."
"Stop it Sam." Brooke said, now annoyed herself, "Whatever happened between you two, she seems to regret it. Give her a chance."
Sam felt her self seethe. If only her mother knew!
Sam stood up and walked towards the couch that was downstairs and flopped onto it, "You always take her side!"
"Samantha I'm not taking sides." Brooke tried calmly following Sam to the couch but choosing to stand over her.
But Sam did not care what her mother had to say at the moment, "Of course you are, and of course it'd be Liz! It always is! God, I don't want to go upstairs! Just leave me alone"
Brooke saw the tears well up in Sam's eyes. But she stayed strong, and crouched down to Sam's level, "I'm giving you an hour to calm down. But Sam, be warned, you are on thin ice."
She cupped Sam's chin and had her face her, "Do not yell at me anymore young lady." Brooke warned, "Do you understand me? "
Sam just glared at her but her mom's look won over, "Yes m'am." She groaned.
"And I'm not taking sides Samantha. I just know that your father, Rebecca, and I are at our wits end with whatever is going on between you two."
Sam looked past her mother at the muted TV.
"Samantha, look at me."
Sam could hear someone call Brooke's name. It was Nathan.
"Go." Sam said curtly still not looking at her mother.
"Excuse me?"
Sam finally looked at her, "Someone's calling you." She pointed out, "Go."
"Brooke!" Nate called once more.
"Told you." Sam mumbled.
The mother sighed. She put the volume up on the tv for Sam, "One hour Samantha." Her voice was softer. She couldn't scold much when her daughter was so upset, "I love you peanut. I wish you'd just tell me what's wrong."
Sam heard the sadness in her mother's voice, "I'll be up in an hour. Promise."
Sam laid herself down to watch tv. Brooke put a strand of hair behind Sam's ear and Sam's eyes met hers. Her mother gave her a soft smile, and Sam wanted nothing more than to jump up in her arms.
"I don't want your anger to get you into trouble Sammy."
Sam didn't respond, instead her eyes moved downward away from her mother's gaze.
Sighing Brooke stood back up and watched her daughter for a second before heading back out. Sam's suggestion was actually a good idea. She, Lucas, Rebecca, and the girls would sit down and talk about this after the party, she had decided.
Sam stared at the clock and sighed. Thirty minutes had passed, and honestly, she was bored. Maybe going out wouldn't be so bad? She'd do her best to ignore Liz and stay close to Jamie or her dad, definitely not Brooke. She'd just make her talk to Liz, but Lucas wouldn't! Well that was the hope.
As she walked up the stairs Sam breathed a sigh of relief when the coast was clear. It seemed everyone was outside. She went to the kitchen and grabbed an apple, taking some time to enjoy its deliciousness before making her way out.
Sam was almost done with the fruit when she heard someone open the front door. She stopped chewing trying to figure out who it was. Something hit a nerve when she heard Liz's voice, and she was with someone else.
Liz stepped into the kitchen and following her was, Ahsley?!
Both girls froze. Liz looked at Sam with wide eyes, and Sam threw the apple core harshly into the sink next to her, "What. the. fuck?" Sam said between her teeth.
Liz tried to pull the words out of her mouth, "Sam, I, we both wanted to apologize."
Sam hopped off the counter, and was making her way outside, "Leave Ashely, preferrably you too Liz." She growled.
"Sam, come on, wait." Liz said sighing.
Just as she was opening the door to go outside she felt one of them grab her arm. It was Ashley, "Foster care, please let me say something."
Sam saw red. It was already hard to be called that at school, but now in her own home?! She felt herself rage, "Fuck off!" She yelled, "Quit calling me that!"
Liz took a step back instinctively when she saw Sam shove Ashley off her causing her to fall backwards.
"Get out! Get the hell out!"
Shit. Maybe bringing Ashley was not Liz's best idea.
Sam walked up to the now standing Ashley and Liz, "Sam." Ashley said, "Chill out girl. Let me apologize."
"What made you finally decide to apologize? Huh?" Sam's voice was emotional and it hit Ashely's heart hard, "Was it after you saw me run out because you called me a charity case and unwanted?" Sam wiped at her tears forcefully, "I've never had a family until now. It took me FOURTEEN years to find love. You don't think I already feel like that every day of my fucking life already?! I don't need you rubbing it in!"
Liz and Ashley finally felt the weight of Sam's insecurities. Liz, especially, knew Sam was hurting, but this really hit it home for her.
Sam's fists tightened as she controlled herself. She pushed both Ashley and Liz, "Go! I don't want you here!" Once more she shoved them.
"Sam!" Liz pleaded, "We're sorry."
Seconds later Sam felt a hand pull the back of her shirt. She was spun around and was met by her mother's angry glare piercing through her. Suddenly some of that fury was replaced by fear. Those eyes were unlike eyes she had seen before. "Samantha." Brooke's low growl did nothing to ease the tension.
But Sam was in no mood, the fearful look on her face fell back into anger. She fought against Brooke, "Let me go!" She yelled, "I told you I didn't want to do this! I fucking told you both!" She yelled once Lucas came in.
"Samantha!" Brooke repeated once more, giving her a swift, but hard swat.
"Ow! No, stop!" Sam was not letting up, "Let me go! Go make sure sweet Liz is okay, you know you want to!"
In a decisive moment, Brooke tightened her hold on Sam and without a word began dragging her up the stairs past the two teenage girls. Brooke's quick change in demeanor threw Sam for a loop. Lucas followed Brooke up the stairs but not before telling Liz to get her mother and then wait in the kitchen. Things were to be solved now. Things had gone too far.
Liz turned to Ashely who looked stunned, "Go home Ash."
Ashley turned to her, "Liz I'm sorry. I really am." For the first time the girl seemed more than just concerned for herself. Seeing Sam so upset was like something she hadn't seen before. Sam was more broken than she could've imagined.
Liz bit her lip, "So am I." Her voice cracked, "I-I think you should go though. I need to fix things first."
Ashley nodded and made her way out. Liz looked up the stairs. She knew exactly what she had to do.
Brooke sat the struggling Sam down pulled up a chair and then grabbed Sam's hands in hers. Lucas closed the door behind them.
If looks could kill Sam's would've murdered her mother and Lucas three times over. She pulled her hands away and pulled her legs up. She glared at them. Why weren't they saying anything?! Instead, they were looking at her disappointed? confused? worried? Screw them! A voice in her head told her. Screw everyone! She was just some stupid foster kid. She was just a loser that nobody wanted. She loved her parents, but clearly they'd never love her as much as she loved them.
"LEAVE!" She yelled at them both. "LEAVE!"
She was about to move but Lucas put a hand on her shoulder, "Young lady you are really asking to go over my lap."
His threat caused Sam's eyes to well up. She looked at them with frustration.
Lucas kept his hand on her shoulder, "Samantha, we are beyond upset with you. We've given you ample chances to tell us what's wrong. We've given you warning after warning to fix that attitude, yet you haven't. Well, we're done. Enough is enough. Do you have anything to say for yourself?"
Why couldn't she just tell them already!? What was wrong with her? But her insecurities did not translate into a docile Sam, she was still too angry for that.
"I don't care. Do what you want!" She seethed.
Brooke lost it, "What the hell has gotten into you?! What you did out there? UNACCEPTABLE. I'm so tired of this Sam! I AM TIRED OF IT. I don't know why you think I love Liz more. But you need to get that out of your damn head!" Brooke's frustration poured over into a loud yell. She hadn't yelled at her daughter before and it stunned both Lucas and Sam.
Sam's face crumpled, but before anything else could happen Liz burst in, "It's my fault!" She yelled.
"Shut up Liz!" Sam said turning to her.
Liz ignored her, the adults were caught by surprise, "Elizabeth go back down." Brooke warned her.
"Aunt Brooke, listen to me! Its my fault! Ashley's been bullying Sam at school, and lately I let it happen because I was mad, mad because I was one of the one's that took Mrs. Scott's test and Sam knew it and she tried to help me, but I was mad that Sam helping meant I couldn't use the test we took."
Liz was pouring everything out now. She knew if she stopped she wouldn't want to say anything else, but she had to bite the bullet. She heard the muffled yells coming from upstairs and knew this was all her doing. So she ran up and heeded her conscience,
"And that time Aunt Haley gave Sam detention it was because I told Sam to let me cheat off her and she didn't want to but I made her do it. I'm sorry! I really am! But I-I brought Ashley to apologize and it just made things worse because she called her foster care again. She always calls her that at school, and when she skipped school it was because Ashely wrote on the screen in class in front of everyone that Sam was an unwanted, unloved, loser, and a charity case. And I-I was sitting next to Ashley and let it happen! I'm sorry! I really am!"
Brooke and Lucas felt like they had just gotten off a rollercoaster. They felt a hot knife pierce through their heart. Everything suddenly made sense. They turned to their daughter.
Sam got up off the bed without a word.
"Oh Sammy." Lucas cooed. But Sam pulled away when he tried to touch her. He felt his heart constrict.
"Honey." Brooke tried, standing slowly and reaching her arm out. Tears pricked in her eyes when Sam gave them both a betrayed look. She shook her head dejectedly then walked quickly out of the room. Brooke got up to follow Sam but saw as Peyton walked into the kitchen and a clearly emotional Sam fell into her arms,
"Peyton take me with you and Julian!" She cried into her. Sam's heart was beating quickly, she wished she could run, but she wouldn't push her luck. She'd had a pretty shitty streak lately anyways.
Peyton held her a bit confused, "Sammy, wha-what's going on?" Sam didn't answer, she just clung to her.
Peyton looked up and saw Brooke at the top of the stairs. Brooke gave her a sad look and turned back around. She felt horrible. She had lost it and hurt Sam. It was her job to protect her!
Meanwhile Peyton soothed Sam, "Shhh. Shhh." She had no idea what was going on but she'd do her best to calm the girl down, "I'm here baby girl. Let's go upstairs to your room?"
"Take me with you guys. I-I messed up. Everything's messed up. They're mad. I'm mad. Just take me."
Petyon kissed the top of her head, "Okay." She whispered, "But we won't leave until later. Why don't we wait in your room? I'll stay with you" She asked Sam as a compromise. She hoped she'd get the girl to stay at home and talk to her parents.
"Fine then."
"Okay, come on baby, let's go."
When Brooke walked back into the room Lucas had Liz sitting in a chair.
"Where's Ashley?" He asked her.
"She-she went home." Liz sniffed. Her hands were in her lap and the girl looked very contrite.
Brooke's arms crossed. She was so disappointed at Liz's actions, "Go get your mother. We have to talk about this."
When Liz heard Brooke, her tears welled up, "Auntie Brooke I'm sorry!"
But Brooke would have none of it at the moment, "Go. Now."
Liz got up and ran down to get her mom. She was in tears.
…. …. ….
Peyton and Sam were seated atop her bed. Both staring at each other and both sitting with their legs crossed. Peyton was holding Sam's hand in hers, "They didn't know Sam. They didn't know this was happening."
Sam looked down sadly, "Why do I have to tell them? Why can't they just believe me when I tell them that something is wrong? Why didn't they let me stay in the basement by myself? They should've trusted me! They didn't listen to me."
"That's not true Sam. They've been listening to you." Peyton argued though lightly, "They've been worried sick about this. You've been acting out, and I understand now why you were, but they just didn't have an answer at the time. You have to tell them because they are your parents. They only want to help you Sammy. And they did believe you when you said something was wrong. You are their daughter sweetheart, and the are really trying to get this parenting thing right with you."
Sam sighed, her head mentally agreeing with Peyton, "I didn't want to be at this dumb cookout and now look what happened. Mom yelled at me. She's never yelled at me like that before."
Peyton squeezed her hands, "I know Sammy, I know."
"And now they know what Ashley called me. I don't want them to believe her. I don't wanna be a charity case Peyton. I've always been pushed around from home to home, and I know that means that I'm hard to love, but I'm really trying."
Peyton shifted and enveloped Sam in a hug, "Hey, kiddo, you are not hard to love. You are not a charity case. I don't know what that girl did to you, but she's just cruel, and jealous of you. Baby you are so easy to love. We all love you."
Sam felt Peyton push her teddy bear and blanket into her arms, "Thank you." She said quietly.
"Sammy, you know we all love you, right?"
Sam shrugged, "I know, I know. It's just, sometimes I get really nervous about it. I try not, but it just happens. But I do know that I'm mad, and nothing you say is going to fix that."
Peyton brushed her cheek with her hand, "You can be mad Sammy. Your feelings are valid."
A few minutes after talking Peyton and Sam were watching the fairly oddparents movie. They heard a knock at the door. Sam who was leaned into Peyton looked towards the door. Her face turned into a scowl when she saw who it was.
"Sam?" Lucas said softly.
"I don't want to talk to you." She coiled herself closer to Peyton.
Lucas felt his heart break and he cleared his throat because he was surely about to cry. He sat down near Sam and put a hand on her back, but Sam stayed hidden in Peyton's arms, "Baby we are so sorry for everything. We just talked to Liz and Rebecca. Please champ don't shut us out for too long. We want to talk to you. We're sorry for how we reacted today. You've been holding a lot in, let us help you. We're right outside for you, okay Sammy?"
Sam's eyes flicked up, "Okay then." Her voice was quiet.
Lucas looked to Peyton and returned her worried look with a weary smile. Sam had already hidden her face once more so he got up slowly to leave.
…. …. ….. ….
Liz hadn't been in the corner since she was twelve, yet that's where she stood. She felt horrible and now she was set to go over her mother's lap for an official spanking. Something that hadn't happened in years!
Rebecca came in quietly then sat on the edge of the bed and looked at her girl,
"Elizabeth?" she said.
Liz turned around, but didn't move. "What you admitted today...how you treated Sam...I know that you know it was wrong. Our actions have consequences, which for you, means a spanking. You know that, and you chose to act badly anyways, so you have to be punished." Rebecca said calmly, "Now come here."
Liz walked up to her mom, "Please don't mom, please." She pleaded with tears rolling down her face.
"I don't enjoy spanking you Lizzie, but what you did warrants it. Sam's been harboring this for weeks. You knew this. You've been cheating on tests. Sweetheart tell me what's going on."
Liz rubbed her eyes, much like a tired child, "I-I don't wanna let you down, and I don't wanna let my dad down. He loves that I'm in cheer! And I really like it too. And English is hard, and, and I just had to do it, and I don't know mom, I don't know. I'm sorry. I really am! Please believe me. Now Sam hates me too."
Rebecca stood up and wrapped her daughter up, "Okay buggyboo. Okay." She was still disappointed but she could tell that her daughter was repentant, "I don't want you cheating to keep me happy Liz. You should've told me you were struggling I would've helped you. You have to trust me, because now look what you got yourself into."
Liz clung onto her mother's embrace, "I'm sorry!"
"Shh baby girl. I know you are. But you're still going to be punished, then all will be forgiven on my end."
"But Sam-"
"You will have to really work with Sam." She admitted.
"Aunt Brooke is never gonna get over this!" She wailed as she grabbed her mom's shirt and bunched it up in her fingers. Something she did as a small child, and still did on occasions to this day.
"Yes she will. She's upset but you need to give her a chance to calm down too." Rebecca said calmly, "She's been worried about Sam for the past two weeks. Everything's just really tense right now." Liz just played with the fabric in her hands.
Rebecca let go of her girl slowly and sat back down on the bed.
"Come on Liz. Let's get this over with." She pulled Liz towards her.
Liz whimpered when she felt her mother pull down her shorts
"No, no, mama." Liz gave a quick stamp of her foot.
"Shhh. This is happening, whether you like it or not." Rebecca then pulled the girl gently over her lap.
Liz reached back but Rebecca moved her hand, "Don't reach back Liz. You know that." She warned.
"Mommy, please don't. I'll be good. I know I did wrong." Liz gave a small kick of her legs to voice her desperation,
Rebecca forced herself to be firm. Her little girl just completely melted whenever she was over her lap. "Lizzie, I'm sorry, but you deserve this."
The spanking had left Liz in tears. No matter how old she was, she still ended up more contrite than ever halfway through it. Her pleading and squirming didn't deter Rebecca from giving her daughter a firm punishment. But now it was over and it was time to talk and comfort her daughter. Liz was sitting on Rebecca's lap, while her mom cleaned her face with a wet wipe,
She was still crying and hiccupping and Rebecca let her.
"C-can I-I have m-milk now m-mom?" Liz asked as she felt the wipe around her left cheek.
Rebecca shook her head, "No. Not yet. We need to talk."
Liz's sobs renewed. She just wanted her mom to make her feel better and bring her a cup of warm milk! At this very moment if her mom had walked in with her old sippy cup, she probably would've seriously considered taking it until her senses came back to her of course.
"Hush now." Rebecca scolded lightly, "We're talking about this." She had Liz stand up and step out of her shorts that were tangled at her feet. She then opened her arms and Liz sat back in her lap, "But you always give me a cup of milk." She whined in a whisper again laying her head on Rebecca's shoulder.
"You will wait until we talk." Rebecca responded, then gently lifted her daughter's face to look at her.
She knew that she was denying something that was such a pivotal ritual after every punishment, but she needed Liz to talk to her first."
"Liz, this spanking was for the way you treated Sam. But for cheating you're grounded for two weeks. You go straight home every day after practice. I'll get you a tutor for English, and you'll talk to Haley about everything. You will also apologize to Sam whenever she's ready. She may not want to talk to you, and I don't blame her."
Liz started sniffling again and Rebecca rubbed her back to calm her down, "Now tell me what you're thinking."
"I-I don't want Sam to be mad at me. But I know I messed up and I've been wanting to tell the truth, but I was too scared of getting in trouble. Mom, I messed things up so badly. I don't know how to fix it. One things led to another, and another, and now I'm stuck, and I hurt Sam in the process."
Rebecca kissed the top of her head, "You need to apologize. Aunt Brooke is coming over tomorrow to talk to you about this."
"She's so mad at me!" Liz said crying into her mom's shirt.
"She's upset, but she'll forgive you. I promise."
"Mommy" Liz whined pulling closer to her mom.
"Shhh." Rebecca cooed, "You're growing up Lizzie, and that means taking responsibility for your actions, and I'm here for you every step of the way, even if that means taking you down a peg or two when you need it. We'll get through this one. I promise. Let me go get you your warm cup of milk okay?"
Liz got off her mom and absentmindedly rubbed her bottom. She waited for Rebecca to get up then took her hand to go towards the kitchen. She was always clingy after being punished, and this was no exception. Soon enough Liz had drunk the milk and her head was now in her mother's lap while they watched tv. Rebecca played with Liz's hair and rubbed her back occasionally.
"Sweetheart?"
"Yeah?" Liz asked through a yawn. Her daughter would be asleep soon.
"I know you want to make your dad happy, but you don't have to be a cheerleader if you don't want to."
Liz stayed quiet for a moment, "I like cheerleading. But...mom?"
"Yeah bug?"
"Do you think dad loves me just because I'm his daughter? Do you think he's always going to love me? He-he hasn't called."
Rebecca could just strangle the man. She'd make sure he'd call her next week.
"He loves you for you. His priorities are messed up that's for sure, but I know he loves you."
Liz nuzzled her head on Rebecca's lap, "I like cheer mom. It's not just because of dad."
Rebecca let out a sigh and thought to Brooke and Sam, and only hoped that things were going at least okay on their end.
…. …. …
The party had long ended and Brooke stood outside the door of Sam's room. She opened it and saw Sam in the bathroom brushing her teeth. She was wearing her favorite nightshirt and white ankle socks.
Brooke sighed sadly. Sam had stayed holed up in the room, even after Peyton and Julian left she stayed up there. But she was glad that Peyton had convinced her to stay home.
Brooke undid the bed for Sam then walked into the bathroom. Sam froze, but then slowly started the brushing motion once more, this time with an angry frown on her face. Brooke set a hand on her shoulder, but Sam shrugged it away.
Brooke kissed the top of her head, "I'm so sorry. I should've listened to you. I never should've yelled." She told her daughter.
Sam spit the toothpaste out. Then turned to look at her mother. Her face softened, and she quickly looked at her socked feet.
"Goodnight. I love you Sammy." Her voice was thick with emotion.
"Night." Sam mumbled.
As Brooke was walking out she heard one last mumble come from her girl, "I love you and dad too."
Brooke walked out feeling terrible, but a little bit less.
As she was walking towards Lucas's bedroom Karen caught sight of her.
"Brooke." She said softly.
Brooke walked up to her and burst into sobs as Karen held her, "Oh Brooke. It'll be okay."
Karen hugged her tightly.
"She's so hurt."Brooke cried.
"She's angry. It'll pass."
"I yelled at her like never before!"
Karen patted her back, "What mother hasn't lost her cool?"
Brooke pulled away slowly, "But Sam is different! She has so many insecurities, and I just, I just yelled and she was in pain, and I didn't know it."
"She's a teenager. She'll get over this. Yes she has insecurities, but we all do. You two are doing a wonderful job. One misstep does not define you."
"She's my baby and I didn't listen to her. I should've left her alone."
Karen shook her head, "Don't dwell on that Brooke. You need to focus on getting over this."
Brooke sniffled sadly.
"Come on." Karen said guiding Brooke, "Lucas is cleaning up downstairs. Let's all have a cup of coffee." She kissed the top of Brooke's forehead, "My girl." She whispered, "You'll be okay, and so will she. I promise."
Later that night Lucas and Brooke heard Sam on the phone with whom they could only assume was Tamara. They heard her tell she'd head to Southside tomorrow because "she wanted to forget everything for a little bit."
Lucas took Brooke's hand, "Let's go to bed?"
Brooke sighed as they both walked to his room. She cuddled into Lucas's embrace and he kissed her lips, "She's really upset." His voice was husky and he wrapped his strong arms around her.
Brooke loved how safe she felt with him, "I don't know how to fix it."
"First she needs to calm down." Lucas spoke into her hair, "But we'll get through it. We have to apologize together. Show her that we regret the way things happened."
A tear fell down her face. Lucas wiped the tear off with his finger, "Babe, babe. Don't cry. We're a family. We'll get through this." Brooke's eyes met his, "Family." She whispered.
"Family." He brought her even closer so their chests were touching, and she felt her heart skip a beat and her breath leave her for a moment at his touch, "I love you." She whispered.
He kissed her again. He gently pushed her back onto the bed. They locked gazes as he moved on top of her. "I love you so much." He gushed, "So. Fucking. Much."
Hope you liked it! Sam and the parents will make up soon! I know you were all waiting for this moment and I hope I did it justice. Please, please review! Tell me what you think! I love you all :)