This chapter has mentions of spanking. I understand some might have a problem with this, so just a warning. This will be a part of my story and if this bothers you I can only tell you to not read it or warn you if it's coming.
Sam woke up to a horde of pinging notifications coming from her phone. She pushed her hand from the warmth of her covers and blindly searched for the device. Knocking off a couple of books from her nightstand, she finally felt her phone and grasped it, pulling it under her covers.
She smiled tiredly at the screen. They were all text messages from Jack. He was apparently watching the episode of Law & Order that Sam told him he just had to watch. Sam giggled at his text reactions. She shot him back an "I told you it was good!" text. She checked the time and decided it was time to get herself up. It was only 8:30, but since Jack was already awake they could probably hang out sooner rather than later.
Her parents never woke her up on the weekends, unless there was something special going on. They much preferred for her to sleep in as long as possible.
"I'd rather not have to worry about you for as long as possible. Sleeping means no trouble from you, you little monster." Luke jokingly told her once.
She got up and pulled on the shorts on her floor. Now that Spring was creeping towards them she wasn't forced to wear sweatpants to bed, to her great relief. She then made her way into the bathroom to wash her face and brush her teeth. She saw the brush on the counter and knew she should probably fix her bed head, but she didn't feel up to it, so she just went back out still quite sleepy.
Brooke was watching some television waiting for Luke to come back from the store with eggs and milk. She didn't realize Sam was awake until she felt a body flop down next to her. Sam snuggled her head onto Brooke's lap.
"Morning." Sam said through a deep yawn.
Brooke rolled her eyes and smiled. Sam sometimes got herself up far too early than she had to on the weekends. She knew the girl was still tired.
"Hi sleepyhead." Brooke responded. She smirked at the bed head her daughter was donning, "Your hair's all over the place."
She felt Sam shrug. "It's just you and dad. I don't need to get ready."
Brooke found it quite amusing how so many people would dress to the nines in order to impress Brooke Davis, yet here was Sam in the complete opposite. She was dressed in a large "I love NY" T-shirt that she asked Brooke to buy for her, which was a moment of both pride and terror for Brooke. Pride because Sam had finally asked to buy her something and terror because it meant going into one of those filthy tourist stops to buy the shirt. She would have asked Millie or anyone else to do it, but she wanted to be the one to get the shirt for her daughter.
In any case, Sam was dressed in only such a shirt and mesh shorts that came up to her mid thigh. Her hair was a mess and her face was free of any trace of make up. This was a far cry from anyone Brooke often encountered. She sighed in contentment. Sam was comfortable. Safe in her mama's arms. She would never be the hardline businesswoman she was known to be in the corporate world, or the untouchable fashionista of the magazine to her daughter, and Brooke was perfectly okay with that. She was perfectly okay with just being a mom to Sam.
"You want me to brush it for you?" Brooke offered. Sam had taken to letting Brooke do her hair sometimes. Brooke didn't mind it one bit. She loved those moments, and Sam loved to feel her mother's careful touch.
"The brush is all the way upstairs." Sam groaned, "I'll do it later." She curled herself in closer to Brooke as it was a bit chilly, "What're we watching?"
"The news." Brooke said looking down at her daughter.
"Cool."
"Did you sleep well?" Brooke spoke softly trying to lull the girl back to sleep.
"Mhm." She yawned once more.
The mother gave a small sigh, "Why don't you go back to bed? Dad's bringing eggs and milk, and we'll wake you up for breakfast."
Sam closed her eyes, "I'm not tired though."
Brooke shook her head at Sam's stubbornness, but began to run her fingers through her daughter's hair, "Okay. You're not tired." Though she knew the girl would be back to sleep in minutes.
"I'm back!" Lucas sing songed but was awarded with a pillow that Brooke pelted at him, "What'd I do?"
Brooke pointed to their now sleeping child.
"Oh." He whispered, "Why isn't she in her bed?"
Brooke slowly moved from under Sam and covered her with the throw blanket, "She convinced herself that she had to be up, only to fall back asleep." She walked over and gave him a deep kiss, "Let's make breakfast? Maybe the smell will wake her up."
He grabbed her waist, "Let's do something else first?"
Brooke laughed at him, "Nice try. I'm still mad at you about last night."
"Aw, what? Come on. I didn't say you were old! I said you age gracefully!"
"Same difference." Brooke sauntered into the kitchen and Lucas watched her leave sadly. He sighed then went over and kissed his sleeping daughter's forehead, "Kiddo, your mom's so sensitive." He whispered before going into the kitchen with Brooke.
Soon enough Sam awoke to the smell of eggs and bacon. Her eyes popped open and saw the time on the cable box. It was 10:30.
"Morning champ. Whoa major bedhead kid." Lucas said heading over and kissing her forehead, "You gotta let yourself sleep in more often."
"I wasn't tired." She mumbled.
Brooke could only smile, "Sure Sam."
"I wasn't."
Both parents gave each other a look then smirked at their daughter.
"Back off." The smallest of the three scoffed.
"And you still might be tired with that attitude." Brooke said raising her eyebrow carefully, "Would you like to be sent back to bed?"
Sam stared at her mother but shifted uncomfortably at Brooke's glare and just sat on the stool, "Alright. Whatever geez."
"Sam." Lucas warned.
"Okay. Okay." Sam sighed and rested her head on her hand.
It was only ten, how was she already getting into trouble?
Brooke put the spatula down and then made Sam a cup of coffee.
She placed it in front of the cranky girl, "Let's lose the attitude alright?"
Sam looked at her mom with a small frown and nodded, "Sorry." she whispered.
After that small hiccup breakfast went without a hitch for the small family.
Lucas watched his girl eat before speaking up, "Sammy remember my mom's coming today, so try to be home early, okay?"
Sam took a swig of her juice and her eyes widened in excitement. She was glad she was going to see Karen again. "How long will she be here for?"
Lucas smiled at her daughter's glee, "Just the weekend, but she wants to spend the day with you tomorrow. So that'll be fun, right?"
Sam nodded, "Yeah! Did she say what she wanted to do?"
"Up to you Sam." Brooke added, "Don't torture her by taking her to Southside though."
"I bet you she'd love it. She's adventurous." Sam added playfully, "Unlike you."
Brooke scoffed, "What?! I'm as adventurous as they come."
At that both Lucas and Sam laughed.
The mother looked shocked then pointed her fork at them both, effectively shutting them up, "I am adventurous you jerks!"
"You're not babe." Lucas said with a smile and leaned into a kiss, "But I love you anyways."
Brooke gladly took it and let his lips envelope hers.
Sam made a retching sound after some seconds passed and their kiss was not letting up.
"Ugh. I'm gonna lose my breakfast."
Brooke reached over and smacked her head.
"Hey!"
"Go lose your breakfast somewhere else heathen." She said momentarily taking her lips off her man.
Sam laughed and got up then skipped out, "You pick up my plate then!" She scampered out before anything else could be said and let her parents get whatever they were doing on.
…. ….. …..
It was almost noon when Brooke made her way up the stairs. She was about to pass Sam's open room when the look on her daughter's face stopped her. Sam was looking at her phone unhappily with a frown.
"What's up buddy?" Brooke asked walking into the room and settling next to her daughter on the bed.
"I see you fixed your hair." She commented, brushing her fingers through some of it.
Sam sat up and gave her mother a shy look. She wasn't sure if her mom would appreciate her bringing up Victoria again, "It's, uh, not a big deal. I'm just gonna go and hang out with-"
The girl was about to get off the bed when her mother's hand stopped her, "Sammy. What is it?" She asked more sternly.
Sam ducked her head and looked at her hands. Her mom's concerned and compassionate look usually did the trick on her, and she hated that. She gave out a long sigh, "Victoria hasn't texted me back in a long time. Do you, do you think she still wants to get to know me?"
She had said this without looking at Brooke, but after some silence she chanced a glance at her mother then back down, "I just, um, I still do, but if she doesn't then I don't wanna keep trying."
Brooke blinked a few times trying to hide the anger at her own mother's despondency. How could Victoria ignore her kid after all the commotion her visit had caused? "Sweetheart. This is what I meant about her. I'm sorry she's doing this to you."
Sam bit her lip, "Maybe she's just busy?"
Brooke wanted to call her mother out on her bullshit, but instead gave her daughter a sad smile, "Maybe. You want me to talk to her for you?"
Sam shook her head vehemently, "You're just gonna yell at her and make things worse."
"I won't yell!" Brooke said.
Sam smiled at her mother's indignance, "I can handle it mom. I'll be fine."
Brooke sighed, "I wouldn't yell. I'd speak forcefully."
"That's yelling."
"Is not."
Sam rolled her eyes, "Is too."
The mother relented, "Alright. But if she calls me I might just have to bring it up."
"What if she gets mad and decides not to talk to me just to spite you?"
Brooke could see how badly Sam wanted this, "Okay. Okay." She placated her, "I'll let you deal with this one."
"Thank you." Sam said satisfied with the decision.
Brooke was about to get off the bed when Sam stopped her, "Wait, mom?" Her head shot up with an idea.
"What's up?"
"Remember how you said you were going to New York during my spring break?"
Brooke could see where this was going, "Mhm. Yes."
"What if I go with you? Then I can see Victoria and hang out with her."
Brooke bit her lip, "Sweetheart, I don't know if that's a good idea."
Sam sat a little straighter, "Mom, please." She pleaded, "I'll be good and stick with you the whole time. I know it'll be busy so I won't bug you or anything. Promise! I can just go out with Victoria like once or something at night after everything's done."
Brooke was a bit weary at the thought of bringing Sam along. Her trips to New York were always for work and they were exhausting. The thought of having her kid to worry about on top of everything else seemed like a recipe for disaster.
Sam could see that Brooke was gearing up to say no, "What about if Dad comes too?"
"Come where?" Lucas's voice came into the picture.
"Dad, what if you and me go to New York with mom during Spring Break?"
Lucas saw the excitement in Sam's eyes. He turned to read Brooke's expression which held narrowed eyes at their daughter, "What's this all about?"
Sam sighed and Brooke spoke up.
"She wants to spend some time with Victoria."
Lucas gave her daughter a sympathetic look, "Ahhh. Gotcha."
"Guys, come on!" Sam whined, "It'll be fun!"
Sam started to think about it and New York actually sounded like a great idea for more than just Victoria, she had never ventured out of the North Carolina, and what better place than for your first time out of the state to be in New York?
Lucas could tell that Brooke was conflicted, "Sam, that's something mom and me have to talk about. We can't just make a decision on the spot."
Sam crossed her arms, "Well it looks like Brooke already made up her mind."
Brooke sighed, "Samantha it's not just a simple yes or no."
"Yes. It is!" Sam argued.
"Samantha." Lucas warned.
Brooke stood up taller, "No. It is not. I'm going to New York for work. Things will be hectic."
"That's why dad'll be there! Him and I can just hang out while you work!"
Brooke took a long breath. Sam had a point. Maybe it was once again her anger towards Victoria that was making her so stubborn, "Dad and I will talk about it first."
Sam sighed heavily and flopped back down on the bed, "Fine then."
Lucas put an arm around Brooke and kissed her cheek. "It's getting late Sam you should probably head towards Jack's if you plan on hanging out some."
Sam nodded while looking up at her ceiling, "I'll leave soon."
The parents could tell Sam was unhappy with their decision. Brooke gave a small shake of her head with frustration and pushed herself off the doorframe she was leaning on, "I told Peyton I'd go over today. I'll see you in a few." She told Lucas with a kiss, then looked at her now somewhat upset daughter, "Sammy, have fun today."
The girl only offered out a half hearted "thanks." before Brooke walked away, a tad annoyed herself. Lucas watched her go then walked into his daughter's room and sat down next to Sam "Don't let this ruin your day champ." He offered kindly, "I promise I'll try and convince mom."
"So you don't think it's a bad idea then, right?"
"I think I want you to do this for yourself and I'm not sure whether things will turn out with Victoria the way you want them too, but at least you'll be giving it one good try."
Sam sat up and gave her dad a tight hug, "I wish mom was as chill about this as you are."
Lucas laughed, "Well your mom's worried about Victoria hurting you."
"Well so are you." Sam said dropping a peck on her dad's cheek as his arms stayed protectively around her.
"Well yes, but Brooke's apprehension is rooted in a lot of history that I don't have with Victoria. We both don't want you hurt."
Sam sighed, "I know. I know." He was right. She knew that, but it didn't mean she had to like it.
Lucas let her go, "Back early okay?"
Sam rolled her eyes, "You told me a million times. I'll be here don't worry."
"Are you gonna head out now?"
Sam swiped her phone and wallet from her nightstand, "Yup."
"Piggy back ride downstairs?"
Sam perked up, "Yes! Always!"
Lucas felt Sam climb on his back and wrap her arms on his neck. He cherished these moments so much, when Sam's age betrayed her and she acted like a kid. His kid. He could almost pinch himself to make sure he wasn't dreaming. The girl he loved so much was his daughter.
… … ….
Jack laid next to Sam in his living room, both sprawled out on a blow up mattress that seemed to permanently stay in front of the TV in Jack's house. His own foster mother had left for work leaving the two to finish off the Law and Order marathon on their own.
He started playing with Sam's hair and smiled as they waited for the next show to come on. He loved the way Sam so easily engrossed herself into a show. It's like the world dissolved around her and it was just her and the characters in front of her.
He started laughing at a now distant memory. Sam had just turned nine and they had snuck into watch the Spongebob movie in theatres. Sam being the smaller and cutest of the two was able to convince an unsuspecting sap to pay for their snacks. Back then Sam's hair was long and unruly, a bottom tooth was missing and she consistently wore a gray hoodie. She was a cute little mess, and people couldn't help but pity the adorable girl in front of them.
Jack frowned when he remembered how distraught she was when she had lost her hoodie. Her favorite hoodie. In actuality, Sam's foster mother threw it away. Sam really was in need of a new jacket and in order for that to happen they had to get rid of her beloved gray hoodie.
"What're you thinking about?" Sam asked Jack bringing him back to the present.
He flashed her a slow smile, "The Spongebob Movie."
Sam sat up and leaned on the couch, "Oh man, 'Operation: Get Us Snacks' went perfectly that time! Popcorn, candy, and slushies."
"Remember your stomach ache?" He grabbed the bag of chips in Sam's hands and taking a few before giving it back.
She grimaced, "Bleh. Don't remind me. I think I threw up twice that day."
Jack started laughing, "It was so gross!"
"And you didn't help me!"
"I can't deal with throw up Sam. Ew."
"Priss."
He shrugged, "I have no shame in admitting my weaknesses."
Their joking died down and Jack apprehensively looked at Sam then back at the screen.
After a few moments Sam could tell that Jack kept looking back at her.
"Jack what's wrong?"
He cleared his throat, "Nothing."
"Jack." Sam looked at him skeptically.
"It ain't a big deal. I just, umm, can I-" He made sure Sam was looking at him, "Kiss you?"
Sam's face tinged red, "You usually don't ask."
"Oh." Was all Jack could mutter. Sam was right. He was just horrible at this whole feelings things. He never really knew what the right thing to do was. God, he was such an idiot. But his thoughts came crashing down when he felt soft lips touch his and tender hands cup his cheeks. He opened his eyes that he didn't know he had closed and Sam and him were still kissing. She then slowly let go and put her forehead against his, "Do you love me?" He asked her. The answer was simple for Sam. There was not a doubt in her mind. They both loved each other. A romantic love? They weren't sure. After all, they were just kids. But they couldn't deny how deeply they cared for one another.
"Yeah, I love you." Her smile made Jack light up.
"Do you love me?" Sam asked.
"I love you lots." Jack answered back reciprocating her smile. He looked into her eyes until she moved back to lean on the couch. He grabbed her hand and she laid her head on his shoulder as they finished off the last couple episodes.
… …. ….
"Sammy, sweetheart!" Karen wrapped Sam in a tight hug that caught her off guard.
"Ma, don't suffocate my kid." Lucas said jokingly, "You just got here. At least kill her slowly."
"Oh hush you." She chided as she let Sam go with a kiss to her forehead, "Now where is this child's mother?" Karen asked still looking at Sam adoringly. The time away from Sam had only made the love for her grandkid grow.
"I'm right here Karen!" Came Brooke's voice as she walked down the stairs. Karen went over and gave Brooke a big hug as well.
"How are you Brooke?" She asked with a maternal tone that always hit Brooke at her core.
"It's been a busy couple weeks. The spring modeling showcase is coming up and we've been preparing for it."
Karen whispered out a "Let's talk later." to her as she could tell Brooke needed some advice and a more wise ear to listen to her worries. There was more than Brooke was saying and she knew it. Brooke's grimace at her words were not missed either. Brooke hated the idea of having to voice all her insecurities as she somehow ended up doing with Karen every time they talked.
"Why don't we all go into the kitchen?" She then offered to all of them, "I brought presents from Spain!"
Karen was about to pull Sam with her but noticed Brooke staring at her daughter and decided against it, so she grabbed Lucas's hand.
"That traveling bug never left you mom." Lucas said with an eye roll as he walked in with her into the kitchen. Sam was going to follow but felt Brooke grab her elbow. She sighed but turned around and gave her mom a hug. She was hoping her mother wasn't mad at her for what had happened in the morning, "Hi mama." Sam didn't quite reach her mother's eyes when she said it. She wasn't sure what kind of emotion she'd see in them, and she definitely did not want to see anger.
"Hey you. Not grumpy at me anymore?" Brooke offered her words kindly, looking down at her daughter with a smile. She could read the uneasiness in Sam's movements.
Sam bowed her head, "I thought you were mad at me." She admitted.
"I never was, maybe just annoyed at your attitude after I said we'd talk about it first."
Sam's shoulders slumped, "Sorry."
"It's okay." She then waited for Sam to bring her head up, "As long as you promise to be good in New York."
Sam's eyes popped open and she couldn't help the squeal that left her lips, "You're serious?"
"Dead serious." Brooke momentarily thought that she would say yes to anything from now on just to get Sam to keep that youthful excited face on forever.
Sam crashed into Brooke with a bone crushing hug, "Yes, yes, yes! Thank you!"
Brooke kissed the top of her head, "Thank your dad. He's very persuasive."
Sam let her go and smiled, "Mom it'll be so cool!"
Brooke internally groaned. What had she gotten herself into?
"I'm sure it will be." She said steering her daughter into the kitchen to where Karen and Lucas were.
…. … ….
After dinner the family moved to sit and talk in the living room. Somewhere along the line Haley and Nathan had joined them. Jamie was over at a sleepover, and so the parents feeling their home was lonely decided to venture to their friends' house.
Karen was sitting next to Sam, while Brooke and Lucas sat on the other side. Everyone in the room could see that Sam was getting sleepy, though she was fighting her tiredness. Karen sneakily put an arm around Sam until Sam gave in and leaned her head on Karen's shoulder.
"So Sam what's up with you and Jack?" Nathan asked earning a slap on his stomach from Haley. He grinned cheekily, "What? It's just a question. I'm sure Luke would love to know." He threw his brother a smirk that Lucas returned with a glare. Though he held his breath for his daughter's response.
Sam turned her face away from Karen's shoulder.
"We're friends." She murmured avoiding her dad's stare.
"That's all?" Nathan pressed.
"Nate, leave her alone!" Brooke said though through a smile she quite couldn't hide. Sam was smitten and she thought it was cute. She didn't have anything against Jack the way Lucas did, though she did worry about the possibility of them doing more than just kiss soon, but she wouldn't bring herself to voice her worry just yet. Lucas would go crazy if she did.
"That's classified information." Sam smirked as she lifted her head from her grandmother's shoulder. "You'll never know."
"O yes we will." Lucas said not reciprocating the glib exchange between Nate and Sam.
Sam looked at her dad mischievously, "Well not if I don't choose to tell you."
Lucas grappled for words and his indignant sputters made the others around him laugh, "Well, you. Sam, that's not, listen to me...you you can't." He was frustrated as he finally settled on, "Samantha, I am your father!"
Brooke turned his face with her hand and kissed his lips, "Shh. She's just messing with you babe. Calm down."
She glared at her daughter who wore a smug face of success and mouthed 'apologize'
Sam smiled and leaned her head back on Karen's shoulder, "It was a joke Luke. Geez." It wasn't quite an apology but she couldn't deny how much she enjoyed making her usually calm and collected dad lose his cool when it came to Jack.
Luke did nothing to hide his discontent as he pouted about it for a few minutes after.
"Aww come on big ol' bad Luke." Nathan said enjoying this completely, "You know what High school's like."
Sam smiled a bit more sleepily at the way Nathan kept messing with her dad. It was hilarious.
Haley saw Lucas's eyebrows furrow in worry at her husband's remark, "Nate, that's enough."
"Hales, come on!" He chuckled, "Lucas can take it, right bro?" He turned to give him yet another cheeky grin.
"I'd like to see you the same way once Jamie suffers his first heartbreak." Haley raised an eyebrow at her husband.
Nate frowned at that and glared at her, "Not funny Hales."
Haley gave him a wink, "Then leave Luke alone."
Brooke watched Sam's eyes close and Karen gave the mother a nod, "Hey Sammy wanna lay your head on my lap for a bit?"
"I'm okay." Sam mumbled.
Karen nodded but knew better. She kissed Sam's forehead then waited five minutes or so while listening to everyone's conversation, humming softly to Sam before she maneuvered her to lay her head on her lap.
Brooke turned to Luke, "You might have to take Sammy up to bed later." She whispered.
They had found it was much easier to carry her to bed, than to have to coax her awake and convince her to go up to her room instead of sleeping right where she was. Her usual napping spots being the couch, the corner in Brooke's office, or the music room. Carrying her would take a quick minute or two, while waking her and getting her to her room could last up to ten minutes. The latter was much more practical.
It was around half an hour later that Haley and Nathan decided to head out. Karen whispered her goodbyes to them as Sam was sound asleep and did not want to risk getting up and waking her. Lucas assured her mother that Sam was a heavy sleeper, but could tell his mother was enjoying the closeness with Sam so he let her be.
Brooke was passing Karen on the couch after her goodbyes to clean the kitchen, when Karen's voice stopped her,"Brooke."
"Yes."
"You and I need to talk honey."
Brooke sighed, "Karen I'm fine. Really. It's just a bit of stress."
Karen looked down at Sam, then back at Brooke. She saw Brooke as a daughter and could see right through her, "No buts about it. You and I are talking. Even if it's just to talk about Lucas, your little troublemaker, or work, but we're talking. Okay, young lady?"
Karen was not above getting stern with Brooke. She knew the woman often put up walls. Karen was one of the few people in her life that could tear them down.
Brooke bit her lip. Karen always had a way of making her feel young. She did not see her as THE Brooke Davis. To Karen, Brooke would always be that girl she took in and loved ever since. "Yes m'am." Brooke murmured reminding herself of Sam in that moment.
"Good. I'll send Lucas away or else my son will want to be right there with you. You know how he is."
Brooke chuckled then heard her cell phone ring and rolled her eyes, "I gotta take that. It's probably work." She shuffled off into her office.
Lucas came in from saying bye to their friends and went up to her mom and sleeping daughter. "Gotta get this one to bed mom."
She smiled at him and watched as Lucas shifted Sam into his arms adjusting her so her head could rest on his shoulder, "Where are you two going tomorrow?"
"Sam wanted to take me to a place called Clydesville."
Lucas frowned deeply and tightened his hold on Sam, "That's her old group home." He rasied his voice slightly, " Why does she want to take you there?" He sounded every bit as defensive as he felt. Her visits there were becoming far less regular now that Tamara was out of there. Even her piano lessons with Thrice had stopped, a painful step for the social worker, but she was ecstatic that Sam was finally moving on.
Lucas didn't understand why she would want to take his mother there. A history lesson on the hell that Sam went through before they met?
"Lucas." Karen admonished, "Don't wake her. And no, I don't know why she wants to take me. But I'll gladly go and listen to whatever she has to tell me. I understand that Sam's past hurts you honey, but don't let that prevent you from coming to terms with it."
"I know mom." He said after a while, "I just I want her to just forget about it, if that's possible. I know that's not how it works though." His voice was sad and the mother felt for his boy.
She stood up and kissed Lucas's cheek, "It's not sweetie, but it'd do you both well for you to accept that and let Sam deal with these things while knowing that her dad has her back 100%"
"I love you, you know that?" Lucas said kissing her mom back.
"Oh I do know that."
Lucas began to walk up the stairs towards Sam's room. Karen put a hand on the banister, "Luke, I'm going to talk with Brooke tonight okay?"
Luke turned around, "Does that mean stay away?"
She smiled, "Exactly."
Lucas nodded, "Will do." He loved that his mother could provide that emotional support that Brooke needed but never recieved from Victoria.
…. …. ….
Karen waited at the circular kitchen table for Brooke to come out of her office. When she did Karen had a cup of coffee for both of them resting on the tabletop. Brooke silently took a seat across from Karen, her surrogate mother.
"Brooke." Karen started after some time. Brooke just nursed the cup of coffee in her hands, "Honey, what has you so worried? I can see it in your eyes."
Brooke put the cup down and sighed heavily, "The only real stable thing in my life is the two hearts walking outside my body upstairs, but even then I feel like I've failed one of them so much. I'm scared Karen that, " Her voice broke, "That she's going to throw it all in my face one day."
"She loves you honey. If she were to throw it in your face it would only be out of spite to hurt you the way any other teenager would spit out an 'I hate you.' If she does do this, you have to remind yourself that her words aren't true. "
"I guess you're right." Brooke said running a hand through her hair, "I just, I don't." She looked at Karen with frustration in her voice, "Why? How could she have forgiven me?"
"Oh Brooke." Karen sympathized.
"And now she wants to hang out with Victoria and I'm scared that, I don't know, I'm scared that Victoria's going to tell her something that hurts her and pushes her away from me. Our relationship is fragile right now."
"Stop." Karen said sternly, "Your relationship with you daughter is not fragile. I've seen the way you two interact Brookie. That girl adores you. She's forgiven you because she understands what happened was not your fault. Do you hear me? It's not your fault. Lucas and you have provided so much stability for that girl. She is strides better even from the last time I saw her. You two might not be able to see it because you're constantly around her, but I can say from an outsider's perspective that Sam has definitely flourished, and she recognizes that. I'm sure she does."
Karen grabbed Brooke's hand and squeezed it, "You're a great mama Brooke. I know you got thrown into it during one of the harder stages of parenthood, but you're doing so well. Believe me."
It meant a lot to hear such a reassurance from Karen and Brooke let streams of tears fall down her cheeks. Karen moved closer to her and wiped her cheeks, "Was it Victoria that has you so worried?"
Brooke nodded through some tears, "Today Sam asked to come to New York with me and see her. I don't know what she's going to do when she sees that Victoria doesn't want a relationship with her."
"How do you know she doesn't?" Karen asked not taking her eyes off of Brooke's.
"I, well, she hasn't texted or called Sam back."
"She may be scared sweetheart."
Brooke's eyes flicked up to meet Karen's once more. She had never even given that a thought. Victoria, scared? No. Could that even be?
"She, she doesn't get scared. That's not it." She said shaking her head.
Karen put a hand on Brooke's arm, "Listen to me Brookie and look at me."
Karen waited until Brooke did as she was told.
"Regardless of all that Victoria has done. She is still a person capable of feeling. She is still your mother. She is still Sam's grandmother. She made the effort to come here and in her own twisted way try and get to know Sam. I'm asking you to give her the benefit of the doubt. Has she hurt Sam purposefully?"
"Well...no." Brooke admitted.
Brooke then went into the story of all that happened between Sam and Victoria.
"I just don't want Sam to get hurt more than she already has been."
"It seems like Sam really wants this."
Brooke wiped at her eyes, "She does."
"Then let her do this, and be there to hold her if she needs it afterwards."
"But Karen-" Her voice was almost a whine and that made the older woman crack a smile, "No Brooke, you cannot keep fighting Sam on this because that will definitely hurt your relationship more than anything else."
"This is so hard." Brooke said in a watery voice that gave way to more tears.
Karen took the cue and enveloped Brooke in a strong hug, "I know baby girl. I know." She cooed, "Just let it out. I'm here for you."
…. …. ….
When the grandmother came back with Sam from Clydesville the next day the pair were all smiles and not too much later Liz and Tamara had made their way into the household as well. Brooke and Lucas were anxious for Karen to tell them about their trip to the girl's group home and knew they'd get the chance once Sam's attention went to her friends.
Soon enough the girls disappeared into Sam's room and both parent's turned to Karen with questioning looks.
"Alright you two. Calm down."
"Mom, what'd you do with her there?" Lucas asked her.
Karen's look softened and sat down on the couch, both of them doing the same, "She introduced me to Ms. Thrice and showed me the piano she learned to play on. She played her favorite song and she told me about why the instrument was so important to her."
Brooke felt her eyes threaten tears and Lucas settled his hand on top of hers, "Is she okay? Are you okay?"
"We're both fine. You had already told me about what had happened before she came here, it was just a bit shocking to hear some of that come from her."
"She told you about Mike?" Brooke asked, ready to be surprised if that was the case.
Karen shook her head, "Only that he hurt her and that that's when the piano no longer helped. I'm so glad she's opened up to me though. She said she trusts me." Karen said her own eyes becoming teary, "I know that's a hard thing for her."
Brooke and Lucas both felt proud of the steps their daughter was taking. Their little girl was opening up beyond the two of them, and although it was a scary thought, they knew it was a necessary step for Sam to take in order for her to heal.
Karen composed herself, "She's my granddaughter and I love her so much. I told her as much."
"What'd she say?" Lucas asked intrigued for the answer.
"I told her I was her nana and even if she couldn't bring herself to call me that, I'd always be her nana regardless. She only ducked her head and said thank you, but I think she understood it."
"Well she loves you Karen. She was really excited about you coming down."
"As was I, and I can't wait to spoil her to the moon and back."
Lucas groaned, "Mom please don't do that."
"What? That's my job!" She said glibly, "How can you not with that cute pout and those puppy dog eyes she puts on?"
Brooke knew that move all too well, "Oh trust me, we're working on immunity on those. She's good. What'd she get you to do?"
Karen laughed, "Take her out for ice cream...twice. Once on our way there and then on our way back."
Lucas slapped a hand to his face, "Ma!"
"Oh hush! I recall a certain fifteen year old jock putting on crocodile tears and throwing a tantrum all so I could buy him new basketball shoes. At least ice cream is cheaper."
Lucas covered his face and Brooke grinned, "Do tell the story!"
"No! Mom, you don't have to do that."
Karen shook her head at their antics, "Just know that the ever brooding Lucas had a flair for crying when he wanted something from his dear old mommy."
"I grew out of it." He argued.
Karen had to agree, "Those shoes were the last thing you cried for. You're right, you're right."
Lucas turned to look at Brooke with a face that said 'See! I win."
"But pre-teen Luke found himself over my knee, red cheeked on both ends many a time before he learned to tone it down."
"Mama!" Lucas exclaimed red rushing from his chin to his ears.
Brooke just laughed and leaned in for a kiss, "I still love you Luke."
Karen saw the pout on her son's lips, "Oh Luke, Brooke had to suffer a few trips over my knee as well. There's nothing to be embarrassed about."
It was Brooke's turn to blush profusely. It was the most embarrassing thing to find herself bare bottomed over a maternal lap for the first time at fifteen. She would certainly never forget it.
After a few moments Karen had to excuse herself to answer a phone call.
"God she has no filter sometimes." Luke groaned once he was sure his mother was up the stairs.
Brooke rose her eyebrow and then gave him a devilish grin, "Or maybe you were just a naughty boy." She said getting closer and giving him a deep kiss.
He licked his lips, "Maybe I was, but so were you." He crooned.
"I'll be good forever Mr. Scott. I promise." She said sultrily.
He kissed her neck, "But I won't. Teach me a lesson tonight?" He said in her ear causing Brooke to huff in excitement. He picked her up making her yelp, but she quickly straddled his lap, "Mmm." She moaned wrapping her arms around his neck, "You're being pretty naughty right now Lucas Scott"
"Spank me Ms. Davis." Lucas whispered heavily as he grabbed her behind and squeezed it.
"AHEM!" Came a loud clearing throat that startled them back to earth. Brooke nearly toppled off Lucas but he grabbed her in time.
"Karen!"
"Mom!"
They exclaimed, blushing as they did. Brooke moved off to sit beside him rather than on his lap.
"Both of you deserve a spanking alright!" She fumed, "I don't ever want to see that again. I understand you both are young, but you have a daughter in this home. Actually you have a daughter and two of her friends! Please control your urges and save it for the bedroom!" She scolded them both. Of course her threat was an empty one, but had they been younger who knows if that'd be the case.
Karen wasn't sure if it was her age that made her feel this way, but she was not having it. The two needed to learn to act civilized when children were in their damn home!
The two adults now felt like thoroughly chastised teenagers caught in the act.
"Am I understood?" She warned pointing to them both.
"Yes m'am." They both said heads down with hands in their lap. Karen could almost chuckle. Her two kids, still cute as buttons when in trouble.
She gave a quick nod of the head, "Good." She then allowed herself to soften, "I can't believe you two." She said in a more jovial manner. They both looked up and laughed a bit nervously. Welp, that fantasy was crushed and crushed quickly for the pair.
…. ….. …
"You took her to your old group home?" Liz said her mouth wide open, "I can't imagine taking gammy to something like that."
"Gammy?" Tamara said with a smirk. The girl was resting her head on Sam's headboard her knees drawn up to her chest, while Liz lied by her feet staring at the ceiling.
"Yeah, it's what I call her. Back off T."
Tamara raised her hands in feigned innocence. She knew she was being spiteful anyway. The times that she met her grandma was only met with hateful vile spit at her. Clearly Tamara was seen as a mistake by all of her drug addicted mother's family.
"Yeah, she was cool about it. She's actually really awesome." Sam said as she started to think about it a bit more. She spun around in her desk chair some. Karen was a great person. She only hoped her relationship with Victoria could grown into something similar.
Liz turned over so her stomach was on the bed and her legs dangled off the bed, "What about Bitchtoria?"
"Oh God." Tamara remarked at her name. She was not that woman's biggest fan, that was for sure.
"I still wanna see her." Sam told them, "I, uhh, actually got Brooke to take me to New York with her during Spring break so I could see her and stuff."
Both girls' eyes widened.
"Are you serious?" Liz said in excitement, "Well now I have to get my mom to let me go!"
Tamara smirked, "Y'all are going to cause hell together. This is not a good idea."
"It'll be fun. I might be able to get Brooke to let you come to T. If you want."
Tamara thought about a bit, but decided against it. She liked sticking to what she knew, "Nah, I'll stick around here."
Liz was already planning in her head of all the things they could do. Tamara turned to look at her, "Sam this one is going to get you into so much trouble while out there just look at her."
The smile on Liz's face was huge, but then she frowned at Tamara's comment and narrowed her eyes, "Jerk."
"Only facts Lizzie." Tamara joked, "Only facts."
"I hope Victoria will be glad I'm there."
Liz scoffed, "Don't get your hopes up. She's not called Bitchtoria for no reason."
Sam sighed and just spun around in the chair again. Was she being dumb for holding out so much hope for the woman?
A few minutes later Sam came bounding down the stairs with Liz and Tamara behind.
"Mom, dad, can I go to the movies with Liz and Tamara?" She asked not yet off the stairs. Luke did a quick check of the time and when he looked back up Sam was right in front of them.
"What time's the movie?" He asked.
"7:30."
"Alright, sure champ. Do you need money?"
Sam shook her head, "No I have some. Thank you though."
"Sam." Brooke said.
"Yeah?"
"No sweets."
Sam's face fell, and she turned to Karen, "You told them."
Karen smiled, "Sorry kiddo."
"Can I have popcorn?"
"Anything but candy." Brooke said, "Okay?"
"Fine." Sam relented.
"Promise?" Lucas added.
Ugh. No fair. Sam took her promises seriously and she was planning on getting candy anyway, but if she promised she couldn't!
She squirmed a bit.
"Sam, promise?" Brooke pressed.
"Mama." She whined with a small stamp of her foot.
Karen could've sworn she was watching a scene between herself and a younger Lucas, if Lucas were a girl of course. She was also sure that a young and willful Brooke would've acted the same way. The apple really didn't fall far from the tree.
Tamara finally spoke up, "I'll make sure she doesn't buy any alright?" She spoke with crossed arms.
Brooke wasn't too sure if she should believe them, but wouldn't ruin Sam's fun, "Alright fine. Today's a school night so I want you back as soon as the movie's over. Tamara I'll take you home once you're back okay?"
Tamara nodded and Sam did as well.
"Lizzie come say bye!" Brooke said as she sent Sam towards Karen with a kiss and a small swat to her backside.
"Bye Sammy." Karen stood up and gave her a tight hug. She was leaving that night.
"When will I see you again?" Sam asked.
Karen smiled, "Whenever you want too. I'm not far away Sammy. If you ever need a place to stay or your mom and dad are just annoying you." She said that last part with a wink, "Call me and I'll pick you up, after making sure it's okay of course."
Sam nodded, "Okay." She then looked at Karen with an inkling of apprehension that Karen's soft smile quickly melted. She wrapped her arms around Karen one last time, "Thanks nana." She whispered softly.
It was a long time coming. So sorry! But I hope you enjoyed this chapter! Please let me know your thoughts. Like, hate, love, suggestions, anything! I love to hear your thoughts and incorporate them when I can! Y'all are the reason I keep writing, so thank you :)
Also, someone asked me to post new pictures. So there is one new photo of Sam and Liz for ya! Link's in my profile.