I drove Sam and I home while Ethan walked home. "Ethan is nice…" I started awkwardly.
"Isn't he? I don't know why Tucker doesn't like him…" Sam wondered. I tried not to laugh. I knew exactly why he hated him.
"I don't know. Probably because you dropped the bomb yesterday?" I said sarcastically. Sam chuckled. "Yeah, while you were recovering. It was kind of a douche move…" She admitted.
I shrugged. "I don't care." I lied. I did care, for some unknown reason. I cared that she was with someone else and that she was happy. I wanted to be happy like that.
"Thank you."
We pulled into her driveway and got out of my car, walking in together. "Did you get settled in okay?" She asked, somewhat awkwardly. I nodded. "Yeah. Room's great. Thanks. Why is so close to yours though?" I asked.
Sam blushed. "So, just in case, I could get to you in time." She mumbled. Oh.
"Oh." I muttered. Did she really think that low of me? I sighed. She probably did, but who could blame her? I had just gotten out of rehab that I probably should have been in for longer.
But Other Ways isn't known for its successes.
"Well, night." I yawned. Sam smiled. "Night...if you need anything...let me know." She said as her phone started to ring. "Hey you!" She greeted as she closed the door to her bedroom, sparing one more glance at me.
I sighed. This crush thing was getting harder to live with. I decided to take a shower before I went to bed, and was very pleased to see there was one attached to my new room. I grabbed my phone, deciding that I never wanted to know what I said to her all those nights ago.
What I said to her that made her feelings change for me. I quickly deleted all of our conversations and didn't recover them.
I need to move on.
...
After another hour of sitting on the floor and another thirty minutes of actual showering, I shut off the water and wrapped a towel around my waist. I exited the bathroom to see Sam standing there.
"Holy shit!" She screeched, covering her eyes. I blushed vividly, tightening my grip on my towel. "Did you-uh-need something." I said, crossing my arms around my chest, praying to the God above that my towel did not fall.
"Yeah. I was worried." She said, averting her eyes everywhere but my body. I blushed harder. "Why?" I asked.
"...you were taking so long in the shower." She mumbled, her cheeks as red as the oval on my old t-shirt.
"Oh…" I said sheepishly. The only thing that was running through my mind was that 'I needed to get over my crush on her' so it was hard to focus on anything in the room but her.
"Okay, well, I'm going to go." She finally said, turning around sharply and leaving the room. I let out a burst of air and grabbed my navy blue boxers and slid them on, discarding the towel on the desk chair behind me.
I went to get under the covers and finally go to sleep when I heard a crash from Sam's room. I immediately ran from my room to hers, to find her only in her bra and underwear, holding a broken glass of water.
"Oh…" I said, suddenly feeling my half nakedness. She blushed and crossed her arms.
"I was worried…" I mumbled. She nodded. "Guess we are worried about each other." She said.
My eyes trailed over her pale skin and the stark difference of it to her black underwear. I nodded. "I'm going to go to sleep…?" I said, running into the door and then closing it behind me.
Don't think of Sam half naked. Do NOT think of Sam half naked. DO NOT THINK OF SAM IN THE NUDE.
I collapsed onto the bed and groaned. "Today has been such a weird day." I said, pulling on a pair of Gryffindor pajama pants (still face down), my voice muffled by the pillows.
The stress of the day weighed down my eyelids and finally, I was in the peaceful darkness of unconsciousness.
…
"You will never win, Daniel." The dark figure bellowed out, holding Sam in his grasp.
"I always win." I said, but my face wasn't confident.
"You didn't win the battle on your mind. You went insane with drug use, alcohol use, and self harm. What makes you think that you are strong enough to beat me?"" He spat. Sam was struggling in his hand. "He's right." She choked out.
"Sam-wha?" I asked in hurt confusion.
"She's right." Jack said. "You will never be strong enough to beat him."
"I thought you believed in me." I said, tears streaming down my face.
All around me were my loved ones, shaking their heads sadly at me. The dark figure was laughing, his grip tightening on Sam. I closed my eyes, I didn't want to see this. This had to be a dream. There is no way this is real.
"I used to, then you turned into someone else." Sam said, the light slipping from her eyes.
"NOOO!" I yelled as I sat up, the world still dark around me.
"Danny?!" The door slammed open. Sam, with no makeup and her hair tied into a messy bun with a black tank top and black spandex, burst into the room, eyes darting wildly around it.
"Are you okay?" She asked gently. I shook my head. "Not really." I shrugged. She smiled and pulled back the covers on the opposite side of me and climbed into bed. I blushed and rubbed the back of my neck. "Wanna tell me about it?" She asked, pulling me into a hug.
"Nah." I said hesitantly. She sighed. "Well okay, but I'm staying here. We are going to cuddle." She said.
"...can I be the little spoon?" I asked tiredly. Sam rolled her eyes. "My hero."
I froze. "...Thats what you dreamed about...isn't it? Me thinking you weren't good enough to be a hero…" Sam whispered in disbelief. I nodded. She took me into her arms and kissed me on the forehead.
"You are the strongest person I have ever met. Got that? You have overcome so much in the short time you have been alive. A man who is said to be a hero lives while he tries to save others from dying. The bravest man I know saved himself when he wanted to die. You. You are my hero, Danny." Sam said, and in her words I could tell she was telling the truth.
"Thank you, Sam." I said, resting my head on her shoulder and burying my face in her neck. I forgot about Ethan and that I wasn't supposed to have her. As I fell asleep, I pretended I already did.
…
"Woah, what did I miss?" I heard as I slowly regained consciousness. "He had a nightmare, Tucker."
I felt nimble fingers brushing the hair away from my face. I kept my breathing even and kept myself in a half asleep state.
"About what?"
"Not being a good enough hero. I think it had to do something with the self-harm and the suicide attempts." Sam explained, still brushing my bangs away from my face.
"You never see him so at ease anymore." I felt the bed dip. "Yeah. I don't wanna have to wake him up everyday for school." Sam laughed quietly.
"Is it weird?" Tucker asked.
"What?"
"Sharing a living space with D-Dog here." Tucker joked. Sam stopped brushing my hair away from my face.
"If by weird you mean 'I-walked-in-on-him-naked-in-the-shower' weird, then yes." Sam said.
"OH MY GOD YOU WHAT!"
"SHH!" Sam shushed. I opened my eyes groggily, even though I had been awake for the past couple minutes, and glared. My head was resting on Sam's chest. I started blushing as soon as I opened my eyes,
"Umm…"
"Good morning, sunshine! Tell me of the scandalous thing about Sam walking in on the shower as you rest your head on her boobs." Tucker smirked.
I blushed harder, sitting up in bed. "I took a long time in the shower and she was in the room. I had a towel on. I was fine." I mumbled, rubbing my face. My eyes were still droopy, so I closed them in my hand.
"Dude! Details! What were you doing in the shower? Were you-"
"Nope Nope Nopeity nope nope. Tucker, you are gross." I screeched, opening my eyes just to do so.
Sam smiled with us and then stretched as I laid back down to sleep again. "Danny its twelve thirty." Sam sighed. I shrugged. "I don't care. It's Sunday!" I said.
All of the breath was taken out of my lungs as she jumped and landed on me. Tucker followed in suit. "Wow, thanks." I gasped. "Okay okay I CAN'T BREATHE!" I yelled. They laughed and got off me as I got out of bed. I yawned and stretched. "So what do you wanna do today?" I asked groggily.
"I was thinking movie marathon in the basement?" Sam said, examining herself in the mirror.
"Is Ethan coming?" Tucker spat. Sam frowned, but shook her head. "He has a family thing. Tucker, Danny is okay with him, why can't you be?" She accused.
"Danny is not okay with that prick!" Tucker yelled.
"...Guys! Tuck, I'm fine with the dude." I said.
Tucker looked at me questioningly, but I shook my head. "I'll tell you later." I mouthed as Sam left the room.
"So, you and Sam cuddled." Tucker asked. I nodded. "Yeah, a little bit." I blushed. Tucker nodded. "Alright. Wanna watch The Avengers?" Tucker smirked, wiping out the disk. I grinned. "Hell yes." I high fived him.
We rushed to the basement and popped in the movie. Sam rolled her eyes from the popcorn maker and popped us a couple bags.
We were about halfway into the movie when I got a text.
Frank [rec] you up for a party tonight?
I looked to my friends, who were completely engrossed in the movie.
Frank [sent] idk man...i just got outta rehab.
Frank [rec] you dont have to drink or anything! I just have a girl I want you to meet.
I sighed, drawing the attention of Sam.
Frank [sent] sure. but i'm not doing anything
I smiled and Sam, shrugging. I mouthed 'Jack' and she got the message.
Snowflake [rec] hey man. i'm going home!
Speak of the devil.
Snowflake [sent] stop by sams house! watch avengers with me D:
Snowflake [rec] address? :D
I gave Jack Sam's address and waited not-so-patiently until I heard the doorbell ring. I grinned widely, much to the amusement of Sam and Tucker, who followed me to get the door.
"Jack!" I said. Jack leaped into my arms. "BABY!" He screamed, drawing the attention of people outside. Hayden was with him, scowling playfully.
"Where is your shirt?" Hayden asked, laughing.
"Bitch, I woke up like this." I said, still holding Jack in my arms.
"I swear to God, Jack. If you leave me for this boy I will dump you." Hayden said. Sam and Tucker looked really confused.
"Dude?" Tucker asked. "Long story!" Jack said, kissing my cheek. "JackSON." I screeched, dropping him. "Okay….My best friend is gay." Tucker laughed.
"No. Jack just said that if I were gay, then he'd...tap me?" I laughed.
"Yeah. Cause' Danny boy is hot AF. I'm surprised all the girls at your school haven't slept with him." Jack said. "And some males." Jack whispered. I rolled my eyes.
"Movies! NOw!" I screamed, dragging everyone down the stairs, where we watched Avengers again, and then Rise of the Guardians.
"Jack, its you." I pointed to 'Jack Frost'. Jack rolled his eyes. "No. I'm way more awesome than that." Jack said playfully.
"Yeah, and people can see you." Hayden added. "Hayden, you remind me of a cartoon character….the one with the dragon?" Jack said, deep in thought. Hayden nodded.
"Okay, whatever floats your boat. But we have to leave." Hayden said, sadly. Jack pouted. "I'll see you soon?" I offered. Jack nodded.
"I'm going to see my little sister today and I'm excited." Jack supplied, hugging me one last time and then leaving with Hayden. Tucker had left awhile ago, so it was just me and Sam.
"Can I tell you the truth, Sam?" I asked.
She nodded, "Anything!" She said, turning off the TV.
"I'm going to a party tonight, because someone wants me to meet a girl." I said.
"...one have Frank's?" She asked. I nodded. She sighed.
"If you really think that you can handle it, then okay. Call me as soon as you feel like you can't. I'll see you when you get back." She said, going up stairs to clean the dishes.
I released the breath I had held and went upstairs to change into some clothes. I pulled on a black t-shirt and dark wash skinny jeans and black converse. "I'll be back!" I called, grabbing my car keys and heading out the door.
"Oh, hello." A voice said. I turned and saw Ethan waiting in the driveway. "Why are you still here?" He asked, his tone accusing. I narrowed my eyes. "I live here for the time being?" I said confused.
"Hmm….are you related to Sam in anyway?" Ethan asked. I shook my head. "Then I'd advise you get a new place to live." He spat.
"Dude? She's my best friend?" I asked. He shook his head. "I don't care. Sam is my girlfriend and I would like to keep it that way." He glared.
"Look here. Sam is my best friend. If you make her happy, so be it but I will not have some good for nothing pretty boy bossing my around. Or would you like me to tell her of your advice." I snapped.
"Very well. Keep your hands off her." Ethan said, less demanding but all the same. I nodded. "I'll be back in an hour or two. You better be gone." I warned, and left him on the staircase. I was seething with anger at his audacity. What the fuck bro?
I got into my car and started it, driving off in the direction of Frank's house. I was starting to like this Ethan guy less and less. Living with Sam was a whole new ballgame, and if Ethan wasn't ready….he was going to strike out.
I pulled into Frank's driveway, the music blaring and the same old scene in front of me. I sighed, hoping I didn't find any of my friends in here. I took a deep breath and got out of the car, the smell of alcohol pungent in the air.
I walked into the house and straight into Frank, who wasn't drunk yet. "Hey man." He said sheepishly. I smiled. "What's up?"
"So...I wanted to introduce you to this girl. Her name is Cameron, but I don't know if you'd go for her type." Frank said. I looked at him confused.
"She is well, she's pretty and nice. She's super nice, nothing like Stella. She's wanted to meet you for awhile. She's outside…" Frank rambled. I smiled. "I'll go talk to her I guess. Can't promise anything." I said.
"...She's my sister, so please give her a chance." He said quietly. I gaped and nodded. "What she live under a rock? I never knew you had a sister…" I said. He shrugged.
"She spends a lot of time in her room. I talked about you going to rehab and she said that she wanted to meet you. She's the complete opposite of me, even if she is my twin…" Frank smiled sheepishly.
"You have a twin."
"Yeah."
"A secret twin." I concluded, laughing lightly. "Yeah, I'll go talk to her."
"Great, just...be careful. She's nothing like Stella." Frank said again. "Dude, I was really down when I dated Stella. I hope that she's nothing like Stella." I said. Frank nodded.
"Okay…I'm gonna go find someone to dance with." Frank said awkwardly, leaving me to go out the porch and find this girl.
She was leaning against the rail, her back to me. She had long brown hair that went to about the middle of her back. She was wearing a white floral dress with a brown cardigan and white converse.
"Hello." I greeted. She jumped, turning to face me, blushing. "Hi! I'm Cameron." She greeted, holding out her hand. I shook it gently. "Yeah, your brother told me.
"Oh my gosh. He actually told you I was his sister?" Cameron asked. I nodded. "Well...yeah. He told me that you wanted to meet me?" I asked. Her brown eyes flashed with recognition and she smiled sheepishly.
"Yeah...I did. I'm sorry if that's creepy." She apologized. I smiled. "Not at all. Was just a little confused to find out that Frank had a sister." I admitted. She nodded.
"He doesn't like to talk about me much, cause I don't do all the crazy stuff. No drugs, no parties. He usually tells people that he's an only child." She explained. I nodded. She talked with her hands, which was really nice. I loved people who talked with their hands.
"That's kinda weird...I love my sister." I said. Cameron nodded. "I'm not the most ideal sibling for a stoner. Frank is on the bottom of the social food chain, while I'm a nobody. We actually have a couple classes together. I kinda just...sit in the back alone." She explained, blushing.
I frowned. "Well, I'll be sure to hang with you now." I promised. She smiled brightly. "Well I'd appreciate that. I hate my brothers parties." She admitted.
"Well, you can come to my house and we can watch movies?" I asked. She frowned. "But It's a school night." She sighed.
I raised an eyebrow. "Well, guess you'll just have to stay over, as long as you promise not to kill me in my sleep." I said.
She smiled shyly. "Deal."