Hi, there is some progress in Sam and Sammy's relationship in this chapter! Btw Lizzie does have a ship further on, I dare you guys to guess who it is. I listened to Love Story and she wolf on repeat while writing this lol. Enjoy ;)
-Lizzie POV-
I stumbled out of Dr. Warner's office, finally calm. Sammy was going to be fine, Sam had caught her when she fainted so she didn't hit her head. Sammy hadn't always had an aversion to blood, she only developed it after we lost our mother and our father started beating her everyday.
Dr. Warner said she would get a few stitches and have her finger wrapped and then it would be good to go home with some antibiotics to ensure she didn't get an infection.
Sam and his mother, Allison, had been waiting in the hall while I spoke with the doctor.
"She'll be alright. She just needs a few stitches." I explained, Sam nodded. It was strange how worried he looked, I barely knew my sister but somehow he already cared for her. I couldn't blame him, my sister had always been exceptionally kind, there were always people around her.
"That's good. Has she always been so…bad around blood?" Sam asked, I nodded. "Yeah…my father was…a very bad man. He took his anger out on Sammy a lot, she protected me from him a lot too. Blood usually brings up unwanted memories. She's always pushed it aside when I've gotten hurt because if she passes out then she can't help me. But she can't really control it." I replied, Sam nodded.
"Did they say when she was coming out?" Allison asked, I looked back at the shut door. "Once she wakes up. It might take a little while, you guys should probably head home." I offered, Sam shook his head fervently. "No. I'll stay." He insisted, my brows drew together but I didn't question him. "Alright, that's fine." I said as I plopped down on the bench along the starch white wall.
Allison and Sam sat down next to me as we waited. I dozed off a few times, only to jerk myself awake when someone walked down the hall. At some point Allison called someone and then said she was getting picked up. A few minutes later she left with a kiss on Sam's head and a pat on my knee.
I sat on the bench for another twenty minutes before the door finally opened and Sammy stumbled out. I was instantly out of my seat and supporting her.
"Sammy! How are you feeling?" I exclaimed, she smiled gently. "I'm alright." She assured me, she sat down on the bench for a moment as she slipped her shoes on.
She looked over at Sam, "I am so sorry. I should have been paying attention to what I was doing-" She started but Sam cut her off. "-It's okay. I'm just happy you're okay." He reassured her, Sammy deflated. "Oh, Lizzie. You're probably hungary honey. I'll buy you whatever you want." She said as she dropped her face into her hands.
"What did you dream about?" I asked, her head snapped up. "Nothing good. We should probably get home." She said, standing up unsteadily. This time it was Sam who supported her.
"We took my car here." Sam explained, Sammy's eyes bugged out of her head. "What? Gosh, I'm just stealing all your time today aren't I?" She mumbled halfheartedly. "I don't mind. I like spending time with you." He said, brushing hair out of her face.
I had honestly never seen Sammy's face get so red so fast. It was like watching a tomato grow in point five seconds.
"I-uh-I honestly don't know what to say to that." Sammy sputtered, I smirked and patted her on the back. "I think it's a compliment." I teased, she glared at me. "Ha-ha." She snipped.
"Well, ladies, let's get you two home." Sam said, we nodded in agreement.
-Sammy's POV-
Sam refused all of my apologies as he helped me to the car. I sat in the passenger seat, to Lizzie's dismay. Sam climbed into the driver's seat and we were out onto the dark road in no time. The three of us made conversation through the long ride, my input shrinking as I fought to keep my eyes open.
I was starting to get a little chilling and was cursing myself for wearing a dress and sandals. I started to subconsciously scoot towards Sam's impossibly warm body. Literally I could faintly feel the heat from across the seat.
I didn't know it but my head ended up dropping on his shoulder, soaking up his eternal warmth. I had always run cold, I was always found with a blanket draped over my legs and fuzzy socks peeking out. He was like my own personal heater, he was perfect.
After a few minutes, the gentle rocking of the car and the noise of the road lulled me into sleep. Before I knew it my eyes slid closed and my body sagged against Sam. I hoped he didn't mind that I was leaning on him.
-Sam's POV-
She fell asleep on my shoulder. She looked so peaceful, so at ease. I was proud that she was drawn to my warmth, I had noticed her shivering in her seat just a few minutes earlier and now she was happy as one could be.
Her breathing was calm and even, her face expressionless. She was so beautiful. I didn't know what I had done to just see this woman let alone get to know her and maybe love her. No. I already loved her, I just was waiting for her to love me too.
Lizzie had gone quiet in the back seat and when I glanced at her in the rearview mirror she was gazing out the window and occasionally glancing at Sammy.
I had never seen sisters as close as Sammy and Lizzie. They seemed so in sync with each other, they didn't seem to argue, they agreed on everything.
How could anyone want to hurt the sweetest girls in the world? I didn't think I had met anyone as kind as Lizzie or Sammy. How could their father hurt them? I felt anger creep through me, Sammy had been beaten so bad as a child she fainted when she saw blood.
I felt myself starting to shake a little, I had to calm down. Clearly the girls were far away from their father, but what about their mother? Why hadn't she done anything to stop their father?
Ten minutes of driving later and I pulled up to their house. I had gotten the address from Lizzie. They had a cute little house, with a large front window and blue paint.
Lizzie looked up from her gazing and looked me right in the eyes.
"Would you mind carrying her in? We could wake her but she never gets enough sleep." She whispered quietly enough to not wake her sister but loud enough for me to hear. I nodded, "You'll have to hold her up while I go around, so I can pick her up though." I explained, Lizzie nodded and climbed from the car, carefully closing the door.
She silently pulled the door open and propped her sister up, I slid out of my seat and rounded the front of the car. I came up beside Lizzie, she moved aside and let me scoop Sammy up.
I tucked my arm under her leg and my other behind her back and carried her bridal style to her front door. Lizzie stepped forward and unlocked it before stepping inside and holding the door open.
I followed Lizzie up the stairs and into a bedroom, she flicked the lights on and pulled the covers of the blankets back. I gently set Sammy down on the bed and helped Lizzie remove her shoes before I pulled the blankets up to her chin and kissed her forehead.
We watched her for a moment, hoping that all the movement hadn't woken her before we tiptoad out of the room. Sammy looked so calm in her sleep, so peaceful as if nothing in this world was bad.
We walked back downstairs, Lizzie stood in the entryway. I went to reach for the door handle but Lizzie grabbed my wrist. I looked over at her, her face was full of concern.
"My sister had gone through so much in the twenty years she's been here. She fought tooth and nail to get custody of me. She does not trust easily, I don't know why she trusts you so much. My father was a good man, he loved Sammy so much. But my mother died giving birth to me and he hated me but…Sammy loved me so much she was willing to give up her fathers love for the thing that had killed her mother. She is too good for this world, if I could shield her from it I would, but I cannot." She started, her voice lowering with every word. I searched her eyes, there was only pain.
"She really likes you. I can tell you like her. Just don't…hurt her. She's had enough heartbreak, okay? She can't handle anymore of it, not right now at least." She whispered, my face softened. "I would never hurt her. She means a lot to me already." I reassured her gently, she released my wrist with a nod. "Good. If you do, you'll be answering to me." She warned with a wink. I chuckled and a smile appeared on my face. "Yes, ma'am." I replied before I opened the door and stepped outside. But before I closed it I turned back, "And Lizzie-" I called, she looked up. "-you didn't kill your mother." I called gently, her lip quivered and she nodded. I closed the door behind me and heard Lizzie lock it behind me.
It was raining so I made a mad dash for my car. I yanked the door open and jumped inside, even though I had only been out in the rain for a few seconds and I was basically soaked now. I started my car and pulled out of their driveway, ready for the long ride home while I contemplated what Lizzie had told me. Sammy liked me but Sammy was also fragile.
-Sammy's POV-
I woke up to a slight throb in my head, that aching kind that goes away for a few seconds and then comes back with a vengeance. I sat up and became very aware of the stinging pain emanating from my hand. I glanced at it, it was wrapped in bandages.
The memories from last night flooded my brain. Oh my god. I passed out at their house! How could I have been so stupid! I was by far the worst guest ever. They had driven me to the hospital then Sam had driven Lizzie and I home. But I didn't remember getting out of the car or getting ready for bed. I must have fallen asleep but there was no way that Lizzie would have been strong enough to carry me inside so that meant-
Sam had carried me in. Sam with his beautiful face and perfect smile had carried. That would also explain why I was still in my dress from last night and why I was so freakin' hungry.
I rolled out of bed and stumbled my way out of my bedroom. I almost fell down the stairs but I eventually made it in one piece. Lizzie was already lounging on the couch watching whatever cartoon happened to be on at the moment.
I plopped down beside her and let out a dramatic sigh. "Morning Lizzie." I greeted, she hummed. "I made bacon and hashbrowns." She replied, I sprung from the couch and was in the kitchen in seconds with a piece of bacon in my mouth and a plate full of potatoes.
I ate my potatoes in a matter of minutes before setting my plate in the dishwasher and traipsing back upstairs to take a shower.
I took a nice long hot shower, I made sure to keep my hand safe and away from the water. I stepped out of the shower and enjoyed the warm steam of the bathroom.
I wrapped a towel around myself, trying to ignore the belt scars on my upper thighs and the ones hidden on my back. I walked up to the mirror and swiped my hand across it, clearing away the fog.
I jumped as a woman with bright red hair stood behind me, I whipped around and there was no one. I slowly turned back to the mirror but it was just me, standing all alone in my steamy bathroom. I must be losing it.
I walked back into my room where I wrapped my hair in a towel and pulled on a thick sweater and a pair of wool leggings. I walked back downstairs and washed my plate from earlier before sitting on the couch with Lizzie for a little while.
"Hey, kiddo. You got to go get ready for school." I said after a little while, she nodded and silently stood and went up stairs. I changed the channel to the local news. Apparently there had been sightings of a giant bear and of course the animal attacks.
I jumped when there was a knock on the door and jumped up from the couch. I made my way to the door and pulled it open. Sam.
I instantly smiled, one that wrinkled the edges of my eyes.
"Good morning!" I greeted, he smiled gently at me. "Your car is safe and sound back in your driveway." He explained, I leaned out the door and sure enough my silver car was parked in the driveway. "Thank you, would you like to come in?" I asked, stepping aside. He stared at me for a moment. "I would love to." He accepted before stepping inside and shrugging off his coat. I honestly didn't know how he needed a coat, one thing I remembered clearly from last night was the emanating warmth from him.
"Can I get you anything? Coffee? Water?" I offered, he looked around for a moment before his eyes settled on me. "A coffee would be nice, if that's alright?" He asked, I nodded and led him to the kitchen.
"I'm sorry about last night. I promise I'm usually a good guest, I don't always pass out at other people's houses." I teased as I pulled a coffee cup from the cupboard. He laughed, a musical sound, like the wind blowing or a gentle stream in summer.
"Are you free tomorrow evening?" Sam asked me, I thought for a moment before nodding. "Yeah. Would you like any sugar or creamer?" I replied as I poured his coffee. "Just a little creamer." He replied.
I poured a little of my vanilla creamer into his coffee and handed it to him before turning back to pour my own. I pulled a mug out and began pouring my coffee.
"Will you go on a date with me?"
A date?
I only snapped from my frozen stupor when my coffee started to overflow. I yanked my injured hand away and set the pot down. "Shoot!" I exclaimed, Sam was instantly by my side with a roll of paper towels. "Here." He said, handing me a few.
We mopped up all the spilled coffee before throwing the soggy paper towels away and finishing making my coffee.
"I'm going to say that reaction was a no." He mused quietly as he gazed into his coffee mug. I blinked for a few seconds, "No! I mean yes! I would love to go on a date with you!" I exclaimed, my cheeks turning an embarrassing shade of red. He chuckled and looked up at me. "I'm glad, is tomorrow even around…five work for you?" He asked, I nodded my head vigorously.
"Yes! That sounds wonderful!" I replied, a smile of my own pulling at my lips. "Should I wear anything specific?" I asked, Sam shook his head. "No, you could show up in anything and you would still be the prettiest girl there." He whispered, somehow he had gotten closer. So close that if I just reached out a tiny bit I could touch his chest.
I blushed, "Aww. But seriously. Casual?" I questioned, willing the shake from my voice. He chuckled, "Yeah, casual works perfectly." He assured me, his voice slightly husky.
A throat cleared from the entryway of the kitchen. Sam and I jumped apart, I hadn't realized we had gotten so close. My face was stained bright red and Lizzie trotted into the kitchen.
"Hope I wasn't interrupting anything children." She teased as she walked past us and to the fridge, which she pulled open and retrieved an apple from. She winked at me as she exited.
We both jumped again as someone honked their horn, Sam turned his head and seemed to listen for something, I wasn't sure what though. He turned back to me, a strange look on his face.
"That's my ride. I have to go now." He explained, I nodded and walked with him to the door. "Thank you for dropping my car off." I said as we stepped outside, he nodded. "Of course, thank you for the coffee." Sam replied, my heart fluttered. "It was the least I could do. See you tomorrow then?" I asked as he walked out into the rain.
"Yeah, see you tomorrow!" He called back, blowing me a kiss. I pretended to catch it, to me I was really catching it. Sam laughed before running down the driveway to the car parked on the side of the road.
I watched until they drove off and then I stepped back into the house. I placed my hand over my rapidly beating heart and sunk against the door. I straightened myself up just as quickly.
"Lizzie! Are you almost ready to go?" I called up the stairs, Lizzie came barreling down the stairs, backpack in hand. "Yeah pretty much." She replied, breathing only slightly harder than usual.
"I'm going to do my hair and I'll be down, okay?" I asked, she nodded as she flopped herself onto the couch. I trotted up the stairs and to the bathroom where I pulled my now partially damp hair out of the towel and brushed through it.
I pulled it into a regular braid, to keep it out of my way today before I pulled on my favorite pair of tall dark brown leather boots with a fleece lining. I grabbed my raincoat, which I pulled on before grabbing my purse and racing downstairs.
I grabbed the key from the little glass dish beside the door, Sam had left it there, and called for Lizzie. "Let's go Lizzie!" I called, she pulled herself from the couch and appeared beside me.
We made a dash to the car through the pouring rain and jumped into the car. "We should really invest in some umbrellas." I mused as I started the car, Lizzie nodded in agreement. "That would be a wise choice." She agreed.
I drove through the torrential downpour, my wipers on high, before I pulled up to Lizzies school. "Have a good day kid!" I called as she climbed from the car. "Love you!" She called before closing the door and sprinting for the building.
I pulled out of the school and drove to my work.
My work day was slow and boring, not exciting knowing that I wasn't waiting to call Sam. But the ladies kept me busy all day, but even though I was doing things my mind always reverted back to Sam.
Finally my work was over and everyone packed up and headed home, me being the first out the door. I picked Lizzie up from school, she was buzzing with excitement about studying with Bella tonight. She assured me that I wouldn't have to drive her, Bella had her license and said she could pick her up.
When we arrived home the rain finally let up and we walked at a normal pace to the front door. I unlocked and pushed the door open before depositing the car key in its designated dish.
I trudged up the stairs and kicked off my shoes once I was in my bedroom. I flopped down on my bed, face first and groaned. I was soooo tired, my mind was foggy and my eyes were dry, that evil kind of dry that burns.
Lizzie burst into my room, foiling my plans for napping. I blinked sluggishly up at her from my awkward position on the bed. "What's up?" I asked, she shrugged. "I wanted to talk about this morning and how flustered you were when Sam asked you on a date. And before you ask-Yes. I was there when he asked you and when you spilled the coffee and when you got so close you could kis-"
I jumped from the bed and slapped my hand over her mouth, but the evil glint never left her eyes. "Stop it! Are you trying to embarrass me?" I demanded, my cheeks aflame. She rolled her eyes before licking my hand, effectively making me pull away with an outraged cry. "Yes. That's the whole point to siblings. To embarrass each other." She explained in a sing-songy way. I glared at her, "You are so annoying." I growled with a laugh, Lizzie smirked. "You are so annoying!" She mocked me. I tackled her onto the bed in outrage, "I do not sound like that!" I cried, she laughed as we wrestled.
"I do not sound like that!" She mocked again, and I began tickling her side. She stopped talking and was overtaken by giggles and laughs. "Why you little!" I exclaimed as I continued my assault on her side.
After a few minutes of tickling, I let her go and she lay gasping for breath through giggles on the bed. I flopped down beside her and let out my own laugh.
"Have I ever told you that you're annoying?" I asked, Lizzie snorted. "Have I ever told you that you're annoying?"
"Lizzie!"
