khloe
06-12-2005, 07:21 PM
BEAT OF A HEART BY: Khloe
Chapter One
“Wake up”
“Mmmmmmm….”
“Come on it’s your birthday”
“Yah another reason to let me sleep till noon”
“Come on Sami you have to get up”
“Why”
“Because as my present to you I am going to spend the whole day with you”
*****
“Strike!!!”
“Uggg can we go home now”
“Come on Sami just imagine that the ball is something you really hate”
“Ok”
“Strike two!!!”
“Arrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrg”
“Concentrate”
“It’s not that easy Eric!!!”
Bammmmmmm!!!
“Wow its going its going its out of here. Listen we have to go”
“Why you afraid of a little rain”
“Hey don’t forget who just got a scholarship to NYU for pro baseball”
“Ok so why do we have to go?”
“I’m ganna run down and see Jane at the dinner”
“But you said this was Sami day”
“Look she is only there for a few hours I’ll be gone a half an hour at the most”
“Promise”
“I promise”
*****
“Mom have you seen Eric”
“No why?”
“He said he would be back in a half an hour and it’s been two hours”
“Give him time he is a teenager”
PREASENT DAY A YEAR LATER
“Wake up Sami”
“Five more minuets”
“No now!!!” Don’t you hate it when you say 5 more minuets and they just shoot you down just like that “NO” Arrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrg!!! Mom walks in my room.
“Hunny I know what today is but be happy it is your birthday.”
“NO MOM YOU WERN”T THERE YOU DIDN”T HAVE TO WATCH YOUR BROTHER DIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”…………….
Chapter Two
I felt so offal that cursed day that Eric left us. I never once wished him a happy birthday for after all we shared the same birthday. Nor did I get him a gift. I was selfish and his death was all my fault.
“Sami!”
“Hey Lucas”
“What’s wrong you don’t sound too happy?”
“I’m fine!” I say annoyed
“You know you don’t have to punish yourself for him”
“Don’t get into subjects that you know nothing about!!!”
“Ok Sami calm down I was just trying to help”
“Well don’t!!!!!!!!” I stormed off, only to have Lucas at my heels. He grabs my arm man the nerve of him. I spin around to face him. With an evil scowl plastered on my face.
“I DON’T WANT TO SEE ANY ONE OR HERE FROM ANYONE TODAY SO BACK OFF!!!!!” I scream at him
“Sami don’t shut the world out, don’t shut me out” Lucas replies then grabs my arm and pulls me to his chest. I here his heart beating.
“That’s it!!!” I say as the invisible light bulb goes on in my head.
“What?” Lucas asks confused.
“Eric, his heart!!!”
“What about it?”
“After he died it got donated”
“And?”
“We could find Eric’s heart. Don’t you get it his heart is still beating?”
“Let me get this strait you wanna go and search for your brothers long lost heart”
“YES!!!”
*****
“Lucas read this” I say handing him a magazine
He picks it up and then sets it back down
“It says that one guy named David donated his heart and the person that got it had no interest in music but David loved music and suddenly when he got his heart the guy took to music like a drug”
“So”
“So that means that who ever got Eric’s heart may like the same things as him.”
“Sami that is just a coincidence”
“No every thing happens for a reason”
*****
“Dad?”
“Yes Sami” Oh gosh how do I ask him?
“You know how Eric’s heart was donated”
“Sami what is this about?”
“Well do we know who got the heart?”
“Sami, You brothers heart? Your never ganna find it and why are we talking about this its way to much heart ach!!!”
“But dad”
“NO SAMI!!! YOU MAY NOT GO AROUND LOOKING FOR ERIC’S HEART!!!” He yelled
“THEY SAID IT WAS DONATED TO SOME ONE IN TENISSEE!!!!!!!!!!!!”
I fled the room in tears and ran all the way up to my room. How could he? Just say NO like that gosh what a horrid day first mom now dad. I reach up on top of my book shelf and pull down a jar.
“Sorry life savings I have to do what I have to do…………”
Chapter Three
There I am in my room throwing things left and right into my duffle bag. I hate packing, I really do. What is the point any way your just ganna take it all out later anyway. Oh I need this I mumble as I throw my sweat shirt onto the over flowing pile that is my bag already looking like it won't be able to close. Oh this too. I throw my green shirt in the bag. A girl can never pack too much.
In a way, life is like a suitcase you pack things away that you don't want to see anymore or feel and once in a while you pull it all out again. Kinda like Eric I put him in my own invisible suitcase and every now and then I pull him out and think of him. Well that suitcase must be wide open because all of this packing is for him. I'm going to find his heart.
Knock, Knock
Ugh! Who is it? I wonder oh no I hope its not mom or dad. If they knew I was leaving. THEY WOULD DEFINTELY RUIN ANY PLANS OF ME GOING TO TENNESSE AND I WON'T LET THAT HAPPEN! I'LL JUST PLAY IT COOL AND PULL THIS SHEET OVER MY BED SO THEY DON'T SEE THAT I AM PACKING. JUST AS I AM DOING THAT I HEAR A FAMILIAR VOICE COMING FROM THE HALLWAY.
Oh IT'S JUST Lucas. Just the person I wanted to see. I jump over my bed and to the door. I pull it open AND THERE I AM STANDING FACE TO FACE WITH HIM.
Hey Lucas! I let him in and he takes one glance around the room and looks at me with his famous 'what the hell is going on' look. WE HADN'T KNOWN EACH OTHER FOR VERY LONG BUT IT FELT LIKE WE HAD BEEN BEST FRIENDS FOREVER. WE HAD A SORT OF CONNECTION WHERE WE COULD ALWAYS READ THE OTHER PERSON. IT WAS KIND OF FREAKY THAT HE CAUGHT ONTO ME A LOT OF THE TIME AND VISA VERSA.
Sami what are you doing? HE ASKS COCKING ONE EYEBROW UP IN CURIOSITY. MAN DO I HATE WHEN HE DOES THAT, BUT THEN AGAIN HE KIND OF LOOKS CUTE. OK FOCUS SAMI YOU ARE A WOMAN ON A MISSION HERE.
I TOOK ONE LOOK AT LUCAS AND KNEW THERE WAS NO POINT IN LYING TO HIM BECAUSE HE WOULD CALL ME ON IT. I GUESS TELLING HIM WOULDN'T BE SUCH A BAD THING, MAYBE I CAN GET HIM TO COME WITH ME.
I AM GOING TO TENESSEE I TOLD HIM. THAT WAS ALL I NEEDED TO SAY AND HE KNEW IMMEDIATELY WHAT I WAS DOING.
I WAS wondering if you would come with me? I BLURTED OUT WHICH CAUGHT BOTH OF US OFF GUARD.
WHAT? WHY? HE ASKED. WHAT A TIME FOR HIM TO PLAY DUMB.
To find Eric's heart! I EXPLAIN TO HIM STUFFING ALL MY STUFF IN MY BAG AND ZIPPING IT UP.
"Sami.." He huffs BUT I CUT HIM OFF BEFORE HE CAN GIVE ME THE THIRD DEGREE.
Look if you don't want to come just say so. He now looks at me blankly and finally says
"Fine when do we leave?"
Oh my gosh your coming with me!!!!!???
"Yes, if it would mean that much to you. I WILL COME." HE SAID
Oh thank you thank you THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!! I SCREAM throwing my arms around him. THROUGH THE EMBRACE I COULD SMELL THE SCENT OF HIS COLOGNE. IT SMELT SO GOOD. AS I HELD ON TO HIM I WAS GLAD I DIDN'T HAVE TO TAKE THIS TRIP ALONE AND IF I HAD TO DO IT WITH ANYONE I WAS GLAD IT WAS WITH LUCAS.
AS SOON AS LUCAS GOT A FEW THINGS FOR HIMSELF WE HIT THE ROAD. AND SO THIS IS WHERE THE JOURNEY BEGINS...
Chapter Four
On a Bus headed towards Tennessee Lucas sat wide awake pondering how they had reached this point of their friendship as Sami slept on his shoulder.
I can't believe I am on a bus with Sami Brady fast sleeping on my shoulder. What was I thinking?? What do you mean what were you thinking? It’s Sami here. You always end up doing crazy things because of her. You being on this bus, going to find her brother's heart is proof of that
Sami moves a little in her sleep but then soon wraps her one arm around my stomach area... as I look down at her a strand of golden hair has managed to make it's way out of her ponytail and onto her face. I reach down to pull it behind her ear.
God, she is so beautiful asleep. She looks so peaceful, aside of her I rarely ever get to see. She's always been ranting and raving about something. This is a side I could definitely get use to. But then again her being totally unpredictable is what drew me to her in the first place. She has something about her I have never seen in anyone before, a spunk if you will. We have so much in common. She's not like other girls. She is special. Oh man what am I saying I have a thing for her? Do I? No, this is Sami here. She's practically become my best friend you would do anything for her. That's it...I would do anything her. Does she means more to me then I think??
Again, she stirs slightly, then her eyes flutter opened as I look at the beauty before me. I have never seen some one so incredibly beautiful.
"Hey." She says with a yawn.
"Hey yourself." I say jokingly.
"Oh, I am so sorry Lucas I didn't mean to fall asleep on you like that." She said.
"It's ok Sami I probably wouldn't have slept any way." I tell her. It's true I can never sleep in a seated position. Our eyes meet in an awkward stare. I can feel a connection with her and I can see she can too. The tension between us was as thick as fog at that moment. She then quickly moves her hands to her mouth.
"Sami what are you doing?" I ask in confusion.
"Morning breath" She blushes looking so much like an embarrassed child. I think she looks cute with the rose color in her cheeks.
Our eyes meet and lock again. I don't know for some reason looking deep into her eyes feels so... so... normal yet weird that it's Sami that I have this sudden feeling for.
"Twinkie?" she mumbled. I barely heard what she said.
"Sorry, what?" I ask.
"Twinkie! Do you want a twinkie??"
"Oh, no thanks, I don't eat much of that stuff. In military school we were always on a strict diet so I never really liked junk food much. Plus I have to look good for the ladies." I say trying to throw in a light hearted joke. She smiles and proceeds to open her twinkie.
As she takes a bite, I can't help myself I just keep staring at her. I don't know why for some reason I can't keep my eyes off her. She is about in the middle of finishing the twinkie as I her tongue came out and met with the center of the creamy filling. She licked away at it as I stared on more turned on then I had imagined. She sure likes those things. Twinkies huh? Not so bad after all.
She finishes up and I quickly pretend like I haven't been staring and am not completely turned on by it. We kind of avoid making direct eye contact. She fiddles with her the zipper on her backpack.
"So...um...what do you want to do now?" I ask.
"I don't know...we could play a game." She suggests thoughtfully. "How about truth or dare?" She then suggests.
"Sure, you go first. Truth or Dare?" I say.
"Umm...Truth." She replies nervously. I wanted to ask her if she was feeling the same attraction I was but I couldn't bring myself to be so blunt. Not with her at least. So I settle for something a little less obvious on my feelings towards her.
"Ok...so why did you want me to come with you on this little quest of yours?" I ask in all seriousness.
She looks a bit taken back by the question. "Well...umm...to tell you the truth. I know we haven't known each other for all that long but for some reason you’re the only one that I trust right now. I don't know I feel comfortable with you, you never judge me and accept me for me. No one other then Eric has ever been like that with me." She said looking down. I am not sure how to respond to that, when it comes to her and my feelings I think I will always be struck dumb founded. She looks up again.
"Ok, my turn. Truth or Dare?" She asks with a grin.
Being the dare devil I am I reply. "Dare."
She looks around and her grin widens. "Alright, I dare you to go over to that old lady across from us who has been giving you dirty looks since we got on this bus. You have to sit with her for at least 3 minutes and make her like you."
I see that she thinks I am going to fail, well I'll show her. I get up and make my way over to the lady. She was indeed giving me the evil stare down the whole entire trip. I pretend like I haven't notice and act my calm, cool self.
"Hi." I say sitting next to her as she gives me the cold shoulder and turns the other way. Oh boy, this is going to be fun. I just hope she doesn't hit me with her cane. That'll sure have Sami laughing at me for days. I had to focus, make sure I followed through on the dare. "I couldn't help but notice that you looked so much like my grand mother." I started trying to make small talk. "I was very close to her and I miss her very much. I had to come over here and talk to you." I continue trying to give her the puppy dog cute face.
"Really?" She asks not to convinced by my act. "Well why you don’t go visit your dear old granny instead of taking innocent girls like that one over there out of town." She finished in a grumpy tone. Oh no, she thought something was going on between Sami and me. Well there was kind of.
"Who? Her?" I ask trying to be confused. "That's my cousin, Sami." She looks at me straight in the eye to see if I am telling the truth naturally I never show fear. Hell, I did go to Military School.
"Your cousin huh?" She said looking towards Sami who looked a bit disappointed that I was slowly but surely turning old granny's opinion about me around, but she was polite and waved over.
"Yea, cousin. What did you think? Sami and I were..." I say laughing. "Please." I say with that Sami jumps up and makes her way towards us. Can't be good. She is sporting a smile, which makes me even more nervous as to what she's about to do.
"Hi, I am Lucas’s cousin Sami." She said flashing me a quick smile. "I came over here to tell you, that ever since we have got on this bus he has been saying that you must have been a real knock out back in the day." The elderly lady blushes a bit looking over and Lucas dearly as he smiles back.
"You see, my cousin here is really into older ladies. If you catch my drift." She finished. Oh my God I can't believe she just said that. "I just thought I would mention that, I know he would be to shy to say it himself." She said smiling and holding in her giggles as she got up and made her way back to our seats.
The lady is now turned completely facing me and smiling. What do I do now? "Um, I better get back to my own seat." I say getting up. As I stand up I feel someone pinch my behind as I turn and she the lady smiling back at me. Oh boy, I think I am flustered with embarrassment. I can't believe she just pinched my ***!! I look over at Sami who is ducking down and laughing hysterically at me. I make my way back to her as the bus stops for a break.
"I am so going to get you back for that one." I say as we make our way off the bus and towards the washrooms.
"Whatever, Lucas. That was priceless." She says laughing and walking into the Ladies restroom.
************************************************** ************************************************** ***************
In the Ladies restroom Sami is washing her hands and fixing her hair looking in the mirror. She sees herself smiling back at herself through the reflection, barely recognizing herself.
"You sure have been smiling a lot these days Brady." She thinks to herself. "Ever since Lucas came to town that is. Oh please, Lucas is nothing more then a friend. Right, that's why he has been staring you down this whole trip. That's why he has been such a great friend, that's why he's here right now with you. Cause he's just a friend. And that's why you had to get him back after he called you his cousin. Face it girl, he's the reason you are happy again. Not just anyone can do that, especially not to you."
She quickly fixes her clothing and dismisses her thoughts as she makes her way of out of the washroom. To her surprise Lucas is standing outside waiting for her. She looks at the floor as she makes her way to him.
"Sorry, didn't realize you were waiting for me." She said as they stood face to face.
"It's ok. I wanted to. Plus everyone else already made it on the bus and I didn't want to go back there alone especially risking 'grandma' grabbing my *** again." I say as she laughs. "Shall we?" I ask extending an arm which she links hers with as we proceed back to our bus.
Chapter Five
The next day, we made it to Tennessee; we hadn't even checked into a hotel room to relax a bit, Sami had been adamant about getting as much covered as possible. We went to a few hospitals with no luck at all.
"Sami, it's ok. We will find out who the recipient of Eric's heart is. Let's just get ourselves checked into a hotel, have a late dinner and get a good night's rest. We can start again bright an early tomorrow morning." I advised.
"But Lucas...we can still get a lot done still. I mean hospitals are open 24 hours. We can keep looking." She said exhausted.
“Right, so the hospitals will be open tomorrow morning too. Besides it's starting to rain now and I am beat." I say looking deep into her eyes. "Come on, I promise we will find out who has the heart." I end, waving for a taxi and pulling my coat over her trying to keep her from getting soaked. My arm is around Sami, man this feels so good. I think to myself.
"Fine." Sami said wearily breaking my thoughts.
We climbed into the taxi and I instructed the driver to the nearest, classy hotel.
"Uh, Lucas..." Sami said nervously.
"What? What's wrong?" I ask nervously.
"I don't think I can afford a room at any fancy hotel." She confessed as I couldn't help but laugh.
"Then I guess you will have to share a room with me." I say smirking. A guy can wish can't he?
"Dream on!" Sami said hitting him.
"Ow!" I say jokingly pretending to be hurt. "Sami, it's ok I will pay for you. I have been paying for everything else haven't I?"
"Well that's cause you never let me." She pouted. "I swear when we get back to Salem I am paying you back."
"Sami, you don't have to. I have tons of money. And I am happy to spend it on you...it's for a good cause right?" I smile at her trying to convince her that it's really ok.
"Whatever Lucas, I am paying you back every penny."
"With interest?" I question winking at her. Way to be settle (check that for spelling! my brain is off right now.) LOL
"Shut up!" She said hitting me again. Damn, she keeps touching me it's all I can do to touch her back.
"Oh you want to get physical huh Sami? Well two can play at that game." I laugh tickling her.
"Stop! Lucas stop!" She barely managed to get out in between her giggles.
"Oh you know you like it." I laugh back continuing my torment on her.
At this point we had moved pretty close to each other. Nose to nose, breathing was the only thing heard as we gazed into each other's eyes. Kiss her dammit! I thought to myself. As I looked down at her lips and back at her eyes, she looked like she was waiting for me to make a move. So, I did, as I leaned down to kiss her our lips barely brushed when the taxi came halt @#$%!! Talk about perfect timing!"
"Ok, your here. That'll be $30 dollars." Said the driver.
I quickly move away from Sami, who is now red with embarrassment and pay the driver. We get our bags and head into the hotel.
"Wow, this place...is so elegant!" she exclaims looking around the place. There's even an indoor pool." I smile at her as I make my way to the counter to get our rooms and she looks around some more.
"Hi, do you have two rooms available for tonight? Preferably side by side?" I ask.
"Let me check." Says the lady as she checks in her computer. "Sorry Sir, we only have one room that's vacant tonight. We're having a huge conference going on here this week. But everyone will be gone in a few days.
"One room?" I ask again. Sami is definitely not going to like the sound of that. "With two beds?" I ask hopeful.
"No sorry only one queen size bed. It's all we have available at the moment." She said.
Well it is already really late and I definitely don't want to go searching for another hotel. "I'll take it."
***
We're walking towards our room now. "This is it." I say opening the door.
"Hey Lucas where's my key?" She asks. Damn! I knew that was coming.
"Well actually Sami, this is your room...well ours." I finally manage to say.
"What? Lucas..." She begins to protest.
"Sami, I tried my best, apparently there is some huge conference going on here and this was the only room left. So we had to take it." I say.
"Fine..." She mumbles walking in, dropping her bags. Phewf! That went better then expected.
"Lucas!!?? There's only ONE bed!!" She yells.
"Oh...did I forget to mention that?" I say innocently as she rolls her eyes.
"This will be fun" She says sarcastically.
If you only knew how fun it could actually be Sami. I thought to myself. Alright stop this Roberts, your here as a friend that's it.
"Wanna watch some TV?" I ask plopping down on the bed next to her. You couldn't help yourself could you?
"Sure."
After awhile we're sitting together, both learning again the headboard channel surfing. Apparently we can't agree on watching one show.
"I am bored Lucas, maybe we could check out some stuff downstairs." She says turning the TV off.
"I got a better idea. How about we got for a swim? I am sure everyone is sleeping now and it'll just be us." I say knowing she hates to wear bathing suits in public.
"Uhh I don't think so Lucas. I hate wearing bathing suits. You know that." She says sitting up.
"I know. But it's just me. You’re never shy in front of me." Well at least not until we started this trip. Way to go Lucas, you made your best friend uncomfortable...well I guess you will have to fix that.
"I know Lucas...but I didn't even bring anything to go in the pool with it's not like I thought we would be swimming on this trip." She said as I smirk at her.
"Oh no, don't even give me that look Lucas! There is no way in hell I am going skinny dipping with YOU!" She yells
"You said it not me."
"You thought it!" She shoots back.
"Ok how about you wear one of my boxers and t-shirt?" I ask trying to behave myself. "Come on please Sami, we have been searching this town all day. We need a little fun. Please." I practically am begging her at this point.
"Fine." She finally agrees.
Score!
***
Twenty minutes later Sami and I are walking into the pool area. Just as I said the place was deserted. Sami is walking in front of me, wearing one of my black boxers and a light blue shirt. Damn I would have never thought that she would look so hot in my clothes.
"Hop in." I say as she stands on deck peering over.
"Umm you first..." Oh no, we are not about to play this you go first game. With that I wrap my arms around her and hop into the pool with her. I let go of her so she can resurface. She wipes the water out of her eyes and does not look too thrilled.
"Lucas Roberts!" She yells hitting her hands in the water.
"What?" I ask sincerely. "It was fun wasn't it?"
"I swear I am going to kill you!" She yells taking a swing at me but I quickly duck under the water and end up behind her. She looks around and I pop up behind her.
"Hi there!" I say laughing knowing I am only adding to her anger.
"Lucas! You are so lucky you can swim fast cause if we were out of water right now. I would have given you a beating." She said as I swim away from her laughing.
"Even on feet you can't catch me!" I say egging her on. I love it when she is mad. Well she's technically never really mad at me.
"That's it!" She says swimming over to me in a hurry. Man, Sami in a wet t-shirt is HOT! Maybe I should slow down and let her catch me. 'Not so fast Sami, you can't swim that well."
"Lucas, when I get my hands on you, you'll be sorry you were ever born!" She says swimming faster. All of a sudden she goes down. All I see is bubbling at the top of the water.
"Sami? Quit playing." I call out to her. This must be another one of her schemes just so I will come over there and she will win. Well I am too smart for that.
It's been a few minutes and she isn't out. "Sami! This isn't funny." I say making my way over to her. As I get closer and grab her she jumps up out of the water spraying water from her mouth all over me.
"Gotcha!" She yells breathlessly while wipe the water from my eyes.
"Oh no... You did not just do that, Sami! You are going to get it." I say grabbing her in my arms and tickling her, her shirt is going up cause of the water so my hands naturally tickle her exposed flesh. She is laughing hysterically in my arms I can barely control her. Finally she breaks away and we are now face to face. We stare at each other intently. She then takes some water in her hands and splashing it on my face.
"Sami!" I yell grabbing her arms and holding them up away from the water. We are both laughing and now we are only inches away from each others lips. Time to finish what you started Roberts.
With that I lean down and kiss her passionately as my hands release hers and wrap around her waist in the water. And her hands fall around my neck. I realize that we can't be holding onto each other and not drown so I keep kissing her and with one hand guide us to the nearest edge. I press her up against the pool wall as she wraps her legs around my waist making me moan. I knew she wanted this too. We continue kissing in the pool until we hear someone's voice.
"Ahem." Not again! I groan as I let go of Sami and she moves away shyly. "The pool is closed." Said a security guard.
"Sorry we'll be out of here." I reply helping Sami up the steps as we make our way back our room. When we get back to the room Sami goes straight into the washroom and takes a shower. She comes out in a towel. Should I say something? Kiss her? No she looks nervous. Just leave her be for now. I head into the washroom giving her some privacy to change. But the time I come out she is fast asleep on the bed. I take myself beside her and soon drift off to bed.
Chapter Six
My eyes flutter open and I feel big strong arms wrapped around me. I hardly slept at all last night I couldn't stop thinking about us kissing in the pool. Did he really like me like that? Or was that just a kiss between friends? Oh no Sami that was definitely not a friendly kiss that was some full on lip action my mind insists.
After he walked out from the washroom last night I closed my eyes and pretended to be asleep afraid he would tell me it was all a mistake and that he was sorry. For some reason I didn’t want him to tell me that. Because you like him Sami don’t kid yourself you know you love him. Oh and remember how hot he looked last night with just swim trunks on. Bear chest all wet ohhhhhh. Shut up head we are not supposed to be thinking of him that way he is just a friend. Suddenly I feel Lucas pull me even closer. He seemed to be mumbling something in his sleep. I couldn't quite make out his words.
"Can't you see I love you, Sami?” I heard that line very clearly he practically said it right in my ear, that's how close he is holding me. My whole body freezes, did he just say what I think he said? Just then I feel his arms tighten around my body. I get the feeling he is going to wake up any moment now. I quickly shut my eyes and pretend like I didn't hear what he said or know he was cuddling with me.
Just then Lucas' eyes open and he is face to face with the back of Sami's head. He smiles for a brief second realizing that this was probably the best night's sleep he has ever had, because Sami was in his arms.
"Oh no! Thank god Sami didn't wake up and find herself in my arms. She probably would have thought I was trying to take advantage of her or something and with what happened in the pool last night that's the last thing I want. She means too much to me." Lucas says not knowing I am hearing everything. He then slowly pulls away from me making sure that he doesn't wake me. Aww he is so cute! I can't bring myself to open my eyes and confront him about what he just said instead I do the only thing I know how to do, play it off. Wait it out till he is ready to tell me.
We get dressed pretty quickly and head out to another hospital in hopes that we get some information on Eric's heart. Neither one of us bring up what happened between us. It's a good thing too I guess I am supposed to be concentrating on finding the guy who got Eric's heart.
We finally get to the hospital. I ask around to several different people to see if they could give me any information on the recipient I get the same answer from everyone. Ugh this is getting so frustration. I head over to one last nurse and ask her she looks like she might know something.
"I am sorry Miss; I have no record of anyone receiving a heart for an Eric Brady." Man, it was probably wishful thinking on my part.
"Thanks anyway." I sigh and walk away with tears dangerously close to falling. Lucas takes awhile to leave the desk. He finally comes by my side and gives me a hug.
"It's ok Sami. We will find it." He says and he holds onto me. I am so glad he is here with me because since Eric has left me I have just felt so alone. More tears stream down my face and I begin to sob. I don't want Lucas to see me like this so I quickly pull away from the embrace and run to the ladies room.
Inside the ladies room I wash my face trying to calm down. It's not working so many things are flowing threw my mind...
“Eric you promised ME!”
“Sami I have a good reason for being her it’s for yo…”
“Jane you ruin everything!” I say giving Jane a hard look
“Don’t talk to her like that” Eric snaps at me
“Whatever” I say running as if hell is chasing me. Out the door and across the street. Don’t stop now Eric doesn’t even care that you share a birthday. My mind tries to convince me
“Sami wai…….” Eric is cut off by a loud screeching of tiers and thud. I turn my head to look behind seeing Eric on the floor surrounded by a pool of blood….
When I think of those last moments I shared with Eric...If I could go back in time I would have done everything differently. I wouldn't have run away from him knowing he would come chasing after me and he would probably still be alive today. And I wouldn't be all alone. I am so glad he sent me Lucas though; I know Eric knew I would need someone, luckily Lucas came to town shortly after Eric passed away.
I come out of the washroom and there he is, Lucas, my best friend. Standing there waiting for me.
"Sami, you ok?" He asks rushing towards me.
"Yeah. I am ok now. Just got a little emotional is all." I tell him honestly.
"I hope that you aren't feeling guilty for what happened to Eric again. I mean it wasn't your fault Sami you know that. If that bastard of a drunk driver didn't run the red light and hit him he would be here today." He says trying to console me.
"But if I hadn't..." I try to protest but he cuts me off.
"Come on Sami. Let's get out of here. We will find out who got your brother's heart. I promise you that." He says looking back at the nurse for some unknown reason. He then puts an arm around my shoulder as we walk out. "Let's go for a walk, it'll make you feel better." He suggests and I just nod. He is really so good to me.
We walk around a bit all of a sudden I see a fountain. It was now getting dark and the fountain looked so beautiful all lit up. I grab Lucas' hand and drag him to it.
"It's so beautiful!" I comment as we stand in front of it. Lucas just stares at me and smiles. Then he takes out his wallet. "Uhh....what are you doing Lucas?" I ask as he pulls out a coin and hands it to me.
"It's a wishing fountain Sami. So take this coin and make a wish." He says as he places it in my hands. Wow what a gesture. My feelings for him just keep getting stronger and stronger. He notices that I am staring at him.
"Ummm... Thanks." I say about to close my eyes. Then I stop. "Hey aren't you going to make a wish too?" I ask smiling at him.
"I don't know..." He starts but I cut him off.
"Come on Lucas. Make a wish. We'll both do it together and hopefully both of them will come true." I say trying to convince him as he pulls out another coin.
We both close our eyes and make out wishes. I take Lucas hand in mine and I feel him respond my holding onto my hand.
I wish that I can establish some sort of relationship with who ever has Eric's heart. I think quietly to myself.
'I wish that Sami's wish comes true.' (Lucas' wish)
I wait for Lucas to open his eyes. He then steps up onto the ledge of the fountain and motions for me to join him. Not wanting to break the silence I climb up next to him. He throws his coin in and I do the same but not before sealing my wish with a kiss before launching it into the fountain. Both of them splash and land in the middle of where the water is pouring out.
"So what did you wish for?" He asks me still holding onto my hand.
"Like I am going to tell you." I retort turning to face him a bit.
"Am I not special enough to know what you wished for?" He asks smirking at me.
"Of course you are special enough it's just I really really want this wish to come true." I say.
"I know. It's ok I want it to come true too." He says hugging me. He holds me for a few minutes as I am content just being in his arms and hearing the water flow next to us. He finally pulls away but are faces are so close. Our lips are less then an inch away, our noses touching as we gaze into each others eyes. He leans in towards me and his warm lips brush against mine. Next thing I know we both stumble into the fountain. Once we realize what just happened we both start laughing hysterically.
:"Why is it we're always in water when we kiss?" He asks jokingly.
"I have no idea." I say laughing. "I am just glad our hotel is close by so we can get into some dry clothes." I say standing up and lending him a hand.
"Me too." We get out of the fountain and walk towards the hotel clinging onto each other's wet bodies.
Ch. 7
The next morning...
We are sprawled out on the bed, his arms around me. I can' help but feel happy. Does he like me as a friend or more? I don't know how many times I've asked myself this question in the past hour. He kissed me once and then tried again tonight. Why else would he have done it? He must have a thing for me right? Oh who am I kidding Lucas doesn't like me like that... Does he?
I feel Lucas shift his body a little, pulling me closer to him. Then he settles down again. When will I find out if he likes me?
*****
Lucas...
The bed feels cold; I reach out for her but feel only a pillow. But my ears perk up to here the sound of running water.
"She must be in the shower." I mumble while scratching my head and sitting up. This is it Roberts today you are going to tell Samantha Brady how you feel about her. My mind tells me in certainty.
A knock on the door brings me out of my thoughts. I slip one of the nice hotel robes on and rush to the door wondering who in the hell would be bothering us now? I reach the door and pull it open to see a man holding a yellow package. I take it from the man already knowing what it is.
"Thank you." I say handing the man the money I promised him before shutting the door and rushing to open the package. I know I should wait for Sami but this way I can get a head start on making plans to get to the person. She won't mind. I begin tearing open the big envelope and pull out a fat wad of papers. Reading them over scanning for a name. It seemed as if I had been looking for hours even though it had only been five minutes. Then I see it. Not quite the one I was expecting, I read over it again and again and again making sure I read it right.
"It can't be... they said Eric's heart went to someone in Tennessee!" I say aloud
"What's impossible?" Sami voice startles me as I see her standing in the bathroom door way.
"N...nothing...” I say hiding the papers in my robe hoping she didn't see.
"Don't just stand there Lucas! We have to find that heart!!!" She says looking annoyed that I'am not even dressed yet.
"Yes ma'am." I say saluting to her as if I were in the army. That was close. If Sami ever found out she would...oh I don't know what she would do. But apart of me knows I have to tell her... that I am the one that has Eric's heart. This is going to be so hard to tell her... there's so much about my past that she doesn't know about. I don't want to spring it all on her at once and then be like oh and by the way I love you. I have to tell her how I feel then I can move on to telling her about my history...
As we search the rest of Tennessee hopelessly I can see how much Sami is trying to keep the faith in finding her brother's heart. I feel so guilty for making her search knowing that I already know more then she does. I finally plead with her to go back to the hotel. We are both exhausted. I think more emotional strained is more like it. Her from being turned away so many times today and me for not having the guts to come out and tell her that I have what she is looking for.
After much convincing we get back to the hotel where I collapse onto the bed as she sits on the couch pulling off her shoes.
"Lucas..." She sighs as I lay back and shut my eyes.
"Mm hmm...?"
"Do you think I will ever find Eric's heart?" She asks quietly. I can sense that she is starting to feel that this is all for a loss cause.
"I don't know Sami. We have searched everywhere and have had no luck at all. We still don't even have a lead to go from here." I say a little harsher then intended.
"Well I don't care. I am going to find Eric's heart. I need to at least know who has it. I have a right to know that." She replies, I guess I hit a nerve with my comment I can tell she is back to her stubborn yet determined self.
"Sami... we have been searching for a few weeks now. I am sure everyone is Salem is worried about you and quite frankly this search is going no where." I tell her trying to get her to give up this search.
"You can go home anytime you want!" She yells. "I don't need you to stick around if you want to go home. I perfectly capable of continuing on my own." She says walking around the room.
"Sure Sami. If I wasn't here you wouldn't even have the money to go to any of the places we have gone to." Oh brother, I can't believe I just said that. I am mentally kicking myself right now. This is not going to end well.
Sami's eyes are beaming in fury now. "YOU are the one who insisted on doing that AND I will pay you back every penny when we get back to Salem." She huffs as I quickly jump off the bed and grab her.
"I am so sorry. That's not what I meant to say. You know I don't care about the money and that I would never leave you here alone. It's just... just that I really think it's going no where. We haven't learned anything new since we got here and we're running around town like two chickens without heads. I am just trying to be realistic hun." I say trying to sound convincing. If I can get her home I can explain everything with a little help from her parent’s maybe.
I pull away from the hug and see that she has calmed down. "It's ok. I know this trip has been so draining for both of us. But I just want to look a bit more..." She says quietly moving away.
"Fine. But just think about what I said. " I say hoping to get her to change her mind as I lie down in the bed. Sami takes her usual spot on the couch and pulls out a notebook as I close my eyes.
******
Sami…
On the couch I am tapping my pen gently on my notebook watching Lucas' body go up and down as he sleeps. My mind knows that something is up with him. This isn't the same Lucas that has been so encouraging this whole trip. He couldn't have just changed over night. I mean he has been getting a little action on the trip what is he complaining about?
I put down my notebook and get up. "Whatever your hiding Lucas I am going to find out right now." I say aloud as I go to his bags...
Ch. 8
All of Lucas' belongings are scattered across the room. I have the yellow envelope in my hands, thinking should I open it or not? If I open it Lucas might get upset, but if I don't I'll never know what he is hiding from me cause he definitely isn't spilling. My fingers gloss over the top of the folded flap. The only thing that separates me from knowing the truth about Lucas or at least something more about him that I don't know.
I peal open the seal very quietly, making sure not to wake him. What if Lucas wakes up and gets angry? What if this package has the answers I have been looking for? What if there is something wrong with Lucas? Yes, what if there is something wrong with Lucas? Shouldn't I know about it? I mean I am his friend. I should know right?
Well here goes nothing. I put my hand inside the envelope and pull the papers an inch of the way out. The heading says "Heart Transplant".
"What?!" I yell, but then realize how loud I said it. I turned back to see Lucas still asleep. Thank goodness he sleeps like a rock.
Why would Lucas keep this from me? I think to myself. I’m sure I'll be upset later at him for making me run around town when he had everything I was looking for in our hotel room. But that's the furthest thing from my mind now I just want to know who has Eric's heart. I scan the page then the next one then the next. Still no name. I scan through the pages one more time, then I see it page seven is missing. Damn it Lucas!!! I think to myself. Where could he have put it? It has to be in this room. That must be the page that has the information about Eric.
I go into the bathroom and rummage threw the medicine cabinet. Nothing, then I go on to the cupboards. Still nothing, were in the hell could he have put it? I've had it by now, and rush over to the bed and jump on Lucas.
"Ouch!" Lucas gowns as a roll him over sitting on top of him.
"Where is it?!" I yell at him
"What? Where is what?" He gives me a questioning look and observing the position we are now in since he has sat up.
"Where is page seven?" I snap climbing off of him and showing him the pages.
Lucas just sits up and looks at me. He is shocked, which I don't know why. He is the one who hid the page.
"Sami...I..." He says looking down.
"You what?" I cut him off
"You see Sami..." Lucas trails off as he gets up from the bed and goes over to the window. He won't make eye contact with me.
"What are you hiding from me? Why don't you want me to know who has Eric's heart? And why have we been running around this place like two chickens without heads looking for something you already had the answer for!? I say getting frustrated at his silence.
"Sami please don't get upset but...you know this isn't easy for me to say...but..."
"What Lucas, you can tell me." I assure him calmly trying to get the answer out of him.
"SamiIhaveericsheart!" He blurts out quickly walking away as I grab his arm holding him in place as he makes eye contact with me for the first time.
"What? Slow down."
"Sami I have Eric's heart." He chokes out barely loud enough for me to hear.
"You what?" I say in shock. He can tell I don't believe it.
"I have the scar right here." He says unbuttoning his white shirt and showing it to me. It was a faint scar only noticeable if it were pointed out. "Isn't amazing how well plastic surgery can cover things up." He says with a faint laugh and smirk.
"Lucas?" I whisper staring at the scar.
"Yea?" He says I know he is afraid that I am upset with him but for some reason I am not. I run my index finger along the faint scar as Lucas looks down at my actions.
"Can I listen to you heart?" I ask.
"Sure." He says opening his arms to hold me. I place my ear over the left side of his bare chest.
"I can here it." I whisper as he tightens his grip around me.
Ch. 9
I never thought I’d here Sami say she wanted to go home. It was such a surprise to me. After I held her for a wile she looked up and said ‘I think it’s about time we went home’ and that was it. She didn’t even say I love you no nothing. I wonder how this relationship will go or will it end right here right now?
We are on the bus once again. She is asleep her head resting on my shoulder. How can I sleep with her so close to me? I can smell her and feel her and I think…I think I might even love her. Who am I kidding myself she doesn’t love me! She probably thinks I’m just some weirdo with her brother’s heart. Why would I matter to her?
I am stopped in my thoughts as I feel Sami move, and then her eyes open, her eyes much like the sea. They really are quite pretty. Sami stretches and sits up rubbing her eyes.
“Man I must have been tiered” she says “How long was I asleep?” she asks, and then I notice she didn’t blush. Lust time she fell asleep on me on the way there she woke up and was embarrassed. That means she is more comfortable with me now. I smile at the thought.
“About two hours” I say
“Wow!” She says her eyes widening.
“At least you can sleep”
“Why couldn’t you sle…oh my gosh Lucas! I’m sorry was me laying on you bothering you?” She looks uncomfortable again
“No, no not at all. I couldn’t sleep because I am home sick” I know that was such a lie how was I supposed to sleep with her being so close to me?
“I miss home too” She smiles “And now that I know where his heart is I think I have closure” she says smirking and pulling her arm around my chest to feel my heart. I put my hand over hers. She looks up at me shyly.
This is it I’ve got to tell her how I feel here goes
“Sami I…”
“Oh its you too again!” The elderly lady waves.
“Oh @#$%!!” I whisper to Sami
“What? Lucas didn’t like old granny pinching his backside” She starts laughing uncontrollably.
“Hey at least I attracted some one which is more then you can say!” I say annoyed I thought she would get upset at that last comment but she is laughing too hard to notice.
“Hi” I say waving to her as she motions for me to come and sit with her.
Being a gentleman I get up and walk over to her and plop down right next to her.
“Ironic seeing you again” I say smiling
“So how was your trip?” She smiles and bats her eyelashes in the most flirtatious way she can.
“Oh it was fun me and my…” Wait what did I call her? Shoot I can’t remember
“Cousin” Sami walks up from behind me taking the empty seat beside us. “We had a great time swimming and walking around town a lot” Sami says
“Well that’s good” The lady smiles
“What was your name again I didn’t quite catch it last time” Lucas smiles
“You can call me what ever you want” She winks as Sami tries hard not to laugh
“Well Lucas we must be getting back to out seats remember that thing we were ganna do?” Sami says winking at me to play along
“Oh ya” I say getting up. As I am making my way out I feel my backside getting some attention for the second time, but this time it wasn’t just a little pinch oh no this lady took the whole kitchen too. My face flushes a little as I walk back to our seats.
Sami sits down and goes in to an uncontrollable laughing fit once again.
*****
We are at a rest stop now. The one we had stopped at on the way there. Sami is in the ladies room as I wait for her outside. The bus doesn’t leave here for another half an hour. Sami finally walks out of the rest room and joins me.
“Do you want to go get lunch? We have a half an hour” I ask
“No let’s go over there” She points at the park across the street. The park has a large waterfall and a swing set. We walk across the street and onto the green grass of the park.
“Race ya!” Sami says running to the swings. I run after her. She is a step away from winning but I tackle her to the ground.
“Ouch!” She shrikes
“I roll over and look at her “are you ok? I didn’t hurt you did I?”
“No just surprised me” She smiles “Push me on the swings Lucas” She says as she gets up and makes her way to the swings.
I go to her side and immediately pull the swing back as far as I can and lat go making her swing. I keep doing this as she laughs.
“Sami I’m glad I went on this trip with you”
“I’m glad you came too” She smiles as I pull her back again, and I’m about to let go but she grabs my hand to stop me. She stands up and walks over to the waterfall. Sitting down on a rock she looks into the water.
“Sami are you ok” I place my hand on her shoulder
“Lucas you know when you said you attracted some one which was more then I could say well you were wrong”
“Huh?” Was she seeing some one on the side?
“Well I…I attracted you” She says turning around to face me.
“That you did” I smile and bend down to her level.
“Lucas I…I…I love you” She looks serious now “I’ve never felt this way before”
“I feel the same about you Sami I love you too” I place my index finger under her chin and tilt her head up to kiss her.
Ch. 10
It seemed as if time had zoomed right on past me as we pulled into the Salem bus station. Lucas and I had held hands the whole way home. We would have kissed, but we weren’t sure old granny would still believe I was Lucas’s cousin if she saw us. Lucas gently pulled my bag out from under the seat and put it on his back.
“Lucas you don’t have to…”
“But I want to” he cuts me off as he grabs my hand. Leading me through the large crowd of bus riders. Lucas sees the old woman he befriended motioning him to come over to her. At the sight of that Lucas picks up the pace practically dragging me off of the bus.
Once we are outside of the bus Lucas slows his pace and watches as the bus leaves making its way to another destination. Lucas cringes as he sees the old lady waving goodbye through the window. I bet he was almost happy to see her go.
Taking my hand into his Lucas begins to walk me back home. Home hmmmm there’s something I haven’t seen in a wile.
“Sami! Lucas! Wait!” Some one calls from behind. Lucas and I turn our hands still clasped together.
“Jane?” There she was Eric’s girlfriend. Normally I would have told her to go to hell and it was her fault Eric was gone, but having a part of Eric right beside me made me a little calmer.
“Sami…I…where have you been?” She asks catching her breath.
“Looking for something” I replied
“I’m glad your home” Jane glad I was home? Was she going crazy? Lucas just stands there looking at the two of us.
“Lucas I think I need to speak to Jane alone” I say knowing I needed to tell her about Lucas and Eric’s heart.
“Um...alright I’ll drop your bag off at your house for you.” He says walking away leaving Jane and me alone.
“Jane maybe we should go somewhere more privet”
“Sure”
*****
“So Lucas has Eric’s heart?”
“Yes” I answer her as my grandpa Shawn brings me and Jane a bowl of clam chowder.
“That’s weird, but some how I feel like I always knew that. I just didn’t take the time to notice it”
“So how are you these days?” I ask
“Good, but what about you and Lucas I mean you seemed pretty cozy holding hands.” She smiles
“Well I guess you could say we are going out. I’m not really sure. One minuet he was hiding things from me the next he is kissing me and holding my hand”
“Aw that’s so sweet” Jane says in a high pitched almost annoying girlie tone. “Actually Sami now seems like a good time more then any to give you this” She says placing a small red box on the table.
“What is it?” I say caressing the shiny lid.
“Open it”
I pull the small box toward me and take it into my hands. Slowly removing the lid my eyes come across a small gold locket necklace.
“Jane you shouldn’t have”
“I didn’t Eric did”
“What?” I say looking shocked. He couldn’t be alive it’s impossible Lucas has his heart.
“That day he died when he was in the diner with me. Well he was showing me what he had gotten you for your birthday. I was going to give it to you sooner but you wouldn’t talk to me.”
“I’m so sorry Jane”
“It’s ok just open the locket” I open the small heart to revile a picture of Eric looking back at me. Tears spring to my eyes as Jane reaches across the table to hold my hand.
*****
My mother and father were very happy to see me. I hugged them and told them of Eric’s heart. Then they told me they had always known, but didn’t want me acting strange around my best friend. I was a little upset that they didn’t tell me, but it didn’t matter anymore because I now
know who has it.
Lucas and I lay on the grass in my back yard looking at the stars as the radio plays. I seemed to have finally found closure. Placing my hand over my locket I smile. Knowing I have had Eric with me all along. It is a little strange that my best friend and now boyfriend has my brothers heart, but some how it draws me even closer to him. It makes me feel good knowing a part of Eric still lives on.
“Sami?” Lucas asks
“Yes” I say laying my head on his shoulder.
“I love you”
“I love you to” I smile. How did my life turn out so great Jane is no longer my enemy but my best friend. Lucas is no longer just my friend but my boyfriend and I found my brothers heart. I slip into a deep sleep as the radio plays on.
So I won’t give up
No I won’t break down
Sooner then it seems
Life turns around
And I will be strong
Even if it all goes wrong
I’ve seen that ray of light
And it’s shining on my
Destiny. Shining all the
Time. I’ve fallowed
Everywhere it’s taken me
All I know is yesterday
Is gone and right now I belong
To this moment.
Some one’s watching over me…
Epilogue
“Here help me with this please” Sami says as I rush to her side and clasp the golden locket around her neck. She looks priceless in her white floor length dress. I have known her since Eric left us and still we grow stronger together every day.
Handing the bouquet of red roses I send her off down the aisle. Her father links arms with her and walks her down the aisle toward the man who stole her heart all those years ago. She seems to be walking in slow motion as if it is her golden moment. She was dressed perfect with her something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue.
She finally made it to the end of the aisle taking the man of her dreams hands into hers. I stand and watch every word every movement all the way to the last ‘I do’
“Every one I give you Mister and Misses Samantha and Lucas Roberts”
The priest announces as I watch from a far. I almost feel as if Sami has forgotten about me and has left me alone in the dark in the brides room, but suddenly Sami looks up and mouths ‘Thanks Jane’ as she places her hand over the golden locket I gave her seven years ago. Smiling I make my way out of the small room to congratulate the two. Making my way out I still feel a slight emptiness, but brush it off like it is nothing.
After congratulating the happy couple I find a corner in the small surrounding garden and begin to weep. If only Eric hadn’t died maybe I would be as happy as Sami is right now. I scold myself. Suddenly I feel some ones presents. It’s strange how you can just feel it sometimes.
I look up into a familiar face. The sunlight seems to be glowing around him. That face, I know that face! I panic
“Eric?” I slur
“No the names Chad” he replies and sits next to me. Moving out of the sunlight he doesn’t look like Eric so much anymore, but somehow I feel like Eric is right next to me. I feel as if he brought this Chad guy to me. Maybe this is a new beginning for me. Maybe I’ll be as happy as Sami. Thinking about it I smile and reply
“ The names Jane”
<font color="black"> </font>
Chapter One
“Wake up”
“Mmmmmmm….”
“Come on it’s your birthday”
“Yah another reason to let me sleep till noon”
“Come on Sami you have to get up”
“Why”
“Because as my present to you I am going to spend the whole day with you”
*****
“Strike!!!”
“Uggg can we go home now”
“Come on Sami just imagine that the ball is something you really hate”
“Ok”
“Strike two!!!”
“Arrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrg”
“Concentrate”
“It’s not that easy Eric!!!”
Bammmmmmm!!!
“Wow its going its going its out of here. Listen we have to go”
“Why you afraid of a little rain”
“Hey don’t forget who just got a scholarship to NYU for pro baseball”
“Ok so why do we have to go?”
“I’m ganna run down and see Jane at the dinner”
“But you said this was Sami day”
“Look she is only there for a few hours I’ll be gone a half an hour at the most”
“Promise”
“I promise”
*****
“Mom have you seen Eric”
“No why?”
“He said he would be back in a half an hour and it’s been two hours”
“Give him time he is a teenager”
PREASENT DAY A YEAR LATER
“Wake up Sami”
“Five more minuets”
“No now!!!” Don’t you hate it when you say 5 more minuets and they just shoot you down just like that “NO” Arrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrg!!! Mom walks in my room.
“Hunny I know what today is but be happy it is your birthday.”
“NO MOM YOU WERN”T THERE YOU DIDN”T HAVE TO WATCH YOUR BROTHER DIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”…………….
Chapter Two
I felt so offal that cursed day that Eric left us. I never once wished him a happy birthday for after all we shared the same birthday. Nor did I get him a gift. I was selfish and his death was all my fault.
“Sami!”
“Hey Lucas”
“What’s wrong you don’t sound too happy?”
“I’m fine!” I say annoyed
“You know you don’t have to punish yourself for him”
“Don’t get into subjects that you know nothing about!!!”
“Ok Sami calm down I was just trying to help”
“Well don’t!!!!!!!!” I stormed off, only to have Lucas at my heels. He grabs my arm man the nerve of him. I spin around to face him. With an evil scowl plastered on my face.
“I DON’T WANT TO SEE ANY ONE OR HERE FROM ANYONE TODAY SO BACK OFF!!!!!” I scream at him
“Sami don’t shut the world out, don’t shut me out” Lucas replies then grabs my arm and pulls me to his chest. I here his heart beating.
“That’s it!!!” I say as the invisible light bulb goes on in my head.
“What?” Lucas asks confused.
“Eric, his heart!!!”
“What about it?”
“After he died it got donated”
“And?”
“We could find Eric’s heart. Don’t you get it his heart is still beating?”
“Let me get this strait you wanna go and search for your brothers long lost heart”
“YES!!!”
*****
“Lucas read this” I say handing him a magazine
He picks it up and then sets it back down
“It says that one guy named David donated his heart and the person that got it had no interest in music but David loved music and suddenly when he got his heart the guy took to music like a drug”
“So”
“So that means that who ever got Eric’s heart may like the same things as him.”
“Sami that is just a coincidence”
“No every thing happens for a reason”
*****
“Dad?”
“Yes Sami” Oh gosh how do I ask him?
“You know how Eric’s heart was donated”
“Sami what is this about?”
“Well do we know who got the heart?”
“Sami, You brothers heart? Your never ganna find it and why are we talking about this its way to much heart ach!!!”
“But dad”
“NO SAMI!!! YOU MAY NOT GO AROUND LOOKING FOR ERIC’S HEART!!!” He yelled
“THEY SAID IT WAS DONATED TO SOME ONE IN TENISSEE!!!!!!!!!!!!”
I fled the room in tears and ran all the way up to my room. How could he? Just say NO like that gosh what a horrid day first mom now dad. I reach up on top of my book shelf and pull down a jar.
“Sorry life savings I have to do what I have to do…………”
Chapter Three
There I am in my room throwing things left and right into my duffle bag. I hate packing, I really do. What is the point any way your just ganna take it all out later anyway. Oh I need this I mumble as I throw my sweat shirt onto the over flowing pile that is my bag already looking like it won't be able to close. Oh this too. I throw my green shirt in the bag. A girl can never pack too much.
In a way, life is like a suitcase you pack things away that you don't want to see anymore or feel and once in a while you pull it all out again. Kinda like Eric I put him in my own invisible suitcase and every now and then I pull him out and think of him. Well that suitcase must be wide open because all of this packing is for him. I'm going to find his heart.
Knock, Knock
Ugh! Who is it? I wonder oh no I hope its not mom or dad. If they knew I was leaving. THEY WOULD DEFINTELY RUIN ANY PLANS OF ME GOING TO TENNESSE AND I WON'T LET THAT HAPPEN! I'LL JUST PLAY IT COOL AND PULL THIS SHEET OVER MY BED SO THEY DON'T SEE THAT I AM PACKING. JUST AS I AM DOING THAT I HEAR A FAMILIAR VOICE COMING FROM THE HALLWAY.
Oh IT'S JUST Lucas. Just the person I wanted to see. I jump over my bed and to the door. I pull it open AND THERE I AM STANDING FACE TO FACE WITH HIM.
Hey Lucas! I let him in and he takes one glance around the room and looks at me with his famous 'what the hell is going on' look. WE HADN'T KNOWN EACH OTHER FOR VERY LONG BUT IT FELT LIKE WE HAD BEEN BEST FRIENDS FOREVER. WE HAD A SORT OF CONNECTION WHERE WE COULD ALWAYS READ THE OTHER PERSON. IT WAS KIND OF FREAKY THAT HE CAUGHT ONTO ME A LOT OF THE TIME AND VISA VERSA.
Sami what are you doing? HE ASKS COCKING ONE EYEBROW UP IN CURIOSITY. MAN DO I HATE WHEN HE DOES THAT, BUT THEN AGAIN HE KIND OF LOOKS CUTE. OK FOCUS SAMI YOU ARE A WOMAN ON A MISSION HERE.
I TOOK ONE LOOK AT LUCAS AND KNEW THERE WAS NO POINT IN LYING TO HIM BECAUSE HE WOULD CALL ME ON IT. I GUESS TELLING HIM WOULDN'T BE SUCH A BAD THING, MAYBE I CAN GET HIM TO COME WITH ME.
I AM GOING TO TENESSEE I TOLD HIM. THAT WAS ALL I NEEDED TO SAY AND HE KNEW IMMEDIATELY WHAT I WAS DOING.
I WAS wondering if you would come with me? I BLURTED OUT WHICH CAUGHT BOTH OF US OFF GUARD.
WHAT? WHY? HE ASKED. WHAT A TIME FOR HIM TO PLAY DUMB.
To find Eric's heart! I EXPLAIN TO HIM STUFFING ALL MY STUFF IN MY BAG AND ZIPPING IT UP.
"Sami.." He huffs BUT I CUT HIM OFF BEFORE HE CAN GIVE ME THE THIRD DEGREE.
Look if you don't want to come just say so. He now looks at me blankly and finally says
"Fine when do we leave?"
Oh my gosh your coming with me!!!!!???
"Yes, if it would mean that much to you. I WILL COME." HE SAID
Oh thank you thank you THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!! I SCREAM throwing my arms around him. THROUGH THE EMBRACE I COULD SMELL THE SCENT OF HIS COLOGNE. IT SMELT SO GOOD. AS I HELD ON TO HIM I WAS GLAD I DIDN'T HAVE TO TAKE THIS TRIP ALONE AND IF I HAD TO DO IT WITH ANYONE I WAS GLAD IT WAS WITH LUCAS.
AS SOON AS LUCAS GOT A FEW THINGS FOR HIMSELF WE HIT THE ROAD. AND SO THIS IS WHERE THE JOURNEY BEGINS...
Chapter Four
On a Bus headed towards Tennessee Lucas sat wide awake pondering how they had reached this point of their friendship as Sami slept on his shoulder.
I can't believe I am on a bus with Sami Brady fast sleeping on my shoulder. What was I thinking?? What do you mean what were you thinking? It’s Sami here. You always end up doing crazy things because of her. You being on this bus, going to find her brother's heart is proof of that
Sami moves a little in her sleep but then soon wraps her one arm around my stomach area... as I look down at her a strand of golden hair has managed to make it's way out of her ponytail and onto her face. I reach down to pull it behind her ear.
God, she is so beautiful asleep. She looks so peaceful, aside of her I rarely ever get to see. She's always been ranting and raving about something. This is a side I could definitely get use to. But then again her being totally unpredictable is what drew me to her in the first place. She has something about her I have never seen in anyone before, a spunk if you will. We have so much in common. She's not like other girls. She is special. Oh man what am I saying I have a thing for her? Do I? No, this is Sami here. She's practically become my best friend you would do anything for her. That's it...I would do anything her. Does she means more to me then I think??
Again, she stirs slightly, then her eyes flutter opened as I look at the beauty before me. I have never seen some one so incredibly beautiful.
"Hey." She says with a yawn.
"Hey yourself." I say jokingly.
"Oh, I am so sorry Lucas I didn't mean to fall asleep on you like that." She said.
"It's ok Sami I probably wouldn't have slept any way." I tell her. It's true I can never sleep in a seated position. Our eyes meet in an awkward stare. I can feel a connection with her and I can see she can too. The tension between us was as thick as fog at that moment. She then quickly moves her hands to her mouth.
"Sami what are you doing?" I ask in confusion.
"Morning breath" She blushes looking so much like an embarrassed child. I think she looks cute with the rose color in her cheeks.
Our eyes meet and lock again. I don't know for some reason looking deep into her eyes feels so... so... normal yet weird that it's Sami that I have this sudden feeling for.
"Twinkie?" she mumbled. I barely heard what she said.
"Sorry, what?" I ask.
"Twinkie! Do you want a twinkie??"
"Oh, no thanks, I don't eat much of that stuff. In military school we were always on a strict diet so I never really liked junk food much. Plus I have to look good for the ladies." I say trying to throw in a light hearted joke. She smiles and proceeds to open her twinkie.
As she takes a bite, I can't help myself I just keep staring at her. I don't know why for some reason I can't keep my eyes off her. She is about in the middle of finishing the twinkie as I her tongue came out and met with the center of the creamy filling. She licked away at it as I stared on more turned on then I had imagined. She sure likes those things. Twinkies huh? Not so bad after all.
She finishes up and I quickly pretend like I haven't been staring and am not completely turned on by it. We kind of avoid making direct eye contact. She fiddles with her the zipper on her backpack.
"So...um...what do you want to do now?" I ask.
"I don't know...we could play a game." She suggests thoughtfully. "How about truth or dare?" She then suggests.
"Sure, you go first. Truth or Dare?" I say.
"Umm...Truth." She replies nervously. I wanted to ask her if she was feeling the same attraction I was but I couldn't bring myself to be so blunt. Not with her at least. So I settle for something a little less obvious on my feelings towards her.
"Ok...so why did you want me to come with you on this little quest of yours?" I ask in all seriousness.
She looks a bit taken back by the question. "Well...umm...to tell you the truth. I know we haven't known each other for all that long but for some reason you’re the only one that I trust right now. I don't know I feel comfortable with you, you never judge me and accept me for me. No one other then Eric has ever been like that with me." She said looking down. I am not sure how to respond to that, when it comes to her and my feelings I think I will always be struck dumb founded. She looks up again.
"Ok, my turn. Truth or Dare?" She asks with a grin.
Being the dare devil I am I reply. "Dare."
She looks around and her grin widens. "Alright, I dare you to go over to that old lady across from us who has been giving you dirty looks since we got on this bus. You have to sit with her for at least 3 minutes and make her like you."
I see that she thinks I am going to fail, well I'll show her. I get up and make my way over to the lady. She was indeed giving me the evil stare down the whole entire trip. I pretend like I haven't notice and act my calm, cool self.
"Hi." I say sitting next to her as she gives me the cold shoulder and turns the other way. Oh boy, this is going to be fun. I just hope she doesn't hit me with her cane. That'll sure have Sami laughing at me for days. I had to focus, make sure I followed through on the dare. "I couldn't help but notice that you looked so much like my grand mother." I started trying to make small talk. "I was very close to her and I miss her very much. I had to come over here and talk to you." I continue trying to give her the puppy dog cute face.
"Really?" She asks not to convinced by my act. "Well why you don’t go visit your dear old granny instead of taking innocent girls like that one over there out of town." She finished in a grumpy tone. Oh no, she thought something was going on between Sami and me. Well there was kind of.
"Who? Her?" I ask trying to be confused. "That's my cousin, Sami." She looks at me straight in the eye to see if I am telling the truth naturally I never show fear. Hell, I did go to Military School.
"Your cousin huh?" She said looking towards Sami who looked a bit disappointed that I was slowly but surely turning old granny's opinion about me around, but she was polite and waved over.
"Yea, cousin. What did you think? Sami and I were..." I say laughing. "Please." I say with that Sami jumps up and makes her way towards us. Can't be good. She is sporting a smile, which makes me even more nervous as to what she's about to do.
"Hi, I am Lucas’s cousin Sami." She said flashing me a quick smile. "I came over here to tell you, that ever since we have got on this bus he has been saying that you must have been a real knock out back in the day." The elderly lady blushes a bit looking over and Lucas dearly as he smiles back.
"You see, my cousin here is really into older ladies. If you catch my drift." She finished. Oh my God I can't believe she just said that. "I just thought I would mention that, I know he would be to shy to say it himself." She said smiling and holding in her giggles as she got up and made her way back to our seats.
The lady is now turned completely facing me and smiling. What do I do now? "Um, I better get back to my own seat." I say getting up. As I stand up I feel someone pinch my behind as I turn and she the lady smiling back at me. Oh boy, I think I am flustered with embarrassment. I can't believe she just pinched my ***!! I look over at Sami who is ducking down and laughing hysterically at me. I make my way back to her as the bus stops for a break.
"I am so going to get you back for that one." I say as we make our way off the bus and towards the washrooms.
"Whatever, Lucas. That was priceless." She says laughing and walking into the Ladies restroom.
************************************************** ************************************************** ***************
In the Ladies restroom Sami is washing her hands and fixing her hair looking in the mirror. She sees herself smiling back at herself through the reflection, barely recognizing herself.
"You sure have been smiling a lot these days Brady." She thinks to herself. "Ever since Lucas came to town that is. Oh please, Lucas is nothing more then a friend. Right, that's why he has been staring you down this whole trip. That's why he has been such a great friend, that's why he's here right now with you. Cause he's just a friend. And that's why you had to get him back after he called you his cousin. Face it girl, he's the reason you are happy again. Not just anyone can do that, especially not to you."
She quickly fixes her clothing and dismisses her thoughts as she makes her way of out of the washroom. To her surprise Lucas is standing outside waiting for her. She looks at the floor as she makes her way to him.
"Sorry, didn't realize you were waiting for me." She said as they stood face to face.
"It's ok. I wanted to. Plus everyone else already made it on the bus and I didn't want to go back there alone especially risking 'grandma' grabbing my *** again." I say as she laughs. "Shall we?" I ask extending an arm which she links hers with as we proceed back to our bus.
Chapter Five
The next day, we made it to Tennessee; we hadn't even checked into a hotel room to relax a bit, Sami had been adamant about getting as much covered as possible. We went to a few hospitals with no luck at all.
"Sami, it's ok. We will find out who the recipient of Eric's heart is. Let's just get ourselves checked into a hotel, have a late dinner and get a good night's rest. We can start again bright an early tomorrow morning." I advised.
"But Lucas...we can still get a lot done still. I mean hospitals are open 24 hours. We can keep looking." She said exhausted.
“Right, so the hospitals will be open tomorrow morning too. Besides it's starting to rain now and I am beat." I say looking deep into her eyes. "Come on, I promise we will find out who has the heart." I end, waving for a taxi and pulling my coat over her trying to keep her from getting soaked. My arm is around Sami, man this feels so good. I think to myself.
"Fine." Sami said wearily breaking my thoughts.
We climbed into the taxi and I instructed the driver to the nearest, classy hotel.
"Uh, Lucas..." Sami said nervously.
"What? What's wrong?" I ask nervously.
"I don't think I can afford a room at any fancy hotel." She confessed as I couldn't help but laugh.
"Then I guess you will have to share a room with me." I say smirking. A guy can wish can't he?
"Dream on!" Sami said hitting him.
"Ow!" I say jokingly pretending to be hurt. "Sami, it's ok I will pay for you. I have been paying for everything else haven't I?"
"Well that's cause you never let me." She pouted. "I swear when we get back to Salem I am paying you back."
"Sami, you don't have to. I have tons of money. And I am happy to spend it on you...it's for a good cause right?" I smile at her trying to convince her that it's really ok.
"Whatever Lucas, I am paying you back every penny."
"With interest?" I question winking at her. Way to be settle (check that for spelling! my brain is off right now.) LOL
"Shut up!" She said hitting me again. Damn, she keeps touching me it's all I can do to touch her back.
"Oh you want to get physical huh Sami? Well two can play at that game." I laugh tickling her.
"Stop! Lucas stop!" She barely managed to get out in between her giggles.
"Oh you know you like it." I laugh back continuing my torment on her.
At this point we had moved pretty close to each other. Nose to nose, breathing was the only thing heard as we gazed into each other's eyes. Kiss her dammit! I thought to myself. As I looked down at her lips and back at her eyes, she looked like she was waiting for me to make a move. So, I did, as I leaned down to kiss her our lips barely brushed when the taxi came halt @#$%!! Talk about perfect timing!"
"Ok, your here. That'll be $30 dollars." Said the driver.
I quickly move away from Sami, who is now red with embarrassment and pay the driver. We get our bags and head into the hotel.
"Wow, this place...is so elegant!" she exclaims looking around the place. There's even an indoor pool." I smile at her as I make my way to the counter to get our rooms and she looks around some more.
"Hi, do you have two rooms available for tonight? Preferably side by side?" I ask.
"Let me check." Says the lady as she checks in her computer. "Sorry Sir, we only have one room that's vacant tonight. We're having a huge conference going on here this week. But everyone will be gone in a few days.
"One room?" I ask again. Sami is definitely not going to like the sound of that. "With two beds?" I ask hopeful.
"No sorry only one queen size bed. It's all we have available at the moment." She said.
Well it is already really late and I definitely don't want to go searching for another hotel. "I'll take it."
***
We're walking towards our room now. "This is it." I say opening the door.
"Hey Lucas where's my key?" She asks. Damn! I knew that was coming.
"Well actually Sami, this is your room...well ours." I finally manage to say.
"What? Lucas..." She begins to protest.
"Sami, I tried my best, apparently there is some huge conference going on here and this was the only room left. So we had to take it." I say.
"Fine..." She mumbles walking in, dropping her bags. Phewf! That went better then expected.
"Lucas!!?? There's only ONE bed!!" She yells.
"Oh...did I forget to mention that?" I say innocently as she rolls her eyes.
"This will be fun" She says sarcastically.
If you only knew how fun it could actually be Sami. I thought to myself. Alright stop this Roberts, your here as a friend that's it.
"Wanna watch some TV?" I ask plopping down on the bed next to her. You couldn't help yourself could you?
"Sure."
After awhile we're sitting together, both learning again the headboard channel surfing. Apparently we can't agree on watching one show.
"I am bored Lucas, maybe we could check out some stuff downstairs." She says turning the TV off.
"I got a better idea. How about we got for a swim? I am sure everyone is sleeping now and it'll just be us." I say knowing she hates to wear bathing suits in public.
"Uhh I don't think so Lucas. I hate wearing bathing suits. You know that." She says sitting up.
"I know. But it's just me. You’re never shy in front of me." Well at least not until we started this trip. Way to go Lucas, you made your best friend uncomfortable...well I guess you will have to fix that.
"I know Lucas...but I didn't even bring anything to go in the pool with it's not like I thought we would be swimming on this trip." She said as I smirk at her.
"Oh no, don't even give me that look Lucas! There is no way in hell I am going skinny dipping with YOU!" She yells
"You said it not me."
"You thought it!" She shoots back.
"Ok how about you wear one of my boxers and t-shirt?" I ask trying to behave myself. "Come on please Sami, we have been searching this town all day. We need a little fun. Please." I practically am begging her at this point.
"Fine." She finally agrees.
Score!
***
Twenty minutes later Sami and I are walking into the pool area. Just as I said the place was deserted. Sami is walking in front of me, wearing one of my black boxers and a light blue shirt. Damn I would have never thought that she would look so hot in my clothes.
"Hop in." I say as she stands on deck peering over.
"Umm you first..." Oh no, we are not about to play this you go first game. With that I wrap my arms around her and hop into the pool with her. I let go of her so she can resurface. She wipes the water out of her eyes and does not look too thrilled.
"Lucas Roberts!" She yells hitting her hands in the water.
"What?" I ask sincerely. "It was fun wasn't it?"
"I swear I am going to kill you!" She yells taking a swing at me but I quickly duck under the water and end up behind her. She looks around and I pop up behind her.
"Hi there!" I say laughing knowing I am only adding to her anger.
"Lucas! You are so lucky you can swim fast cause if we were out of water right now. I would have given you a beating." She said as I swim away from her laughing.
"Even on feet you can't catch me!" I say egging her on. I love it when she is mad. Well she's technically never really mad at me.
"That's it!" She says swimming over to me in a hurry. Man, Sami in a wet t-shirt is HOT! Maybe I should slow down and let her catch me. 'Not so fast Sami, you can't swim that well."
"Lucas, when I get my hands on you, you'll be sorry you were ever born!" She says swimming faster. All of a sudden she goes down. All I see is bubbling at the top of the water.
"Sami? Quit playing." I call out to her. This must be another one of her schemes just so I will come over there and she will win. Well I am too smart for that.
It's been a few minutes and she isn't out. "Sami! This isn't funny." I say making my way over to her. As I get closer and grab her she jumps up out of the water spraying water from her mouth all over me.
"Gotcha!" She yells breathlessly while wipe the water from my eyes.
"Oh no... You did not just do that, Sami! You are going to get it." I say grabbing her in my arms and tickling her, her shirt is going up cause of the water so my hands naturally tickle her exposed flesh. She is laughing hysterically in my arms I can barely control her. Finally she breaks away and we are now face to face. We stare at each other intently. She then takes some water in her hands and splashing it on my face.
"Sami!" I yell grabbing her arms and holding them up away from the water. We are both laughing and now we are only inches away from each others lips. Time to finish what you started Roberts.
With that I lean down and kiss her passionately as my hands release hers and wrap around her waist in the water. And her hands fall around my neck. I realize that we can't be holding onto each other and not drown so I keep kissing her and with one hand guide us to the nearest edge. I press her up against the pool wall as she wraps her legs around my waist making me moan. I knew she wanted this too. We continue kissing in the pool until we hear someone's voice.
"Ahem." Not again! I groan as I let go of Sami and she moves away shyly. "The pool is closed." Said a security guard.
"Sorry we'll be out of here." I reply helping Sami up the steps as we make our way back our room. When we get back to the room Sami goes straight into the washroom and takes a shower. She comes out in a towel. Should I say something? Kiss her? No she looks nervous. Just leave her be for now. I head into the washroom giving her some privacy to change. But the time I come out she is fast asleep on the bed. I take myself beside her and soon drift off to bed.
Chapter Six
My eyes flutter open and I feel big strong arms wrapped around me. I hardly slept at all last night I couldn't stop thinking about us kissing in the pool. Did he really like me like that? Or was that just a kiss between friends? Oh no Sami that was definitely not a friendly kiss that was some full on lip action my mind insists.
After he walked out from the washroom last night I closed my eyes and pretended to be asleep afraid he would tell me it was all a mistake and that he was sorry. For some reason I didn’t want him to tell me that. Because you like him Sami don’t kid yourself you know you love him. Oh and remember how hot he looked last night with just swim trunks on. Bear chest all wet ohhhhhh. Shut up head we are not supposed to be thinking of him that way he is just a friend. Suddenly I feel Lucas pull me even closer. He seemed to be mumbling something in his sleep. I couldn't quite make out his words.
"Can't you see I love you, Sami?” I heard that line very clearly he practically said it right in my ear, that's how close he is holding me. My whole body freezes, did he just say what I think he said? Just then I feel his arms tighten around my body. I get the feeling he is going to wake up any moment now. I quickly shut my eyes and pretend like I didn't hear what he said or know he was cuddling with me.
Just then Lucas' eyes open and he is face to face with the back of Sami's head. He smiles for a brief second realizing that this was probably the best night's sleep he has ever had, because Sami was in his arms.
"Oh no! Thank god Sami didn't wake up and find herself in my arms. She probably would have thought I was trying to take advantage of her or something and with what happened in the pool last night that's the last thing I want. She means too much to me." Lucas says not knowing I am hearing everything. He then slowly pulls away from me making sure that he doesn't wake me. Aww he is so cute! I can't bring myself to open my eyes and confront him about what he just said instead I do the only thing I know how to do, play it off. Wait it out till he is ready to tell me.
We get dressed pretty quickly and head out to another hospital in hopes that we get some information on Eric's heart. Neither one of us bring up what happened between us. It's a good thing too I guess I am supposed to be concentrating on finding the guy who got Eric's heart.
We finally get to the hospital. I ask around to several different people to see if they could give me any information on the recipient I get the same answer from everyone. Ugh this is getting so frustration. I head over to one last nurse and ask her she looks like she might know something.
"I am sorry Miss; I have no record of anyone receiving a heart for an Eric Brady." Man, it was probably wishful thinking on my part.
"Thanks anyway." I sigh and walk away with tears dangerously close to falling. Lucas takes awhile to leave the desk. He finally comes by my side and gives me a hug.
"It's ok Sami. We will find it." He says and he holds onto me. I am so glad he is here with me because since Eric has left me I have just felt so alone. More tears stream down my face and I begin to sob. I don't want Lucas to see me like this so I quickly pull away from the embrace and run to the ladies room.
Inside the ladies room I wash my face trying to calm down. It's not working so many things are flowing threw my mind...
“Eric you promised ME!”
“Sami I have a good reason for being her it’s for yo…”
“Jane you ruin everything!” I say giving Jane a hard look
“Don’t talk to her like that” Eric snaps at me
“Whatever” I say running as if hell is chasing me. Out the door and across the street. Don’t stop now Eric doesn’t even care that you share a birthday. My mind tries to convince me
“Sami wai…….” Eric is cut off by a loud screeching of tiers and thud. I turn my head to look behind seeing Eric on the floor surrounded by a pool of blood….
When I think of those last moments I shared with Eric...If I could go back in time I would have done everything differently. I wouldn't have run away from him knowing he would come chasing after me and he would probably still be alive today. And I wouldn't be all alone. I am so glad he sent me Lucas though; I know Eric knew I would need someone, luckily Lucas came to town shortly after Eric passed away.
I come out of the washroom and there he is, Lucas, my best friend. Standing there waiting for me.
"Sami, you ok?" He asks rushing towards me.
"Yeah. I am ok now. Just got a little emotional is all." I tell him honestly.
"I hope that you aren't feeling guilty for what happened to Eric again. I mean it wasn't your fault Sami you know that. If that bastard of a drunk driver didn't run the red light and hit him he would be here today." He says trying to console me.
"But if I hadn't..." I try to protest but he cuts me off.
"Come on Sami. Let's get out of here. We will find out who got your brother's heart. I promise you that." He says looking back at the nurse for some unknown reason. He then puts an arm around my shoulder as we walk out. "Let's go for a walk, it'll make you feel better." He suggests and I just nod. He is really so good to me.
We walk around a bit all of a sudden I see a fountain. It was now getting dark and the fountain looked so beautiful all lit up. I grab Lucas' hand and drag him to it.
"It's so beautiful!" I comment as we stand in front of it. Lucas just stares at me and smiles. Then he takes out his wallet. "Uhh....what are you doing Lucas?" I ask as he pulls out a coin and hands it to me.
"It's a wishing fountain Sami. So take this coin and make a wish." He says as he places it in my hands. Wow what a gesture. My feelings for him just keep getting stronger and stronger. He notices that I am staring at him.
"Ummm... Thanks." I say about to close my eyes. Then I stop. "Hey aren't you going to make a wish too?" I ask smiling at him.
"I don't know..." He starts but I cut him off.
"Come on Lucas. Make a wish. We'll both do it together and hopefully both of them will come true." I say trying to convince him as he pulls out another coin.
We both close our eyes and make out wishes. I take Lucas hand in mine and I feel him respond my holding onto my hand.
I wish that I can establish some sort of relationship with who ever has Eric's heart. I think quietly to myself.
'I wish that Sami's wish comes true.' (Lucas' wish)
I wait for Lucas to open his eyes. He then steps up onto the ledge of the fountain and motions for me to join him. Not wanting to break the silence I climb up next to him. He throws his coin in and I do the same but not before sealing my wish with a kiss before launching it into the fountain. Both of them splash and land in the middle of where the water is pouring out.
"So what did you wish for?" He asks me still holding onto my hand.
"Like I am going to tell you." I retort turning to face him a bit.
"Am I not special enough to know what you wished for?" He asks smirking at me.
"Of course you are special enough it's just I really really want this wish to come true." I say.
"I know. It's ok I want it to come true too." He says hugging me. He holds me for a few minutes as I am content just being in his arms and hearing the water flow next to us. He finally pulls away but are faces are so close. Our lips are less then an inch away, our noses touching as we gaze into each others eyes. He leans in towards me and his warm lips brush against mine. Next thing I know we both stumble into the fountain. Once we realize what just happened we both start laughing hysterically.
:"Why is it we're always in water when we kiss?" He asks jokingly.
"I have no idea." I say laughing. "I am just glad our hotel is close by so we can get into some dry clothes." I say standing up and lending him a hand.
"Me too." We get out of the fountain and walk towards the hotel clinging onto each other's wet bodies.
Ch. 7
The next morning...
We are sprawled out on the bed, his arms around me. I can' help but feel happy. Does he like me as a friend or more? I don't know how many times I've asked myself this question in the past hour. He kissed me once and then tried again tonight. Why else would he have done it? He must have a thing for me right? Oh who am I kidding Lucas doesn't like me like that... Does he?
I feel Lucas shift his body a little, pulling me closer to him. Then he settles down again. When will I find out if he likes me?
*****
Lucas...
The bed feels cold; I reach out for her but feel only a pillow. But my ears perk up to here the sound of running water.
"She must be in the shower." I mumble while scratching my head and sitting up. This is it Roberts today you are going to tell Samantha Brady how you feel about her. My mind tells me in certainty.
A knock on the door brings me out of my thoughts. I slip one of the nice hotel robes on and rush to the door wondering who in the hell would be bothering us now? I reach the door and pull it open to see a man holding a yellow package. I take it from the man already knowing what it is.
"Thank you." I say handing the man the money I promised him before shutting the door and rushing to open the package. I know I should wait for Sami but this way I can get a head start on making plans to get to the person. She won't mind. I begin tearing open the big envelope and pull out a fat wad of papers. Reading them over scanning for a name. It seemed as if I had been looking for hours even though it had only been five minutes. Then I see it. Not quite the one I was expecting, I read over it again and again and again making sure I read it right.
"It can't be... they said Eric's heart went to someone in Tennessee!" I say aloud
"What's impossible?" Sami voice startles me as I see her standing in the bathroom door way.
"N...nothing...” I say hiding the papers in my robe hoping she didn't see.
"Don't just stand there Lucas! We have to find that heart!!!" She says looking annoyed that I'am not even dressed yet.
"Yes ma'am." I say saluting to her as if I were in the army. That was close. If Sami ever found out she would...oh I don't know what she would do. But apart of me knows I have to tell her... that I am the one that has Eric's heart. This is going to be so hard to tell her... there's so much about my past that she doesn't know about. I don't want to spring it all on her at once and then be like oh and by the way I love you. I have to tell her how I feel then I can move on to telling her about my history...
As we search the rest of Tennessee hopelessly I can see how much Sami is trying to keep the faith in finding her brother's heart. I feel so guilty for making her search knowing that I already know more then she does. I finally plead with her to go back to the hotel. We are both exhausted. I think more emotional strained is more like it. Her from being turned away so many times today and me for not having the guts to come out and tell her that I have what she is looking for.
After much convincing we get back to the hotel where I collapse onto the bed as she sits on the couch pulling off her shoes.
"Lucas..." She sighs as I lay back and shut my eyes.
"Mm hmm...?"
"Do you think I will ever find Eric's heart?" She asks quietly. I can sense that she is starting to feel that this is all for a loss cause.
"I don't know Sami. We have searched everywhere and have had no luck at all. We still don't even have a lead to go from here." I say a little harsher then intended.
"Well I don't care. I am going to find Eric's heart. I need to at least know who has it. I have a right to know that." She replies, I guess I hit a nerve with my comment I can tell she is back to her stubborn yet determined self.
"Sami... we have been searching for a few weeks now. I am sure everyone is Salem is worried about you and quite frankly this search is going no where." I tell her trying to get her to give up this search.
"You can go home anytime you want!" She yells. "I don't need you to stick around if you want to go home. I perfectly capable of continuing on my own." She says walking around the room.
"Sure Sami. If I wasn't here you wouldn't even have the money to go to any of the places we have gone to." Oh brother, I can't believe I just said that. I am mentally kicking myself right now. This is not going to end well.
Sami's eyes are beaming in fury now. "YOU are the one who insisted on doing that AND I will pay you back every penny when we get back to Salem." She huffs as I quickly jump off the bed and grab her.
"I am so sorry. That's not what I meant to say. You know I don't care about the money and that I would never leave you here alone. It's just... just that I really think it's going no where. We haven't learned anything new since we got here and we're running around town like two chickens without heads. I am just trying to be realistic hun." I say trying to sound convincing. If I can get her home I can explain everything with a little help from her parent’s maybe.
I pull away from the hug and see that she has calmed down. "It's ok. I know this trip has been so draining for both of us. But I just want to look a bit more..." She says quietly moving away.
"Fine. But just think about what I said. " I say hoping to get her to change her mind as I lie down in the bed. Sami takes her usual spot on the couch and pulls out a notebook as I close my eyes.
******
Sami…
On the couch I am tapping my pen gently on my notebook watching Lucas' body go up and down as he sleeps. My mind knows that something is up with him. This isn't the same Lucas that has been so encouraging this whole trip. He couldn't have just changed over night. I mean he has been getting a little action on the trip what is he complaining about?
I put down my notebook and get up. "Whatever your hiding Lucas I am going to find out right now." I say aloud as I go to his bags...
Ch. 8
All of Lucas' belongings are scattered across the room. I have the yellow envelope in my hands, thinking should I open it or not? If I open it Lucas might get upset, but if I don't I'll never know what he is hiding from me cause he definitely isn't spilling. My fingers gloss over the top of the folded flap. The only thing that separates me from knowing the truth about Lucas or at least something more about him that I don't know.
I peal open the seal very quietly, making sure not to wake him. What if Lucas wakes up and gets angry? What if this package has the answers I have been looking for? What if there is something wrong with Lucas? Yes, what if there is something wrong with Lucas? Shouldn't I know about it? I mean I am his friend. I should know right?
Well here goes nothing. I put my hand inside the envelope and pull the papers an inch of the way out. The heading says "Heart Transplant".
"What?!" I yell, but then realize how loud I said it. I turned back to see Lucas still asleep. Thank goodness he sleeps like a rock.
Why would Lucas keep this from me? I think to myself. I’m sure I'll be upset later at him for making me run around town when he had everything I was looking for in our hotel room. But that's the furthest thing from my mind now I just want to know who has Eric's heart. I scan the page then the next one then the next. Still no name. I scan through the pages one more time, then I see it page seven is missing. Damn it Lucas!!! I think to myself. Where could he have put it? It has to be in this room. That must be the page that has the information about Eric.
I go into the bathroom and rummage threw the medicine cabinet. Nothing, then I go on to the cupboards. Still nothing, were in the hell could he have put it? I've had it by now, and rush over to the bed and jump on Lucas.
"Ouch!" Lucas gowns as a roll him over sitting on top of him.
"Where is it?!" I yell at him
"What? Where is what?" He gives me a questioning look and observing the position we are now in since he has sat up.
"Where is page seven?" I snap climbing off of him and showing him the pages.
Lucas just sits up and looks at me. He is shocked, which I don't know why. He is the one who hid the page.
"Sami...I..." He says looking down.
"You what?" I cut him off
"You see Sami..." Lucas trails off as he gets up from the bed and goes over to the window. He won't make eye contact with me.
"What are you hiding from me? Why don't you want me to know who has Eric's heart? And why have we been running around this place like two chickens without heads looking for something you already had the answer for!? I say getting frustrated at his silence.
"Sami please don't get upset but...you know this isn't easy for me to say...but..."
"What Lucas, you can tell me." I assure him calmly trying to get the answer out of him.
"SamiIhaveericsheart!" He blurts out quickly walking away as I grab his arm holding him in place as he makes eye contact with me for the first time.
"What? Slow down."
"Sami I have Eric's heart." He chokes out barely loud enough for me to hear.
"You what?" I say in shock. He can tell I don't believe it.
"I have the scar right here." He says unbuttoning his white shirt and showing it to me. It was a faint scar only noticeable if it were pointed out. "Isn't amazing how well plastic surgery can cover things up." He says with a faint laugh and smirk.
"Lucas?" I whisper staring at the scar.
"Yea?" He says I know he is afraid that I am upset with him but for some reason I am not. I run my index finger along the faint scar as Lucas looks down at my actions.
"Can I listen to you heart?" I ask.
"Sure." He says opening his arms to hold me. I place my ear over the left side of his bare chest.
"I can here it." I whisper as he tightens his grip around me.
Ch. 9
I never thought I’d here Sami say she wanted to go home. It was such a surprise to me. After I held her for a wile she looked up and said ‘I think it’s about time we went home’ and that was it. She didn’t even say I love you no nothing. I wonder how this relationship will go or will it end right here right now?
We are on the bus once again. She is asleep her head resting on my shoulder. How can I sleep with her so close to me? I can smell her and feel her and I think…I think I might even love her. Who am I kidding myself she doesn’t love me! She probably thinks I’m just some weirdo with her brother’s heart. Why would I matter to her?
I am stopped in my thoughts as I feel Sami move, and then her eyes open, her eyes much like the sea. They really are quite pretty. Sami stretches and sits up rubbing her eyes.
“Man I must have been tiered” she says “How long was I asleep?” she asks, and then I notice she didn’t blush. Lust time she fell asleep on me on the way there she woke up and was embarrassed. That means she is more comfortable with me now. I smile at the thought.
“About two hours” I say
“Wow!” She says her eyes widening.
“At least you can sleep”
“Why couldn’t you sle…oh my gosh Lucas! I’m sorry was me laying on you bothering you?” She looks uncomfortable again
“No, no not at all. I couldn’t sleep because I am home sick” I know that was such a lie how was I supposed to sleep with her being so close to me?
“I miss home too” She smiles “And now that I know where his heart is I think I have closure” she says smirking and pulling her arm around my chest to feel my heart. I put my hand over hers. She looks up at me shyly.
This is it I’ve got to tell her how I feel here goes
“Sami I…”
“Oh its you too again!” The elderly lady waves.
“Oh @#$%!!” I whisper to Sami
“What? Lucas didn’t like old granny pinching his backside” She starts laughing uncontrollably.
“Hey at least I attracted some one which is more then you can say!” I say annoyed I thought she would get upset at that last comment but she is laughing too hard to notice.
“Hi” I say waving to her as she motions for me to come and sit with her.
Being a gentleman I get up and walk over to her and plop down right next to her.
“Ironic seeing you again” I say smiling
“So how was your trip?” She smiles and bats her eyelashes in the most flirtatious way she can.
“Oh it was fun me and my…” Wait what did I call her? Shoot I can’t remember
“Cousin” Sami walks up from behind me taking the empty seat beside us. “We had a great time swimming and walking around town a lot” Sami says
“Well that’s good” The lady smiles
“What was your name again I didn’t quite catch it last time” Lucas smiles
“You can call me what ever you want” She winks as Sami tries hard not to laugh
“Well Lucas we must be getting back to out seats remember that thing we were ganna do?” Sami says winking at me to play along
“Oh ya” I say getting up. As I am making my way out I feel my backside getting some attention for the second time, but this time it wasn’t just a little pinch oh no this lady took the whole kitchen too. My face flushes a little as I walk back to our seats.
Sami sits down and goes in to an uncontrollable laughing fit once again.
*****
We are at a rest stop now. The one we had stopped at on the way there. Sami is in the ladies room as I wait for her outside. The bus doesn’t leave here for another half an hour. Sami finally walks out of the rest room and joins me.
“Do you want to go get lunch? We have a half an hour” I ask
“No let’s go over there” She points at the park across the street. The park has a large waterfall and a swing set. We walk across the street and onto the green grass of the park.
“Race ya!” Sami says running to the swings. I run after her. She is a step away from winning but I tackle her to the ground.
“Ouch!” She shrikes
“I roll over and look at her “are you ok? I didn’t hurt you did I?”
“No just surprised me” She smiles “Push me on the swings Lucas” She says as she gets up and makes her way to the swings.
I go to her side and immediately pull the swing back as far as I can and lat go making her swing. I keep doing this as she laughs.
“Sami I’m glad I went on this trip with you”
“I’m glad you came too” She smiles as I pull her back again, and I’m about to let go but she grabs my hand to stop me. She stands up and walks over to the waterfall. Sitting down on a rock she looks into the water.
“Sami are you ok” I place my hand on her shoulder
“Lucas you know when you said you attracted some one which was more then I could say well you were wrong”
“Huh?” Was she seeing some one on the side?
“Well I…I attracted you” She says turning around to face me.
“That you did” I smile and bend down to her level.
“Lucas I…I…I love you” She looks serious now “I’ve never felt this way before”
“I feel the same about you Sami I love you too” I place my index finger under her chin and tilt her head up to kiss her.
Ch. 10
It seemed as if time had zoomed right on past me as we pulled into the Salem bus station. Lucas and I had held hands the whole way home. We would have kissed, but we weren’t sure old granny would still believe I was Lucas’s cousin if she saw us. Lucas gently pulled my bag out from under the seat and put it on his back.
“Lucas you don’t have to…”
“But I want to” he cuts me off as he grabs my hand. Leading me through the large crowd of bus riders. Lucas sees the old woman he befriended motioning him to come over to her. At the sight of that Lucas picks up the pace practically dragging me off of the bus.
Once we are outside of the bus Lucas slows his pace and watches as the bus leaves making its way to another destination. Lucas cringes as he sees the old lady waving goodbye through the window. I bet he was almost happy to see her go.
Taking my hand into his Lucas begins to walk me back home. Home hmmmm there’s something I haven’t seen in a wile.
“Sami! Lucas! Wait!” Some one calls from behind. Lucas and I turn our hands still clasped together.
“Jane?” There she was Eric’s girlfriend. Normally I would have told her to go to hell and it was her fault Eric was gone, but having a part of Eric right beside me made me a little calmer.
“Sami…I…where have you been?” She asks catching her breath.
“Looking for something” I replied
“I’m glad your home” Jane glad I was home? Was she going crazy? Lucas just stands there looking at the two of us.
“Lucas I think I need to speak to Jane alone” I say knowing I needed to tell her about Lucas and Eric’s heart.
“Um...alright I’ll drop your bag off at your house for you.” He says walking away leaving Jane and me alone.
“Jane maybe we should go somewhere more privet”
“Sure”
*****
“So Lucas has Eric’s heart?”
“Yes” I answer her as my grandpa Shawn brings me and Jane a bowl of clam chowder.
“That’s weird, but some how I feel like I always knew that. I just didn’t take the time to notice it”
“So how are you these days?” I ask
“Good, but what about you and Lucas I mean you seemed pretty cozy holding hands.” She smiles
“Well I guess you could say we are going out. I’m not really sure. One minuet he was hiding things from me the next he is kissing me and holding my hand”
“Aw that’s so sweet” Jane says in a high pitched almost annoying girlie tone. “Actually Sami now seems like a good time more then any to give you this” She says placing a small red box on the table.
“What is it?” I say caressing the shiny lid.
“Open it”
I pull the small box toward me and take it into my hands. Slowly removing the lid my eyes come across a small gold locket necklace.
“Jane you shouldn’t have”
“I didn’t Eric did”
“What?” I say looking shocked. He couldn’t be alive it’s impossible Lucas has his heart.
“That day he died when he was in the diner with me. Well he was showing me what he had gotten you for your birthday. I was going to give it to you sooner but you wouldn’t talk to me.”
“I’m so sorry Jane”
“It’s ok just open the locket” I open the small heart to revile a picture of Eric looking back at me. Tears spring to my eyes as Jane reaches across the table to hold my hand.
*****
My mother and father were very happy to see me. I hugged them and told them of Eric’s heart. Then they told me they had always known, but didn’t want me acting strange around my best friend. I was a little upset that they didn’t tell me, but it didn’t matter anymore because I now
know who has it.
Lucas and I lay on the grass in my back yard looking at the stars as the radio plays. I seemed to have finally found closure. Placing my hand over my locket I smile. Knowing I have had Eric with me all along. It is a little strange that my best friend and now boyfriend has my brothers heart, but some how it draws me even closer to him. It makes me feel good knowing a part of Eric still lives on.
“Sami?” Lucas asks
“Yes” I say laying my head on his shoulder.
“I love you”
“I love you to” I smile. How did my life turn out so great Jane is no longer my enemy but my best friend. Lucas is no longer just my friend but my boyfriend and I found my brothers heart. I slip into a deep sleep as the radio plays on.
So I won’t give up
No I won’t break down
Sooner then it seems
Life turns around
And I will be strong
Even if it all goes wrong
I’ve seen that ray of light
And it’s shining on my
Destiny. Shining all the
Time. I’ve fallowed
Everywhere it’s taken me
All I know is yesterday
Is gone and right now I belong
To this moment.
Some one’s watching over me…
Epilogue
“Here help me with this please” Sami says as I rush to her side and clasp the golden locket around her neck. She looks priceless in her white floor length dress. I have known her since Eric left us and still we grow stronger together every day.
Handing the bouquet of red roses I send her off down the aisle. Her father links arms with her and walks her down the aisle toward the man who stole her heart all those years ago. She seems to be walking in slow motion as if it is her golden moment. She was dressed perfect with her something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue.
She finally made it to the end of the aisle taking the man of her dreams hands into hers. I stand and watch every word every movement all the way to the last ‘I do’
“Every one I give you Mister and Misses Samantha and Lucas Roberts”
The priest announces as I watch from a far. I almost feel as if Sami has forgotten about me and has left me alone in the dark in the brides room, but suddenly Sami looks up and mouths ‘Thanks Jane’ as she places her hand over the golden locket I gave her seven years ago. Smiling I make my way out of the small room to congratulate the two. Making my way out I still feel a slight emptiness, but brush it off like it is nothing.
After congratulating the happy couple I find a corner in the small surrounding garden and begin to weep. If only Eric hadn’t died maybe I would be as happy as Sami is right now. I scold myself. Suddenly I feel some ones presents. It’s strange how you can just feel it sometimes.
I look up into a familiar face. The sunlight seems to be glowing around him. That face, I know that face! I panic
“Eric?” I slur
“No the names Chad” he replies and sits next to me. Moving out of the sunlight he doesn’t look like Eric so much anymore, but somehow I feel like Eric is right next to me. I feel as if he brought this Chad guy to me. Maybe this is a new beginning for me. Maybe I’ll be as happy as Sami. Thinking about it I smile and reply
“ The names Jane”
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