Hey guys. This a brand new story I wanted to share with you. Now any music or concepts I mention, I don't own and will give credit too. ~Tyler.
Neighborly Love
By: Taylor Burton
*Logan*
There she was... Just sitting there with her best friend Lola Carmichael. I'm Logan White. I have no friends and I'm the school loser. I'm in the 10th grade, and since I get really good grades, nobody wants to hang me because they think I'm a dork. Anyway, let me tell you about my family. I live with my mom and my little brother Adian who is finally starting high school. (9th grade) My father passed away when I was ten and Adian was nine. I miss him a lot, but I'm slowly getting over it. I'm pretty sure you guys would like to know who I was looking at earlier. Her name is Samantha Luis A.K.A. Sam Luis and the woman I call a goddess, is my neighbor. Sam is beautiful and very special to me. She loves standing up for things she believes in. Even though she sometimes goes overboard with her beliefs, Sam is a very good person. Unfortunately, Sam does get in a lot trouble at school. Sam also has siblings; two sisters in fact. Penelope and Katherine Luis A.K.A Penny and Katie.
Katie is her younger sibling and she's in the same grade as Adian. Penny is Sam's twin sister. Even though Penny and Sam are twins, I can always tell Sam from Penny because of the way they wear their clothes and hair. Penny's hair are long chocolate tresses that are always pinned straight. She also wears a lot of designer dresses, shoes and just girly clothes. Sam also has long chocolate tresses, but hers are curly and sometimes she puts electric blue streaks in them. Instead of dresses and heels, Sam rocks out in Graphic t-shirts and sneakers. On occasion she will wear boots, but their combat so they never come up to her knees. Today she was wearing a white shirt that said Love Cupcakes, dark washed blue jeans, blue, white and black sneakers, a black leather jacket, a black cross necklace, black and silver bracelets, with a light blue beanie. What? I'm very observant. Today was the second week of school and it was lunch time. I let Adian sit with me, since he didn't know anyone yet. I saw Sam did the same thing because Katie was sitting with her along with her best friend (who I mentioned earlier) Lola Carmichael.
Lola is just like Sam. However, when something doesn't go her way, Lola just stays quiet and Sam takes care of it. Plus instead of blue streaks, Lola has pink ones. While I was eating I saw a strawberry cupcake being thrown at Sam from the Populars. The Populars were a group of the most prissy, girly girls in the whole school. Obviously, Penny was in the group and threw the cupcake at her sister. I saw it fly towards Sam's flawless face, but before it could touch her she caught it with her hands and took a bite out of it. Smirking at Penny in the process. Did I mention that Sam takes Tae Kwon Do? Yeah; she's currently a green belt working for her high green belt. Penny started fuming after that and got up with a new cupcake to Sam's table. I couldn't hear what they were saying, but I know Sam made her mad, because the next thing I knew the cupcake was smashed in Sam's face. Everyone went quiet as to see what the head popular would do next. Greatly, she didn't do anything, but Sam of course wasn't going to let it go. Sam stood up wiped the cupcake off her face, picked up her grape juice and lasagna and poured the grape juice over Penny's head and smashed the lasagna on her white designer dress. Penny screeched and that's how the epic food fight started. I saw Katie duck under her table. Aidan and I did the same thing and food flying everywhere. Finally and unfortunately, Vice Principal Higgins stepped in and everyone went quiet.
"WHO STARTED THIS?!" She yelled and every single person looked at Penny, but knew what would happen if they got her in trouble so everyone pointed at Sam.
"Ms. Luis! I'm tired of your shenanigans. To my office now!" Vice Principal yelled and Sam looked stunned.
"B-But I d-didn't-"
"No buts!" Vice Principal Higgins interrupted and led Sam to her office. I wanted to defend her, but when it comes to Sam my heart is caught in my throat.
*Sam*
I really hate my sister. Because of her, I'm in huge trouble. I was already in detention three times last week for speaking my mind and now I'm here because of her. I sat down in the chair I've become very familiar with and waited for Ms. Higgins to speak.
"Ms. Luis, she began. You are always making trouble for yourself, and you're failing almost all of your classes! You leave me with no choice." Ms. Higgins boomed, and I was praying it wasn't expulsion. See, she has the power to do that, since the actual principal quit last week. Don't ask why she did, but let's just say it had to deal with a monkey in her car.
"We have this program at another school for people who don't follow our rules and who don't have good grades. You will be joining this program and take the classes that you are failing there. You will do this for a week, and the next week you will return here. You can also take classes there that you are passing as well for extra credit. The program is held at Holt High School and if you don't go to the classes, you will be suspended." Ms. Higgins explained and I was shocked. I mean, I didn't even start the food fight and now I have to go to this stupid program.
"Ok Ms. Higgins. When do I start?" I asked politely.
"Since its Friday, you will start Monday." She said and I nodded.
"Now return to your classes. Here is a pass." She said sternly and I took the pass, and walked quickly, but quietly to English.
The rest of the day went without incident, and the weekend passed by quickly. I was also grounded, because of the food fight and Penny absolutely loves that. Soon enough it was Monday and mom was driving me to Holt High School. Once I got there, I found my way to the office to get my schedule.
"Hello; how may I help you?" The nice desk lady asked.
"Hi. I'm Sam Luis and I'm here for the program that is from Prentice Hall High." I told her and she looked at her computer.
"Oh so you're Samantha Luis?" She asked.
"Yeah, but I go by Sam. Um can I get my schedule now?" I asked and she nodded, handing me the crisp white sheet. I thanked her and walked into the hall to read my schedule.
Samantha Alexandria Luis
School: Holt High School
Coming From: Prentice Hall High School
Address: 412 Maple Wood Lane
Timetable
Period Class Room # Teacher
1 Music 502 Ms. Dey
2 Geometry 2616 Mr. Carlson *
3 World History 605 Ms. Mann *
4 Biology 1506 Mr. Fain *
*~ Classes failing at other school
Lunch after 3rd period.
Bus: 216
I walked downstairs to 500-600 wing and went down the 500 side to see where my Music class was. I love music and it was of the classes I was passing as well as English. I finally got to the room and looked inside to see people in different places talking. I knocked on the door and I saw a boy about my age open the door. He looked stunned to see me here.
"S-Sam?" He stuttered and I nodded in confusion.
"Um yeah, who are y-" I interrupted myself because I knew who he was. He was my neighbor, Logan I think.
"Hey. You're my neighbor Logan right?" I asked and he nodded slowly.
"Um yeah. What are you d-doing here?" He asked in somewhat of a nervous tone.
"Maybe I could tell you more if you let me inside?" I teased and his face turned beet red.
"S-Sure, come on in Sam." He said and I walked into the classroom.
"Ms. Dey the new student is here." Logan shouted and everyone in the classroom looked at me. I could feel myself getting nervous.
"Oh hello. You must be Samantha Luis. Welcome to 10th grade Music." Ms. Dey told me and I smiled.
"Thank you, but can you call me Sam? That's what my friends call me." I told her.
"Ok Sam. You can sit next to Logan." Ms. Dey stated and everyone in the room gasped. No one made a comment; however. I walked to the back of the room and sat down.
"Today we are going to do oral presentations!" Ms. Dey announced and a lot of people were either happy or upset.
"Why doesn't Ms. Luis go first?" Ms. Dey asked, and I nodded in nervousness. I walked back to the front of the room and sang Dark Side by: Kelly Clarkson. When I was done, everyone in the classroom clapped except this one girl in cheerleader outfit she wore a frown on her face, and had an evil glint in her eyes. I knew then that I had to watch out for her.
"That was incredible Sam. A+!" Ms. Dey cried and I smiled.
"Thanks." I told her and sat back down in my seat. I saw Logan stare at me with a dreamy expression.
"Are you ok Logan?" I asked amusement clearly in my tone. He soon snapped out of his stupor.
"What?" He asked very confused.
"I asked if you were ok." I laughed in amusement.
"Oh um yeah I'm ok, you sang beautifully Sam." He said and his cheeks were instantly dusted with pink; so were mine.
"Thank You Logan." I told him and he smiled. Soon everyone sang their presentations, next was Logan.
"Logan come on. You know you have to pass this class." Ms. Dey pleaded, but Logan never came up to sing. Ms. Dey then gave up and proceeded to tell us about the big project.
"Class we are going to do a love song project. I am going to give you guy's partners and you must chose a love song that represents the both of you. Partners will be boy/girl. Anna and Drake, Sandy and Neal, Sam and Logan, Maria and Tom, lastly Taylor and Jeff." Ms. Dey finished and the bell rung soon after.
"Projects are due next Friday!" Ms. Dey shouted and everyone ran out of the classroom.
"Do you want to meet up at my house after school Logan?" I asked him, and he nodded eagerly.
"Yeah sure. Do you mind if I stop by the high school first? I have to pick up my little brother." He asked and I smiled.
"Sure. Meet you by the gate." I told him and left the room to search for my next class.
Later on school was over and I pretty decent day. I just my friend Lola a lot today seeing as I knew no one here but Logan who was nowhere to be found during lunch. Anyway I saw Logan standing by the gate and I walked over to him.
"Ok I'm ready to go." I said and Logan nodded.
"Alright let's go." He told me and we walked silently to Prentice Hall. Well almost silently.
"Sam? How did you get into Holt High?" Logan asked almost nervously and I had what resembled a half smile, yet half frown on my face.
"Remember that food fight I got blamed for?" He nodded. "Well Vice Principal Higgins put me in the program for the kids who need an attitude adjustment. I'm also not passing some of my classes, so I'm here to pick up credits for those classes. I'm not failing Music. I just took that for extra credit." I told him and I could tell he understood.
"So why are you at Holt High?" I asked him and his cheeks flushed pink.
"I'm kind of... failing Music. I just take other classes for extra credit." He told me.
"Well why are you failing Music? Is it because you won't sing?" I questioned and he nodded.
"Yeah I mean I just have serious stage fright, so I can't get up and sing. I don't even know if I'm any good at singing!" Logan exclaimed.
"Well I'm going help you. We are not going to get an F, because of your stage fright." I told him determined. He put on a soft smile. One that almost made me blush. Almost.
"Thanks Sam." He said I smiled and soon we arrived at the school. I needed to come here anyway, because mom told me that I had to pick up Katie. I saw her and Aidan sitting on the steps talking about something. We saw her look over at us and she took off running straight toward me. I could feel tears running down my shirt.
"Penny." Was all she said, but enough to get me angry. It was one thing to mess with me, but our baby sister was crossing the line.
"What did she do?" I asked lowly. I could see out of the corner of my eye that Logan and Aidan widened their eyes.
"Remember what she did to you on Friday?" She asked and I nodded.
"Well she came to my table, poured my juice all over my clothes and smashed my food in my face. She called me a loser, and that I would forever be a nobody. I ran out of the cafe crying hearing everyone's laughter fill my ears. Lola was sick so she couldn't do anything. Luckily, Adian found me and told me that she was wrong. He is a really great friend Sam." She told me and went over to hug Adian. His face turned the brightest shade of red.
"It was no big deal." He told me and I smiled at the exchange.
"Wrong it was a huge deal. Penny is always making a fool out of Katie and I. Thank you for sticking up for her Adian." I told him and he smiled.
"You're welcome Sam." Adian grinned. I then turned to Logan.
"Any chance we could do the project at your house? I really don't want to see Penny right now and I'm sure Katie doesn't either." I asked him.
"Y-Yeah we could totally do that. Our m-mom won't mind." Logan stuttered and started walking quickly toward our houses. Adian, Katie, and I started snickering, but followed him anyway. Soon enough we got to his house. It was a very nice one story house just like mine with pretty lilies outside of it. I'm a big sucker for lilies. We walked inside and saw Aidan and Logan's mom walking from the kitchen I believe. I've only been in their house once, so I have no idea where everything is.
"Hello boys. Oh I see we have company, Hi Sam, Katie it's very nice to see you again." She smiled and we smiled back at her. You see when my family first moved here, Ms. White came over to our house to help us get settled in. She brought over Logan and Aidan too, and we came over their house for dinner. Ms. White was a lovely woman too. She was about 5'4" with curly, long black hair and piercing blue, green eyes. She was also wearing a blue short sleeved dress, with black flats and a smiley face gold pendant. Logan and Aidan have their mother's hair, but Adian must have his father's eyes because his eyes are brown. Logan on the hand has his mother's eyes. They remind of the ocean. Then I realized that I didn't respond to Ms. White.
"It's nice to see you too Ms. White." I told her.
"That's good sweetheart and call me Sarah. So what are you guys up too?" She asked.
"Well Sam and I are working on a project and Katie wanted to come with us to our house." Logan told her and I nodded grateful he didn't tell her the real reason Katie was here.
"Ok dearies. Well I just came to see who was coming in. I'm currently making dinner and it should be ready in about twenty minutes. Would you girls like to stay for dinner?" Sarah asked and I could see the pleading look in Logan and Adian's eyes.
"I would have to ask our mom, but we would love to." I told her and all three of them beamed with a smile. Logan and Aidan had a look realization and started to blush which I thought was cute. I looked at Katie and she probably thought the same thing.
"Oh wonderful. Would you like to call her or just go to your house to tell her?" Sarah questioned and I chose to call. I pulled out my cell phone and dialed her number.
"Hello?"
"Hi mom. May Katie and I have dinner at the White's house tonight? Plus Logan and I have a project to do."
"Hmm... Fine. But you and Katie will work an extra shift tomorrow at the restaurant." She told me, which I didn't think was fair, but whatever.
"Ok mom. I have to go. See you later."
"Bye." She responded then hung up. Oh yeah I guess I forgot to mention that my mom owns a restaurant that is set up down the street from our house. It's called May's Station which is my mom's name. She sells anything whatever she can cook, and we all have jobs at the restaurant.
"My mom said we could stay for dinner Sarah." I told her trying out the name.
"That's great sweetheart. Like I said dinner won't be ready for twenty more minutes. Get started on your project. Katie and Adian, you guys can either head up to Adian's room or to the den for homework." Sarah told us and then went back in the kitchen to finish dinner.
"Do you want to work in my room Sam?" Logan asked bringing me out of thoughts.
"Sure lead the way." I told him and followed him down the hall to his room after saying goodbye to Katie. The first thing I noticed was that there are pictures of cameras and famous directors everywhere. I also saw a shiny new camera and a Hollywood movie clapper.
"Wow. Do you want to direct movies someday?" I asked him and he looked surprised that I even asked.
"Um yeah. I love directing and the thrill it would give me to see something I directed on the big screen is just too great." He wistfully told me. I could see him being a director. What he felt about directing was the exact way I feel about my writing. I really want to write a book or write for a TV show. Even a movie would be great to write for.
"Yeah I feel the exact same way about writing. I would love to see my writing published into the big time. Where my creativity could be expressed through anything and it would be awesome if people loved what I wrote." I told him. It was my dream after all. He smiled softly.
"We have a lot in common Sam." He smiled. I thought he looked really cute the way his eyes sparkled from the sun coming from his window, and how his black hair looked shiny with the strands coming down in waves. Wait. What am I thinking?! I barely know him. I can't think about him this way, not after last time... Then I was suddenly snapped out of my thoughts by a tanned hand in front of my face.
"Are you ok Sam?" Logan asked concerned.
"Um yeah I'm good. So what song do you think we should do for the project?" I asked pretty distracted.
"Well the song has to be about love that represents us. I think we should get to know each other first, then we can choose a song for the project." He explained.
"Sure sounds like a plan." I told him and we spent the next few minutes explaining about our lives. I learned that his favorite color is green, his birthday is May 27th, and that he loved watching cartoons with his brother every Saturday.
*Logan*
I learned a lot about Sam. Her favorite color is blue even though her room is black and white, her birthday is March 18th, and that she loves watching the Too Cute! Show on Animal Planet.
"It's my weakness. I just really love puppies." She claimed and I chuckled. Sam really is one of a kind. Soon we were called down for dinner. Mom made us Chicken Alfredo which was Sam's and my favorite. Soon we all grabbed a plate and sat down.
"Katie and Sam. How are you ladies getting along in school? I know it's your first year of high school Katie." My mom asked politely. I love my mom, but sometime she sounds so proper it gets on my nerves.
"Yeah Sarah, we are getting along pretty good. I've been helping out Katie so she can relax into her first year." Sam told my mom.
"Wonderful. I am glad you guys are liking school. How are your mom and sister doing?" Mom asked and I could see Sam's chocolate brown eyes get darker. Her face lit up like a Christmas lights at Christmas time. Not from embarrassment, but anger. Katie took that moment to speak.
"Our mom is fine. She's still running the business like always. Our sister is ok I guess." Katie said quietly, yet quickly so Sam couldn't get a word in. Penny is not good in their terms after what happened today. The air was tense for the rest of dinner. No one bothered to say anything, afraid if they did, Sam or someone else might get mad again. Soon dinner was over, and Sam and I went back to my room to pick the song for the project.
"I'm sorry about my mom. She just didn't know about... well you know." I told her nervous she would snap at me, but all she did was smile weakly.
"It's fine. Penny is always making trouble for us. I just wish that she would leave Katie alone. She's our baby sister and Penny knows that she can get to me, if she messes with her. Now that I'm going to Holt for weeks at a time, I can't be there to see what happens and I just d-don't know w-w-what to d-do." Sam told me as her voice wavered off. I looked up to her eyes to realize they are full with oncoming tears. I hate to see girls cry, but when Sam does cries it breaks my heart. I pulled her into a tight hug and she cried in my chest. I could smell her rosemary scent perfume as I hugged her tighter. She cried for a few more minutes, before she finally stopped and pulled back.
"I-I'm sorry for crying on y-you." She stuttered and I just smiled.
"Sam, it's cool. You needed a shoulder to cry on, and even though we kind of just got to know each other, I feel like I've known you forever." I told her and when she widened her eyes I realized what I said.
"Y-y-you know i-if you f-feel the s-same w-way?" I stuttered out to her. Great now she's probably figuring out I have a giant crush on her. However, all she did was smile.
"I do Logan. Thanks for being there for me." Sam told me and gave me another hug. I could feel my cheeks turning red at the contact.
"You're welcome." I told her and before she could say anything else her phone rang. We pulled apart so she could answer her phone.
"Hello?" She asked the person on the phone and it was silent for a second before she responded.
"Ok. We'll be there in a few minutes, bye." She answered back and then hung up.
"That was my mom, she wants Katie and I home now." Sam told him and I felt disappointment flood within me at her departure.
"Oh." I just uttered and I guess she could see the disappointment on my face because she smiled sadly.
"It's ok. We will see each other tomorrow ok. How about we wait for the bus tomorrow together since we still have to be at Holt?" Sam asked me and I felt ecstatic.
"Sure." I said really calmly and she smiled.
"Cool. See you tomorrow." Sam told me giving me one last hug, then left to find Katie. Soon they left the house and it was time for Aidan and me to go to bed. Not in store for what comes tomorrow.
......
I woke up the next morning feeling great since I get to wait for the bus with Sam. Yeah, I'm whipped and she's not even mine. So what? Anyway, I got dressed in a Brooklyn t-shirt with some light washed jeans and my black Timberland's. I ate breakfast and took Adian to his bus stop and when that was over I looked over at the Holt high bus stop to see that Sam wasn't there yet. I ran to her house and before I could ring the doorbell, Sam opened the door quickly and I dropped my mouth at what she was wearing. Sam was wearing a pinkish lace shirt with a black pony skirt, lace tights, small heeled boots, her leather jacket, a black knit skully, and a studded bracelet. How this woman can get any more gorgeous I have no idea, but Sam has accomplished just that.
"Um Logan. Are you alright?" Sam asked bring me out of my thoughts about her.
"Y-Yeah I'm cool. Uh... You look gorgeous Sam." I blurted out and I immediately blushed and so did she.
"Thank you Logan. I just wanted to change for a day. So ready to go. Katie is sick so she's not going to school and I pulled a prank on Penny so she's not awake either." Sam told me and I just couldn't stop smiling.
"Yeah, let's go." I told her and we both ran to the bus stop, just as the bus pulled up. We sat next to each other and I asked her what prank she pulled on Penny.
"Logan it was the best one I have ever pulled on her. So in the middle of the night I unplugged her alarm clock, and I woke up, got dressed and all that. The reason I was late was because I was waiting for Katie to come up so I could take her to the bus stop, but she never showed up so I went downstairs and saw that she was really sick. I got everything that she needed to make her feel better and told her to go back to sleep and that if Penny asked where I was, to not say anything. I mean I know unplugging her alarm clock isn't that good, but the after effects are great, because she hates being late and sorry if I'm rambling I do that a lot." She told me in one breath and I just chuckled.
"It's fine Sam. So ready for your second day at Holt High?" I questioned her and she nodded.
"Yeah I guess. I mean you're the only one I know there so there isn't much to be ready for. Maybe we can come back to my house so I can take care of Katie and we can work on the song for Music?" She explained.
"That would be cool." I told her.
"Awesome." She smiled and I smiled back. Soon we reached the school and we got off the bus together, both heading to music. I heard cat calls and call me coming from various guys in the hallway toward Sam. I could feel the rage of jealousy bubble up in me, but before I could do anything Sam just rolled her eyes and flipped the bird at them. When got to music, I just let all the laughter out of me and Sam just smiled.
"Wow you really hate the guys here." I chuckled and she nodded.
"Yeah most of them probably don't even want a relationship. They just want to toy with my feelings and then drop me, when I don't want to give it to him. I learned that the hard way." She frowned and before I could ask her what she meant, Ms. Dey walked in the room.
"Good morning class." Ms. Dey announced and we all said good morning back.
"Today we are going to improvise with your singing. I will call you up randomly and you will sing any song you choose as long as it's appropriate for school." Ms. Dey explained and I was scared. I still have stage fright and I know I'm going to fail this assignment like I have with others. While Ms. Dey got out her class list, Sam grabbed my hand and laced our fingers together. I could feel my face turn a thousand shades of red.
"Logan. When you go up there, just think of me and you alone in the room. You seem like you're more relaxed with me so if you just imagine just the two of us in the room, I know you would be able to sing. Please try ok?" She explained her actions and squeezed my hand. I do feel more relaxed with her. I think I can do this.
"Thanks Sam." I told her with all honestly on my face. She blushed under my intense stare.
"You're welcome." She whispered. I felt the whole world disappear around me. That it was just Sam and I. I could feel us both leaning in, closely drawn to each other. However, the world seemed against us as Ms. Dey called Sam's name to go first.
"Sam you're first." Ms. Dey announced and we drew back both blushing. I was very angry, yet nervous. What would have happened if Ms. Dey hadn't called Sam's name and we would have kissed? I could worry about that later. I thought as Sam got up. She looked slightly sick and I wondered in concern what was going on.
"Um I'm going to be singing All I've Ever Needed by: AJ Michalka." She said, with a shaky tone in her voice, but she sung that song with such raw emotion. I even saw tears in her eyes going down her flushed cheeks. I was really worried by the time she finished singing. She looked at everyone and we all had shocked expressions on our faces. Even Ms. Dey did. Before we could say anything thing, Sam suddenly bolted from the classroom, tears rushing down her face. I immediately stood up.
"Ms. Dey may I go check on her?" I asked rushed. I needed to see if she was ok.
"Yes go ahead Logan." She forced out despite her shock of what just happened. I bolted out of the classroom and followed the hollow, rushing sound of Sam's footsteps. I finally heard them stop running and I turned a corner to see her on the floor with her head in her hands. I approached her slowly.
"Sam?" I hesitantly asked and she slowly picked up her head. She looked dead in the eyes. All I saw was sadness and suddenly she jumped up and fell in my arms. I held her as she sobbed in my chest. After a while she finally stopped and looked up at me with such sadness I thought I was going to cry.
"Do you want to tell me what's going on, if not we can just sit here until you feel better?" I asked since I sat us down while she was crying.
"N-No. You deserve to know. Do you wonder why I never speak of my Dad or past boyfriends?" She stuttered and I froze when she mentioned past boyfriends, however put aside my feelings about that and nodded answering her question.
"W-Well. A few years back before I moved to Raleigh, um I had a boyfriend that my dad never approved of. I really cared for him and I thought he cared for me too. I was actually um not the way I am now. I was almost just like Penny is now. All girly and fluffy, but James my b-boyfriend started to change. He became more angry and a-aggressive toward me. He even s-struck me when I came to dates late, because my dad told me I had to get my homework done first. I-I tried to break up with him, but he wouldn't have it. We were at my house when I tried to break up with him, and my dad came home and saw him s-slap me across the face. He yelled at James and asked him 'what do you think you're doing to my daughter?' J-James just smirked and pulled out a-a g-g-gun and s-shot my f-f-father!" Sam ended hysterical and I held her tightly in shock. How could someone so cruel do this to her? She is such a bright, lovely woman with so much potential and to hear this story breaks my heart.
"W-What happened to your um dad?" I questioned quietly. She just looked up at me.
"I called 911 and they came, rushing him to the hospital as fast as they could. The desk lady called my mom and my sisters. We waited all night before the doctor finally told us that he hadn't made it. My mom was crying so badly and Penny tried comforting her, but glared at me all the same. She knew it was my fault that we lost dad that day. Katie just tried to tell me it wasn't my fault, but I didn't listen. I just ran out of the hospital and into the darkness. I ran into the middle of the street and looked up to see two headlights. I got run over by a car and woke up three days later in the hospital. I fractured my knee and it never really healed so I have to take pills for it and wear a knee brace at night. Penny and my mom never forgave me ever since then. Katie was my only friend for a while until we moved to Raleigh and I met Lola and you. That's probably going to change now, since you most likely think it's my fault he died." Sam finished numbly. Like it didn't even matter. I decided to make a bold move and kiss her forehead. She looked up in shock and I just blushed, but softly smiled.
"Sam. I don't blame you for your dad's death ok. Whenever you need me, I will always be there for you. I care a lot for you and don't want anything like that to happen again. I will try to protect and be there for you whenever you need me. I promise." I told her and she looked at me with such admiration in her eyes, I thought I was going to cry out at any moment. Instead she just hugged me tighter.
"Thank you so much for being there for me Logan. I don't know what I would have done without you." She told me and I sadly smiled.
"No problem Sam." I told her and just held her until the bell rung. Students around us either looked at us in shock, with a smirk or ignored us as they were trying to get to their other classes or their friends. Sam and I just stood up in sadness as we don't have classes with each other for the rest of day. I just hugged her, then pulled back to tell her what I needed too.
"How about we meet outside after school so we can walk back to Prentice to get my brother, then walk to your house to finish the project and you can watch Katie like we agreed yeah?" I told her and she nodded.
"Sure." She smiled.
"Ok well we better head to class." I said and we walked back to music to get the rest our stuff we left behind and Ms. Dey wrote us passes to our next classes after asking Sam if she was alright.
"I'm fine Ms. Dey. I'm sorry I scared you it's just the song reminds me of my dad and he passed away a few years back." Sam told her and Ms. Dey nodded sadly.
"Oh dear it's fine Sam. Here is your pass. Logan where are you going?" She asked.
"I'm going to English II." I told her and she gave me a pass.
"Ok off to class. I will see you tomorrow." She waved and the minute Sam and I left the classroom, the bell rung signaling the start of 2nd period.
"I'll see you later Sam." I told her and she looked over at me.
"See you later Logan." She smiled and went up the stairs. I just hope she has good day.
.....
The rest of the day went through a blur. Some people talked about what happened this morning, but otherwise it was good day for the most part. Once the bell rung ending the school day I immediately left the building and started heading toward the school gate to meet Sam. Hmm Sam, I hope she is ok. I still can't believe that I calmed her down so much this morning. I know I couldn't fall for her any harder than I have now... I know I would never hurt her, unlike her jerk of an ex-boyfriend. However, I don't think she's ready to be in a relationship yet. However if she is, I want it to be with me. I thought as I was walking to the school gate. I saw Sam just waiting there and when she glanced up and saw me, her face brighten up and she walked quickly to me. As soon as she reached me, she hugged me tight. My face lit up in crimson. She just laughed at me and pulled back.
"What was that for? Not that I didn't like it... I mean um yeah..." I stuttered and she smiled.
"That was for helping me, and being my friend today. Thank you again." She told me.
"Sam, like I said before I will always be there for you." I said. She agreed and we started to walk toward Prentice Hall. When we got there, Penny was sitting on the stairs with Aidan looking awful and that was a true shock. Her mini skirt was ripped and covered in some kind of substance and her top was slightly burned. One of her heels was broken and her hair was tangled in knots so tight it look liked she would have to cut the strands to get them out. As soon as she saw us, it looked like fire was coming out of her ears and her face was boiled red. She limped over to us and started shouting in Sam's face who had a smirk on her face the whole time.
"I can't believe you did this to me!" She yelled in Sam's face.
"I didn't do anything." Sam said innocently.
"YES YOU DID!! 'Penny shrieked' You disarmed my alarm clock so I would be late this morning, so I had to ask our sick sister where you were and she wouldn't say a word! I had to take the smelly, stinky bus and some old man spilled this horrible container of moldy soup on me. It landed on my shirt and skirt creating a stain, not to mention that my top had electrical wiring in it, so the soup made it catch on fire! I had to use water from the sick lady next to me to put it out also putting knots in my hair. Then as soon as I got to school, I tripped on the curb and broke my heel of my shoe, not to mention that I landed on the bike rack and ripped what was left of my skirt making it look even shorter than possible! Why do you have to ruin my LIFE!!!?" She finally ended the rant and Sam just smirked.
"Well, how was I supposed to know that unplugging your alarm clock would do all this damage?" Sam asked. Penny looked furious.
"You shouldn't have done it in the first place!! You always have to ruin things for people. You ruined my day, you ruined mom's happiness by killing our father. Why don't you just drop dead already! No one would care about you if you did. Not mom, not Katie and certainly not me." Penny finished and the smirk on Sam's face immediately dropped. Penny looked satisfied in what she did.
"Exactly. Have fun with the rest of your life Sam, because I no longer care for or about you." Penny smirked and limped away I assume toward our houses. I looked at Sam carefully and she looked crestfallen. I couldn't believe her sister would stoop so low as to say that.
"Sam... I-" She interrupted.
"No Logan. She's right... I should just drop dead already. No one would care and even though it was a harmless prank, I didn't know how my sister truly felt about me. At least now I know. I'm going to um go. I'll see you later." She muttered and before I could say anything she took off running. I looked over at Adian and he looked in pure shock after witnessing the scene before him. I would deal with that later. Right now I need to get to Sam before she hurts herself.
"Adian, I know you're shocked, but I need to get to Sam ok, let's go." I said quickly and we rushed off.
A few minutes later we arrived home, dropped our books off and hurried out of the house to Sam's. Luckily mom wasn't home so I didn't need to explain myself. I had a really bad feeling and I knew Sam was about to do something bad. We got there and I banged on door for several minutes before finally Katie opened the door with a weary expression on her face.
"Logan, Adian? What are you guys doing here?" She questioned, tiredly.
"Where is your sister Katie this is important." I hurriedly asked and she just looked confused.
"Well Penny is in the shower, and Sam is in her room. What's going on?" Katie questioned again.
"Where is Sam's room Katie?" I asked impatiently.
"Down the hall and make a left, Logan what is going on?" She asked.
"Fill her in, I have to make sure Sam is ok." I told Adian and rushed past Katie to Sam's room. I finally reached the door and opened it to find a horrible sight. Sam had a rope tied around her neck that was attached to the ceiling fan in her room and she was standing on a chair. She kicked off and I caught her before the rope tightened around her neck. I untied the rope and she looked at me with tears in her eyes.
"WHY COULDN'T YOU HAVE LET ME DO IT? WHY LOGAN? WHY!!" She cried and crumpled in my arms.
She sobbed so hysterically I pulled her into my chest telling her to let it all out. Soon I heard panicked footsteps rushing down the hall and saw Katie in the doorway with tears in her eyes along with Adian who was right behind her. Penny broke her, no shattered her with what she said today. My winsome girl just let all the guilt eat her alive until Penny pushed her over the edge. I have pure hatred for Penny and I honestly think that it will never go away. We all just sat there listening to Sam's cries and I felt pure heartache for her. I want to try my best to make her feel loved and appreciated, but she would never go for a guy like me. Doesn't mean I shouldn't try. Eventually Sam stopped crying and I looked at my brother and her sister, silently asking for a privacy. They nodded and both left the room. When they left the room, I finally poured all my feelings into the next words I was about to say.
"Sam, Penny is wrong. I don't care about what she told you as it's completely untrue. You are loved and cherished, by so many people. Your friends, Katie, my brother the list goes on. Yes, your last boyfriend did something completely unforgivable, however, your mom and sister shouldn't blame you for it. Samantha you are gorgeous, lovable, feisty, smart, clever, fun, and joyful to be around. I can't believe that I fell in love with such an amazing woman like you. Yes I fell in love with you and have been since the day you moved to Raleigh. You are so special to me, it's unbelievable that you are treated with such disrespect. I wish that I could make you feel the words I say to you, but you probably don't even feel the same way. I just hope you find your prince charming soon, and that he treats you right, because you deserve it." I explained everything I felt to her. Sam looked at me in pure shock and disbelief. She suddenly, however did something that shocked me to the core in the happiest way possible....
Samantha Luis kissed me. It took me a while to catch up, before I finally kissed my dream girl back. She kissed back with all that she was feeling and I did too. Unfortunately since we are humans, we need air to breath so we had to stop. When we did, she started to explain her actions.
"Logan, thank you for everything you have done for me. I know that we haven't really gotten to know each other until yesterday, but I fell so hard in love with you, I was scared you would be like James. I couldn't trust people after that and I tried so hard to talk myself into not loving you, but it didn't work and I fell for you anyway. I am glad, however, to have you with me and I realize that you are nothing like James. You are so sweet and kind to me. You make me feel so loved and I'm thrilled that my feelings are not one-sided. I love you Logan White." Sam tearfully claimed and I just kissed her softly, but pulled away so I could say what I needed too.
"I love you too Samantha Luis. I love you too." I said and she just kissed me again with all the love that we have for each other. This was a new beginning for all of us...
*Seven Years Later*
*Sam*
A lot happened to us over the years. Logan and I graduated college last year and got our dream jobs we have always wanted soon after. I became a writer like I wanted and became the best-selling author of the year. Logan became a director like he wanted and directed the famous, romance, blockbuster of the summer called Paradise Love, which I happened to write the script of. The rest of my family is doing pretty good too. Adian finally asked out Katie back in their sophomore year of high school and have been dating ever since. They are both senior's in college now. Penny pretty much never spoke to me again and I didn't bother to contact her either. It hurts me sometimes, since she is my sister, but telling me to drop dead isn't a very sisterly thing to say. When Katie was seventeen and Penny and I were eighteen, our mom had a heart attack and didn't survive. I still miss her to this day even though she stopped telling me she loved me after dad died. My best friend Lola became a journalist after we graduated college and I'm still in touch with her every day. Who knew that my life would have turned out just like this? All I needed was faith, trust and a little neighborly love to get me where I am now and I couldn't have been happier in my entire life without it...
Thank you for reading this really long story. It took me almost a year to complete it, however, I'm glad the story is final done. I hope you guys loved it as much as I did writing it. Writing is a huge part of my life and I hope some day this can become an actual book. Thanks again! ~Tyler.
Neighborly Love
By: Taylor Burton
*Logan*
There she was... Just sitting there with her best friend Lola Carmichael. I'm Logan White. I have no friends and I'm the school loser. I'm in the 10th grade, and since I get really good grades, nobody wants to hang me because they think I'm a dork. Anyway, let me tell you about my family. I live with my mom and my little brother Adian who is finally starting high school. (9th grade) My father passed away when I was ten and Adian was nine. I miss him a lot, but I'm slowly getting over it. I'm pretty sure you guys would like to know who I was looking at earlier. Her name is Samantha Luis A.K.A. Sam Luis and the woman I call a goddess, is my neighbor. Sam is beautiful and very special to me. She loves standing up for things she believes in. Even though she sometimes goes overboard with her beliefs, Sam is a very good person. Unfortunately, Sam does get in a lot trouble at school. Sam also has siblings; two sisters in fact. Penelope and Katherine Luis A.K.A Penny and Katie.
Katie is her younger sibling and she's in the same grade as Adian. Penny is Sam's twin sister. Even though Penny and Sam are twins, I can always tell Sam from Penny because of the way they wear their clothes and hair. Penny's hair are long chocolate tresses that are always pinned straight. She also wears a lot of designer dresses, shoes and just girly clothes. Sam also has long chocolate tresses, but hers are curly and sometimes she puts electric blue streaks in them. Instead of dresses and heels, Sam rocks out in Graphic t-shirts and sneakers. On occasion she will wear boots, but their combat so they never come up to her knees. Today she was wearing a white shirt that said Love Cupcakes, dark washed blue jeans, blue, white and black sneakers, a black leather jacket, a black cross necklace, black and silver bracelets, with a light blue beanie. What? I'm very observant. Today was the second week of school and it was lunch time. I let Adian sit with me, since he didn't know anyone yet. I saw Sam did the same thing because Katie was sitting with her along with her best friend (who I mentioned earlier) Lola Carmichael.
Lola is just like Sam. However, when something doesn't go her way, Lola just stays quiet and Sam takes care of it. Plus instead of blue streaks, Lola has pink ones. While I was eating I saw a strawberry cupcake being thrown at Sam from the Populars. The Populars were a group of the most prissy, girly girls in the whole school. Obviously, Penny was in the group and threw the cupcake at her sister. I saw it fly towards Sam's flawless face, but before it could touch her she caught it with her hands and took a bite out of it. Smirking at Penny in the process. Did I mention that Sam takes Tae Kwon Do? Yeah; she's currently a green belt working for her high green belt. Penny started fuming after that and got up with a new cupcake to Sam's table. I couldn't hear what they were saying, but I know Sam made her mad, because the next thing I knew the cupcake was smashed in Sam's face. Everyone went quiet as to see what the head popular would do next. Greatly, she didn't do anything, but Sam of course wasn't going to let it go. Sam stood up wiped the cupcake off her face, picked up her grape juice and lasagna and poured the grape juice over Penny's head and smashed the lasagna on her white designer dress. Penny screeched and that's how the epic food fight started. I saw Katie duck under her table. Aidan and I did the same thing and food flying everywhere. Finally and unfortunately, Vice Principal Higgins stepped in and everyone went quiet.
"WHO STARTED THIS?!" She yelled and every single person looked at Penny, but knew what would happen if they got her in trouble so everyone pointed at Sam.
"Ms. Luis! I'm tired of your shenanigans. To my office now!" Vice Principal yelled and Sam looked stunned.
"B-But I d-didn't-"
"No buts!" Vice Principal Higgins interrupted and led Sam to her office. I wanted to defend her, but when it comes to Sam my heart is caught in my throat.
*Sam*
I really hate my sister. Because of her, I'm in huge trouble. I was already in detention three times last week for speaking my mind and now I'm here because of her. I sat down in the chair I've become very familiar with and waited for Ms. Higgins to speak.
"Ms. Luis, she began. You are always making trouble for yourself, and you're failing almost all of your classes! You leave me with no choice." Ms. Higgins boomed, and I was praying it wasn't expulsion. See, she has the power to do that, since the actual principal quit last week. Don't ask why she did, but let's just say it had to deal with a monkey in her car.
"We have this program at another school for people who don't follow our rules and who don't have good grades. You will be joining this program and take the classes that you are failing there. You will do this for a week, and the next week you will return here. You can also take classes there that you are passing as well for extra credit. The program is held at Holt High School and if you don't go to the classes, you will be suspended." Ms. Higgins explained and I was shocked. I mean, I didn't even start the food fight and now I have to go to this stupid program.
"Ok Ms. Higgins. When do I start?" I asked politely.
"Since its Friday, you will start Monday." She said and I nodded.
"Now return to your classes. Here is a pass." She said sternly and I took the pass, and walked quickly, but quietly to English.
The rest of the day went without incident, and the weekend passed by quickly. I was also grounded, because of the food fight and Penny absolutely loves that. Soon enough it was Monday and mom was driving me to Holt High School. Once I got there, I found my way to the office to get my schedule.
"Hello; how may I help you?" The nice desk lady asked.
"Hi. I'm Sam Luis and I'm here for the program that is from Prentice Hall High." I told her and she looked at her computer.
"Oh so you're Samantha Luis?" She asked.
"Yeah, but I go by Sam. Um can I get my schedule now?" I asked and she nodded, handing me the crisp white sheet. I thanked her and walked into the hall to read my schedule.
Samantha Alexandria Luis
School: Holt High School
Coming From: Prentice Hall High School
Address: 412 Maple Wood Lane
Timetable
Period Class Room # Teacher
1 Music 502 Ms. Dey
2 Geometry 2616 Mr. Carlson *
3 World History 605 Ms. Mann *
4 Biology 1506 Mr. Fain *
*~ Classes failing at other school
Lunch after 3rd period.
Bus: 216
I walked downstairs to 500-600 wing and went down the 500 side to see where my Music class was. I love music and it was of the classes I was passing as well as English. I finally got to the room and looked inside to see people in different places talking. I knocked on the door and I saw a boy about my age open the door. He looked stunned to see me here.
"S-Sam?" He stuttered and I nodded in confusion.
"Um yeah, who are y-" I interrupted myself because I knew who he was. He was my neighbor, Logan I think.
"Hey. You're my neighbor Logan right?" I asked and he nodded slowly.
"Um yeah. What are you d-doing here?" He asked in somewhat of a nervous tone.
"Maybe I could tell you more if you let me inside?" I teased and his face turned beet red.
"S-Sure, come on in Sam." He said and I walked into the classroom.
"Ms. Dey the new student is here." Logan shouted and everyone in the classroom looked at me. I could feel myself getting nervous.
"Oh hello. You must be Samantha Luis. Welcome to 10th grade Music." Ms. Dey told me and I smiled.
"Thank you, but can you call me Sam? That's what my friends call me." I told her.
"Ok Sam. You can sit next to Logan." Ms. Dey stated and everyone in the room gasped. No one made a comment; however. I walked to the back of the room and sat down.
"Today we are going to do oral presentations!" Ms. Dey announced and a lot of people were either happy or upset.
"Why doesn't Ms. Luis go first?" Ms. Dey asked, and I nodded in nervousness. I walked back to the front of the room and sang Dark Side by: Kelly Clarkson. When I was done, everyone in the classroom clapped except this one girl in cheerleader outfit she wore a frown on her face, and had an evil glint in her eyes. I knew then that I had to watch out for her.
"That was incredible Sam. A+!" Ms. Dey cried and I smiled.
"Thanks." I told her and sat back down in my seat. I saw Logan stare at me with a dreamy expression.
"Are you ok Logan?" I asked amusement clearly in my tone. He soon snapped out of his stupor.
"What?" He asked very confused.
"I asked if you were ok." I laughed in amusement.
"Oh um yeah I'm ok, you sang beautifully Sam." He said and his cheeks were instantly dusted with pink; so were mine.
"Thank You Logan." I told him and he smiled. Soon everyone sang their presentations, next was Logan.
"Logan come on. You know you have to pass this class." Ms. Dey pleaded, but Logan never came up to sing. Ms. Dey then gave up and proceeded to tell us about the big project.
"Class we are going to do a love song project. I am going to give you guy's partners and you must chose a love song that represents the both of you. Partners will be boy/girl. Anna and Drake, Sandy and Neal, Sam and Logan, Maria and Tom, lastly Taylor and Jeff." Ms. Dey finished and the bell rung soon after.
"Projects are due next Friday!" Ms. Dey shouted and everyone ran out of the classroom.
"Do you want to meet up at my house after school Logan?" I asked him, and he nodded eagerly.
"Yeah sure. Do you mind if I stop by the high school first? I have to pick up my little brother." He asked and I smiled.
"Sure. Meet you by the gate." I told him and left the room to search for my next class.
Later on school was over and I pretty decent day. I just my friend Lola a lot today seeing as I knew no one here but Logan who was nowhere to be found during lunch. Anyway I saw Logan standing by the gate and I walked over to him.
"Ok I'm ready to go." I said and Logan nodded.
"Alright let's go." He told me and we walked silently to Prentice Hall. Well almost silently.
"Sam? How did you get into Holt High?" Logan asked almost nervously and I had what resembled a half smile, yet half frown on my face.
"Remember that food fight I got blamed for?" He nodded. "Well Vice Principal Higgins put me in the program for the kids who need an attitude adjustment. I'm also not passing some of my classes, so I'm here to pick up credits for those classes. I'm not failing Music. I just took that for extra credit." I told him and I could tell he understood.
"So why are you at Holt High?" I asked him and his cheeks flushed pink.
"I'm kind of... failing Music. I just take other classes for extra credit." He told me.
"Well why are you failing Music? Is it because you won't sing?" I questioned and he nodded.
"Yeah I mean I just have serious stage fright, so I can't get up and sing. I don't even know if I'm any good at singing!" Logan exclaimed.
"Well I'm going help you. We are not going to get an F, because of your stage fright." I told him determined. He put on a soft smile. One that almost made me blush. Almost.
"Thanks Sam." He said I smiled and soon we arrived at the school. I needed to come here anyway, because mom told me that I had to pick up Katie. I saw her and Aidan sitting on the steps talking about something. We saw her look over at us and she took off running straight toward me. I could feel tears running down my shirt.
"Penny." Was all she said, but enough to get me angry. It was one thing to mess with me, but our baby sister was crossing the line.
"What did she do?" I asked lowly. I could see out of the corner of my eye that Logan and Aidan widened their eyes.
"Remember what she did to you on Friday?" She asked and I nodded.
"Well she came to my table, poured my juice all over my clothes and smashed my food in my face. She called me a loser, and that I would forever be a nobody. I ran out of the cafe crying hearing everyone's laughter fill my ears. Lola was sick so she couldn't do anything. Luckily, Adian found me and told me that she was wrong. He is a really great friend Sam." She told me and went over to hug Adian. His face turned the brightest shade of red.
"It was no big deal." He told me and I smiled at the exchange.
"Wrong it was a huge deal. Penny is always making a fool out of Katie and I. Thank you for sticking up for her Adian." I told him and he smiled.
"You're welcome Sam." Adian grinned. I then turned to Logan.
"Any chance we could do the project at your house? I really don't want to see Penny right now and I'm sure Katie doesn't either." I asked him.
"Y-Yeah we could totally do that. Our m-mom won't mind." Logan stuttered and started walking quickly toward our houses. Adian, Katie, and I started snickering, but followed him anyway. Soon enough we got to his house. It was a very nice one story house just like mine with pretty lilies outside of it. I'm a big sucker for lilies. We walked inside and saw Aidan and Logan's mom walking from the kitchen I believe. I've only been in their house once, so I have no idea where everything is.
"Hello boys. Oh I see we have company, Hi Sam, Katie it's very nice to see you again." She smiled and we smiled back at her. You see when my family first moved here, Ms. White came over to our house to help us get settled in. She brought over Logan and Aidan too, and we came over their house for dinner. Ms. White was a lovely woman too. She was about 5'4" with curly, long black hair and piercing blue, green eyes. She was also wearing a blue short sleeved dress, with black flats and a smiley face gold pendant. Logan and Aidan have their mother's hair, but Adian must have his father's eyes because his eyes are brown. Logan on the hand has his mother's eyes. They remind of the ocean. Then I realized that I didn't respond to Ms. White.
"It's nice to see you too Ms. White." I told her.
"That's good sweetheart and call me Sarah. So what are you guys up too?" She asked.
"Well Sam and I are working on a project and Katie wanted to come with us to our house." Logan told her and I nodded grateful he didn't tell her the real reason Katie was here.
"Ok dearies. Well I just came to see who was coming in. I'm currently making dinner and it should be ready in about twenty minutes. Would you girls like to stay for dinner?" Sarah asked and I could see the pleading look in Logan and Adian's eyes.
"I would have to ask our mom, but we would love to." I told her and all three of them beamed with a smile. Logan and Aidan had a look realization and started to blush which I thought was cute. I looked at Katie and she probably thought the same thing.
"Oh wonderful. Would you like to call her or just go to your house to tell her?" Sarah questioned and I chose to call. I pulled out my cell phone and dialed her number.
"Hello?"
"Hi mom. May Katie and I have dinner at the White's house tonight? Plus Logan and I have a project to do."
"Hmm... Fine. But you and Katie will work an extra shift tomorrow at the restaurant." She told me, which I didn't think was fair, but whatever.
"Ok mom. I have to go. See you later."
"Bye." She responded then hung up. Oh yeah I guess I forgot to mention that my mom owns a restaurant that is set up down the street from our house. It's called May's Station which is my mom's name. She sells anything whatever she can cook, and we all have jobs at the restaurant.
"My mom said we could stay for dinner Sarah." I told her trying out the name.
"That's great sweetheart. Like I said dinner won't be ready for twenty more minutes. Get started on your project. Katie and Adian, you guys can either head up to Adian's room or to the den for homework." Sarah told us and then went back in the kitchen to finish dinner.
"Do you want to work in my room Sam?" Logan asked bringing me out of thoughts.
"Sure lead the way." I told him and followed him down the hall to his room after saying goodbye to Katie. The first thing I noticed was that there are pictures of cameras and famous directors everywhere. I also saw a shiny new camera and a Hollywood movie clapper.
"Wow. Do you want to direct movies someday?" I asked him and he looked surprised that I even asked.
"Um yeah. I love directing and the thrill it would give me to see something I directed on the big screen is just too great." He wistfully told me. I could see him being a director. What he felt about directing was the exact way I feel about my writing. I really want to write a book or write for a TV show. Even a movie would be great to write for.
"Yeah I feel the exact same way about writing. I would love to see my writing published into the big time. Where my creativity could be expressed through anything and it would be awesome if people loved what I wrote." I told him. It was my dream after all. He smiled softly.
"We have a lot in common Sam." He smiled. I thought he looked really cute the way his eyes sparkled from the sun coming from his window, and how his black hair looked shiny with the strands coming down in waves. Wait. What am I thinking?! I barely know him. I can't think about him this way, not after last time... Then I was suddenly snapped out of my thoughts by a tanned hand in front of my face.
"Are you ok Sam?" Logan asked concerned.
"Um yeah I'm good. So what song do you think we should do for the project?" I asked pretty distracted.
"Well the song has to be about love that represents us. I think we should get to know each other first, then we can choose a song for the project." He explained.
"Sure sounds like a plan." I told him and we spent the next few minutes explaining about our lives. I learned that his favorite color is green, his birthday is May 27th, and that he loved watching cartoons with his brother every Saturday.
*Logan*
I learned a lot about Sam. Her favorite color is blue even though her room is black and white, her birthday is March 18th, and that she loves watching the Too Cute! Show on Animal Planet.
"It's my weakness. I just really love puppies." She claimed and I chuckled. Sam really is one of a kind. Soon we were called down for dinner. Mom made us Chicken Alfredo which was Sam's and my favorite. Soon we all grabbed a plate and sat down.
"Katie and Sam. How are you ladies getting along in school? I know it's your first year of high school Katie." My mom asked politely. I love my mom, but sometime she sounds so proper it gets on my nerves.
"Yeah Sarah, we are getting along pretty good. I've been helping out Katie so she can relax into her first year." Sam told my mom.
"Wonderful. I am glad you guys are liking school. How are your mom and sister doing?" Mom asked and I could see Sam's chocolate brown eyes get darker. Her face lit up like a Christmas lights at Christmas time. Not from embarrassment, but anger. Katie took that moment to speak.
"Our mom is fine. She's still running the business like always. Our sister is ok I guess." Katie said quietly, yet quickly so Sam couldn't get a word in. Penny is not good in their terms after what happened today. The air was tense for the rest of dinner. No one bothered to say anything, afraid if they did, Sam or someone else might get mad again. Soon dinner was over, and Sam and I went back to my room to pick the song for the project.
"I'm sorry about my mom. She just didn't know about... well you know." I told her nervous she would snap at me, but all she did was smile weakly.
"It's fine. Penny is always making trouble for us. I just wish that she would leave Katie alone. She's our baby sister and Penny knows that she can get to me, if she messes with her. Now that I'm going to Holt for weeks at a time, I can't be there to see what happens and I just d-don't know w-w-what to d-do." Sam told me as her voice wavered off. I looked up to her eyes to realize they are full with oncoming tears. I hate to see girls cry, but when Sam does cries it breaks my heart. I pulled her into a tight hug and she cried in my chest. I could smell her rosemary scent perfume as I hugged her tighter. She cried for a few more minutes, before she finally stopped and pulled back.
"I-I'm sorry for crying on y-you." She stuttered and I just smiled.
"Sam, it's cool. You needed a shoulder to cry on, and even though we kind of just got to know each other, I feel like I've known you forever." I told her and when she widened her eyes I realized what I said.
"Y-y-you know i-if you f-feel the s-same w-way?" I stuttered out to her. Great now she's probably figuring out I have a giant crush on her. However, all she did was smile.
"I do Logan. Thanks for being there for me." Sam told me and gave me another hug. I could feel my cheeks turning red at the contact.
"You're welcome." I told her and before she could say anything else her phone rang. We pulled apart so she could answer her phone.
"Hello?" She asked the person on the phone and it was silent for a second before she responded.
"Ok. We'll be there in a few minutes, bye." She answered back and then hung up.
"That was my mom, she wants Katie and I home now." Sam told him and I felt disappointment flood within me at her departure.
"Oh." I just uttered and I guess she could see the disappointment on my face because she smiled sadly.
"It's ok. We will see each other tomorrow ok. How about we wait for the bus tomorrow together since we still have to be at Holt?" Sam asked me and I felt ecstatic.
"Sure." I said really calmly and she smiled.
"Cool. See you tomorrow." Sam told me giving me one last hug, then left to find Katie. Soon they left the house and it was time for Aidan and me to go to bed. Not in store for what comes tomorrow.
......
I woke up the next morning feeling great since I get to wait for the bus with Sam. Yeah, I'm whipped and she's not even mine. So what? Anyway, I got dressed in a Brooklyn t-shirt with some light washed jeans and my black Timberland's. I ate breakfast and took Adian to his bus stop and when that was over I looked over at the Holt high bus stop to see that Sam wasn't there yet. I ran to her house and before I could ring the doorbell, Sam opened the door quickly and I dropped my mouth at what she was wearing. Sam was wearing a pinkish lace shirt with a black pony skirt, lace tights, small heeled boots, her leather jacket, a black knit skully, and a studded bracelet. How this woman can get any more gorgeous I have no idea, but Sam has accomplished just that.
"Um Logan. Are you alright?" Sam asked bring me out of my thoughts about her.
"Y-Yeah I'm cool. Uh... You look gorgeous Sam." I blurted out and I immediately blushed and so did she.
"Thank you Logan. I just wanted to change for a day. So ready to go. Katie is sick so she's not going to school and I pulled a prank on Penny so she's not awake either." Sam told me and I just couldn't stop smiling.
"Yeah, let's go." I told her and we both ran to the bus stop, just as the bus pulled up. We sat next to each other and I asked her what prank she pulled on Penny.
"Logan it was the best one I have ever pulled on her. So in the middle of the night I unplugged her alarm clock, and I woke up, got dressed and all that. The reason I was late was because I was waiting for Katie to come up so I could take her to the bus stop, but she never showed up so I went downstairs and saw that she was really sick. I got everything that she needed to make her feel better and told her to go back to sleep and that if Penny asked where I was, to not say anything. I mean I know unplugging her alarm clock isn't that good, but the after effects are great, because she hates being late and sorry if I'm rambling I do that a lot." She told me in one breath and I just chuckled.
"It's fine Sam. So ready for your second day at Holt High?" I questioned her and she nodded.
"Yeah I guess. I mean you're the only one I know there so there isn't much to be ready for. Maybe we can come back to my house so I can take care of Katie and we can work on the song for Music?" She explained.
"That would be cool." I told her.
"Awesome." She smiled and I smiled back. Soon we reached the school and we got off the bus together, both heading to music. I heard cat calls and call me coming from various guys in the hallway toward Sam. I could feel the rage of jealousy bubble up in me, but before I could do anything Sam just rolled her eyes and flipped the bird at them. When got to music, I just let all the laughter out of me and Sam just smiled.
"Wow you really hate the guys here." I chuckled and she nodded.
"Yeah most of them probably don't even want a relationship. They just want to toy with my feelings and then drop me, when I don't want to give it to him. I learned that the hard way." She frowned and before I could ask her what she meant, Ms. Dey walked in the room.
"Good morning class." Ms. Dey announced and we all said good morning back.
"Today we are going to improvise with your singing. I will call you up randomly and you will sing any song you choose as long as it's appropriate for school." Ms. Dey explained and I was scared. I still have stage fright and I know I'm going to fail this assignment like I have with others. While Ms. Dey got out her class list, Sam grabbed my hand and laced our fingers together. I could feel my face turn a thousand shades of red.
"Logan. When you go up there, just think of me and you alone in the room. You seem like you're more relaxed with me so if you just imagine just the two of us in the room, I know you would be able to sing. Please try ok?" She explained her actions and squeezed my hand. I do feel more relaxed with her. I think I can do this.
"Thanks Sam." I told her with all honestly on my face. She blushed under my intense stare.
"You're welcome." She whispered. I felt the whole world disappear around me. That it was just Sam and I. I could feel us both leaning in, closely drawn to each other. However, the world seemed against us as Ms. Dey called Sam's name to go first.
"Sam you're first." Ms. Dey announced and we drew back both blushing. I was very angry, yet nervous. What would have happened if Ms. Dey hadn't called Sam's name and we would have kissed? I could worry about that later. I thought as Sam got up. She looked slightly sick and I wondered in concern what was going on.
"Um I'm going to be singing All I've Ever Needed by: AJ Michalka." She said, with a shaky tone in her voice, but she sung that song with such raw emotion. I even saw tears in her eyes going down her flushed cheeks. I was really worried by the time she finished singing. She looked at everyone and we all had shocked expressions on our faces. Even Ms. Dey did. Before we could say anything thing, Sam suddenly bolted from the classroom, tears rushing down her face. I immediately stood up.
"Ms. Dey may I go check on her?" I asked rushed. I needed to see if she was ok.
"Yes go ahead Logan." She forced out despite her shock of what just happened. I bolted out of the classroom and followed the hollow, rushing sound of Sam's footsteps. I finally heard them stop running and I turned a corner to see her on the floor with her head in her hands. I approached her slowly.
"Sam?" I hesitantly asked and she slowly picked up her head. She looked dead in the eyes. All I saw was sadness and suddenly she jumped up and fell in my arms. I held her as she sobbed in my chest. After a while she finally stopped and looked up at me with such sadness I thought I was going to cry.
"Do you want to tell me what's going on, if not we can just sit here until you feel better?" I asked since I sat us down while she was crying.
"N-No. You deserve to know. Do you wonder why I never speak of my Dad or past boyfriends?" She stuttered and I froze when she mentioned past boyfriends, however put aside my feelings about that and nodded answering her question.
"W-Well. A few years back before I moved to Raleigh, um I had a boyfriend that my dad never approved of. I really cared for him and I thought he cared for me too. I was actually um not the way I am now. I was almost just like Penny is now. All girly and fluffy, but James my b-boyfriend started to change. He became more angry and a-aggressive toward me. He even s-struck me when I came to dates late, because my dad told me I had to get my homework done first. I-I tried to break up with him, but he wouldn't have it. We were at my house when I tried to break up with him, and my dad came home and saw him s-slap me across the face. He yelled at James and asked him 'what do you think you're doing to my daughter?' J-James just smirked and pulled out a-a g-g-gun and s-shot my f-f-father!" Sam ended hysterical and I held her tightly in shock. How could someone so cruel do this to her? She is such a bright, lovely woman with so much potential and to hear this story breaks my heart.
"W-What happened to your um dad?" I questioned quietly. She just looked up at me.
"I called 911 and they came, rushing him to the hospital as fast as they could. The desk lady called my mom and my sisters. We waited all night before the doctor finally told us that he hadn't made it. My mom was crying so badly and Penny tried comforting her, but glared at me all the same. She knew it was my fault that we lost dad that day. Katie just tried to tell me it wasn't my fault, but I didn't listen. I just ran out of the hospital and into the darkness. I ran into the middle of the street and looked up to see two headlights. I got run over by a car and woke up three days later in the hospital. I fractured my knee and it never really healed so I have to take pills for it and wear a knee brace at night. Penny and my mom never forgave me ever since then. Katie was my only friend for a while until we moved to Raleigh and I met Lola and you. That's probably going to change now, since you most likely think it's my fault he died." Sam finished numbly. Like it didn't even matter. I decided to make a bold move and kiss her forehead. She looked up in shock and I just blushed, but softly smiled.
"Sam. I don't blame you for your dad's death ok. Whenever you need me, I will always be there for you. I care a lot for you and don't want anything like that to happen again. I will try to protect and be there for you whenever you need me. I promise." I told her and she looked at me with such admiration in her eyes, I thought I was going to cry out at any moment. Instead she just hugged me tighter.
"Thank you so much for being there for me Logan. I don't know what I would have done without you." She told me and I sadly smiled.
"No problem Sam." I told her and just held her until the bell rung. Students around us either looked at us in shock, with a smirk or ignored us as they were trying to get to their other classes or their friends. Sam and I just stood up in sadness as we don't have classes with each other for the rest of day. I just hugged her, then pulled back to tell her what I needed too.
"How about we meet outside after school so we can walk back to Prentice to get my brother, then walk to your house to finish the project and you can watch Katie like we agreed yeah?" I told her and she nodded.
"Sure." She smiled.
"Ok well we better head to class." I said and we walked back to music to get the rest our stuff we left behind and Ms. Dey wrote us passes to our next classes after asking Sam if she was alright.
"I'm fine Ms. Dey. I'm sorry I scared you it's just the song reminds me of my dad and he passed away a few years back." Sam told her and Ms. Dey nodded sadly.
"Oh dear it's fine Sam. Here is your pass. Logan where are you going?" She asked.
"I'm going to English II." I told her and she gave me a pass.
"Ok off to class. I will see you tomorrow." She waved and the minute Sam and I left the classroom, the bell rung signaling the start of 2nd period.
"I'll see you later Sam." I told her and she looked over at me.
"See you later Logan." She smiled and went up the stairs. I just hope she has good day.
.....
The rest of the day went through a blur. Some people talked about what happened this morning, but otherwise it was good day for the most part. Once the bell rung ending the school day I immediately left the building and started heading toward the school gate to meet Sam. Hmm Sam, I hope she is ok. I still can't believe that I calmed her down so much this morning. I know I couldn't fall for her any harder than I have now... I know I would never hurt her, unlike her jerk of an ex-boyfriend. However, I don't think she's ready to be in a relationship yet. However if she is, I want it to be with me. I thought as I was walking to the school gate. I saw Sam just waiting there and when she glanced up and saw me, her face brighten up and she walked quickly to me. As soon as she reached me, she hugged me tight. My face lit up in crimson. She just laughed at me and pulled back.
"What was that for? Not that I didn't like it... I mean um yeah..." I stuttered and she smiled.
"That was for helping me, and being my friend today. Thank you again." She told me.
"Sam, like I said before I will always be there for you." I said. She agreed and we started to walk toward Prentice Hall. When we got there, Penny was sitting on the stairs with Aidan looking awful and that was a true shock. Her mini skirt was ripped and covered in some kind of substance and her top was slightly burned. One of her heels was broken and her hair was tangled in knots so tight it look liked she would have to cut the strands to get them out. As soon as she saw us, it looked like fire was coming out of her ears and her face was boiled red. She limped over to us and started shouting in Sam's face who had a smirk on her face the whole time.
"I can't believe you did this to me!" She yelled in Sam's face.
"I didn't do anything." Sam said innocently.
"YES YOU DID!! 'Penny shrieked' You disarmed my alarm clock so I would be late this morning, so I had to ask our sick sister where you were and she wouldn't say a word! I had to take the smelly, stinky bus and some old man spilled this horrible container of moldy soup on me. It landed on my shirt and skirt creating a stain, not to mention that my top had electrical wiring in it, so the soup made it catch on fire! I had to use water from the sick lady next to me to put it out also putting knots in my hair. Then as soon as I got to school, I tripped on the curb and broke my heel of my shoe, not to mention that I landed on the bike rack and ripped what was left of my skirt making it look even shorter than possible! Why do you have to ruin my LIFE!!!?" She finally ended the rant and Sam just smirked.
"Well, how was I supposed to know that unplugging your alarm clock would do all this damage?" Sam asked. Penny looked furious.
"You shouldn't have done it in the first place!! You always have to ruin things for people. You ruined my day, you ruined mom's happiness by killing our father. Why don't you just drop dead already! No one would care about you if you did. Not mom, not Katie and certainly not me." Penny finished and the smirk on Sam's face immediately dropped. Penny looked satisfied in what she did.
"Exactly. Have fun with the rest of your life Sam, because I no longer care for or about you." Penny smirked and limped away I assume toward our houses. I looked at Sam carefully and she looked crestfallen. I couldn't believe her sister would stoop so low as to say that.
"Sam... I-" She interrupted.
"No Logan. She's right... I should just drop dead already. No one would care and even though it was a harmless prank, I didn't know how my sister truly felt about me. At least now I know. I'm going to um go. I'll see you later." She muttered and before I could say anything she took off running. I looked over at Adian and he looked in pure shock after witnessing the scene before him. I would deal with that later. Right now I need to get to Sam before she hurts herself.
"Adian, I know you're shocked, but I need to get to Sam ok, let's go." I said quickly and we rushed off.
A few minutes later we arrived home, dropped our books off and hurried out of the house to Sam's. Luckily mom wasn't home so I didn't need to explain myself. I had a really bad feeling and I knew Sam was about to do something bad. We got there and I banged on door for several minutes before finally Katie opened the door with a weary expression on her face.
"Logan, Adian? What are you guys doing here?" She questioned, tiredly.
"Where is your sister Katie this is important." I hurriedly asked and she just looked confused.
"Well Penny is in the shower, and Sam is in her room. What's going on?" Katie questioned again.
"Where is Sam's room Katie?" I asked impatiently.
"Down the hall and make a left, Logan what is going on?" She asked.
"Fill her in, I have to make sure Sam is ok." I told Adian and rushed past Katie to Sam's room. I finally reached the door and opened it to find a horrible sight. Sam had a rope tied around her neck that was attached to the ceiling fan in her room and she was standing on a chair. She kicked off and I caught her before the rope tightened around her neck. I untied the rope and she looked at me with tears in her eyes.
"WHY COULDN'T YOU HAVE LET ME DO IT? WHY LOGAN? WHY!!" She cried and crumpled in my arms.
She sobbed so hysterically I pulled her into my chest telling her to let it all out. Soon I heard panicked footsteps rushing down the hall and saw Katie in the doorway with tears in her eyes along with Adian who was right behind her. Penny broke her, no shattered her with what she said today. My winsome girl just let all the guilt eat her alive until Penny pushed her over the edge. I have pure hatred for Penny and I honestly think that it will never go away. We all just sat there listening to Sam's cries and I felt pure heartache for her. I want to try my best to make her feel loved and appreciated, but she would never go for a guy like me. Doesn't mean I shouldn't try. Eventually Sam stopped crying and I looked at my brother and her sister, silently asking for a privacy. They nodded and both left the room. When they left the room, I finally poured all my feelings into the next words I was about to say.
"Sam, Penny is wrong. I don't care about what she told you as it's completely untrue. You are loved and cherished, by so many people. Your friends, Katie, my brother the list goes on. Yes, your last boyfriend did something completely unforgivable, however, your mom and sister shouldn't blame you for it. Samantha you are gorgeous, lovable, feisty, smart, clever, fun, and joyful to be around. I can't believe that I fell in love with such an amazing woman like you. Yes I fell in love with you and have been since the day you moved to Raleigh. You are so special to me, it's unbelievable that you are treated with such disrespect. I wish that I could make you feel the words I say to you, but you probably don't even feel the same way. I just hope you find your prince charming soon, and that he treats you right, because you deserve it." I explained everything I felt to her. Sam looked at me in pure shock and disbelief. She suddenly, however did something that shocked me to the core in the happiest way possible....
Samantha Luis kissed me. It took me a while to catch up, before I finally kissed my dream girl back. She kissed back with all that she was feeling and I did too. Unfortunately since we are humans, we need air to breath so we had to stop. When we did, she started to explain her actions.
"Logan, thank you for everything you have done for me. I know that we haven't really gotten to know each other until yesterday, but I fell so hard in love with you, I was scared you would be like James. I couldn't trust people after that and I tried so hard to talk myself into not loving you, but it didn't work and I fell for you anyway. I am glad, however, to have you with me and I realize that you are nothing like James. You are so sweet and kind to me. You make me feel so loved and I'm thrilled that my feelings are not one-sided. I love you Logan White." Sam tearfully claimed and I just kissed her softly, but pulled away so I could say what I needed too.
"I love you too Samantha Luis. I love you too." I said and she just kissed me again with all the love that we have for each other. This was a new beginning for all of us...
*Seven Years Later*
*Sam*
A lot happened to us over the years. Logan and I graduated college last year and got our dream jobs we have always wanted soon after. I became a writer like I wanted and became the best-selling author of the year. Logan became a director like he wanted and directed the famous, romance, blockbuster of the summer called Paradise Love, which I happened to write the script of. The rest of my family is doing pretty good too. Adian finally asked out Katie back in their sophomore year of high school and have been dating ever since. They are both senior's in college now. Penny pretty much never spoke to me again and I didn't bother to contact her either. It hurts me sometimes, since she is my sister, but telling me to drop dead isn't a very sisterly thing to say. When Katie was seventeen and Penny and I were eighteen, our mom had a heart attack and didn't survive. I still miss her to this day even though she stopped telling me she loved me after dad died. My best friend Lola became a journalist after we graduated college and I'm still in touch with her every day. Who knew that my life would have turned out just like this? All I needed was faith, trust and a little neighborly love to get me where I am now and I couldn't have been happier in my entire life without it...
Thank you for reading this really long story. It took me almost a year to complete it, however, I'm glad the story is final done. I hope you guys loved it as much as I did writing it. Writing is a huge part of my life and I hope some day this can become an actual book. Thanks again! ~Tyler.