Amour
Chapter 13
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
The rain's soft thumping on the roof of my Volvo is raised by several octaves on our drive home from the bar. Jase sits cross-legged in the back seat playing with my phone - I gave it to him because I don't wish to see Louis' name flashing across my screen in his urgent attempts to contact me. I never thought I'd have the strength to do what I just did, walking out on Louis was something I never thought possible for me but I guess I proved 'em wrong.
I pull into the driveway of our home and park the car safely under the protection of our garage.
"Hey there, guys. Why so late I was worried sick" Nana hugs both of us and releases us just before I was about to push away.
"It was a long shift and I'm tired. I'll put Jase to bed then I'll hit the hay too. 'Night" I give Nana a kiss and lead the way upstairs debating on whether to shower or cry first. Maybe I should cry in the shower.
After the hot shower - thankfully, not a tear was shed - I put on warm pyjamas and sit at my desk to go through my files when my phone rings.
The caller's name flashes onto the screen and I hit ignore, I don't want to talk to him. He continues to call for the next hour and I'm forced to switch the phone off.
That night tears rolls down my cheek and onto my pillow as I curl up in my blankets preparing for a black hole to swallow me up. My inability to stay away from Louis almost gets the better of me when I grab my phone to dial his number and apologise for overreacting. But I remember the hurt I felt when he didn't listen to me, I love him enough to overlook many things but a fight in a bar for no reason.
I know it was for no reason because when I was outside I'd spoken to someone who's name is vague right now but they informed me that 'the guy in black' just exploded when someone asked him to move. I'm disappointed when nothing happens, no black hole and I'm forced to arise the next day and get on with my life.
***
"Hey, Sam!" Zack runs over to me the second I get out of my car at campus on Monday. Today we pick up our new handbooks today with all the due assessments and tests before our final-finals.
"Hey Zack" I greet softly as if everything was suddenly too loud and I wanted to smack everyone who spoke too loudly.
"There's a movie on tonight at the local cinema, The Shining. They're re-showing it and will you please come with me?"
My immediate response was no but when I looked at him, I couldn't find it in me to break someone else's heart.
"Sure. Is Ella coming?"
"I asked but last night took a toll on her so she's skipping every outdoor activity today. We have to get a portfolio for her and drop it off"
"Awesome"
***
The entire day's lectures pass in the blink of an eye and I'm thrilled when we're dismissed. One by one students go to the teacher to collect their portfolios and Zack and I go last with my sorry ass dragging behind him. I've thrown my head into my studies, not wanting an extra second for my mind to formulate and remember things that are going to make me all fragile, I hate that.
"Samantha?" Mr. C calls just when I thought I was free. We have a ton of homework today and I really need a head-start especially if I'm going to a movie later.
"Yup"
"Can you do me a favour, please?"
"Sure"
"Those girls outside, Savannah and gang. Can you call them in for me?"
"Sure. Can I ask why?"
"In confidence?"
"Always"
"A student feels already quite uncomfortable here and Savannah made a not-so-nice remark a few days back that he complained about. So I'd like to tell her to.......back off"
"Do I know him?"
"Yeah, he's standing next to your bag"
When I glance up to where Mr. C was looking, no one besides Zack was anywhere near my bag. They picked on Zack? I'd kill them if it wasn't illegal.
"I'll call them in right away"
I leap up the stairs and inform Zack of my task before we leave. I'll be driving him home today because his car broke down plus I have to pick Jase up in ten minutes.
Outside several students are droning about aimlessly fumbling for keys when I spot the bright red Mercedes that is my target. But its different, someone else is there today. A male, a few of them actually. Oh great, more testosterone. Zack stays behind me - afraid? - while I stride up to them and the person leaning against the hood of Savannah's car comes into my full view. I did not see this coming.
*LOUIS POV*
Harry assured me that I'd get a reaction out of her this way but all I saw was her eyes widening when she saw me from across the parking lot then settling back into a poker face. She looks tired, there are very subtle bags beneath her eyes and I'd kiss it away if I could. She's walking up to us now, with Zack tailing her. What is wrong with that boy?
"Savannah" her voice doesn't carry and Savannah ignores her. When she gets close enough she clears her throat and calls again.
"Oh, Sam. Can I help you?" Savannah's voice is high and pitchy much like her personality.
I hate Harry for convincing me to do this, all I want to do is apologise to Sam, beg on my knees if have to but her ignoring my calls proved that she really was mad at me and now would be too soon.
"Mr. Copperfield wants to see you" Sam's voice is authorative and she avoids looking at me even though I could reach out and touch her. I want to touch her, to feel her soft skin again and hear those little groans she made whenever I kissed her neck.
"For what?"
"I don't know. I'm just the messenger"
"Oh hi there, Zack. How are you?" Samantha physically stiffens.
Zack remains quiet and eventually whispers something in Sam's ear. I decide to eavesdrop and hear him say '"I'll be in the car". Why is he going to be in the car? Where the Hell are they going? Oh Sam, I'm so terribly sorry. Take my sorry, pathetic ass back please.
As if Sam knows what I'm thinking she finally looks at me and gives me a weak smile, a goodbye smile before turning around to leave but Savannah stops her.
"Oh Sam! I want to introduce you to someone" Savannah puts her hand on Sam's shoulder turning her around.
"Its cool, I probably won't remember them anyway, Savannah" another weak smile and she leaves us standing there looking like idiots.
"You going to see Mr. C?" I ask while watching Sam dump her stuff into the Volvo and pull out of the parking lot. Our eyes meet for a full three seconds before she looks away and speeds off. In all that tiredness that now polluted her beauty I saw the pain, raw and well-hidden but I knew her well.
"Nope"
"Why does he wanna see you?"
"No idea"
"Are you lying?"
"Yes"
"What'd you do, Savannah?"
"Oh don't get fiesty, darling. It was nothing anyway", she walks around the car and hops in,"Coming?"
"No, I-uh got to visit a friend"
*SAM POV*
Talk about rebounding! To think I was on the verge of forgiving and forgetting. Thankfully, my real feelings towards what I saw today were well-hidden and I hoped Louis didn't see through my act. My heart felt heavy and ached with a kind of unreal pain, which is impossible. Is this what a break-up feels like? If it is, I hate it and I plan on dying alone somewhere on a farm with a dozen goats and no humans to.........to.........make me feel this way again.
Jase and Nana are at home and Zack and I are in the line to get popcorn. I don't know why because I don't like popcorn very much - not anymore - and Zack never eats during a movie. When its our turn Zack buys a pack of sour worms, two waters - we both share a hate of soda - and two different chocolate bars. Boy, am I getting fat tonight.
The movie isn't one I've always favoured despite my admiration of Jack Nicholson and the small author-crush I have on Stephen King because I felt it didn't do justice to the novel. When its over the popcorn is still full and we decide to abandon it - don't we live the thug life.
I drop off Zack then head on home to a shower and homework that will keep me up all night.
"Sammy, you really need to stop getting home so late, dear. You're going to give your Nana a heart attack one day" Nana is sitting on a double couch with the remote in hand.
She looks so angelic, what did I do to deserve her? I sit down on the couch beside her.
"Sorry, Nana. The movie took longer than I wanted"
"Do you have homework?"
"Tons"
"Then you should go get started. I'm here if you need any help, okay?"
"'Kay. Where's Jase?"
"I put him to bed. He was quite upset that you weren't here to do it yourself", she tucks a lock of my hair behind my ear,"Sammy, what's wrong?"
"What? Nothing"
"Don't lie to your grandmama. I know when something's not right. Tell me"
A tear betrays me by rolling down my cheek and onto my blouse. Traitor.
"Sammy? Oh honey, don't cry".
I let my head fall onto her shoulder and she wraps her arms around me as I wrap mine around her. The tears roll profusely down my face and I'm angry that it won't stop, my breath is hitched and choked me when I try to talk so I just bury my face in her chest letting all the emotion pour out.
"Break-ups are hard, sweety. Especially for you since you've never done it before" she comforts me while I sit sluggish and weak on her lap
"How do you know?"
"Because I've hard my fair share of broken hearts"
"No, how did you know it was a break-up?"
"Because you'd never cry for anything else, that's how. I could tell you really liked Louis and he you but whatever the reason for splitting up was, I'm sure you knew what you were doing"
"I- I don't know if I didn't the right thing, Nana. And I don't care, I just want it to stop hurting" my eyes are dams and the tears form tiny rivers that wet my shirt
"It will, baby girl. I promise you it will but you have to give it time. Whatever it is that's making you hurt, you have to find the root and destroy it"
"How?"
"You're going to have to find that out yourself because everyone's different. Is he finding it as hard as you are?"
"I don't know"
"I bet he is because I saw the way he looked at you, Sammy. I've only seen that look one time before"
"When?"
"A long time ago when your grandpa and I got married. He was a real nutcase but..........I loved that nutcase and I still do"
I swallow flinching at the shock of pain I feel in my throat as I stand up.
"Love you, Nana" I bend down and give a peck on the cheek
"Love you too, Sammy. Go get started on your homework and I'll bring up some Earl Grey"
"Okay"
Earl Grey Tea is my favorite tea and I drink it every morning before I go anywhere. Now the little Twinings label on the teabag floats about as I complete the final homework task I have tonight before going to bed. Its nearly 1 AM when I actually fall asleep.
The rain's soft thumping on the roof of my Volvo is raised by several octaves on our drive home from the bar. Jase sits cross-legged in the back seat playing with my phone - I gave it to him because I don't wish to see Louis' name flashing across my screen in his urgent attempts to contact me. I never thought I'd have the strength to do what I just did, walking out on Louis was something I never thought possible for me but I guess I proved 'em wrong.
I pull into the driveway of our home and park the car safely under the protection of our garage.
"Hey there, guys. Why so late I was worried sick" Nana hugs both of us and releases us just before I was about to push away.
"It was a long shift and I'm tired. I'll put Jase to bed then I'll hit the hay too. 'Night" I give Nana a kiss and lead the way upstairs debating on whether to shower or cry first. Maybe I should cry in the shower.
After the hot shower - thankfully, not a tear was shed - I put on warm pyjamas and sit at my desk to go through my files when my phone rings.
The caller's name flashes onto the screen and I hit ignore, I don't want to talk to him. He continues to call for the next hour and I'm forced to switch the phone off.
That night tears rolls down my cheek and onto my pillow as I curl up in my blankets preparing for a black hole to swallow me up. My inability to stay away from Louis almost gets the better of me when I grab my phone to dial his number and apologise for overreacting. But I remember the hurt I felt when he didn't listen to me, I love him enough to overlook many things but a fight in a bar for no reason.
I know it was for no reason because when I was outside I'd spoken to someone who's name is vague right now but they informed me that 'the guy in black' just exploded when someone asked him to move. I'm disappointed when nothing happens, no black hole and I'm forced to arise the next day and get on with my life.
***
"Hey, Sam!" Zack runs over to me the second I get out of my car at campus on Monday. Today we pick up our new handbooks today with all the due assessments and tests before our final-finals.
"Hey Zack" I greet softly as if everything was suddenly too loud and I wanted to smack everyone who spoke too loudly.
"There's a movie on tonight at the local cinema, The Shining. They're re-showing it and will you please come with me?"
My immediate response was no but when I looked at him, I couldn't find it in me to break someone else's heart.
"Sure. Is Ella coming?"
"I asked but last night took a toll on her so she's skipping every outdoor activity today. We have to get a portfolio for her and drop it off"
"Awesome"
***
The entire day's lectures pass in the blink of an eye and I'm thrilled when we're dismissed. One by one students go to the teacher to collect their portfolios and Zack and I go last with my sorry ass dragging behind him. I've thrown my head into my studies, not wanting an extra second for my mind to formulate and remember things that are going to make me all fragile, I hate that.
"Samantha?" Mr. C calls just when I thought I was free. We have a ton of homework today and I really need a head-start especially if I'm going to a movie later.
"Yup"
"Can you do me a favour, please?"
"Sure"
"Those girls outside, Savannah and gang. Can you call them in for me?"
"Sure. Can I ask why?"
"In confidence?"
"Always"
"A student feels already quite uncomfortable here and Savannah made a not-so-nice remark a few days back that he complained about. So I'd like to tell her to.......back off"
"Do I know him?"
"Yeah, he's standing next to your bag"
When I glance up to where Mr. C was looking, no one besides Zack was anywhere near my bag. They picked on Zack? I'd kill them if it wasn't illegal.
"I'll call them in right away"
I leap up the stairs and inform Zack of my task before we leave. I'll be driving him home today because his car broke down plus I have to pick Jase up in ten minutes.
Outside several students are droning about aimlessly fumbling for keys when I spot the bright red Mercedes that is my target. But its different, someone else is there today. A male, a few of them actually. Oh great, more testosterone. Zack stays behind me - afraid? - while I stride up to them and the person leaning against the hood of Savannah's car comes into my full view. I did not see this coming.
*LOUIS POV*
Harry assured me that I'd get a reaction out of her this way but all I saw was her eyes widening when she saw me from across the parking lot then settling back into a poker face. She looks tired, there are very subtle bags beneath her eyes and I'd kiss it away if I could. She's walking up to us now, with Zack tailing her. What is wrong with that boy?
"Savannah" her voice doesn't carry and Savannah ignores her. When she gets close enough she clears her throat and calls again.
"Oh, Sam. Can I help you?" Savannah's voice is high and pitchy much like her personality.
I hate Harry for convincing me to do this, all I want to do is apologise to Sam, beg on my knees if have to but her ignoring my calls proved that she really was mad at me and now would be too soon.
"Mr. Copperfield wants to see you" Sam's voice is authorative and she avoids looking at me even though I could reach out and touch her. I want to touch her, to feel her soft skin again and hear those little groans she made whenever I kissed her neck.
"For what?"
"I don't know. I'm just the messenger"
"Oh hi there, Zack. How are you?" Samantha physically stiffens.
Zack remains quiet and eventually whispers something in Sam's ear. I decide to eavesdrop and hear him say '"I'll be in the car". Why is he going to be in the car? Where the Hell are they going? Oh Sam, I'm so terribly sorry. Take my sorry, pathetic ass back please.
As if Sam knows what I'm thinking she finally looks at me and gives me a weak smile, a goodbye smile before turning around to leave but Savannah stops her.
"Oh Sam! I want to introduce you to someone" Savannah puts her hand on Sam's shoulder turning her around.
"Its cool, I probably won't remember them anyway, Savannah" another weak smile and she leaves us standing there looking like idiots.
"You going to see Mr. C?" I ask while watching Sam dump her stuff into the Volvo and pull out of the parking lot. Our eyes meet for a full three seconds before she looks away and speeds off. In all that tiredness that now polluted her beauty I saw the pain, raw and well-hidden but I knew her well.
"Nope"
"Why does he wanna see you?"
"No idea"
"Are you lying?"
"Yes"
"What'd you do, Savannah?"
"Oh don't get fiesty, darling. It was nothing anyway", she walks around the car and hops in,"Coming?"
"No, I-uh got to visit a friend"
*SAM POV*
Talk about rebounding! To think I was on the verge of forgiving and forgetting. Thankfully, my real feelings towards what I saw today were well-hidden and I hoped Louis didn't see through my act. My heart felt heavy and ached with a kind of unreal pain, which is impossible. Is this what a break-up feels like? If it is, I hate it and I plan on dying alone somewhere on a farm with a dozen goats and no humans to.........to.........make me feel this way again.
Jase and Nana are at home and Zack and I are in the line to get popcorn. I don't know why because I don't like popcorn very much - not anymore - and Zack never eats during a movie. When its our turn Zack buys a pack of sour worms, two waters - we both share a hate of soda - and two different chocolate bars. Boy, am I getting fat tonight.
The movie isn't one I've always favoured despite my admiration of Jack Nicholson and the small author-crush I have on Stephen King because I felt it didn't do justice to the novel. When its over the popcorn is still full and we decide to abandon it - don't we live the thug life.
I drop off Zack then head on home to a shower and homework that will keep me up all night.
"Sammy, you really need to stop getting home so late, dear. You're going to give your Nana a heart attack one day" Nana is sitting on a double couch with the remote in hand.
She looks so angelic, what did I do to deserve her? I sit down on the couch beside her.
"Sorry, Nana. The movie took longer than I wanted"
"Do you have homework?"
"Tons"
"Then you should go get started. I'm here if you need any help, okay?"
"'Kay. Where's Jase?"
"I put him to bed. He was quite upset that you weren't here to do it yourself", she tucks a lock of my hair behind my ear,"Sammy, what's wrong?"
"What? Nothing"
"Don't lie to your grandmama. I know when something's not right. Tell me"
A tear betrays me by rolling down my cheek and onto my blouse. Traitor.
"Sammy? Oh honey, don't cry".
I let my head fall onto her shoulder and she wraps her arms around me as I wrap mine around her. The tears roll profusely down my face and I'm angry that it won't stop, my breath is hitched and choked me when I try to talk so I just bury my face in her chest letting all the emotion pour out.
"Break-ups are hard, sweety. Especially for you since you've never done it before" she comforts me while I sit sluggish and weak on her lap
"How do you know?"
"Because I've hard my fair share of broken hearts"
"No, how did you know it was a break-up?"
"Because you'd never cry for anything else, that's how. I could tell you really liked Louis and he you but whatever the reason for splitting up was, I'm sure you knew what you were doing"
"I- I don't know if I didn't the right thing, Nana. And I don't care, I just want it to stop hurting" my eyes are dams and the tears form tiny rivers that wet my shirt
"It will, baby girl. I promise you it will but you have to give it time. Whatever it is that's making you hurt, you have to find the root and destroy it"
"How?"
"You're going to have to find that out yourself because everyone's different. Is he finding it as hard as you are?"
"I don't know"
"I bet he is because I saw the way he looked at you, Sammy. I've only seen that look one time before"
"When?"
"A long time ago when your grandpa and I got married. He was a real nutcase but..........I loved that nutcase and I still do"
I swallow flinching at the shock of pain I feel in my throat as I stand up.
"Love you, Nana" I bend down and give a peck on the cheek
"Love you too, Sammy. Go get started on your homework and I'll bring up some Earl Grey"
"Okay"
Earl Grey Tea is my favorite tea and I drink it every morning before I go anywhere. Now the little Twinings label on the teabag floats about as I complete the final homework task I have tonight before going to bed. Its nearly 1 AM when I actually fall asleep.
Heck yeah! I'm dying to know what happens next!
1/21/14