The first call had gone unanswered. Now her mom was calling for the second time.
I had never seen Sam like this. Her hands were shaking while she continuously tapped her leg against the floor.
"I should probably leave," she muttered, getting up.
"And probably pick the call?" I said, not sure if it was good or bad.
"Ohh, yeah." She recalled, bringing the phone to her face. She took a deep breath before answering it. "Hello," she whispered, placing the phone on her ear.
There was a brief silence, then, "I'm sorry." Her voice was low and defeated.
"No! Please don't." She said, her voice a little louder. "I'll take a cab."
"No, I'm at a friend's house." She was now at the door.
"I was just leaving," she muttered, locking the door behind her. For a moment, I froze, not sure what to do. Should I go after her? Should I let her be? Then I noticed her bag on the coffee table.
If I didn't have an excuse before to go after her, I sure did now. I grabbed her bag, heading to the door, then stopped to go back and pick up my keys.
I'm going to drive her back. I can't let her take a cab in her state.
I don't know how long it took me, but by the time I was in the hallway, she was nowhere to be seen. I rushed to the lift, pressing the button nonstop.
After what seemed like forever, the doors opened and I stepped in, instantly pressing the ground button.
Sam was in front of my building, still on the phone. I watched her as I made my way to her. I can't believe this might be the last time I get to see her. Just when I was starting to accept what I feel for her. Maybe it's a good thing, because I would have most definitely left my heart shattered in pieces. Better early than later, right?
As much as I tried to ignore the pain in my chest, it got worse when I got to her. Her vanilla scent bringing nostalgia. Every moment I'd had with her replaying in my head. The first time I saw her, our first sleepover, how she'd been there when I needed her. I couldn't get it in my head that she was leaving.
I had to be there for her. I'd do anything to keep her, no matter what consequences it came with.
"Okay," Sam muttered, bringing me back to reality. I clenched my hands as her red, swollen eyes landed on me. I knew — but dismissed — I had something for her. What I didn't know was how much I cared for her. But seeing her in so much pain let me in on the secret.
"You left your bag," I said, handing it to her. "Is everything okay?" I couldn't help myself.
"Yeah, she wants me back as soon as possible," she said, letting out a chuckle.
"She's gonna definitely lock me in my room."
"Huh?" Was she being serious?
"Not literally, but I'm sure she's gonna tighten her security," she added, realizing my state. "Ugh."
"What?" Her eyes were fixed on her phone.
"The only cab nearby is fifteen minutes away," she mumbled.
"I can drive you?" I said, more as a question.
"Right, Brandon told me you got a car," she recalled. I shook my head, a smile tagging my lips. Brandon kept proving he can't keep anything to himself.
"Right," I muttered, leading her to my car.
"Oh my God, it's just as Brandon described!" she exclaimed. "I knew you were loaded, but I didn't think it was this much. Show me your ways."
I wished this moment would last forever. Her voice was warm just as I always remembered, her eyes sparkling.
"Not sure you would like it," I said, a smile on my face. God, she's so pretty.
"Really?" She paused to look at me. "Doing some bad girl shit somewhere?" She went back to investigating the car. "It's so you," she said, tracing the car. I let out a chuckle, opening the passenger door for her.
"Come on, get in," I said, motioning the way.
"Fine," she pouted but got in regardless. "But you have to tell me where you get all this money."
I closed the door and headed for the driver's side. She sat there, her hands over everything.
"Dead grandparents," I said, starting the car.
"Huh?" She hummed, confused.
"The money. You asked where I get it. Dead grandparents," I repeated.
"Oh, sorry. I didn't mean to—"
"No problem. It happened a few years ago. I've come to terms with it now," I cut her off. "Left or right?"
"Right," Sam said, her voice low.
"You know you're welcome at my place any time, right?" I had to let her know I was there for her.
"I figured."
"Good."
"Or I should just run away."
"And go where?" I wondered.
"Anywhere and everywhere." She paused. "There's only one problem with that plan."
"And what's that?"
"I'm not loaded like you."
"We could always use my money."
"Really?" She sounded surprised. I could only imagine her eyes popping out as I focused on the road.
"Duh!" Her laugh echoed through the car as my lips curved upward.
"You're sweet," she whispered, placing her hand on my lap.
The sudden action sent shivers through my whole body, the hair on my hands standing. My heart pounded in my chest. An urge to close my eyes tugged at me.
The rest of the drive was quiet. My body was alert to the hand on my lap the whole way. It's funny how a small gesture could warm a person's heart. The whole time, I had the urge to place my hand on hers, but I couldn't bring myself to do it.
"Park here," she said, pointing to the side of the road. We were in an estate. Mansions surrounded the place. It was clear the kind of people that lived there. There were some kids riding bicycles and some skating.
"So this is where you live," I noted, looking around from my seat.
"And grew up," she said, matching my action.
"Fancy."
"Rich parents, what can I say," Sam said, letting out a chuckle. "I'm gonna miss you." Her voice was low, eyes on me.
I opened my mouth to say something, then shut it. My throat was dry.
"Hope I see you again before I leave," she added. "I better go in now." She leaned in and wrapped her arms around me. I closed my eyes, pulling her close. It was an uncomfortable position, but I never wanted to let her go.
She pulled away, and I caught her wiping a tear from her cheek.
"I could sneak into your room at night, but with this security, I don't think I can even get past the fence," I tried to joke, but the crack in my voice betrayed me.
"Bye, Jolls," she said, looking at me like she was trying to memorize every inch of my face before she got out, closing the door. I watched her figure as it disappeared into one of the mansions. Tears trickled down my face, never bothering to wipe them.
This is not going to be the last time I see her. I'm not going to let her slip from my life. Not her. Not ever.