Twenty-One

****

Samantha's POV

I knew that voice, I knew it too well.

As soon as I recognized the voice, anger bursted through me.

"Blake, what are you doing here?" I asked strongly.

"I wanted to talk to you." he answered in a monotone.

"Please enlighten me on what made you think I wanted to talk to you? I want absolutely nothing to do with you! I dont understand why cant you leave me alone and let me be!" I screamed, letting all the anger pour out of me.

I didnt want to do this with him anymore. Of course I still had feelings for him, but they were being replaced by anger. Yes I provoked Blake but I didnt think he was going to take it that far. I felt so bad that Trent was hurt because of him.

I knew it was the alcohol that was making me so straightforward and flirty, but it felt good. I felt that I could get any boy I wanted, and I didnt need Blake.

"Just please listen. I was wrong I know that and I know I should feel sorry, but I dont. Everytime I saw him touch you and hold you tighter, the anger rose in me , and then when he pressed his lips to yours I just lost control. I don't want anyone touching you other than me, I love you Samantha and you belong with me." Blake said strongly.

I looked at him with disbelief. Was he actually saying these things?

I like Trent I really do, but in the back of my mind I know he'll never make me feel like Blake does. He wont make me happy to the point where im giddy. He wont put the butterflies in my stomach like Blake did. He wasnt worth the risk of getting hurt. And all of that made me angry. I was mad because Blake made me feel things that I never imagined I could feel. But all he did was hurt me, and all I could do was hope that over time I could feel those things for Trent.

"I dont care Blake ! You hurt me! If I belonged to you then I would be with you right now but im not! You need to get over it and let me do what I want!" I shouted.

We stared at each other in silence for a few moments, until Blake got up and stepped closer to me.

"I know you love me Sam, even after what I said to you. You still care and want to be with me. Your just trying to fight it because it seems like the right thing to do, but its not." He said standing inches away from me.

"Just give us a chance... you wont regret it." He continued as he gently cupped my cheek with his hand.

Deep down I knew he was right, but I couldn't admit it. I was afraid I would regret it. I needed to go with the safer choice and be without him, even though it will be harder, in the long run its less painful.

So I gritted my teeth and masked my face from all the emotions I held inside. He couldn't tell that the touch of his hand on my cheek was driving me insane.

"You should go, before Kiefer comes back." I said in a monotone and walked up the stairs and in the house, without looking back.

****

Blake's POV

I went to that party tonight cause I knew I would see Samantha there.

I didnt know that I would see her with other boys.

As soon as she walked in I spotted her from across the room. She looked beautiful, and I wasn't the only one who noticed. Boys would stare up and down her body probably thinking perverted thoughts, which were making me angry.

The girls that surrounded me would talk about mindless chatter that I ignored. My eyes were on Samantha the whole night.

The more she drank, the more I became restless. She was drinking to much and I had to stop her.

When I went over to her in the kitchen I told her to stop but I knew in the back of my mind that she was going to do the opposite.

Then Samantha went on antagonizing me. Flirting with some Bieber looking kid. As her hand pushed through his hair, I tightly clenched my fist with anger.

He was looking at her nervously with admiration and lust.

As her lips got closer to his I couldn't stand it no longer, I pulled her back roughly so that she was agaisnt my chest. I didn't mean to pin her so close to my chest but I did. Her face was inches away from mine and I could smell her deliciously fruity scent, and I was getting lost in her beautiful hazel eyes.

When she spoke to me it felt like we were the only 2 in the room. I got more excited as her lips came closer to mine.

As she placed kisses along my jaw, it felt as if my heart stopped in my chest.

Her hot breath was agaisnt my ear making me anxious.

"Too bad you lost your chance." she whispered in my ear, making my world crash around me.

"See ya around bad boy." she said, leaving me there shocked with my jaw dropped.

I made sure I followed Samantha with my eyes, but before I did I glared angrily at the Bieber looking boy.

I went in the other room and again was surrounded by girls talking about things that I wasn't interested.

I kept my eyes on Samantha and she noticed .

Each second that passed with her body against his, I lost more and more control.

I hated the fact that this guy got to hold her and feel her agaisnt him. I hated the fact that this guy was the reason for the smile on her face.

As soon as her lips pressed against his, I lost all self control.

Before I knew it I pulled him back, making him stumble and fall to the floor. I straddled him and punched him continuously, replaying the moments he spent with Samantha in my head, increasing my anger.

When I was pulled back and was able to access the situation I knew I did damage. But as soon as I glanced at Samantha's face I knew I had to leave as soon as I could. If I didn't leave I knew I would be attacked by Kiefer and the rest of Trent's friends.

When everyone ran to Trent's aid, I made my escape.

I had to talk to Samantha even though I knew she wouldn't be happy with me. I needed to hear a voice and know she was okay.

I could tell Samantha was furious with me, but I also could tell that she didn't mean anything she said.

I told her I wasn't giving up and that was a promise.

When I made my way back to my house, alexa and Alex were sitting in the kitchen talking in hush tones.

"Im home." I said

"Great. Did you win back Samantha?" Alex asked.

I looked at him with an angry expression and held up my bloody fist in response.

"So I'm assuming thats a no? Okay then." Alex said.

"What happened?" Alexa asked gesturing to my fist.

"Punched a guy who kissed Samantha." I said nonchalantly, as I went in the fridge to grab a beer.

"What did I tell you about fighting? Only in self-defense and when its absolutely necessary." Alexa said annoyed.

"I know, I just lost control."

"Im assuming that Samantha isn't your biggest fan at the moment?" Alex said.

"Your correct." I responded.

"Maybe I'll talk to her." Alex said, making me look up at him in confusion.

"What good would that do?" I asked

"Well you wouldn't know because you were too drunk to notice, but we actually bonded the other night." Alex said.

"Probably wouldn't do any good." I responded.

"It wouldn't hurt to try." he said. Which was true. I didn't have many options and I had to take what I could get.

****

Samantha's POV

After talking with Blake last night I went inside and waited up for Kiefer. As soon as he got home I pounded him for details about Trent. He told me Trent had a broken nose and a black eye, the guilt I felt inside doubled. I was going to talk to Trent right after that but I was too busy trying to keep Kiefer from going over to Blake's place.

As soon as I woke up the next morning I called Trent and apologized repeatedly. He told me that it wasn't my fault and to not worry about it. He was sweet; little did he know that it was my fault. Trent said I could make it up to him by going on a date with him tomorrow night, and of course I agreed.

I was planning on staying inside all day when an unexpected visitor turned up at my door.

"Hey sam, I was wondering if I could take you out to lunch?" Alex asked as I stood at the front door in shock.

"Uhm, listen if this is about Blake I don't want to hear it." I said.

"No don't worry; it's just a friend wanting to take out another friend." He said with a smile, that I couldn't say no too.

After I got dressed, Alex took me to a pizzeria in the town.

"So Sam how are you doing?" Alex asked as we waited for our pizza.

"Just dandy." I said sarcastically. Alex looked at me puzzled, waiting for me to go on.

"Don't act like you don't know. Your brothers making my life a living hell and if he told you to try and get something out of me then you're just wasting your time." I said.

"He doesn't even know im here with you. The last time we talked I thought we got pretty close."

"Yeah but then your brother came in and ruined it all." I said remembering the ache in my heart.

"Listen Sam you don't have to tell me anything, but I want to let you know if you decide to talk about it, it's only between you and me, Blake won't know anything."

"He's your brother Alex. You expect me to believe that you won't go back and tell him."

"Samantha my brother was a douche to you that night, and to be honest he doesn't deserve to know anything." He said.

I don't know what made me decide to believe him, but I did. I could tell he was telling me the truth, and was just trying to be a friend.

"I decided to take a risk and tell him I love him, and then he breaks my heart. I still can't help but love him, but I just don't think I could forget what he did." I said

"This is the type of situation where the 'forgive but don't forget' saying comes into play"

"I don't even know if I could forgive him." I said.

"I don't blame you Sam."

"And it's not like I could just try and get over him, because I see him everywhere I go. I don't even know what to do anymore." I said.

"Samantha things must seem really hard right now, but that will change. Eventually you'll realize what the best thing is for you, and you'll take action. It all works out in the end, and if things aren't worked out then it's not the end."

I couldn't help but smile at what he said.

"Thanks Alex."

"No problem Samantha, If you ever need to talk, here's my number." Alex said as he grabbed my phone and put his number in.

When I got home, all I could think about was what Alex said. I knew how I felt about Blake; I just didn't know how to handle this situation. Maybe by going out with Trent, things will be clear.

The next day at school I did my best to ignore Blake; I wasn't going to let him ruin my life.

"He wants to take you on a date? Does this dude have a death wish?" Adam said as we both moved down the lunch line, putting food on out trays.

"I guess so. I want to go but I don't want to put Trent in that type of position ever again." I said.

"The position where you use him to make Blake insanely jealous and get him beat up." Adam said nonchalantly.

"Hey! I didn't think he was going to go crazy like that. And I wasn't using him; I did want to kiss him...I just ya know... Killed two birds with one stone." I said with a smile as I paid for my lunch.

"Samantha what am I going to do with you?" Adam asked as we made our way to our lunch table.

I just chuckled in response.

"Seriously Sam, you know you really want to be with Blake." Adam said.

I knew it was true, but I still didn't know if that was ever possible

"Doesn't matter Adam, Trent's the better and safer choice to go with. I can't deal with Blake and all his secrets." I said.

"I don't know Sam..." Adam said.

"Well I do. I'm going on the date with Trent and that's iinal." I said.

It was hard to avoid Blake's stare.

I could feel his glare burning holes through me. I didn't think I was going to be able to avoid him, so when I left school without talking to Blake the whole day, I felt accomplished.

"I'm not completely comfortable with you going out on a date with Trent." Kiefer said as he pulled to a stop in front of the house.

"Oh wow that sucks because I was so worried about how you were going to feel." I said sarcastically as I made my way to the door.

"No need for the sarcasm." Kiefer said as he followed me inside.

"Ma?" Kiefer called out as soon as we stepped inside

"Yeah?" I heard Kiesha call from the kitchen.

"Guess who Sam's going on a date with tonight?" Kiefer said. I shot him angry glares to which he responded with a simple shrug

"Samantha has a date?" Kiesha said as we walked into the kitchen.

"Yup." Kiefer said, popping the p I just shook my head

"With who?" Kiesha asked, I could the sense the amusement in her voice.

"Trent." Kiefer responded back.

"I knew you liked him, when I saw you all cozied up to him the other night." Kiesha said.

"Not that this chat about my love life isn't fun or anything but I think Im going go upstairs and get ready." I said as I rolled my eyes and went upstairs.

For some strange reason I didn't have a good feeling about going on this date. I knew if I went out with Trent then Blake and I, were really over.

After 2 hours of going through my closet and making a mess of my room, I finally found something to wear. I wore a grey V-neck knit sweater that came down mid-thigh, with a pair of leggings and grey knit ugg boots.

I curled my long dark brown hair, and put a little makeup on. When I heard the bell ring I quickly made my way down stairs, because I knew if Kiefer answered the door he would find some way to embarrass me.

But I was too late. I saw Kiefer standing there talking to Trent in the living room.

"You're my friend and all, but if you hurt her I'll hunt you down." I heard Kiefer say as I walked through the living room.

"Can't go a day without embarrassing me?" I asked Kiefer annoyed.

"Nope" He said with a smirk.

When I looked towards Trent, I had to bite my lip to hold back a gasp.

His left eye was purple and swollen shut. He had a bandage over his nose, and I could see he had a small cut on his lip.

"Oh my god, Trent." I said as I gently caressed his cheek with my hand.

"It looks worse than it feels." He said.

"Im so sorry, it's all my fault." I said as tears of guilt filled my eyes.

"Listen Samantha I told you before it's not your fault, and I don't blame you. Im just glad that your letting me take you out." He said with a smile.

He was amazing. Any other guy would blame me and stay away from me, but he's doing the exact opposite.

He took me to dinner at an Italian restaurant. We talked about everything, from his job to school, even about my mom. He told me he also lost his dad, and he understood how hard it was. We laughed about little things, and people would look over to our table annoyed.

Even though I was having a good time and enjoying Trent's company, I couldn't help but to think about Blake.

I knew Trent really liked me, and I didn't think it was fair that I couldn't return the feelings. I knew I liked him but I knew I had stronger feelings for another guy.

After dinner we got ice-cream, and ate it as we walked along in the park. It was nice out. The dark sky was lit with the bright full moon. There was a nice breeze in the air that wasn't too cold.

"So Samantha, I really had fun with you tonight." He said as we walked in the park.

"Me too." I said taking another lick of my ice-cream, my attention elsewhere.

"I really like you Sam, but I also know you don't feel the same way." He said which caused me to look over at him in shock.

"I like you Trent." I began.

"You might like me but you love Blake." He said.

I didn't know how to respond to that. Trent didn't even sound angry, he was truly amazing.

"Im sorry..." I said.

"It's okay Sam, can't help who you fall in love with." He said with a smile that didn't reach his eyes.

"You're an amazing guy Trent and any girl would be lucky to be with you." I said.

"Thanks." He said.

"I hope we could still be friends" I said as we reached the exit of the park.

"Of course." He said with a smile.

Trent was driving me home. We sat in silence which I expected to be awkward, but it wasn't. It was a comfortable silence.

We hit a street that was backed up with traffic, it didn't look like I was going to be home any time soon.

Ambulances sped down the street, through the traffic.

"There must have been an accident." Trent said.

"Must be a big one, with all this traffic."

Trent turned the radio channel to a news station.

"...accident on Sycamore street, downtown. A pickup truck was speeding down the road with a motorcycle following behind. Both vehicles ran a red light and crashed into a van that was coming down one of the streets. Passengers in the truck and motorcycle are in critical condition, the passenger in the van is in stable condition. This accident caused a traffic jam downtown. I am Diane Silver and this is your PWS traffic report..."

The traffic was moving slowly. After a while we came in sight of the accident. It was blocked off, oflicers standing by the totaled cars. The pickup truck was upside down, the front of the white van was totaled. I glanced around for the motorcycle but I couldn't find it.

Until I looked further away, and spotted the bike.

My heart stopped in my chest.

If you never saw the bike before you would barely be able to recognize it, but I did.

It was Blake's bike...