Chapter Ten:

Mom gave me a Scooter for my birthday, but with a promise that I had to make an appointment for my learner's license within the week. My mother cooked at my gran's place and my birthday lunch was great. When dad came home that evening from his weekend away, he asked whose bike it was.

'At least you could make an effort to take your son's hand and wish him happy birthday? Another milestone dad and you have forgotten again. What is happening to this family?'

I was blown away but my sister seems to always be on my side these days. It made me happy that she defended me with Dad. She stormed away to her room. Later I knocked on her door and gave her a massive hug to thank her for being on my side.

Embarrassed, she chased me out of her room by throwing me with a pillow, when I told her not to worry, we were almost grown and we would be okay.

'Well talk for yourself! I am a grown woman already and guess what? You will remain the baby in the house for a long time still, Jordi!'

'Thanks sis, I do appreciate it. Especially the hugs.'

We laughed, and I left her room. My mom had posted a very nasty baby photo of me with a status saying: 'Guess who is 17 today?'

No wonder Abby said that I was still the baby. I commented and said thanks mom, but a better picture would have been nice.

Sam messaged just before 11 to wish me a happy birthday and what could I do but give a dried-up 'thanks.'

She replied with 'cute photo I have stolen it' and all I could say was 'enjoy.'

She asked, 'what's with the single words?'

I said 'nothing … because I would have loved a better birthday wish right now' feeling like a child.

She never replied so the next afternoon I texted her and asked if we were still on and she said 'should I return the tickets? Well, if you are still interested, I am already at the mall.'

I said, 'okay I will be right there.'

I dressed in my best, used my hair clippers to trim my beard, put on some aftershave and so much spray it made my sister cough.

'It better not be for that Tara girl. And by the way she is too old for you to date. Take your key with. No one is going to be home. I will just ask Sam to hang out or go to Eugene, dad is on duty so don't expect food. There will be nothing.'

I don't know if it was not seeing Sam a lot but I was always blown away by her beauty. My heart skipped a beat when I saw her and that smile on her face told me she knew I was close. She looked up at me and nothing but she existed. Goodness, I loved this girl and before the day ended, I would tell her again. I smiled and so did she. All the time in-between did not matter anymore, but only that very moment. I walked over to her with a purpose.

'You know what … change of plans. There is no one at home, so let's go talk there because I really don't want to be disturbed or share you if this is going to be our last meeting. By the end of tonight, I will know where I stand with you.'

'My parents are not home either but will be back by 7. So, let's go then, Jordi and if I get caught, then I will be really upset with you.'

'What's new Sam? I seem to always be making you angry, even if it is not my fault!'

We got into a cab and I hoped that my sister was gone already, but Sam confirmed that Abby told her that she was hanging out at Eugene's house. I tried making small talk by asking what they did on their trip, but her mind was occupied. She answered automatically which was very frustrating, but I kept my cool. I barely unlocked the door and she was all over me, not worrying if there was someone watching.

'Wait Sam, let me lock up please!' I begged, but she just did not want to listen.

'I have been thinking about this all the time and sitting next to you the other day was not easy, Jordi. I just don't know how long we can keep this up.'

I pulled her into my room, not caring to talk. All my bottled-up frustration and longing for her, was killing all braincells. I thrusted her against the wall and pushed myself into her making her moan. Her dress hiked up and without thinking, I grabbed hold of her. The warning signals made us both stop. I couldn't believe how rough I had been. Sam had beard burn marks on her face and I dropped her quickly. I had lifted her from the floor against the wall.

'I'm sorry, Sam. Look at your face now. I don't understand how any jerk could ever do this! Come, just look.'

I showed her what she looked like in the mirror.

'You are the sweetest, Jordi. I guess this will happen often, because you trimmed your beard for me and it is prickly, so don't fuss over anything. Nothing I didn't want anyway.'

She said this with a laugh. I kissed her again softly, taking my time She allowed me, kissing me back and really experimenting with my lips. She watched my reaction when she bit my lip and that made me wild again, but just in kissing. I pushed her onto my bed, slightly catching her off guard, and fell on her letting her adjust to my body. It felt right and so bloody good. I looked into her eyes and I knew that look in her eyes it matched my own need. I needed to be strong like she asked me to be, so I controlled myself. I captured her hands so that they couldn't touch me, entwined my fingers with hers. I looked even so deeply into her eyes wishing to reach her soul at that very moment when I had to tell her.

'I love you so much Sam, it hurts.'

She I teared up.

'I love you, Jordi - more now than I ever could imagine.'

With that declaration, she pushed me away.

'So … what now?'

'Be my girlfriend, be mine Sam.'

'Yes!'

With the yes she bravely asked me to pass her phone and went to Tara's status. Sam answered Tara saying 'now you know who it is so take Jordi's photo off your profile.'

She turned her internet connection off so that no messages could come through. At that moment we were nervous, but it felt so good not to keep secrets and just be. My phone buzzed like crazy, so I switched it off.

'Come, make us something to eat Jordi, before we do things that will make people talk more.'

Just like that our relationship changed from always wanting to touch each other when we were alone, to real friendship too. We found out everything about each other that we wanted to know. Sam also told me that we might have problems with her parents.

'They were not happy when I told them that we have been seeing each other last time. Jordi, I fear now that Abby is going to kill us both and my friendship with her will be over.'

It was this peace that overcame us both that we could just enjoy each other's company for a moment without any obstacles in our way. In between plenty kisses, handholding and embraces, we could play e played a few games, laughing and joking around. I couldn't believe how free I felt at that very moment.

Sam gave me a box.

'Now you don't have to hide it, happy belated birthday, Jordi.'

I took the chain out and placed it in my hand to have a better look at it. It was a signet chain with our names engraved on it. This was the sweetest and most amazing birthday present ever. I think it even had more value than my mother's gift. I had no words, just looked at her and at last forced a thank you out of my choked up and emotional throat.

'You will not believe what this means to me, Sam.'

'Why don't you show me Jordi?'

Just as I was about to wrap my arms around Sam...