Broken Chains

     "Sam, your father wants to see you in his office," Lucy said as Sam walked into the lobby of the Young Technologies office building.
      "Oh okay. Let me just go check in with Charles first," Sam said and proceeded to walk in the direction of Charles' office. Quickly, Lucy dashed in front of her and stopped her from moving any further.
     "Sam, I reeeeally think you should speak with your dad first," Lucy said anxiously. She was clearly hiding something. It definitely had something to do with Charles.
     "Relax Lucy. I'm just checking in with him. After that, I'll go straight to my Dad's office," Sam said and pushed Lucy aside. She reached the door of Charles' office and was about to open it when suddenly, Sam's dad bursted from his office, startling Sam.
     "Pumpkin. I need you in my office. Stat!" he said. Sam turned around and quickly scrambled into her dad's office and shut his door.
...
     "Listen Sam, you're superior, Charles Jones, has decided to jump ship and work for Ellesmere, one of our clients, in England. He left for the airport this morning," Sam's dad said.
     "Wh-what!" Sam exclaimed in shock.
     "I know it's a big shocker, but the good news is, you're getting promoted. You'll be taking his position. It's much easier for me to promote you rather than finding a new General Manager. Plus you're going to be a CEO one day so the quicker we get you managing things, the better. You'll also be-" Sam's dad tried to explain but he noticed that his daughter was crying.
     "P-pumpkin? Are you alright? What's wrong?!" he asked worriedly. He jumped out of his chair and grabbed her two hands and held them in his own.
     "Dad...I-I'm in love with him," Sam weeped.
     "Wh-what?! Pumpkin?! You can't be serious?!" Sam's dad exclaimed.
     "I wish I wasn't," Sam cried and fell into her Dad's arms. He didn't speak a word. He was clearly putting the pieces together in his head. He was a bit angry at first but he also knew that his daughter was in pain so he decided to keep those feelings aside.
     "Are you mad?" Sam mumbled.
     Sighhh "Of course not. I knew the day would come that you would begin to have feelings for someone. But I never imagined it would be for a man like Jones," he said and put negative emphasis on the word Jones.
      "Dad, he may seem like a cold and manipulative man when it comes to business, but he has a good heart. I know you dislike him...but he was always so kind to me...and now he's leaving me," Sam cried.
     "Oh pumpkin, I'm so sorry. Love is a very fragile thing. I swear if I see that Jones, I'm gonna pound him off this planet for hurting my precious pumpkin!" Sam's dad pouted and his eyes lit up with flames.
     "Oh no Dad, please don't," Sam said fearfully and began to regret telling her father.
      "Hmm fine.." He said resentfully and crossed his arms.
     "I can't believe that Charles. He told me he wasn't going to take the job but now he's suddenly changed his mind," Sam said and wiped the tears from her face.
     "Dad...I need a favor. I know you don't like Charles. But he's the best General Manager  Young Technologies has ever had. I know you don't want him to leave either. So let me bring him back," Sam asked.
     "Grrrr..." Sam's dad growled in resentment like an angry bear.
     "Please Dad! I love him! I have to get him back!" Sam cried.
     Sam's dad remembered when he first met his wife. He was much younger and slimmer back then. He knew from the moment he had laid eyes on her that he was in love with her. After the incident with Sam, he never wanted to leave her side, ever again. He knew how Sam was feeling. He sympathized with her.
     "Fine. I'll give you a ride to the airport. His flight shouldn't have taken off yet but it will soon, at ten o'clock. Let's hurry to the car!" Sam's dad said and gave into Sam's pleas.
     Together, the father-daughter duo hustled out of the office and straight to the airport. Sam's father did the best he could to drive fast so that Sam would have enough time to hunt Charles down in the maze of an airport.
     Sam's dad pulled up in front of the international terminal and let her go.
     "I'll be waiting out here to pick you up so that way we won't have to worry about parking. Good luck Pumpkin! Go get him!" He said. This was the first time Sam had ever seen her father supportive of finding a boy. Then again, this was also the first time that this had ever happened to Sam before.
     "Thanks Dad! I owe you one!" Sam said and ran into the terminal.
     "Oh pumpkin...You don't owe me anything," Sam's dad said. He smiled as he watched Sam run inside.
     Meanwhile, Sam had to get through security and customs before she could actually search for Charles. His flight would leave at 10 which meant she had about 30 minutes. Quickly she bought a cheap ticket so that she could at least get through security and customs. The good news was, she always carried her passport with her so she didn't have to worry about forgetting it. After that, she had to search through the entire international terminal.   
     Sam dashed across the terminal, frantically searching for Charles. Over the loudspeaker, a flight attendant said, "Flight 202 to Heathrow Airport, London is now boarding sections 20 to 30. Please report to Gate D"
     That's his flight! Sam thought. She sprinted to gate D and looked around. She was completely out of breath due to her asthma. Her face was completely red and dripping with sweat. She glanced at the line of people and saw Charles about to board. He was holding his suitcase to his side and his face looked almost...sad. He had already handed his pass to the flight attendant and was about to walk through the gate.
     "Charles!" she said loudly but her voice was cut off by the noise of the airport. Charles walked through the gate and Sam could no longer see him. Her heart sank but she refused to give up. She rushed to the front of the gate and screamed, "CHARLES JONES!!!"
     I know that voice...Charles thought and whipped his head around and ran out of the gate. When he exited, he saw an exhausted Samura panting. She looked as if she had just run a marathon. Suddenly, her eyes grew heavy and she began to fall.
     "Samura!" Charles yelled fearfully and quickly caught her before she could hit the ground.
     Sam winced in pain and opened her eyes.
     "Samura, are you alright? Why are you here?" Charles asked worriedly. He placed his hand on Samura's face and brushed her hair out of her eyes.
     Samura removed his hand and tried to stand back up but Charles wouldn't let her.
     "Samura, you should really relax," He said softly.
     "I'm fine," She replied and pushed his hand away and stood back up. She reached into her pocket, grabbed her inhaler and quickly used it.
     "Samura...You really shouldn't be here..." Charles said and looked down with a guilty look on his face.
     "Neither should you!" She replied and stuffed her inhaler back into her pocket. She definitely was not happy that he was leaving. Charles could see the anger in her eyes. He knew he was in for a scolding.
     "Charles Jones, why are you leaving? You didn't even say goodbye to me! And don't say it's because, 'They're paying me more money.' You and I both know that you aren't that shallow as to leave just because of the money. I know how much you like your job at Young Technologies. So give me a valid reason why you're leaving!" Samura said with fury on her face.
     Charles had never seen her this upset before. She wasn't being mean or negative. She was just in pain.
  "Flight 202 to Heathrow Airport, London is now boarding rows 10 to 20. Please report to Gate D," the flight attendant said from the front desk of the gate.
     "I'm sorry Samura, but whenever I'm around you...I do things that I...don't want to do...Things that I can't...do," Charles said and looked at the ground in guilt, unable to look Sam straight in the eyes.
      There was a brief moment of silence before Sam finally responded.
      "'Don't get too attached,'...right. That's what you said..." Sam said and looked at the ground. Charles could feel her anger emanating from her entire body.
      "Mhmm..." Charles mumbled but didn't dare say anything else. Sam was usually a calm and quiet person. But she always became more passionate when it came to her friends and people she cared about.
     "Listen, I don't know exactly what happened to you in your previous relationship, but whatever it was, it's in the past. So what if you made some mistakes back then?! I've made millions of mistakes, the majority of them are from the past month when I started working as your assistant. But you know what, each day, I learn from those mistakes. And each day, I become a better person, or at least...I like to think that I do. And I don't just do it on my own. I have my friends, my family, and you, of course. Learning from the past is what makes us stronger. It's running away from the past or hiding from it that makes us weak," Sam said and looked Charles straight in the eyes.
     "Flight 202 to Heathrow Airport, London is now boarding rows 1 to 10. Please report to Gate D," the loud speaker chimed once again.
     "Bunty, I-" Charles tried to speak but was cut off.
     "I'm not finished, you Welsh goat!" Sam pouted and placed her hand on his shoulder.    
     Charles felt his face get red. He was pretty nervous. He had witnessed Sam stand up for her friends often and be proud of her but he never imagined that he would experience the terror of being on the other end of the stick.
     "You know, you always tell me that marriage doesn't buy happiness and that loneliness is preferable to having people by your side. So tell me, are you happy now, Charles?" Sam asked which sent Charles on a rollercoaster of emotions.
     Am I happy? He thought.
     "Are you happy that you're leaving? Are you happy leaving everything behind? Are you happy being alone?" Sam asked once again and yet Charles still couldn't seem to give her a solid answer. She had totally stopped him in his train of thought.
     "Samura..." He said and tried to pull his words together like Scrabble but they just wouldn't come out.
     "Charles...I'm a very introverted person. I know how nice it is to be alone sometimes. But after a while, it just gets sad and painful. That's why I have people who make sure I'm not always alone. I have my parents, my friends, and you. You...you make me happier than anyone in this entire world. You help me have confidence in myself. You help me become a better person. And you help me smile," Sam said and smiled sweetly. Her tone had changed. She spoke much softer. She looked into Charles' bright blue eyes and she could tell that he was still hesitant but definitely shaken.
     "Look....I don't know if you feel the same way, and if you really don't, that's okay....But I know for a fact....If you leave here right now...you'll regret it....And I don't want you to feel that pain. I care about you so much Charles. You mean everything to me. I can't imagine what my life would be like without you. I just can't let you leave like this. I-" Sam stuttered.
"Flight 202 to Heathrow Airport, London last call for boarding. Please report to Gate D," the flight attendant said.
     Charles glanced at the gate and the few people scrambling inside. He looked back at Sam and he could feel his eyes begin to water. They looked like glass.
     Charles held strong feelings for Sam but he was scared. He didn't want history to repeat itself. But at the same time, he didn't want to leave Sam. He was very conflicted.
     Sam grabbed Charles' chin and held it so that he was looking at her straight in her eyes.
     Should I say it? If I don't say it now, then I may never be able to tell him... Sam thought.
     It's now or never!
     "Listen here, Charles Jones. I love you. I love you so so much. You are my everything. I promise, I won't ever hurt you like she did. If you go now, it will be like the end of the world for me. So please, I'm begging you! Don't go!" Sam said. She hugged Charles tightly and tears dripped from her eyes.
     There was a long moment of silence as Sam weeped in Charles arms.
      Sam began to get worried since Charles wasn't responding and looked up from their embrace. There she saw a broken Charles with tears streaming down his face. Everything that he had chained to himself ever since his divorce was falling apart. He never imagined that something like this could happen.
     The chains that bound Charles' emotions were suddenly beginning to break. One by one, each link shattered into dust. His happiness, his fear, his anxiety, his anger, his sadness, his excitement, and most importantly, his love, were all free. The once cold, frozen heart was now completely melted.
     When he was still with Gweneth, he cared about her deeply. He thought that it was love. But clearly, it was nothing compared to what he felt now. This was something totally new. It was like a new door had been opened. A whole new world. A whole new level of emotions.
     He couldn't contain himself any longer. The chains were gone.
     Charles looked down at Samara and smiled lightly. He grabbed her head and pulled her in and gave her a deep and passionate kiss. Sam felt her heart beat really fast and her face turned bright red. She wrapped her arms around him and thought about when they first kissed. She was a much different person, back then, even though it was only a few weeks ago. She was shy, quiet and completely naive. They had kissed a few times before, but this one was clearly different. Before, they were just signs of infatuation and attraction. This one was a sign of love.
     Charles ran his fingers through Sam's hair and continued to kiss her. His other hand drifted from her shoulder all the way down to her waist. He didn't want to stop. He wanted to show her just how much he loved her. He didn't want to let her go. He never wanted to let her go ever again.
     Meanwhile, the gate for the plane had finally closed. Sam won Charles over. Or rather, she saved him from his demise. Relief spread through Sam's entire body. She could tell that all the conflict between them was gone and something new was about to begin.
     Charles finally let go of Sam and pressed his forehead against hers. He then placed his hands on her face and smiled.
     "I love you, Samura Young. I promise, I'll never try to leave you, ever again," he said softly and wiped the tears from Sam's face.
     Sam smiled brightly and gave Charles another big, tight, hug, practically squeezing the life out of him. She could smell Charles pungent but nice cologne.
     "Ack! You Youngs will be the death of me," Charles squeaked, shocked by Sam's tight grip.
     "Oops! Sorry!" Sam said and her face turned red again.
     "Haha, don't worry about it, Bunty," Charles said and brushed his fingers through her hair.
     "...Thank you...for bringing me to my senses. You were right. I would have regretted leaving," Charles said as Sam continued to hold him.
     "You're welcome!" Sam said. She let go of Charles and kissed him on the cheek. Charles blushed from her gesture. Normally, he would avoid reacting from Sam's attempts of affection because he didn't want to show his emotions for her, but now he was more than happy to smile.
     "Shall we leave then," Charles asked and held out his hand for her to hold.
     "Absolutely!" Sam said and grabbed Charles hand and they walked out of the terminal.
     Sam began to happily hum a tune from Ruminate as they walked.
     "Oh, I meant to ask you, Samura, but how exactly did you get to the airport? Did you take the bus?" Charles asked.
     "No, my dad drove me," Sam replied as they proceeded to the exit of the airport.
     "Oh you're dad drove- WAIT WHAT!" Charles exclaimed nervously.
     "Hmm...what's the matter?" Sam asked.
     "Allow me to get this straight: Your father WILLINGLY drove you to the airport to bring ME back to Young Technologies. Samura, are you unaware that your father despises me with every bone in his body?" Charles said anxiously.
     "Relax Charles. I already told him that I was in love with you. That's why he was so willing to help," Sam replied, attempting to ease Charles' worries but it only seemed to make him more nervous.
     "Samura, you clearly haven't taken into account that he may have been using you to find me so that once I enter his car, he'll kill me..." Charles said which made the color drain from Sam's face.
     "Relax..*sweat* you'll be fine," Sam replied tensely. She became even more worried when she saw her dad's car up ahead. He had the window down and he was staring straight at Charles with fury in his eyes.
     "Ehe hi dad!" Sam said and waved nervously at her father.
     He waved back and gave a sweet smile and then continued to stare at Charles menacingly.
     "I told you, he's gonna kill me," Charles whispered.
     "Don't worry. Put your luggage in the trunk and sit with me in the back seat. You'll be safer there and I'll do my best to defend you if necessary," Sam whispered back to him.
     Charles nodded. He opened the car door for Sam and then stuffed his luggage in the trunk like Sam said and hopped in the backseat with her.
     "Seatbelts," Mr.Young said and everyone fastened their seatbelts. He drove out of the airport vicinity and onto the highway.
     "So Mr.Jones...It seems my daughter has taken a liking to you," Mr.Young said and looked at Charles through the top of his car mirror. Charles didn't respond.
     "Based on your inability to speak up, I'm going to assume that you are also interested in her," Mr.Young said sternly.
     "Yes. I'm in love with her, sir," Charles said almost immediately. Despite him being afraid of Sam's father, he didn't want to deny his feelings for Sam. Lying would do him no good at this point.
     "Hmm...interesting. I always had my stipulations, but I never thought I'd actually be right," Mr. Young replied.
     "Right? You mean that you knew something?" Sam butted in.
     "No. They were just guesses, as I said before," Mr.Young said.
     "Mr.Young, I understand that it is a little late to be asking this, but I would like your permission for me to date your daughter," Charles asked sternly.
     "Ah so you're serious about this..." Mr.Young replied.
     "Yes, we are," Charles said.
     "Sighhhh You don't need to ask me for permission Jones. If my daughter loves you, then I see no reason to interfere with that. I know I always say that I will do something bad to whomever my daughter decides to date, but I can tell that she feels very strongly for you. Similarly to the way I feel about her mother. Sam, you're a strong woman now, I trust that you can make your own decisions," Mr. Young said and Sam nodded.
     "That said, If you really do want my official permission, then my answer is yes. HOWEVER...Jones...if I get any word that you hurt my daughter, you're a dead man, GOT IT?" Mr.Young added.
     "Yes sir!" Charles replied nervously.
     "Yawnnn MMm I'm so tired. The day has only just begun and I'm already exhausted," Sam said and leaned her head on Charles' shoulder.
     Charles' heart fluttered when Sam's warm face touched his cold shoulder. He couldn't help but feel tired too. He had woken up very early this morning to prepare for his flight. Then again, he couldn't even begin to imagine all the trouble that Sam went through today to bring him back to his senses. He knew how exhausted she was. She deserved to rest.
     Charles looked back at his shoulder and realized that Sam was totally asleep. After weeks of restless nights thinking about Charles and her friends, Sam had finally gotten the peaceful sleep that she deserved. The rest of the car ride was very tranquil. Sam's dad and Charles didn't speak any further. It's not that they were upset. It was quite the opposite. They just had nothing to really be upset about.
     Mr.Young pulled his car into the office parking garage and parked the car. He hopped out of the car and proceeded to the trunk to get Charles' luggage.
     Meanwhile, Charles attempted to wake Sam up.
     "Samura," he whispered softly. Sam slowly opened her eyes and smiled.
     "It wasn't all a dream, was it?" she asked.
     "No, it wasn't," Charles replied and smiled back.
     Charles helped Samara out of the car and Mr.Young gave him his luggage.
     "So, Mr. Jones, do you have a place to stay for the time being, until you can get your apartment back?" Sam's dad asked.
     "Actually, I didn't sell my apartment or my car quite yet. I didn't move any of my belongings to England either. I was planning on doing so after I took a look at the location of the Ellesmere office. I also suspected that I would maybe change my mind and to my surprise, I was correct. Since I'm no longer going, I suppose I won't have to worry about that anymore," Charles said and glanced back over to Sam.
     "Good. That makes things a lot easier. I'm going to assume that your car is at your apartment building then?" Mr. Young asked.
     "Mmm yes," Charles replied.
     "Alrighty. If that's the case, then I can give you a ride home when the work day is over if you so desire," Mr. Young replied.
     "I appreciate your kindness Mr. Young, but I can probably just walk to my apartment. It isn't too far from here," Charles replied.
     "Very well. You two may take the rest of the day off. Sam, please let me know if you need anything," Sam's dad said.
     "Thanks so much, Dad," Sam said and gave him a kiss of the cheek before he ran inside the office.
     There was a moment of silence before Charles finally spoke.
     "So, what would you like to do Samura? I have to take my luggage back to my apartment at some point but that can wait till later. We could go to that coffee place that you like," Charles suggested.
     "Sure! I'd love a cup of coffee right about now," Sam said and smiled.
     She grabbed Charles hand and they left the parking garage.
     Sam didn't know what the future would bring. She was still confused as to if she wanted to be CEO or not. But she knew one thing for certain, she wanted her future to be with Charles.
    
The end.

Author's note: Might add more later. Idk. Depends on my motivation. The only reason I wrote this was because it's been in my head for a while and I just wanted to get it outta there. If I get enough support, then I'll consider writing more