Leave The City (Book 8 of Adopted by the Josephs)

76. Samantha

When I got back to LA from Ohio, with tons of pictures of my new baby brother, Tommy Stryker, everyone was getting excited about prom. Dylan had asked before I left for Easter break. And he talked about wanting to get a room for the night.

On the other hand, some of the guys had done these elaborate prom 'proposals', which Dylan and I had helped organize, film or facilitate in some way.

One afternoon, when we were helping Ambrose set up his prom proposal to Carli, Dylan looked over at me while I was setting up the video camera and called my name.

"Hey, Sam?" He said.

"Yeah?" I said distractedly, fiddling with the zoom on the camera.

"Prom," he said. I looked up at him.

"Very good, Dylan. Now can you say Apple?" I teased. He rolled his eyes and smiled at me.

"I can. But what I meant was what are you thinking about what I mentioned? I need to make some arrangements."

I looked at him and wasn't sure what to answer. And I didn't really want to discuss it now, in front of Ambrose. I could feel my cheeks get warm.

"Do you two need a minute?" He asked.

"No," I said. "No. Let's do this. It's gonna be great. Brendon said he'd help edit it with the music."

Ambrose grinned and thanked me and asked me to thank Brendon. I nodded and tried to keep the tears at bay. I was worried about what 'arrangements' he meant.

We set up the stuff Ambrose wanted, shot his video and packed up. I couldn't look at Dylan. I wished I could ask Ambrose to drive me home, but he lives in the opposite direction.

"You okay, Sam?" Ambrose asked. I nodded. I didn't trust my voice.

"Are you sure?" He asked again. I nodded again. "If you say so."

He sighed.

"You know you can talk to me, right?" He said. I nodded again. He patted my shoulder as we stood up.

"You have the video, right?" Ambrose asked. I smiled and nodded.

"Right here," I said, a slight crack in my voice betraying my confidence, as I patted the camera bag I'd slung across my body so it rested on my hip.

Ambrose shot Dylan a look. Glancing at Dylan I saw him shrug. I rolled my eyes internally. I thought about whether I could walk home from here. It was barely a ten-minute drive from Brendon and Sarah's to the park, so it would take me at least half an hour I think. Probably longer. I could do it. But the camera bag was kind of heavy. I didn't know what to do. But I knew I couldn't let Dylan drive me home. I was just too hurt.

"Sam," Dylan said. "You ready? I'll drive you home? Or we can go grab a snack? Early dinner?"

I froze.

"I th-think I'll walk," I stammered. "It's really nice out."

"Sam, what's wrong?" He asked. I shook my head and started off towards home.

"Sam, hey, hey," Dylan ran ahead and stopped in front of me. "Sam, what's the matter?"

"It's nothing, Dylan," I sniffled. "I'm fine."

He put his hands on my shoulders, stopping me from passing him.

"Sam, yes it is something and no you aren't fine. Talk to me, sweetie," he pleaded.

I shook my head. He pulled me into his arms and I tried to push him away. No way! He doesn't get to console himself by hugging me.

"Don't!" I exclaimed.