A Call for Help

Chapter Ten: Hope and Hatred

   Johnathan showed up earlier than usual in Monday. He said he had a two hour early dismissal. She was afraid to speak to him. She didn't want to be hurt again. She hated herself for being afraid, but she was afraid of what hope had always brought her; disappointment, sorrow.
   "Hey Samantha," he said. She quietly replied. He looked at her concerned.
   "Samantha what's wrong," he asked.
   "Nothing," she said quietly again.
   "Samantha, I'm sorry I couldn't be here during the weekend. Mr. Blander has my mom watching me. I'm not supposed to be here. Samantha please." He sat on the bed beside her. She looked away, still afraid.
   Then she felt his hand on hers. There it was. Her stomach tied in knots and her heart pounded. She closed her eyes for a moment. Then she couldn't help herself. She looked at him, seeing him smile reassuringly as she did. She felt her face turn red, but didn't break her gaze.
   "So, what happened," he asked really showing how much he cared. She told him everything up to when Andrew and them betrayed her, but didn't mention Andrew himself. She didn't cry this time. She was getting stronger, but at some point the dam would bust open again.
   "I'm so sorry. I don't understand why nobody likes you. You're such I good person." She blushed and looked away smiling. He smiled as well.
   "Thanks. I guess they saw me as an easy target." Her smile fell. "I am though." His smile fell to.
   "Hey, don't think that. You are one of the toughest people I know. You went through more than I could have. I would have given up long before you did. You know, I believe I was ment to meet you. If I hadn't have, where would I be? More importantly, where would you be?"
   They both knew the answer to the second question. They looked at each other. That feeling in her stomach went wild. Her heart began to race again. He moved closer to her. She looked into his eyes. His brown eyes looking back into hers. She closed her eyes, waiting.
   Then the door opened and Lily walked in. They sat in awkward silence for a moment, then Lily spoke up.
   "Oh I'm sorry," she said.
   "Oh, no. It's fine," Johnathan said. It was silent again. She'd never been so embarrassed. Lily why did you have to come in now? Couldn't you have waited just a minute, thirty seconds even? She sighed. Johnathan went and sat on a sofa in the room. Lily checked some things, and looked at Samantha.
    "Tomorrow you're free to go," she said. Samantha's joy fell. How would she see Johnathan? What would she do? Where would she go? Johnathan knew what was happening, he felt his stomach drop.
   "Where," Samantha gulped, "where will I go?" She feared the answer that she already knew. Until she was sixteen, it would always be the answer.
   "I don't know," Lily said thinking. "We couldn't find your father, so I assume you'll be going to foster care. Don't worry, I'm sure a good family will adopt you." She didn't seem sure of herself. Samantha's hopes were crushed. Lily saw this, but didn't know what to do. She looked at Johnathan, nodded, and walked out sadly.
   Johnathan walked over to the bed and sat down close to her. She could feel the warmth from his body. No, she couldn't let that happen. If it did, she would be depressed all over again. She would be given what she wanted, then have it torn from her. Better to never have it.
   She could tell she would never forget him. Never.