Running From Your Shadows

Chapter 5

This was a strange sight to Yuang, and coupled with the fact he's probably seen it multiple times by many people, it was still so odd. He's never seen Sam this... light-hearted, and impatient. There were multiple occasions he caught Sam staring out the window, staring at the clock, and repeatedly wiping down the same countertop 3 times in an hour. He knew he had to address the elephant in the room.

"Sam?" The man suddenly perked his head, and looked around a bit before focusing on him.

"Yes, sir?"

"Are you alright-"

"Yes, I am." Yuang cocked a brow at the quick reply from Sam. He knew something was going on inside of him, and he had a hope it was what he thought it was.

"Sam, do you have a date tonight?" His suspicion was confirmed the moment Sam looked away from him, blushing, but also smiling. During the week and a half he knew Sam, he's never seen him smile this warmly before.

"I... I guess, if that's what you want to call it." Sam sheepishly replied, then he proceeded to stock a few more toys on the toy shelf. What caught Sam off guard, and snapping his attention back to the older man, was how he laughed. It was such a belly-laugh that reminded Sam of a proud father.

Young Samuel peaked around the door. He knew he wasn't supposed to be out of his room, but curiosity got the better of him as he looked and saw his father and his older brother. His father had a proud laugh as he hugged his older son.

"You make me so proud, Rowan. You've brought honor to us all by winning the game. Great job!" Samuel quickly retreated away, not wanting to be caught disobeying his father in fear of punishment. What he heard next made him struggle to suppress his tears.

"Now, only if Samuel knew that."

"I don't need his approval, I am living my own life." Sam thought, but hearing this laughter come from his boss made his heart swell with pride, and love that only a family bond could have.

"Sam, I will send you home early. Go get yourself ready for her. I'm sure Marina is excited to see you too." Sam's eyes widened at the mention of her name from his lips.

"How did you...?"

"Son, it's no secret rumors are floating that you and Marina may be hitting it off. They're excited. Now shoo." Sam shook his head, chuckling, as he turned in his apron and left the store.

---

Marina was fussing with her flounce top as she looked at herself in the mirror. A twirl with her top twirling with her, and her heart soared. Quality alone time with Samuel? She was over the moon. She knew it was a good idea to suggest at the end of work when she saw how the kids flocked to him at the schoolhouse.

There was Samuel carrying the bags of soil, two on each shoulder, to the plots where they were to set up their garden. Marina couldn't help but smile as they all surrounded him eagerly while she carried in the textiles. They wanted to know who he was, and he introduced himself as Samuel, Sam for short. The kids proceeded to help him, or attempt to help him take stuff to their garden, and showed him what they were doing, followed by bouts of tag and wrestling. Marina was soon approached by her other aide.

"Wow... I'd hit that if he was single, eh Marina?" Marina was aghast at her aide's behavior.

"Show some respect, Monique."

Marina blushed when she realized Monique was merely testing her, which helped calm her curiosity as to why the other settlers have been giving her funny stares, and the same stares to Samuel. Upon looking out the window, she knew that Mitzi's General would be closing any minute now. She grabbed her shoulder bag and left.

Marina sauntered to Central Square, and saw that Samuel was there waiting for her. She smirked when she saw how cleaned up Sam looking, thinking Mr. Mitzi sent him home early on a suspicion. Taking him in, he was wearing a collared shirt that somehow still looked too tight on him, jeans, and his combat boots.One thing that mystified Marina was how he has such luscious long hair, and it was still kept in a ponytail. One thing she still wondered is why he was wearing makeup, or if he was. Soon enough, he caught her eyes, and Marina will never forget that smile on his face. They began walking towards each other, and the look on his face, in his eyes, reminded Marina of when she met Mitchell, her dead husband.

"Hello, Marina." Her heart leapt when he said her name.

"Hello, Samuel." She could feel his gaze, taking her in, and a tinge of pink coming to his cheeks.

"You look lovely tonight." She bowed her head, shyly giggling, but smiled when returning his gaze.

"You look lovely, too." It was then she noticed a bag by Sam's side. He noticed her curiosity, and Sam unconsciously rubbed the back of his neck in embarrassment.

"Mr. Mitzi insisted I take this bag. Apparently his wife wanted us to have the food she made for us." Marina giggled, knowing all too well that's how Mrs. Mitzi is with her cooking. Marina then pointed out to her right, and cocked her head to that side.

"Come, I know of a nice place where we can sit and eat." Sam happily followed in her step out of Central Square to the nearby park.