Distance (A Sam Woolf Fanfiction)

Chapter 16: The Thing About the truth is...

"I just really really miss you" I hear Sam's voice crack over the phone for about the 100th time this week. It seems like every time we talk he's about to loose it. I feel awful that he's this homesick. He needs to be focused on Idol.

With his birthday arriving soon, I can't help but wonder what to get him. Of course I've talked it over with the guys and Devinn but nothing seems special enough, nothing seems to quite capture how much I love him. Taking a seat on the couch, I begin to contemplate the gift.

Just then I hear the faint squeaking of my mother's wheelchair as she enters the room. Shes getting weaker by the day and while her eyes say otherwise, I know she doesn't have much fight left in her. It's broken my heart watching her suffer and in a way when she passes I know she'll be at peace.

"What are you thinking about?" She gives me a weak smile.

"Oh, nothing, just Sam's birthday present. I've been trying to figure out what to get him but nothing seems special enough." I sigh in frustration.

"Well, how about you order him a new guitar?" She asks hesitantly.

"Mom that's a great idea, but I'm in high school. I don't have the money for a new guitar."

"You're right, but I'll help you out. I know how much you miss him sweetheart and I want to make this special for the both of you." A smile is displayed on her face and I can't help but smile in return.

After hours of scouring the internet for Sam's new guitar, We finally settle on a vintage Gibbson.

Excitement surges through my body, "I can't wait to see the look on his face when..." And then I stop myself. I had forgotten that Sam and I wouldn't be together on his birthday. He's in LA and I'm here.

"Why couldn't you? Why can't u see him?" She asks questioningly.

"Mom, come on. He's in LA, I'm here. I guess I'll just ship it to him or something."

"Go see him for the week." She blurts out.

"Mom I would love to, but I can't leave you." I respond. I'm too afraid that if I leave she'll die.

"Hey, Max is in town and he can help if I need anything. I promise, I'll be fine. I want you to go see Sam, Lil. You two have been apart for long enough." Her smile gets wider and I don't think I've seen her this happy in a while.

Quickly, I wrap my arms around her, "I love you, Mom."

"I love you too, Liliana."

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Hours pass and after much thought and contemplation I decide to make the long overdue phone call.

A surge of nerves and adrenaline rush through me as I listen to the faint ringing of my iPhone. Suddenly, the ringing ceases and just when I think no one is there I hear a muffled "Hello."

"Hey, Alex! It's Liliana! How are you?"

Throughout the competition Alex had been a regular appearance on Sam and I's FaceTime calls and we'd grown close. He'd given me his number incase Sam wasn't answering and I needed to get ahold of him. I think it might've been a precautionary thing because of my Mom.

"Hey Lil! I'm doing great! Is everything alright? Do you need to talk to Sam? Cause he's recording the track for this week." He seems hesitant and slightly nervous on the other end.

"No! No it's ok! I actually called to talk to you." The nervousness builds at the base of my stomach. This whole surprise rides on Alex not saying a word to Sam.

"Ok, What can I help ya with?" He asks questioningly and I can't help but notice the curiosity building in his tone.

"So Sam's birthday is next week and I really wanna fly in and surprise him but in gunna need your help to get him to the airport without spoiling the surprise. Do you think u could help?" I ask in anticipation. Buddy's collar jingles from outside my door before the little dog enters the room and sits at my feet.