One Smile

20: High School Barbie

Jake POV 

The rest of that weekend went by in a blur. The Drakes stayed at the mansion along with me, much to my parents' displeasure. They wanted me home but I needed space from them. I also needed to be near Sam.

Her vitals have been getting better and they say that it is all up to her when she wakes up now, it has been 3 weeks. I visit her every day after school and during free period just to make sure she is okay. It helps that I have been benched because of the gunshot wound. Antonio wrote a note and coach was livid about me being out. He acted like I would never play again, I just need to wait until these stitches heel.

Antonio is getting on my nerves. Don't get me wrong, I am starting to like the dude but he really is a pushy person. He also talks way too much. Turns out he is a member of the Rossi family my father talked about. He defied his father's wishes to become a doctor but they compromised on him being a doctor to the Famiglia Della Morte. If only my football dreams could compromise the same way. I don't think the family is looking for a football player as a talent.

Antonio has a shit ton of siblings. His parents must be rabbits. Apparently, they are the head family in charge. He mentioned that his brother is going to be taking over the reins soon and will be the Don of all the families. He explained that I would be the right-hand man if I took over for my father and if his brother liked me. Knowing my bright personality how could he not, I am just a walking rainbow.

"Back again? Did you miss me that much? Got any plans for the weekend? Maybe-" Antonio instantly fires off when I enter Sam's room.

"Oh shut up. Jesus, you ask so many questions." I huff out before I sit in my normal spot.

I kiss Sam on the head and pull out my homework. I decided that I am going to do better in school, not for me but for her. Someone is going to need to catch her up on all the work she missed. I will be damned if I let her spend time with Ben. He's been writing awful songs about how whipped I am for her and they have been getting too sexual for Ethan and me. Yesterday Ethan took off his belt and chased Ben around the house threatening to hit him. Ben deserved it.

"She is doing really well, all her vitals are strong. She will be waking up soon," he explains while hanging up his clipboard. "My brother will be coming to visit you at some point. I told him about you and he's convinced that your devotion to Sam shows how loyal you would be to him."

"I don't want to meet him. I don't even know what I am doing with this choice. Also, I refuse to work as an investment banker."

"Talk to him about that, I am sure he can work something out. My brother and you are very similar. He wants to shake the family up a little bit, bring us into the present. He would much rather you be willing to put a bullet in a Russian than balance a spreadsheet," Antonio chuckles.

I have gotten used to the casual mentions of killing, which scares me. I know I am a bastard but I never expected to be a murderer.

"Any news on the high school Barbie? I have been dying for an update, Ally wants to know as well," Ally is his fiancé. Apparently, he tells her everything and she eats it up like a soap opera.

"Bailey was arrested. She's facing life in jail. They framed her for a lot of crimes and apparently she had drugs in her system which helped paint her as an addict who killed for a fix."

"So she is going away that easy? No fancy lawyer causing problems? She didn't run or anything? Damn, Ally wanted drama."

"Nope," I can't help but laugh. I have met Ally a few times and I like her. She is kind and funny. She calls me Grouch because apparently, I am unapproachable. In reality, my reason for smiling is on a bed unconscious.

"My family is having a huge Galla that your father always attends. Its where they get together and drink while eating small food and make business deals. You should attend this year." 

Antonio has been dropping ways to get me more involved in this life. I always turn them down.

"Nah-"

"He'll go," a raspy voice whispers.

I whip my head towards the bed and see Sam blinking her eyes.

"Antonio do your job God damnit! NURSE, NURSE. We need some water," I am instantly on my feet running around. Ethan bolts into the room and when he looks at Sam he starts crying and rushes to her. Her parents aren't far behind.

"My baby, you are awake. Oh god," her mom is at her side crying and blubbering about how she was so scared.

"I need to remove some wires and run some tests. Can you all clear the room please," Antonio demands. It is weird to see him being serious, but it makes me feel better to know he is taking Sam seriously.

"I can't believe she is awake. I felt like a part of me was gone the entire time she was asleep. I never realized how tight our twin bond was until it wasn't there," Ethan hugs his mom.

"Jake please thank your father for us the next time you see him. And please, convince them to join us for dinner as a thank you. It is the least we can do," her father smiles at me.

"Of course Mr. Drake."

"Ian. You call me Ian. You call my wife Lora. No more formalities. You saved my little girl, you can call us by our names."

I nod my head because I don't know what to say.

"She is asking for Jake. She is a little overwhelmed so she needs some time to adjust. I know you all want to see her, but she remembers Jake getting shot and is demanding to see him," Antonio explains. Her parents look disappointed and so does Ethan. I start to explain how it is okay I can wait, but they shake their head and tell me to go in.

As soon as I enter the door Sam looks at me and smiles, "I would kill for some food," she jokes.

"No."