Two

I spent that weekend at Blair's to avoid Megan. I didn't know why her comment Friday afternoon bothered me so much, but it had. It's not like I cared if we were really friends anyway, right?

Maybe it wouldn't have been so weird if I didn't live with the woman. I mean we were on a first name basis! It was hard not to mess with her considering I didn't see her as a teacher. And I was sure Shawn was now fully aware of our situation, but he hadn't known that would become the case. This was obviously just the universe's special way of messing with me.

Come Monday morning I figured the buzz over Megan would've died, but I was wrong. It was still as prevalent as Friday and I was fed up.

Yes, she was attractive. Yes, she was young. And yes, she always seemed to smell nice and had the prettiest eyes I had ever seen in my life...

No. That's enough, I told myself. I would not become part of the "Megan craze" that seemed to be sweeping Baldwin like an epidemic. I would not think of Megan. I would not think of Megan. I would not-

A hard shoulder knocked against me in the hallway. I would've fallen to the ground if Blair wouldn't have been behind me. I turned to yell and came face to face with someone I honestly wished didn't exist at all.

"Watch where you're going," she teased. Her smug expression let me know she had done this on purpose. It was always on purpose.

"Piss off Shay," I stated, unsure why she was still trying to ruin my life.

Okay, so I had slept with her girlfriend that one time at a party. She just needed to get over it already. I hadn't known she was her girlfriend at the time, so who was really to blame here? Not me, that's who.

Shay grinned, showing me the crooked tooth that always bothered me. "Heard about your night with Brittany. You should probably get tested since you're so dead-set on sleeping with every girl that attends Baldwin."

Ah, and her insults still sucked.

I tilted my head. "Yeah, I'll do that and let you know if I'm positive. You know, since we've both slept with Chelsea."

Her smile instantly fell from her face as she debated if she really wanted to punch me in front of this many witnesses. Maybe bringing up her ex-girlfriend was a low blow, but she started this.

She turned away, indicating a victory for me.

I smirked as Blair chuckled. "Well, obviously someone still isn't over their ex."

"That girl is asking for it," I growled. "She's gonna catch me on a bad day and I'll have to knock her out. Mark my words."

"She's just jealous."

"Can't blame her. I'd be jealous of me too."

We made it closer to my final hour. After basically avoiding Megan for two days I found myself eager to see her.

Wait. No. I wasn't eager to see her. I wanted to run the other way. Yeah, that's right. I didn't like her. Not one bit.

"Oh she chose a skirt today," Blair claimed.

My gaze took her in. A skirt. She was wearing a skirt. And even though it was just slightly above her knee it was just enough to make me forget why I didn't like her in the first place.

And she looked so professional. Composed and confident like she had been doing this for years. She talked with the teacher across the hall. Her hands were animate. I was jealous of that teacher. I wanted Megan's attention but knew doing anything to get it would be a bad idea.

"Have fun," Blair dismissed, wiggling her brows.

"Not funny."

Then I was alone in the hall. The tardy bell rang and Megan glanced down the hall for stragglers. Or in other words, me.

She frowned. "Could you at least try to get to my class on time."

"I am on time," I answered. "I just got distracted."

Oops. I felt my skin heat up at the sight of Megan, who was now flushed with color. She took a deep breath and pointed into her classroom. "Go."

I did without protest.

I was determined to keep my mouth shut for the rest of class. Participating wasn't my thing anyway, so it would be easy. I could always take a nap, but after seeing Megan I was wide awake.

She stood at the front, ordering for us to take notes as she lectured. My eyes watched her mouth the entire time. Her lips were coated with a vibrant red, which made the rest of her appearance pop. She was captivating and I hated it.

Nothing could ever keep my attention for more than thirty seconds, so when a woman did... Well, it was uncomfortable.

But distractions aside, Megan actually was a decent teacher. Especially considering this was her first time on her own. She talked about her subjects like she had lived through them. Excitement laced itself within every word. I found watching her more interesting than the lecture, but she made paying attention easier.

Then class ended. People started to pack up and leave as I realized I hadn't taken a single note. I shrugged to myself. There was always tomorrow.

Megan passed my desk and groaned. "So I'm assuming you remember everything I said since there aren't any notes on your paper."

"I remember basically everything."

"Really?"

"Really."

"So what was the last thing I talked about?"

I opened my mouth to answer but I had no idea. She tilted her head as her arms crossed upon her chest. Wait, I knew this... Okay, no I didn't. Had I zoned out that much?

"That's what I thought."

"My brains on break, ask me tomorrow."

She stared at me. "Are you gonna leave or are you accompanying me for lunch?"

"Sorry, I'm not a teacher's pet," I stated. "But you don't have a class after fourth hour?"

She just shook her head.

Then I remembered our last conversation that had taken place Friday. The memory of her words still managed to burn me.

I pulled my bag onto my shoulder. "And I'd love to stay but uh... we're not friends, remember?"

Her smile faded, as if my words had actually cut her. Why did I feel so bad?

"Right," she finished. "See you at home."

Then I left. The tension that had surrounded us vanished when the door closed behind me. This wasn't normal. This lack of oxygen wasn't normal. Hand trembles weren't normal. And the way we talked to each other wasn't normal. What the heck was going on?

Before I could think too much I made it to my car and pulled out of the parking lot. Maybe if I drove fast enough the thought of Megan would go away since she always seemed to linger in the back of my mind. But I knew deep down there was no escaping her.

And maybe deep, deep, deep down, I didn't really want to.

* * *

Nineteen. Most people celebrated that specific birthday with their college friends or with coworkers because that's what was normal. Most people didn't attend high school on their nineteenth birthday like I had to. Most people were free from that plague at that age, so I found it hard to stay cheerful on my big day.

"So, its ladies night at Jinx and I don't think it's a coincidence," Blair hummed.

She seemed more excited about my birthday than I did. But the thought of celebrating on a big Thursday night made my mood a little better.

Jinx was a local bar owned by one of Shawn's friends, Danna, who was also very fond of me and Blair. And when the bar owner was fond of you then you got in free with no questions asked. Specifically, no questions about age. It was the perfect crime. And for some reason, this bar attracted a large LGBT crowd, which made it even better.

"I like it," I agreed.

"Of course you do."

The bell rang and the thought of tonight vanished and was replaced by the thought of Megan. Thinking about her made my face hot. I had walked on egg shells around her for a few days now and found it growing more and more difficult.

There was a very thin line between what was appropriate and what wasn't and I didn't like thin lines. I personally didn't have any boundaries, so when Megan set hers I still had yet to adjust. Not to mention the tension that seemed to be growing because every conversation we had held some underlying hostility.

"So, I'll just hang out until the end of your class. We can go eat and then get ready later tonight?" Blair suggested.

"Sounds great."

"Yeah it does. Now go learn something."

"Unlikely."

"Oh come on. I bet it's much easier to pay attention."

I tilted my head. "That's kind of true. You think I could get away with skipping?"

"You're not skipping."

"Why not?"

"Because," she paused. "Megan's staring at you as we speak."

I lifted my eyes and caught what Blair was talking about. Our eyes met for only a second before Megan broke away and looked down at the floor. Yeah, skipping would be impossible now.

"Is that tension I feel?" Blair teased.

"What?"

"You can't tell me you don't feel that Sam. It's thicker than that skull of yours."

I frowned. "Leave."

"Fine, I'll see you after class."

I managed to make it to Megan's door before the tardy bell this time and took my usual seat. Alright, fifty more minutes and then I'm free to enjoy the rest of my day. I could do this. Just get through her lecturing-

"Alright clear your desks," Megan ordered. "We're gonna have a pop quiz."

What?

Had she seriously said a pop quiz? On my birthday?

The shuffling of papers and backpacks pulled me back into reality. A pop quiz. A pop quiz that I was most likely about to fail because I had retained maybe ten percent of the past three lectures. Was she trying to ruin my day?

Megan passed my desk. "You're gonna need a pen and paper, Sam."

"I'm gonna need a miracle," I mumbled.

And so we had a pop quiz. I knew the answer to at least one of the ten questions she asked, so there was that to give me hope. The rest of the answers I gave weren't confident. At all. But maybe the birthday gods would be on my side. Maybe I would luck out.

That was until Megan called me to her desk after class.

I sighed. "So did I fail or did I really fail?"

She held up my paper. "Really Sam? Three out of ten? You didn't even try to answer the last one! The questions were straight out of the lectures."

"Really?"

She rubbed her temples. "Sam..."

Okay, now I felt a little embarrassed.

"I'll try harder next time," I said.

"You're not trying at all."

"Yes I am."

"No, you're not."

"I come to class and I pay attention."

"To me! Not to the material," she finished.

I couldn't even think of a decent response. She was right.

"Maybe you should try to get into the other American history class," she suggested. "For less distraction."

"I failed the other teacher's class last year. I can't switch even if I wanted to."

She leaned forward. "It's history Sam. It's just reading and comprehending. It's not physics or calculus."

"I'm crap at those too, don't worry."

"Do you care at all?"

Her question stunned me, mostly because I wasn't sure why she was asking me that. Of course I cared. Or at least I believed I did. School just wasn't my thing.

I shrugged. "I mean, yeah-"

"Don't you want to graduate with the rest of your class? I mean I know you're a senior but you still have responsibilities."

Jeez, where was all of this coming from?

"What's your problem?"

She exhaled. "I'm just trying to understand why you refuse to try."

Was she being serious?

"Is this all really because I failed your quiz?" I asked.

That's when I heard three light knocks on her door. I turned to see who it was and spotted Blair peeking her head inside.

"Sam, come on. You two can talk at home. I'm starving," she announced.

I looked back at Megan and felt the need to leave. She was obviously upset I had failed her first quiz and I was in no mood to argue about it. Any other day would've been understandable, just not now.

"See you at home," I dismissed.

"Yeah," she answered.

I closed the door behind me.

* * *

"Sam!" Danna, the owner, yelled as I walked through the doors.

"Danna," I greeted with a smile. "Long time no see."

"It's only been a few weeks you know?"

"That's a long time." I took a seat at the bar. "Guess who's nineteen."

"Happy birthday!" She winked. "Don't worry, we'll take good care of you."

She fixed my usual and then asked Blair what she wanted while I assessed the bar. Cigarette smoke and the sound of Janis Joplin filled the room. The atmosphere was friendly and fun, and after the conversation with Megan earlier today I was glad to be here. If anything could cheer me up it was good music and alcohol.

And possibly the cute raven-haired girl across the room giving me a flirty smile.

"So," Danna started. "You gonna let me school you at pool later?"

I laughed. "Yeah right, you know I'm the best."

"I've been practicing."

"Oh really? Confident enough to make a bet?"

Danna smirked. "I like where this is going."

"If I win, you pay off my tab tonight," I suggested.

"And if you lose?"

"I won't lose."

"Big talker." She stuck out her hand and I took it. "Game on, birthday girl."

* * *

I stared down my pool stick, trying my best to focus on the ball at the other end. It was my last shot. The eight ball. And if I made it, which I would, I got bragging rights and free alcohol. I basically had to win.

"You sure you can make that shot, drunkie?" Danna teased.

I threw her a smirk before closing one eye and exhaling a breath. The pull of the alcohol was distracting but I could do this. I released the stick and connected with the ball. It rolled right into the socket.

I threw my hands up in glory. "Guess you need to keep practicing, Danna."

"Yeah, whatever," she groaned. "One of these days I will beat you."

"But not today."

I wrapped my arm around the stranger that had been eyeing me earlier. She had decided to join me and was actually pretty cool. It was a shame I couldn't remember her name at the moment. Had she even told me?

"Should I call us a cab?" she asked.

I liked the sound of that. The only problem was that I still had Blair with me. Where was she anyway?

I nodded. "Uh yeah, just give me a second."

I searched quickly and found her with her head down on a table in a near booth. She better not be sleeping I swear...

I poked her and she lifted her head. "W-What? Finally finished your stupid game of pool?"

Okay, she was really drunk.

I laughed. "Get up, Shawn's gonna be here any minute to pick you up."

"Me? What about..." She hiccupped. "...you?"

"I'm going home with someone."

"Oh really?" She drug out the "really" two seconds too long. "With who?"

I nodded over to the girl waiting by the pool table.

"Oh she's a cutie."

It wasn't long after I pulled Blair outside that I spotted Shawn's truck pulling up. I opened the back door and shoved her inside since she was incapable of getting in by herself. With all the chaos I decided this was my chance to let him know I wasn't planning on coming home.

"Shawn bring Blair back with you. I'm leaving with-"

But it wasn't Shawn sitting in the driver's seat. And when my stare met Megan's my words stopped in my throat.

"Megan... where's Shawn?"

"He was exhausted and I offered to pick you two up," she answered. That's when she exited the car to help with me Blair.

I tried to ignore all of the weird feelings that were now crashing over me but it was impossible. Suddenly I was sober. As if seeing Megan was the splash of cold water that brought me back to my senses.

I raked my fingers through my hair. "Just uh, bring her home."

"You're not coming?"

"No."

She crossed her arms. "Well, Shawn told me to bring you home so-"

"I don't care, Megan," I interrupted. "It's my birthday and I'm going home with who I want."

"No. You're coming home with us because that's what responsible adults do."

"Who are you? My mother?"

"Not quite, now get in the car. I have work tomorrow."

I studied her through the dark, wondering what the hell she was playing at. Was she really trying to tell me what to do? On my birthday?

I rolled my eyes. "Goodnight Megan."

I turned to head back into the bar but her hand grabbed my wrist. She didn't let go. "Shawn wants you home. Don't you think you owe him a little bit of respect?"

When had we gotten this close to each other? And why wasn't she bothered by it? I knew I smelt like alcohol and smoke, but her eyes showed no traces of discomfort. Breathing became a little harder.

Arms then wrapped around me. It had to be the chick from the bar. Megan's gaze shifted from me to the girl behind me. That's when discomfort showed in her expression.

"Are you coming babe? The cabs here."

I sighed. This couldn't be happening right now. The embarrassment was almost too much to handle.

I turned towards the nameless girl. "I can't. I'm sorry."

"Seriously?"

I stood my ground. "I had a good time with you though."

Upset eyes looked at me and then Megan, and then turned away without another word. She probably assumed the worst with Megan standing here with me, but what could a girl do?

I wasted no more time climbing into the passenger seat. Anger soared through my veins. It was beyond unfair and Megan honestly needed to hop off.

She broke the silence. "Shawn told me you turned nineteen."

"Yup."

She stayed silent. Maybe she felt bad for lashing out on me earlier in her classroom. Maybe she was embarrassed. I sure was, but for different reasons. She let a few minutes pass before trying again.

"Were you held back a year?"

This time I didn't answer, hoping she would get the hint but I could feel my anger bubbling. This made it hard to hold my tongue.

"Did you fail?"

"Yes Megan, I failed my sophomore year and had to repeat it, okay? Please, just shut up."

The silence I had hoped for finally settled throughout the car while she continued to drive. I felt guilty for my reaction, but the subject was sensitive. That topped with the fact that I was drunk and annoyed with her didn't help the situation.

"I'm sorry."

Her tone was genuine, but I still found it hard to care.

I shrugged. "Whatever."

The silence didn't last long. It never did with her.

"Can I ask you something?"

"No."

"Why not?"

"Because," I paused while staring out the window. "It's probably inappropriate. You know, since you're my teacher and we're not friends."

Making the jab was easy but I knew it had hit a nerve. My immaturity was showing but at the moment I really just didn't care. I felt the mood change as we pulled up into the garage of Shawn's apartment.

"Could you help me with Blair?" I asked.

"Only if you answer my question."

"What then?" I caved, knowing damn well I didn't want to stand here all night.

"Why are you so defensive about the failing thing?"

I just stared at her, like there was no sense in the question she had just asked. Why was I defensive? Maybe because I failed and that made me feel like a failure. I was now a year older than my peers and people like her didn't find anything wrong with reminding me! Or maybe because at that point of my life everything had been falling apart at home and school had been the least of my worries.

My head shook in disbelief. That question was really just too dumb to answer.

She sighed. "Still waiting."

"Why does it matter, Megan?"

This time she hesitated. "It doesn't. I'm just curious."

So she didn't actually care, like I had expected.

"Well if it doesn't matter, why are we still standing here? People like you are the reason I stay to myself. You're all just nosy assholes."

It sounded harsher aloud, but I didn't regret it. At least not yet. There wasn't a single lie in my response. She had dragged me away from Jinx like my mother, ruined my night, and now was trying to interrogate me with personal questions?

"Sorry I asked then." She pushed past me and let herself into the apartment, leaving me alone.

I groaned and shoved Blair. "Wake up."

This had turned into the worst birthday of my life. All I wanted to do was go inside and sleep it off.

Blair stumbled out the car. "I had so much fun."

"Yeah well, you missed the best part."

"What did I miss?"

"Megan chauffeured us home and you were passed out the entire time."

Blair's reaction got better and better as I filled her in on the entire car ride home. And after it all was said and done, all she did was laugh.

"It's not funny," I stated.

"It's hilarious, actually."

Throwing myself down onto my bed I tried not to think about it, though it was hard with Blair's consistent giggles.

What a great way to kick off my nineteenth year.

* * *

My eyes opened. Sunlight peeked through my curtains, causing me to flinch in response. My head pounded and my stomach was queasy. God, why was I even awake right now?

Noise. There was noise coming from the kitchen. Why were they making so much noise this early in the morning?

It was Megan. It had to be. Especially after our little fight last night. She was most likely doing this on purpose to get back at me.

I stumbled to my door and stuck my head out, seeing her sitting at the counter.

"For future reference, don't wake me up when I'm hungover," I demanded.

Annoyance crossed her features as she sipped her coffee. Then Shawn rounded the corner. Crap.

"I think you look fine," Shawn lied. He crossed his arms. "Fine enough to go to school, actually."

Well, if he hadn't been aware of my distaste for Megan, he was well aware now.

I leaned against the door-frame. "Shawn, let's not do this."

"I heard you failed a quiz yesterday."

Of course Megan had told him.

"Can we talk about this when you get home? I'd like to go back to sleep."

"You're going to school, Sam."

I stood straight to hide how vulnerable I felt under the stare of Shawn and Megan. It was too early and I was too hungover to be having this conversation. Missing one day wouldn't hurt my grade.

"Shawn, come on-"

"Go get dressed," he ordered.

My face burned but I refused to look at Megan. I refused to let her see my reaction she was probably dying to witness. I turned back and slammed my door behind me, startling Blair awake.

"W-What... what's going on?"

"Get up, we're going to school."

"Like hell I am," she protested.

"If I have to go to school then you're coming too."

"What happened?"

I searched for a set of clothes. "Megan and Shawn ganged up on me because apparently Megan informed him that I failed her quiz yesterday. And obviously Megan's still butt-hurt over what I said last night."

I showered first, quickly enough to keep us ahead of schedule. It helped with the nausea but didn't help with my throbbing headache. This deserved payback.

I had expected Megan to be gone by the time I went to make my coffee but she remained at the counter. All I could manage was a glare.

"Why'd you tell him?" I questioned.

"He asked," she stated.

I shook my head. So what happened to student confidentiality? "That's a bit unfair."

"Life's unfair." She placed her mug in the sink. "Besides, you should've thought about your choice of words last night. After all, you were talking to your teacher."

"You're not my teacher right now, Megan."

She took a few steps closer. My pulse accelerated but I tried my best not to let her see. Her cold eyes stared down at me. I forced my eyes to remain locked with hers without traveling further than the nape of her neck.

"I can make your senior year hell, Sam. Remember that," she threatened.

"Sounds fun, Miss Adams."

I smirked, which she didn't like at all. She turned and grabbed her bag, exiting the apartment in a fury. I tried to catch my breath.

I saw Blair gawking from my doorway. "What was that?"

"What?"

"Don't ask me what when you know damn well what I'm talking about!"

I ignored her question anyway. "Do you want some coffee?"

"Don't ignore me Samantha."

I threw her an evil look and she got the hint.

Her hands raised in defense. "Fine. I'll let it go. For now."

"Thank you," I finished.

The thought of skipping crossed my mind about a million times that morning but I knew if I didn't show Megan would tell on me. This of course forced me to go through with my day, but I felt like a zombie.

My body was here, aching with every move I made but my mind was not. I felt dead, and forgiving Shawn for this would take time. There was no reason for me to be here.

And after three grueling hours, the only thing that stood between me and my bed was my final class.

I rounded the corner and my gaze caught Megan's. I ignored the heat that had surfaced on my skin and paced towards her. My face remained emotionless. If she believed she had won this morning, she was wrong.

"Morning Miss Adams," I greeted cynically.

"Sam," she responded. Before I could add another word she held her hand up. "I suggest you save your snide remarks for later. You're in my class now."

I bit the inside of my cheek and headed to my desk. There was something about the way she eyed me that made me tremble. But it wasn't in fear. I didn't know what it was so I paid it no mind.

My eye lids were so heavy. I felt as if my legs were a thousand pounds each. And my head was still pounding. If Megan wouldn't have told Shawn about the quiz I wouldn't even be here. She was such a rat.

Eventually I couldn't take it anymore, and my head sunk into my arms that were folded upon my desk. I couldn't keep my eyes open any longer. Shawn had told me I had to go to class, but that didn't mean I had to pay attention. I quickly drifted off to sleep.

Mom stood there with her arms crossed upon her chest and a disappointed look in her eyes. The sad reality was that this expression seemed more familiar than her smile now.

The living room I had grown up in surrounded us. The couches, the TV that blared with static, and the coffee table. That dreaded coffee table. My skin burned just looking at it.

"Why can't you just be normal!?" mom screamed. It seemed to echo throughout the entire house.

I went to beg for her to stop yelling and listen to me but nothing came out. My lips parted but my voice was nonexistent. Why couldn't I speak? I just wanted her to understand me. To love me. I knew she could if I could just tell her how much I wanted her to. How much I needed her to. But I couldn't get the words out.

She started to grow in size. Her legs made her taller. Her eyes grew wider and her voice echoed louder. "Why can't you just be normal, Samantha?!"

I backed up with fear. The living room was growing black. The corners oozed with darkness and crept along the wall.

Mom stepped forward and her massive hand swiped me clean across my face. My cheek ached with fire as tears welled. I tripped on the rug near my feet and stumbled back.

Glass shattered. Sharp pains spread through my back as my body burned in agony. I kept falling, down and through the spiraling black below the floor.

Was I going to hell? Is this what happens to people like me?

I heard the faint scream of my mom. "You're disgusting!"

I had to make her stop screaming at me. I had to make her see that I was normal. I was still her daughter. I was still her Sam.

"Stop!" I screamed through the dark. "Mom, please stop-"

I jumped awake. I felt a small line of sweat on my brow and hurried to wipe it away. My heart pounded hard against my sternum. Why couldn't I seem to catch my breath?

That's when I noticed the eyes. Everyone's stare, including Megan's, was on me.

"Sam...?" Megan asked, but I couldn't stay.

I stood, grabbed my backpack and bolted for the door. She called out to me but I couldn't stop. Not after what she had witnessed. Had I said anything aloud? I must have. Everyone had been looking at me like a wounded animal.

But I wasn't a wounded animal. No. Not anymore.

* * *

After leaving Megan's class early Friday I hadn't seen her since. I had immediately gone home, packed a bag, and headed straight to Blair's. No way was I going to face her any time soon after that incident.

I just hoped she didn't feel the need to tell Shawn. That would be the icing on the cake.

But the dreams... I just hoped they weren't making a comeback. It had been so long since I had had one of those. I thought they were done. I thought that I was better. They couldn't come back, not after almost two years of being away from that house.

"We need to do something tonight," Blair suggested.

"Like?" I asked, uninterested.

"I don't know, but you can't just sit and mope all weekend."

It was now Saturday evening. The sun was starting to set and in all honesty I didn't want to do a damn thing. Tomorrow I would have to go home and face Megan, which would be like pulling teeth. I just wanted to enjoy forty-eight hours away from her and not leave the safety of Blair's house.

But my phone rang out, a name I hadn't seen in a while flashed on my screen.

"Sam, I thought you quit doing jobs for that guy," Blair fumed.

I waved off her comment and answered. "Ross, hey. I haven't talked to you in a while."

"Yeah, I'm surprised," he answered. "Usually you're begging me for jobs and stopping by every now and then. I would hate to think you're avoiding me."

This was true, but after a close call with the cops I decided to lay low. So in a way, I was avoiding him, but he didn't need to know that.

"Ah I've just been busy with school lately," I lied.

"School?" he teased. "You finally decided to get serious?"

"Well, I'm a senior now so I kinda have to."

He laughed but I just wanted him to get this over with. He had called for a reason, so just get to it.

"Well hey, listen I have a favor to ask. And usually I wouldn't call you but everyone else is busy tonight and you know you're my girl."

"You mean I'm you last option?"

"Yeah, basically."

I couldn't help but smirk at his bluntness.

"I have a pretty hefty order that needs to be delivered to Chesterfield tonight and if you could go... well I'll make your trip worthwhile."

Chesterfield, Missouri, I thought. My hometown.

Due to the fact that I had put Ross on speaker-phone, Blair was allowed in on our conversation. At his offer she shook her head vigorously, begging me not to accept. But I was running low on cash and it was just a drop off job. What could possibly go wrong?

"Text me the details," I accepted. "I'll be at your place in ten."

"Like I said, you're my girl."

I laughed. "Yeah whatever." Then I hung up.

Blair punched me in the arm. "Why are you still accepting jobs from him?! Don't you remember what happened last time?"

"That won't happen again. Ross knows better."

"Sam..."

"It'll be fine," I dismissed, hoping I was right.

It didn't take us long to pick up the bag from Ross's and start towards my old hometown that held a lot of bad memories. I shouldn't have accepted, but it was easy money. Plus, he had sent me the details on the drop off and it seemed pretty safe. The people we were meeting already paid, so there was no risk in being jacked. The bag was in my trunk, so I didn't even have to get out of my car if I didn't want. Everything would be fine.

But I understood why Blair was nervous. After all, being caught with any type of drug in the state of Missouri wasn't taken lightly. And the last time she had come with me had been a close call.

The guys had been drunk, and apparently two of them were having it out when I got there. As soon as I made the exchange one of the guys pulled a gun and shot it into the air for intimidation purposes. Then the cops were called. I ended up having to leave without getting payment. Ross had been pissed but had let me off the hook after I explained what had happened. It had all just been a freak occurrence but Ross was right about me avoiding him.

But if he kept me out of harm's way this time then I might consider doing another favor for him in the near future.

"I can't believe I'm doing this again," Blair claimed from the passenger.

"All we have to do is drop off. It'll be easy," I comforted.

"And do you really think going back to your hometown after you had one of those damn dreams is a good idea?"

I took a deep breath. "It was just one dream."

Blair remained silent and shook her head. I ignored it even though I knew she was right.

Blair and Shawn were the only ones who knew about the dreams. They were the only ones who knew about the abuse and the reasoning behind me finally moving away from my hometown. And even though going back tonight was probably a bad idea, I knew as long as I didn't have to see my parents I would be fine.

And this December would mark two years since I had seen them, and I wasn't planning on breaking the streak.

We passed the Welcome to Chesterfield sign and I drummed my fingers against the wheel. I followed the directions Ross had given me which then led me outside a bar I was familiar with though I had never actually gone inside. Let's just say it wasn't a scene for a young teenage girl. More like for fifty-five-year-old biker men and junkies.

"God," Blair complained, leaning her head against my window.

I waited patiently outside, knowing that whoever we were dropping off to knew what car to look for. All I had to do was wait for them to approach me.

Then two guys emerged from the back door courtesy of the bouncer outside. They walked slowly up to my window and I cracked it open.

"You Ross's girl?" one of them asked.

I nodded towards the back of my car. "It's in the trunk."

I pressed the button to pop it open as the buyer walked to the back. The other guy, who seemed oddly familiar stepped closer to the car. His large hand glided over the hood of my Camaro.

"She's a beauty," he complimented.

"Thanks. It's a sixty-nine," I finished, hoping he didn't continue.

"I know," he answered. "I'd recognize this car from a mile away."

His dark eyes met mine but I pulled my gaze away and looked over to Blair. She stared at the man with a shady expression. That's when I heard my trunk slam shut. The deal was over.

"Give Ross my thanks," the buyer stated. His creepy friend lingered just long enough to give me the chills.

I nodded before I pulled out of the parking lot in a hurry.

"That guy was a creep," Blair assessed.

I shook it off. "But nothing bad happened."

"Then why do I feel like something bad did happen?"

"You're just paranoid. That's all," I ended, leaving Chesterfield, and hopefully all of thedark feelings behind as well.