that thing you do

It felt good to at least have someone who was happy to see him. At least Connor savored the moment with Samantha.

Connor was at a loss when it came to Bree.

That girl he remembered had disappeared. She was so fowl mouthed now, and it was so sad to see what had become of her. All because of that weasel, Rosco.

He'd stopped trying to talk to her. He didn't go by her house. After all, he was in high school. Bree wasn't.

Yet, Samantha was out of high school. He guessed that would be wrong, too.

"What's the matter?" He now asked Samantha.

"I dunno, I guess..I'm just tired of winter." She shrugged. "It should be over by now, shouldn't it?"

"Yeah, suppose so." If only he knew if she actually liked him. "You're not still hung up on my brother, are you?"

"No." She winced with a smile. "I don't think he ever cared if..if anyone cared about him." Jared had not wanted to see her. Connor felt bad about that.

Connor only nodded, wishing he could say, "I think you're pretty cool." Yet that sounded so lame.

She parked in the driveway at his house. And for the first time, he realized he didn't want to go in. Instead, it was nice to be in her old car. It was warm and it smelled of caramel apples..just like her.

He looked at her as if he wanted to let her know..something.

Darn, if his library books were in the way. Just one move, they fell in the floor. Yet, he didn't even notice.

He kissed her, ever so carefully. And she let him. She actually, did.

He thought he might laugh. Although, he was certain of it, Samantha needed him just as much as he needed her.

Sky had a night off. He didn't really want to sit about watching somebody peel potatoes. Instead, he grabbed the DVDs from the library. He'd make himself useful. Of course, there was a chill of winter in the air, but it was early spring. He put on his leather jacket.

"Remember, dinner will be ready in about an hour." Ricki looked up, from her work in the kitchen.

"Got it." Sky nodded as if he'd do this quick, even on foot. He needed some fresh air.

He was on his way soon enough. Not a thing on his mind, but maybe that fat robin he noticed. She looked like she could have babies. He chuckled, wondering if he was a little mental, after all. He smiled to himself.

He passed one block of houses after another. No kids at play on this dismal evening. All was quiet.. And then when he looked across the way, he saw the old Buick. There was that BRIGHT EYES homemade sticker on the back bumper. It was Samantha's car, and there she was in the driver's seat with her head bent down.

"Hey." He said, but she didn't answer. He was worried as he tapped on the window. She looked up at him. Horrified.

"Sorry." He apologized. "Are you OK?" She didn't look OK to him. In fact, she looked rather grim.

"What's the matter?" He knew he'd left the library rather quickly. In fact, he didn't have time for a send off. Didn't need one. He barely knew Samantha. They'd worked perhaps a shift or two together.

She shook her head, no. She wouldn't speak for the longest time. And then she said, "I..I don't.." He waited. "I don't want to be alone."