Sami sat alone in her apartment, working at her computer. She was trying to job hunt. Since Kate had confronted her about faking the amnesia, she had lost her job at Titan. Lucas came by often to visit Will,but Sami rarely saw Austin anymore.Now that he knew the truth about Lucas being Will's father,he kept his distance. Carrie and Austin had moved out of her apartment and into a house near Salem Place,so they would have room for the baby.
She had just finished typing up a resume when Lucas walked in. She was somewhat aggravated because he didn't know how to knock,but she didn't say anything to him.
"Goodmorning,sunshine!," he called,cheerfully.
Sami,disgusted,made a face and said,"I really wish you'd stop calling me that. And why are you so happy?"
"I'm the proudest father in the world,that's why!," Lucas cried. Defeated,Sami laughed.
"I can't believe how much fatherhood has changed you.You really are a big softy,Lucas Roberts," Sami teased.Lucas pretended to be offended,and stuck out his chest.
"I've got a heart of stone cold steel.No soft spots here," Lucas replied.As Will toddled into the room,Sami picked him up and grinned at Lucas.
"Tell me you can say no to this adorable face," she told him. He bit his lip,and tried to look serious.Then he exploded with laughter,and Will and Sami joined him.
"I can't do it!I'm just a big teddy bear,Will!," Lucas cried,taking his son from Sami.
"Why don't you have lunch with us?That is why you're here,isn't it?, "Sami said,walking to the kitchen.
"No way.You're a horrible cook.I'm here to see my buddy," Lucas said,attempting to give Will a high-five.
"Gee,thank you,Lucas," Sami replied,as she poured some tea.
"I really am glad you're out of that wheelchair. You look like you feel a million bucks better than when you were unable to walk," Lucas said. Sami just nodded,and glanced out the kitchen window.
Lucas sighed as he saw the heartbroken look on her face.Months had passed,but Sami was still devastated by all that had happened.And she wouldn't let herself believe it was over with her and Austin.
"Sami,I didn't mean to.....," Lucas put Will down on the sofa,and walked over to her,"I know this is hurting you.But you have to let go. Carrie and Austin are getting married in a few days.She's going to have his baby. He doesn't love you,Sami. He never will."
She scowled at him,and pushed him away,"Yes,and you have to keep rubbing that in,don't you?How he hates me,and your mother is eating it up!She can't stand for me to be happy!All she's worried about is Carrie!I'm so sick of watching her gloat!"
"Sami,please.Let it go,"Lucas said,glancing down at Will.
"Why do I have to be so stupid?Why can't Austin love me like he loves Carrie?," Lucas watched,helpless,as Sami's eyes filled with tears.
"He's so in love with her.She's having his baby.I was there once," she whispered,covering her eyes.
"Sami,c'mon....don't do this to yourself," Lucas whispered,his heart breaking for her.Even when they'd been teaming up to ruin Carrie and Austin's romance,he felt a bond with her. When she'd been in the accident,he had cried at her bedside.She was his bestfriend.She understood him like nobody else did.And even though they'd never admitted it to each other,he knew they cared for each other. He put an arm around her,and she leaned against him.
"Please,Sami.Don't cry," he murmured,he brushed a single tear from her cheek,and she looked up,startled.Their lips were inches from each other,and he was staring into her eyes.What were they doing here?He couldn't answer that question.He knew they had been here before.She was feeling insecure,and they had ended up making love at Titan. Will was the result of that night. She had stopped crying,and was gazing into his eyes.He placed his hand on her cheek,and smiled.
"I don't think Austin deserves you at all,Sami.You're too good for him," Lucas whispered.She didn't respond.He leaned forward,and their lips met. She instantly melted against him,as if she would break. When they pulled away,they were breathing heavily. He smiled,and touched her cheek again.
"Don't beat yourself up about this anymore.I think you should get on with your life.Austin has," he told her.She nodded,and then looked at him with tears in her eyes.
"Will you help me,Lucas?," he realized that for the first time in her life,she was asking for help and not giving orders.She had changed so much over the last few years.Maybe she had realized it was time to give up on Austin.
"Yes,Sami.I'll help you," he kissed her on the forehead,and sighed.Maybe they could both get on with their lives now.
Sami couldn't believe what was happening. She had spent all afternoon with Lucas and Will,and actually enjoyed every minute of it. She hadn't felt this good in a long time. And when she and Lucas kissed, she had felt something sturring inside her. Alot of her attraction to Austin was based on revenge. She knew,in her heart,that he didn't love her and he never would. She had a sick obsession with him,but a part of her still held on to the fact that maybe one day he would come back to her.
She heard Will crying in his room,and went to get him.
"Oh,Will,"she said,drying the little boy's tears," I'm so confused. I still want to be with Austin....but I've lost him for good. Even you couldn't hold him to me.And Lucas.....I never knew he even cared about me. I mean,I knew we were friends.But something different is happening with us now.Its like we've finally realized something wonderful was hiding under our noses all along."
Will smiled at her,and rubbed a hand down her hair.She kissed him on the cheek,and sighed.
"Daddy," the little boy cooed. She thought sadly of the days when that word was meant for Austin. Tears filled her eyes as she remembered the day Will was born.
"Oh,Austin!That's him!That's our son!," Sami cried. She looked at Austin,who was smiling.
"Can I kiss him?," Sami asked the nurse.She nodded,and held him down to eye-level.Sami kissed the little boys forehead,as he cried,"Can....can Austin hold him?"
"Sure!," the nurse said,laughing. She handed Will to Austin,and they were both crying and laughing at the same time. Sami felt like she was walking on air as she watched Austin with Will.
Sami brushed a tear from her cheek,and realized how much of Will's life Lucas had missed.He wasn't there when Will was born.He didn't share the fear and relief of Will's sickness with Sami. When he was hospitalized right after he was born. She sighed,and carried Will into the livingroom.The apartment seemed so empty.
"You know,Will,I think we should go visit Grandma and Grandpa.I could ask them to watch you,and I could get some shopping done.Do some thinking.Figure out what I'm going to do with our lives," Sami grabbed her purse and keys,and carried Will out the door.
"Okay,Sami,you just take your time.And be careful,the roads are wet," Caroline Brady called. She sighed as she watched her granddaughter drive off,Will in her arms.
Sami had changed so much in the last few years.First she saw John and Marlena having an affair at Titan,she was raped,she struggled with an eating disorder,was held captive by Alan,shot him,and tricked Austin into marrying her. And all for the sake of a baby who didn't belong to Austin at all.She just hoped maybe Sami had finally realized that it was over for her and Austin.
"So,Mike,what do you say? We'll go to the Cheatin Heart.....play some pool,have a few drinks," Mike laughed at Austin's last remark," and maybe just have a good time. It would mean alot to me.I know we haven't been close in the past,but you've done so much.You helped Carrie hold on to her love for me,even when I thought it was over."
"Austin,I don't know.....I'm supposed to work the late shift," Mike replied,juggling the metal file holder in his hand.
"Look,Mike.Jonah will be there.Lucas said he would try to stop by.It's just alot of guys hanging out and having fun," Austin reasoned. Finally,Mike gave in."I'll see if Dr.Baker can cover my shift," Austin nodded,and left.
Sami was browsing through a clothing store at Salem Place when she realized it was getting kind of dark.She had parked out by the Cheatin Heart,and had a long way to walk back to her car. She just felt like walking around.The wheelchair had done nothing but get in her way.
"Miss,we're about to close.Is there something we can help you with?," a saleslady asked. Sami shook her head,and thanked the lady as she left the store. She walked over to Johnny Angel's,and bought a cup of coffee.She began the long walk back to her car,humming softly to herself.
He watched her from the bushes,grinning to himself.He'd plotted for months how to get back at her for ruining his life.He'd read up on everything she'd been doing.She had been working for Titan,married to Austin Reed,and had a son. The little boy turned out,though,to belong to Lucas.He had assumed that Lucas was his friend.He intended to pay Lucas a visit too. After he took care of her.He followed closely behind her as she left Salem Place.
Austin met Mike at the Cheatin' Heart,and Mike laughed at Austin's wardrobe. He was wearing baggy shorts,a white undershirt,and a baseball cap that was turned backwards.He was also wearing sunglasses,and chewing gum. Mike looked down at his faded jeans a blue dress shirt.
"Shouldn't you have warned me about the dress code,Austin?," Mike joked.Austin realized what he meant,and laughed.
"I guess I should've changed. I went jogging just before I drove over here.I like jogging at night,it's alot cooler," Mike sniffed,and said,"You definitely should have showered." Both men laughed at that.Mike turned his eyes to the parking lot as he started in the door,and grabbed Austin's arm.
"Hey,Austin?Isn't that Sami's car?," Austin looked closely,but shook his head.
"That's crazy,Mike.Sami wouldn't be out this late,and she hardly ever comes to the Cheatin' Heart,"Austin pulled Mike inside,and the jukebox music filled their ears.
Sami was halfway to her car when she thought she heard footsteps behind her. She turned,but nobody was there. Laughing at herself,she said," Way to go,Sami.Now your own shadow is freaking you out."
She stuck her hand in her purse,and felt around for her keys. She tossed the coffee cup into the trash can. She reached her car,and dropped her keys under it.
"Dammit," she cursed,dropping to her knees.She was glad now she'd changed into jeans instead of the dress she'd been wearing. She heard some one's footsteps as she reached under the car to get her keys.They seemed to be coming in her direction. As she stood up,he leapt at her. She screamed as he grabbed her arm,and she swung her purse back to hit him. She couldn't see his face in the dark.
She struggled with him,and screamed again. He shoved her against her car,groping her. She began to cry,screaming at him to get away from her.Just as she thought it was over,he punched her in the eye when she elbowed him. The door to the Cheatin' Heart opened,and her attacker seemed startled. As he ran off,she caught a glimpse of him under the street light. Terror ran through her as she realized who it was.
Austin heard the screaming when the music died down in the Cheatin' Heart. He and Mike ran for the door,and a few others followed behind. They heard a woman's voice crying out for help,and saw a commotion between two cars. Just as they reached the parking lot,the attacker ran off.In horror,Austin realized who the girl was. Sami was leaning on her car,her hair and clothes disheveled. She was crying,and holding her hand over her right eye.
"Sami?," Mike cried,suprised. Austin reached her first,and his arms went around her on instinct. He was so used to comforting her. She fell against him,sobbing.
"Sami,tell us what happened,"Mike coaxed. She just buried her face in Austin's shirt and cried.
"Austin,we need to get her to the hospital,"Mike said.As Austin started to protest,Mike informed him," She may not be hurt,be we need to be sure."
The got into Mike's car,and drove straight to Salem University Hospital.
Mike walked out of the emergency room,and found Lucas,Carrie,and Caroline with Austin.
"Well,she's fine.I mean,physically.She's completely shook up,but she won't talk to us.I kept trying to talk it out of her,but she won't say anything," Mike said.Carrie hugged Austin.
"Who would do this to her?,"Caroline asked.
"My guess is some sick jerk who just wanted to harrass a helpless woman," Mike replied,rubbing his forehead.
"She was terrified when we got to her.She wouldn't let go of me,"Austin said,as Lucas scowled.
"That's no big suprise,is it?," he snapped.
"Lucas,I don't really thing this is the time to dredge up the past," Mike said," Sami is really scared right now,and she needs support from you."
"Yeah,I know that," Lucas retorted.Then his face softened,and he asked,"Can I see her,Mike?"
"All of you can,that's fine.Just don't push her with a bunch of questions," he warned.They nodded,and filed in to see her.She was sitting with her back to the door,and they could tell she was crying. Lucas sat down on the other side of the bed,and touched her arm.She jumped,and glared at him.
"Sami....it's okay," he said.Carrie noticed how good he was talking to her.
She turned away from him,and spoke to all of them at once," I don't really feel like talking right now.There's nothing to say,really. This is my fault."
"Your fault?Sami,what are you talking about?," Carrie asked.
"He did this to get back at me for what I did to him," Sami said.
"You know this creep?," Austin cried,horrified.Who would do something so cruel?
"Yes.Actually,you all know him. His name is Alan," she choked out.Lucas put a hand on her arm,as she continued,"He came back to make me pay for shooting him."
"No,Sami,that's crazy.Listen to what you're saying.Alan wouldn't come back to Salem.He wouldn't show his face here," Carrie reasoned.Inside,she was terrified.She could remember the shrine Alan built of her,how he'd tried to attack her at Green Mountain Lodge.
"He came back to get even with me,Carrie.It's not over for him," Sami sobbed.
Carrie stared at her sister,not wanting to believe it. If Alan was back in Salem,that meant he was closer to her than she thought.He could just as easily attack her.Shaking,she wrapped her arms around Austin. She needed to feel safe in his arms.
Sami sat alone in her room that night.Will was staying with her grandparents ,and she could hear Lucas moving around in the kitchen.A part of her wished that Lucas would just go home.Another part of her was thankful he was there,because she felt safe with him around.
"Sami?Are you sure you're not hungry?I've got some great soup your grandma made," Lucas asked,walking in to the room.He stood beside the bed,a tray in his hand.He was wearing a green polo shirt,and jeans.He looked kind of worried,and she shook her head.
"I'm not hungry,Lucas.I just don't want to be bothered right now," she whispered,staring at her hands.
"Sami,don't do this to yourself.I'm telling you,Alan is an idiot if he's going to show his face in Salem.Especially after what he did to you," Lucas said,sitting the tray down on the desk next to the bed.
"I don't want to talk about it,Lucas.Could you please just leave me alone?," she asked.Without saying anything else,she turned and put her head down on the pillow.
"Sami,I want to help you.Don't shut me out,please," she heard his words,but didn't respond.Tears filled her eyes. She thought she'd cried enough the last few months.
"Just leave me alone,Lucas," she choked out.She heard him leave the room,and turn on the television in the livingroom. Then the doorbell rang. Her heart skipped a beat and she scurried off the bed to stand in the doorway.
"Austin?What are you doing here?," she heard the anger in Lucas's voice,and she wanted to run out to welcome Austin into her home.But she didn't. He was with Carrie now,and she had to realize that.
"Where's Will?," he asked.
"You came here to see Will?Austin,he's not here.And even if he was,you have no rights to him anymore," Lucas snapped.
"Lucas,I'm just concerned for his safety.And Sami's.....if Alan is in Salem,then they are both in serious danger," she heard Austin say.
"I'm here,Austin,Sami doesn't need you anymore," Lucas started to close the door on him,but Austin shoved it open and gave his younger brother an odd look.
"If I didn't know better,I'd think you were trying to take advantage of Sami.She's going through enough right now,Lucas,and the last thing she needs is for you to try to woo her," Austin told him.
"I think you should mind your own damn business,bro.And I think it's time for you to leave," Sami took that as her cue,and walked into the livingroom.
"No,it's okay.He can stay for a little while,but Will isn't here.He's staying at the pub," Sami said.Austin watched her closely,as she poured herself a glass of water.
"Sami," his hand touched her arm,and she wanted to kiss him," Are you sure you're okay?"
"Yes,I'm fine," she said,walking over to where Lucas was standing,and she gave him a soft pat on the back,"I have Lucas here."
Austin didn't say anything,but he started for the door.
"Then I guess maybe I should go.I just didn't want you to be here alone,after what happened earlier,"he said,opening the door.
"Well,okay.Please,say hi to Carrie for me," Sami said,as she closed the door behind him.Then she turned to Lucas,and sighed.
"If he comes back here again,tell him I said he has no business being here,"she snapped,putting the water glass down with a THUD.Lucas stared at her,looking confused.
"Is that what you want?," he quizzed her.She rolled her eyes,and turned to him,"Yes,Lucas,it is.He's going to marry my sister.He doesn't love me,and he's not Will's father.What reason does he have to come to my home,and ask all kinds of questions about me and Will?"
"He cares about both of you,Sami.And even if Will isn't his son,you know he loves that little boy," Lucas reasoned.Sami,aggravated,cupped her hands over her ears and glared at him.
"I don't want to hear about Austin Reed anymore.It's over," she walked into her room,and slammed the door.Once inside,she broke down in tears,"Oh,Austin," she mumbled,"You don't love me.I don't know what I'm going to do.I'm all alone,and it doesn't look like that's going to change anytime soon."
Alan brushed the dirt from his clothes,and felt his right side.He knew there would be a bruise there because she'd elbowed him hard enough to knock the wind out of him. He ran a hand through his hair,and smiled.
That finally glimpse she got of him was enough to scare her to death. She knew what he'd come back for,and she knew that the one episode he'd caused tonight wasn't the last.He had seen Austin and Dr.Mike come running,and knew that she wouldn't say a word to them.Then he'd high tailed it out of Salem Place,so that nobody would recognize him.
"Austin,is that you?," Carrie called.She stood up out of her chair,and held a hand to her back.She waddled down the hall,and found him standing at the front door.
"I laid down to take a nap,and you just left?Where have you been,Austin?," she asked,helping him take off his windbreaker.
"Out," he mumbled,walking into the bedroom.
"Out?That's it?Well,where did you go?," she rubbed her swollen belly,watching as he sat down and rubbed his eyes.
"Austin?What is going on with you?," she sat down next to him and touched his arm.He jumped,and then turned to look at her.
"I went to Sami's," he replied.She felt her breath catch in her throat.She didn't want to say the wrong thing and upset him anymore than he already was.
"Did she call you?," Carrie asked,tucking a strand of her hair behind her ear.
"No,she didn't.I was worried about her....because of what happened earlier,"Austin began.He looked confused by what he said next," And....Lucas...was there.Apparently,Sami asked him to stay.Or maybe he volunteered.I don't know.They left Will at the pub with your grandparents.I went to see about him.I don't think they're safe,if Alan is in Salem."
She watched,helpless,as he left the room and went to take a shower.She had never seen Austin so upset. And especially not about Sami.She stood up,and walked over to the window.It was dark out,and she couldn't see anything but the stars.She knew he loved her,but a part of her always worried that Sami would pull another stunt and trick Austin into going back to her again.
He watched her from the trees,as she stood in the window.He smiled to himself,"Oh Carrie,"he whispered,"Austin is such a fool.He doesn't know what he's got.The most beautiful woman in the world.Too bad he won't have you for long.Because when I'm done with Sami and Lucas,I'm taking you and we're gonna get out of Salem for good."
Lucas opened his eyes,and glanced around.He sat up quickly,and realized that he was at Sami's.He must have fallen asleep on the couch,because that was where he was now.A blanket had been put over him,and a pillow under his head.He leaned back on the pillow,and sighed.So much was going on with Sami right now.He didn't want to rush her into anything,but he wanted her to know that she could count on him.And he wanted to help her with Will all the time,not just when he was available.He tossed back the blanket,and walked over to her door. Easing it open,he noticed that she was sleeping soundly.Apparently,she had put her worries about Alan aside.She breathed softly,and he watched her as she slept. Being as quiet as he possibly could,he sat down on the edge of her bed. "After all that we've been through,Sami,I still don't know what to do about my feelings,"he said.She didn't move. "I care about you so much.We share a child.I just can't walk away from all of that,not when I care about both of you so much" he said,looking down at his hands.She stirred a little,and he looked up. Her face twisted in fear,and she began to whimper.She tossed and turned,and he was afraid to wake her.
"No....no.....get away....please," she moaned.He shook her gently at first,and her eyes popped open.She let out a terrified scream,and he told her that it was him.Looking completely shocked and relieved,she threw her arms around him.
"Oh,Lucas....it was so horrible,"she sobbed,holding on to him for dear life.He tried to console her as she cried.
"I don't know how much more of this I can take,"she cried,her tears spilling onto his shirt.
"Shhhh.It's okay,Sami," he whispered.She pulled away from him,but clutched his hand.
"I'm so scared.I don't know what to do....what if he comes here,Lucas?What if I'm alone,and he breaks into my house?," she seemed completely terrified,as fresh tears spilled down her pale cheeks.He pulled her close again,trying to calm her down.
"Don't think like that," he replied,as he felt her tremble.
"What if he does something to Will?," Sami asked.Then,she must have remembered where Will was,because she sputtered,"Oh my God!My little boy!I have to get to him before Alan does!God,Lucas,that baby is my whole life!I just hope I'm not too late." She scurried to get out of the bed,and he grabbed her arm.
"It's okay.Your grandparents won't let anything happen to Will,"he told her.Seeming somewhat trusting of him,she smiled sadly.
"I'm so glad you're here.You don't know how much it means to me,"she murmured,hugging him.He felt the same way.He wanted to be able to protect her.As she stood up,he noticed that she was wearing a silk red nightgown.
"Wow," he breathed," You look beautiful."
She looked at him,and then laughed.She told him,"You always say the most outrageous things.Just when I think I've got you figured out,you do something that told blows me away."
"Like this?"," he couldn't resist.Standing up,his lips found their way to hers.She didn't resist him. He kissed her passionately,and she smiled as they pulled apart.
"Like that,"she murmured.He kissed her again,and she gently pushed him away.
"I have to get dressed,Lucas.I have to go and pick up Will.I want to spend some time with my son," she said. He nodded.
"Me,too.That's why I'm going to take you to the pub.We'll have lunch with your grandparents,and then we could take Will to the park," he said.
Laughing,she jokingly said,"Why don't I just let you figure out what I'm going to do-for me and Will?"
He closed the door behind him,but her words were eched in his mind.Maybe he would figure out her life,and Will's.He could see himself as a big part of both.She walked out of the room,wearing a long floral dress.Her golden blonde hair was shining,and she looked happier than she had the night before.
"Ready?," she picked up her purse,and he took her hand.Staring into her eyes,he told her seriously,"I want you to know,right here and now that I'm here for you.I'll always be here for you.If you ever need anything,you know how to reach me."
She nodded,and replied,"That means alot to me,Lucas.I don't think you know how much. Now,lets go and get our little boy."
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