MY BROTHERS BEST FRIEND

CONT.

I pulled open the bathroom door and listened for Sam I didn’t hear him. “Sam?” I called out.

“UP STAIRS” his voice boomed through the house. I picked up the two pieces of clothing I had and walked towards the stairs. My feet padded their way up the stairs, I saw the light in one of the guest rooms I followed the sound of Sam’s humming and looked into the well lit room. “I hope this room is okay. I was making a list of things we’d need for in here” he gave me a small smile as I took in the room.

The walls we’re pretty bare, there was a bench seat under one window and a bathroom attached just off to the side. I saw French doors that led out to the balcony that looked out onto Sam’s back yard, there was a mattress leaning on one wall and a few boxes here and there. “I love it” it warmed my heart knowing he was willing to let me stay here.

“Let’s go get the enrollment done and the shopping okay?” he grabbed my small hand he led me down the steps.

He looked at me and then back out at the early November weather “I’ll be okay in just this.” I gave him a small smile. He nodded and I grabbed my keys and started for my truck “I’ll drive” I yelled over my shoulder as I heard Sam lock the front door. He hopped into the passenger’s side and gave me directions to the high school I stopped attending a few months ago. I pulled into the student parking lot and looked at Sam I saw a small smile creep across his face, I tried to match his smile when he turned to me.

“When’s the last time you’ve been around here?” I looked away and undid my seat belt.

“I left after his funeral. I didn’t come home I just went to Will’s and he had someone get my stuff from the house.” I heard him undo his seat belt and open the door.

“That’s too long ago Sadie. Let’s go inside” I heard him leave his seat. I sat in the car for a few more moments when I heard Sam tap the hood of my truck, my eyes flashed up to his and he waited for me to remove myself from my truck, eventually I grew the guts to pull myself out of my truck and meet him at the front of my vehicle. I looked at him and inhaled deeply he placed his hand on my shoulder and pulled me into the high school. We walked through the front door and I stopped to look at the glass case they had set up for Jack. It held pictures of him and his friends, pictures with Mallory, a basketball, letters from all his friends.

“Ms. Johnson” the principles voice pulled me out of my focus.

“Ms. Mather’s hi” I smiled and extended my hand to her. I saw Sam behind her he gave me a small smile.

“Sam’s told me a little bit about what’s going on. I think we can work something out come to my office” her small elderly frame reminded me of a grandmother. I followed her down the hallway I knew too well, I felt a shiver come over me. The last time I came down this hallway was to find out Jack got killed. I felt Sam’s hand grab mine, he pulled me out of my thoughts back down to the real world.  I watched as Ms. Mather’s pulled out forms and told me where to sign and what to fill out “We’re go glad to have you back” her smile was contagious.

“We need to get her settled at home today, we’ll see you Tuesday” Sam shot Ms. Mather’s his award winning smile he made sure she noticed his dimple.