CODE (JaDine AU)

07

He smiled at her and then he looked down, noticing the painting.

"That is really a beautiful painting." He commented.

Sam looked at th painting once more and smiled. "Yeah. It is."

She turned back to Lee. "What is it?" she asked.

He smiled more broadly. "I just figured I haven't greeted my cousin yet. Happy Birthday, Sam"

Sam smiled."Thank you. And thank you for the surprise."

Sam gestured for Lee to sit down. Lee did so and Sam sat beside him.

This was the first time they would be talking since Jared. Lee was happy with Sam's invitation.

Lee placed an arm around Sam's shoulder.

"But why is it that my cousin is unhappy?" He asked gently.

Sam, still smiling, just shook her head.

"And this isn't just because of your dad or Jared...." He continued.

Sam's smile faded.

"This is also about Top, isn't it?" Lee said relentlessly.

Sam look away. "You're wrong."

"You miss him." Lee said.

"No---"

"You want to see him. All this time, you're wishing he would come and visit you again."

"I told you it's---"

"You love him." Lee deadpanned.

"I love Jared." Sam said, stonily.

"I know." Lee said, gently. "I'm not saying you don't. I know it's hard to forget him. I know you're trying. But Sam, you don't have to. And you don't have to convince yourself that you feel nothing for Top. It'll only be more difficult for you..." Lee said, taking Sam's hand in his.

"I-I can't." Sam said.

"It's not your fault."

"I know."

"And you shouldn't believe that everyone you love leaves you. No one left you Sam. Your father is still in here." He said placing Sam's hand on her chest. "Jared too. And it's not a crime if you leave some space for Top as well."

The two of them went silent.

And for the first time since Jared's first day in the hospital, Sam cried. 

Sam finally let out her tears. The feelings she had been bottling up.

Lee hugged her, gently patting her on the back.

"You should see him." Lee said.

Lee felt Sam shook her head.

"I-I'm afraid... I... I don't think I can take it if Top l-leaves me as well..." Sam sobbed.

"I think he loves you." Lee said.

Sam looked at him, surprised.

He pointed at the painting.

"That tells a lot..." He said, smiling.

"B-but..." Sam said.

Lee knew she was still very confused.

"Okay, what about this. I'll flip a coin. If it's heads you'll go and see him tomorrow and sort out your feelings. If it's tails, then promise me you'll forget him. Is that okay?" He asked.

Sam's eyes widen but she didn't say anything.

She slowly nodded.

Lee moved away a bit and took a coin from his pocket.

He flipped it in the air and then caught it.

He smiled and then turned to Sam.

"So, you'll see him tomorrow?" He asked.

Sam looked at him. "Is it heads?"

"Tails." He said with a shrug. "But when I flipped the coin, you already knew what you wanted it to be, right?"

TBC.