Disclaimers: The prerequisite disclaimers.

Intellectual Property: The characters are wholly my own. Any similarities drawn between them and any persons, plants, or animals, living and dead, are figments of your imagination. However, some places and products mentioned in the story do exist. No infringement is intended. (Hey, look on the bright side! Free publicity! Yeah!)

Ratings/Language/Violence: R-rated. Generally, the language and violence is mild, as is the sex. However, at risk of spoiling some surprises, the story deals with sensitive issues like overbearing parents, youth violence, rape, and murder.

Sex: Love is expressed between two consenting ladies. If that bothers you, then for the love of God (or a higher being or beings, if any), get help.

Age: If this material is illegal where you live and/or if you are underage then find something else to do.

NOTES: Mickey is NOT the main character. Be patient and you'll meet the two leading heroines in no time at all. Also, this story takes place over about the span of a decade. If you want to see sign language, go to this web site. http://www.bconnex.net/~randys/

If you have any feedback, suggestions, or comments, please let the bard know at sarkel_bard@yahoo.com You are guaranteed a reply if you so wish. Constructive criticism is accepted J

I'd also like to thank everyone who helped. Thanks to Steph, Critic, Ink, and everyone else who has contributed.

Many people have asked me about my posting policy, so here's a rundown. I have a personal policy to post at least once a week, but if I am ahead of schedule or have extra time, I'll post more than once.

A Note: In the story, when Sam (or someone who is signing) murmurs, mumbles or whatever, they are not speaking. The 'screams' 'whispers' and so forth are merely the sign language equivalent.

Part 7

The next morning, Sam woke up to an audience in her bedroom. Two pairs of eyes, one green and one brown, studied her with grave interest. As soon as she had her peepers open, the duo jumped on the bed and walked all over her. Corny circled the bed, his tail thumping furiously, then settled down on his mistress's stomach, ignoring her protests. Allen snuggled up to Sam and positioned his small body over her chest. She didn't stand a chance of getting up with those two draped over her.

Allison, hearing the dog's excited noises, poked her head into her stepsister's bedroom, and grinned at the scene. Allen and their new dog had been waiting for Sam to wake up for quite some time now. The blonde joined the guys on the bed, picking up her brother.

Sam felt pensive about Allison's appearance. Now in the harsh light of "the morning after" Sam felt foolish about her spontaneous and rare show of emotion. Hugging Allison had seemed like the right thing to do at the time, and indeed, had felt right, at least for the dark-haired girl. Reflecting upon the situation, Sam realized the embrace had been poor judgment on her part. She didn't want and didn't need people feeling sorry for her. Only a few had seen Sam less than 100 percent tough.

Allison had been the one to break the closeness, and the dark haired girl had resisted. She had been enjoying the hug and calmness and was reluctant to let go. While Sam had started out to comfort her stepsister, the consolation went both ways and her head had slipped to rest on the blonde's shoulder. She smelled so good, of apples and coffee, and was so soft that the deaf girl had felt like she was sinking into a comfortable pillow. Ultimately, Allison had been the one holding her.

The newly awakened girl cringed as the blonde started to say something. She better not say anything like: 'It's all right to show fragility,' or 'You don't have to be strong all the time.'

"Good morning…or afternoon. It's lunchtime. Where do you want to go? My treat." She directed the comment to the group. Corny sat up and whuffed excitedly at the mention of lunch. Sam groaned in protest as his tail slapped her face. At least the blonde was acting like nothing had happened last night.

"Aren't you supposed to be at work?" Sam was puzzled by her stepsister's presence as pain shot through her back. Hours of sitting on the hard ground yesterday against her mother's cold grave marker had that effect. Being with her mother had helped her come to terms with her behavior somewhat but it didn't compare to the comforting hug she'd shared with the blonde.

"Nice way to greet me! Not want me here? Mr. Dierksen said I could have the day off. So where?" Allison's smile broadened into a grin as she thought of food. That could cheer her up anytime.

Sam blinked, her eyes still adjusting to the change in light. "I can't really think. I just woke up."

The blonde pouted. "I'll forgive you this time. See you in a few minutes, ok?" She carried Allen downstairs while Corny remained with his mistress.

Sam chuckled as she petted the dog. "Where would you like a doggy bag from?"

Downstairs a few minutes later, the subject of lunch was broached once again. "Where do you want to eat? No, wait a minute. Let me guess…an all you can eat buffet?" Sam teased her stepsister. At least she didn't have to write down everything. Allison's sign language class came in more than handy.

The blonde swatted Sam on the shoulder. "I don't eat that much! But a buffet does sound good."

"Unfortunately you've been banned from every buffet in town. After the last time you ate at a buffet, they had to redefine the 'all you can eat' concept." Sam grinned broadly to show she was joking. "Why don't we just call for pizza or something?"

The blonde gave the blue-eyed girl a cross look. "Let's get out of the house!" she exclaimed.

Allen nodded enthusiastically in agreement, but he had to make sure of something first. "Sammy, are you mad at me?" His face was scrunched with worry.

His stepsister visibly flinched at the innocent question. The kid was concerned that she was mad at him? Should be the other way around.

"Oh, no," answered Sam gently. "I'm mad at myself. It wasn't your fault. I'm glad you found the cookies, though. I've been looking for them." She grinned, squeezing the boy's shoulder.

"From now on, just be sure to leave the goodies in reach for us short folk," teased Allison. "Ok, let's do the pizza-arcade for lunch."

"Yay!" Allen cried.

"I got my paycheck recently so I'll have enough for all of us especially since I'm working extra hours this week," said Allison cheerfully as Sam groaned. Her in a little kids' restaurant?

"I bet Allen would love to go there and you guys can play some games."

Allison bounced with excitement and squeezed Sam's arm. "You're going to play too!"

"Thanks but I'll pass. All those kids running around screaming and sticky game controls and all. No thanks."

"Why not? It'll be fun and you can play with Allen and me."

"It has nothing to do with you two. I just don't like to eat with dozens and dozens of kids running around, out of control."

"Please?" Allison pouted and imitated a five-year-old girl, giving Sam her best innocent look.

Sam reconsidered. Her stepsister was damn cute, and after all, she had nearly killed the girl's brother yesterday. "I have my price. You just have to…give me something I want." Sam raised her eyebrows.

The blonde thought for a moment. "Let's see. I'll be quiet for a half hour and I won't touch you?"

"I don't know. I already have alternative methods of shutting you up, namely tickling. Try again."

"Ahh." Allison tried again. "What do I have to offer you? I'll do all your chores for the rest of the week."

"Hmm… I don't know. I just have the dishes and I don't mind doing those. Not worth putting up with badly behaved children. Here's a hint. My back is sore." Sam stretched out her frame. "That hurt."

The blonde laughed. "Nice try, but you're stuck with more than the dishes. But I will give you a massage." She caught her eager answer too late and attempted to cover up the blunder. What if Sam had meant something entirely different? "If that was what you had in mind."

"You really want me to go, huh? You have to do a good job and you don't finish until I say so, ok?" teased Sam.

"Deal." Allison smiled. "If you can tolerate my cooties." Her brother's fall had been a blessing in disguise, bringing them closer together. Her stepsister could actually be friendly for more than ten minutes at a time.

Sam made a face. "Girls are so yucky! Bleah!" Allen nodded seriously in agreement.

"Guess I'll have to pass." The older girl sighed regretfully.

"What if I said I was an alien too?" Allison asked.

"Well, well." Sam pondered the question. "I'll have to check on that one."

"How? I left my purple skin and antenna at the old apartment."

Her companion winked. "There are ways," she responded mysteriously. "How about I grant you temporary alienship?"

The blonde giggled, enjoying the repartee. "I'd like that."

The trio departed for the moderately busy pizza-arcade place, courtesy of Dino. Allison and Sam walked to the order counter while Allen darted for the multicolored pile of plastic balls in a screened playground. "Be careful!" Allison trailed her stepsister and shouted after her brother. "Don't hurt your head!"

"Hello. How can I help you?" the cashier asked.

Sam ordered, mouthing number one, holding up her index finger, and pointed to the menu.

"Ok. Number one," said the cashier as Allison joined the taller girl.

The blonde gasped. "Excuse me. We're getting number three. With extra cheese and pepperoni."

Sam shook her head firmly and looked at the cashier, then repeated her order, much to the green-eyed young woman's chagrin. The befuddled cashier glanced nervously between the two customers, waiting for them to make up their minds.

The blue-eyed girl sighed and took her stepsister aside, near the fountain drinks counter.

"We're getting number one," she repeated. "I'm paying."

"Sam…" Allison countered warily. "I can pay."

Her companion shook her head in disagreement. "Don't argue."

The blonde stared at her stepsister. Number one cost fifty dollars and came with two large one-topping pizzas and a bucket of 150 game tokens. "I don't mind. At least let me pay you back for me and Allen."

Sam sighed as they watched the towhead go down the slide. "Careful, honey!" called Allison.

"Use your money for something more worthwhile. You're part of the family now." Sam rested her hand on Allison's back for a moment and continued. "No need to worry about money anymore. 'Nuff talk. Let's have some fun, ok?"

Allison's smile reached her eyes. She didn't like being treated like a poor charity case but coming from her stepsister, the offer was akin to an honest politician. "Thank you."

Sam nodded in satisfaction and returned to the cashier to place the order. She joined her new stepsiblings in the kiddie area, where Allen was wading in the pool of balls.

"Hey." Sam placed her hand on Allison's shoulder to signify her presence and let her hand linger. She held up the bucket of gold coins, smiling. "Jackpot."

Allen ran up to them, shrieking. "Wanna ride the truck!" he exclaimed, pointing to a coin-operated fire truck.

"Sure. Put your shoes back on." Allison pointedly indicated Allen's sock-covered feet.

"Yay!" Allen screeched as he ran back to the shoe rack and hastily tied his shoes. Sam and Allison followed him to his rides.

Soon enough, a robotic voice boomed over the intercom. "Cannizarro, your pizza is ready."

"Pizza! Pizza! Pizza!" Allen yelped as he leaped off the truck. "Come on, Sammy!"

The group dug into the pizza with gusto. Allen didn't remain long and was back to riding trucks, cars, and motorcycles within a few minutes.

"Tell me a story about yourself," Allison asked as she sipped her drink.

"Not much to tell. Really." Sam grinned.

"Come on. Tell me something from military school," Allison persisted.

"Fine, fine." Sam thought a moment. "You'll like this one. Remember that time Susan, you, and me went shopping?"

Allison giggled. "Yeah."

"That was nothing compared to what a bunch of my pals and I did to the headmaster." Allison leaned back in her chair expectantly as Sam began to tell her of the time they'd hot wired the headmaster's car, hooked it to a hose, and filled it with water and plastic fish. Sam laughed as she wrapped up her story. "He never caught us, but we learned our lesson. All the cadets had to suffer through two months of closed weekends and those horrible mile runs."

Allison grinned. "Tell me more."

Sam was about to reply when she caught sight of two children, both about eight years old. They were staring at her and making faces. One of them started to imitate sign language. The youth mockingly laughed throughout his hand movements. His friend pointed at the girls and ridiculed them as well. The dark-haired teenager stifled a desire to strangle the kids. Where are their parents and why weren't they taught any manners? I oughta go and scare the bejesus outta them. Serves them right. Despite her anger, she kept still and returned her attention to her blonde companion. Allison turned to see what had distracted the conversation.

The hearing girl smiled and waved at the kids. They were adorable and just curious. "Oh, Sam. Aren't kids just so cute!"

The blue-eyed girl gritted her teeth and grimaced. "It's rude and happens all the time. I am not a sideshow. I would like to enjoy a conversation for once without being the center of attention. Come on, the kiddo's using all the tokens. Let's go and play." She looked around for Allen, not feeling like giving a lecture.

Allison gripped Sam's wrist. "They're children. They have probably never met a deaf person before or seen signing in action. Give them a break."

Sam shook her head. "No. It's ok to look but not to stare or mock or imitate like a monkey. If you saw a guy in a wheelchair, would you stare? Would your mother let you? No. Most parents let their kids just stare and make fun of me. I just… let's drop it, ok?"

The younger girl understood her stepsister's point and conceded, not wanting to ruin their fun. They thoroughly enjoyed themselves that evening. Sam beat Allison soundly at skee ball but the blonde was a pro at the clown shooting and the gopher hammer games. The teenagers amassed an impressive quantity of tickets, while Allen spent most of his tokens on rides.

Before long, the dark-haired girl had learned not to challenge her blonde companion with the car racing games. Being the madcap driver that she was, Allison won soundly each and every time, the game allowing her to hurl off the roadways, screech around corners, and remain perfectly intact each time after the car had burst into flames.

When the tokens had dwindled to a precious few, the new stepsisters counted their tickets. "I got 500. You?" Sam asked Allison.

"Beat ya! I got 550!" Allison bragged. "I'm gonna use my tickets to get something Allen likes."

Sam nodded. "Here's 400 tickets. Get the kid something really cool. I'm gonna play one more game of basketball."

"What would you like, Allen?" Allison asked her enthusiastic but sleepy brother as they went to the counter. He hemmed and hawed before settling on a foam football.

"Hey." Sam joined her new stepsiblings. "Cool football."

"I got it so you could teach me this summer," the youth said seriously.

Sam grinned. "My pleasure." She traded her tokens for a purple ring. As the group walked outside, she quickly slipped her new purchase into her pocket. The evening air was cool, crisp, and fresh. They'd spent all afternoon and part of the evening at the pizza parlor.

"Did you have fun tonight, Allen?" asked his sister.

"Yeah!" the boy enthused. "I never got to play this much before."

"Tell Sammy thank you, Allen," Allison reminded her brother.

"Sammy thank you, Allen," he echoed with a mischievous grin.

Sam gave her stepbrother an unamused look. He was a smart-ass. "Very funny."

Allison wasn't looking forward to getting home. She needed to have a serious talk with her stepsister, and hoped that the conversation wouldn't ruin their recent progress toward a real friendship.

The dark-haired young woman took Corny for a quick walk around the yard, anticipating a nice evening with her friend. Friend? "Well, what other way is there to describe her?" Sam pondered as Corny sniffed out a rabbit. She had never imagined such an occurrence, but her stepsister had managed to coax another side out of Sam.

She returned to the front door and twisted the doorknob tentatively. She didn't make real friends often and hoped this new relationship wouldn't blow up in her face. Her heart skipped a beat when she saw her stepsister in the kitchen leaning against the counter, her arms crossed, a solemn expression on her face. The mood suddenly plummeted from friendly and playful to serious and tense.

Allison smiled, trying to lighten the atmosphere. "Let's go in the living room and talk."

Sam nodded mutely, figuring that the blonde's relief and resulting good mood about her brother's condition had passed. Now Allison would get majorly pissed off and bite her head off. Allison's tone and attitude didn't bode well for her stepsister. They sat down on opposite ends of the couch and faced each other.

The brunette pre-empted the blonde's comment. Maybe she'd acted too soon by considering Allison a friend. "Well?" Sam snapped. "What do you want?"

The green-eyed girl drew back at the abrupt questions. She could practically see her stepsister's walls dart back up. "Nothing bad. We just need to discuss what we're going to do about Barry and my mother."

"You don't need to baby me, like I said. I'll take the blame." Sam scowled as she crossed her arms defensively.

Allison swallowed. Her stepsister was overreacting and blowing everything out of proportion. She was just trying to help! "I just wanted to say that Allen is fine. By the time they get home, there'll be no sign of his injury. I'll explain everything to him and let him know it's not important for momma or Barry to know."

The brunette's posture relaxed slightly but she remained guarded. "Why are you doing this? Seems like a lot of work and trouble. Trying to save your own ass?"

Her younger companion sighed. "I care for you. There's no sense in dredging up this mess. I like you, Sam, and I want my mother to like you too," Allison signed soberly.

Her stepsister nodded slowly and responded cynically to cover up her relief at the blonde's lack of anger. "She'll always hate me."

Allison smiled at Sam's loosening and changed the subject, not wanting to discuss Susan. "We just need to intercept the insurance papers which is easy enough to do. I'm usually the first one to check the mail."

A small grin played on the corners of Sam's mouth. "Expecting love letters, huh?"

The blonde blushed furiously at the gentle teasing. "I get them all the time," she joked. "More than you do."

Sam grinned. "Yeah, but you send them all to yourself."

"Hey!" The green-eyed girl swatted her companion's shoulder. "I'm starved. Gonna whip up those cookies Allen wanted. They should be ready when he wakes up from his nap."

"Sounds good. I'll help," volunteered Sam. "Might eat them all though."

"I'm gonna be sick," Allen moaned two hours later. "Full. Is my face green, Al?"

Allison could hardly look at her brother. Her stomach was ready to explode. "Oof. Very green, kiddo."

Brother and sister then creaked their heads in Sam's direction. She was still going strong and easily had defeated her stepsister in a little wager they had made. "Mmm." The brunette licked her lips as she polished off the last cookie. "Very good." She stood up and promptly fell to the floor, her stomach rebelling at the movement. Sam couldn't move either and the trio stayed, staring at the ceiling. Once all three were feeling better, they tentatively rose to their feet, only crumbs reminding them of their earlier indulgence.

The brunette stood up and extended her back, even more sore from yesterday's activities and the lying around she'd just done. She was looking forward to the massage and sought to remind her benefactor. "Don't forget the massage. My room." She bent down to tousle Allen's bandaged head. "Good night kid." She gave the blonde a broad smile and winked.

Allison groaned at the prospect of having to do more work but a small smile graced her round face as she realized exactly what she would be doing. "Come on Allen. Let's get you to bed!" She took his hand and they lumbered upstairs for their evening routine. Once Allen was settled, after several glasses of water and a story, his sister was finally done. Now she had another sibling to put to bed.

A few minutes later she paused at Sam's door, unsure of how to proceed. Sam wouldn't hear a knock and she didn't want to barge in. She tried the knob but the door was locked. Her dilemma was solved when her stepsister pitched the door open, wearing happy yellow face boxers and a tank top.

"I was wondering where you were. Come in." Sam surveyed the blonde's attire. She was wearing some kind of…costume. "Today's Halloween?" She raised a dark eyebrow in question as Allison blushed.

Allison had a hard time to keep from looking at Sam's full, firm breasts and blushed. "Oh. You don't like my p.j.'s?" They were loose fitting lavender and white striped pants with a matching flowered shirt that hung down to her hips. A few too many ruffles decorated it. In other words, the garb looked like a 1969 peacenik love-in type of attire one would don to Woodstock.

Sam snorted and held her temples in a mock meditative pose. "Let me guess. Your mother picked them out. Show me the schedule!"

Allison was confused. "Uhhh…What schedule are you talking about?" She shook her head trying to figure out what the heck the older girl meant.

Sam grinned mischievously. "You know. Monday-wear this. Tuesday-wear that. The one your mom left for you before her honeymoon."

Allison's eyes narrowed at the insult. "Momma didn't leave me a schedule! I dress myself!"

Sam raised her shoulders limply; the blonde wasn't doing a good job of defending herself. "If you say so. Massage time." She lay down on her bed and smiled, waiting for the hands to go to work on her back. After a few minutes, she realized that the blonde wasn't even there. Uh-oh. She must've gone too far with the teasing. Sam rolled over and sighed. After a few minutes of self-debate, she finally got up and went to Allison's room.

"Hi." Sam nodded at Allison but the blonde didn't respond. "I'm sorry if I offended you. I wasn't saying your p.j.'s suck. If you like them, hey, that's cool." Noticing Allison's miserable expression, she continued. "You just don't look too comfortable in them." Sam reached out to feel the garments. "They feel like sandpaper."

Allison sighed. "It's not like I have anything else to wear. Momma would die if I owned a pair of sweats or a T-shirt."

Sam cocked her head. "No biggie. Borrow some of my pajamas or…" A glint appeared in her eyes. "Or ya could always sleep naked." She grinned at the blushing Allison. "The only reason I tease ya is to see your face turn that interesting shade of red."

The blonde's face heated up furiously as Sam smirked at her younger companion. "Let's go find you something to wear. You owe me a massage. Don't pretend like you don't remember," she teased. Sam walked to her closet and rummaged through a box consisting of her old sweats. Allison hovered in the doorway, unsure of what she should do.

"Aha!" Sam pulled out a long gray T-shirt that read: "ARMY" and a pair of black exercise shorts. "Here you go. Wear those if you like." She tossed the clothes to Allison. "Well, come in. Don't hover," she chided.

"Before you change or whatever…" Sam took a deep breath and suddenly she felt stupid and self-conscious. "Never mind." She shook her head.

Allison's curiosity was piqued. "What is it? Come on, I hate it when people just drop off in middle of a thought or sentence!"

"See that ring over there, that's your, um, honorary alien membership ring… it also keeps the cooties away." Sam mumbled, feeling like an idiot. What had she been thinking? Allison's eyes widened with pleasure at the flattery, and she reached for the ring on Sam's desk.

"Thank you. Glad I'm not a member of the cootie club anymore." Allison stroked Sam's arm softly. "And thanks for the clothes too. They'll be more comfortable." She looked into the dark haired girl's eyes and saw something there, but didn't know what it was. She put on the ring. "It fits perfectly, Sam."

Sam grinned. She didn't look like a complete fool after all. She sprung onto her firm bed and lay down in the middle on her stomach. "Begin whenever you're ready."

"Hold up. How did you get sore?" Allison was curious.

"Just did. Well, I'm waiting." Sam laid her head down and sighed contentedly at the prospect of the upcoming massage.

Allison put the hand-me-down pajamas on Sam's desk. Then she sat next to her patient and began to massage her but their positions were awkward for her. She rubbed the dark-haired girl's shoulder. "Mind moving over here so I can get a better handle?"

Sam shrugged. "Just straddle my hips. Easier that way." The playful grin didn't escape the blonde's attention and she smiled back uncomfortably.

Allison exhaled slowly. What was Sam doing? Flirting, playing, or being friendly? She laughed softly at herself and at all the internal questions. Allison, you're just imagining things. She wants a massage and that's it. She straddled Sam's hips and kneaded her shoulders firmly, eliciting small moans of pleasure from the dark-haired girl.

Allison worked her way down Sam's smooth and muscular back, hammering out the tense spots and knots.

Sam loved every minute of the massage and basked in the gentle touch. She sighed with pleasure at the dissipation of the tension in her back. Allison was really good. She turned her body around to lie on her back, facing the masseur. "Can I call on you again?"

The blonde blinked at the sudden change in position and weakly nodded. "Sure. Anytime."

Sam flashed a toothy grin at Allison. "Plan on getting off anytime soon? Normally I wouldn't mind but tonight I'm bushed and I think you've got to work early tomorrow. Maybe some other time?"

Allison groaned as her face turned scarlet. Refusing eye contact, she jumped off the brunette and sat next to her, embarrassed. Allison made a hasty retreat to the doorway as Sam snickered.

As her stepsister's chuckling reached the blonde's ears, Allison made a decision and turned. She wouldn't allow Sam to humiliate her again. "Too bad you're tired. Yeah, maybe another time. Good night."

Sam's eyes widened in total shock. Most women would have freaked at the lowbrow comment. She had never imagined Allison as the type to play along. She had to admit that her stepsister was cool.

"Bye!" Allison waved cheerily, enjoying her come back, and pranced out of the room, forgetting her sweats.

The next day, Sam was awake before her new stepbrother, determined to do a bang-up job of babysitting. When Allison got home from work in the afternoon, she wanted to see pleasure and praise in the blonde's face and in her magnificent green eyes. The dark-haired young woman and the smaller towhead worked industriously throughout the morning and for a few hours in the afternoon.

"How's Allen?" was the first question out of Allison's mouth when she got home. "Is he doing okay without the bandage?"

Sam shrugged. "He's fine. He's experimenting with using the roof as a diving board for the pool."

"What?!" Allison's face suddenly went pale.

"Whoa, calm down! I was joking!" Sam grinned. "He's napping in daddy's room. We had a weary day of arts and crafts."

"Really?" The blonde's face brightened. "Show me what all you made."

"Sure. Come on." Sam led her stepsister upstairs to the youth's room. "We did Allen's room. He said his favorite cartoon character was Sylvester the Cat so I painted a mural of Sly chasing Tweety Bird on the wall. Check it out. You said you wanted to see my artwork."

The dark-haired girl presented the canvas tentatively, doubts plaguing her as they had done with the purple ring yesterday. "Oh!" Allison turned to her stepsister, then turned back to study the wall, clasping her hands over her chest. The mural occupied one entire wall of Allen's room with life sized Sly the Cat and Tweety Bird on it in living color. Sly was chasing Tweety and a few yellow feathers fluttered around.

"It's beautiful. You did a great job." The blonde sat on her brother's bed to get a wider perspective.

"I had a good helper," Sam explained proudly, unable to keep a full smile from enhancing her face, especially when she noticed the blonde was wearing the ring.

"The detail is so good, Sam." Allison continued to heap praise in her stepsister's direction. "I bet Allen loves it."

"I could do one for your room too," the brunette offered. "Just let me know if you get tired of that pink."

The green-eyed girl sighed. "I would love that, but I don't think my mother would allow it. She'd be furious if she gets home and sees the house isn't exactly the way she wants it. Allen's room is ok since he's a kid."

"Hell with her!" Sam replied. "Why do you let your mother control you so much? My father would help you out. You're an adult practically! Tell me the truth." The brunette faced her younger friend seriously.

Allison didn't answer for a few moments; she wanted so much to confide in someone for once and for all, but knew the price. She knew exactly what the despicable woman would do. "She's my mother." The blonde spoke earnestly, telling part of the truth. "She's had a hard life and generally, she is a good mother. That's what matters."

Sam didn't buy the rationale. "Okay," she sighed, not feeling like a heavy discussion.

The blonde continued to gaze into Sam's face, thinking about the new Mrs. Cannizarro. Perhaps in a few years, she'd be strong enough to break free.

"Why so glum?" Sam put her arm around her stepsister's shoulder.

Allison shook her head and resolved to enjoy her vacation while she could. "I'm hungry.

Let's see what we can do about dinner!"

Sam laughed. "How did I get the feeling that was the next topic of discussion?" The comment earned Sam a swat on the shoulder and a mock glare. They headed downstairs to survey their choices in the kitchen.

"Did you see any friends this week or are you going to?" asked Allison as she pondered dinner.

"No. I'm a loner. I like to just hang at home and do stuff at home. Usually, I'd hang with Paul but what with Allen…. I don't mind, though."

"Does it bother you, not having a lot of people around?"

"I don't like people. Never did." Sam shrugged and leant down on a tabletop. "Well, what are your thoughts on dinner?"

"You can see Paul any time you want. Just let me know. I'm off some this week like during the evenings and can watch Allen. Paul's welcome to come over, too." Allison tried to help.

Sam smiled. "Don't worry. I got it under control. How about you?"

"Me?" The question took the blonde by surprise. "Yeah… I'm friends with the cheerleaders, the preppy kids, and all that. They never came to the old place, though. Momma will probably insist on a grand opening here."

Sam rolled her eyes. She hated screaming high schoolers. At least her stepsister wasn't as superficial as they were, and she'd be at military school.

ENTRY THREE EXCERPT: DIARY OF MICHAEL RATZLAFF

WELL, WELL. I'VE LEFT THE LITTLE PIXIE A FLOWER, CONDOMS OTHER LITTLE PRESENTS. IVE WOOED HER AND WOOED. NOTHING. GUESS THE PIXIE WANTS ME TO COME TO HER. ILL VISIT HER IN MY BEST SUNDAY SUIT AND ASK FOR A DATE. HOW ABOUT I CALL FIRST? YEAH, I'LL DO THAT AND GET A NEW SUIT AT THE THRIFT STORE. MAYBE ASK DAD FOR A HAIRCUT. LITTLE PUSSYFACE WILL BE SO, TOTALLY IMPRESSED! LITTLE MICK CAN'T WAIT TO DIP THE WICK IN HER WAX.

A POEM I WROTE FOR YOU, MY SWEETIE.

TO MY DESTINY:

MY DEAR DARLING PIXIE
HAIR AS YELLOW AS CORN
EYES AS GREEN AS BROCCOLI
BODY AS SWEET AS PEACHES
TEETH AS WHITE AS CREAM.
YOUR LIPS ARE LUSCIOUS RED BERRIES
YOUR AS RIPE AS A CHERRY.

WE FIT EACH OTHER PERFECTLY-WE ARE EACH OTHER'S DESTINY

NO QUESTIONS! DARLING, EXCEPT FOR…WHEN, O' WHEN SHALL WE JOIN PHYSICALLY AS WE HAVE JOINED SPIRITUALLY!

Aunt Julia dropped in for a surprise visit the next afternoon.

"Hey!" Sam exclaimed. "Come on in." Julia hugged Sam warmly.

"When were you coming to see me? It's not often you're home," she scolded lightly.

"I was just getting ready to call you," Sam responded truthfully. She ushered her aunt in the living room. "Sit down. Have you met Allen? Allen, this is my Aunt Julia."

The boy looked up from his art project. "Hello."

"Hello." Aunt Julia smiled. "Nice to meet you. What's that you're doing?" She peered at the towhead's project.

"No!" Allen covered it up. "No one sees 'til I finish."

"Aha. I miss having young children." Aunt Julia confided in Sam as she sat down, impressed with the youngster's signing skill. "I didn't know he was learning to sign."

The dark-haired girl grinned broadly. "Allison's been teaching him. She's taking a class at the community college."

"How was the wedding? You're feeling better about Susan," the older woman prompted. She had planned to attend the shower and the wedding, but had bowed out at Susan's request.

Sam frowned. "Why would you say that?"

Aunt Julia shrugged. "You've changed, Sam. I don't know… you seem lighter, happier." She studied the dark haired girl. She did seem less stiff… more friendly.

Sam sighed. "I'm the same as always. Just that things aren't as bad as I expected."

"How's the living arrangements going?" Julia asked.

"Ok. Allen and Allison are decent enough."

"Great. Allen seems like a sweet kid. Your dad's getting back in a few days, right?"

"Yep," Sam answered. "With the Frankenstein bride."

Julia grimaced. "Okay…. Where is your stepsister? I'd like to meet her as well." She was happy that Barry had found a woman he loved and was happy that her niece had siblings too since she had missed the opportunity to grow up with brothers and sisters.

"She's at work at The Addict. I love their coffee." The blue-eyed girl glanced at the clock. "She'll be home soon. You should meet her. Her name's Allison and she's really nice." Sam flashed an unguarded smile.

"Yes, I know her name." The older woman nodded. "So, did you hear that-"

Sam laughed as an afterthought. "Actually, strike that. Her license's been revoked two times already in less than a year. She might not be home for a while or it could go the other way. She could be here in less than five minutes flat from the mall. All depends if cops are on the streets I suppose. If she gets busted again, I'll be back to chauffeuring her."

"How's Dino?" Julia asked, pondering the latest news. Sam had actually given a multiple sentence answer and on top of that, she had volunteered information. And her niece had actually smiled throughout that entire answer.

"Needs an oil change," Sam replied briefly.

"Hmm. Working on any new art projects?" the older woman pressed.

"Sammy painted my room yesterday!" Allen interjected.

"Really? What did she do?" Julia turned to smile at the towheaded boy sitting on the floor.

"Sly Cat and yellow Tweety-bird," Allen announced proudly. "Big, on the wall."

Sam smiled. "You should see it. Allison said they were better than the real animations."

"Is that right?" Julia made approving noises. Allison again. "I always knew you could draw better than anyone else. So, are you glad to have-"

The front door opened. "Hey! Allison's home." The dark-haired girl rose and waved her stepsister into the living room. "This is my Aunt Julia. This is Allison." She turned to the blonde. "Well, did you bring me any coffee?"

The younger girl gave the brunette an exasperated sigh. "Haven't I done enough? What more do you want?" Allison shook her head.

"Doesn't hurt to bring some coffee." Sam consulted her imaginary watch and calculated. "You made it home in eight minutes flat! License revoked yet?"

The blonde chuckled lightly and swatted Sam's arm. "I only ran two red lights. You aren't even wearing a watch!" She grabbed the older girl's wrist and shook it. "Like you're a saint on the roads!"

The brunette laughed and patted her stepsister's back. "Well we all know how you like your soap operas." Julia studied the exchange between her niece and the blonde attentively. Allison was a pretty good signer and carried on a conversation easily.

"Hey! If I recall correctly, someone has been joining me the last few days." Allison raised her eyebrows and turned to Julia. "Hello Mrs. Julian! It's so nice to meet you. I must say I love your brooch. It's unique and simply breathtaking." Allison fingered the pin, mentally evaluating her stepsister's aunt. She was attractive, tall, and bony, not the stereotyped matronly woman with abundant hips and bosoms. Very different from the blonde's own mother. Allison could see the family resemblance to Sam in the sharp and planar facial features. Wow, she could pass for Norene's twin, twenty years older.

"Well, thank you Allison. Why don't you sit down and visit with us?" The older woman motioned to the couch. "Call me Julia. Mrs. Julian was my mother-in-law and I certainly don't want to be reminded of the battle-ax."

Julia said, "Sam told me you're taking a sign language class. How do you like it?"

Allison blushed. "I love it. Sign language is so beautiful. I've been teaching Allen but he's better than I am!"

The older woman nodded. "He certainly is excellent, especially for a three-year-old."

The blonde looked at her brother proudly. "Well, he's gifted. He's a few years ahead of kids his age. Oh!" A thought came to her. "You must have darling stories about Sam! She just won't tell me any although I've been embarrassed enough! Sam's already seen me naked and in other compromising positions." Allison shook her head as a slight tinge of pink graced her ears.

Sam's brow furrowed. What's she talking about…oh yeah that's right. The baby pictures. "You were so cute with the bubble on your nose. Or when your naked bum was sticking out. Besides, you saw the pictures of me in a tutu! Give me a break."

"Were cute? Not anymore?" Allison pouted.

The tall girl turned to her aunt. "Julia, you won't tell her anything about me?" Sam grinned.

Conjecture ran rampant through the older woman's head. Sam and Allison were flirting with each other and quite enjoying themselves. She had never seen Sam this outgoing with anyone before, not even her good old aunt.

Allison groaned and fluttered her wrist at her stepsister. "Stop!" The blonde turned to the older woman and stage whispered conspirationally, "I'd love to hear stories of Sam when she was little."

Sam buried her face in her hands. "I'm a goner!"

Julia smiled. "How about one story? I remember when Sam was a little girl, around three or so. Her mother and I were having a church social at my house and Sam just arrived from school. In just a few minutes, she had the old ladies in gales of laughter as she went around boasting a new sign she'd learned in school. She was bowing to each person and giving the bird. Norene and I were horrified. Imagine what those old biddies must have thought was going on at home! Of course, Sam didn't really know or realize what she was doing. It was cute!" Julia chuckled at the recollection.

Her niece blushed at the story. Her aunt had divulged one of the less embarrassing stories, but now Allison would never let her forget about it.

Allison laughed with mirth. "Oh. I can imagine the looks on their faces! You were a cute little girl, Sam." She paused. "Anyway, I should let you two visit." She held out a hand to her brother. "Come on. Let's go play a game in Sammy's room."

Sam scowled then broke into a small grin. "Just don't mess up anything." Aunt Julia was shocked. Her niece was zealous about not letting anyone in her room. She didn't even let her own blood cousins, whom she had known all her life, in her room without express supervision.

The blondes got up as Allison added a postscript. "Julia, you should go up and see the lovely mural Sam painted on Allen's wall. She did such a beautiful job!"

Julia glanced over to the brunette and noted that she was flushing with pleasure. After the Albrechts had headed upstairs, the older woman commented, "You seem to get along well with them. Allison's a cute little thing." She scrutinized the dark-haired girl's face.

Sam discerned her aunt's unusual interest and suddenly realized she'd been too forthcoming about her stepsister. Was the older woman setting a trap? Ha! She wasn't interested in the blonde and Julia didn't know she was a lesbian for crying out loud. "I guess if you say so." She shrugged nonchalantly. "I never noticed." Sam nodded gravely as Julia barely raised an eyebrow.

Interesting. Julia bore a noncommittal expression and turned the subject to something more neutral.

They talked of other things and soon Allen came bouncing downstairs demanding dinner. "Dinna time. Dinna time! Dinna time!" Allen jumped into his stepsister's lap as Julia looked at her watch.

"I better be going. My kids and Julio will be screaming bloody murder if I don't feed them soon. Tell Allison it was nice meeting her." Julia hugged Sam briefly. "Good bye. Take care of yourself. Love you sweetie. E-mail me and I'll see you in the summer."

As Julia walked out the door, the dark-haired girl turned to Allen. "What do you want for dinner, kiddo?" He shrugged. "What's Allison doing now?"

"She's napping. Went out like wham! In the middle of reading me a story."

"Let's wake her up, then," proposed Sam. Giggling, she and Allen ran up the stairs and saw the blonde knocked out on Sam's bed. The tall girl took a feather and ran it in front of Allison's nose. The blonde scratched her nose and turned around.

Sam raised an eyebrow. The trick wasn't working. "Let's tickle her. Ready?" Allen nodded and they pounced on their unwitting victim, tickling her in a frenzy.

Startled green eyes flew open immediately as the blonde shrieked and lurched. "Stop! This is torture. Stop pleaseeee?" Allison used her arms to shield herself from her attackers then finally both of them relented, out of breath.

"What's for dinna?" Allen demanded.

"Your turn to cook, Sam." The blonde looked up at her stepsister as Allen launched an offensive.

"I don't want Sammy to cook! I ate burnt macaroni for lunch!" he shouted accusingly.

Allison slapped her brother on the wrist lightly. "Be nice! People's feelings get hurt. Now apologize." Allen shook his head stubbornly, refusing to concede the point.

Sam threw up her hands. "Hey, kid. I didn't do it on purpose! Give me a break. Five days ago, I couldn't even boil water."

"Ok. Ok. I'll cook." The blonde grinned at her charges, sympathizing with her brother.

"We gotta go food shopping. There's nothing left," explained Sam.

Allison looked at her stepsister, puzzled. "You ate all the food already? We just went to the grocery store!"

"I had help!" Sam poked Allison in the ribs.

The green-eyed girl sighed. "Let's go downstairs and see what we can scare up. Allen, what do you feel like?"

"Monster sundae for dinna! Sundae, Sundae, Sundae!"

Sam joined in. "Yeah, that sounds good too!"

Allison did a double take. "No! A sundae for dinner? You'll eat yourselves sick! No, absolutely not!" The trio jumbled downstairs as Sam and Allen sulked.

The blonde gave in, unable to conceal her smile. "Ok, but don't blame me if you get sick!"

They grinned and reached into the freezer for the works.

After dinner, the towhead insisted on dancing with Sam. " 'Copter ride! Copter dance!" he shrilled excitedly.

"Sure. I'm gonna be careful, though, because of your head? Ok?" Sam explained.

The tyke bobbed his head eagerly. His sister watched the raucous dancing from the couch, a bemused expression on her face. Sam was turning out to be a completely different person than the blonde had imagined. Briefly, Allison wondered what it would be like to kiss Sam's fascinating lips, but immediately castigated herself. Her mother was right; she had a dirty mind.

"More! More! More!" Allen shrieked as his alien piloted him for yet another smooth landing on the couch.

"No." Sam's response was stern. "No more or your head might explode."

The boy's eyes widened. "Cool!"

Sam chuckled and looked to her stepsister for help in pacifying the tyke.

"But then you wouldn't have any more cookies or a nice big bed, would you, kid?" Allison countered.

The boy nodded seriously. He liked cookies. "Al can't dance," he signed purposefully to the taller girl.

Sam flopped down on the couch. "Tell me about it." She turned to the blonde. "For a minute at the reception, I was wondering if you and Kevin were the wedding entertainment," she teased playfully.

"Sam!" Allison wailed. "Not my fault I was born with four left feet!"

"Then teach her how to dance," proposed Allen smugly.

"Hmm. Why not?" The dark-haired girl considered the youth's suggestion. She stood up and proffered her hand to Allison. "Well?"

The blonde gulped. She would embarrass herself totally. "I'll step all over your feet."

Her new friend chuckled. "Come on. We'll start off slow with something simple."

Allison looked into the magnetic blue eyes and found herself standing hesitantly next to the speaker system a few seconds later. "So, what do I do?" she asked.

Sam grinned. "First turn on the music."

The blonde blushed. "Right. I knew that." She turned the stereo on then looked at her tutor questioningly.

"Just follow the rhythm of the music. Let it guide you," Sam explained.

"I don't know. I'm really not…Promise not to laugh." After Sam had nodded her agreement, Allison began to move slowly, tentatively. Her feet remained glued to the ground as her limbs, butt, and hips moved stiffly in a hundred different jerky directions.

"Hmph!" Sam snorted, her expression turning into a smile then into laughter. "Mercy on you!"

Allison stopped abruptly. "Am I that bad?"

Sam wiped a tear from her eye. "You're ready for the circus."

The blonde stomped her foot and placed her hands on her hips. "Don't be mean!"

"Mean? I'm Sam." The dark-haired girl responded.

The exasperated Allison shoved her companion playfully. "You know what I meant!"

"Yeah, yeah. Fine," she grumbled. "You're not hopeless. Yet." The dance instructor adjusted the music to a slower beat and finger spelled easy. "C'mere. Follow my eyes and my lead." She drew her smaller companion in as Allison nervously placed her hands on Sam's firm waist.

The boy smiled in satisfaction, his plan progressing nicely. He could tell that Al liked Sammy a lot, like his momma liked Barry. And Sammy liked his sister too. If they danced, they'd kiss and know they liked each other. Before Al had met Sammy, she never laughed or smiled. Now whenever his sister was around Sammy, her eyes shone and she was always happy. Like at the pizza place, they thought he'd been playing but one time the towhead had been watching Sammy watch Allison. He'd actually seen a genuine smile and softening of Sam's face.

Sam guided Allison's hand to her shoulder and entwined their free hands. She tilted the blonde's chin slightly and met Allison's gaze. She had truly forgotten how green and expressive her eyes were.

"Ready?" Sam grinned as she squeezed Allison's waist. She needn't have bothered; Susan's daughter was lost in a sea of blue, in the dark-haired young woman's crooked smile, her hot touch, her musky perfume.

The song began and Sam stepped to the left. Caught unawares, the blonde stepped on her teacher's foot and proceeded to trip over her own feet. She fell to the ground, landing soundly on her butt.

Allen burst out laughing from the corner as Sam offered a helping hand.

"This isn't hard. With a mother like Susan, I can't believe you never took dance lessons! Jeez!"

Allison blushed. "Momma tried but… I just can't dance." She shrugged. "Let's just watch TV."

The boy's ears perked up. Al was giving up too easily. "Try again!" he called and signed for Sam.

The taller girl pouted and took a smaller hand in her own. She was rather enjoying the guilty pleasures with Allison; her hips and back were nice and strong. "Come on. One more try. Do what I do."

The fallen young woman nodded and used the helping hand to hoist herself up. "That hurt." She rubbed the sore spot on her tailbone.

"Ready?"

Allison nodded gravely and followed Sam's lead. No more screw-ups. A few minutes later, she had managed to master the routine. "Time to graduate to faster music," Teacher Sam explained. "This time, move your feet." She changed the CD. "Come closer. I don't bite." She took her friend's hands and placed delicately placed them on her shoulder and in her hand. "Just copy me."

Allison improved instantly, enjoying the feel of the smooth curves in her hands and the gentle sway of Sam's hips against her own. After a few circuits on the dance floor, Allison was ready to melt into a puddle. Unconsciously, she lightly rested her head against Sam's comfortable shoulder, feeling the vibrations of the music course through her blood. She lost herself in the dark-haired girl's embrace, enjoying her companion's musky scent.

Sam gently pulled her student in and secured her hand on Allison's back and held the blonde. She fit just right; the dark-haired girl felt the toned muscles through her partner's shirt and became warm at the contact. She leaned into her embrace as Allison relaxed in her closeness.

Allen watched the progression with interested eyes, readying his hands to cover his face. They sure did like each other.

The music pounded in their ears and blood rushed through their bodies as they suddenly became all too conscious of each other's flowing presence and overwhelming femininity. The leading lady inhaled the blonde's scent, still coffee and apples. Mmm.

The student tilted her head, her lips parted in anticipation of a kiss from the dark haired girl.

The towhead grinned. "Yay!" he shouted without realizing the consequences.

Allison's eyes jerked open and she looked away suddenly, breaking the embrace. "What are you so excited about?"

"Oh nothing! You were learnin' real good." Allen chewed his lip in consternation as Sammy sat down next to him, trying her best to appear composed.

A light sheen of sweat graced their faces. The brunette had indeed enjoyed the dance, which had ended too soon. Allison had broken away brusquely without explanation. She must've gone too far with the straight girl and scared her off. She needed to do something before their flowering friendship was ruined.

"Great!" She signed. "Do it on your own now. Allen and I will judge."

The blonde nodded at the request/command. Sam didn't want to dance with her now; she was turned off by what had happened. Thank goodness Allen had interrupted before she made a huge fool out of herself by kissing her stepsister. Hopefully, the brunette hadn't seen or felt her arousal. Another song began. Without Sam's touch and without a chance to regain her bearings, she lost her confidence and her passion as her moves lost their smoothness and turned into a discordant melody of awkwardness.

"Allison!" Sam scolded. "What happened?" The dark-haired girl was still burning from the recent contact of Allison in her arms and against her body.

"I don't know!" she wailed. "I think you were making me look good then when you let go…" She shook her head. "I hate dancing. I really do." She abruptly turned off the music. "Let's watch TV."

"Fine by me," Sam agreed, wishing they hadn't been interrupted.

Allison clambered over to the couch as if their bodies hadn't been pressed together like magnets moments before. She joined the disappointed Allen, who was watching a cartoon. He'd have to think of another plan.

Allison arrived home near midnight the next evening, bone-tired from a grueling 12-hour shift at work. She was looking forward to soaking in the jacuzzi and relaxing. Her night suddenly looked better as she heard splashing coming from the back deck. A smile spread across her face at the prospect of some one-on-one with her stepsister. Allison entered the house quietly, not wanting to disturb her brother. She tiptoed upstairs to his room and opened his bedroom door. The towhead was drooling on his teddy bear, completely tuckered out. His sister smiled as she kissed the top of his head. She loved that little boy to death.

Meanwhile, in the jacuzzi on the screened-in back porch, Sam nodded interestedly for the hundredth time as Paul painstakingly described yet another piece of evidence to prove that Elizabeth Morales liked him. Elizabeth and Paul went to the same deaf school and he'd had a crush on her since kindergarten, a crush that was second only to his feelings for Sam.

"Really?" Sam raised an eyebrow as Paul's hands flew in the air excitedly. Elizabeth had asked to borrow a pen from him three times in one day.

The blonde tiptoed back downstairs, wearing a modest bathing suit, a towel wrapped around her trim figure. Maybe Sam would like a nice cool drink. Allison smirked as she took two sodas from the refrigerator, her heart beating inexplicably. What if Sam had timed her dip to coincide with Allison's arrival from home?

She stilled her shaking hands as she carried the two cans of soda outside to the deck and received a rude shock. Paul, bare-chested, had his arm around her stepsister and was leaning in for a kiss. And Sam wasn't protesting-actually, she was grinning. The blonde swallowed as she gripped the soda cans, turning away at the sight of Paul's lips pucker in slow motion.

"What you think? She like me?" Paul asked anxiously. "That's exactly what she did." He air-kissed his wet companion.

"Duh! Idiot! Yes, she likes you!" his friend scolded and laughed at her friend's anxiety. "Well, nothing is gonna happen unless you ask her out!"

She noticed a movement and saw her stepsister standing a few feet away. "Oh, hey there. Come on in." Sam waved Allison in as the residents of the jacuzzi parted from their embrace and patted the available seat.

Allison shook her head and slipped down the deck. "Here ya go. A couple of sodas. Uhh…I gotta do something!" She turned and floundered into the house blindly as Paul and Sam looked at each other puzzled.

"Ya should check on her," recommended the pierced youth. "She seemed pretty upset."

"Hmph." Sam snorted. "I don't pamper people. She'll deal with whatever the problem is." The dark-haired bather turned her head imperceptibly in the direction of her stepsister's room, wanting to find out why she'd fled so quickly. Knowing she couldn't display weakness in front of her green-haired friend, she continued to act disinterested.

"Whatever," shrugged Paul. "Ya know. You'd think she liked you."

Sam raised her dark eyebrow again at the idea. Maybe she hadn't been blowing the last few days with her stepsister out of proportion, but still. "She's as straight as they come. She was asking a lot of questions about you a couple days ago. I think she likes you." Her eyebrow dropped as she realized she'd made a mistake telling her pal that tidbit. Now Paul would just jabber on about Allison.

"You're right. Did you see how she looked at me the other night? Wow. Cool. Two chicks hanging onto me. Do you think I should ask Elizabeth out or Allison? Allison's hearing, inexperienced, but I could work with that…" Paul nodded slowly as his dark-haired companion groaned.

"Yeah, right. You don't stand a chance with Allison! You're just so desperate you'll take any girl that comes running to you," lashed Sam as she felt a twinge of envy.

"Geez." Paul stiffened and slid away from his friend. "Jealous? Because you don't stand a chance with her, either?"

The dark-haired girl scowled. Paul couldn't be more wrong. Allison was only her stepsister, a flaky chatterbox of a blonde that just happened to live with her. But you gave her an alien ring and almost kissed her. Shaking her head in denial, Sam answered her friend's ridiculous allegation. "Whatever. Take her if you want."

Paul frowned; he didn't like being referred to as desperate, but decided to brush away the insult. "So, did I tell you that Elizabeth has a sister?"

The blonde composed herself in her room after a few minutes of burrowing her head into her sheets. What was that all about? Allison, have you fallen for Sam? Hope not… The blonde's jagged breathing slowed as she hugged the pillow tightly. Realization dawned upon her as she thought about her new blue-eyed housemate. The feel of Sam's hands on her waist, the snow fight, the cooties, the ring. Sighing, she turned over on her back. No use thinking about what she couldn't have.

She did have special feelings for Sam, but she couldn't act upon them. Sam was involved with Paul and clearly not interested. She was just raising her hopes. Even if the tall, dark-haired girl liked her, Allison would try her best not to get involved because she'd learned her lesson once. Never again would she be on her mother's bad side like that. Allison clenched the pillow tightly as her mind betrayed her, imagining Sam and Paul doing all kinds of things.

The young man stayed for a couple more hours then Sam drove him home. On the way, she inquired about Mickey. "Has he been behaving?"

Paul shrugged. "Haven't heard hide nor hair from him."

Sam nodded in satisfaction. "Damn better stay that way."

When Sam arrived home, her curiosity got the best of her and she knocked on her stepsister's door. The light was on in the green-eyed girl's room, so obviously the she hadn't gone to bed. A few moments later, Allison opened the door warily, fatigue written all over her face.

"Wow. When do you ever sleep?" The brunette admired her stepsister's willpower.

Allison smiled slightly. "I fell asleep reading. You woke me up."

"Oh. Sorry. I just wanted to check on you. You seemed upset earlier."

Allison gave Sam an incredulous look. Why didn't you come at the time? Oh well. "I got something in my eye. I'm okay now. Uhh… come in for a minute." She invited her stepsister in. "So," she broached nonchalantly. "How does your father like Paul?" An unexpected surge of jealousy rose as she thought of her stepsister and the green-haired boy together.

Her dark-haired companion did a double take. Perhaps Allison really did like Paul.

"Can you imagine your mother's face if she meets him? He's got a new mohawk and eye piercing. I'd love to see Susan's reaction to Paul being her 'son-in-law.' That'd be hilarious." Sam's heart tensed at the thought of the green-haired young man with the blonde. He wouldn't make her happy.

"Oh. You two in a serious relationship, like engaged or what?" Allison twirled a swirl of her hair casually.

Sam shrugged. "Nah. We've known each other since our sandbox days. Daddy loves Paul, and he'd be thrilled if Paul ended up in the family."

Allison's face fell but she tried to cover it up instantly. Her stepsister was absolutely crazy about Paul. "He seemed nice."

"He is. He's the best." Sam's blue eyes dimmed. "So, do you want me to…" She paused in mid-sentence, realizing how idiotic it was to help them get together. She wasn't a freaking matchmaker.

"What?" the blonde asked.

"Nothing. I'll let you go to bed." Sam smiled and rose.

Allison nodded. "I should be getting to sleep. Can you believe that the week's almost over? You'll be going back to school soon."

Sam grinned. "It was fun while it lasted, huh? Good night." She walked to the door, hesitated, then turned around. Her stepsister was sitting at the desk, looking out the window into the darkness, brushing her flowing strawberry blonde hair methodically. Sam couldn't see all of the blonde's face, but Allison had never looked more beautiful and pure. The taller girl sighed, wishing she could still her agitated heart and stomach.

Allison heard the movement and shifted her position. "Hey. Couldn't stay away?" she smiled.

Sam half-smiled and approached her younger friend, not ready to say good night just yet. "What you've done means a lot to me. I just wanted to say that. Not many people would have been willing to forgive me."

The blonde returned the smile and laid down her brush. "You underestimate yourself, Sam. I'm glad to be your friend. We're friends, aren't we?"

Sam nodded. "Sure. Anyway, just wanted to say thank you." She bent down and hugged her stepsister quickly. "Sleep well."

TO BE CONTINUED IN PART EIGHT

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