The Beast

Part 2
Brooke was worried. She had never seen Sam like this before. Sam seemed to be withdrawing into herself more and more. Sam absolutely refused to respond to Brooke’s attempts to draw her out.oke oke had spent so much time sparring with her that now that she didn’t have that, she was getting bored. She missed her verbal bouts with Sam. And the fact that Sam had withdrawn into herself was starting to bother her. Sam spent all of her time away from school either in her room alone, or out on walks. This had been going on for two days.
All of this seemed to come on so suddenly that Brooke couldn’t figure out what was wrong. She didn’t know why she loved fighting with Sam so much. Something about the look in Sam’s eyes, the passion, determination, made Brooke’s blood boil. Brooke had known for quite a while that she cared for Sam, a lot more than she thought she should. She never said anything to anyone because noone would understand. Nicole and Mary Cherry would only use the information to hurt her or Sam. Dad and Jane wouldn’t understand why she was in love with her almost-step-sister. Josh, well, she wasn’t with Josh any more and would probably freak upon hearing his former girlfriend was gay. Sam’s friends would only tell Sam and Sam couldn’t find out. Sam was straight and obviously had enough problems in her life right now and really didn’t need this major one.
Putting her feelings for Sam aside, Brooke became determined to find out what was bothering Sam… And help her if possible. Her first option was Jane. If anyone would know what was bothering Sam, it was Jane.
* * *
Brooke walked into her home with Sam. During the drivee fre from school, Sam had been silent… as usual lately. Brooke just watched in silence as Sam walked upstairs to her room, shutting her door. Brooke knew Sam would remain there until called down for dinner, only coming out then... If she even ate that is. Last night Sam didn’t.
Knowing Sam wouldn’t be coming down, Brooke walked into the kitchen looking for Jane. Seeing Jane sitting at the kitchen table looking over bills, Brooke sat down across from her.
“Hi honey, how was school?” Jane asked, looking up from the bills.
“Fine I guess.” Brooke paused, then continued. “Well, not so good really. I’m worried about Sam.”
Jane sighed then smiled weakly at Brooke. “Brooke, I’m happy you care for Sam enough to be worried for her but there isn’t much you can do for her right now.”
“Do you know what’s wrong? Sam won’t fight with me any more and none of my attempts to draw her out are working. She seems to be withdrawing into herself and I can’t figure out why. She spends all night in that damn room of hers and…” Brooke trailed off, crying quietly.
Jane was stunned for a moment, seeing so much caring and worry in Brooke’s eyes and voice made her so happy and worried at the same time. Jane gave her a smile and brought Brooke into a tight hug.
“Brooke, thank you for caring so much. It bothers me too seeing Sam like this but I’ve long since stop trying. You know how stubborn Sam can get. This time of year it’s worse. Especially now that her father’s gone.”
“This time of year?”
“Valentines day. Sam gets very depressed this time of year. I was hoping she would be with George now but…”
“George left her.” Brooke interrupted. “Oh God, it all makes sense. Damn him! Couldn’t he wait to leave until after Valentines day? Leaving Sammy all alone right before the most romantic of days was just cruel.”
“Brooke, I’m sure George didn’t have much say in the matter.”
“I know.” Brooke hung her head. “I just feel so bad for Sammy. I want to help her, make her smile again.”
“She’ll get over it. She always does. Just give heme tme time.”
“I don’t think I can do that.” Brooke whispered. “I’ve got to do something.”
Jane was getting more worried by the minute. “Ok, but stop trying to fight with her. She doesn’t need that right now.”
“I keep thinking that if I can just draw her out, in any wat mut must be better than Sammy withdrawing into herself. But I’ll try. You know her better than I do.”
“Ok, just take it easy on her. Sam’s very fragile right now.”
“I know… I’ll be gentle.” Brooke then walked out of the kitchen, leaving Jane to her thoughts.
Jane sighed. *That’s what I’m afraid of… but maybe it’s just what she needs.*
* * *
Brooke had finished her homework and was now just sitting on her bed, thinking about what she could do for Sam. She decided for now, she would simply try to be nice to her and see if she came up with any ideas later.
Just then, Jane knocked and opened the door. “Brooke, dinner’s almost ready.”
“Ok, thanks Jane.” Brooke paused. “Is Sam going to eat?”
“I don’t think so, she said she wasn’t hungry again.”
Brooke, knowing the problems she’s had with food in the past, knew what she should do. “Jane, I’m going to fix Sammy a plate and bring it up to her.”
“Thank you, maybe you can get her to eat something. I don’t think I have to tell you it isn’t good for her to stop eating like this.”
“No, you don’t. I’ll get her to eat something.”
Brooke’s determination made Jane smile. “Ok, let’s fix her a tray and you can bring it up to her.”
Brooke smiled and followed Jane down to the kitchen.
* * *
Holding the tray, Brooke knocked softly on Sam’s door with her foot. Not hearing any answer, “Sam?”
Brooke heard a quiet “I’m busy.”
“Can I come in? I’ve kinda got my hands full here.” Brooke kept her voice pleasant.
Sam’s curiosity must have gotten the better of her because Brooke found the door opening slightly. Seeing Brooke holding the tray looking nervous, “What’s this?” There was still little feeling in Sam’s voice.
Brooke gave Sam a bright smile and held up the tray. “I brought you dinner.”
“Thank you but I’m not hungry.” Sam started to close the door again.
“Sam, please?” Hearing the softness and hurt in Brooke’s voice, Sam just looked at Brooke for a moment, then sighed and opened the door saying nothing.
“Thank you.” Brooke set the tray down on Sam’s nightstand. “You really need to eat something. I know you haven’t been eating much lately. It’s not healthy.” Seeing the look in Sam’s eyes, knowing what she was thinking, even if she didn’t respond. “Yes, I know that’s strange coming from me… especially given the problems I’ve had in the past but I was just worried about you.”
“Why?”
“Why?” *Because I’m in love with you, you dope.* Brooke debated whether or not to tell her and quickly opted against it.
“Yes, why are you worried?” Sam frowned when she didn’t get a response from her. “Brooke?”
“I… I’m… I just… I just know it’s not good to go without eating. I got so thin, after I broke my rib sneezing I realized how much I hurt myself. I don’t want you to hurt.” Brooke’s head was hung low.
Brooke was being so sweet that Sam softened for a moment. But then it all came rushing back. *You’re alone. Everyone you love will leave you. You will always be alone* Sam felt a tear slide down her cheek and knew she was going to break down again. Not wanting Brooke to see, “Can you please leave?”
Not understanding what happened, “Sammy, you have to eat something.” Brooke’s voice sounded hurt.
“I’ll eat, just leave… Please…” Sam’s voice was quiet, hurt, and pleading.
Hearing the whispered plea in her voice, Brooke knew she couldn’t refuse. Brooke was afraid she was going to start crying too. “Sammy I… “ Brooke’s hand suddenly coverer mor mouth and she ran from Sam’s room sobbing.
The voice in Sam’s head was relentless with her. *You see, you hurt her. You’re alone. You will always be alone.* Sam collapsed on the floor of her room, tears streaming down her face. The dark cloud inside her was taking form, she knew what this meant. Sam’s head lifted up as she heard it. The screaming inside her head. The horrible, lonely, sad, terror filled screaming. She would have screamed along with it if she had her voice. As as, as, she only sat there, crying softly.
The beast was back.