<~ - ~Prologue~ - ~>

I can’t take this anymore. They’ve started again. They’re arguing…. again. As if they ever stop. I just can’t take it. I know I said I’d stop. I need to relieve this pain, this pain deep within my heart. It’s the only way to do it. I open my drawer, there it is, the thing that always helps me in my hour of need. I take out my case and open the lid with shaking hands. There they are, the only things that can relieve my pain. My scissors and my fresh bandage. I picked up my small nail scissors and still with shaking hands roll up the sleeve of my left arm. The scars and scabs from my previous cuts are still there.

I move the blade so that it’s resting on the skin, I hear more shouting. I press the blade into my skin and drag it. Small drops of blood appear and my pain is relieved. I stare at the fresh cut for a minute longer as more drops of blood appear. Then I wrap my arm in the fresh bandage and roll my sleeve back down. I then place the scissors and the leftover bandage back in their case and place the case in its drawer.

I slowly close the drawer, so that no one can hear me. Not that they would over the top of all the shouting. There’s more shouting and then a door slams. The arguing is over for now, until next time.

My parents always argue, ever since I can remember. It’s never really about anything, just something small and they start a massive argument. They always result in my Dad slamming the door as he leaves for the pub and my mum left crying on the kitchen floor.

<~ - ~Chapter 1~ - ~>

‘Now this is your lucky chance. If you are a fan of the boyband Blue, then we have the competition for you!’ Foxy said on the radio, they were listening to the Hit 40 chart. Shakira had just finished dancing around the room to Girls Aloud and was just settling back down on her bed, where Sammy, Amira and Adeline were already led. But on hearing what Foxy had to offer she jumped straight back up again.

‘We’ve got to enter girls!’ Shakira said running over to the radio and turning it up.

‘Why, you know that we’ll never win.’ Sammy said looking over at her friend.

‘But we’ve got to try!’ Amira said, jumping up and grabbing Shak’s phone.

‘They’re our favourite band!’ Adeline said, adding to what Amira was saying.  Adeline’s right, Blue are our favourite band.

‘Course they are, sorry; I’m a bit tired. Go for it!’ Sammy said, joining her 3 best friends over by the radio.

Sammy, Adeline, Shakira and Amira had been best friends since they were 11 years old. They all met at Senior School and became the best of friends. They all had loads in common. Their love of Blue being one of them.

‘Right back to this Blue competition, if you ring 09011 345 679 and are caller number 9, you will be put live on air and have to answer a few questions on the boys themselves. If you get them right, you will win 4 front row tickets and backstage passes to one of the band’s live shows. The lines are open now so get dialling.’ Shakira dialled the number then listened for the ringing tone. Their whole room was silent apart from the sound of the radio and the phone.

‘You’re lucky caller number 9, what’s your name?’

‘AAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!!!’ the 4 girls screamed.

‘Ok, hi! What’s your names?’ Foxy asked.

‘I’m Shakira and I have my best friends Amira, Adeline and Sammy with me.’

‘Right then Shakira, I’m guessing that you’re all massive Blue fans?’

‘The biggest!’ Shakira replied giggling.

‘Ok, so I need to ask you 3 questions if you get them all right, you will be going to meet Blue. Are you ready girls?’

‘YES!’ They all shouted at once.

‘Question one, which football team does Lee support?’

‘CHARLTON ATHLETIC!’ The girls all answered the question at the same time.

‘Very good! Who originally sang Blue’s 2^nd single, Too Close?’

‘NEXT!’

‘Last question, if you get this right you’re off to meet Blue! When was Duncan James born?’

‘7^th APRIL 1979!’ The girls shouted.

‘Shakira, Amira, Adeline, Sammy…you’re right! You are all going to meet Blue!’

‘AAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!!!!’ All the girls screamed.

‘I take it you’re happy then girls?’

‘Yes, thank you so much Foxy!’ Shakira said.

‘That’s fine, enjoy it girls!’

‘We will.’ Shakira said before putting the phone down.

‘Blue, it sounds like you’ve got a bunch of nutters coming to meet you, so watch out!’ Foxy said. The girls burst out laughing.

‘Thats us alright!’ Adeline said.

‘Watch out, Shakira’s about!’ Shakira said in between giggles.

‘Too right!’ Sammy said. Shakira suddenly stopped laughing.

‘What am I going to wear?’ Shakira asked. The girls all gasped.

‘We are going to have to plan this, we don’t want anyone to clash!’ Amira said, running and opening Shakira’s wardrobe. As she opened the doors there was a loud bang. ‘What was that?’ She turned around and saw Adeline and Shakira jump off the bed.

<~ - ~Chapter 2~ - ~>

‘Sammy? Sammy?’ Adeline was on her hands and knees. She was knelt next to Sammy, who had fallen off the bed onto the floor. ‘Sammy, speak to me.’ Adeline was so worried; you could hear it in her voice.

‘We need to make her comfortable!’ Shakira said, grabbing pillows.

‘NO!’ Amira shouted. ‘We can’t move her; she might have done injuries to her back. Call an ambulance!’ Shakira picked up her phone and dialled 999.

‘Sammy, it’s ok; everything’s going to be all right. I promise!’ Adeline was saying to Sammy, just in case she could hear her.

‘The ambulance crew are on their way.’ Shakira said joining Amira and Adeline at Sammy’s side. She took hold of Sammy’s hand. ‘C’mon girl, everything is going to be all right, just speak to us. Please?’ Shakira pleaded, tears rolling down her cheeks. ‘Please?’ Shakira repeated. Adeline put her arm around Shakira.

‘She’s going to be fine, Shak, I promise you.’ Adeline said, trying to reassure her. She looked over at Amira, who also had tears rolling down her cheeks. ‘Amira, try and get some clothes for Sammy like pyjamas and some tops, we don’t want her wearing those horrible hospital clothes do we?!’

‘But she hasn’t got any of her stuff here.’ Amira said, in between sobs.

‘Get her some of mine! I want her to look her bestest, just in case there are any fit boys in there!’ Shakira said, with a little giggle. She was trying to keep her spirits up for Sammy, just in case she could hear.

Sammy was still unconscious. She was still led in the exact same place. All that had moved was her hand where Shakira had hold of it. Amira was looking through Shakira’s drawers finding some nice clothes for Sammy. The radio was still on. Shakira was quietly singing along to Busted when they heard the doorbell. Adeline quickly ran downstairs and let the ambulance crew in. Shakira could faintly hear them talking to Adeline downstairs. Then there were footsteps coming up the stairs. The door opened.

‘Shakira?’ Sammy said faintly. ‘Adeline? Amira?’ Sammy had just come to. But where was she and what was she doing here? ‘Shakira?’ She asked a bit louder. She pushed the blanket that was on top of her down and sat up. She was about to get out of the bed that she was led in, when suddenly Shakira, Adeline and Amira burst through the door.

‘Sammy!’ All 3 said at the same time.

‘Sammy, stay there honey. You’re alright.’ Shakira said sitting on the edge of the bed and taking hold of Sammy’s hand.

‘Where am I?’ Sammy asked faintly, looking around at her surroundings.

‘It’s alright babes, you’re in hospital.’ Amira said, joining Shak on the bed.

‘What? Why?’ Sammy asked, confused and dazed. Her head was really hurting her.

‘You fainted when we were at Shak’s house and you fell onto the floor, they brought you in so that they could try and find out why.’ Adeline filled Sammy in.

‘Oh.’ Sammy replied, rubbing her head, she must have banged it when she fell.

‘Ms Fernando, can I speak with you for a moment?’ A doctor had entered the room.

‘Sure.’ Shakira replied standing up. ‘I’ll be back in a minute babes.’ She said to Sammy and then left the room.

‘I wonder what that’s about.’ Amira said.

‘Probably just to get details about this person right here!’ Adeline replied, looking at Sammy. ‘Hey guys, do you know what I just remembered?’

‘What?’ Sammy and Amira asked together.

<~ - ~Chapter 3~ - ~>

‘Ms Fernando…’ The doctor started.

‘Please, call me Shakira.’ Shak interrupted.

‘Ok, Shakira, Sammy is going to be fine. We aren’t quite sure what caused the fainting, we think it was just lack of fluid. But we need to talk to you about the cuts on Sammy’s arms.’

‘Cuts?’ Shakira asked shocked.

‘Yes, we found scars and scabs up and down both of Sammy’s arms. There appeared to be a couple of very recent cuts.’ Shakira stared at the floor. Surely Sammy didn’t harm herself. She wouldn’t. Would she? ‘Ms Fernando?’

‘Sorry, can you repeat that please?’

‘We think Sammy has been harming herself. We wondered if you knew anything about it?’

‘No, I didn’t have a clue. She always covers her arms. That must be why.’ Shakira carried on staring at the floor. She couldn’t believe what she had just been told. ‘What are you going to do?’

‘Well, we are going to give her some leaflets about meetings for people that harm themselves. Can you think of any reason why she may do it?’

‘Her parents argue a lot, I think it gets her down more than we know. I just can’t believe that she would result to harming herself. Thanks for letting us know.’

‘That’s my job.’ The doctor replied before walking away. Shakira looked at the door to Sammy’s room. She heard laughter coming from inside, Sammy sounded so happy, she just couldn’t believe that Sammy would do that to herself. Shakira stood up and wiped the tears away that had begun to fall down her cheek. She then re-entered the room.

‘Hey Shak, what did the doctor want?’ Amira asked.

‘Nothing, girls can I speak to Sammy alone for a minute please?’ Shakira asked.

‘Sure, we’ll just pop to the shop, d’ya want anything?’ Adeline asked.

‘Chocolate!’ Sammy and Shak said together then laughed. They always said things at the same time; it was a result of them spending so much time together.

‘Ok, we’ll get you some chocolate.’ Amira said laughing as they left the room.

‘What’s up, Shak? What did the doctor say?’ Sammy asked concerned. Shakira sat down on Sammy’s bed.

‘Sammy, I need to talk to you, but I don’t know where to start.’ Shakira looked at Sammy, Sammy looked really scared and concerned.

‘Shak, just start at the beginning.’ Sammy moved closer to Shak.

‘I’ve just been speaking to the doctor.’

‘About me fainting?’

‘Yes, but more about….’Shakira paused and looked at the floor. ‘More about your arms.’ Sammy looked down at the floor.

‘My arms?’ Sammy asked as a silent tear fell down her cheek.

‘Sammy, they’ve found cuts up and down your arms. They’re worried about you.’ Shakira’s eyes stung as they filled with tears. Sammy’s cheeks were already wet. ‘Sammy…do you harm yourself.’

‘I…I…’ Sammy couldn’t say it. She just broke down. Shakira moved closer to her friend and hugged her tight.

‘It’s all right babe, we’re gonna help you. You’re not alone, why didn’t you just talk to me or Amira or Adeline?’

‘I don’t know, I just felt so…I can’t explain it. But it just takes away all my pain…you won’t understand.’

‘Well, let me understand, Sammy, I want to help you. I just need to ask you a question…why?’

‘Why what?’

‘Why do you do it?’

‘Because, I don’t know really, my parents were getting me down, and I hated their arguing, it just released all the anger that was building up inside me.’ Tears were still rolling down her cheeks.

‘It’s ok babes, we’re here for you, we’re all gonna help you.’ Shakira said hugging Sammy.

‘Thanks Shak.’ Sammy said, returning the hug.

<~ - ~Chapter 4~ - ~>

‘You ready Honeypie?’ Amira asked Sammy. Sammy was leaving hospital today; they had kept her in for a couple of days to check that the fainting was a one-off. Luckily it had been and Sammy was allowed to go home. Well, home as such, Sammy’s parents had spoken to Shakira’s parents and it had been settled that Sammy would stay with them. Shakira’s house was home to Sammy. Well, it was more of a home than her house ever was. Shakira’s mum was more of a mum to her, Shakira’s dad was more of a dad to her, and Shakira’s whole family were pretty much a family to her. More of a family than hers ever was.

‘Definitely Sugaplum!’ Sammy replied. Honeypie and Sugaplum were their nicknames. Sammy and Amira came up with them when they were chatting on the Blue Boards one day. If the girls weren’t with each other, they were on the phone to each other or texting each other or chatting with each other on the official Blue Boards! They were never away from each other!

‘C’mon you two.’ Shakira said grabbing Sammy’s stuff.

‘I’m coming Shak, keep your hair on! I’ve got to say goodbye to the doctors first!’

‘Oh yeah, make sure you say a special goodbye to Doctor Wilcox, I liked him!’ Shakira replied.

‘I know you did, you didn’t stop flirting with him!’ Sammy replied.

‘Well, he’s very cute isn’t he?’ Shakira said, grinning. Suddenly the other 3 burst out laughing. ‘What, he is!’

‘Really?’ A male voice said. Shakira turned a delightful shade of red. ‘Nice to know that I have some fans, Shakira!’

‘You’ve been busted Shak!’ Sammy said laughing. ‘Hey David!’

‘Hey babes, you off now?’

‘Yeah, they’re letting me go home. But I’ve got to come back for the Counselling Sessions.’

‘Well, I’ll be at the Counselling Sessions, so I’ll see you then babes.’

‘Sure, thanks for looking after me honey! You were my fave Doctor.’

‘Aaaaawww, cheers babes. Don’t think I’ll be here for much longer though.’

‘Why not? You’ll be here for my counselling won’t you?’

‘I just told you I’d be here for your counselling! But you know my band.’

‘Yeah, course I do!’

‘Well, we’re going for an audition next week!’

‘Congratulations David! I’m sure you’ll get a deal!’

‘Congratulations!’ The other 3 said in unison, Shakira was still looking a bit red.

‘Cheers Girls, well I better let you get home. Look after yourself Sammy, I’ll see you on Friday, yeah?’

‘Definitely!’

‘Bye Amz, Adele, Shak.’ He winked at Shakira when he said her name. Causing Shakira to return to the red colour she was beforehand. ‘See you soon babe!’ He said to Sammy before walking away.

‘OMG!’ Shakira said. ‘First of all, you and him are on first name terms? And second of all, did I just embarrass myself like that?’

‘First or all, yes we are. Second of all yes you did!’ Sammy replied.

<~ - ~Chapter 5~ - ~>

‘I really don’t wanna do this. I can’t go into a roomful of strangers and talk about this.’ Sammy said, slumping on her bed in Shakira’s room.

‘Sammy, babes, you need to go. You wanna stop cutting don’t you?’ Shakira said sitting next to her.

‘I do, I really do wanna stop, but how can I go into that room and talk about it?’ Sammy starts crying.

‘David will be there, it’ll be fine.’

‘Shak, I’m scared!’ Sammy cuddles into Shakira, as Shakira hugs her back.

‘I know you are babe, it’s understandable. But I’ll be there, David will be there, You’ll be fine.’

‘What about Amz and Adele?’

‘You’re only allowed one person with you. They thought that I should seen as you’re staying with me.’

‘Ok.’ Sammy wiped the tears away from her cheeks. ‘Let’s go now before I change my mind.’ Sammy stood up and walked towards the door.

‘Hello! Fancy seeing you two here!’ David said as Sammy and Shakira walked into the room.

‘Hey David, miss me?’ Sammy smiled trying to put on a brave face.

‘Course I did, you were the best patient!’ He hugged her. ‘Don’t look so scared babes, it’s gonna be fine.’

‘I’m not scared!’ Sammy laughed hesitantly.

‘Sammy, you can’t fool us, just try and relax. Me and Shak will be sat either side of you. Ok?’

‘Yea, sure.’

‘Right then guys, time we got started!’ A lady shouted, Sammy guessed that she must be leading the meeting. Sammy walked over and took a seat, in the circle. David sat to the left of her Shak sat to the right. Each had hold of one of Sammy’s hands. She felt David squeeze her hand and she looked at him, he smiled at her and mouthed. ‘It’s fine.’ Which made Sammy feel a little better. It helped loads having Shakira and David there, made it slightly easier. Sammy smiled back at him and then looked at the lady who was stood in the centre of the circle.

‘Hi, nice to see you all again, as most of you know I’m Vicky. I see we have a couple of new faces today. We have Sammy, sat over there.’ As she said this she gestured towards Sammy, which made Sammy go tense, she didn’t hear who the other person was. ‘Today we’re gonna take it in turns around the circle and we’re gonna talk about our problems and why we do it. Michael, if you’d like to start.’ Everybody took it in turns going around the circle; they were just getting to David, which meant it was her next. Well David didn’t have a story, he just introduced himself, so then it was Sammy’s turn. She took a deep breath and then started.

‘Hi, I’m Sammy. I…I…’ She paused, this was so hard. ‘I’m sorry I can’t do this.’ Sammy jumped up and ran out of the room.

‘Sammy?’ Shakira shouted after her, and stood up to follow her.

‘No, Shak let me go, please?’ David said jumping up and standing in front of Shak.

‘Sure…’ Shakira replied. She sat back down as David ran out of the room after Sammy. Everybody else was staring at the floor or at the wall, none of them knowing what to do.’

<~ - ~Chapter 6~ - ~>

‘Sammy!’ David shouted after her, running as fast as he could to catch up with her.

‘David, just leave me alone please. I don’t want to go back in there.’ Sammy said collapsing in a pile on the floor, she couldn’t run anymore and tears were pouring down her cheeks.

‘I’m not going to make you go back in, I promise. Can I sit by you?’ David asked. Sammy looked up.

‘Sure. Go ahead.’ Sammy had mascara all down her cheeks, and she was still crying. David joined her on the floor. He put his arm around her and she accepted it by snuggling into him.

‘Sammy, please don’t cry. I don’t like seeing you like this.’ He wiped the tears from Sammy’s cheeks. Which was pretty useless as they were still going to be coated in mascara.

‘I’m sorry David, but I just couldn’t go through with it. Looking around and seeing all those people’s eyes on me. I just exploded, I couldn’t do it.’

‘That’s ok. It’s understandable babe. Don’t worry about it.’ Sammy smiled. ‘See there’s the smile that I love!’ This made Sammy laugh.

‘Thanks David.’

‘For what I did nothing.’

‘You did, you were you.’

‘That’s ok babes. I’m here to help.’

‘That’s good to know.’ Sammy looked up at David. She never really realised how cute he was, but then with Shakira always going on about him, she never really had chance to look. She smiled.

‘What?’

‘Nothing, I just thought of something.’

‘What did you think of?’

‘Shakira, she really likes you, you know. And she’s gonna kill me for telling you that!’

‘She will, she’s a nice girl. But I like someone else.’

‘Really? Spill David!’ Sammy said, turning around and tickling him.

‘Stop tickling me and I’ll tell you!’

‘Tell me and I’ll stop tickling you!’

‘I’m not telling you then.’

‘Ok, I’ll stop, but you’ve gotta tell me!’

‘I will!’ Sammy stopped tickling him and allowed him to sit up. ‘So who is she?’

‘The person I really like is…’ David paused. ‘Well, she’s sat with me right now.’

Sammy was shocked. Did he mean her? Well he had to; she was the only person there.

‘You mean me?’

‘Yeah, I like you. It doesn’t matter if you don’t feel the same way.’ Sammy looked at him. Did she like him? Could she do that to Shakira, one of her best friend’s?

‘David, You’re a great guy, but I don’t know if I can do that to Shak. Like I said, she really likes you.’

‘I see where you’re coming from. Don’t worry, just forget I ever said anything.’

‘I can’t do that. Just give me some time yea?’

‘Sure.’

‘Let me just sort myself out, then I need to go and find Shak.’ Sammy said, standing up.

‘Alright, I’ll go and get Shak and we’ll meet you out by my car, ok?’

‘Sure.’ Sammy replied as she entered the Ladies Loo’s. Luckily she had taken her bag with her when she ran, so she could sort out her make-up. Once she was finished she went to find Shak and David.

<~ - ~Chapter 7~ - ~>

‘Shak, you really like David, don’t you?’ The girls had just entered ‘their’ bedroom. David had dropped them off and then left straight away. Sammy threw her bag down and collapsed on her bed.

‘Yeah, I do.’ That wasn’t the answer Sammy was hoping for. This made things even more difficult. Sammy had said hardly anything in the car. She had spent the whole time thinking and wondering about what David had said. Sammy was confused, she didn’t know whether she liked David in that way or no. ‘Why?’

‘No reason, I just wondered.’

‘Did he say something about me?’ Shakira asked getting over-excited.

‘No, I just wondered.’

‘Oh…’ Shakira came back down to earth. ‘Well, we’re meeting Adele and Amz later, at the park.’ The park was always our meeting place, ever since we were kids. It may look as though we’d grown up, but we were still kids at heart. We would never change some of our old ways. Shakira would always have her nutso streak, Adele and Amz would always obsess over Duncan James, and Sammy would always be hypa and argue with Shakira about Lee Ryan. None of those would ever change.

‘Ok, wanna go and get summat to eat?’ Sammy asked standing up.

‘Sure.’

‘Amzie! Adele!’ Sammy shouted as she ran across to the bench where they were sat.

‘Samzie!’ Amira shouted.

‘Honeypie!’ Adeline shouted. They all came together in a big hug. Shakira following Sammy very slowly behind. Normally, if they’d done that Shakira would have acted all jealous. But with what had happened today she knew that Sammy needed her friends more than anything in the world.

‘Hey girls.’

‘Hey Chocolee!’ Amira replied. The girls all burst out laughing.

‘So how did it go today?’ Adele asked, looking at Sammy. Sammy didn’t reply, instead she just looked at Shak. So Shak answered for her.

‘Not as well as hoped.’

‘What happened?’ Amira asked, worried. Sammy knew that she had to tell them.

‘The truth is I couldn’t go through with it.’

‘You didn’t go?’ Adeline asked.

‘I went but they wanted me to talk about why I did it, and I just couldn’t. So I ran out of the room.’

‘What?’ Amira asked. ‘Did you go back in?’

‘No, David took us home. I just couldn’t face it. It’s been two weeks since I last did it anyway. Not being at home has helped.’

‘Two weeks? That’s good babes.’ Adele said, squeezing Sammy’s hand to reassure her.

‘Thanks Adele.’ Sammy smiled. ‘C’mon let’s go somewhere.’

‘Where?’ Shak asked.

‘Anywhere, lets just walk.’ Sammy replied. Linking arms with Amira and walking away. Shak linked arms with Adele and followed a fair few steps behind them. They were out of earshot so she knew that this was the perfect tie to talk to Amz about David.

‘Amz, I need to talk to you.’

‘Sure, go ahead hun.’

‘But we need to keep our voices down, Shak can’t hear us.’

‘What is it?’

‘It’s David.’

‘What about him?’

‘Well….’ I told her everything, Amz commented every now and again. But when I had finished it was such a relief.

‘Do you like him?’ She asked.

‘I don’t know. I can’t get my head around it. Everytime I start to think that maybe I do, Shakira pops into my head. I just can’t do it to her.’

‘I see hun, it’s really hard. But if you like him back, go for it. And tell Shakira.’

‘Really?’

‘Yeah, you need to.’

‘Cheers for the advice babes. I’m going to have to tell her.’

<~ - ~Chapter 8~ - ~>

‘Amira, Adele, do you wanna come over and stay tonight? We can have a real girlies night in.’ Shakira asked. They were just heading along Adele’s street, they were gonna walk Adeline home, then Amira and then Sammy and Shakira would walk home.

‘Sure, sounds fun!’ Adeline answered. ‘We can get my stuff, then Amira’s and then we can head to your house.’

‘Amzie?’ Sammy asked.

‘Sure, that sounds great!’ Amira smiled as she answered.

‘Yay! Our first girlie night in ages!’ Sammy said laughing.

‘I was missing our girlie nights.’ Amira said.

‘So was I.’ Adele agreed.

‘Me too. Come on lets go and get Adele’s stuff.’ Shakira said, as she stopped outside of Adele’s front gate.

‘I’ve got an idea!’ Amira shouted, they were at Shak’s house and they were discussing what they could do next.

‘What?’ Sammy asked, as she brushed her newly cut hair.’ Adele was training to become a hairdresser and always cut the girls hair for them.

‘Lets play a game of truth or dare.’ Amira said.

‘Sure!’ Adele answered. Sammy just looked at Adele. Sammy wasn’t sure about playing it, what if something gets out that shouldn’t?

‘I’m in. Sammy?’ Shakira asked.

‘Sure.’ Sammy replied. She’d just have to watch what she said.

‘Ok, I’ll go first.’ Shakira said. ‘I’m gonna pick truth.’ The other three had their questions. Then it was Sammy’s turn.

‘Truth or Dare babes?’ Adele asked. Sammy hesitated before answering.

‘Truth.’ She’d rather not do a dare, lets just pray that the questions not too bad.

‘Do you, truthfully, fancy David?’ Adele asked. Shit, Sammy thought, bad question. Everyone’s eyes were on her, Amz was looking scared. Sammy thought about it. Here goes….

‘Truthfully…..I don’t know. I didn’t think I did until today.’ Sammy kept her eyes on Shakira to watch her reaction. Her eyes were transfixed on Sammy, her face showing no expression whatsoever.

‘Sammy, don’t say it here.’ Amira said, worried.

‘Don’t worry Amzie, I need to tell my other best friends, I may as well say it now.’

‘Sammy, you’re scaring me. Please just tell us.’ Shakira said.

‘Ok, well I didn’t fancy David at all at the start, he was just my Doctor that Shak fancied.’ Shak blushed as Sammy said the last little bit. ‘But then he became my friend. He was there for me. Then he came to the meeting today, and he followed me out of the room, not Shak. He told me something that made me question myself. He didn’t try and make me go back into the room. He just sat with me and spoke to me. Then we got on to the subject of Shak.’ Shakira’s face was a picture when Sammy said this. She looked shocked yet annoyed. Not surprising seen as Sammy had talked to the man that Shakira fancied, about Shakira. ‘I told him that she really liked him, and he said that she’s a nice girl, but then he said that he liked someone else. So I made him tell me. Now I wish that I hadn’t coz it makes things so difficult.’ A tear rolled down Sammy’s cheek, she didn’t really know why she was crying, but she couldn’t help herself. ‘He told me that he likes me. He said it didn’t matter if I didn’t like him back. I told him that I didn’t know if I did, and that I couldn’t do that to Shak. He said to forget he ever said anything, but I can’t. I don’t know if I like him or not, and I don’t wanna do it to Shak.’ Sammy stopped and began to sob, Amira jumped up and grabbed Sammy, and gave her a massive hug, Sammy carried on crying, but she was waiting for a reaction from Adele and Shak.

<~ - ~Chapter 9~ - ~>

‘He likes you?’ Shakira asked. ‘You lucky thing! What are you crying for?’ Shakira jumped off the bed and ran over and hugged Sammy.

‘I thought you’d be really annoyed.’ Sammy said, hugging Shak back.

‘Don’t be silly. I like him, but if you like him as well and he likes you back you should go for it. Don’t cry babes!’ Shakira laughed. Sammy let go of Shakira and wiped her tear-stained cheeks.

‘I’m sorry Shak, I thought you’d hate me, coz you really like him.’

‘I could never hate you! You’re one of my best friends and I love you!’ Sammy smiled.

‘Thanks Shak.’

‘That’s ok, babes. Now come and sit down and let’s discuss what you’re gonna do now!’ Shakira said, dragging Sammy over to the bed.

‘Lets put some music on first.’ Amira said, running over to Shak’s CD’s. ‘What shall we listen to?’ Amira asked, already knowing the answer.

‘BLUE!’ Sammy, Shak and Adele shouted.

‘But here’s a hard question…which album?’ Amira asked. There was silence. Everybody looked at each other.

‘Sammy choose!’ Shakira suggested.

‘No! I can’t choose, Adele choose.’ Sammy replied.

‘No! Amira choose!’ Adele picked on Amira.

‘That’s not fair! Shak choose!’ Amira picked on the last person whose name hadn’t been mentioned.

‘I don’t wanna! But let’s just have the ‘One Love’ album on first and then the ‘All Rise’ album.’ Shakira suggested. Amira picked up the One Love album case. She opened it to find nothing.

‘Shakira, where is the cd?’

‘What? It’s not in the case?’ Shakira asked, panicking.

‘Nope!’ Amira said.

‘Oh my goodness. We’ve gotta find it’ Shakira started running around the room, checking under clothes, then she started going through all the CD cases. Sammy, Adele and Amz just sat on the bed, watching. After a couple of minutes, Shak was still running around looking for it. Sammy stood up and walked over to the CD player and opened the CD area. She looked at the CD that was in there and then carefully removed it. She placed her finger through the hole in the centre of the CD and held it up. After around 30 seconds of holding it up, Shakira stopped. She stared at the CD. Everybody else burst out laughing.

‘Where did you find it?’ Shakira asked, getting her breath back.

‘It was already in the player Shak!’ Sammy laughed. Shakira blushed.

‘Oh, right.’ Shakira sat back down on the bed as Sammy put the CD on. The others were still laughing. ‘Be quiet you two, it wasn’t that funny.’ They carried on laughing.

‘Yes, it was Shak, the way you were running around the room, was hilarious!’ Amira answered, still laughing. Slowly Shakira started to laugh.

‘Yea, I bet it was! I was so scared that I’d lost that CD! I’d have died, if I had!’ Shakira explained.

‘We know you would have Shak, so would we!’ Amira replied.

‘Now, what are we gonna do about David?’ Shakira picked up from where we left off. She opened a box of chocolates as she asked the question, immediately all 4 girls dived in.

‘I dunno.’ Sammy said, her mouth full of chocolate.

‘Sammy, first of all babes, do you like him?’ Amira asked.

‘Yes…No…I dunno!’

‘Right, we need to work out a way to decide this!’ Shakira said. ‘I know, the quick answer game that they used on friends! You have to clear your mind and I give you two choices, you have to quickly answer.’

‘Go on then.’ Sammy replied.

‘Right, you ready?’ Shak asked.

‘Yep. Just get it over with.’

‘Shane or Lee?’

‘Lee’

‘Kerry or Liz?’

‘Liz’

‘My house or yours?’

‘YOURS!’

‘Do you fancy David, yes or no?’

‘Yes.’

‘There you go!’ Shakira stated, to show the end of the game.

‘Oh my god! You do!’ Adele shouted.

<~ - ~Chapter 10~ - ~>

‘So now we know that you do, what are we going to do about it?’ Amira asked.

‘I have a plan!’ Shakira stated. Groans were heard from the other three girls. ‘What?’ Shakira asked, looking hurt.

‘Everytime you have a plan. It goes horribly wrong!’ Amira said.

‘It does not!’ Shakira protested. Everyone just looked at her. ‘Ok it does, but this one won’t.’

‘Go on then missy, tell me the plan.’ Sammy said.

‘Well, you’ve got his mobile number right?’

‘Yea.’

‘Well, why don’t you text him and ask if you can meet up.’

‘Ok, that one might work.’ Sammy said, laughing.

‘Thank you very much!’ Shakira said, looking very proud of herself. Sammy went to get her phone. She began to type the message and then read it out to the others.

Hi David, I thought about wot u sed and I need 2 tlk 2 u. Can we meet up 2moro? Sammy xxx

‘That’s fine.’ Shakira said, before Sammy hit send.

‘Now we just wait for a reply!’ Amira said.

‘Oh my god! Do you realise what time it is?’ Sammy said.

‘No.’ Shakira replied.

‘It’s 1:00 in the morning and we’ve just text David!’ Sammy laughed.

‘Whoops!’ Amira said, giggling. ‘But it’s too late now.’

*Beep Beep* Who on earth can that be at this time of morning? David thought to himself. He sat up, and looked at the time. 1:03 am. Whoever it is they better have a good reason. He got up and tried looking for his phone. He eventually found it underneath his clothes from yesterday. He looked at the screen, 1 Message Received. He sat down on his bed and opened the message. As he read it a huge grin appeared across his face. The grin slowly faded. What if it was bad news, she didn’t say what it was about. Maybe she didn’t like him. Oh no, this is gonna be killing me until tomorrow now, he thought. I better text her back.

Heya Babes, I’ll meet u at the park at about 11:00 2moro, k? Sweet Dreamz, David xxx

*Beep Beep*

‘He’s replied!’ Shakira said, picking up Sammy’s phone. Amira snatched it outta Shak’s hands and passed it to Sammy. ‘Hey!’

‘It’s Sammy’s phone, let her read it first.’ Amira said. Sammy read the message to herself first then she told everyone else what it said.

‘So, I’ll meet him at 11:00 and I’ll tell him how I feel.’ Sammy concluded.

‘Sorted, now, I wanna go to sleep! So text loverboy back and tell him that’s fine and then we can all get some sleep!’ Shakira said, laying down on her bed. Sammy quickly texted him back.

Sure, that’s fine, c u at 11. Nite, sweet dreamz, Sammy xxx

‘Come on then girls, let’s get some sleep!’ Sammy said, climbing into her bed, which she was sharing with Amira, rather than her having to sleep on the floor. Adeline turned out the light and then joined Shakira in Shak’s bed. They always shared beds, they were the best of friends after all and they didn’t like it when one of them slept on the floor.

‘Night girls!’ Amira said.

‘Night!’ The other three replied.

‘You ready babes?’ Amira asked. They were on their way to the park to meet David. Well, Sammy was. They were gonna let her go in on her own and wait in the café up the road.

‘I think so. Why do I feel so nervous? It’s only David yet I’ve got butterflies in my stomach!’ Sammy replied, with a slight laugh.

‘Aaaaawww, it’ll be ok; now, this is where we leave you! Good luck babes!’ Shakira said, hugging her. Adele and Amzie hugged her before leaving.

‘Bye babes!’ Amira said, as she followed Shakira and Adele up the road.

Sammy walked through the park gate and looked over at one of the benches, David was already sat there waiting. This is it, she thought. The moment of truth.

<~ - ~Chapter 11~ - ~>

‘Heya.’ Sammy said, as she got closer to the bench.

‘Hey babes!’ David said, standing up and walking over to her. ‘You alright?’

‘Yeah, I’m fine, you?’

‘Same.’

‘You know why I’m here, yeah?’ Sammy asked, they began to just walk, neither of them knew where they were going, they just walked.

‘Yeah.’

‘Well, I spoke to Shak and the others and I took sometime to think.’

‘So…’ David stopped waking and turned to face Sammy. He looked into her eyes. Sammy looked back into his.

‘I really like you David, and I didn’t know if it was as more than a friend.’ David broke their eye contact and began to look away.

‘And it’s not so see ya. Is that it?’ David said.

‘No, it’s not it.’ Sammy replied. ‘I realised last night that it is as more than a friend.’

David looked back at Sammy, and smiled.

‘Really?’ He asked.

‘Yes, really!!’ Sammy replied laughing.

‘So, can I do this?’ David wrapped his arms around Sammy’s waist, and leant in. Sammy placed her arms around David’s neck and kissed him. It started off as a gentle kiss but it became more passionate. Eventually their lips parted. Sammy looked at David, and smiled. David smiled back.

‘I’ve been wanting to do that since I worked out how I felt about you.’ David said.

‘Well, now you have. You can do it again if you want!’ Sammy said laughing. They kissed again, and then David took Sammy’s hand.

‘Now, we better go let your friends know what happened hadn’t we!’ David said, grinning.

‘How do you know my friends want to know?’

‘Because your friends won’t let you outta their site and care so much about you, they’re definitely gonna wanna know what happened. They’re probably waiting in the café down the road or summat!’ Sammy began to laugh hysterically. ‘What’s up?’

‘They are in the café down the road!’

‘See I told you!’

‘They just care! So, when’s this audition for your band then?’ They began walking towards the park entrance.

‘On Monday.’

‘Well, good luck. You’re bound to get it!’

‘Hopefully.’

‘You will!’ Sammy opened the gate and then followed David through. They talked until they reached the café. They saw the girls sitting at a table at the back. David opened the door and they entered the café still holding hands.

‘Hey girls!’ David said as they reached the table.

‘Hey David!’ Shakira replied. ‘It must be good news if you two are holding hands!’

Sammy smiled.

‘So are you two going out now?’ Amira asked. Sammy looked at David, he looked back at her.

‘I don’t know. None of us asked!’ Sammy replied.

‘Well, that can be changed!’ David replied. ‘Sammy will you be my girlfriend?’

‘Ummm, I’ll have to think about it!’ Sammy replied laughing. ‘Yes, I will!’ Sammy replied, kissing David.

‘Aaaaawww, you two look so cute together!’ Adele said. Sammy blushed while David smiled.

‘They do don’t they! They were meant to be!’ Shakira added.

<~ - ~Chapter 11~ - ~>

A couple of weeks had past and Sammy and David were still together. Actually, they were hardly ever apart, as Shakira kept saying.

‘Are you off out with David again tonight?’ Shak asked whilst watching Sammy get ready. Sammy was still staying at Shak’s, she’d been home to collect a bit more stuff now and again but she wanted to stay with Shakira for a bit longer.

‘I might be!’ Sammy said, smiling.

‘You two are hardly ever apart!’

‘I know! Sorry babes, I’ll spend some time with you and the other girls at the weekend! I promise!’

‘Well, I’m holding you to that! You’ve been out with David nearly every night! What do you two do?’

‘I don’t think you’ll wanna know the answer to that!’ Sammy laughed.

‘Ok, maybe I don’t. Do you realise that if David’s band get a deal, you’ll be dating a popstar!’

‘Oh yeah I will!’

‘He said it went well didn’t he?’

‘Yeah, he said him and the guys had never performed so well.’

‘Cool, when do they find out?’

‘Soon, the record company’s gonna give one of them a ring to let them know.’

*Ding Dong*

‘That’s him! I’ll be back later ok babes, don’t worry, I won’t be late!’ Sammy said, picking up her bag and leaving the room. Shakira got up and followed her downstairs. Sammy opened the door, and David was stood there. ‘Hiya babes!’ Sammy said, kissing him.

‘Hi darling, hey Shak. You ready babes?’

‘Where we going? ‘Sammy asked.

‘Nowhere special, probably just back to mine!’

‘Oh really?’ Sammy asked wrapping her arms around David’s neck.

‘Yes.’ David kissed her softly on the lips. ‘None of the others are there. So we have the place to ourselves!’

‘Sounds fun! I’ll see you later, Shak. Bye Mrs. Fernando!’ Sammy shouted down the hall.

‘Sammy, I told, you, call me Shirley. Have fun you two!’

‘We will.’ Sammy replied, as her and David walked out of the house and got into his car.

‘You wanna watch a film babe?’ David asked.

‘Sure.’

‘What should we watch?’

‘What have you got honey?’

‘Take a look; they’re all in that box. Any dirty ones, they ain’t mine, they’re the other lads!’ David said, as he headed for the kitchen.

‘Whatever honey, I’m sure you watch them as well!’

‘Nope, I’m a clean guy!’

‘Yeah, yeah.’

‘Do you want a drink?’ David shouted from the kitchen.

‘Yes please. Just a glass of water please.’

‘A glass of water?’

‘Yes, I always drink water, I don’t know why, it’s just a habit!’

‘Oh right!’ David entered the room with the drinks; Sammy was sat on the sofa.

‘What are we watching then?’

‘Bend It Like Beckham!’

‘Really?’

‘Yep, I fancy the girls coach in it!’ Sammy replied laughing.

‘Oh rite, typical!’ David joined Sammy on the coach and wrapped his arms around her. Just as the film was about to start the phone rang. ‘Good timing!’ David said, getting up to go and answer the phone. Sammy paused the film.

‘Hello…oh hi…Yeah, its David…Really? You’re serious…Thank you so much! The guys will be ecstatic…we’ll see you then…Bye.’ David put down the phone. ‘We got the deal!’

‘Oh my god, you’re kidding!’ Sammy said, jumping up.

‘Nope.’

‘So, I’m going to be dating a popstar!’ Sammy said, wrapping her arms around David.

‘Yes, you are!’ David replied, kissing her. ‘I better let the guys know!’ David said, picking up the phone and dialling the number.

<~ - ~Chapter 12~ - ~>

‘Have you got everything?’ Shakira asked, picking up one of Sammy’s cases.

‘Yea, I think so.’ Sammy replied, picking up another. ‘It doesn’t matter if I haven’t I’ll probs be coming back round to visit tomorrow!’ Sammy laughed. They walked down the stairs, Mrs Fernando was stood waiting at the bottom.

‘Now, are you sure you don’t need a lift home?’ She asked as Sammy and Shak reached the bottom of the stairs.

‘No, David’s coming to pick me up in a minute. Thanks for having me Mrs Fernando.’

‘That’s fine, we’ve enjoyed having you here. And when are you going to stop calling me Mrs Fernando? You make me feel old!’

‘Sorry, Mrs…Shirley.’

‘That’s better. Now you take care of yourself won’t you? And come and see us soon!’ Shirley said, giving Sammy a huge hug. ‘You’re welcome here anytime you know. You’re like a second daughter to me.’

‘Thanks Shirley. You’ve been like a second mother to me. Thanks for looking after me. I’m sure I’ll be back soon!’ just then the doorbell went, Shakira opened the door to find David stood there.

‘Hey Shak, is she ready?’

‘Yeah, she’s just saying goodbye. Come in a minute.’ Shakira let David in.

‘Hey babes!’ Sammy said, as he entered the house.

‘Hey honey. Hi Mrs Fernando.’

‘Hi David, don’t you start calling me Mrs Fernando, I’ve been telling Sammy to stop calling me that! Call me Shirley.’

‘Ok I will in future Shirley.’

‘Thank you.’

‘We better be off, I’ll ring you later Shak.’ Sammy said, hugging Shak. ‘Love you hun!’

‘Love you too babe. Don’t let your parents get to you ok?’

‘I won’t! This is the test really, I haven’t cut in a few weeks. But then I haven’t been home. I’m just gonna find other ways of coping with it. My parents have probably searched my room from top to bottom since I’ve been here. They’ve probably got rid of every sharp object in there!’

‘That’s a good thing, that way there’s no temptations.’ Shirley stated.

‘I know, but I’m never gonna need them coz I’m never doing it again.’

‘That’s right babes.’ David said. Sammy smiled.

‘Right, off we go then. Bye everyone!’ Sammy said, picking up one of her cases, David picked up the other one and they put them in the boot of the car. They got in the car, and Sammy put her window down. ‘Bye guys, I’ll see you soon!’ Sammy said waving. As they drove around the corner Sammy put the window back up, as a tear rolled down her cheek.

‘What’s up babe?’ David asked as he noticed that Sammy was crying.

‘Nothing really, I’m just gonna miss staying there, there’s no arguing there, and I know mum and dad are gonna start arguing as soon as I get home.’

‘I told you, there’s room at mine.’

‘I know babes, but I’ve gotta go home at some point.’

‘Do you want me to come in with you?’

‘Definitely! They don’t know about you yet!’

‘Really? Who do they thinks bringing you home?’

‘I dunno, I just said I was coming home today!’

‘Ok, this will be fun!’

‘Yep, certainly!’ Sammy replied, switching the radio on. Blue’s ‘Best in Me’ was playing, Sammy began to quietly sing along.

‘You like these guys don’t you?’

‘Yep! Me and the girls won a competition a few weeks ago to go and meet them!’

‘Oh yeah, I remember Shak telling me now!’

‘It’s not until the end of the year tho.’

‘Well, with any luck you might have already met them, if the band takes off!’

‘Oh yeah, I’d forgotten that!’

‘You live just around here don’t you?’

‘Yep, just here.’ The car stopped and Sammy and David got out. They got out Sammy’s cases and walked to the door. Sammy took out her key and opened the door. They left her cases just inside the door and headed for the living room. Sammy opened the door and saw her parents sat on the sofa watching the television.

‘Hi Mum, hi Dad.’ She said, in a very small, quiet voice.

<~ - ~Chapter 13~ - ~>

‘Sammy!’ Sammy’s parents both jump up and hug her. Her mum immediately starts crying.

‘It’s great to have you home.’ Her mum said in between sobs.

‘Yea, whatever.’ Her parents let go of her.

‘Can I get you anything? A drink, something to eat?’ Sammy’s mum immediately starts fussing.

‘No, im fine mum, don’t fuss. This is David, by the way, he’s my boyfriend.’

‘You’ve got a new boyfriend? Hi, nice to meet you.’ Sammy’s mum said.

‘Yeah, you too.’ David replied.

‘Where did you meet?’ Sammy’s mum asked.

‘David was my doctor at the hospital, we kind of fell for each other.’ Sammy said, smiling at David. ‘Now, we’re gonna take my stuff upstairs ok?’

‘Ok love, are you staying for dinner David?’ Sammy’s mum asked him.

‘No we’re going out for dinner aren’t we babes?’ Sammy said, answering for him, no way was David staying to eat dinner with them.

‘Thanks anyway.’ David finished.

‘Ok then’ Sammy’s mum replied. Sammy walked towards the door and ushered David out. They picked up the cases and headed for the stairs.

‘Why are we going out for dinner?’ David asked as they were going upstairs, away from Sammy’s parents.

‘Coz they would be asking me and you all sorts of questions and they’d probably start having a full on argument!’ Sammy opened her bedroom door and threw the case she was carrying down in the corner, David followed suit with the one he had. Sammy led down on her bed leaving enough room for David to join her. He did just that and Sammy snuggled into him. ‘I love having you around babes.’

‘I love being around you.’ David replied, kissing Sammy’s hair. Sammy turned over so that she was facing him, she wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him slowly and passionately on the lips.

‘I love you.’ She said, when she came up for air.

‘I love you too.’ David replied, kissing her softly on the lips.

‘So where are you taking me for dinner then?’ Sammy asked, smiling.

‘I don’t know, where do you wanna go?’

‘I ain’t bothered, we can just go to yours if you want, I just don’t wanna stay here.’

‘Ok, we’ll decide when we leave!’ David replied, Sammy released herself and walked towards the drawers where she always kept her ‘special kit’. ‘What’s up?’

‘I wonder if mum and dad found it.’ Sammy muttered quietly, not thinking David could hear it.

‘Found what?’ David asked. Sammy jumped.

‘My ‘special kit’.’ Sammy replied.

‘What’s your special kit?’ David asked, confused.

‘It’s what I used to keep in my draw, and use it in my times of need.’

‘It’s what you cut yourself with?’ David asked, standing up and joining Sammy over by the drawers.

‘Yeah, I don’t know if it’s still there though.’ Sammy bent down and opened the drawer. There it was, her special kit. This was the first time she had seen it in ages. But this time she wasn’t taking it out because there was arguing, she wasn’t going to use it. She was going to get rid of it. She picked it up, and then sat down on her bed. David followed her. ‘This is it. But I’m never going to need it again. I need you to get rid of it for me babes.’

‘Course I will, but wouldn’t it be better if you did it? Like you’re actually getting rid of it.’

‘I suppose but I don’t wanna get rid of it here. When we leave later can I throw it then, in a bin somewhere, obviously not public.’

‘You can do it at mine.’

‘Cheers babe. It’ll be so good to get rid of it.’ Sammy placed the case on her side, and set about putting her clothes away.

‘Mum, we’re off out, I’ll see you later!’ Sammy shouted from the door.

‘Ok, bye love, bye David.’

‘Bye Mrs Johnson.’ David replied. They left the house.

‘That was easier than I thought.’ Sammy stated.

‘Yeah, it was easier than I thought it was gonna be as well.’

‘Right, shall we head for your house then?’

‘Sure, Come on babes!’ David took hold of Sammy’s hand.

‘They look cute together.’ Sammy’s mum said, peering from behind the curtains.

‘Ruth, come and sit down, stop spying on them.’ Sammy’s dad said.

‘It’s ok, they can’t see me. They’ve gone now anyway.’

‘THAT’S NOT THE POINT. YOU SHOULDN’T HAVE DONE IT.’ Sammy’s dad shouted.

‘Peter, don’t shout at me.’ Ruth replied quietly.

‘WHAT DID I TELL YOU ABOUT TALKING BACK?’

‘Peter please?’

‘WHAT DID I TELL YOU?’

<~ - ~Chapter 14~ - ~>

As more tears fell down her face Sammy pulled her legs tighter to her chest, and closed her eyes as tight as she could. As she heard more shouting downstairs she jumped onto her bed and tried to cover her ears with the pillow, whilst clutching her wrists. When covering her ears with the pillow didn’t work, she got up and walked over to her CD player. She pressed the play button and ‘One Love’ started, she turned it up as loud as she could, and then sat down on her bed.