<~ - ~Chapter 31~ - ~>

Sammy returned to where Lee was sitting with her hot chocolate. She looked at his face, Sammy became extremely worried. What was his reaction? Sammy sat down on the same side of the table as Lee.

‘Lee, I’m…’ Sammy began to apologise. Lee stopped her by putting his finger on her lips. He took hold of her hands, and leaned towards her. Their lips gently touched, Sammy removed one hand from Lee’s grasp, and placed it softly on the side of his face. Lee wrapped his free hand around Sammy’s waist as the kiss became more passionate. They finally broke apart.

‘Wow.’ Sammy whispered, smiling.

‘That was nice.’ Lee stated.

‘Yeah, it was.’ Sammy paused. ‘So I guess you do still have feelings for me?’

‘Course I do, I was trying to get over you, getting with Shak, but it wasn’t working.’

‘But what are we going to do now?’ Sammy was worried. So she now knew Lee felt the same, but what about Shakira…and David?

‘We’re gonna have to tell them babes, we can’t go behind their backs.’

‘I know, but it’s gonna be so hard Lee. Shakira being my best friend, she got with you, which were like a dream come true for her. David, I Love…Loved him with all my heart. I’ve got to tell him, but how can I tell him I’m breaking up with him for you?’ Sammy’s eyes filled with tears, and as she blinked a single water droplet rolled down her cheek and landed on Lee’s hand, which was entwined with hers. Lee lifted his free hand and wiped her eyes.

‘Sammy, don’t cry. Things will be ok. I promise, you trust me yeah?’ Lee enquired. Sammy nodded silently, more tears fell. ‘Well, at least we know that. Does anyone know?’

‘Know what?’

‘About you, me, feelings?’ Sammy nodded.

‘Adeline and Amira, the night after our meal, with Shak and Dave. I went straight home, I couldn’t bare to stay with David. I came home and confessed all.’

‘Ok, well at least you’ve got someone to talk to, too.’

‘Who else knows?’ Sammy asked concerned.

‘Just Dunk, he knew from the start.’ Sammy relaxed; she knew they could trust Duncan. It was time to sort out this very big mess.

‘Shall we head back to ours?’ Sammy asked, standing up.

‘Sure.’ Lee stood up and grasped her hand. Sammy smiled.

‘Lee, when we get to ours act normal yeah? No holding hands or anything, we need to talk to certain people first.’

‘Of course darlin.’ Lee opened the door and they walked out into the cold.

<~ - ~Chapter 32~ - ~>

Amira threw her portfolio down on her desk and rummaged around for her mobile in her bag. It was blaring out with ‘Jingle Bells’. Sammy had had hold of her phone again, changing the ringtones.

Duncan flashed up on the screen. Amira was puzzled, why was Duncan ringing her?

-Hello?

-Hey Amira, it’s Dunk!

-Hey Dunk, what’s up?

-Ummm, I don’t suppose you fancy coming out for dinner with me tonight do you?

Amira paused, did Duncan James just ask her out? This couldn’t be turned down.

-Sure.

-That’s brilliant. I’ll pick you up about 6-ish ok?

-That sounds cool.

-See ya later babes.

-Bye Dunk.

Amzie hung up and threw her phone down on the bed. She grinned. She, Amira, was going out on a date with Duncan from Blue! She so had to tell someone!

‘Lee, I decided I need to tell David…Tomorrow.’ Sammy stated down the phone. It was a week since her and Lee had met up in the café.

‘Sammy, are you sure? We don’t have to yet.’ Lee replied.

‘Lee, I need to, it’s killing me, keeping it from him. He rang me today, he’s back tomorrow, but only for the day. I need to tell him.’ Sammy pleaded.

‘Sammy, it’s ok. We need to get things out into the open anyway. Do you want me to be there?’

‘It’s probably best if you’re not there. That would just make things worse.’

‘Ok babes, just tell me how things go yeah?’

‘Of course. Soon, we’ll be able to be together properly.’

‘Can’t wait babes.’

‘Me neither. Love ya Sweets.’

‘I Love you too darlin.’

‘Spanish.’ Sammy mumbled.

‘Waiter.’ Lee replied.

So that was it, Sammy was gonna break up with David. Tears rolled down Sammy’s cheeks. This was gonna be hard.

Sammy opened the door, shaking a little. Adeline and Amira had deliberately taken Shakira out shopping. David was stood on the doorstep grinning. As Sammy opened the door fully, he wrapped his arms around her. Sammy felt really awkward but managed to hug back. When they parted, Sammy shut the door as they walked into the front room.

<~ - ~Chapter 33~ - ~>

As usual Sammy had Boyz II Men playing, a love her and Lee shared.

‘I’ve missed you so much.’ David stated, sitting down on the sofa, Sammy’s hand entwined with his.

‘Me too.’ Sammy stated, tears rolling down her cheeks. ‘David, I need to tell you something.’

‘What’s wrong?’ David worried. Sammy let go of David’s hand and looked away from him.

‘David…You know I love you with my heart and soul, and I always will.’ Sammy explained.

‘Of course I do. Sammy you’re scaring me, what’s wrong?’

‘David…I don’t know how to say this, but…it’s over. You and me.’ Sammy finally finished. David just stared at her.

‘What, I don’t understand.’ More tears rolled down Sammy’s cheeks.

‘It’s over Dave. I like someone else, and they like me.’ Sammy explained.

The next track started on the album. ‘End Of The Road’ Sammy’s favourite Boyz II Men song, and appropriate for the current moment.

[spoken] Girl you know we belong together
I have no time for you to be playing
With my heart like this
You'll be mine forever baby, you just see
[verse]We belong together
And you that I'm right
Why do you play with my heart,
Why do you play with my mind?

Said we'd be forever
Said it'd never die
How could you love me and leave me
And never say good-bye?

When I can't sleep at night without holding you tight
Girl, each time I try I just break down and cry
Pain in my head oh I'd rather be dead
Spinnin' around and around

‘What? Who?’ David asked, tears had filled his eyes, causing Sammy’s heart to ache with guilt.

‘Lee.’ Sammy stated quietly.

‘I knew it.’ David muttered.

[Chorus:] Although we've come to the End Of The Road
Still I can't let you go
It's unnatural, you belong to me, I belong to you
Come to the End of the Road
Still I can't let you go
It's unnatural, you belong to me, I belong to you

Girl, I know you really love me,
You just don't realize
You've never been there before
It's only your first time

Maybe I'll forgive you, hmm
Maybe you'll try
We should be happy together
Forever, you and I

Can you love me again like you loved me before
This time I want you to love me much more
This time instead just come to my bed
And baby just don't let me, don't let me down

‘David, I’m sorry, but I can’t help how my heart feels. It’s not right to still be with you when my heart says Lee.’

‘I know Babes. I forgive you.’ David stated. Sammy looked up.

‘You do?’

‘Of course, I love you so much, and I want you to be mine, but more than anything I want you to be happy.’

[Chorus] [spoken] Girl I'm here for you
All those times of night when you just hurt me
And just run out with that other fella
Baby I knew about it, I just didn't care
You just don't understand how much I love you do you?
I'm here for you
I'm not out to go out and cheat on you all night
Just like you did baby but that's all right
Hey, I love you anyway
And I'm still gonna be here for you 'till my dying day baby
Right now, I'm just in so much pain baby
Coz you just won't come back to me
Will you? Just come back to me
(Lonely)
Yes baby my heart is lonely
(Lonely)
My heart hurts baby
(Lonely)
Yes I feel pain too
Baby please

This time instead just come to my bed
And baby just don't let me go
[Chorus]
[Chorus (a cappella)]

‘Thanks Sweetie, I don’t want to lose you as a friend.’ Sammy cried.

‘And you won’t.’ David said, tears rolling down his cheeks as he pulled Sammy close to him, hugging her, for what he hoped wouldn’t be the last time.

<~ - ~Chapter 34~ - ~>

‘I can’t believe we bought so much!’ Shakira laughed as they reached their front door. She struggled whilst trying to open the door. The house was silent.

‘Sammy must have gone out.’ Amira stated. She walked into the front room. ‘Or perhaps not.’

Sammy was led in David’s arms. Sammy’s eyes were red from crying. They both looked up as the girls walked into the room.

‘Hey, did ya have a good day shopping?’ Sammy asked, trying to smile.

‘Yes, thanks we bought loadsa goodies. We got a few pressies for you.’ Amira stated.

‘I’m gonna get going.’ David interrupted, removing his arms from around Sammy and standing up. ‘I’ll see you as soon as possible yeah?’ David asked Sammy.

‘Sure.’

‘Bye girls.’ David said.

‘BYE!’ Shakira and Adeline called from the kitchen. Sammy walked with David through to the door.

‘Sammy, one thing. How are you and Lee gonna get around the simple little fact of Shakira?’ David whispered.

‘We don’t know yet. I wanted to talk to you first.’ Sammy replied, tears rolling down her cheeks again. ‘I’m so sorry Dave.’

David pulled her into a tight hug.

‘Sammy, please stop saying that. I know you are.’ He whispered, kissing her hair.

‘I’ll always love you.’ He whispered, before letting go.

‘You too babes, I’ll never forget what you’ve done for me, never.’ She cried quietly.

Sammy said Goodbye to David and closed the door. She silently walked back into the living room. Shakira and Adeline were still in the kitchen, giggling away.

Amira was sat on the sofa. Sammy shut the door behind her and immediately collapsed into Amira’s arms, sobbing.

‘I guess you told him?’ Amira asked, once Sammy had calmed down a bit. Sammy silently nodded.

‘It broke my heart Amz.’

‘I know it did babes. What did he say?’

Sammy filled Amira in on everything.

‘Well at least he was civil, if he still wants to be friends, that’s a good thing right?’ Amira asked.

‘I suppose but Amira, I don’t know how he was feeling inside.’ Sammy stated. ‘He probably hates my guts.’

‘He could never go straight from love to hate. And no-one could ever hate you.’

‘There’s still one more thing now though.’

‘What’s that?’

‘Shakira…’Sammy stated.

<~ - ~Chapter 35~ - ~>

Dear Diary,

This house is going to be like a war soon. Sammy’s finally faced up to her feelings for Lee, and now knows that he still feels the same. She told David today. It sounds like he took it pretty well. He’d prefer her to still be with him but more than anything he wants her to be happy. We’ve no idea how he really felt though.

Sammy said it broke her heart telling him. She still really loves him, I don’t think she’ll ever stop. She just doesn’t love him in the way she loves Lee.

There’s just one small problem now, Shakira. She feels pretty deep feelings for Lee, unfortunately he doesn’t feel them back. He feels them for one of her best friends. That’s gonna be harsh. I’m not looking forward to her finding out.

On a lighter note, dinner with Duncan the other night was amazing. He was such a perfect gentleman, just like he always seemed in interviews. We got on really well. He offered to pay, but I wouldn’t let him, we went ½’s. He took me to a really posh restaurant in Soho. We had dinner then we headed back to his house as we weren’t ready to leave each other, we were getting on so well.

Nothing happened though…definitely NOT on a first date! We just watched a film, and ended up crashed out on his sofa. All we did was sleep, none of the other! Lol! The next morning we had breakfast and he drove me home. All completely innocent!

Although we did arrange a second date, he’s invited me to a film premiere next week. Me, at a film premiere! I never thought that would happen! I had such a great time with him, he was so sweet. He checked with me before doing anything. Before holding my hand, before kissing me. He didn’t go too fast at all. That’s why nothing happened that night, it would have ruined it.

I can’t wait until the premiere. One thing though, who will Lee be taking? Sammy, or Shakira?

Spanish Waiter, Amz xxx

Amira closed her diary, and slotted the pen and the book into her drawer. Slotting it in the exact place it always went, that way she would know if it had been moved.

She stopped the song she’d had playing on repeat– Craig David’s Rendezvous.

She then opened her door and made her way downstairs to fetch a drink.

<~ - ~Chapter 36~ - ~>

Lee walked into Duncan’s front room and found him sprawled all over the couch.

‘Oi you, move over fatty!’ Lee joked.

‘Shut up you, you put on more weight than I did when we were away!’ Duncan replied. ‘Anyway, it’s my house!’

‘Yeah but I’m the guest!’ Duncan gave in and sat up, allowing Lee to sit down.

‘How’s things with you and Shak?’ Duncan asked. Lee looked at the floor.

‘Bad.’

‘What do you mean?’

‘Well, from her point of view, things are great. But from me…things are bad…VERY bad.’

‘What the fuck has happened?’ Duncan exclaimed.

‘Well, if I said Sammy, would that explain it?’ Duncan looked puzzled.

‘Not really, I thought getting with Shak was supposed to help you get over Sammy.’ Lee shook his head.

‘Nope, not since me and Sammy met up the other day and confessed all.’

‘Confessed all of what?’ Duncan really didn’t understand.

‘Sammy likes me as well Dunk. She’s just broken it off with David for me.’

‘Do you still like her?’

‘Of course I do. But…Shak…she’s Sammy’s best friend man.’ Lee shook his head. ‘What the fuck have I got myself into?’

‘A mess. So Sammy broke up with David? How’s she explained that to Shak?’

‘She just told her they’d grown apart. Main thing at the moment is that I really want to take Sammy to the Premiere next week. Our first proper date. But it ain’t gonna happen is it?’

‘Not really mate. I’ll tell ya what why don’t we just invite the whole group of them along. There are 4 of them, 4 of us. Ant and Si already said they aren’t taking anyone. That way she’ll be there but not just with you.’

‘That’s a great idea bro!’ Lee exclaimed. ‘Thanks mate. They have to come to the party afterwards. I wanna sing something.’

‘What?’

‘Guilty, the one you wrote. It’s so true to my feelings.’

‘We’ll sort it.’

‘Sammy you ready girl? It’s not like this is your first premiere or anything! You’ve been blinkin ages!’ Amira called up the stairs. Sammy came running down.

‘Sorry got listening to Breathe Easy again. I’m way too obsessed with that song!’ Sammy laughed.

‘Yeah you are.’ Amira smiled. ‘The girls are in the taxi.’ Amira locked the door and ran out and climbed in the taxi, next to the 3 others.

‘Where to?’ The driver asked.

‘The Odeon please.’

The girls arrived near to the Odeon and waited at the meeting point. The guys were gonna meet them and walk the rest of the way.

‘It’s freezing, they better get here soon!’ Sammy complained.

‘We are here!’ Lee laughed, walking around the corner.

‘Good my bum was freezing!’ Sammy laughed. ‘Hey babes.’ Sammy hugged Lee. Everyone hugged everyone, and they began walking down the road towards the cinema. Amira and Duncan holding hands, and talking happily. Lee, Shakira, Sammy and Antony walking in a group. Simon and Adeline getting on EXTREMELY well!

‘We all gonna go down the carpet in a group?’ Antony asked. ‘Or in couples?’

‘Ummm…’ Duncan replied.

‘Couples, but lets mess with the fans and the photographers heads. Mix up.’ Lee replied.

‘What?’ Shak asked, puzzled.

‘I’ll go with Sammy, Adeline and Antony, Shakira and Simon, Amira and Duncan. We’re all mixed up.’ Lee explained.

‘Confusing the press, I like it!’ Duncan stated, knowing what Lee was thinking.

<~ - ~Chapter 37~ - ~>

‘Lee over here!’

‘Lee?’

‘At the camera please.’

Sammy smiled as Lee had his arm wrapped around her.

‘I thought you were going out with Shakira?’ A member of the press asked. Lee laughed.

‘I am, but I’m allowed to walk into a premiere with one of my best friends aren’t I?’ Lee asked. Sammy and Lee finished posing and made their way along the red carpet and into the cinema. Amira and Duncan were coming next, then Adeline and Antony, leaving Shakira and Simon until last, meaning Lee and Sammy could chat.

‘That was smart Mr Ryan!’ Sammy laughed, as soon as they were away from all the press. ‘Now we get 5 minutes of alone time.’ Sammy kissed Lee softly on the lips, after checking no one was about.

‘Well, I do have some common sense.’ Lee took hold of Sammy’s hand and they carried on walking in. ‘You realise I’d much rather be sat with you in there mind.’

‘I know you do babes.’ Sammy replied. ‘Soon.’

‘Dave, what films this again?’ A male voice asked.

‘I dunno, let’s just hope it’s good.’ ‘Dave’ replied.

Sammy froze, mid-kiss.

‘What’s wrong?’ Lee asked. As a group of 5 guys turned the corner, stopping in front of the secret couple. ‘Oh.’

‘Sammy.’ Sparx stated.

‘Hey Sparx, Jay, Justin, Josh…Dave.’ Sammy replied timidly. David looked from Sammy to Lee, standing there awkwardly.

‘Hi babes.’ David finally stated. Sammy walked up to him and hugged him tightly, tears forming.

‘How’ve you been?’ Sammy asked.

‘Ok, I suppose. You?’ David replied.

‘Same.’ There was a horrible silence. Everyone looking at each other awkwardly.

‘So are you two officially together now?’ David asked, forcing a smile. As long as she’s happy, David told himself.

‘Yes and no.’ Sammy replied. ‘We’re as together as we can be without Shak knowing yet.’

‘She still doesn’t know?’ David asked, surprised. Sammy shook her head.

‘She’s following behind with the others. As far as she’s concerned, me and Sammy are just good friends.’ Lee explained.

‘Oh.’ David stated.

‘Shall we carry on walking in together?’ Sammy asked. Her heart was beating fast. Seeing David for the first time since the break up…With Lee.

‘Sure.’ Sparx replied.

‘Looks like we’re sat here.’ David stated, as they reached their seats. Luckily, things weren’t going to badly. David was sticking to what he had said, Sammy wasn’t going to lose him as a friend.

‘We’re sat just in front.’ Lee replied. ‘Here’s the rest of them.’

‘Are we sat here?’ Shakira asked.

‘Yeah.’ Lee replied.

‘Hi Shak. Hi guys.’ David stated.

‘David? Hi.’ Shakira replied.

‘Heya.’ The others replied.

‘Shall we take our seats?’ Amira asked, ending the silence that followed.

‘Yeps.’ Sammy replied. Amira and Duncan piled in first, followed by Simon, Adeline, Antony, Sammy, Lee and Shak, in that order.

The lights dipped and the film began.

<~ - ~Chapter 38~ - ~>

‘Sammy, I’m gonna get up there myself in a minute, listen to what I sing.’ Lee stated, before walking away. Sammy had just been watching one of the other people that was at the after-party singing along to the karaoke.

As Lee walked away, Sammy stood confused. What on earth was he gonna sing? She made her way back to the table and sat on the edge. Amira and Duncan were ‘enjoying each others company’. And believe me, I don’t mean by talking! Simon and Adeline were chatting and laughing with each other, Antony was off chatting to someone and Shakira was sipping her drink slowly.

‘I’m so bored.’ Shakira leaned over and shouted in Sammy’s ear.

‘Me too.’ Sammy replied.

‘Come and dance.’ Shakira replied, dragging Sammy up on the dance floor. As the song ended, Lee took the stage.

‘I know this is really odd.’ Lee laughed. ‘Coz I’m gonna be singing one of our songs, but I just love the words to it and it’s one of them I love to sing!’

The song began and couples made their way to the dancefloor as Sammy and Shakira made their way to some seats nearer the stage.

I never want to, play the games that people play

I never want to, hear the things they’ve gotta say

I found everything I need

I never wanted anymore than I can see

I only want you to believe

If it’s wrong to tell the truth, what am I supposed to do?

When all I wanna do is speak my mind

If it’s wrong to do what’s right, I’m prepared to testify

If loving you with all my hearts a crime, then I’m guilty

Lee had his eyes transfixed on one of the girls at the front. Singing every single word to her. Sammy smiled back at him, letting him know that she understood.

I wanna give you, all the things you never had

Don’t try and tell me, how he treats you isn’t bad

I need you back in my life

I never wanted just to be the other guy

I never want to live a lie

If it’s wrong to tell the truth, what am I supposed to do?

When all I wanna do is speak my mind

If it’s wrong to do what’s right, I’m prepared to testify

If loving you with all my hearts a crime, then I’m guilty

Girl I follow my heart, follow the truth

Right from the start it led me to you

Please don’t leave me this way

I’m guilty now all I have to say

If it’s wrong to tell the truth, what am I supposed to do?

When all I wanna do is speak my mind

If it’s wrong to do what’s right, I’m prepared to testify

If loving you with all my hearts a crime, then I’m guilty

Then, I’m guilty

Guilty

Then I’m Guilty

If it’s wrong to do what’s right saying tell me about this feeling inside

If loving you with all my hearts a crime

I’m Guilty

As Lee finished he returned the microphone and stepped down from the stage. People applauded him as another singer began. This time it was the man hired to fill in at any point in which nobody wanted to sing. Sammy and Shak had returned to the table. Lee followed them.

‘That was great honey.’ Shakira stated.

‘Thanks.’ Lee replied, looking at Sammy. ‘I’m going to go get a drink, anyone else want one?’

‘No thanks.’ Shakira answered.

‘Yes please, I’ll help you.’ Sammy replied. Lee and Sammy headed for the bar but carried on walking until they were outside.

<~ - ~Chapter 39~ - ~>

‘What did you think?’ Lee asked.

‘The song?’ Sammy questioned. Lee nodded. ‘Let me just say things will be sorted soon, and then you can speak your mind.’

Lee and Sammy stopped walking. Lee wrapped his arms around Sammy’s waist and Sammy wrapped hers around his neck.

‘I Love You babes.’ Lee stated.

‘I Love You too Sweetie, and we can tell everyone soon.’ Lee leaned forward and kissed Sammy passionately.

‘NO!’ Shakira screamed, turning and running.

‘Shit!’ Sammy announced, running after Shak. ‘Shakira, stop, please.’ Shakira stopped running and turned around.

‘You bitch. First of all you go out with David, when I fancied him, but now you steal my boyfriend. Sammy, your meant to be one of my fuckin best friends. How could you?’

‘Sammy, Lee?’ Duncan shouted breathlessly, rounding the corner. ‘Crap.’

‘Shak, we’re sorry. Please, believe me, I NEVER wanted to hurt you.’ Sammy pleaded.

‘Well guess what Sammy, you did.’ Shakira spat.

‘Sorry guys, I didn’t realise you were out here when Shak went for fresh air.’ Duncan explained.

‘Don’t worry Dunks, we needed to tell her anyways.’ Sammy reasoned.

‘You knew?’ Shakira asked Duncan. Duncan nodded. ‘Who else fuckin knew?’ No one replied. ‘Who else?’

‘The girls…’ Sammy replied quietly.

‘What? So everyone knew but me. When were you going to tell me?’

‘When we could Shak, it was hard.’ Sammy tried to explain.

‘Aren’t you even going to say something Lee?’ Shakira shouted.

‘I’m sorry.’ Lee muttered.

‘That’s all? That’s all you’re going to say to me after you’ve just cheated on me with one of my best friends?’ They were now beginning to attract an audience, luckily no press…yet.

‘Shak, can we talk about this at home?’ Sammy pleaded, as David and Sparx joined the crowds.

‘Why, cause we don’t want the press to find out that Lee Ryan’s a cheating bastard. And that he stole David Wilcox’s girlfriend. Coz I guess now that that’s why you two broke up.’

‘Shak, that’s uncalled for.’ David intervened.

‘You’re sticking up for them?’ Shakira cried, slumping on the floor.

‘Shak, let’s get you home babes.’ Antony stated, picking Shakira up.

<~ - ~Chapter 40~ - ~>

Antony, Simon and Adeline led Shakira away to find a taxi.

‘What have I done?’ Sammy cried, collapsing in a heap. David and Amira ran up to her. Lee stood watching Shakira walk out of sight.

‘Come here babes.’ David said, pulling Sammy onto his lap. Sammy buried her head in David’s chest and sobbed as David stroked her hair. A photographer started taking pictures of the group.

‘Please, no.’ Duncan shouted. ‘Not now. You’ve got a story, no pictures please?’

The photographer stopped clicking and walked away.

‘C’mon lets head back to my place.’ Duncan announced. ‘There’s no way you lot are gonna be welcome in your own home.’ Lee walked over and pulled Sammy out of David’s lap.

‘Thanks.’ Lee muttered to David. ‘You didn’t have to.’ Sammy buried herself into Lee.

‘I wanted to. I still care about her.’ David replied, looking sympathetically at Sammy.

‘You can come back with us if you want.’ Lee said.

‘You sure?’ David asked.

‘Yeah, Sammy will want you there, I know it.’ Lee stated.

‘That’s the best thing for her to be doing.’ Duncan stated, watching Sammy sleep peacefully in Lee’s arms.

‘Hopefully, she’s forgetting about it as she sleeps.’ David stated.

‘Not that I can. Did you see Shak’s face? Why didn’t we just tell her before?’ Lee shook his head.

‘Lee it’s too late for regrets.’ Amira stated. Lee hung his head in shame.

‘I know. I like Shakira…as a friend. But with Sammy it’s different. I loved her from the first time we met. When she told me everything. I felt like we had a connection.’ Sammy stirred but remained asleep. Lee continued. ‘She spoke and I listened. When I wanted to chat and needed someone to listen she was always there on the other end of the phone. Always giving me advice.’ Lee’s ‘audience’ hung on to his every word; Amira, Duncan and David. ‘I knew from the start that I loved her, but also knew there was nothing I could do about it. She was with David. She loved him with all her heart, he was her rock.’ David smiled shyly as Lee spoke about Sammy’s and his relationship. ‘I tried to forget my feelings, went on a few dates with Shakira. She’s a lovely person, but I couldn’t take my mind off Sammy. She was perfect, IS perfect. She’s beautiful, great personality, an amazing person. She phoned me one day wanting to meet up, we did. She gave me a letter, explaining how she felt. She was still with David at the time. But wanted to tell him as soon as possible, she cared about him too much to lie to him. David was told straight away. As Sammy wanted, luckily she didn’t lose him as a friend, that would have killed her.’ David smiled again as Lee poured out his heart. ‘Next stage was telling Shak, now that was gonna be hard. We couldn’t find the right time to tell her, obviously there is no right time. We were gonna do it this weekend. But then tonight happened. I’m sorry for hurting Shak, god knows I am, but Sammy’s the one I want to be with.’ Lee concluded, tears rolling down his cheeks.

‘Shakira will come around Lee, just give her time.’ Amira sympathised.

<~ - ~Chapter 41~ - ~>

‘I can’t believe they did that to me. My best friend. She had David Wilcox, but she had to go and steal Lee Ryan from me. Some best friend she is.’ Shakira spat.

‘Shak, stop it. Don’t speak about Sammy like that.’ Adeline pleaded.

‘Adeline, I’ve just found out that she’s having an affair with my boyfriend, and your asking me to be nice about her?’ Shakira stated, spitefully. Adeline quietly stood up and walked away. ‘Adeline, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t take it out on you.’ Shakira stated, running after Adeline.

‘It’s ok I understand that you’re upset.’ Adeline replied.

‘I’ve got to go around there.’ Sammy suddenly announced. She’d woken up an hour ago and just sat there in silence.

‘Sammy, you can’t, just leave it until tomorrow.’ Duncan replied.

‘Duncan, I need to speak to Shakira. I can’t wait until tomorrow. It needs to be now. Can one of you drive me there, I’d rather not walk this late at night to be honest.’ 

‘I will if you really wanna go, no-one else’s car is here.’ Duncan replied.

‘Thanks Dunks, and yes, I really wanna go.’

‘I’m coming with you.’ Lee stated.

‘No Lee, we’ve caused enough trouble together as it is. I need to do this on my own.’ Sammy replied, standing up. ‘I’ve just got to grab a coat.’

‘It’s hanging up in my room babes. I’ll be in the car ok?’

‘Sure thanks Dunks.’ Sammy smiled weakly. She then exited the room.

So many emotions were racing around her head. Anger. Sadness…Love.

Anger…Letting Shakira find out the way she did. That was wrong, in front of everyone. It hadn’t planned to be that way; Sammy wasn’t that evil.

Sadness…One of her best friends. How could she? She’d broken every unwritten law of friendship. Stealing a best friends boyfriend – that must top the poll of the worst things a ‘friend’ could do.

Love…Despite everything, she knew it was out of love. She loved Lee; otherwise she wouldn’t have gone there. If it were just going to be a fling, she wouldn’t have even thought about it.

‘In your life you’ll fall in love many times but only one of them will be your true love.’

One of the many things she randomly wrote on her college books. Things that suddenly pop into her head and mean so much about real life.

Lee is the one of her ‘loves’ that is the ‘only true love’. Let him slip and it’ll never come around again. Only one true love in your life. Leave Lee be and she would never be with the man her heart desires.

‘Thanks for doing this Dunks.’ Sammy stated, as Duncan backed out of his drive.

‘That’s fine babes, but are you certain that it’s a good idea?’ Duncan enquired.

‘I know for certain that it’s not a good idea, but I also know that I have to do it. Things are so complicated Dunks. You know I would never want to hurt one of my best friends, but you also know how I feel about Lee. You and Amira are the only others that know EVERYTHING. I’m so sorry for dragging you both so deep into it. Friendship and love are so confusing. I thought it was just friendship with Lee, I convinced myself of that. My heart knew it was love, and it eventually took over my brain and made me see reality. I think I should stick to male best friends from now on, at least I can’t steal their boyfriends.’

Sammy and Duncan laughed.

‘You just fall in love with them instead.’ Duncan stated.

‘True.’ Sammy replied; there was a silent pause between the two as they thought about what had just been said.

<~ - ~Chapter 42~ - ~>

‘Good luck babes.’

‘Dunks, I don’t need good luck, I need a blinking miracle for this to go ok!’ Sammy stated.

‘Do you want me to come in?’ Duncan asked.

‘Could you? Just so I know you’re there.’

‘Of course, I wouldn’t have offered otherwise!’ Duncan laughed.

‘Do you want me to get it?’ Simon asked, as heard the doorbell ring.

‘Please Si.’ Adeline responded.

Simon jumped up and walked to the front door. As he unlatched it and opened it slightly he knew who it was.

‘Sammy, I don’t think it’s a great time.’ Simon stated.

‘It’s never going to be a good time Si; I learnt that tonight. I have to talk to her, even if she won’t talk to me. Plus I need to get some stuff for me and Amz.’ Simon sighed.

‘Come in, it is your house!’ He laughed awkwardly making Sammy smile. ‘Alright Dunk?’

Duncan silently nodded.

Sammy and Duncan entered the house, Simon closing the door behind them.

‘They’re in the front room.’ Simon gestured towards the room with his head. Sammy nodded in response. She took a deep breath, causing Duncan to take her hand and squeeze it gently.

‘Don’t come near me.’ Shakira warned as Sammy entered the room.

‘Shak, I ain’t here for a fight.’ Sammy muttered.

‘You don’t need to fight me for what you want you’ve got him already.’ Shakira spat. Tears rolled down her cheeks, Sammy’s eyes were already red from crying.

‘Shak, I’m sorry.’ Sammy cried. ‘I never wanted to hurt you.’

‘Sammy, guess what? You hurt me; you hurt me a lot. You were one of my best friends. How could you steal my boyfriend?’

‘I’m sorry. I didn’t want it to happen like this. I didn’t want it to happen at all. But Shak, I don’t just like Lee, I love him. I love him a hell of a lot. I couldn’t just ignore my feelings.’

‘Sammy, you could have told me before you got with Lee.’ Sammy looked down at the floor; she had no response. ‘So why didn’t you.’

‘It was hard Shakira, you don’t know how hard. I wanted to tell you how I felt but you were so happy, I couldn’t do that to you.’

‘So you did it this way instead?’

‘This wasn’t planned! Is that what you think? That me and Lee planned for you to find out this way?’

‘No, I…’

‘You need to listen to me Shak. You’re one of my best friends, and always will be. I may not be one of yours anymore, but that’s fine. I’ve hurt you I know that. I just came round to make sure you knew how sorry I was.’ Sammy stood up and kissed Shakira lightly on the forehead. ‘Let me know when I can come home. I’m gonna grab some things, and then I’ll be gone. Take Care.’ Sammy walked towards the door, Simon, Adeline and Antony watching her leave. Duncan was stood in the doorway.

‘Bitch.’ Shakira stated, as Sammy and Duncan walked up the stairs. Tears rolled down Sammy’s cheeks as the word hit her hard.

Sammy entered her room, Duncan following. Clothes were all over the floor where she’d tried a million and one things on before they left for the premiere. Pictures of friends covered her desk and walls.

In silence she grabbed a few things. Tears still pouring down her cheeks. Duncan just sat on her bed watching. After 5 minutes of silence and tears, Duncan spoke.

‘Sammy, stop.’ Sammy did as she was told and collapsed in a heap. Duncan hugged her tightly. ‘It’s going to be ok babes.’

‘She doesn’t get it Dunks, she just won’t listen.’ Sammy cried.

<~ - ~Chapter 43~ - ~>

‘We need Amzie’s diary as well. She requested it specifically.’ Sammy stated, opening Amira’s drawer and retrieving the diary.

‘Is that everything now?’ Duncan asked.

‘Yeah, we can head back to yours now.’

‘We’re off.’ Duncan stated, to the group in the living room.

‘Good riddance.’ Shakira muttered.

‘We’ll see you soon Dunk.’ Antony stated. Adeline and Simon smiled weakly at Duncan and Sammy.

Sammy and Duncan clambered into the car before driving back to Duncan’s house.

‘How did it go?’ Lee asked anxiously as Sammy and Duncan arrived back.

Sammy didn’t answer, running straight past Lee and up the stairs in tears. Lee went to go after her.

‘Don’t.’ Duncan stated. ‘Shak wasn’t exactly forgiving, just leave her be for a bit.’

Lee took his foot off the bottom step and slumped into the living room, collapsing on the sofa.

Sammy finished running up the stairs and ran straight into the bathroom, slamming the door behind her. She then leant against the door as the tears poured down her face. She slowly let herself slide down the door so that she was sat against it on the floor.

That word kept going through her head.

‘Bitch’

She couldn’t take this. Things had got better, she wasn’t alone anymore; she had all her friends, as well as Lee and David. So why was she here in Duncan’s bathroom staring at the bathroom cabinet.

Why?

Because her own selfish heart had got in the way, and tore apart every inch of happiness she had had.

She had a caring, loving boyfriend in David, but her heart couldn’t accept that. Her heart wanted someone else, someone it knew it couldn’t have. But her heart couldn’t leave it at that; she HAD to have Lee Ryan. Even if he was with Shakira.

Now, she had lost her. She’d lost Shakira as a friend because she couldn’t leave Lee alone. Sammy was more or less homeless. Shak wasn’t going to let her back into the house. Lee’s a member of England’s biggest boyband; he isn’t going to be here all the time. She can’t just move in with him. She’d be alone 95% of the time.

Adeline and Amira. Torn between the both of them. They should just forget about Sammy and get on with their lives along with Shakira. Sammy wasn’t a friend. She was just there to break up lives. They don’t want that from a friend.

She was alone again. Like she was before leaving home. Like she was when her parents argued and she harmed herself.

Sammy’s thoughts paused. Harming. That was her only escape. Sammy looked around the bathroom, and her eyes fell on it. The mirror. Cracked. She stood up and walked over to the bathroom cabinet, the mirror being on the front. She weakly lifted her right arm and dislodged the broken piece of mirror. As she walked back to the door and sat back down, she fingered the sharp edge. Her only escape.

<~ - ~Chapter 44~ - ~>

Sammy heard footsteps coming up the stairs. She had to do it. She didn’t deserve to live. She lifted the broken mirror piece from the floor and placed it on her arm.

This was the only way, she said to herself.

‘Sammy? Sammy, are you alright babes?’ She heard Lee call.

Ignore him. Ignore him. You need to end it. Right Here. Right Now. You’ve hurt one of your best friends. You broke up with David, the man who got you through everything. Lee may return your love, but he’s not always going to be there. He cheated on Shak, what’s stopping him from cheating on you?

She pushed the sharp edge of the mirror into her arm, and dragged it. Blood started appearing, thick and fast. The pain from inside was released. It wasn’t enough she needed to end it all, not just her pain, everyone’s pain.

She pulled herself up and edged closer to the bathroom cabinet. She opened the door and a bottle of pills fell out.

That’s it. Everything will end. She fumbled with the cap on the bottle.

‘Sammy?’ Lee panicked, hearing all the banging around.

Sammy eventually opened the bottle, the pills falling onto the floor. Her jeans and white top were blood stained.

‘David, Amira, somebody, anybody?’ Lee called. ‘Sammy, answer me.’

Sammy picked up a handful of pills.

‘Lee, just forget about me. I’ve ruined your life, David’s life, and Shakira’s life. I don’t deserve to live.’ Sammy cried.

‘Sammy, please, open the door. I love you, don’t do anything please.’ Lee pleaded.

‘NO!’ David shouted, hearing the broken conversation between Sammy and Lee. ‘Sammy, no please. You haven’t ruined my life, you haven’t ruined Lee’s life, and you haven’t ruined Shakira’s life. Whatever you’ve got in there Sammy, just drop it. Everything’s going to be ok, I promise.’

‘David, I can’t. I know how much you and Shakira must hate me. My parents hated me, they don’t care that I’ve left. They haven’t spoke to me since that day you made me leave. I’m alone Dave, I’m alone and I hate it. I’d be better off gone.’

Sammy placed the pills into her mouth. Swallowing them one by one. She ignored the pleads from outside. She leant against the bath. This was it, no more pain. It was over.

‘Sammy, Sammy please?’ Lee cried. ‘She’s not answering. The doors locked we can’t get in.’

‘Oh yes we can.’ Duncan stated. He walked up to the door and kicked it hard. The door moved, but didn’t give. He kicked it again, and the door flew open.

Sammy was lead unconscious in front of the bath.

‘NO.’ Lee shouted, collapsing on the floor in tears.

That was it. Over. No more pain. For Sammy.