CHAPTER TWELVE




"So how should we wake her? Ice......pillow.......or water?"

"Hmmm.....good ideas Sera.....but why don't we used the good ole shaving cream and feather?"

"I love the way your mind works BJ!"

BJ and Sera quietly left Sam's room to search for their weapons. Returning a few minutes later they set to work, trying to contain their laughter. It was about 10 minutes later when Sam awoke and got really pissed.

"AHHHH!!! YOU GUYS ARE DEAD!!!!!" Sam screamed, jumping up and out of bed.

Giggling, Sera and BJ raced out of Sam's room, down the stairs and out the front door. Sam ran after them, still covered in shaving cream. Sam followed them as they ran into BJ's house and up the stairs.

"Come on Sera,..........into Nick's room.....this'll be great!"

Sam raced after them, not watching where they were actually going. Next thing she knew, she was standing in Nick's room by his bed. Sera and BJ were on the other side of the bed and Nick was in the bed, still asleep. Glaring at each other, they all looked at Nick in unison. Sera and BJ held up the shaving cream and feather. Sam looked at each of them once more, nodded and began smiling. After they filled his hands with shaving cream, BJ looked at Sam.

"Would you like to do the honors," she whispered holding up the feather.

"Oh yea!"

Sam took the feather and began tickling Nick's nose. A few minutes later, his face was covered and the girls were cracking up. BJ decided to get a little feisty and sprayed Nick directly in the face, waking him up.

"UGH!! You are dead!!!!"

Sera and BJ took off running. Sam was laughing too hard, delaying her reaction. Just as she was turning to leave, Nick reached out and yanked her onto he bed and began tickling her.

"NO!! Stop!! Please Nick, I'm gonna pee my pants!"

Nick stopped suddenly and just looked at her through the shaving cream, "Sam??"

"Yea doofus!"

"What are you doing here?"

"Well, I was chasing BJ and Sera. Them got me with shaving cream too. We ended up here and I figured, why waste good shaving cream."

"You wench. Here," he said tossing her a towel.

Sam wiped the shaving cream off of her face and looked at the mess her, Sera and BJ had made.

"Oops........sorry about the mess Nick."

"That's okay......you can clean it up later."

"Gee thanks!! I think BJ and Sera should clean it up."

"Yea they should.......you know, we gotta get them back. Where are they?"

"I dunno know......"

"Come on," Nick said grabbing her hand and pulling her out into the hall.

Sam followed Nick as he snuck downstairs and towards the back door. Looking through the glass, they saw Sera and BJ with their feet in the pool and their backs towards the door. Sam and Nick grinned at each other and nodded. Nick quietly opened the door and they crept up behind BJ and Sera. They never saw it coming. One minute they were sitting on the side, talking. The next they were in the pool. Both of them came up sputtering.

"Hey!! No fair!!" BJ cried.

"I think we're all even now," Sam said, giving them all a look.

"Okay, okay. We're even! Come on Sam, we gotta go get changed so we can make your nail appointment."

The girls slowly got up to leave.

"Sam, I'll see you at six," Nick said walking inside.

Sam, BJ, and Sera headed back to Sam's to shower and get ready.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

"Dammit Nick!! Stop squirming!," Brian commanded.

Nick stopped moving for all of two seconds.

"Geez, how do you expect me to get this thing straight if you don't stand still!? What is your problem?"

"I don't know Bri. I'm nervous."

"Why? It's just Sam."

"I know......."

"Okay, done. Do you have everything ready?"

"Thanks. Yup, I think so....."

"Limo?"

"Yea."

"Dinner reservations?"

"Yea, mom made them."

"Prom tickets?"

"Yup."

"Hotel room?"

"Uh huh."

"What?!! You actually got a room?!"

"Yes Brian! This way we have a place to change before we hit the parties."

"Oh........okay. Well bud, you ready?"

"As ready as I'll ever be."

Brian and Nick headed downstairs where everyone was waiting.

"Oh honey!! You look so handsome!"

"Thanks mom...."

Everyone sat around talking for a few minutes before walking next door to Sam's.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

"Sam!!! Sit still!!!"

"Sorry BJ....."

"What is your problem anyway?"

"I dunno......I guess I'm just nervous."

"Well, relax!! You look great!" BJ said finishing Sam's make up.

Sam slipper her heels on and walked over to the mirror.

"Well Sam, you look beautiful. We're gonna go wait downstairs."

With that, Sera and BJ went and left Sam staring at herself in awe.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

"Sam!! Nick is here!" Stephanie hollered up the stairs.

Everyone was over at Sam's. There was Jane and Bob, Angel, BJ, Leslie, Sera, Brian, Stephanie and Scott. And of course, Nick. Nick anxiously watched the stairs. His jaw dropped when she appeared.

"Wow........" he breathed as she reached the bottom, "Hey.......you look beautiful Sam."

"Sam looked down and blushed, "Thanks.......you don't look so bad yourself."

Before either of them could say anything else, both sets of parents began snapping pictures and ordering them where to stand.

"Hey guys......are you done? We've got reservations."

"Sorry sweetie. Go ahead, have fun. Try to be home say before dinner tomorrow, please," Scott said grinning at the both of them.

Sam groaned and dragged Nick outside and into the limo. They sat in the limo in silence, Nick just kept staring at Sam.

"What!!??"

"Huh?"

"What's wrong? You keep staring at me Nick."

Nick started blushing, "Sorry Sam.......you look.........beautiful.......I'm not used to seeing you like this."

"Gee thanks."

"Sam.......I didn't mean it like that. You always look beautiful........but tonight you look........" Nick's voice trailed off, not knowing what to say.

"Thanks...........so where are we going for dinner?"

"I don't know the name of the place.......mom made the reservations."

The rest of the ride to the restaurant was made in silence. When they arrived and got inside, they both gave each other skeptical looks. This place was the definition of fancy.

"Um........Sam........."

Sam looked at Nick and nodded.

"McDonalds?" they both said in unison. Laughing, they turned and walked back out to the limo and headed to McDonalds.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

"Sorry about dinner Sam."

"Don't worry about it Nick. I was craving some Mickey D's."

"Yea well......I'm still sorry."

"Nick.......chill. It's not big deal. Why are you so upset about it?"

"I don't know. I guess I just wanted everything to be perfect."

"Well stop it! Don't you dare become a perfectionist on me! I don't think eating at McDonalds instead of some snooty, fancy restaurant is going to ruin the night. If anything, it made it better. And you better cheer up now! If you ruin prom cuz you're depressed over dinner, I'll kick your ass!"

Nick looked at her wide eyed and stared laughing.

"Okay, okay! You win!!"

"I thought so!"

The sat in a comfortable silence until they reached the prom.

"Well m'lady, are you ready?" Nick asked helping Sam out of the limo.

Sam smiled, took his arm and they headed inside.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Nick watched as Sam got up and danced with a group of girls. He still couldn't get over the way she looked tonight. And it wasn't just the dress and make up. It was her attitude. She just seemed to come alive. The more time that he spent with her, the more he wanted to take her in his arms and kiss her. He sat there and stared at her until the next song. He smiled when he heard what song it was, "If I Ever Fall In Love" by Shai.....one of his favorites.

"May I have this dance?" Nick asked Sam.

"But of course."

Nick pulled her close and they swayed to the music.

The very first time
That I saw your brown eyes
Your lips said hello and I said hi
I knew right then you were the one
But I was caught up
In physical attraction
But to my satisfaction
Baby you were more than just a face
And if I ever (ever fall) in love again (again)
I will be sure that the lady is a friend
And if I ever (ever fall) in love so true (true)
I will be sure that the lady's just like you

Oh, yeah, the very next time she'll be my friend

If I say that I will be your one and only
(promise, promise) Promise that you'll never leave me lonely
I just wanna be the one you need
Oh, baby
I just wanna be the one who serves you
Sometime I feel as if I don't deserve you
I cherish every moment that we share

And if I ever (ever fall) in love again (again)
I will be sure that the lady is a friend
And if I ever (ever fall) in love so true (true)
I will be sure that the lady's just like you

And if I ever (ever fall) in love again (again)
I will be sure that the lady is a friend
And if I ever (ever fall) in love so true (true)
I will be sure that the lady's just like you
Very next time she will be my friend
Someone who I can believe in

(my friend)
I need someone who'll be my friend
(my friend)
To be with me through thick and thin
(my friend)
Please share my love with me my friend
I need someone like you

And if I ever (ever fall) in love again (again)
I will be sure that the lady is a friend
And if I ever (ever fall) in love so true (true)
I will be sure that the lady's just like you

Throughout the song Sam had her head on Nick's shoulder and was crying quietly. As the song ended, Nick pulled back before Sam could wipe away her tears.

"Hey......what's wrong?"

Sam just shook her head and then took off for the bathroom. Nick looked after her for a second before following her. He saw her disappear into the bathroom. Waiting, he saw one girl come out.

"Excuse me? Is there anyone else in there?"

"Just some girl crying."

"Thanks."

After the girl had walked off, Nick walked into the bathroom. Sam was sitting on a couch, crying.

"Sam? Come on, what's wrong?"

"Nick! You can't be in here!!"

"Well I'm not leaving until you tell me why you're crying. What's wrong."

"Nothing....."

Nick knelt down in front of Sam and tilted her chin so she had to look him in the eyes.

"Don't lie to me Sam......what's wrong?"

"I don't know!"

They just sat there looking at each other, Sam still crying and Nick not knowing what to do. Without thinking, Nick leaned forward and softly kissed Sam. Standing up, Nick wiped her tears away and pulled her to her feet.

"Come on......we've got a prom to attend."

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Sam followed Nick as he led them back out to the dance floor. She didn't know what to do. That was the kiss she'd been waiting years for. Sweet and gentle. Now she was more confused than ever. Sam tried not to think too much as they danced. They continued to dance for the rest of the night. Breaking only for drinks or to get some air. Neither of them mentioned the kiss in the bathroom.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

"Well guys, this is the last song of the evening. We hope you all enjoyed your prom and we want to remind you to continue to be safe after you leave. Now this is a special request. So, here it goes. Samantha Michaels, this one is for you from a Mr. Nick Carter with the message, I'll always be there for you."

Sam looked at Nick in awe as he dragged her onto the dance floor. A moment later, one of Sam's favorite songs started up.

Girl you know we belong together
I don't have time for you to be playing with my heart like this
You'll be mine forever baby
You just wait

We belong together
And you know that I am 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 goodbye

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
Spinning around and around

Although we've come
To the end of the road
Still I can't let go
It's unnatural
You belong to me
I belong to you

Although we've come
To the end of the road
Still I can't let 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
Maybe you'll try
We should be happy together forever
You and I

Will 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 go

Although we've come
To the end of the road
Still I can't let go
It's unnatural
You belong to me
I belong to you

Sam and Nick slowly broke apart as the music faded away. Nick kissed her forehead and then led her out of the building.

"Where are we going?" Sam asked hopping into the limo.

"Well, I got a hotel room so we could change and then hit some post prom parties, if you want."

When they pulled up to the hotel, Sam grabbed her backpack, which had a change of clothes in it, and they headed inside. Sam followed behind Nick as he led the way to the room. Unlocking the door, he stepped inside, throwing the key on the dresser. Sam followed and shut the door behind her. Setting her bag down in a chair, she stared at Nick. He had his back to her, so she couldn't tell what he was doing.

"Nick........."

Nick turned and looked at her. With a look of determination on his face that confused Sam, he strode over and kissed her, long and hard. When they finally broke apart, Sam just looked at him.

"What was that for?"

"I don't know......but it's something I've wanted to do all night."

Before he could say another word, Sam stood on her tippee toes and kissed him back. She could tell Nick was shocked. She was shocked herself, she never thought she'd be able to just go up and kiss him. Before long, they were both caught up in the moment. Sam had been waiting for what seemed like forever for Nick to do this. Neither of them realized what was going on. As their hands roamed over each other, they never broke their kiss. Before long, Nick's tuxedo jacket was discarded and Sam had his shirt halfway unbuttoned. Neither of them made any attempts to stop. Nick had Sam's dress unzipped but that was all. When Sam went to undo Nick's pants, he froze.

"Whoa.......Sam......stop."

Sam looked up at him and the realization of what she was doing washed over her. Embarrassed, she quickly walked into the bathroom, shut and locked the door. Nick stood in the middle of the room, frustrated. Fixing his shirt, he walked and knocked on the door.

"Sam?? Come on, unlock the door."

"No."

"Why not?"

"Because!"

"Well that's a lousy reason. Come on Sam, you know we need to talk."

"I can't."

"Why not? It's only me."

"Exactly!!"

Nick groaned in frustration.

"Samantha Marie Micheals!! You open that door this instant!!!"

A moment later a very angry looking Sam opened the door.

"Don't you EVER call me Samantha!!" she hollered and tried to slam the door again. She wasn't quick enough though. Nick pushed the door open and she turned her back on him.

Nick walked up and put his hands on her shoulders.

"Sam......we need to talk.....we really need to talk."

"There's nothing to talk about Nick."

"Yes there is! Mainly, what just happened in the other room."

"Nothing happened."

"Oh really......do you mean to tell me if I hadn't said anything, you would have slept with me?"

Sam just shrugged her shoulders.

"Look Sam....I know what you're probably thinking. Trust me, I didn't exactly want to stop back there. But it would have been wrong!"

Sam turned around to look at him, "What do you mean?"

"Sam, you don't know where you stand with me and I'm not sure where I stand with you. Hell, I don't even think we know where we want to stand with each other. If we would have gone any further, it wouldn't have been for the right reasons. Sam........I care about you, a lot. I'm not quite sure how, but I know it's more than this best friend thing. I wouldn't be able to kiss my best friend like that. But I don't want us to sleep together just because of a moment. If it ever happens, I want it to be special......"

"God I'm so embarrassed," Sam cried covering her face with her hands.

"Why are you embarrassed?"

"Gee, maybe because of what I just did!"

Nick started laughing.

"It's not funny Nick!!"

"Yes it is Sam!! Because I was doing the same thing! Now come on, do you wanna hit the parties or do you wanna just chill and watch TV?"

"TV.....I'm too tired to party right now!"

"Good, so am I! I'm gonna change though......this tux is starting to get annoying."

Nick grabbed his stuff and changed into some sweats. Once he was done, Sam took her stuff and changed. She was glad she brought some sleep clothes with her just in case. When she came back, she plopped onto the bed with Nick and they stayed up for hours watching cartoons. Nick looked over and saw that Sam had fallen asleep against him. Smiling slightly, he kissed her forehead, covered them both with a blanket and fell asleep.



Musical credit to Shai and Boyz II Men

Chapter Thirteen