~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Sam stared at the receiver in her hand. She couldn't believe this. Here it was, her birthday and she obviously had no say in what she got to do. Slowly, Sam walked downstairs and found her mom in the kitchen.
"Who was that honey?"
"Nick. You will not believe the gall of him. He just told me he was picking me up in an hour."
"And that's bad??"
"Yes!!"
"Why?"
"Mother!! He didn't ask if you could take me out, he just assumed I'd want to go out with him."
"Well, do you?"
"Yes, but that's not the point!"
"Sam, sweetie....I love you....but you aren't making any sense at all. Just get ready! I'm sure Nick has a lovely day planned for you two."
Sam just stared at her mother, groaned in frustration and headed back upstairs. As soon as Sam was out of sight, Stephanie burst out laughing. She couldn't believe her daughter was being so ridiculous. As her eyes scanned by the clock, she saw Nick would be here in 20 minutes to kidnap Sam, then she could start preparing for the party.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Nick glanced at his watch again.
"Hey Mom!! I'm gonna go now, I'll see you at around 5!!"
"Ok sweetie, have fun!!"
Nick practically ran out of his house and walked next door. After knocking, Stephanie answered and informed him that Sam was in a mood and that it was quite comical. Looking at her apprehensivley, Nick made his way up the stairs to Sam's room. Knocking softly, he opened the door and peered in. Sam was sitting on her bed with her arms crossed.
"Hey birthday girl, you ready?"
"I'm not going."
"What?!!" Nick asked surprised.
"I'm not going."
"And why not?"
"Because! You never asked if I wanted to....you told me!"
"I did to ask you, you freak! I asked you two weeks ago when I took you out driving!"
Sam looked at him for a few minutes and then a look of realization dawned on her face.
"Oops."
"Yea, oops is right! Now come on, we've got plans."
Sam just laughed as Nick grabbed her hand and dragged her downstairs. On the way out, he grabbed an envelope from Sam's mom and then they were off. As soon as they were in the truck, the questions started.
"So where we goin'?"
"You'll see."
"What are we gonna do?"
"You'll see."
"What is the envelope for?"
"You'll see."
"Is that all you can say?"
"You'll see," Nick responded with a grin.
"Oh you suck Nick!!!"
Nick just laughed as Sam folded her arms in front of her and sulked. He had quite a day planned for her. She was definitely going to be surprised.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
As soon as Nick and Sam pulled off down the street, Stephanie headed to the phone. First she called Sera who said she'd be right over, then she proceded down the list Nick had given her and called "the guys". Each of them were more than happy to help and were on their way over. Now all Stephanie had to do was wait and organize.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Nick pulled into the DMV and turned the truck off.
"What are we doing here Nick?"
"Well, you my dear have an appointment with the evil DMV person to take your road test."
Sam just started laughing, "No seriously Nick, why are we here?"
"I am serious Sam. I made you an appointment to take your test today."
"Why?!! I'm not ready!!"
"Yes you are! Trust me......I've seen AJ drive and if that boy can get his lisence, then so can you! You are ready, you've done find during our practices and as long as you don't freak out, you'll be fine!"
Sam just looked at Nick apprehensively but followed him as he got out of the truck. Walking into the air conditioned building, Nick went up to the counter and announced that Sam was here for her appointment. After about 15 minutes they called her name. Sam looked at Nick apprehensively.
"You'll do fine, now go!" he said smiling and handing her the keys to his truck.
Sam took the keys and walked over to the lady waiting with the clipboard. After shaking hands, they headed out to the parking lot and to Nick's truck. After the lady checked to lights and everything, they got in.
"Now, before you start.....I just want to tell you something. In order to pass this test......you really just need to relax," the lady said.
"Okay......," Sam said nervously.
Slowly, Sam started the car up and backed out. Following the lady's directions, she pulled out into traffic, holding her breath.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Nick paced up and down the ailses at DMV, nervously biting his lip. He didn't know why he was nervous.....he wasn't taking the test. He figured he was nervous for Sam. He knew she could pass......as long as she didn't freak out. Not being able to stand the silence of the DMV any longer, Nick walked outside to wait. After another 15 minutes, he saw Sam pulling in. She looked so determined.
"Oh god...please let her have passed," he whispered, "if she didn't, this is going to be a very depressing birthday....."
Sam and the intructor lady stepped out and began walking towards him. Sam looked as nervous as ever and the lady had an empty look on her face.
"So.....how'd she do?"
"Well.......," the lady paused while Nick and Sam both stared at her, "She passed with flying colors."
Nick picked Sam up in a big hug and twirled her around, "I knew you could do it!"
"Now, if you'll come with me Miss, we'll get your photo taken and you can be on your way."
Sam followed the lady inside, grinning from ear to ear.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Everyone was assembled in the Michael's living room.
"Okay, first.....thank you guys so much for helping out......we're really gonna get her this year. Okay....now onto business. Nick is keeping her out until 5 I believe. So I want everything ready by 4 at the latest!! Okay, Brian and Sera.....you two hit the grocery store, I'll give you the list and my credit card in a minute. Kevin, I need you to hit the bakers and a few random spots. And lastly, Howie and AJ....you guys get to go buy the decorations."
Everyone nodded at their assignments and Stephanie handed out the lists and her credit cards.
"Now....if everyone could be back by say....noon?"
"Sure thing Mrs. Michaels. Troops, fall in!" Kevin shouted in military style, making everyone crack up.
Quickly everyone filtered out to complete their assignments while Stephanie began cleaning.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Sam walked out of the DMV grinning like an idiot with Nick behind her laughing.
"Well, congratulations Sam....I knew you could do it," he stated giving her a big hug.
"Thanks Nick.....for everything.....I can't believe I passed......"
"Okay, lets go! We've got somewhere to be!"
"Where?" Sam asked hoping into the truck.
"Not telling. In fact........" he said softly, leaning across Sam to reach into the glove compartment.
Straightening back up, he saw that Sam was blushing. Folding the piece of cloth he had taken out, he smiled.
"What are you doing Nick?"
"I'm gonna blindfold you."
"Why??"
"Cuz, you can't see where we are going. It's a surprise."
"Nick!!! You know I hate surprises!"
"I know, no turn around so I can tie this thing."
Sam grudgingly turned around and Nick tied the blindfold tightly before starting the truck and driving off.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Later that afternoon, Stephanie had everyone running around like crazy. AJ and Howie were decorating the house and the patio. Kevin was helping the DJ get everything set up. Brian, Sera and Stephanie were working on getting the food organized and ready. Soon enough, they were all finished and quickly left to go home and change for the party. By the time they all got back, half of the guests were already there and the party had begun.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Nick got out of the truck and helped Sam out. Ingoring her requests to take off the blindfold, he carefully led her to their destination. Once inside, she ripped the blindfold off and started laughing.
"Fun Land??"
"Yup. You said I could take you anywere remember. So here we are, Fun Land."
"You are way to weird Nick!"
"Yea, I try. Come on, I wanna play in the balls."
Nick grabbed her by the hand and began dragging her around. It was finally after 3 hours of playing that he realized it was time for them to go.
"Come on Sam. We've got one more stop on this lovely birthday trip and then you are done."
"YEA!! Where to now?"
"Yet another surprise. So, we must put the blindfold back on my dear, I'm ever so sorry."
"Yea right, liar!"
Nick just grinned as he tied the blindfold tight, once again. He took the long way to her house so she wouldn't catch on, not that he thought she would, but it never hurts to be careful. Once he pulled up, he saw the party was in full swing. Honking his horn once to let them know it was them, he got out and helped Sam out. While she complained the entire way, he guided her up the walk slowly. Once more, he slowly opened the door and led her inside. On the count of three, he took off the blindfold and everyone jumped up yelling "SURPRISE!"
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Sam nearly peed her pants when everyone jumped up and screamed. While everyone was coming up and giving her thier birthday wishes, she was shooting evil looks at Nick who was standing with her mom and dad.
"So...you guys just never learn do you?"
"Nope sweetie, we sure don't."
"Mom!! You know I hate these things. And Nick, remember that promise you made to me when I was 7? If you knew they were doing this, you were supposed to tell me!"
"Yea, but that's no fun Sam."
Sam just sulked as Nick, Stephanie and Scott began laughing at her.
"Come on Sam, lets go dance."
Nick dragged Sam onto the makeshift dance floor and for the next hour or so, she was passed from Nick to Brian to AJ to Howie to Kevin. After finally getting passed back to Nick, Sam pleaded exhaustion and sat down. The party dragged on and on and on. The guys performed for everyone a few times. They had the cake and other typical birthday stuff. Then it came time to open the presents. Sam got an assortment of gift certificates for record stores and clothing stores. Sera's gift was one that said to open in private. Giving Sera a questioning look, Sam moved on. Brian had given her a huge stuffed white Teddy Bear that was beyond adorable! Howie had given her some personalized stationary. AJ and Kevin chipped in and got her a new portable CD player. And Nick had given her an ID necklace that read, Samantha on the front and, "Friends Forever, Love Nick" on the back. Sam almost started crying when she saw that. Looking up at Nick, she held it out so he could help her put it on.
"Now.....sweetie, to get your gift from us, you must endure the blindfold once again."
"DAD!! Come on!!!"
Scott just gave her a look and Sam sighed as she was blindfolded again. Everyone watched as Nick led her outside. A few minutes later anyone in a ten mile radius heard her shriek.
"OH MY GOD!!"
"I take it, you like it sweetie?"
"Oh man!! Thanks guys!! I love it!!! Wait.....is this why Nick kept giving me those driving lessons?"
"Yes it is sweetie."
"You mean you knew Nick!!! Why didn't you tell me?!!?"
"Because! That would have ruined the fun!!"
"Well, Sam......aren't you going to take her out?"
Sam just stared at the gift her folks had given her. A brand new, dark green Pontiac Firebird. Her ultimate dream car.
"Yea....but why did you guys do this? I mean...it's so ......."
"Sweetie.....you deserve it. We know how hard you've worked to graduate early. This was our way of congraduating you. That and you're gonna need it in college."
Sam just hugged both her parents, grabbed the keys and took Nick, Sera, Brian and AJ for a spin around the block. Once everyone had been taken out, they all went back inside to dance and party some more. As the party began winding down, Nick pulled Sam away from the crowd and out onto her deck. She followed him as he led the way down to the beach. Holding her hand he led her to a blanket that had candles lit all around it. Sam just stared at it in awe.
"Happy Birthday Sam," Nick whispered in her ear.
"Thank you, it's beautiful."
Sam leaned back against Nick's chest and he wrapped his arms around her. The two just stood there staring out at the dark water while the wind blew through their hair. They stood like that for a good ten minutes before sitting down on the blanket.
"Well, here it is, my last birthday present to you.......voila!" Nick said, whipping the covering off of a plate. On that plate was a heart shaped cake with their names on it. It was finally too much for Sam and tears started falling down her cheeks.
"Whoa.....what?? What did I do?"
"It's not you Nick......well it is....but it's not a bad thing."
"Then what? Why are you crying?"
"Cuz.....this has been the best birthday ever."
"So you forgive me for sneaking around and keeping the surprises from you?"
"Yea, I forgive you."
"Prove it."
Sam stared at him for a few minutes before leaning in and softly kissing his lips. Pulling apart, Sam smiled softly as did Nick.
"Okay, I lied.....one more present."
"Nick!!"
"What?! I couldn't help it. I was actually going to give it to you last year but I don't know.....it just didn't feel right.......and it didn't look right."
Sam frowned, trying to figure out what he was talking about. Nick pulled a flat package out from under the edge of the blanket. It was about 18 by 20 in size and flat as can be. Looking from Nick to the package, Sam carefully opened it. Once all the paper was gone, Sam gasped.
"Do you like it?"
"I love it......when.....I didn't know you could...."
"Well, remember that art class I took a few years ago? Well, they taught us how to do a lot of that......and I guess the rest of it just came naturally."
Nick had drawn a series of pictures of the two of them. Starting with their baby pictures.....then each birthday up until now. He had even added a drawing of the two of them sitting on a blanket on the beach. Slowly, Sam placed the package on the corner of the blanket and looked at Nick. What she saw in his eyes, gave her a jolt. Not quite sure how to interpret what she saw, Sam just glanced down at her hands. Nick reached forward and gently traced the outline of her jaw with his thumb. Tilting her chin up so he could meet her eyes, he leaned forward and began a gentle, yet passionate kiss. It seemed as though that kiss went on forever. And it might have if it hadn't been for Aaron, Brian and AJ.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Brian? Where's Nick?"
"I don't know AC.....he disappeared with Sam a little while ago. Why don't we go find them."
As Brian and Aaron went on a search for Nick and Sam, they soon picked up AJ who joined in. After thoroughly checking the house, they headed outside. As they neared the edge of the deck, the could hear voices. Brian motioned everyone to be quiet as they peeked over the edge. Sure enough, there was Sam and Nick, sitting on a blanket. Stepping back from the edge, Brian motioned for everyone to follow him inside.
"Well.....seems as though we found them. Now how about we get their attention."
"How do we do that Bri?"
"Well AJ.....got any more balloons from the decorations?"
"Yea......."
"Waterballoons?!!" Aaron asked hopefully.
"You got it buddy! Lets go fill them up."
As the trio of mischief makers snuck into the kitchen, the rest of the guests began to leave. Once they all had their share of balloons filled, Brian, AJ and Aaron made their way to the edge of the deck again. Peering over once more, they saw Sam and Nick kissing. Grinning at each other, they softly said "BOMBS AWAY!" and all of them tossed their balloons at once. Nick and Sam never saw it coming.
"AHHHHH!!!!!" they both screamed simultaneously and looked up.
Brian, AJ and Aaron waved before darting back inside, giggling.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"I'm gonna kill them," Nick mumbled, wiping away some water, "They sure know how to ruin a romantic moment."
At this, Sam started laughing. She began laughing so hard that she couldn't stop.
"Oh, you think that's funny!?"
"Well........not......really," Sam stuttered while laughing, "I.....just find it.......funny that......whenever we......start making out......your brother and your.....best friend always......are around!"
"Well......true......guess this just means we'll have to go out somewhere to make out, right?"
"Yea, sure!"
Sam was still laughing when they strolled back inside. Most of the guests had left and all that remained were Howie, AJ, Kevin, Brian, Sera and Nick.
"Hey Sam.....sorry if we ruined your moment out there. AC was looking for Nick."
"That's okay Brian. It was actually quite amusing."
"Good!! Glad you liked it!!"
The group continued to talk and goof off for a little while longer and then everyone began to take off. Sera was staying the night and had headed up to get ready for bed. All that remained was Nick and Sam was walking him to the door.
"Well, thanks Nick....I had a great time tonight."
"You're welcome. So did I..."
As they stood in the open doorway, they gazed into each others eyes.
"Happy Birthday Samantha," Nick whispered before softly kissing her and walking away.
Sam just stood there watching him leave......not even registering the fact that he had called her the dreaded Samantha. Closing the door, Sam headed up to her room, pausing to say goodnight to her parents.
"SO?!! What was this moment that Brian interrupted Sam??"
"Nothing."
"You are such a liar!! Come on Sam!!"
"Fine!! Me and Nick were sitting on the beach.....kissing."
"Ohhh!!"
"Sera!"
"Oh come on Sam....that's so romantic! I'm glad you two finally got over your pettiness and got together."
"Yea....me too....."
"So is it official?"
"No......."
"Ugh!! What is wrong with that boy!!?"
"I don't know Sera. Maybe he just doesn't want a girlfriend...."
"Or maybe he thinks you don't want a boyfriend......."
Sam just stared at Sera, frowning. Shaking her head to dismiss the thought, she put Nick's drawing on her dresser.
"What's that?"
"That was another one of Nick's gifts, which by the way reminds me.....where is your gift. I wanna see what is it since I have to open it in private!"
Sera giggled and tossed her a package. Sam gave her a cautious look before tearing open the paper and then lifting the lid off of the box. Digging through tissue paper, Sam pulled out the present and her mouth gaped open. She snapped back into reality when a flash went off and she saw Sera taking a picture. She had given Sam a black, see through teddy.
"Sera!!! I can't believe you bought me this!!!"
"That's not all.....there's something else......"
"Oh god...." Sam mumbled digging through the box. She ended up pulling out another box. Turning it over in her hand, she burst out laughing, "Large, Glow in the dark condoms!!? Sera!!! You are insane!"
"I know! Those are more for Nick than you, but hey. It isn't his birthday."
Sam got this look on her face that scared Sera. Getting up, she walked over and opened her window. Picking up a tennis ball that was on the chair, she threw it at Nick's window. After a few minutes Nick opened his window and stuck his head out.
"Yea?"
"I've got an early birthday present for you from Sera."
"What?"
"Catch!"
With that, Sam threw the box of condoms to him and shut her window. Nick caught the box and after looking at Sam's window for a sec, he read the box.
"Large, Glow in the Dark condoms!! What!!? Oh my lord....."
Nick started laughing as he hid the condoms in a drawer and then laid down to go to sleep. He was going to have to have a serious talk with Sam later on.
Sera was looking at Sam in horror when she sat back down on her bed, smiling.
"I can't believe you just did that!"
"What? It's not like I'm gonna use them!"
"But why'd you give them to him?"
"Well, you said they were more for him than me!"
"Sam!!"
Sam just looked at Sera and laughed.
"I give up," Sera mumbled and walked over to the frame. Her jaw dropped when she saw it.
"Wow......that's really good......Nick did that? Sera asked looking at the frame finally.
"Yea....."
"Man....that boy has it bad!"
Sam didn't respond, she just got into bed and turned out the light......smiling softly.