After a short conversation with Carlos, Sam and Emma talk a little bit about their past.
"Sam?" Her voice came out like a little girl's.
"Yeah?"
"I'm sorry about our baby. I'm sorry we had to kill it."
"Shh shh. We couldn't have cared for a baby, not like we were."
"I know. But I wanted to say it. I knew he was yours. And I think it was a boy. And I gave him a name—before...."
"You don't have to tell me this, Emma." He pulled her closer.
"But I do, Sam. I have to. Not just because it's part of therapy, but because you have to know that I knew. We made the decision, separately, for our own reasons. I couldn't lose you. I knew when my dad found out, he'd go ape shit and you'd end up killing him."
"I was afraid I'd lose you, too." He kissed the top of her head. "What's his name?"
"Isaiah Samuel."
"That's a wonderful name."
"Isaiah means salvation of the Lord and Samuel means Asked of God."
"And it's the reverse of my name." He chuckled softly.
"Because you're my salvation, Sam. And I asked God to help me, and he sent me you."
Sam kissed her forehead.
"I used to ask God why he didn't stop my dad. I still don't have an answer for that. But I also asked him to save me—and he did. It just took a long time." She snuggled closer. "When we get out of here and find our own place, do you want a family?" Her dark eyes gazed deeply into his.
"I do, but not right away. I want a chance for us to get on our feet. That doesn't mean that if we had an oops moment that I wouldn't be thrilled. I'm a little scared though, Em. I don't want to be like my old man."
"You won't be, Sam. You're too strong. You'd never treat a child the way you were. And I would never do to our child what my father did." She shuddered. "I can't imagine my grandparents doing that to him."
"It might have been someone else in the family—or not in the family at all. Someday, you can ask him. Until then, you aren't allowed to worry. Because he can't get to you here. He can't touch you ever again. I'll make sure of that."
"Have I told you how much I love you?"
Sam chuckled, tickling her. "Not in the last five minutes or so."
Emma giggled, grabbing his side. It was his most ticklish spot. She applied her fingers without mercy. Soon, they were rolling around on the bed, laughing and gasping for air. Sam pinned Emma down, holding her hands above her head and her face changed from laughter to fear. He immediately let go.
"I'm sorry! Emma, I'm so sorry!"
"No, it's okay. You didn't know. Just—don't ever do that."
"Never again." He carefully moved away from her.
They looked up to see they had an audience. Their friends had gathered outside the open door.
"Everything okay in here?" Glenn asked.
"Yeah, fine," Emma said, straightening her clothing.
"Okay, cause I'll bust homeboy in the nuts if you need me to." Glenn gestured at Sam, grinning.
"Not necessary, but I appreciate it. Homeboy's nuts are safe, for now."
"All part of the full service we give here at Ravenwood," Carlos said, flouncing into the room. He flopped on the bed next to Emma. "Nut busting, tickling, cheek tweaking, and bouncing." He started to bounce on the bed.
Emma giggled, swatting him with a pillow.
"Oh, you did not just do that!" He grabbed the pillow, popping her back.
The others rushed to their rooms, grabbing pillows and cushions from their beds. They came back into the room and full scale pillow fight ensued. Everyone was laughing and gasping a few minutes later. A sharp whistle pierced the air.
©2020 Dellani Oakes
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