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The weekend had arrived. The weekend that had been planned and paid for weeks ago. The weekend that would be a big one for both Sam and Quinn. The weekend when the Evans family visited the city for the first time.
For the past few days, Quinn had been going crazy to make sure that her apartment was ready for the Evans family, particularly Mrs Evans, to see. Since Sam was still in his dorm, they had figured that they’d be spending time at her and Rachel’s apartment a lot, and so the place had to be tidy. Especially since she was planning a dinner for the six of them, since Quinn had managed to convince Rachel to stay at Blaine’s for the weekend, and the place had to be in the perfect condition. She had been plumping pillows and hoovering the floors over an over until she was hopeful that the apartment was in a good enough condition so that Mrs Evans would be happy to spend her time there, and that Sam was spending a lot of time there too.
Standing in the airport, Quinn kept twirling her hands together as she waited for Sa in her apartment. She couldn’t help but feel nervous. They were going to see everything that they did in the city, and there was the chance that they might not like what they saw. She wanted them to be happy and enjoy their time in New York, but there were no guarantees. After hours of checking the flight times online, the time came when she knew that Sam and his family would be in the elevator coming up to her apartment. Everything was ready, and it was only a matter of time until Sam let them into her apartment.
Sam was excited. He hadn’t seen his family since Easter and he couldn’t wait to show them The New York City. He’d missed them so much, his siblings, and his parents whom he hadn’t seen that much during the last time he had been in Tennessee. Waiting at the airport was always a hassle, that’s why while stading in the arrivals hall, he started playing Angry Birds on his phone. He’d managed to reach one of the highest levels recently and damn he was so proud of himself. He was also texting Quinn sometimes, it was so great that she decided to prepare a dinner for them, and he was so grateful for everything she did for them. Honestly, Sam had never expected that he’d meet someone who would love his family so much and who would be loved by his family too. It was like a dream come true, and it was one of the arguments why they were so perfect together.
“Yes!” The blonde haired boy murmured to himself after he had scored another best score when he heard a familiar voice, “Sammy!!” He raised his head a little to look around and spotted his sister running to him. Smiling, he pulled her into a hug and after a minute or so Stevie joined his sister. “Hey, little bro.” he greeted the boy with a high five, and turned to look at his parents. They seemed a little bit overwhelmed by everything around them. Sam hoped that they’d like the city. “Good to see you, honey.” Mrs. Evans said and immediately pulled Sam into a hug.
During their trip to Quinn’s apartment, Sam couldn’t stop smiling. His siblings were asking a lot of questions and he tried to answer every of them. Sometimes he glanced towards his parents to see if they were impressed or not by the city. His father seemed to be excited, he commented a lot about how the skyscrapers looked. However, Sam’s mom hadn’t said almost anything during their trip but Sam knew that it was just the she was. “Quinn’s waiting for you all.” He explained while they’re in the elevator, smiling mostly at Stacey who couldn’t wait to see his girlfriend. He opened the door using the keys Quinn gave him and leaded everybody inside.
“Hey.” Sam greeted Quinn as he entered the living room and kissed her cheek. “You look beautiful.” He said quietly sending her a small smile.
His first birthday in New York. Sam woke up that day in a great mood. He was turning 19 that day, a year ago he’d never believe that he’d be able to spend his birthday in the New York City. He smiled seeing a few text messages from his friends from Tennessee (including one from Mel), and then was happy when his family called him to wish him everything best. Maybe he’d rather spend it in Tennessee, but he was now in New York and he had to live his life there.
The guys at the bar surprised him. They bought him a big cake and a few small gifts which was nice. They also dedicated one of the songs during the show to him which made him feel really good. So many people wished him everything best that day and that was incredible. It was great, but not perfect. It’d be perfect with Quinn so he waited patiently for her to come to the bar, and he knew she’d probably come after the show. When he finished his last performance, he left his guitar backstage and talked to the guys for a while. It was quite late so the bar was pretty empty. Sam smiled seeing a text from Quinn and got out of the bar to meet her outside. “Hey” He smiled seeing her and immediately hugged her tightly. “I missed you like crazy.” He whispered in her ear and pulled out of the hug when he realized that maybe he stayed in it for too long. He hadn’t seen her for a while and that killed him, that’s why he couldn’t wait to see her. “So…you want to come into the bar? It’s almost empty now, we can go backstage and talk…” he asked as he put his hands in his jeans pockets.
Sam was incredibly happy. It was Monday and Monday meant a night off. What’s more, on Tuesdays he had classes only in the afternoon so he couldn’t wait to spend that evening with Quinn. He knew it’d be awesome, every time they’re together was amazing and unforgettable. But now it was slightly different- they weren’t officially together and that’s why Sam was curious what Quinn had prepared for them. He made sure he looked good, glad that Rory wasn’t around because he might have suspected something. Luckily, the Irish boy was working that night so Sam didn’t have to worry about him. He left a note saying that he’s spending that night at Finn’s apartment and left his dorm in a great mood.
Sam glanced at his mobile and checked out the address Quinn had sent him, curious when they’re spending that evening. They weren’t going to spend it in her apartment for sure, mostly because Rachel was there all the time so they wouldn’t be able to act like a normal couple. On his way he thought that maybe he should have bought her flowers but he had no idea if you’re allowed to buy your girlfriend flowers when you’re secretly dating. He’d never been in such a situation before that’s why he didn’t know how to behave. Finally, he decided to buy her another teddy bear. It was cool and he could hide it in a bag. When he reached his destination his eyes widened in shock. He didn’t expect that they’d spend that night in a hotel. After glancing at his watch, he put his hands in his pockets and waited for Quinn to come.
As soon as Quinn had gotten the phone call from Stacey Evans, she’d packed her bag, left her father’s house and taken the first plane to Tennessee. She’d had to wait a few hours, but it was going to be worth it. She knew that Stacey wouldn’t have called her if Sam wasn’t in desperate need for some help, and with his parents in the hospital, it was obvious that he wasn’t coping well. Add to the fact that she was supposed to be there with him probably wasn’t going to be helping. In all honesty, she wished that she had gone with him. Being in New Jersey was hell, and she didn’t want to be there any more. The call from Stacey had been like a life line, and even if she and Sam weren’t getting along, she had to do it. For Stevie and Stacey. They were like the family she’d never had, and she had to make sure that they were okay.
Pulling her suitcase along with her, Quinn made her way up the path to the Evans house. She wasn’t planning on staying there while she was in Tennessee, but she had to go straight there to make sure that it was all okay. She’d move to the hotel later in the evening. The blonde took a deep breathe, and lifted her hand up to knock on the door. She hoped that it was Stacey or Stevie that would answer the door so that they wouldn’t throw her out…but she was wrong. It was Sam. “Hi.” She said quietly, licking her lips as she decided what to say next. “Stacey called me yesterday…she said you needed my help. I got here as soon as I could.”
Sam hadn’t been having the best days. Everything was happening too fast. His fall out with Quinn, failed test, now the accident. It was too much for him. Now, he was left on his own with his siblings and honestly? He had no idea what to do. He knew that Stacey and Stevie noticed that he hadn’t been entirely himself in the past few days but he needed to be strong. For them. It was a typical day, he made his siblings breakfast (cornflakes for Stacey and pancakes for Stevie) and went to sleep. Everything seemed easier when he was sleeping. Besides, every time he closed his eyes he hoped that he’d wake up in a different world.
He woke up in the afternoon and decided that it’s time to take a shower. When he was almost done with that he heard Stevie and Stacey shouting that someone’s knocking on the door. He told them that he’s only allowed to open the door, he didn’t want his siblings to talk to strangers. He sighed, put a white t-shirt and a pair of shorts on, and headed to the door. His eyes widened in shock when he saw Quinn, he definitely didn’t expect to see her. She was there. In Tennessee. What the fuck is going on? “Hi.” He said quietly and wanted to ask what was she doing there but she’s probably reading his mind because she immediately explained that. “Oh Stacey…” Sam murmured and heard laughs and giggles behind him.
“Quinn, you’re here! You came!” Stacey hugged Quinn tightly with a huge smile on her face. “Thank you for coming.” She smiled taking the blonde’s hand and leading her into the house. “Yeah, Quinn you’re our rescue.” Stevie said with a slight nod and added “Since you’re mad at Sam, I think you can greet me with a kiss on the cheek.” The boy added with a grin and Sam rolled his eyes hearing that. “Can you guys explain to me what’s going on? Why didn’t you tell me that you called Quinn? Hm?” Sam asked, avoiding Quinn’s gaze. “That was her idea. But it was actually a great idea considering the state you’re in.” Stevie explained pointing at his sister.
“Hey, Sam, I think we should practise after the show. You know…the new song? I don’t think the lyrics fit the music very well.” Travis stated after one of their performances when he saw Sam leaving the bar.The blonde mumbled an apology, he wasn’t in a mood, he just wanted to go to bed and have some sleep. Basically, he hadn’t been in a mood for anything recently. “You do this every day.” The drummer rolled his eyes, hearing Sam’s reply who just turned his head to look at his friend and shrugged. He’d been working hard recently, but he had to think also about college, he’d failed one of the most important tests and still had no idea why. “I have classes tomorrow.”
“Yeah, right. You’re heartbroken and everybody around has to know about it.” Travis smirked and added after a while “I think you should go out with a few ladies, have fun and you’ll feel better, Sammy.” He patted the blonde’s arm still smirking. Sam rolled his eyes hearing that, he wasn’t planning to date anybody in the next century or so.
“You can sleep with a different girl every day, I’m not that kind of guy.” He snapped, he couldn’t help himself, no other girl could replace that one in his life. Then everything changed. “Look Sam. I’m sick of it. We’ve all been working our asses off and you come here every day in a terrible mood because your girl dumped you. I don’t care about your problems. This is an opportunity. We just have to write and then record these few tracks and that guy promised to promote us a little. I’m not here to listen to your problems!” Travis shouted glaring at Sam who immediately replied “I have college. You don’t. I have education. This is not the only important thing in my life. And that’s why we’re different. I have also another opportunities.” He knew that it was mean but he couldn’t stop himself. It was easy to piss him off in the past few weeks. At the last moment he avoided Travis’ fist and pushed his friend back. He didn’t want to fight and immediately got out of The Universe. He was tired of everything and wanted this nightmare to end.
***
Tennessee. Home. Easter break. It was awkward because he was here without Quinn. He got used to coming there with her and really wanted her to be with him.
He was glad to see his siblings, and was surprised that his parents weren’t there but his aunt and uncle told him that they had been on a business trip in Kentucky. He wished that they hadn’t worked so hard these days.
***
Why was he doing that? Why? Fuck. What am I doing?. But…friends go out, eat ice cream together and then go to see a movie, right? Right? “It’s always so great to see you, Sam.” Melanie smiled while he was walking her home. They had just seen the new Batman and Sam had to admit that he really enjoyed it. He just grinned in response and chewed on his lip. Mel called him the day before and asked about everything, when he refused to talk about Quinn, she offered seeing a movie together and he agreed. He still had no idea why he was doing that. “Thank you for an amazing evening, Sam. It was lovely.” She said when they reached her house. “No problem. If you want to meet me, you know what to do. Just call me.” Sam shrugged and put his hands in his jeans pockets, trying to avoid her gaze. “I hope we’ll have an opportunity to see each other more often. I feel like I can make it. Julliard awaits me.” Melanie said with a big smile on her face and looked into Sam’s eyes. “Oh yeah, good luck. Crossing my fingers for you.” The blonde haired boy stated with a slight nod. He looked around and stared at the stars for a while before he felt Mel’s lips pressing against his. He was extremely surprised but pulled away immediately. What the hell was she doing?! They’re just friends…right? This wasn’t a date! “I’m…I’m sorry…I can’t.” he mumbled and looked down at his feet.
Melanie sighed, crossed his arms over her chest and rolled her eyes. She was tired of this “What does she have that I don’t, Sam?” she asked resigned and glared at him. “I…I don’t…I don’t know.” Sam stuttered confused lifting his eyes to meet hers. She bit on her lip nervously. “I don’t know what to do, Sam. I’d won a scholarship. Dance school in LA. But I didn’t go. I didn’t go because I love you. I’ve always loved you. That’s why I want to go to New York. To be closer to you.” She explained with a sob and raised her hand seeing that Sam wanted to say something “I’ve been waiting for you. All the time. And then…during the Christmas party girls tell me that you brought a girlfriend. You have no idea how this hurts. It still hurts. You’re so afraid to fall in love again and then after a few months of being in New York, you have a girlfriend.” She said wiping her eyes.
He felt horrible. He’d never wanted anyone to feel like that be he had no idea that she had so many feelings for him. Sam realized that he had to be honest in that moment. “Mel…I’m…I’m sorry but…” he started but she interrupted him “But you love her, I know that. The way you look at her…I wish you’d look like that at me.” The blonde closed his eyes for a while and took a deep breath. This wasn’t happening. Oh God. Why him? “I’m really sorry, I wish I could do something but…you’re my friend, Mel. A really good friend and I love spending time with you but…Quinn’s…she’s so special and the way she makes me feel…” he trailed off and got lost in his thoughts for a while recalling some of their moments together when he heard Mel’s voice. “Good luck, Sam.” She said bitterly and went back to his house. Fuck. Why always me?
***
“You’re miserable.” Stacey Evans plopped on the floor next to her brother who was playing his guitar. He was trying to write something but that wasn’t so easy to do. “Hi little sister” Sam sent her a small smile and started playing again. “I’m not little.” The girl scolded him and he giggled. “Stace, you’re nine.” Sam nudged her. “And I’m smarter than you are. I’m smarter than everybody.” Little girl stated completely seriously. Sam raised his eyebrows, he’d missed his sister so much, she was one of a kind.
“So…what’s going on?” she asked crossing her arms over her chest and looked in her brother’s eyes. “Told you. Have problems at school and work…” he sighed thinking about everything that was happening in New York. “Yeah, right. You can tell that mom and she’ll believe you. What’s wrong with you and Quinn?” Stacy asked raising her eyebrows a little “We’re….fine.” Sam said with a small shrug avoiding her gaze “If you had been fine, you would have come here with her. I miss her.” Stacy stated, and Sam had no idea how it was possible that his sister knew him so well. “She’s spending Easter with her family in New Jersey. For your information, she has a family too.” Sam stated with a slight nod. “You’re such a terrible liar, Sammy.” Stacey sighed and looked around the room. She had been watching her brother and knew that something was wrong. “Tell me what happened. I won’t tell mom, I promise.” She encouraged him “Won’t tell mom? Seriously? Stace, you’re nine, you won’t understand.” The girl rolled her eyes hearing that. “I’ll try to understand. I’m not that stupid, you know.” She said shaking her head a little. Sam sighed, he knew she’d be bothering him until he’d tell her what happened so he decided to do that.
“We just…argued over one thing and well…both of us made mistakes and yeah…we’re kinda friends.” He shrugged still avoiding Stacy’s gaze. The little girl watched him saying that and realized how hurt he was. “And? You still love her, Sammy! I know it! And she loves you!” she exclaimed, but Sam pretended not to listen to her. “You know what, Sammy? I usually tell this Stevie but now I’ll tell this you. You’re stupid. You can’t let her go! It’s that why you met Melanie yesterday? You can’t Sammy, you can’t!” Stacy kept talking and hitting his arm. “Aww, Stace, that hurts! And shut up or someone will hear you.” Sam said quietly rubbing his arm and glared at his sister. “Fine. This is your problem. But I hate seeing you so heartbroken.”
***
“This is so great.” Stacey forced Stevie and Sam to watch Dirty Dancing again, and Sam couldn’t understand why she was doing that. Well, basically they were watching the final dance all over again and it was just…boring. His uncle and aunt left for Easter, they’re going to spend it with their son in Los Angeles and that’s why Sam was left on his own with his brother and sister. Hopefully, just for one day because his parents were supposed to come back from their business trip the next day. “This dance is so amazing.” Stacey cooed watching Patrick Swazey and Jennifer Gray dancing and Sam sighed. “I like the song.” He mumbled, he wasn’t a dance expert. Luckily, he had to force her to stop the movie because he heard his phone ringing.
“Hey, dad, what’s up?” The blonde asked with a smile, happy to speak with his father again. However his smile faltered almost immediately. “What? Car accident? But…you’re fine, right? What about mom?” he swallowed hard and glanced at his siblings. “Mom’s having a surgery? Oh God…”
“Mom, I’m dying here, stop talking because you’re not helping.” Sam was laying in his bed talking with his mom on the phone. Mrs. Evans freaked out a little bit when she heard that he was sick and he wanted to reassure her that he didn’t feel that bad. “Yeah, I took my medicine…Yeah, I’m drinking a lot of liquids…yeah, I’ve eaten…” he was answering all of her questions and hoped that she would believe that he could cope with this on his own. He didn’t want her to be worried about him. “Yeah, Quinn’s supposed to visit me today. Yeah…love you too, hug dad, Stevie and Stacey from me.” He finished the phone call and placed his mobile on his nightstand before he heard the sound of his phone again.
“Mom, stop it, I’m fine.” He said sharply knowing for sure that it was his mother. “Not your mom, but hi.” Bob, his band guitarist greeted him. “Yo, man. What’s up?” Sam smiled glad that someone from the band still remembered about him. He knew that they were working on this new song right now and was depressed that he couldn’t be there with them. “Everything’s cool, dude. How are you feeling? I’ll send you the track to this new song today, we’re still working on it but it’s pretty good. About the lyrics…” he trailed off and Sam sighed hearing that. He was supposed to be responsible for that but he knew that he sucked at it. “I’m better, what about the lyrics? I know they’re awful but I’m still working on them…” he murmured taking a sip of mineral water. “They’re good. But I have an idea…I’ve watched today Peter Pan with my little sister…” he started and Sam laughed hearing that “Dude, you’re really bored at home if you watch cartoons with your sister.” He teased his friend a little bit. “Shut up. I just have an awesome idea. I thought that we can change one of the chorus lines. You know we have We’re chasing stars to lose our shadow…and then we’ll put Peter Pan and Wendy turned out fine, so won’t you fly with me?” he hummed and Sam nodded hearing that “Sounds good to me. Though, I didn’t know that Peter Pan and Wendy were dating.” He murmured more to himself rather than to his friend. “I don’t know if they were, I think he had a huge crush on her.” Bob explained and wanted to say something more but Sam interrupted him because he heard knocking on the door. “I have to go, man, I think my girl’s just come. Thanks for the call. See ya.” Sam managed to get out of his bed, he didn’t do it much often while he was sick because everything was so painful then. The blonde smiled a little bit seeing Quinn after he opened the door. “Hi.” He mumbled.
It was Christmas. Something that Quinn had been waiting for for a long time. She and Sam had made the trip back to Tennessee, and she was really enjoying herself. It was better than last time, because everyone was a lot happier, and the everyone seemed to be in the spirit of Christmas. In all honesty, Quinn couldn’t wait for Christmas Day to get started - it was going to be the family Christmas that she had always wanted to have in the past with her own family. But this time it was going to be even better.
It was the morning of Christmas, and Quinn was awake early again. The trip to Tennessee was tiring, but she still managed to be up relatively early. She was like a little child, she was so excited for Christmas, and spending it with Sam and his family just made it even better. As she was thinking, Quinn could hear various laughs and giggles from outside of the door. She slipped out of bed and put on one of the robed that she had brought with her, and made her way to the hallway quietly so that she didn’t wake up Sam, to see where Stevie and Stacy were. “Good morning! Are the two of you excited for Christmas?” She asked with a smile.
Stevie and Stacey were staying in the hallway and wondering if they should go downstairs to open their presents or if they should wait until everybody wakes up. “Come on, let’s do this.” Stevie tried to persuade his sister. “You’re stupid.” Stacey rolled her eyes just like her mother. “I want my presents!” little Evans said quietly “But it’s rude, Stevie. We should at least wait for Sammy and Quinn.” His sister stated before both of them spotted Quinn walking up to them. “Good morning!” the siblings greeted her with a smile. “Yes, we are! Presents!” Stevie exclaimed and started jumping. “Is Sammy still asleep?” Stacey asked her and didn’t wait for an answer. She glanced at her brother with a smirk. “You’re thinking of what I’m thinking?” she murmured and immediately the littlies disappeared in their room for a while. They came back with their pillows ready to wake their older brother up. “You have to help us.” Stacey told Quinn while they were sneaking quietly to Sam’s room. She and Stevie jumped on the bed and started hitting their brother with the pillows.
Sam couldn’t be more happy. He was spending Christmas with all the people he loved. His parents, siblings and Quinn. He loved being in Tennessee, it was his home and after the whole drama that happened in his life, being here was the best thing and it cheered him up. He was peacefully asleep in his bed when he heard Stevie and Stacey and felt two pillows on his face. “No! I’m not doing the pillow war aka the Clone War with you!” he exclaimed before he burrowed under the blanket. Sam knew that he didn’t persuade his brother and sister so he took his pillow, tickled Stacey and hit Stevie with a pillow. “You want a war? But this time, I win!”
After Rachel gave him the keys to Quinn’s apartment, Sam went to The Universe. “Guys, I can’t perform tonight.” He stated and swallowed hardly thinking about Quinn. “Why?” Joe who had just finished cleaning the glasses gave him a surprised look. “Personal reasons. Can Chris replace me tonight?” he asked knowing that his friend was supposed to be there as well that evening. “He’s just called. He has a sore throat and a fever so he won’t be here tonight.” Travis, the drummer explained after taking a sip of his drink. “Damn” Sam cursed. He didn’t want to lose his job so he knew that had to stay and perform. “We can try to make the show shorter, but I can’t promise anything.” Bob, the keyboardist gave him a reassuring smile. “Cool.” Sam sighed and went backstage to prepare himself for the performance.
It was half past eleven when he got there. Sam stood in front of the door to Quinn’s apartment and took a deep breath . He knew that it wouldn’t be easy, Rachel told him that Quinn had been very upset and hard to cooperate with. Sam took out a small, black box from his pocket. It was a Christmas present but he always had it with himself, he was too scared that someone may steal it if he leaves it in his dorm. He opened it and looked at the ring which was inside. “Always.” He murmured to himself, put the box back in his jeans pocket and unlocked the door.
Quinn woke up that morning in an incredibly good mood. Sam had finally moved some of his things in to her apartment the night before, and even though she still had a lot of work to do in the place, she was happy to have got that done. It meant that he could spend the night with her more, as he had done that night, and they’d get to see each other more often than they did when they were both living in their dorms. It was a simple enough thing to do, but it put her in a much better mood knowing that he would be there more often.
Quinn laid there for a moment, just thinking about everything. Soon enough her mind was thinking about Christmas, and how much better it would be now that she was going to Tennessee for Christmas rather than staying in New Jersey, or worse: spending it with her dad and his wife. She was just glad that she didn’t have to talk to him all that often, and she knew that she wasn’t going to see him until he came in to town for his weekend trip to hit all of the designer shops with Roxanne. Quinn snapped out of her thoughts as she heard Sam stir next to her, and smiled. “Good morning,” she said, placing a light kiss on his lips.
Sam had a very nice dream. He brought his stuff to Quinn’s apartment including his favorite Master Yoda t-shirt, then he spent the whole evening with Quinn and fell asleep next to her. It felt so amazing that it seemed unreal. Sam blinked a few times before waking up and realized that he didn’t dream. The blonde smiled when she kissed him, now he knew that this day would be amazing. “Morning, beautiful.” He whispered kissing her again. “I thought it was a dream. Falling asleep and then waking up next to you is the best thing ever.” He stated holding her closer “Yesterday’s evening was amazing and I’m so glad we will be able to see each other more often now.” Sam said with a big smile on his face.
“So…do we have any plans for today?” he asked her still smiling. He was so happy and needed some time with her after the whole drama that was happening around them. “Or we’re just staying at your apartment and cuddling?” he winked at her and pressed his lips against hers again. “I love you so much.” He said quietly looking in her eyes “You’re so perfect for me.”
