Holding On
Chapter Two: Being Worried
A lot has changed in 7 months. My mother finally said words that I have wanted to hear my entire life. I went to LA and told Julian that I loved him. There still is something missing in my life. I had it for awhile, almost a year, but that didn’t quite work out. Sam left 7 months ago and I feel like a piece of my heart is missing. We don’t stay in touch like we used to and it makes me sad. Part of it is my fault, I Iost her. I lost my daughter or would’ve been if I hadn’t encouraged her to spend time with her birth mother.
So, here I am at my store which now has clothes in it. I look at the shelves and it has my new line inspired by Sam and it brings tears in my eyes. I can’t dwell on that though. I really hope she is happy.
I hear the bell above the door ring and Haley walks in. She looks a little worried which in turn makes me worried.
“Haley, what’s a matter?” I ask wanting to get some information.
“Have you seen the paper?” She asks.
“No, but I was going to.”
“Have you talked to Sam lately?” She asks.
She is mentioning Sam and the paper. This really can’t be good. My Sam is in trouble. I hope not.
“Not for awhile, why is she in trouble or something?” I ask seeing the look in her eyes causes me to hold my breath.
“Read,” she says while handing me the paper.
I look at the paper and start reading.
Local Woman Found Dead in Home
The body of Rebecca Dennis was found last Thursday from what looked like an apparent suicide. Friends of the deceased where worried when she didn’t show up for work. Rebecca apparently suffers from Bipolar disorder otherwise known as manic depression. Rebecca also has a 15 year old daughter, Samantha Walker but we were unable to track her down for comments.
I quickly pull out my phone and text Sam. She always answers me. I look at Haley and she looks just as worried as I am.
“Where do you think she is?” she asks.
I used to be able to tell her but I don’t know anymore.
“I’m not sure but she will probably run,” I say hoping to god that it isn’t true.
I close my shop because I am not in the mood to deal with strangers right now. I send Sam more texts because she won’t answer me. Haley and I sit in silence waiting for Sam to respond. I’m glad that Haley cares for her like I do. I call Julian and my mother telling them what is going on and asked them to call me if they heard from her.
“I’m scared Haley. She always texts me back,” I say with tears forming in my eyes.
“It will be okay Brooke, you know Sam better than any of us.”
“I know that’s what scares me.”
I hear my phone go off signaling that I have a text message. It better be her.
I look at the message and it’s from Sam. I read out loud so Haley can hear… I’m fine don’t worry. I’m not your problem. Quit texting.
She has to know that those words would piss me off. I’m always going to worry.
“I can’t believe her,” I say getting angry.
“Brooke, calm down. We know that she is okay.”
“But for how long? She’s running and I can feel it,” I say hoping to calm my nerves. Which of course doesn’t work.
“Let’s think. If she isn’t with you where would she be? Who would she go to?”
“I used to be good at this. Where the hell would she go?” I mumble to myself.
I’m thinking about all the conversations that I have had with Samantha but one particular one is stuck in my head.
“What are you so gloomy about?”
“Jack found a foster home. He’s leaving today. He’s moving to Charlotte.”
“I’m sorry. I know it’s hard.”
I also remember getting into a conversation about Julian and the words that came out of Sam’s mouth were true. I was afraid.
“I know he loves you. I know to follow my heart instead of locking it away. I know if I could I would go with Jack.”
“Brooke. Earth to Brooke,” Haley says trying to get my attention.
I look at Haley and I realize that I know where Sam is.
“Haley, I know where she is. I have to go,” I say while grabbing my purse and walking away.
“Where are you going?” my best friend asks.
“I’m going to Charlotte.”