Chapter 21 ~ Marko-Polo

A Chapter by 0_o Abbie

Sam held the letter in her trembling hand. She held back her tears until she read "rise from the grave and beat him senseless.". That was so much her father. She felt the tears rise. They fell but she continued reading. She was alone. In the dinning room of the hotel.

After "Your Father, Jackson Green." Sam looked up. She was surprised to see Jed standing opposite her on the other side of the table. She looked up at him and patted the seat beside her on the booth. He sat beside her and put his arm around her shoulders. "Are you okay? What'd the letter say?"

Sam took a deep shaky breath and handed him the letter. "Here read it. I don't mind."

He took the letter and began reading. Sam focused on his breathing calming herself slowly. She missed her father. The feeling was overwhelming, drowning her in longing. She heard him snort slightly. "That is so Jack." Said Jed.

Sam looked up, "The beat you senseless part?"

Jed looked down and nodded. He read for a while longer then said. "That's surprising." He handed her back the letter and looked down at her.

Sam nodded. "But I mean what other explanation is there?"

"Yeah it does make sense. Even explains why Wakely doesn't know about your mom. They were out of contact for 27 years." Jed sighed. "So do you think you have the gene?"

Sam shrugged. "I don't know. Tiger already took my blood so I guess we'll find out."

Jed hugged her tighter. "So how are you holding up?"

She was silent for a long while. Then she sighed. An expression her father used to use came to mind. She smiled and spoke, "Like a card castle."

Jed laughed slightly. "That's a Jack saying."

Sam nodded. "I miss him so much."

He kissed the top of her head. "Me too. But remember you don't have to do this alone. You have people to lean on. You have me."

Sam nodded. "I know. Thanks Jed."

"For what?"

She smiled. "For always being what I need when I need it."

--

Sam sat out by the pool with Jessica while her brothers splashed inside. It was cool, probably about 75% Fahrenheit. Her brothers and Jed insisted on getting in. Sam had gotten some cloths she could swim in, one of her brother's undershirts and her pajama shorts. But after testing the water she wouldn't get in saying it was freezing and refused. She leaned up and narrowed her eyes as her brother's huddled. They talked for a minute and then Calvin whispered something in Jed's ear.

Sam looked at them suspiciously. Tom and Kyle moved toward the edge of the pool and pulled themselves onto the concrete. The began walking casually towards her. Sam stood. She knew what they were doing. "Stop it. I do not want to get in... Jessica!"

Jessica looked up from her nap, took in the situation and groaned. "Don't get me wet boys."

Sam glared at Jessica and mumbled, "A lot of help you are." She glanced back at the approaching monsters.

They started grinning and she knew she'd lost. She turned and ran towards the room. All that was left now was to put up a fight. They chased her and she made it to the room door. But she had no room key. She glanced back. Her brothers were coming fast. She ran towards the reception area doors. But she was too slow. Kyle caught her arm. He grabbed her and wrapped both arms around her. She struggled but to no avail. Tom appeared and help contain Sam as they pushed her towards the pool. "LET ME GO!" Sam said loudly.

Tom and Kyle just giggled like school girls. Sam struggled. She called out to Jessica. "Jess! Come on! Help me! Tell your husband to let me go!"

Jessica moaned. "He's your brother not mine."

Sam stared baffled. "He's your husband!"

Jessica sat up. "He was yours first."

Tom began laughing loudly. "Girls girls, there's enough of me to go around."

Sam glared up at Tom, "I'll make sure there's enough. I'll give everyone a little piece after I'm done with you."

He chuckled.

Sam started struggling more. She was only about a foot away from the pool. Jed and Calvin stared up at her. Grinning. She glared at them. "You'll..." But before she could say more she was pushed in. She hit the cold water and released a scream that simply turned into bubbles. As she came above water Tom was right in front of her. She pushed her hair out of her face and through her arms around his neck. "You dirty rotten..." She paused, thinking of appropriate names. "spoiled, son of a gun!"

Tom chuckled and peeled her off his neck. He went to the side of the pool and pulled himself out. "Well boys. I'm going to bed. Good night." He turned to Sam. "Don't stay up too late. Go to bed at a decent hour okay?"

Sam nodded. Knowing she wouldn't. "HEY! You can't just help throw me in the pool then leave!" She was worried now. Tom was the mediator. He always made sure nothing crazy happened. Now Kyle was left with no restrictions. Calvin, although, quiet was mischievous. He'd do every crazy thing that Kyle helped him with.

He shrugged. "Sure I can. Just like this." He said walking off. Jessica followed.

Sam stuck her tongue out and Jessica did the same.

After several games of Marko-Polo and several races among the boys, Calvin turned in. After several more races Kyle turned in. He tried to make Sam go with him. But she wouldn't budge. She wanted to stay out in the pool and hang out with Jed for a little bit. He glared at Jed but coincided.

After Kyle had disappeared Sam looked at Jed and said, "What do you want to do?"

Jed was silent for a moment. He blushed, shook his head then said. "I don't know. What do you want to do?"

Sam narrowed her eyes. "You know what you want to do. You just don't want to tell me."

Jed gave her a mischievous grin and looked away.

She swam over to Jed and planted herself in front of him. "Tell me." He smiled down at her then looked away. Seemingly embarrassed. Sam narrowed her eyes. "Oh come on Jed. Tell me."

He shook his head. "Your brothers would kill me."

Sam looked down thinking about this comment. Then it hit her. She began giggling, "That's what you want to do? Really Jed?"

He looked down at her from the corner of his eye. Then nodded. "Really really."

She felt herself blush and she looked away. Now it was her turn to be embarrassed.

"Sam?"

She looked at him. "Yes Jed?"

He stepped closer. "Will you dance with me?"

She laughed. "Why not."

She put a hand on his wet shoulder and he put a hand on her waist. Then they clasped their other two hands.

Jed began humming. That was Jed's talent. He could remember any song and hum it perfectly.

Sam moved closer and let herself lean into his chest. They swayed in the water and she listened to his chest rumble. She let herself relax in his arms. All the pent up sorrow, all the confusion, the frustration, all of it. She let it melt away in the face of Jed's low tune. She was content right there in his arms. She rested her chin on his chest and looked up at him.

He looked down. They just stared at each other, swaying in the water. Jed leaned down and kissed her lips.

"Sam."

Sam pulled quickly away and looked around. Tom stood at the edge of the pool. Her eyes widened. "Yes?"

He didn't look furious. Amused rather. "It's time for bed." He turned to Jed. "You too."

Sam felt like she was going to die.

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