Chapter 14

School was a blur. We started testing in all the classes that require one. Leo and I played the duet in front of the class, finally. We did pretty well for only practicing together a few times. Mr. Smith even told us we'd preform it at the last concert of the school year. Before I knew what had happened, school was over and I was at home with Jenna and Susan. We were on my room, choosing an outfit and deciding on make-up colors for my date. Only them did I realize it was Friday.
"This came quick" I said.
"Sam!? You home!?" Dad called up the stairs.
"Yeah, dad!" I called back, hoping he'd stay downstairs.
"Hey, you're welcome to invite your friends to dinner tomorrow. I know it's not a huge thing in your opinion, but it is to the rest of us!"
I groaned. "Alright dad!"
"What's tomorrow?" Susan asked.
"My birthday" I answered, sighing. "Dad always has a big dinner but last year that didn't happen. It was too close to..." I trailed off, tears coming to my eyes. "Anyway, I got used to not having a big dinner. I had hoped dad would forget this year again" I finished.
"Sam? When did she die?" Jenna asked gently.
"Two days before my sixteenth birthday. I didn't have a party, didn't accept any gifts. Didn't do anything for it that year. I didn't even talk to anyone, not that it mattered. They all agreed that it was my fault she died. But they don't know what happened. They assumed that since I was the only one with her it was my fault" I finally broke down, the tears slipping down my cheeks.
"It wasn't your fault, Sam" Jenna soothed, laying her hand on my shoulder.
Someone knocked on the door.
"He's here" Susan said.
Jenna reached for the tissue box and dried my tears. "Go be yourself tonight. We can talk when you come home"
I nodded and walked out the door. Leo stood inside, talking to my dad. When he saw me his face lit up.
"Ready?" He asked me.
I nodded. He offered his arm and I took it as he led me out the door to his truck.