Title: Winter Wonderland

Author: Licentia_Laetitia_Est

Email: saturnchild@hotmail.com

Disclaimer: Well, so far I own no one in this little story. Knowing my sometimes frighteningly vivid imagination though, that will probably change very shortly. ^EG^

Summary: Now, wouldn’t that be giving away the story? (I’m just too goddamn lazy to write one.)

Pairing: Sam/Brooke

Feedback: Bring it on! I’m a big girl now, just turned 18. I can handle it.

Author’s Notes: So far, this is merely a sprouting idea, which came to me while I sat watching the snow fall on December 22nd. (Humph, whom am I kidding? I’ve written like 10 pages on this “sprouting idea”!) Never mind that, just me being self-conscious. ::grin:: Let me know if you like the idea so far.

PS: (Do I ever shut up? Heh, guess not) I am missing most of it, waiting for my uncle to mail it to me. Hopefully I’ll receive the rest of this story (or the rest of what I have written of it) in a day or so.

Anyway, enough ranting from yours truly. On with the story (Dun dun dunn…Ok, I’ll stop talking now):

Part One

Sam lifted her pencil from the notebook in front of her, chewing on the end of it lightly as she looked out the window. A small smile spread across the young woman’s face, creating a needed change from the otherwise saddened expression that had played on her delicate features for the past months. The situation seemed like such a cliché to her. Here she was, an aspiring journalist working on an article for the school-magazine, sitting in an old recliner, in a wooden cabin, deep inside a forest. A fire was softly cracking in the open fireplace to her left, and the singing of violins coming from the radio on the table filled the room with a certain feeling of peace. Talk about lack of originality.

It had been almost 8 months since Nicole’s car had hit Brooke. The holidays were approaching with increasingly rapid steps, and Christmas was now only 3 days away.

Sam sighed softly, the sad look reclaiming her face. Three days until Christmas was upon them, and she and Brooke were thousands of miles away from their friends and family. Sam couldn’t really allow herself to be upset about that though, seeing as how her and Brooke spending Christmas and New Year’s in Norway had been her own idea. God knows that Mike and Jane hadn’t liked it one bit. Sam’s continuous stating that Brooke needed to get away from everything, if only for a while, had eventually convinced them.

A small frown appeared on the brunette’s face as she thought of her soon-to-be stepsister. Physically, Brooke had made an amazingly speedy recovery from the accident. She could walk again, only needing the cane for longer trips, and all the wounds had healed without any noticeable scars. Her emotional recovery however, was an entirely different matter. Mentally, the girl was still one big, open wound, refusing to heal. The parentals had sent her to numerous shrinks and other head-type doctors. Hell, they even tried hypnotizing her to help her emotional wounds heal. But alas, nothing had worked. Brooke would only retract further into her shell.

The girl hardly ever spoke anymore. This scared Sam, since Brooke had been a vocal, outspoken individual for as long as she had known her. Their parents were devastated by the fact that they just couldn’t seem to get through to her. Only Sam held the ability to reach the young blonde, though only momentarily

It was a strange scenario indeed, Sam decided. Brooke went to school, trained with the Glamazones and did her homework. An outside observer would argue that there in fact was nothing wrong with the girl. The fear, pain and loneliness in Brooke’s eyes told Sam otherwise. Just referring to her as Brooke seemed inappropriate. The girl, who was currently asleep in one of the two bedrooms in the cabin, was not Brooke McQueen. This was a stranger, a little girl so afraid of something that happened nearly a year ago that she didn’t even dare talk about it.

Sam was ashamed to admit it, but in some ways she really was grateful for the turn things had taken that fateful spring night. Not that she was happy about Brooke’s current state, actually she was absolutely heart-broken. But still, Sam had gotten to be the one to help Brooke through physical therapy, reoccurring nightmares and general fear of the future AND the past. It had brought her and Brooke closer together, much closer. For that, she was undeniably thankful.

Sam had realized some time ago that her feelings towards the statuette blonde had gone far beyond the point of sisterly. Denial and suppressing of those particular emotions had been her immediate reaction to the realization and had worked out for quite a while; in fact it had worked out fine just until Prom Night. Seeing Brooke like that, first lying on the asphalt in a pool of blood, next in the hospital with bandages and tubes and wires everywhere had brought her out of her denial in one swift, painful motion. She loved Brooke. Not the kind of love you have for your friends or your family. This kind of love was the sort that makes your heart do flip-flops whenever she was near you. It was the kind that made your skin tingle every time she would brush against you or spare you a smile. And it was the kind of love that made you cry yourself to sleep every single night when you were pining for her and knew that it could never be. That there was no possibility that she could ever feel the same way, and that you could never tell her the truth.

It had been a long and winding road talking the parentals into sending two teenage girls of to Scandinavia all alone, especially concerning the season and the times they would miss with the family. However, seeing Brooke retract herself more and more with each passing day had eventually convinced them. Brooke had to leave for a while, and she had to go with Sam as her only company. Maybe, just maybe, being far away from the accident physically would help her close in on it emotionally. Anything and anyone that could remind the blonde of that fateful night had to be kept at arm’s length for the time being.

So here they were. A small cabin in the vast Norwegian woods had been their home for the past two days, and would continue to be just that for another three weeks. Sam was in the living room working on an article about European Christmas Traditions, and Brooke was, so the brunette assumed, asleep in her bedroom. Old Jack Frost had snuck up on them only last night, covering everything outside the cabin in a soft white blanket.

Sam wondered if Brooke had even seen the snow yet. She had gone to bed before it had really begun falling last night, and had only left her room once during the day to use the bathroom. The curtains in Brooke’s bedroom had been closed since they had arrived here, and there were no windows on the trip from either bedroom to the bathroom. Knowing how much the blonde loved to watch the snowfall, Sam decided that she could at least try to get her to look at it.

“Brooke? Are you awake?” Sam asked as she peeked inside the bedroom. Brooke was lying on her back, sprawled across the bed. Her eyes were open, but her stare was completely blank. Seeing the formerly so live and vibrant blonde in this state almost made Sam’s heart break.

“Hey.” Sam said softly as she said down on the bed next to Brooke. “You have to see this.” She continued, painfully aware that the blonde didn’t see or hear her. “You’ll love it.” The silence in the room was deafening. Sam sighed. Brooke was drifting further and further away from her, and she didn’t have a single clue as to how she could stop it. All available options seemed to have been used already. When Brooke woke up screaming due to one of her nightmares, Sam would be by her side in an instant and stay there for the remainder of the night just to comfort her and make sure that she was safe. When the blonde would start crying hysterically for no apparent reason, Sam would hold her and assure her that everything was ok even after she had stopped crying. The brunette had done everything in her power to get Brooke to talk about the accident, but it had all been in vain.

“Well, you’re gonna see it anyway.” Sam stated sternly. Standing up, she placed one arm under Brooke’s knees and the other behind Brooke’s back. Even though Sam had gotten used to carrying Brooke around the house during the period when she couldn’t walk by herself, the brunette was surprised at the ease with which she lifted the cheerleader. Brooke had lost a lot of weight over the past few weeks, adding to Sam’s gut feeling that the girl was only getting worse. She was so depressed that she hardly ever ate anymore. Brooke was no longer slim. She was thin, too thin. 

“We are SO getting some food in you tonight.” Sam mumbled as she carried the blonde towards the living room. Had anyone seen them, they would most likely have thought that Brooke was either paralyzed or comatose. Her body was completely limp and, aside from the steady rise and fall of her chest, showed absolutely no sign of life whatsoever.

Part Two

Author’s Notes: ::gulp::. Since I have received threats concerning harming my persona if I didn’t write more of this, I have decided to do as I’m told. (I am such a weakling, I know!) Seriously, I received some excellent, if not somewhat psychotic in one particular case (!), feedback for part one. These specific feedbacks are very special to me (corny, so what?) since they have come from two writers who’s stories I adore and who’s opinion I therefore value very much. BIG thank you’s to Aeryn Sun and Tasha Miller for the major boost to my ego.

Without further ado, here’s Part two: (hey, made a rhyme `G´, This is me shutting up, enjoy it while you can ´cause it happens very rarely…)

Sam placed a hand behind Brooke’s head as she sat them both down in the recliner. Gently pushing, she raised the blonde’s head so that her empty gaze was now directed at the snowfall outside instead of the wooden ceiling. She sat there in silence, watching the girl sitting in her lap while desperately searching the face beside her own for any sign of awareness. Exactly what she wanted Brooke to be aware of she didn’t know. Any indication that there was still a soul behind the empty shell she held right know would do. A smile, a sigh, a sob, anything would be more than welcome. Their parents didn’t know this, but Sam had overheard a conversation between her mom and Mike a few months ago.

**Sam closed the door to Brooke’s room with a heavy sigh. It had been more than 3 months since the blonde had gotten out of the hospital, but she still didn’t show any sign of her old self. She just sat or lay in silence with that empty stare Sam had grown to know and hate. It ate her up from the inside when she had to see Brooke like this. Not only because she genuinely cared about the girl and was concerned for her safety, but because she had finally been able to admit to herself that she had fallen head-over-heels in love with her.

A sarcastic smirk slid across the brunette’s face as she silently made her way downstairs. Who would have thought? Easy question, no one would. Sam could just see the look on Nicole’s face if she ever found out; horror, shock and a slight tilt towards “I-am-so-gonna-be-physically-sick” would probably fit as a good description of the mental picture she had right now.

Sam sat down in the couch in the TV room and pulled out a random magazine from the stack on a nearby table. She didn’t know what it was, and frankly she could care less. She wasn’t reading it anyway; she wasn’t even looking at any of the pictures. Sam just knew that she had to do something if she wanted to avoid throwing a fit right there and then. She hadn’t been able to get as much as a look out of Brooke the entire week, and it was frustrating her beyond anything she ever thought possible.

Somewhere behind the thousand thoughts churning in the young brunette’s head, she heard her mom returning from the hospital. Sam knew that she had gone to see the doctor about Brooke’s current condition, but made no move to get up and ask. It would be the same as the last ten times. “Just wait. She’ll come out of it in time. Let her process the events.” Bullshit!

As Sam threw the magazine back onto the table with a frustrated sigh, she caught a few words from the conversation going on in the kitchen.

“…Not good news…before New Year’s Eve…for good…” Sam recognized the trembling voice as being her mother’s. What was she talking about? What was this about New Year’s Eve? The brunette got to her feet and silently crept through the house until she was close enough to hear every word.

“What did you say?” Mike asked, aghast at what his fiancé had just told him.

“I said,” Jane replied, her voice cracking with each syllable. “That if Brooke isn’t back to normal by New Year’s Eve…She might stay like this for good.”

Neither of them registered the soft thud as Sam fell to the floor, unconscious. **

“Mom and Mike never knew that I actually heard that.” Sam said, still looking at the figure in her lap. “ I told them that I must have been over-tired or something of the like. They believed me. I hadn’t slept for 4 days.”

“You know how the doctors tell you to talk to comatose people?” She asked, not expecting an answer. “That’s what I’m doing right now. You seem about as comatose as they come. Feel free to jump up and hit me over the head with a frying-pan if I’m wrong.” She smirked, looking at the empty expression on Brooke’s face. “Silly me, I thought you’d jump at the chance to do that. I must have been thinking of Nicole.” She stated wryly.

“I know you can hear me Brooke.” She breathed. “Look at the snow. I know you love to watch it fall, you told me so yourself. Remember? It was one year ago today.”

** Christmas had come around, and the McQueen – McPherson Palace had fallen into some sort of Holiday Peace. Mike and Jane were out shopping for the last presents, leaving their teenage daughters alone in the house for the afternoon.

Sam sat in the TV room, watching a Holiday re-run of “It’s A Wonderful Life”. It wasn’t exactly the greatest movie she had ever seen, but it was kind of a Christmas tradition for her to watch it. It just belonged. She never could seem to get into the Christmas spirit without it. It was almost over now. Just at it reached the scene when the male lead stumbles down the snow-covered street of his hometown, Brooke entered the room.

“Mind if I join you?” The blonde asked, standing beside the couch.

“The movie’s almost over.” Sam answered, taken a bit back by the soft tone in the cheerleader’s voice.

“I know.” Brooke said. “This is just my favorite part.”

“The mushy, sappy reuniting scene.” Sam stated with a sigh. “Should have seen that one coming.”

“Not that I mind the mushy stuff,” Brooke admitted as she sat down in the couch, “but I happen to be watching be cause of that.” She pointed to the screen.

Sam looked at the screen for a second, trying to figure out what the blonde was referring to. “You mean the cars coming down the street?” She asked, quite baffled.

“No silly.” Brooke grinned at the expression on Sam’s face. “I mean the snow falling. I always loved to watch the snowfall.”

“Oh.” Sam nodded. “Why?”

“I don’t know really.” Brooke replied, a thoughtful look in her eyes. “I think I find it calming, soothing in some way. It just looks so peaceful.” **

“I was so shocked to hear that coming from you.” Sam recalled, snickering slightly to herself. “I never thought of you as a poetic person. Not until that moment.” She lifted her head slightly, looking into the hazel eyes only to find the same blank expression beneath them.

“Come back Brooke.” She whispered, salty tears running down her cheeks as she spoke. “For mom and Mike, for little Mac…for me Brooke. Come back for me.” Sam sobbed as she held the girl tighter and buried her face in the blonde’s shoulder. “I miss you so much.”

Part Three

Author’s Notes: I’ll let you in on a little secret…This is not even close to the original story I wrote over Christmas. Had it been, Brooke would have been somewhat “back” by now, and the two of them would have been out exploring Norway. Not anymore!

Well, let’s see what happens between Sammy and Brookie in this one shall we? I have a feeling it’s going to be interesting…(does a quick dodge) Hey! Who threw that pineapple?!

The fear. The complete, all-covering fear. It consumes me, which is one of the few things I am aware of. In some ways I want our lives to return to the way they used to be. Still, I wouldn’t trade what we now have for anything. I feel so much closer to her now, and somewhere I think that she feels the same way about me. Maybe I’m wrong. The odds of her returning my feelings are so small you almost can’t see them. Still, I can always hope.

I wish that she would give me some sort of sign that my feelings for her are not unrequited. Whether she knows it or not, I am fully aware that she is here with me. I can hear every word she says, and on the inside, I can smile and cry at the little stories she tells me as we sit here. I want to let her know that I can hear her. I want to, but I can’t. If I were to respond to her, even if it was only a small squeeze of the hand she placed in mine before she fell asleep, it would mean that I would return to life. I can’t do that. I’m too afraid.

It pains me to see her like this. Knowing that I am the cause of her pain only makes it worse. I never meant to hurt her. I could never do that intentionally. My only hope is that she knows that.

I saw her running towards me that night. For a brief second our eyes met, and I knew that she would try to avoid the inevitable. I knew that she would push me out of the car’s path without a seconds hesitation, because that’s just who she is. I know how strange this must sound, but the only emotion running through me when I felt myself being flung into the air was relief. Relief over the fact that she was safe, that she had not been hurt, that she would live. Had she reached me in time and been killed, I know that I would have followed her soon. She is too big a part of me. I can’t even bare the thought of what life would be like without her by my side.

I want nothing more than to be able to look into those beautiful brown eyes and tell her how she really makes me feel. How my heart flutters every time I see her smile or hear her voice, how every day is a little brighter just because she is in my life. I dream nightly of what it would be like to kiss her, to make love to her. During those dreams I feel happier than I ever have. I feel complete. Then I wake up. I feel my heart crumble as I realize that it was nothing but a beautiful fantasy. I cry in silence because I can still feel her body against mine, I can still feel her kisses and her gentle, loving touch. I want it to be real, but I’m too afraid to take the chance.

I know that she would never be cruel to me, not even after a confession like this one. We have grown to care for each other, and our old relationship has taken a turn for the better. I am thankful for what I have with her, but I can’t help wanting more. I want her. I love her. These feelings are so strong that they scare me. I want to feel her soft lips on mine; I want to hear her tell me that she loves me too. But what if she doesn’t? I couldn’t bare that.

I can feel her moving beside me. She’s waking up. She brings my eyes to meet her own and sighs as she finds nothing behind them. As she lifts me up and carries me back to my bedroom, she never lets go of my hand.

Sam gently placed Brooke back on the bed and pulled the covers over the comatose girl. She sat down on a small stool at the blonde’s bedside, watching her face while gently stroking the back of the girl’s hand with her thumb.

“Come on Brooke.” She pleaded. “You have to give me something to work with here. Even the silent treatment has its limits.” She smiled a little. “I know, not exactly my wittiest repartee.” A slight pull showed at the corner of the blonde’s mouth, but vanished as soon as it had come.

“Brooke?” Sam said, leaning over the girl and looking into the hazel eyes. “I must be seeing things.” She said with a sad smile as she sat back down in the stool. “For second there I thought...” Her voice trailed of, thick with emotion.

Sam sucked in a deep, shuddering breath. Regaining her composure somewhat, she placed a gentle kiss on Brooke’s fingertips, never taking her eyes away from the unreadable face as she did so.

“Sweet dreams Princess.” She whispered as her eyes shone with unshed tears. Sam placed Brooke’s hand under the covers and stood up. Giving the girl one last, sad look, she turned around and walked towards the door.

Where is she? She’s not near me anymore. I can feel it. The warmth of her presence has gone. No, don’t leave me! I need her! I need you!

“SAM!” Brooke screamed, her voice high-pitched and utterly desperate. “SAM!”

The brunette froze in mid-step and twirled around so fast that she almost fell over. She saw Brooke sitting upright in the bed, her eyes wide with fright. No words necessary, she hurried back to the bed and sat down beside the scared girl, wrapping her arms protectively around her.

“Sshh....I got you…I got you…It’s ok.” She whispered as she rocked Brooke gently, rubbing small circles on the blonde’s back with her hands.

“Oh God Sam.” Brooke sobbed, clutching the brunette’s shirt as she buried her face in the thick mane of dark hair. “Don’t leave me…Please, don’t ever leave me…”

“I won’t…I won’t leave you, I promise.” Sam whispered, her voice trembling at the honesty and emotion behind the wish. “I’ll never leave you…Sshh…relax…”

The brunette gently brought them both into a more comfortable position. They lay on their sides, facing each other. Sam had her arms around Brooke’s shoulders. Her voice was soothing as she kept talking to the girl, reassuring her over and over again that she would never leave her.

Brooke hid her face in Sam’s shirt, breathing in the scent that was uniquely Sam. Uncontrollable sobs continued to roll through her entire body as she clung to the brunette for dear life. She was crying from fear, relief and joy. Finally she found herself in Sam’s warm embrace.

Part Four

Author’s Notes: Frankly, I haven’t got the faintest clue concerning how this chapter is going to turn out. The previous three ones were somewhat worked out before I started as opposed to this one, which is going to be right of the charts, if you catch my drift.

Thoughts are in ( )…

Sam opened her eyes and was quite surprised to be looking into a sleeping face somewhat hidden behind shambles of long, honey-blonde hair. Not that she minded, but she clearly recalled asking Brooke if she would like her to spend the night in the blonde’s bedroom again. The answer had been a reluctant but determined no.

“Not that wouldn’t love the company, but I can’t use you as my teddy bear for the rest of my life.” Brooke had said, her tone somewhat apologetic.

Sam smiled to herself. (I don’t think that I’d mind being Brooke’s “teddy bear”. Not if it means waking up like this.) She studied the face opposite her own. The blonde looked so peaceful like this. Her features were relaxed, and a content smile was playing at her lips. Sam had to bite back a chuckle as she realized where the other girl’s hands seemed to have crept to all by themselves during the night. One arm provided a soft resting place for the brunette‘s head, while the other hand was placed under Sam’s nightshirt on the bare skin of her waist. (I wonder what her reaction will be once she wakes up? I’m not moving that’s for sure.) Sam thought with a mischievous grin as she closed her eyes again.

The previous day had been spent in Brooke’s bedroom. The blonde’s plead when she came to the day before yesterday had sent Sam into a mental frenzy of what’s, how’s and why’s. (What made you think that I would? HOW could I? WHY should I?) They had done nothing but talk the entire day, and Brooke obviously had a lot of things on her mind. It had been hard to miss the fear in her eyes when she spoke, but when confronted with it Brooke had merely passed it off as due to the horrific experience. The way her eyes had averted Sam’s when she said that though, had told the brunette that there was more to it than what Brooke said. Still, she wasn’t going to push her. Eventually, Brooke would feel comfortable talking about it and they could deal with it then.

A small, prickly feeling caused the brunette to open her eyes once more. A very sleepy set of hazel eyes met her own and she smiled.

“Morning.” Brooke mumbled after a heartfelt yawn.

“Good morning.” Sam replied. “Just out of curiosity.” She began in a casual tone. “When did I get promoted to being your personal snuggle-bunny?”

“Why? Does it bother you?” Brooke asked playfully, enjoying the slight blush on the brunette’s cheeks as she spoke.

“Um, no.” Sam said. “I was just curious. You didn’t want my company last night, remember?”

“I feel safe here.” Brooke said, looking away.

“Here in Norway?” Sam teased, She had a good idea of what Brooke was referring to, but didn’t dare be sure until she had heard the blonde say it herself.

“No silly.” Brooke swatted the brunette gently on the arm. “Here with you.”

“Oh.” Sam said, her face once again turning forty shades of red. (Say something McPherson!) She scolded herself mentally. “Well, as flattered I am about the fact that you chose me for your security blanket, we should probably get up now.”

“Why?” Brooke said, pouting slightly.

“To have breakfast for one.” Sam replied. “And don’t use the puppy-dog-eyes on me, I know them and I am immune to their powers.”

“Damn.” Brooke cursed with a grin as Sam got out of bed.

“Aren’t you hungry?” The brunette asked while putting on her robe. Brooke thought for a second.

“I guess I could eat.” She replied (No! Bad mental image! Go away, it’s too early for that!) “Um, what was number two?”

“Running out of supplies.” Sam stated. “I’m going to take the rental car and find a grocery store. You want to come?”

“Sure.” Brooke said. “I could use the fresh air.”

“Good. Now get out of bed and let’s get it on.” (God in heaven! I did SO not just say that!) “Our clothes I mean.” She added quickly, slapping her forehead.

“What are we going to do about a tree?” Brooke asked. They had just been shopping in Trondheim and were now heading back to the cabin with the backseat filled up with groceries.

“Already got that one.” Sam grinned as she held up a small note. “ Talked to the store owner while you were scanning the magazine racks, and she gave me directions to a good place where the trees are affordable.”

“Goodie.” Broke exclaimed. “When can we go?” Sam giggled.

“Enthusiasm of a five-year-old.” She smiled. “We’ll go tomorrow.”

“Why not today?”

“Because today we are a) going for a walk and b) getting some food into you. You need to use your legs more Princess.” Sam said gently. “Plus, you’ve lost a lot of weight and I am personally going to make sure that that doesn’t happen anymore.”

“Yes Ma’am.” Brooke sighed. “Anything else you’ve got planned?”

“Actually, yes. I think we should call Mom and Mike, just to let them know that you’re better.”

“Might be an idea.” Brooke agreed.

“You’re not bringing your cane?” Sam asked a few hours later. They had already spoken to the parentals, and were now getting ready to go out for a walk.

“I don’t think it would be much use to me anyway.” Brooke replied as she buttoned her coat. “There are like ten inches of snow out there.”

“True, but the layer is much thinner once we really get into the forest.”

“Sam.” Brooke warned.

“Ok, sorry. I’m just used to watching out for you by now, force of habit.” The brunette smiled.

“I know, and I appreciate it.” Brooke said with a smile. “Tell you what. I’ll bring my cane, but I wont use it unless I feel that it’s necessary, ok?”

“Deal.” Sam smiled and opened the door. “Shall we?”

It was a beautiful day indeed. It was cold, but not enough to be uncomfortable. The sun was shining brightly, making the snow glisten like diamonds all around them. Mighty, snow-covered pine trees stood tall everywhere. They stretched towards the pale blue sky as if they were trying to reach it. Only a slight breeze traveling through the many branches broke the silence.

“Only one thing missing here.” Brooke suddenly said.

“Oh, what would that be?” Sam said.

“A good old-fashioned snowball-fight.”

Sam grinned. “You’d lose miserably.” She replied, never taking her eyes away from the mixture of white, blue and green above their heads.

They walked on in silence. Sam was so far away in the natural beauty that surrounded her that she didn’t notice it when Brooke fell back a little.

“Sam?” Brooke called.

The brunette turned around to face the blonde. Without warning she found her shoulder on the receiving end of a rather large snowball. “What the…?”

“Who’s losing miserably now?” Brooke said playfully. A wide grin spread on her face as she saw the look of utter surprise written all over Sam’s features. “Close your mouth Sam.” She teased. “You’re not trying to catch flies, are you?”

“Why you little…” Sam said in a warning tone. She quickly bent down and grabbed a god amount of snow. As she straightened her back, another snowball hit her chest.

“Oh, you’re in for it now missy!” Sam growled, squinting her eyes. Still with the snow in her hand, she moved towards Brooke. The blonde stood patiently waiting a few feet away, also with a good handful of snow and a mischievous smile on her face.

Sam grinned and shot her hand forward, intending to rub the loose snow all over the blonde’s face. But Brooke was too fast. She ducked, grabbed Sam around the waist, tossed her to the ground and straddled her.

“You give up?” She asked with a triumphant smile.

“No fair.“ Sam pouted. “Get off."

“Not until you admit that I’ve won.” Brooke said in a singsong voice, lowering her face over Sam’s.

“Make me.” Sam challenged, trying to ignore the increase in her heart rate by having Brooke’s face inches from her own.

“I’m always up for a challenge.” Brooke said and raised her hand. Sam caught sight of the snow the blonde held and her eyes widened noticeably.

“You wouldn’t.” She said.

“Oh no?” Brooke let a little of the snow fall onto Sam’s face. “Try me.” She added with an annoyingly sweet smile.

Sam shook her head to get the small white flakes away from her face. Her arms were comfortably pinned under the blonde’s legs, so they weren’t much use to her. As much as she hated being on the losing side of any event, she loved the way Brooke’s eyes were sparkling with mischief. The position they were in didn’t exactly bother her either.

“If at first you don’t succeed…” She grinned.

Brooke smirked and brought the snow to Sam’s face in one swift motion. Rubbing it in thoroughly, she laughed at the way Sam tossed her head and writhed underneath her.

“Now.” She smiled as she removed her hand. “Do you give up?”

Sam spluttered for a while to get the last snow away from her mouth before answering. “Do I have a choice?” Brooke pretended to think about it for a second.

“Not really, no.”

“All right then. I give up.” Sam replied.

“Great.” Brooke got up. “ I won.” Sam sighed and placed her arms over her eyes in mock-defeat.

“Drama Queen.” Brooke scolded playfully as she pulled Sam to her feet and brushed the snow off their coats.

“What, no Oscar?” Sam retorted.

“Funny.” Brooke quirked an eyebrow. “Let’s go home, I’m kind of hungry. 

“Yeah, me too.” Sam agreed. “You’ve got snow in your hair.” She added with a smile.

“And I suppose you simply bleached yours?”

Part Five

Disclaimer: Mette belongs to me. Sam, Brooke and all other “Popular” characters are the sole property of whoever owns them these days…

“Brooke…Brooke, wake up.”

“Not s’pposed to be in school ‘till 10 Dad.” Brooke mumbled groggily and pulled the covers over her head.

“Three things: One; today’s Saturday. Two; I’m not your Dad. Three; its 11:30. You’re sleeping the whole day away Princess.”

“Hmm?” Brooke peeked out from under the covers and looked right into Sam’s smiling eyes.

“Hey there sleepy.” Sam grinned. “Come on, breakfast’s on the table.”

Brooke yawned and stretched her body to rid the last sleep from her bones. “Unngh!”

“Maybe I should start calling you Squeak instead of Princess, hmm?” Sam said with an arched eyebrow. Not that she hadn’t enjoyed the little show. The way Brooke’s pajama top had ridden up slightly, exposing a few inches of tanned abs had made her temperature rise 

“Not if you know what’s good for you.” Brooke retorted, sitting up in the bed.

“Whatever you say.” Sam grinned and turned around. “Come on, Squeak.”

Word of advice: Never, ever turn your back on a cheerleader. Especially not one who has only just woken up. Sam realized the truth of this matter as soon as the pillow connected with the back of her head.

“Hey!” The brunette exclaimed, twirling around to face the blonde.

“What?” Brooke replied, batting her eyes innocently.

“What was that for?”

“Oh you had that one coming McPherson.” Brooke grinned and waggled her eyebrows at the brunette. (Nice bathrobe. Wonder what she’s wearing underneath it?)

“Oh yeah?” Sam picked up the pillow and mock-glared at Brooke.

“Yeah.” Brooke got up on her knees and kept her eyes focused on Sam.

“Well then.” Sam said with a sly smile as she slowly walked towards the bed with the pillow raised. “I’m sure you wouldn’t mind a little payback?”

“Not at all.” Brooke answered, her eyes twinkling as she too held up a pillow. “Come and get it.”

Both girls held completely still. With their eyes fixed on one another, they tried to predict the coming move from their opponent. Every time Sam moved, Brooke would too. Every time Brooke moved, Sam would too. The air in the room was so tense you could cut it with a knife.

Finally, Sam couldn’t take it anymore. Her straight mask cracked open, and she broke into a wide grin as she plopped onto the bed, laughing till her sides ached. Brooke looked at the amused brunette for a while before she too joined in the laughter.

“So.” Brooke asked once the girls had regained their composure. “What was so funny?”

“Just the situation I guess.” Sam replied, still giggling a little. She placed her hands behind her head and stared at the ceiling, once in a while letting her eyes dart to the girl lying next to her.

In the meantime, Brooke was finding it very difficult not to notice the way Sam’s robe had come partially undone during their little giggle-spree. The sapphire-blue terrycloth had been pulled slightly aside, showing off a pair of very sexy, red lace panties. The fact that Brooke could also tell that her housemate wasn’t wearing a bra only made matters worse.

“Um, listen Sam. I’m just gonna go shower before breakfast.“ (Might as well jump into the fjord. The temperature there should be appropriate.)

“Ok. I’ll keep yours hot for you.”

“What’s on the menu anyway?” The blonde asked as she pulled out a towel and her robe.

“Pancakes.” Sam grinned as she got off the bed.

“For breakfast?”

“Yes, pancakes for breakfast. I’ve got you all to myself for a limited time Ms. McQueen, and I’m gonna spoil you rotten while I have the chance.”

“Are we there yet?” Brooke asked for the umpteenth time since they left the cabin.

Sam, knowing that the blonde wasn’t really expecting an answer, merely smirked and repeated her words from the day before.

“Enthusiasm of a five-year-old.” She breathed, bringing up a hand to lightly tap Brooke’s temple. “And the brain-activity of one too.” She added as an afterthought.

“Hey!” Brooke shot a mock-insulted glare at the brunette beside her. “What was that supposed to mean?”

Sam grinned. “Nothing Princess.” She replied, keeping her gaze fixated on the road in front of them. “We’ll be there in about 15 minutes.”

“You sure this is the right place?” Brooke inquired, looking at the old buildings at the end of the small dirt road.

Sam took a minute to get a good look at their surroundings as she turned the car into the driveway. It was clearly a farm, or it had been at some point. The main building was a fairly large half-timbered house, painted deep red and black with a thatched roof. White curtains were visible behind the windows, and a steady column of smoke rose from the red brick chimney. The barn and the stable were placed at a slight distance from the house, but were still close enough to provide shelter for the courtyard. The pure white donning the walls of the two buildings were only exceeded by the color of the snow-covered ground beneath them.

“I think so.” Sam replied, pointing to a few pine trees leaning against the barn as she put the car in park.

They both sat in silence inside the vehicle for a few minutes, unsure of what to do next.

“Maybe we should go knock on the door or something.” Brooke stated, unbuckling her seatbelt.

Before Sam had a chance to say anything, they heard the distinct rumble of an engine, and a gray pick-up loaded with pine trees pulled into the courtyard.

“Then again, maybe not.” Brooke added before they both climbed out of the car.

The two girls watched as three people emerged from inside the pick-up. One of the men seemed to be around 50 years old. His hair was dark, almost black, and tinted with small splatters of gray at his temples. The other man had to be around 20-25 years of age. With a tall, athletic build, dark hair and dark eyes, they both guessed him to be the first mans son. He kept up what appeared to be a light, teasing banter with the third person; a girl apr. at the age of 18, with a thick mane of wavy, fiery red hair. Their attitude towards one another was gentle, but somewhat provocative, giving the impression that they had to be either lovers or siblings.

The older man spotted the two girls and walked over to them with a friendly smile on his face. He stopped in front of Sam and spoke very fast in a language she didn’t know.

The brunette threw up her hands in a gesture of surrender. “Whoa, hold on.” She said. “I don’t understand a word you’re saying.”

He eyed her carefully for a second, a look of understanding sliding over his features. “Americans, no?” He asked with a thick accent. Sam nodded. “Wait please.” He smiled and turned around. None of them caught a single syllable from the tirade of words that escaped his mouth, but it had to have been directed to the girl, as she was the one who approached them.

She was wearing a blue boiler suit, similar to the ones worn by the two men. A pair of black boots covered her feet. The hair ribbon she had worn when the truck had first pulled up in front of the house had been pulled out, leaving her hair flowing freely in the light breeze. Her eyes, both girls noticed, held an amazing color of azure-blue. She spoke a few words with the man before turning to the girls.

“Hello.” She said with a warm smile as she shook hands with both of them and they exchanged courtesies.

“So, are you looking for a tree?” She asked, the warm smile never fading.

“We are.” Brooke smiled. “I’m Brooke by the way, and this is Sam.”

“Nice to meet you both, my name is Mette.”

“You too.” Sam said. It wasn’t common for her to take an instant liking to anyone. Hell, she had hated Brooke for the majority of her short life and look how that turned out. Still, this girl had a presence about her, almost like a warm glow. It encircled her, but you could only see it in her eyes. You had to like her, you just couldn’t help it.

(Still, she doesn’t hold a candle to my Brooke. When did I become so possessive?)

“So Brooke.” Sam began casually as they made the final adjustments to their tree. “You up for a swim tomorrow?”

“A what?” Brooke asked, shooting the brunette a glance of disbelief.

“A swim.” Sam repeated, trying unsuccessfully to hide a smirk at the blonde’s rather baffled expression.

“Um, Sam? In case you hadn’t noticed, it’s like -15 Celsius outside.” Brooke stated, placing a hand against Sam’s forehead. “Are you feeling ok?”

“I didn’t mean swimming in the ocean silly.” Sam huffed, playfully swatting Brooke’s hand aside. “And yes, I’m fine. Mette told me about this indoor water complex a few miles on the other side of Trondheim. From what she said, it sounded pretty awesome. Who knows, a little swim might help your leg get back to normal faster.”

“What about swimsuits?”

“Only God knows why, but Mom actually packed one for each of us.” Sam grinned. “So, you up for it Princess?”

Brooke seemed to contemplate the question for a short moment. Her face then split in a wide grin. “Darn tootin’.”

“Okaaay.” Sam let a look of fake worry cross her features as she eyed the blonde suspiciously. “Somebody’s been watching WAY too much Buffy lately.”

Part Six

Disclaimer: Mette, Grete, John and Martin belong to me. Sam, Brooke, Mike, Jane and Mac are the sole property of…Well, I don’t know actually.

Thoughts are in (...)

Brooke felt a nervous chill run down her spine as Sam pulled the rental car up in front of the large, red brick building containing the water complex. Not that she wasn’t gratefully accepting the opportunity to see Sam in her ‘Birthday Suit’, but she was also acutely aware of the fact that the brunette wouldn’t be the only one of them without any clothes on.

Sure, Sam had seen her naked before. After all, the brunette had been the one to help her shower while Brooke was incapable of doing so on her own. Still, she felt as if Sam was about to see her body for the very first time.

“We’re here.” Sam smiled, placing a gentle hand on the blonde’s shoulder and pulling her away from her thoughts.

Brooke leaned forward and gazed out of the window. A low whistle escaped her as she took in the size of the building. It was three stories tall and shaped like a pentagon, with large windows at the very top of it. The door was in whitewashed wood, and sky-blue sign that read “Trondheim Vattenvärld” was placed a few feet above it.

“Wow!” She breathed, amazed. “That thing is HUGE!”

Sam nodded in agreement as she unbuckled her seatbelt. Stepping out of the car, she quickly grabbed their bag of swimwear and towels from the backseat before opening Brooke’s door with a bow.

“There you go Milady.” She said with a teasing smile.

“Why thank you Milord.” Brooke replied with a grin, earning her a mock-scowl and a playful swat on the arm.

“Ha ha.” Sam said, unable to stop a smile from spreading on her face. “Let’s get inside. It’s freezing out here.”

Sam turned slightly away from the blonde as she pulled the white blouse over her head and freed the long brown locks from the ribbon. Unbuttoning the faded jeans took some effort due to the fact that her hands were trembling, she couldn’t recall the last time she had felt so edgy. Not only was she standing less than 4 feet away from a very naked Brooke, but they were also the only ones in the changing room. Sam knew instinctively that if she looked at Brooke at that moment she was going to ravish the blonde right there and then.

“Ready?” Brooke asked a few minutes later.

Sam turned around to face the blonde, and both girls held back a gasp as they looked at each other.

It took all of Brooke’s self-control to stop her from drooling openly at the sight of Sam. The ruby-red two-piece combined with the brunette’s pale, smooth skin and long dark tresses was positively breathtaking. Plus, Sam looked undeniably adorable as she stood there, her eyes dropped shyly to the floor and her arms wrapped protectively around her mid-section.

“Yeah, sure.” Sam replied, silently appreciating the way the deep blue bikini looked on the statuette blonde. Hoping that the complex held a pool with cold water, she walked to the showers with Brooke by her side.

Meanwhile, back at the Palace…

“Why did you ask me to pack their bikini’s anyway?” Jane asked as she turned off the TV and stood up. It was 11:30 Pm, and she and Mike were getting ready for sleep, having put Mac to bed almost 4 hours ago.

“Before Kelly got pregnant with Brooke,” Mike explained. “We’d go to Trondheim every spring. You see, back when I was in College one of my best friends was a Norwegian exchange student. Grete, that’s her name, lives with her husband and two children on an old farm not so far away from Trondheim.”

“That’s a nice story honey.” Jane smiled and took her husband’s hand. “But it doesn’t explain why I should pack their bikini’s.”

“I’m getting there, don’t worry.” Mike said as he placed an arm around Jane’s waist and guided her up the steps. “On our last visit, which was when Kelly was about 5 weeks pregnant, Grete and her husband John took us to this newly build water complex. It was absolutely amazing, and from what I know it’s still there. They added to it over the years, so it’s probably even better than I remember it.”

Mike gave his wife a gentle kiss on the lips as he opened the bedroom door. “I still keep in touch with Grete, so she knows about us, about Sam, Brooke and Mackenzie. Just this morning while you were giving Mac her bath, she called me to let me know that her daughter Mette, who’s around their age, apparently sold them a Christmas tree just a few hours earlier.”

“How did she know it was our girls?” Jane asked, looking slightly puzzled.

“John was the one who first spotted them, and he recognized Brooke from a picture Kelly and I sent them a while back. She must have been around 6 when the photo was taken, but he recognized her nonetheless. I have a picture of their kids, Mette and Martin, too, only more recent.” Mike closed the door gently, careful not to wake up their youngest daughter.

“Can I see it?” Jane asked curiously.

“Sure you can.” Mike smiled and retrieved a photograph from one of the drawers in his nightstand.

The picture was seemingly taken in the fall. It shoved a young man with short black hair, deep brown eyes and an athletic build standing with his arm around a girl in her late teens. The girl had long, thick, wavy red hair, and the most incredible azure eyes. Both were slim, smiling happily, and had that fresh, natural pink tone to their cheeks. They were standing in a forest, the leaves on the trees in the background holding that amazing mixture of yellow, red and green you can only find in the early autumn months. They were wearing army-green hunting outfits, and each had a rifle over one shoulder.

“This was taken in the fall of 2000.” Mike said, gesturing to the photo. “Martin was 24 at the time, and Mette had just turned 18.”

“They look like very sweet young people.” Jane smiled and handed the picture back to her husband. “You said that John was the one who saw them? Why didn’t he call you then?”

“Because John can’t speak English to save his life.” Mike said gravely, his eyes twinkling with amusement.

Jane laughed quietly and wrapped her arms around Mike’s neck.

“How long do you suppose it’ll take before our beloved daughters find out?” She asked.

“Not too long.” Mike smiled. “After all, Norway IS a very romantic country.”

“Sweet Jesus!” Brooke gasped as she and Sam entered the complex. It was stunningly beautiful. In the middle of the room, there was a circular pool, several hundred feet in diameter. Along the walls on the building, which were painted snowy white with all sorts of beautiful motives on them, the girls counted no less than 10 hot tubs, all with different temperatures. A small island was located in the center of the large pool, functioning as a basis to 4 flights of stairs, which led to the seating area two stories above their heads. At the far end of the room, they saw a gigantic waterslide. It twisted and turned, moving along almost every wall in the building before ending in another small pool between the two warmest hot tubs.

“I’m sorry, but he’s unavailable at the moment.” Sam replied, grinning broadly. “Will I do?”

Brooke turned to her housemate and pretended to contemplate the question. “Hmm.” She said, a pensive frown on her face. “Better than nothing I suppose.” She replied with a cheeky grin before taking off for the teeterboard.

Sam just stood there. A happy smile spread on her face as she heard the exited tone in Brooke’s voice when the girl yelled: “Cannonball!”

(Good thing we’re the only ones here. Ah, the joy of Christmas Eve.) The brunette thought before she too headed for the pool.

“How can they not know how the other person feels about them?” The young man asked in disbelief. “I’m a guy and even I can see it.”

“I don’t know.” The girl replied and shrugged her shoulders. “Maybe they can and just don’t dare believe it.”

“Well, that’s what we’re supposed to help them with, right sis?” Martin grinned and elbowed his younger sibling gently in the ribs.

“Exactly.” Mette smiled and leaned against the railing, watching the two girls with a happy smile on her face. “And we’ll succeed too. I can feel it.”

Part Seven

Author’s Notes: This chapter’s probably going to be kinda jumbled and maybe a little short, but hey. (Funny, my mind seems to be in the same condition. I wonder why?) Anyway, this part switches from angsty to morose to happy to sappy to…Well, I think you get the point.

Thoughts are in (...)

This is a nice place. I like it. It’s quiet, which probably has more to do with the date than anything else, it’s large and it’s cozy in some way.

I like how they placed the seating area so far from the pool area. The cafeteria, along with chairs, tables, ashtrays and whatnot, is placed on a kind of balcony that follows the walls all round the room, 2 stories above me.

I use the term “me” here, because she’s not with me right now.She’s swimming in the pool, and I’m watching her, discreetly of course, from one of the deckchairs by the edge of the water.

She looks just like a mermaid, save the tail. Water must undoubtedly be her element, because the way she glides through it looks incredibly natural. The grace, with which she gently parts the substance surrounding her body, is not something you can be taught. You either have it, or you don’t 

I’ve always loved watching her. Kind of freaky when you think about it. My housemate, whom I’ve hated with an almost feral passion since Kindergarten, has somehow, unbeknownst to her, managed to turn this passion into something very different. Ok, maybe not THAT different. It is still passion after all, just another kind.

It’s weird. The feelings she stirs in me I mean. Desire, fear, sadness and joy are just a few of them. Every time our eyes meet, I can feel a tirade of different emotions run through me in a split second, some of which I don’t even know the name of. Needless to say, I’ve pretty much been a heap of poorly frazzled nerves since we first arrived in Norway.

God I love that girl. I never imagined love could feel so good and so bad at the same time. It’s actually scary just how much I love her. The whole ‘gay’ thing doesn’t really bother me, I’ve known that for quite a while now.

I can’t even begin to explain the depth of emotion I feel for that girl. How could I when I barely understand it myself? All I know is that it’s there.

Sometimes I wish it wasn’t, not that I don’t enjoy being in love mind you. Every time she smiles at me, I float right up to Cloud Nine. She loves me, and I know it. Only she doesn’t love me the way I want her too. That fact is what sends me plummeting right back down to earth again.

I love you Brooke. I must be very good at hiding it, because you obviously can’t see it. That’s ok though, I don’t want my unrequited feelings destroying what we now have. I’ve waited this long to find a sign that you might love me the way I love you, so I suppose I can wait a little longer.

I don’t know exactly how much longer I can wait though. With each passing day I lose a little more hope, and now there’s not much left. It’s like that song they use for “Charmed”. One of the lines goes: ‘See I’ve already waited too long, and all my hope is through’. Another line I like from that particular song is this one: ‘I am human and I need to be loved, just like everybody else does’.

And I do need to be loved. I can’t just stick around and continue to wait for something that may never happen. I want real love, not the unrequited kind. And, as much as it pains me to admit it, I fear that she is not the one who can provide that.

I never can, never will, love anyone as much as I love Brooke. But maybe it’s time to move on. Only question is, with whom?

“Hi.”

Sam was startled out of her reverie as she felt a light tap on her shoulder. She lifted her head and saw the blue-eyed redhead from the day before standing next to the deckchair.

“Sorry if I surprised you.” The girl said with an apologetic smile. “Just thought I’d come over and say ‘Hi’. Sam, isn’t it?”

“Um, yeah.” Sam shook her head slightly to clear the cobwebs that usually come with deep thought. “You’re Mette, right?”

“In the flesh.” The girl grinned and rearranged the white towel that until now had been covering her body, so that the large piece of terrycloth was now draped over her arm.

(Not quite, but close enough.) Sam mused as she noticed the green bikini the redhead was wearing.

“Mind if I join you?” Mette asked, indicating the free chair next to Sam’s.

“Not at all. Go ahead. "

Mette spread the towel over the surface of the chair and lay down on top of it. She closed her eyes and relaxed, but could still feel the brunette’s gaze wandering over her body.

Sam couldn’t help herself. Mette’s body was, apart from Brooke’s, the closest thing to perfection she had ever laid eyes on. The redhead was just a few pounds above slim on the weight-scale, but it was all in the right places. Long legs, well-shaped hips, a slim waist and softly rounded breasts. This was the type of body that would indubitably drive any boy, or in Sam’s case any girl, absolutely mad with desire.

“So.” Sam said, feeling that she had better speak before she started drooling. “What do you do when you’re not selling Christmas trees?”

Mette snickered at the question, opened one eye and looked at the brunette with amusement in the azure pool.

“I study archeology at the university here in Trondheim. It’s strange how all my activities pull me outside in one way or another. Especially since I’m such a couch-potato.”

Sam smiled. “I can hardly see that.” And she really couldn’t. The redhead’s body was obviously very strong. Sam could se the muscles working ever so slightly underneath the toned skin every time the other girl moved.

“Believe me, I am.” Mette said with emphasis. She shot a glance at the blonde girl swimming in the pool. Brooke was glaring at her with the red-hot intensity of a thousand suns.

(I guess Mom was right then.) She thought, smiling internally. (There really is something there, at least one way around.)

The redhead turned slightly in her chair so that she could look at the brunette easier.

“What about you? What do you do when you’re not lying around at the pool side?”

As she listened to Sam speak, Mette noticed Brooke’s glare intensifying with every word the brunette spoke. (Tough blondie. If you want her, you’ll have to come get her.)

Part Eight

Author’s Notes: Sorry it took so long, but I only came up with the idea for this chapter today. I hope you’re enjoying the story so far. If you are, don’t forget to send a nice thought to Aeryn and Love, they’ve been very persistent in having me write more

“Here you go ladies.” Martin said, sending all three girls a warm smile as he placed a tray with two bottles of Sprite, one bottle of Fanta and a plastic mug containing beer on the small table between the two deckchairs.

“Oho.” Mette smiled, eyeing the beer before sending her older sibling an amused look. “I guess I’m driving then?”

“You betcha.” Martin grinned and grabbed the mug. Sitting next to his sister on one deckchair, he looked at the two other girls currently occupying the other one. “I didn’t know what you wanted, so I just got you each a Sprite. Would have gone with Cola, but they’d run out.”

“Oh, this is fine.” Sam smiled, taking one bottle herself and handing the other to Brooke. “Thank you.”

“Don’t mention it.” Martin smiled and took a rather large swig of the beer.

“If you keep that up you’ll be in no condition for dinner tonight.” Mette warned, wagging a playful finger at her brother.

Martin grabbed a small handful of red hair and tugged at it playfully. “Don’t you worry about me sister dear.” He grinned. “I am fully capable of taking care of myself.”

“That’s the P.C. term for ‘going-out-every-single-weekend-and drinking-my-ears-off’. “ Mette explained, winking at Sam before clasping a hand over the neck of her bottle as Martin gave her a light shove.

“Just runnin’ off my horns.” He stated. “Besides, I’m not the only club-hopper in the family, you know.”

“Speaking of clubs,” Mette said, wanting to change the subject before her talkative brother began sharing some of her more embarrassing experiences with alcohol, “when’d you tell Mikkel we’d be there again?”

“Around 3.” He answered, looking at the watch on his left wrist. “Which is in just over an hour. We’ll have to get going soon.”

Mette averted her gaze briefly, noticing that the blonde seated diagonally across from her seemed to be seething in a way that most definitely had nothing to do with the tropical conditions in the room. Sam, who was sitting directly across the small table, had a more relaxed and, the redhead noted, more curious look about her.

“Mikkel is a friend of mine.” Martin explained, having also seen the inquisitive look on the brunette’s face. “He’s throwing a Christmas party at one of the larger clubs in Trondheim. I promised him that Mette and I would drop by before dinner.” Pretending to look around for eavesdroppers, he leaned towards Sam and said in a stage whisper: “He has a HUGE crush on junior here.” Grinning broadly as he saw his sister’s face trying to copy the color of her hair, he added: “Too bad he’s barking up the wrong tree.”

The color of the redhead’s face deepened several more shades at the last comment. “Finish your beer and be quiet.” She grumbled, desperately trying to will the blood away from her cheeks.

“Yes Ma’am!” Martin chuckled and gave a fake salute. “That’s the best idea you’ve had all day. Well, the first half of it anyway.”

“Should have known the last one was a bit too much to ask.” Mette sighed and took another drink of her soda.

“Can’t keep a good man down.” Martin smiled and turned to the other girls. “Say, would the two of you like to come along?”

“To the party?” Sam asked. “I don’t know, we don’t want to intrude or anything like that.”

“No intrusion.” Martin smiled and held up his hand. “I’m sure Mikkel would love for you both to come along.” Standing up, he gathered the now empty bottles onto the tray. Before heading back to the bar with them, he leaned over and whispered in Sam’s ear. “And I don’t think my sister would mind that much either.”

Mette was at that moment heading towards the end of the teeterboard and didn’t hear the comment. Brooke didn’t miss one word of it.

The blonde felt the anger inside her build steadily towards outright rage. (How dare this…this TROLLOP just waltz into our lives and put the moves on MY Sam?!) She turned her head and looked at Sam, noticing the way the brunette watched their new friend dive headfirst into the pool with the undisguised grace of a mermaid. (Because she’s not YOUR Sam.) An annoying little voice reminded the blonde. (You’ve always been too afraid to tell her, remember?)

Brooke suddenly wished they had never come to Norway in the first place.

Part Nine

Author’s Notes: Ahh. Just got out of bed, and I’m feeling nice and refreshed Now I can finally write down the other ideas I have. ::evil giggle::

As the four of them entered Club “Khan”, several people immediately greeted Mette and Martin. Everyone seemed to be in great spirits, also shaking hands and exchanging pleasantries with the two foreigners as if they had known them for years.

After meeting almost every person in the building, Martin guided the three girls to a table near the dance floor, and asked them to take a seat in the black leather couch while he retrieved their drinks.

As the DJ put on Snap’s “Rhythm is a Dancer”, a loud voice could be heard over the thumping beat of the music.

“Mette!” Quite a few words followed after that, but the brunette understood none of them. However, it wasn’t hard for her to decide where the voice came from. A young man was approaching them, waving his right hand furiously to gain the redhead’s attention. He was around 6 feet tall, well built with gleaming blue-gray eyes and blonde hair.

“Mette!” The redhead lifted her head. When she spotted the approaching figure, a wide grin spread on her face.

“Mikkel!” She laughed as the young man lifted her into the air and swirled her around. “Whoa! Ok, ok! Put me down!”

The young man grinned and placed the girl back on the ground. “What’s with the language?” He asked, giving her a questioning look. “Last time I checked, you were as Norwegian as the rest of us.”

“Still am.” She smiled and gestured towards Sam and Brooke. “Mikkel, this is Samantha and Brooke, they’re from America. Sam and Brooke, my friend Mikkel.”

Greeting the new girls, Mikkel quickly noticed that the brunette was by far the friendlier of the two. The blonde seemed almost openly hostile towards Mette. Though he was certainly not sober, it didn’t take him long to figure out what the problem was.

“Hey Mette. Want to dance?” He asked with a sly grin on his face. Mette nodded and followed him to the dance floor.

“So.” Mikkel said, placing his arms around his friend’s waist as the DJ put on ‘Humor of the Situation’ by Barenaked Ladies. “What’s the story with those two?” He asked, nodding towards the blonde and the brunette on the couch.

Mette sighed and put her arms around the young man’s neck. It took several songs before she had explained the entire situation to her concerned friend.

“I’m not proud to be doing this.” She ended. “But I can’t think of any other way. If I can make Brooke jealous enough, maybe she’ll realize what she’s losing and go for it before it’s too late.”

“I wish I could help you.” Mikkel gave a small smile and hugged the girl. “Actually, I have a lot of wishes where you are concerned.” He added with a grin.

“Mikkel…” The girl warned with poorly concealed laughter in her eyes.

“I know, I know.” He chuckled. “You’re not into guys, and that’s fine by me. I’m just glad that we’re friends.”

“So am I.” Mette smiled and kissed him gently on the cheek.

“You sure there’s no way I can help with this?” Mette became quiet, a pensive frown on her face as they moved slowly to the tunes of Sixpence None the Richer’s ‘Kiss Me’.

“Maybe there is.” She said, grinning like the Cheshire Cat. “Is your cousin Eve still visiting?”

(I SO do not like that chick! Thank God she’s not gonna be around forever. At least when we go back home she’ll have to leave Sam alone for 5 minutes.)

“Brooke!” The blonde jumped with surprise and stared at the brunette next to her.

“Geez Sam, scare me much?”

“Space out much?” the brunette retorted. “I’ve been calling your name for the past 10 minutes.” (Not exactly the way I wanted to, but it’ll have to do I guess.)

Brooke sighed and sent the other girl an apologetic smile. “I’m sorry, I guess I zoned for a while there.”

“What’s going on Brooke?” Sam asked, obviously concerned. “You’ve been unusually quiet all day.”

“Nice to know you noticed.” Brooke said, her voice dripping with sarcasm as she stared angrily at the floor beneath her feet.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Sam responded, unable to keep a small amount of hurt out of her voice. (Noticed? How could I not notice when you’re upset Brooke? I love you.)

“I’m sorry.” Brooke sighed and rubbed her temple with her left hand. “I just have a lot on my mind right now. I didn’t mean to snap at you.”

“It’s ok Princess.” Sam reached over and took Brooke’s free hand between her own, softly stroking the palm with the pad of her thumb. “Is it anything I can help you with?”

“Not right now.” Brooke shook her head and squeezed Sam’s hand a little. (You’re too busy with little Miss Scandinavia over there.) “Later on maybe. I just need to think about things for a little while, ok?”

“Ok.” Sam nodded and placed a gentle hand on the blonde’s shoulder. “But if you want to talk about it, or if you just need someone to listen or give you a hug, you let me know, ok?”

“Can I have one now?”

“Of course.” Sam reached out and pulled Brooke close to her, resting her chin on the blonde’s shoulder as she breathed in the scent of her beloved. (Even if I can never have you, I’m going to savor times like these.)

“Come on Peter! I’ve been waiting for almost half an hour now!” Martin hollered at the bartender.

“Be right there man. Gimme a sec, ok?”

“Yeah, whatever.” Martin sighed in exasperation and glanced towards the couch. He raised an amused eyebrow as he noticed the striking brunette sitting between Mette and Sam at the small table.

“Hey Peter! Get your bony butt over here and give my friend his drinks, would ya?” Mikkel yelled as he stood next to Martin, leaning his back against the bar. “Sorry man, I know he’s a total snail, but he’s the best one I could get.”

“Don’t worry about it.” Martin waved him off. “I see my dear sister called in the cavalry?” He asked, gesturing toward the couch.

“Yeah, she said something about her only being a threat to Brooke as long as they were here. She needed someone who could ‘keep the water boiling’ even after Sam and Brooke had gone home.” Mikkel grinned. “She’s a smart girl.”

“I know.” Martin smiled. “Where’s Eve from again?”

“Los Angeles.” Mikkel replied. “A lot closer to Santa Monica than Trondheim, if you ask me.”

“The closer, the better.” Martin said. “The problem is that Brooke is too afraid of what everyone else will say if she and Sam started dating. I think that if she realizes she could lose her to someone else, she will have to get over her initial fears and make a move.”

“Sounds like a plan.” Mikkel nodded. “Peter you lazy piece of crap! Get those drinks over here or get the Hell out!”

Martin laughed at his friend’s impatience. A wave from a certain table got his attention, and he nodded at his sister.

Turning around to face the bar, he quickly pulled out a pen and scribbled something on the back of a Carlsberg coaster. “Here.” He said, handing the coaster to Mikkel. “Quit yelling at the slug and go ask the DJ to play this one.”

Mette watched Mikkel walk towards the DJ before turning to the brunette seated the farthest away from her. “Care for a dance, Sam?” She asked.

Sam smiled and stood up. “Sure, I’d love to.”

Mette got to her feet and, ignoring the furious glare directed her way by a certain blonde cheerleader, took the brunette’s hand as they walked to the dance floor.

“Do you want to lead or should I?” The redhead asked as they stood amidst the mass of dancing people. Her only reply was a set of raised eyebrows and a very astounded-looking brunette. “What? You never learned to dance that way?”

“No, I haven’t.” Sam replied, shaking her head.

“Guess I’ll be leading then.” Mette smiled and beckoned the brunette with her finger. “Come here, I’ll show you the starting position.” Sam took a few steps forward, until she was standing right in front of the redhead.

“Don’t look so shy.” Mette smiled as she took Sam’s left hand and placed it on her own shoulder. “Keep that hand here.” She then took hold of the brunette’s right hand and entwined the fingers with the ones on her own left hand. The entwining part wasn’t really necessary, but Mette knew that Brooke was watching them like a hawk. (Might as well give her a show.)

Baby, it’s a dream come true
walking right alongside of you
wish I could tell you how much I care
but I only have the nerve to stare

“I’m not sure I can dance this way.” Sam said with a nervous giggle as she heard the music start

“Well, there’s a first time for every thing.” Mette replied, smiling. “We’ll start out slow and take it from the top. Just follow my lead, ok?”

I can feel a new expression
on my face
I can feel a good sensation
taking place
I can hear the guitars playing
lovely tunes
Every time that you
walk in the room

I close my eyes for a second and pretend it’s
me you want (yeah)
Meanwhile I try and answer
nonchalant
See a summer night with the
magic boom
Every time that you
walk in the room

As the song progressed, Mette was pleased to find that the brunette seemed to relax more and more. Sam’s movements were no longer stiff and uncomfortable, she simply let her body move with the music.

“Who’s the singer?” The brunette asked

“Sanne Salomonsen, I think.” Mette replied “Wanna try a twirl?”

“Sure.” Sam nodded and blushed fiercely when she almost fell over her own legs. “Er…Where’s she from? Here?”

“No, I think she’s a Dane.” The redhead said, smiling at the obvious embarrassment on the brunette’s face. “Don’t worry, you’ll get it.”

Baby baby it’s a dream come true
walking right alongside of you
wish I could tell you how much I care
but I only have the nerve to stare

Brooke sat completely still, letting the haunting words of the song wash over her. It was eerie, as if the singer had looked right into her soul and written down what she felt for her brunette housemate. It pained her to see how relaxed Sam acted around the redhead. You’d think they had known each other all of their lives instead of just a few days.

“She’s quite the looker, that one.” Eve said, lighting a cigarette.

“Who?” Brooke asked, tearing her gaze from the two young women on the dance floor.

“Samantha.”

“Yeah, I guess she is.” Brooke muttered, looking at her hands.

Eve looked at the younger woman next to her. “Listen Brooke,” she said, placing a gentle hand on the blonde’s knee, “You have to let her know before it’s too late. If you don’t, you could easily lose her.”

“Let her know what?” Brooke asked, pretending not to know what the girl was talking about. Eve sighed.

“You know what I mean. You’re in love with her, aren’t you?”

“That obvious, huh?” Brooke gave a faint smile and looked at Sam.

“To an outsider, yes. Do something about it before you lose the chance for good.” Eve advised, sending a cloud of blue smoke into the air above their heads. “Or I’m sure someone else will.”

“Who’ll that be? Mette?”

“Maybe. Could be Mette, could be me, could be someone else.” Eve got to her feet at looked down at the blonde. “Sam is a very special girl Brooke. She’s beautiful, funny, sweet and smart. She won’t wait forever.” With that, she turned around a disappeared into the crowd.

Yeah, yeah
I can hear something pounding
in my brain
Every time that someone
speaks your name
Drum the sound that I hear
thunder boom
Every time that you
walk in the room

Every time that you
walk into my room

(Every time you walk)
Every time you walk baby

(Every time you walk)
Every time every-every time, yeah yeah

Brooke stared at Sam. (Eve’s right. If I don’t do something, and do it soon, someone else is bound to. Hold on, what’d she mean by “She won’t wait forever”? Sam’s not waiting for me, is she?)