Categories > Original > Romance
A Phantom Stallion Love Story
8 reviewsJake and Sam fall in love and Flick trys to get the phantom again and trying to get rid of Sam. but Jake saves her and gets hurt.
-1Cliche
Chapter 1: Feelings
I looked outside at Jake, feeling sad that he would be leaving next weekend for college. I was wishing, in despair, that he wouldn’t go. Jake must have felt me staring at him through the window, because he looked up and waved at me. I really will miss him.
.Gram yelled through the hall, “Sam, go help Jake with that fence wire. He could use your help." "O.k.," I said, getting up from my bed. "Don’t forget your gloves or that wire will tear your hands up; and it’s not so fun when that happens," Gram added. "Ok, I won’t," I yelled back. As I searched through my drawers trying to find a pair of garden gloves, I found only one and it would have to do, since the other was missing. As I ran down the stairs, Cougar raced after me almost tripping me as he zoomed by. "Cougar,” I yelled at the kitty, laughing. He meowed.
When I went outside, the heat hit me like an open oven. As I walked to where Jake was, he yelled "hey Brat," as he twisted the wire with his pliers. "Hello yourself, " I said, feeling butterflies… What is wrong with me, I thought; this is Jake here. I seriously can’t be in love with him; can I?
Jake gave me a set of pliers. "Thanks," I said, as I took them. As I started clumsily twisting the wire, Jake stared at me in surprise. "What are you doing with those pliers?” he asked me. "Tightening wire," I said. "No you aint, you’re loosening them, Sam!" "Oh sorry," I gasped, seeing what I was doing. "Here," Jake said, as he put down his pliers putting his hand around mine to demonstrate the way to tighten wire.
I tried to get what he was doing, but all I could think about was his hand on mine. His hands are so gentle, I thought, as he moved his hand on top of mine showing me how to use the pliers. "You hold them this way," he said, letting go when he thought I understood. "Thanks," I said, now actually tightening the wire instead of loosening it. It seemed like hours before we were done. Jake sighed leaning against the porch, “Well that’s done,” he said as he scratched the back of his neck. I looked at him, surprised because he only does that when he is nervous or embarrassed about something. Does he feel the same way? I asked my self.
"Sam?" Jake snapped his fingers in my face. "What?" I jerked out of some deep thinking. "You want to go riding, since there’s not much else to do around here?" Jake asked again. "Sure, okay," I said.
We headed to the barn to saddle up the horses. Ace stuck his head out of his stall and squealed. "What’s up boy?" I cooed, walking in the stall. "Oh gosh, Ace, what happened to you? Did Strawberry bite you again?" I ran my hand down the side of his back.
"Hurry up Brat and-" Jake started walking up to the stall. "I don’t think I should ride him today," I said showing him the bite on his back.
"Yeah you better let him heal up," Jake looked around,” all the other horses are out herding cattle so you’ll have to double on Witch with me."
"Ok" I said walking with Jake to where Witch stood tied to a post. He mounted then kicked his boot free of the stirrup and grabbed my hand and pulled me behind him.
I wrapped my arms around his waist as Witch cantered toward the mountains.
"Where are we going?" I asked him.
"You’ll see," he said.
I huffed impatiently.
He laughed.
"It’s not funny," I groaned impatiently.
"Get used to it Brat,"
I laughed at the nickname.
Suddenly I knew where we were---we were at the Phantom's secret valley.
Why is he taking me here for? I wondered. The entrance is all blocked off from the avalanche of snow---so I thought till I saw it with my own brown eyes.
It was all cleared up...I thought there would have been boulders left from the avalanche...Of coarse the snow melted by now it was summer!
"Oh my gosh, Jake, thank you!" I wanted to hug him but I couldn’t so I tightened my arms around Jake.
"Your welcome," he scratched his neck in uneasiness.
I laughed at him feeling embarrassed my self.
We dismounted and walked through the tunnel.
It was so dark I almost tripped but Jake caught me before I did.
"Whoa that was close," Jake said still holding onto me.
I didn’t say any thing; I was in such a daze.
Did he have feelings for me? I wondered as he let go.
The Phantom snorted as he saw us.
"Hey Blackie," Jake called out.
I was so in a daze I didn’t realize he was beside me till he butted his nose into my back and I stumbled into Jake accidentally.
My head hit against his chest and I gasped. It hurt.
"Oh!" I cried out as we both hit the ground.
I fell on top of him.
Embarrassed I didn’t know what to do.
I rolled off him, blushing mad.
I heard him clear his throat loudly.
Now we were sitting side by side.
"Sorry we both said at the same time.
I blushed and turned my head.
He got up.
I knew he was looking at me as I finally got up too.
What's wrong with me?! I thought, how could I be in love with him?
I looked at Jake; he was actually still staring at me.
"Sam, I need to tell you something. I-" He broke it off and rubbed the back of his neck.
"What?" I asked, hoping he was going to say what I wanted him to.
"Never mind," He shrugged it off.
"No tell me I wanna know," I urged him.
He set his jaw looking stubborn,” I don't wanna right now,"
"Aw come on Jake," I begged.
"I-I-ugh gah," He started,” I-I-lo-,"He broke off.
I sure didn’t expect what he was about to do.
Suddenly he leaned in toward me---I felt my heart skip a beat.
Then I felt his lips on mine.
I gasped feeling like I was going to faint.
His arm went around me as he felt me go limp.
"Jake," I gasped as it ended.
He just stared at me like he was as shocked as I was.
We just stared at each other not able to say any thing.
I turned and walked back to where Witch was ground tied.
Jake walked after me,” I’m sorry if you’re mad at me. I didn’t know what I was thinking;" He babbled which was so not like him.
"Jake!" I interrupted him,” You didn’t. I was just surprised is all," I said feeling so dazed.
He didn’t say any thing, he just stared.
I couldn’t look away from his eyes.
Chapter 2: Is this real
when we got back to the ranch I was still in a daze.
Jake hadn’t said any thing since he kissed me and it was getting so awkward to be around him.
He dismounted Witch then I got off he didn’t look at me.
"Jake?" I asked him as he kept his head turned as he stripped off Witch's tack.
"Yeah?" He asked sounding slightly nervous.
"Why aren’t you talking?" I said wishing I hadn’t said a thing I felt so timid.
What was wrong with me? How could I have fallen in love with him after so many years?
He didn’t say any thing.
I just went back to the house since he didn’t say any thing.
"Samantha wait!" Jake ran after me.
I turned to look at him.
"I hope you're not mad at me for what I did," He started.
I just stared at him.
"And I’m not sorry I kissed you," he said softly.
I couldn’t say any thing. Was this real?
I ran into the house.
He didn’t follow me this time.
"What's wrong with you?" Gram asked as I ran up stairs.
"Nothing," I shut my door to my room.
Why?! I wanted to scream. Why is this happening when he's going to college the next week?
"Oh Jake why do you have to leave?" I whispered.
Some one knocked on my door.
"Yes?" I said wiping tears off my face.
"Sam I need to talk to you," Jake said.
"Please go away," I said a sob escaped me.
"Sam please," Jake said.
I got up and unlocked the door.
He came in and sat down on my bed.
He didn’t say any thing and I was getting so nervous.
Suddenly I started crying and couldn’t stop.
"Why are you crying?" Jake asked me looking concerned.
"I don’t know," I sobbed, I buried my face into my hands.
Suddenly I found my self in Jake's arms.
I didn’t pull away---I didn’t want to.
"What's wrong you can tell me," Jake said holding me.
"Why do you have to leave?" I sobbed into his chest.
He didn’t speak---I guess he didn’t know what to say.
He held me for what seemed like hours.
I sat up wiping my face,” Sorry," I whispered afraid id start crying again.
"Its ok," he said looking at me.
I realized I had soaked his shirt from my tears.
He got up and left and went down stairs.
I went to the bathroom to wash my face so no one would guess I had been crying.
When I got down stairs Jake was at the table, I didn’t see any one else.
"Hey," I sat down beside him.
"Hi," Jake said scratching the back of his neck in discomfort.
"Where is everyone?" I asked minutes later.
"I don’t know," He said sounding strange.
"I know this is going to sound crazy but---"Jake stopped.
"But?" I asked.
"But-butithinkiminlovewithyou," He said so fast it sounded like one word.
"But you what?" I asked again.
He exhaled,” I think i'm in love with you," He said slower.
"I-I-I-think i might be to," i said turning away so he wouldnt see me blush.
He turned my head back,seeing me blush.
I thought he was going to kiss me again but i guess he stopped his self.
"Jake, Sam?" Samantha's dad called.
"Sam you better go get your stuff packed for the cattle drive tomorrow," He said giving us a weird look.
"I guess I better go," Jake got up.
"See ya later," I called.
"Yeah see ya," he said softly.
He left and I got sad.
5:00 a.m. Next morning:
I was brushing Strawberry getting her ready when Jake walked in.
"Hey," I said happy to see him.
"Hi," he said with a faint smile.
Strawberry snorted butting me in the back.
I stumbled into Jake.
He caught me quickly before I went backward.
"Thanks," I breathed knowing he was about to kiss me.
"No problemo," he said holding me.
Then we were kissing.
I didn’t feel embarrassed either.
Suddenly Pepper walked in.
"Holy smokes," He cried out seeing us kiss.
We pulled away.
"Did I just see what I thought I saw?" Pepper blinked.
"Yes," Jake answered.
Oh no! I thought. What if he told dad something was going on between us?
He turned and walked out forgetting what ever he came in here for.
I started giggling not knowing how else to react.
Jake looked kind of worried.
"Ugh I better go saddle Witch," Jake left.
Chapter 3: The Stranger (Spies)
All day long Pepper stared at us as me, Jake, and him rode drag.
I was starting to think that he told dad about Jake kissing me this morning.
Dad had hired a new hand recently like a week ago and for some reason the guy gave me the creeps.
He reminded me of some one but I didn’t know who.
He looked middle aged but his hair was gray.
Every single time we stopped he’d turn around and give me a stare that sent shivers up my spine.
He for some reason reminded me of Flick.
"So what do you think of the new hand?" Pepper asked Jake snapping me out of thought.
"I don’t know there’s some thing weird about him," Jake glanced at the hand.
"What’s his name again?" I asked.
"Fred," Pepper answered.
I made a face," He freaks me out," I said trying not to look at Jake.
"Ditto," Pepper and Jake said in unison.
That night:
I sat down beside Jake by the camp fire and sighed. It had been 9 hours riding and I ached all over.
"You ok?" Jake asked me as I did.
"Just tired," I said wanting to put my head on his shoulder.
I didn’t dare even though I wanted to.
We were the only ones sitting every one else was getting ready for bed and night hawking when Fred sat down in front of us.
"You two going night hawking tonight?" Fred asked us.
"Yes," Jake answered looking at me.
"I guess I better get ready," I got up trying not to flinch from my sore muscles.
The truth was Fred really scared me and I didn’t want to be near him.
I was so glad me and Jake got night hawk at the same time since Fred got the same time as me.
Jake gave me a look like I was deserting him.
I just did eye language with him eying Fred.
Jake rolled his eyes at me.
I narrowed mine.
I turned and went to get Strawberry.
I heard Jake and Fred get up and follow.
Dallas and Pepper were talking a few yards away from me and I could hear them talking.
I heard the word Flick and looked up from checking Strawberries hooves.
"I heard Flick escaped jail last week," Pepper said to Dallas.
Dallas looked at me and whispered some thing back.
Oh my gosh what if Fred was Flick?
I looked behind me as Jake cleared his throat looking worried.
Fred just laughed and went to get his horse.
Jake must have seen the worried look in my face because he squeezed my hand while no one was looking.
"What if Fred is Flick?" I told Jake in fear.
"We don’t know that yet," Jake said not looking so sure.
I saddled Strawberry.
Jake stared at me the whole night hawk maybe because Fred was riding near me or because he was still thinking about us.
I felt Fred staring at us curiously.
The next morning:
"Sam wake up!!!!!" Jake shook me out my dream.
"What?" I groaned turning on my side.
"Samantha Anne, wake up now!" Jake poked my side.
I turned back on my back,” No leave me alone," I growled sleepily.
Suddenly I felt a warm breath on my face then Jakes lips met mine.
My eyes popped open in shock.
He gave me a grin,” That works," he said and left.
I groaned and got ready for breakfast.
I felt people staring at me for some reason as I walked up.
"What?" I asked as Jake and Pepper looked up from sitting on a log.
"Nothing," They said at the same time.
I sat down beside Jake feeling nervous. We never really were alone long enough to mention the kiss.
He turned toward me looking into my eyes.
My heart fluttered as he did.
I suddenly knew we were in love.
Pepper rolled his eyes and left seeing us locked in a stare.
We were finally alone no one around us.
"I don’t know what to say," Jake scuffed his boot in the dirt.
"I-I," I turned away embarrassed.
"Why do you do that?" Jake turned my face back facing him.
I looked up at him then looked down feeling my self blush.
"I don’t know what’s going on between us" I closed my eyes.
"Were in love that’s what’s going on between us," Jake said softly.
I finally opened my eyes.
"I think we should try to work this out," Jake rubbed the back of his neck in discomfort.
"Like you mean go out?" my stomach felt weird.
"Maybe," Jake said.
"Ok," I said looking into his brown eyes.
He leaned toward me about to kiss me when dad walked up.
Jake leaned backward and cleared his throat.
Dad gave us a wide eyed look of curiosity.
I felt so annoyed why couldn’t we ever get a moment alone?
Jake looked the same as I felt.
"What are you two doing?" he asked us looking at our expressions.
"Nothin'" we said at the same time.
He didn’t look convinced.
Gram some where made a noise.
Me and Jake turned around quickly.
She was leaning against the chuck wagon looking well I didn’t know what her look was.
Me and Jake glanced at each other thinking the same thing---had she seen our whole conversation?
I felt sick, oh gosh this isn’t good, I thought worriedly.
I wanted to melt into the ground. This was to embarrassing!
"I think we need to talk," Gram told me.
Oh no! My mind screamed. Why did this have to happen?
"Ok," I relied feeling like I was going to faint from so much excitement.
Chapter 4: I Cant Let You Go
the talk between Gram and I was long while we washed dishes she made me ride with her in the chuck wagon instead of riding with the cowboys.
We pitched up the tents and every thing there else was to do.
By the time every body got there dinner was ready.
I had missed Jake all day why couldn’t we be alone?
After everyone ate Jake lead me toward the horses so we could be alone.
"I missed you," He said softly resting his forehead against mine.
"Me to," I said closing my eyes.
"I love you," He said softly.
I laughed,” I love you to," I said opening my eyes.
Suddenly we heard Fred talking a few yards away.
Jake took my hand and pulled me behind a boulder.
I gasped,"Whats wrong?"
Jake put a hand on my mouth.
Fred was talking on a cell,"Yeah nobody knows its me with this colored hair of mine," he laughed," Yeah all I have to do is get rid of that Forster girl but that might be hard with Jake Ely around, then catch that stallion and we'll be living large," he walked away till he was out of sight.
What did he mean get rid of me?
"It is Flick!" I choked from fear," What are we going to do?" I said.
"Take him down," Jake looked ready.
"They won’t believe us when we tell them Fred is Flick," I said.
"Then we won’t. We'll just tackle him our selves," Jake looked smug.
"How?" I felt sick noticing Jakes face was pale.
"I don’t know," he said," we will think of some thing though," Jake looked strained.
I was really scared. What was he planning to do to me?
Jake must have seen the worry in my face cause he drawed me to him.
"Don’t worry I won't let nothing happen to you again," he said.
I wanted to believe him but he couldn’t watch me forever.
I stayed in his arms for a long time but we heard Dallas yell, "Hurry up we're burning daylight."
We got up and headed back to the horses.
Fred or Flick gave us a stare and I almost thought he knew we had been spying on him.
I felt so sick in fact so sick I thought I was going to faint.
One look told Jake he better grab me before I did.
Suddenly my knees gave way and darkness closed around me.
I heard Jake call out my name and felt him holding me.
I tried to speak to tell him I was fine but I knew I wasn’t.
I heard voices around me I was scared I didn’t want to end up in the hospital again.
I almost thought I heard Jake crying but that couldn’t be.
I opened my eyes slowly trying not to blind my self.
Every thing was white and then I knew I was in a hospital bed and my stomach hurt.
I turned my head and saw Jake at the side of my bed he was asleep.
"Jake," I tried to speak but I was too weak it came out whisper but he looked up.
"Sam?" he said looking relieved.
"What happened?" I said almost in a whisper.
"You fainted and we had to take you to the hospital and the doctor thinks you were poisoned," Jake looked sick," We thought you were going to die Samantha," he choked.
"Am I going to make it?" I asked him.
"Yes," he said giving me the most passionate kiss.
“I love you,” he said softly.
“I love you too,” I said weakly.
He kissed me again taking my breath away.
The Doctor came in and Jake leaned back quickly
Kissing the sick patient are we?” The doctor teased Jake.
Jake blushed and glanced at me.
“Lil lady I think it’s safe for you to go home now,” Doc said finally.
“Thank you sir,” I said looking over at Jake.
The Doctor finally left.
“I can take you home,” Jake said as a nurse came in.
A few minutes later it was time to go and Jake helped me stand up but my legs were too weak to hold me up and I fell.
Jake caught me quickly,” I guess I’m going to have to carry you. Huh brat?” He lifted me up in his arms bridal style
“Jake!” I gasped as he carried me out to the car.
“What?” he asked putting me in the truck carefully.
“Never mind,” I said as he got in the other side.
I fell asleep before we got there I was so tired I didn’t care that Jake was glancing at me to see if I was ok.
Chapter 5: Mistake
I started having a nightmare and I couldn’t wake up.
Flick had captured the Phantom and he had me tied up and I couldn’t get away and Jake wasn’t there I was alone and waiting for my fate. I tried to scream Jake but nothing came.
I felt some one shaking me awake.
“Sam wake up you’re having a nightmare,” Jake shook me awake.
I opened my eyes I was on the hard wood floor in my bed room I must have fallen off the bed.
“What happened?” I mumbled realizing I was shaking.
“Your dad let me spend the night I was about to go to bed when I heard you screaming then a loud noise and I ran in here and you were on the floor,” Jake said picking me up and putting me back on the bed.
“Oh,” I groaned thinking about my dream.
“What were you dreaming?” Jake asked me looking concerned.
“Flick-,’ I broke off into a sob,”I don’t want to talk about it right now,”
“Ok,” Jake said about to leave he never liked seeing me cry.
“Jake, please don’t leave me, I’m so scared,” I whispered.
“Ok I’ll stay for a little while,” Jake told me. He sat on the bed and wrapped his arms around me. I stopped shaking after a while.
I finally fell asleep again.
The next morning:
I opened my eyes suddenly feeling some one wrap their arms around me tighter.
Oh no! Jake fell asleep in my room! If Dad, Gram, and Bryana find out we’re both dead.
“Jake! Wake up! Jake?!” I whispered screamed.
Jake opened his eyes looking right into mine.
“Jake? You better go before some one finds out,” I told him as soon as he was focused enough to understand.
“Yeah good idea,” He got up and crept out quickly.
I got up and got dressed and went down stairs quietly trying not to wake any one.
“Sam? Did I hear Jake come out of your room a few minutes ago?” Gram asked suspitously from the kitchen.
“Ugh um,” I couldn’t lie and I didn’t want to say he was,” Ugh I got to go feed Ace,” I ran out the door quickly.
I ran into the barn running into Pepper.
“Whoa what’s your hurry there cowgirl?” he grabbed me before I fell backward.
“Gotta feed Ace that’s all,” I went to Ace’s stall and filled his trough with oats.
Fred (Flick) walked by and stopped by the stall I was in.
“I was sorry to hear about you getting poisoned. I wonder how you got that way,” I saw him hide a smirk.
Pepper left and it was only me and Fred.
“I know who you are,” I said quickly,” Me and Jake are going to take you down Flick if it’s the last thing we do,” I glared at him watching his smirk fade.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about Miss Forster,” he pretended to be confused.
“Excuse me,” I pushed past him to get out the stall.
He grabbed my arm before I escaped,” Since you know who I am Sam, I’m sure you know how you got poisoned and what’s going to happen to you if you don’t surrender the Phantom over to me and Linc Slocum,” he said gripping my arm tight.
“Let me go,” I growled trying to sound like I wasn’t scared of him.
I heard Jake creep up behind Flick.
“You’re not going any where till you surrender the Phantom over Samantha. I’ll make sure of that,” Flick said angrily shaking me hard.
“Let her go now Flick!” Jake said sounding even angrier.
“Ely you’re not a part of this,” Flick snarled in fury.
Jake and Flick gave each other long glares.
Flick was prejudice he despised that Jake was half Shoshone.
“I have more of a part of it then you’ll ever know Flick,” Jake glared.
“Ely, you and Forster’s days are numbered,” Flick let me go and walked out.
“Are you ok?” Jake asked me looking worried.
“I’m a little shook up but I’m ok,” I half gasped half sighed.
“That’s good. Man he scared me I thought he was going to hurt you,” Jake said looking serious.
“Well, he didn’t,” I tried to smile but my smile trembled.
“But he’s going to try. You know that don’t you?” Jake looked pale.
I nodded feeling sick to my stomach.
“You ok? You don’t look so good,” Jake said feeling my forehead.
“My stomach feels weird again,” I said.
“You better go lay down before you faint again and I have to pick you up and carry you back in,” Jake said trying to joke.
“Ok,” I said as we walked back to the house. Gram gave us a look as we came in.
“Sam, I want to know. Was Jake in your room all last night?” she asked.
“Um yes, but it was on accident Gram. We didn’t do any thing I promise,” I said glancing at Jake.
“Uh huh,” Gram said washing the dishes.
“We didn’t, honest,” Jake said.
“Ok I believe you,” Gram said.
Chapter 6: The Date
“Is it ok if we go to town for a while? I asked.
“Ok as long as ya’ll get back before 12,” Gram said.
“Ok,” I dragged Jake out the house.
“Why we going to town for?” Jake asked puzzled.
“Well I was thinking we really outta have a date by now,” I giggled.
“Sounds good to me,” He said as we got in the car.
As he drove he started looking worried.
“What’s wrong?” I asked looking at his worried face.
“I heard Flick talking on the phone again I’m pretty sure he’s talking to Linc. Flick is talking about he’s going to try to get rid of you today Sam,” Jake said not turning to look at me he was gripping the steering wheel tight.
“How does he plan to get rid of me Jake?” I asked feeling sick again.
“I rather not tell you,” Jake looked sick as I felt.
“Please Jake I want to know,” I pleaded.
“He wants to get rid of both of us to get to the Phantom,” Jake said slowly,” But I’m not letting him even put a finger on you,” he looked angry just thinking about it.
“What doe’s get rid of mean?” I asked him.
“I’m not sure and I don’t wanna find out,” Jake said.
We didn’t say any thing.
Jake looked in the mirror,” Oh no,” he groaned.
“What is it Jake?!” I tried to turn around in my seat.
“Flick is following us,” Jake said looking really worried.
I didn’t say any thing. I was scared what did he plan to do to us?
“What are we going to do?” I finally asked.
“Keep driving like he’s not following us and go on our date and watch for him,” Jake said looking in the mirror again.
“Oh,” I sighed.
“Don’t worry I won’t let him hurt you Sam I promise,” He said as we turned into Claire’s Diner’s parking lot.
“Ok,” I said feeling a little better.
We got out and walked in. Suddenly we realized some thing Claire gossiped and she was probably going to tell everyone that we were dating.
“You still wanna have this date?” Jake chuckled.
“Yes I do,” I said as we sat down.
Our date was going nice until Flick came in the diner and sat down a few yards away.
“Jake?” I whispered getting worried.
“We better go,” he said getting up. I followed him to the counter to pay for the food.
“Oh man I forgot my wallet. Be right back,” He said leaving to get it.
I started getting really nervous I was alone almost with Flick and he was watching me.
Claire went to the bathroom and my heart sank as Flick got up and walked towards me.
Chapter 7: Fate
“Well, well we meet again,” he said playing it cool but I knew what he was about to do.
I made a run for the door but he grabbed me,” Let me go!” I tried to scream but he got out a rag and tied it over my mouth.
“No we’re going to go to Nugget,” he said pulling me out the back door then pushed me in his truck.
Nugget was this old western town that was disserted long ago it wasn’t far from here.
“Come on,” he said dragging me out the truck after he broke the chain off the gate.
He dragged me to the ice house. He got out a blind fold and put it over my eyes then tied my hands.
“No one will find you in here,” He laughed. I heard him open the door. Then he pushed me in.
I hit the ground hard hitting my head. My head hurt and I couldn’t see any thing and I was scared. What was going to happen to me? And what about the Phantom?
Flick shut the door I heard him lock it.
Where was Jake? I knew he probably wasn’t going to find me. I started crying. I laid my head down on the cold hard floor and closed my eyes.
“Oh Jake where are you?” I sobbed. I finally fell asleep.
Some thing hit the door hard and I jolted awake.
Who was it?
It was either Flick about to do away with me or Jake about to save me.
I held my breath as the door finally opened with a crack.
I tensed up ready for the blow but nothing came.
“Sam are you ok?” I heard the sound of Jakes comforting voice.
I nodded knowing I wasn’t. My head was hurting and so was my leg.
Jake got on his knees beside me and took the blind fold off and the rag off my mouth then untied me.
“How did you find me?” I said about to cry again.
“Just a hunch,” Jake said hugging me.
I started crying in relief.
“Let’s go before Flick comes back,” Jake said softly helping me up.
“Ow!” I almost screamed as I put weight on my left leg.
Jake quickly lifted me up,” If I ever meet up with Flick again I’m going to hurt him for this.
He carried me to the ice house entrance and stopped. The door was so high up.
“You’re going to have to get on my shoulders and climb out and then ill find a way out,” Jake said.
“Oh,” I groaned my leg was hurting so bad.
He helped me on his shoulders then I crawled out trying not to whimper.
A few minutes later Jake got out.
“Let’s get outta here,” Jake said picking me up.
“Ok,” I gasped as my leg pressed against him accidentally.
“Your leg must be broken,” Jake said putting me in the car slowly.
“Yeah,” I flinched as he got in and we drove off quickly.
“Great just great,” Jake growled flooring the gas pedal.
“What is it?!” I asked alarmed.
“Flick saw us,” Jake said looking scared.
“Oh no,” I said seeing Flick near us.
Flick was gaining on us and we both knew we couldn’t out run him.
“Sam no matter what happens I love you,” Jake said suddenly looking serious,” I’ll do any thing to keep you safe even if it means dieing for you,” he said softly.
I couldn’t say any thing I was so scared and so touched.
Suddenly Flick hit the bumper of the car then rammed his truck hard into the side of the car.
My stomach dropped as we started spinning I couldn’t scream I was too much in shock as the car spinned towards a tree.
Jake threw his self on top of me to keep me self.
I was crying as Jake wrapped his arms around me tight. I knew this could be our last moment together.
The car hit the tree and every thing went black.
Chapter 8: Waking up
I opened my eyes and looked around I was in the hospital again. Memories from last night flooded back.
“Jake!” I cried out. Was he ok? Was he hurt?
I looked around the room and caught my breath. Jake was in a hospital bed beside me. He looked so pale.
I looked away trying not to cry. He was hurt because he had shielded me when we hit the tree.
Brynna and Dad came in and froze when they saw I was awake.
They didn’t say any thing at first but as my eyes traveled back to Jake, Dad said,” I’m sorry Sam but Jake is hurt very bad. He’s in a coma. The doctors don’t think he’s going to make it,” he said taking in my shocked face.
“No!” I started screaming,” Why Jake?! Why did it have to be him?” I started crying. Jake was hurt all because of me.
Dad and Brynna left me because they knew they could do nothing to comfort me.
I cried my eyes out all day and couldn’t stop.
3 Days Later:
“Sam it’s time to come home,” Brynna said as I sat beside Jake not wanting to leave the hospital.
“I want to stay please,” I started crying.
“You have to come home Sam,” Brynna said slowly as I got up and limped toward her.
I hadn’t got hurt in the car accident except for bruises from Jake as he threw his self on top of me, but my leg was broken from where Flick threw me into the ice house and my head was cut up a little.
The nurse rolled in a wheelchair and I got in it glancing back at motionless Jake.
1 Week Later:
I sat beside Jake watching him. He looked so peaceful laying there. I wanted him to wake up. I wanted Jake back.
I smoothed his dark hair and laid my head on the side of the bed. I fell asleep.
I thought I was dreaming as I felt some one run their hand threw my hair.
I opened my eyes and gasped. Jake was awake.
“Hey Brat why are you staring?” he said weakly, teasing me.
“Jake!” I could barely speak from shock.
“I love you,” he said as he watched my stunned face.
“I love you too,” I started crying, I kissed him softly. I had missed him so much.
“Ssshh, why are you crying Sam?” Jake said softly watching me cry.
“They thought you weren’t going to wake up,” I cried. He drew me to him.
“Well I did,” he said softly, holding me.
“What happened?” he asked as I stopped crying.
“They said when they found us you were on top of me with your arms wrapped around me and they could hardly get your arms loose,” I said as Jake took in a breath.
“When they did get you off me I was covered in your blood,” I shuddered and so did Jake.
“You almost died Jake,” I tried not to start crying again.
Jake was silent then said,” I wanted you to live even if I didn’t. I love you so much,” he said looking in my eyes.
A nurse came in then looked at us wide eyed.
“Yo-You’re awake Mr. Ely,” she stammered checking his heart monitor and other things.
The nurse went out and the doctor came in,” Well Jake, it seems you recovered pretty fast,” he said checking him.
“Yes sir,” Jake replied glancing at me.
“You can go home later today, as long as you stay off your feet for awhile,” Doc said.
“Ok I will,” Jake said but I could tell by his expression he didn’t want to stay off his feet.
The Doctor left to give us some time together.
“I missed you,” I said as he rubbed his nose with mine.
“I missed you too,” he said.
“I’ve decided what I’m going to college for,” Jake said suddenly.
“What Jake?” I asked curiously.
“I’m going to become a police officer so I can protect people from bad guys like Flick,” Jake said looking in my eyes.
I didn’t say any thing. Being a police officer was dangerous but it sounded like some thing Jake would like to do.
“I’m proud for you,” I said meaning it.
Chapter 9: Mister Grumpy
“Samantha I don’t want to sit here any longer,” Jake grumped slumping on the bed.
“Your mom will skin me if I let you get up,” I replied.
I had come to keep Jake company will his family went to town. It had been a week since he had come home from the hospital and ever since Jake had been mean and grumpy even towards me and he didn’t seem to care that he was.
I had seen him like this last year when he had broken his leg but this was worse then ever.
“Aw come on Jake, cheer up,” I said in a cheery voice.
“Who should be cheery when they have 6 broken ribs, a head injury, an almost shattered arm and a hurting back,” Jake grumped more.
“Hey there mister grumpy who has the broken leg?” I teased him but he just turned away.
“Sam please just leave me alone,” Jake said still turned.
“If that’s the way you want it Jake,” I choked back tears why was he so bitter towards me? Did he regret risking his life for me?
“Sam don’t I didn’t mean it that way. I—Sam?” Jake called as he saw my eyes fill with tears. I ran out of the room.
I knew if Jake could he would’ve ran after me but he couldn’t he was bed bound.
I ran into the bathroom and started sobbing. He hated me I just knew it.
I wish I was the one that got hurt not him. I thought in despair. Then maybe he wouldn’t hate me.
“Sam?” Jake knocked on the door.
“Jake? You’re not supposed to get out of bed,” I snapped.
“I know but I wanted to say---say that I’m sorry for acting so mean,” Jake said sounding sad.
I didn’t say any thing I just opened the door and walked out the bathroom trying not to meet his eyes.
“Sam I’m sorry,” Jake said grabbing my arm before I walked away.
“I—I’m sorry too,” I said about to cry again.
“You don’t have any thing to be sorry for,” Jake said wiping a tear that ran down my face.
Suddenly some thing dawned on me. What happened to the Phantom? No one had caught Flick. People thought he probably ran to Mexico.
“Jake? What if Flick took the Phantom when he fled to Mexico?” I asked.
“I don’t think he took him,” Jake assured me.
“Ok,” I sighed relieved.
The front door opened and Maxine Ely, Jakes mom called,” We’re home!”
“Jake hurry!” I pulled him back in his room quickly.
“Ok ok,” he said sitting back on the bed looking grumpy again.
I giggled at his expression.
“Not funny, Brat,” he grumped which made me giggle harder.
“Yes it is,” I laughed so hard my ribs hurt.
“You want some thing to laugh at I’ll give you some thing to laugh at,” Jake gave me a sinister look.
“Oh no!” I squawked trying to get up off the bed but Jake grabbed me.
“Jake let me go!” I cried out giggling.
“No,” he grinned tickling me unmercifully.
“Jake! Jake? Jake stop!” I squirmed miserably.
“No can do,” he tickled me even more until I was screaming,” Jake stop it now!”
The Ely clan peeked in to see what was going on.
“Jake it sounded like you were trying to murder Sam,” Maxine giggled.
“Naw, I would never do that,” Jake said giving me a fake evil look.
“Don’t trust him,” I squeaked as he still tickled me. I tried to push him away but he didn’t move.
“Jake please stop,” I said giving up on fighting.
“Nope,” he said still tickling.
“What can I do to make you stop?” I said pushing against his chest.
“Nothing but this,” Jake stopped tickling me then kissed me hard.
“Oh!” I gasped as my leg bumped against the bed.
“Sorry,” Jake said.
Chapter 10: Scared Little Kid
Jake’s brothers were whistling and whooping. I blushed and Jake rolled his eyes at them.
“You two want to watch a scary movie with us?” Adam asked.
“Sure,” Jake said looking away from me for the first time.
“It’s gonna be good. It has lots of vampires,” Bryan said.
I gulped. No body knew my fear of vampires. I actually thought they existed almost.
Jake pulled me in the living room with his brothers.
I sighed and sat down on the couch and Jake sat down beside me.
Quinn pressed play on the DVD player and I gulped again feeling sick.
The movie started out with a vampire kidnapping a woman and a bunch of other stuff. I hated horror movies but I couldn’t just run out the room like a scared little kid so I sat next to Jake as close as I could.
Suddenly out of nowhere a vampire jumped out going ah ha! I jumped trying not to scream. This movie was too scary all I wanted to do was run out the room but I couldn’t.
“Sam, are you ok?” Jake asked as I jumped beside him.
“Uh-um-ye-yes,” I stuttered realizing I was shaking. I wanted to be closer to Jake like he would protect me from a vampire on a screen. Geez I am a wimp. I gulped.
“Sam, why are you shaking?” Jake pulled me close making me immediately feel safe.
“No reason,” I said telling my self, ‘You’re scared of a fictional character, you are such a fraidy cat.’ But I still held his hand tight and pretty much clung to him.
“Alright if you say so,” Jake said going back to watching the movie.
By the time the movie ended I was shaking so hard my teeth were chattering.
“Sam, what’s bothering you? I can tell there’s some thing wrong,” Jake said as we got up, he was staring at my shaking body. My legs wobbled and he had to steady me.
Before I could answer Adam and Bryan were running across the room with blankets around them like caps.
“Look at me I’m a vampire,” Bryan goofed,” I’m gonna get ya Sam you better watch out,” he walked toward me.
I screeched and ran out the house.
“Bryan?! What the heck did you just do?” Jake roared as I practically screamed bloody murder before racing out the house.
“Nothing just fooling around. I didn’t know I scared her that bad,” Bryan looked bewildered.
“Save it,” Jake said as Bryan opened his mouth to say something else.
Jake ran after me and found me on my knees in the barn sobbing.
“Brat, what’s wrong?” he said sitting down beside me.
“Nothing,” I gasped for air I was sobbing so hard.
“Samantha no body sobs like that for nothing,” Jake said pulling me close.
“I know you’re gonna think I went all wacky but-bu-“I stopped.
“But?” Jake asked looking at me with his mustang eyes.
“But, I-I’m scared of-vamp-vampires,” I managed not looking away from his eyes.
I was surprised he didn’t laugh at me. He wiped a tear off my face and said,” Sam, you should of told us you were scared of them and we wouldn’t have watched that movie.
“I didn’t want ya’ll to think I was a scared little kid,” I tried to laugh.
Jake just rolled his eyes and said,” Sam I could tell you were scared you were practically clinging to me the whole time,” he laughed.
“Oh sorry,” I blushed scarlet red.
“It’s ok. Actually I kinda liked you doing that,” he laughed again but cried out ow! When he laughed so hard his ribs hurt him. He grimaced.
“Jake, are you ok?” I asked him.
“Yes,” he grimaced again.
“Jake, you better go back in and lay down,” I told him.
“Good idea,” he gave in and we walked back inside hand in hand.
I looked outside at Jake, feeling sad that he would be leaving next weekend for college. I was wishing, in despair, that he wouldn’t go. Jake must have felt me staring at him through the window, because he looked up and waved at me. I really will miss him.
.Gram yelled through the hall, “Sam, go help Jake with that fence wire. He could use your help." "O.k.," I said, getting up from my bed. "Don’t forget your gloves or that wire will tear your hands up; and it’s not so fun when that happens," Gram added. "Ok, I won’t," I yelled back. As I searched through my drawers trying to find a pair of garden gloves, I found only one and it would have to do, since the other was missing. As I ran down the stairs, Cougar raced after me almost tripping me as he zoomed by. "Cougar,” I yelled at the kitty, laughing. He meowed.
When I went outside, the heat hit me like an open oven. As I walked to where Jake was, he yelled "hey Brat," as he twisted the wire with his pliers. "Hello yourself, " I said, feeling butterflies… What is wrong with me, I thought; this is Jake here. I seriously can’t be in love with him; can I?
Jake gave me a set of pliers. "Thanks," I said, as I took them. As I started clumsily twisting the wire, Jake stared at me in surprise. "What are you doing with those pliers?” he asked me. "Tightening wire," I said. "No you aint, you’re loosening them, Sam!" "Oh sorry," I gasped, seeing what I was doing. "Here," Jake said, as he put down his pliers putting his hand around mine to demonstrate the way to tighten wire.
I tried to get what he was doing, but all I could think about was his hand on mine. His hands are so gentle, I thought, as he moved his hand on top of mine showing me how to use the pliers. "You hold them this way," he said, letting go when he thought I understood. "Thanks," I said, now actually tightening the wire instead of loosening it. It seemed like hours before we were done. Jake sighed leaning against the porch, “Well that’s done,” he said as he scratched the back of his neck. I looked at him, surprised because he only does that when he is nervous or embarrassed about something. Does he feel the same way? I asked my self.
"Sam?" Jake snapped his fingers in my face. "What?" I jerked out of some deep thinking. "You want to go riding, since there’s not much else to do around here?" Jake asked again. "Sure, okay," I said.
We headed to the barn to saddle up the horses. Ace stuck his head out of his stall and squealed. "What’s up boy?" I cooed, walking in the stall. "Oh gosh, Ace, what happened to you? Did Strawberry bite you again?" I ran my hand down the side of his back.
"Hurry up Brat and-" Jake started walking up to the stall. "I don’t think I should ride him today," I said showing him the bite on his back.
"Yeah you better let him heal up," Jake looked around,” all the other horses are out herding cattle so you’ll have to double on Witch with me."
"Ok" I said walking with Jake to where Witch stood tied to a post. He mounted then kicked his boot free of the stirrup and grabbed my hand and pulled me behind him.
I wrapped my arms around his waist as Witch cantered toward the mountains.
"Where are we going?" I asked him.
"You’ll see," he said.
I huffed impatiently.
He laughed.
"It’s not funny," I groaned impatiently.
"Get used to it Brat,"
I laughed at the nickname.
Suddenly I knew where we were---we were at the Phantom's secret valley.
Why is he taking me here for? I wondered. The entrance is all blocked off from the avalanche of snow---so I thought till I saw it with my own brown eyes.
It was all cleared up...I thought there would have been boulders left from the avalanche...Of coarse the snow melted by now it was summer!
"Oh my gosh, Jake, thank you!" I wanted to hug him but I couldn’t so I tightened my arms around Jake.
"Your welcome," he scratched his neck in uneasiness.
I laughed at him feeling embarrassed my self.
We dismounted and walked through the tunnel.
It was so dark I almost tripped but Jake caught me before I did.
"Whoa that was close," Jake said still holding onto me.
I didn’t say any thing; I was in such a daze.
Did he have feelings for me? I wondered as he let go.
The Phantom snorted as he saw us.
"Hey Blackie," Jake called out.
I was so in a daze I didn’t realize he was beside me till he butted his nose into my back and I stumbled into Jake accidentally.
My head hit against his chest and I gasped. It hurt.
"Oh!" I cried out as we both hit the ground.
I fell on top of him.
Embarrassed I didn’t know what to do.
I rolled off him, blushing mad.
I heard him clear his throat loudly.
Now we were sitting side by side.
"Sorry we both said at the same time.
I blushed and turned my head.
He got up.
I knew he was looking at me as I finally got up too.
What's wrong with me?! I thought, how could I be in love with him?
I looked at Jake; he was actually still staring at me.
"Sam, I need to tell you something. I-" He broke it off and rubbed the back of his neck.
"What?" I asked, hoping he was going to say what I wanted him to.
"Never mind," He shrugged it off.
"No tell me I wanna know," I urged him.
He set his jaw looking stubborn,” I don't wanna right now,"
"Aw come on Jake," I begged.
"I-I-ugh gah," He started,” I-I-lo-,"He broke off.
I sure didn’t expect what he was about to do.
Suddenly he leaned in toward me---I felt my heart skip a beat.
Then I felt his lips on mine.
I gasped feeling like I was going to faint.
His arm went around me as he felt me go limp.
"Jake," I gasped as it ended.
He just stared at me like he was as shocked as I was.
We just stared at each other not able to say any thing.
I turned and walked back to where Witch was ground tied.
Jake walked after me,” I’m sorry if you’re mad at me. I didn’t know what I was thinking;" He babbled which was so not like him.
"Jake!" I interrupted him,” You didn’t. I was just surprised is all," I said feeling so dazed.
He didn’t say any thing, he just stared.
I couldn’t look away from his eyes.
Chapter 2: Is this real
when we got back to the ranch I was still in a daze.
Jake hadn’t said any thing since he kissed me and it was getting so awkward to be around him.
He dismounted Witch then I got off he didn’t look at me.
"Jake?" I asked him as he kept his head turned as he stripped off Witch's tack.
"Yeah?" He asked sounding slightly nervous.
"Why aren’t you talking?" I said wishing I hadn’t said a thing I felt so timid.
What was wrong with me? How could I have fallen in love with him after so many years?
He didn’t say any thing.
I just went back to the house since he didn’t say any thing.
"Samantha wait!" Jake ran after me.
I turned to look at him.
"I hope you're not mad at me for what I did," He started.
I just stared at him.
"And I’m not sorry I kissed you," he said softly.
I couldn’t say any thing. Was this real?
I ran into the house.
He didn’t follow me this time.
"What's wrong with you?" Gram asked as I ran up stairs.
"Nothing," I shut my door to my room.
Why?! I wanted to scream. Why is this happening when he's going to college the next week?
"Oh Jake why do you have to leave?" I whispered.
Some one knocked on my door.
"Yes?" I said wiping tears off my face.
"Sam I need to talk to you," Jake said.
"Please go away," I said a sob escaped me.
"Sam please," Jake said.
I got up and unlocked the door.
He came in and sat down on my bed.
He didn’t say any thing and I was getting so nervous.
Suddenly I started crying and couldn’t stop.
"Why are you crying?" Jake asked me looking concerned.
"I don’t know," I sobbed, I buried my face into my hands.
Suddenly I found my self in Jake's arms.
I didn’t pull away---I didn’t want to.
"What's wrong you can tell me," Jake said holding me.
"Why do you have to leave?" I sobbed into his chest.
He didn’t speak---I guess he didn’t know what to say.
He held me for what seemed like hours.
I sat up wiping my face,” Sorry," I whispered afraid id start crying again.
"Its ok," he said looking at me.
I realized I had soaked his shirt from my tears.
He got up and left and went down stairs.
I went to the bathroom to wash my face so no one would guess I had been crying.
When I got down stairs Jake was at the table, I didn’t see any one else.
"Hey," I sat down beside him.
"Hi," Jake said scratching the back of his neck in discomfort.
"Where is everyone?" I asked minutes later.
"I don’t know," He said sounding strange.
"I know this is going to sound crazy but---"Jake stopped.
"But?" I asked.
"But-butithinkiminlovewithyou," He said so fast it sounded like one word.
"But you what?" I asked again.
He exhaled,” I think i'm in love with you," He said slower.
"I-I-I-think i might be to," i said turning away so he wouldnt see me blush.
He turned my head back,seeing me blush.
I thought he was going to kiss me again but i guess he stopped his self.
"Jake, Sam?" Samantha's dad called.
"Sam you better go get your stuff packed for the cattle drive tomorrow," He said giving us a weird look.
"I guess I better go," Jake got up.
"See ya later," I called.
"Yeah see ya," he said softly.
He left and I got sad.
5:00 a.m. Next morning:
I was brushing Strawberry getting her ready when Jake walked in.
"Hey," I said happy to see him.
"Hi," he said with a faint smile.
Strawberry snorted butting me in the back.
I stumbled into Jake.
He caught me quickly before I went backward.
"Thanks," I breathed knowing he was about to kiss me.
"No problemo," he said holding me.
Then we were kissing.
I didn’t feel embarrassed either.
Suddenly Pepper walked in.
"Holy smokes," He cried out seeing us kiss.
We pulled away.
"Did I just see what I thought I saw?" Pepper blinked.
"Yes," Jake answered.
Oh no! I thought. What if he told dad something was going on between us?
He turned and walked out forgetting what ever he came in here for.
I started giggling not knowing how else to react.
Jake looked kind of worried.
"Ugh I better go saddle Witch," Jake left.
Chapter 3: The Stranger (Spies)
All day long Pepper stared at us as me, Jake, and him rode drag.
I was starting to think that he told dad about Jake kissing me this morning.
Dad had hired a new hand recently like a week ago and for some reason the guy gave me the creeps.
He reminded me of some one but I didn’t know who.
He looked middle aged but his hair was gray.
Every single time we stopped he’d turn around and give me a stare that sent shivers up my spine.
He for some reason reminded me of Flick.
"So what do you think of the new hand?" Pepper asked Jake snapping me out of thought.
"I don’t know there’s some thing weird about him," Jake glanced at the hand.
"What’s his name again?" I asked.
"Fred," Pepper answered.
I made a face," He freaks me out," I said trying not to look at Jake.
"Ditto," Pepper and Jake said in unison.
That night:
I sat down beside Jake by the camp fire and sighed. It had been 9 hours riding and I ached all over.
"You ok?" Jake asked me as I did.
"Just tired," I said wanting to put my head on his shoulder.
I didn’t dare even though I wanted to.
We were the only ones sitting every one else was getting ready for bed and night hawking when Fred sat down in front of us.
"You two going night hawking tonight?" Fred asked us.
"Yes," Jake answered looking at me.
"I guess I better get ready," I got up trying not to flinch from my sore muscles.
The truth was Fred really scared me and I didn’t want to be near him.
I was so glad me and Jake got night hawk at the same time since Fred got the same time as me.
Jake gave me a look like I was deserting him.
I just did eye language with him eying Fred.
Jake rolled his eyes at me.
I narrowed mine.
I turned and went to get Strawberry.
I heard Jake and Fred get up and follow.
Dallas and Pepper were talking a few yards away from me and I could hear them talking.
I heard the word Flick and looked up from checking Strawberries hooves.
"I heard Flick escaped jail last week," Pepper said to Dallas.
Dallas looked at me and whispered some thing back.
Oh my gosh what if Fred was Flick?
I looked behind me as Jake cleared his throat looking worried.
Fred just laughed and went to get his horse.
Jake must have seen the worried look in my face because he squeezed my hand while no one was looking.
"What if Fred is Flick?" I told Jake in fear.
"We don’t know that yet," Jake said not looking so sure.
I saddled Strawberry.
Jake stared at me the whole night hawk maybe because Fred was riding near me or because he was still thinking about us.
I felt Fred staring at us curiously.
The next morning:
"Sam wake up!!!!!" Jake shook me out my dream.
"What?" I groaned turning on my side.
"Samantha Anne, wake up now!" Jake poked my side.
I turned back on my back,” No leave me alone," I growled sleepily.
Suddenly I felt a warm breath on my face then Jakes lips met mine.
My eyes popped open in shock.
He gave me a grin,” That works," he said and left.
I groaned and got ready for breakfast.
I felt people staring at me for some reason as I walked up.
"What?" I asked as Jake and Pepper looked up from sitting on a log.
"Nothing," They said at the same time.
I sat down beside Jake feeling nervous. We never really were alone long enough to mention the kiss.
He turned toward me looking into my eyes.
My heart fluttered as he did.
I suddenly knew we were in love.
Pepper rolled his eyes and left seeing us locked in a stare.
We were finally alone no one around us.
"I don’t know what to say," Jake scuffed his boot in the dirt.
"I-I," I turned away embarrassed.
"Why do you do that?" Jake turned my face back facing him.
I looked up at him then looked down feeling my self blush.
"I don’t know what’s going on between us" I closed my eyes.
"Were in love that’s what’s going on between us," Jake said softly.
I finally opened my eyes.
"I think we should try to work this out," Jake rubbed the back of his neck in discomfort.
"Like you mean go out?" my stomach felt weird.
"Maybe," Jake said.
"Ok," I said looking into his brown eyes.
He leaned toward me about to kiss me when dad walked up.
Jake leaned backward and cleared his throat.
Dad gave us a wide eyed look of curiosity.
I felt so annoyed why couldn’t we ever get a moment alone?
Jake looked the same as I felt.
"What are you two doing?" he asked us looking at our expressions.
"Nothin'" we said at the same time.
He didn’t look convinced.
Gram some where made a noise.
Me and Jake turned around quickly.
She was leaning against the chuck wagon looking well I didn’t know what her look was.
Me and Jake glanced at each other thinking the same thing---had she seen our whole conversation?
I felt sick, oh gosh this isn’t good, I thought worriedly.
I wanted to melt into the ground. This was to embarrassing!
"I think we need to talk," Gram told me.
Oh no! My mind screamed. Why did this have to happen?
"Ok," I relied feeling like I was going to faint from so much excitement.
Chapter 4: I Cant Let You Go
the talk between Gram and I was long while we washed dishes she made me ride with her in the chuck wagon instead of riding with the cowboys.
We pitched up the tents and every thing there else was to do.
By the time every body got there dinner was ready.
I had missed Jake all day why couldn’t we be alone?
After everyone ate Jake lead me toward the horses so we could be alone.
"I missed you," He said softly resting his forehead against mine.
"Me to," I said closing my eyes.
"I love you," He said softly.
I laughed,” I love you to," I said opening my eyes.
Suddenly we heard Fred talking a few yards away.
Jake took my hand and pulled me behind a boulder.
I gasped,"Whats wrong?"
Jake put a hand on my mouth.
Fred was talking on a cell,"Yeah nobody knows its me with this colored hair of mine," he laughed," Yeah all I have to do is get rid of that Forster girl but that might be hard with Jake Ely around, then catch that stallion and we'll be living large," he walked away till he was out of sight.
What did he mean get rid of me?
"It is Flick!" I choked from fear," What are we going to do?" I said.
"Take him down," Jake looked ready.
"They won’t believe us when we tell them Fred is Flick," I said.
"Then we won’t. We'll just tackle him our selves," Jake looked smug.
"How?" I felt sick noticing Jakes face was pale.
"I don’t know," he said," we will think of some thing though," Jake looked strained.
I was really scared. What was he planning to do to me?
Jake must have seen the worry in my face cause he drawed me to him.
"Don’t worry I won't let nothing happen to you again," he said.
I wanted to believe him but he couldn’t watch me forever.
I stayed in his arms for a long time but we heard Dallas yell, "Hurry up we're burning daylight."
We got up and headed back to the horses.
Fred or Flick gave us a stare and I almost thought he knew we had been spying on him.
I felt so sick in fact so sick I thought I was going to faint.
One look told Jake he better grab me before I did.
Suddenly my knees gave way and darkness closed around me.
I heard Jake call out my name and felt him holding me.
I tried to speak to tell him I was fine but I knew I wasn’t.
I heard voices around me I was scared I didn’t want to end up in the hospital again.
I almost thought I heard Jake crying but that couldn’t be.
I opened my eyes slowly trying not to blind my self.
Every thing was white and then I knew I was in a hospital bed and my stomach hurt.
I turned my head and saw Jake at the side of my bed he was asleep.
"Jake," I tried to speak but I was too weak it came out whisper but he looked up.
"Sam?" he said looking relieved.
"What happened?" I said almost in a whisper.
"You fainted and we had to take you to the hospital and the doctor thinks you were poisoned," Jake looked sick," We thought you were going to die Samantha," he choked.
"Am I going to make it?" I asked him.
"Yes," he said giving me the most passionate kiss.
“I love you,” he said softly.
“I love you too,” I said weakly.
He kissed me again taking my breath away.
The Doctor came in and Jake leaned back quickly
Kissing the sick patient are we?” The doctor teased Jake.
Jake blushed and glanced at me.
“Lil lady I think it’s safe for you to go home now,” Doc said finally.
“Thank you sir,” I said looking over at Jake.
The Doctor finally left.
“I can take you home,” Jake said as a nurse came in.
A few minutes later it was time to go and Jake helped me stand up but my legs were too weak to hold me up and I fell.
Jake caught me quickly,” I guess I’m going to have to carry you. Huh brat?” He lifted me up in his arms bridal style
“Jake!” I gasped as he carried me out to the car.
“What?” he asked putting me in the truck carefully.
“Never mind,” I said as he got in the other side.
I fell asleep before we got there I was so tired I didn’t care that Jake was glancing at me to see if I was ok.
Chapter 5: Mistake
I started having a nightmare and I couldn’t wake up.
Flick had captured the Phantom and he had me tied up and I couldn’t get away and Jake wasn’t there I was alone and waiting for my fate. I tried to scream Jake but nothing came.
I felt some one shaking me awake.
“Sam wake up you’re having a nightmare,” Jake shook me awake.
I opened my eyes I was on the hard wood floor in my bed room I must have fallen off the bed.
“What happened?” I mumbled realizing I was shaking.
“Your dad let me spend the night I was about to go to bed when I heard you screaming then a loud noise and I ran in here and you were on the floor,” Jake said picking me up and putting me back on the bed.
“Oh,” I groaned thinking about my dream.
“What were you dreaming?” Jake asked me looking concerned.
“Flick-,’ I broke off into a sob,”I don’t want to talk about it right now,”
“Ok,” Jake said about to leave he never liked seeing me cry.
“Jake, please don’t leave me, I’m so scared,” I whispered.
“Ok I’ll stay for a little while,” Jake told me. He sat on the bed and wrapped his arms around me. I stopped shaking after a while.
I finally fell asleep again.
The next morning:
I opened my eyes suddenly feeling some one wrap their arms around me tighter.
Oh no! Jake fell asleep in my room! If Dad, Gram, and Bryana find out we’re both dead.
“Jake! Wake up! Jake?!” I whispered screamed.
Jake opened his eyes looking right into mine.
“Jake? You better go before some one finds out,” I told him as soon as he was focused enough to understand.
“Yeah good idea,” He got up and crept out quickly.
I got up and got dressed and went down stairs quietly trying not to wake any one.
“Sam? Did I hear Jake come out of your room a few minutes ago?” Gram asked suspitously from the kitchen.
“Ugh um,” I couldn’t lie and I didn’t want to say he was,” Ugh I got to go feed Ace,” I ran out the door quickly.
I ran into the barn running into Pepper.
“Whoa what’s your hurry there cowgirl?” he grabbed me before I fell backward.
“Gotta feed Ace that’s all,” I went to Ace’s stall and filled his trough with oats.
Fred (Flick) walked by and stopped by the stall I was in.
“I was sorry to hear about you getting poisoned. I wonder how you got that way,” I saw him hide a smirk.
Pepper left and it was only me and Fred.
“I know who you are,” I said quickly,” Me and Jake are going to take you down Flick if it’s the last thing we do,” I glared at him watching his smirk fade.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about Miss Forster,” he pretended to be confused.
“Excuse me,” I pushed past him to get out the stall.
He grabbed my arm before I escaped,” Since you know who I am Sam, I’m sure you know how you got poisoned and what’s going to happen to you if you don’t surrender the Phantom over to me and Linc Slocum,” he said gripping my arm tight.
“Let me go,” I growled trying to sound like I wasn’t scared of him.
I heard Jake creep up behind Flick.
“You’re not going any where till you surrender the Phantom over Samantha. I’ll make sure of that,” Flick said angrily shaking me hard.
“Let her go now Flick!” Jake said sounding even angrier.
“Ely you’re not a part of this,” Flick snarled in fury.
Jake and Flick gave each other long glares.
Flick was prejudice he despised that Jake was half Shoshone.
“I have more of a part of it then you’ll ever know Flick,” Jake glared.
“Ely, you and Forster’s days are numbered,” Flick let me go and walked out.
“Are you ok?” Jake asked me looking worried.
“I’m a little shook up but I’m ok,” I half gasped half sighed.
“That’s good. Man he scared me I thought he was going to hurt you,” Jake said looking serious.
“Well, he didn’t,” I tried to smile but my smile trembled.
“But he’s going to try. You know that don’t you?” Jake looked pale.
I nodded feeling sick to my stomach.
“You ok? You don’t look so good,” Jake said feeling my forehead.
“My stomach feels weird again,” I said.
“You better go lay down before you faint again and I have to pick you up and carry you back in,” Jake said trying to joke.
“Ok,” I said as we walked back to the house. Gram gave us a look as we came in.
“Sam, I want to know. Was Jake in your room all last night?” she asked.
“Um yes, but it was on accident Gram. We didn’t do any thing I promise,” I said glancing at Jake.
“Uh huh,” Gram said washing the dishes.
“We didn’t, honest,” Jake said.
“Ok I believe you,” Gram said.
Chapter 6: The Date
“Is it ok if we go to town for a while? I asked.
“Ok as long as ya’ll get back before 12,” Gram said.
“Ok,” I dragged Jake out the house.
“Why we going to town for?” Jake asked puzzled.
“Well I was thinking we really outta have a date by now,” I giggled.
“Sounds good to me,” He said as we got in the car.
As he drove he started looking worried.
“What’s wrong?” I asked looking at his worried face.
“I heard Flick talking on the phone again I’m pretty sure he’s talking to Linc. Flick is talking about he’s going to try to get rid of you today Sam,” Jake said not turning to look at me he was gripping the steering wheel tight.
“How does he plan to get rid of me Jake?” I asked feeling sick again.
“I rather not tell you,” Jake looked sick as I felt.
“Please Jake I want to know,” I pleaded.
“He wants to get rid of both of us to get to the Phantom,” Jake said slowly,” But I’m not letting him even put a finger on you,” he looked angry just thinking about it.
“What doe’s get rid of mean?” I asked him.
“I’m not sure and I don’t wanna find out,” Jake said.
We didn’t say any thing.
Jake looked in the mirror,” Oh no,” he groaned.
“What is it Jake?!” I tried to turn around in my seat.
“Flick is following us,” Jake said looking really worried.
I didn’t say any thing. I was scared what did he plan to do to us?
“What are we going to do?” I finally asked.
“Keep driving like he’s not following us and go on our date and watch for him,” Jake said looking in the mirror again.
“Oh,” I sighed.
“Don’t worry I won’t let him hurt you Sam I promise,” He said as we turned into Claire’s Diner’s parking lot.
“Ok,” I said feeling a little better.
We got out and walked in. Suddenly we realized some thing Claire gossiped and she was probably going to tell everyone that we were dating.
“You still wanna have this date?” Jake chuckled.
“Yes I do,” I said as we sat down.
Our date was going nice until Flick came in the diner and sat down a few yards away.
“Jake?” I whispered getting worried.
“We better go,” he said getting up. I followed him to the counter to pay for the food.
“Oh man I forgot my wallet. Be right back,” He said leaving to get it.
I started getting really nervous I was alone almost with Flick and he was watching me.
Claire went to the bathroom and my heart sank as Flick got up and walked towards me.
Chapter 7: Fate
“Well, well we meet again,” he said playing it cool but I knew what he was about to do.
I made a run for the door but he grabbed me,” Let me go!” I tried to scream but he got out a rag and tied it over my mouth.
“No we’re going to go to Nugget,” he said pulling me out the back door then pushed me in his truck.
Nugget was this old western town that was disserted long ago it wasn’t far from here.
“Come on,” he said dragging me out the truck after he broke the chain off the gate.
He dragged me to the ice house. He got out a blind fold and put it over my eyes then tied my hands.
“No one will find you in here,” He laughed. I heard him open the door. Then he pushed me in.
I hit the ground hard hitting my head. My head hurt and I couldn’t see any thing and I was scared. What was going to happen to me? And what about the Phantom?
Flick shut the door I heard him lock it.
Where was Jake? I knew he probably wasn’t going to find me. I started crying. I laid my head down on the cold hard floor and closed my eyes.
“Oh Jake where are you?” I sobbed. I finally fell asleep.
Some thing hit the door hard and I jolted awake.
Who was it?
It was either Flick about to do away with me or Jake about to save me.
I held my breath as the door finally opened with a crack.
I tensed up ready for the blow but nothing came.
“Sam are you ok?” I heard the sound of Jakes comforting voice.
I nodded knowing I wasn’t. My head was hurting and so was my leg.
Jake got on his knees beside me and took the blind fold off and the rag off my mouth then untied me.
“How did you find me?” I said about to cry again.
“Just a hunch,” Jake said hugging me.
I started crying in relief.
“Let’s go before Flick comes back,” Jake said softly helping me up.
“Ow!” I almost screamed as I put weight on my left leg.
Jake quickly lifted me up,” If I ever meet up with Flick again I’m going to hurt him for this.
He carried me to the ice house entrance and stopped. The door was so high up.
“You’re going to have to get on my shoulders and climb out and then ill find a way out,” Jake said.
“Oh,” I groaned my leg was hurting so bad.
He helped me on his shoulders then I crawled out trying not to whimper.
A few minutes later Jake got out.
“Let’s get outta here,” Jake said picking me up.
“Ok,” I gasped as my leg pressed against him accidentally.
“Your leg must be broken,” Jake said putting me in the car slowly.
“Yeah,” I flinched as he got in and we drove off quickly.
“Great just great,” Jake growled flooring the gas pedal.
“What is it?!” I asked alarmed.
“Flick saw us,” Jake said looking scared.
“Oh no,” I said seeing Flick near us.
Flick was gaining on us and we both knew we couldn’t out run him.
“Sam no matter what happens I love you,” Jake said suddenly looking serious,” I’ll do any thing to keep you safe even if it means dieing for you,” he said softly.
I couldn’t say any thing I was so scared and so touched.
Suddenly Flick hit the bumper of the car then rammed his truck hard into the side of the car.
My stomach dropped as we started spinning I couldn’t scream I was too much in shock as the car spinned towards a tree.
Jake threw his self on top of me to keep me self.
I was crying as Jake wrapped his arms around me tight. I knew this could be our last moment together.
The car hit the tree and every thing went black.
Chapter 8: Waking up
I opened my eyes and looked around I was in the hospital again. Memories from last night flooded back.
“Jake!” I cried out. Was he ok? Was he hurt?
I looked around the room and caught my breath. Jake was in a hospital bed beside me. He looked so pale.
I looked away trying not to cry. He was hurt because he had shielded me when we hit the tree.
Brynna and Dad came in and froze when they saw I was awake.
They didn’t say any thing at first but as my eyes traveled back to Jake, Dad said,” I’m sorry Sam but Jake is hurt very bad. He’s in a coma. The doctors don’t think he’s going to make it,” he said taking in my shocked face.
“No!” I started screaming,” Why Jake?! Why did it have to be him?” I started crying. Jake was hurt all because of me.
Dad and Brynna left me because they knew they could do nothing to comfort me.
I cried my eyes out all day and couldn’t stop.
3 Days Later:
“Sam it’s time to come home,” Brynna said as I sat beside Jake not wanting to leave the hospital.
“I want to stay please,” I started crying.
“You have to come home Sam,” Brynna said slowly as I got up and limped toward her.
I hadn’t got hurt in the car accident except for bruises from Jake as he threw his self on top of me, but my leg was broken from where Flick threw me into the ice house and my head was cut up a little.
The nurse rolled in a wheelchair and I got in it glancing back at motionless Jake.
1 Week Later:
I sat beside Jake watching him. He looked so peaceful laying there. I wanted him to wake up. I wanted Jake back.
I smoothed his dark hair and laid my head on the side of the bed. I fell asleep.
I thought I was dreaming as I felt some one run their hand threw my hair.
I opened my eyes and gasped. Jake was awake.
“Hey Brat why are you staring?” he said weakly, teasing me.
“Jake!” I could barely speak from shock.
“I love you,” he said as he watched my stunned face.
“I love you too,” I started crying, I kissed him softly. I had missed him so much.
“Ssshh, why are you crying Sam?” Jake said softly watching me cry.
“They thought you weren’t going to wake up,” I cried. He drew me to him.
“Well I did,” he said softly, holding me.
“What happened?” he asked as I stopped crying.
“They said when they found us you were on top of me with your arms wrapped around me and they could hardly get your arms loose,” I said as Jake took in a breath.
“When they did get you off me I was covered in your blood,” I shuddered and so did Jake.
“You almost died Jake,” I tried not to start crying again.
Jake was silent then said,” I wanted you to live even if I didn’t. I love you so much,” he said looking in my eyes.
A nurse came in then looked at us wide eyed.
“Yo-You’re awake Mr. Ely,” she stammered checking his heart monitor and other things.
The nurse went out and the doctor came in,” Well Jake, it seems you recovered pretty fast,” he said checking him.
“Yes sir,” Jake replied glancing at me.
“You can go home later today, as long as you stay off your feet for awhile,” Doc said.
“Ok I will,” Jake said but I could tell by his expression he didn’t want to stay off his feet.
The Doctor left to give us some time together.
“I missed you,” I said as he rubbed his nose with mine.
“I missed you too,” he said.
“I’ve decided what I’m going to college for,” Jake said suddenly.
“What Jake?” I asked curiously.
“I’m going to become a police officer so I can protect people from bad guys like Flick,” Jake said looking in my eyes.
I didn’t say any thing. Being a police officer was dangerous but it sounded like some thing Jake would like to do.
“I’m proud for you,” I said meaning it.
Chapter 9: Mister Grumpy
“Samantha I don’t want to sit here any longer,” Jake grumped slumping on the bed.
“Your mom will skin me if I let you get up,” I replied.
I had come to keep Jake company will his family went to town. It had been a week since he had come home from the hospital and ever since Jake had been mean and grumpy even towards me and he didn’t seem to care that he was.
I had seen him like this last year when he had broken his leg but this was worse then ever.
“Aw come on Jake, cheer up,” I said in a cheery voice.
“Who should be cheery when they have 6 broken ribs, a head injury, an almost shattered arm and a hurting back,” Jake grumped more.
“Hey there mister grumpy who has the broken leg?” I teased him but he just turned away.
“Sam please just leave me alone,” Jake said still turned.
“If that’s the way you want it Jake,” I choked back tears why was he so bitter towards me? Did he regret risking his life for me?
“Sam don’t I didn’t mean it that way. I—Sam?” Jake called as he saw my eyes fill with tears. I ran out of the room.
I knew if Jake could he would’ve ran after me but he couldn’t he was bed bound.
I ran into the bathroom and started sobbing. He hated me I just knew it.
I wish I was the one that got hurt not him. I thought in despair. Then maybe he wouldn’t hate me.
“Sam?” Jake knocked on the door.
“Jake? You’re not supposed to get out of bed,” I snapped.
“I know but I wanted to say---say that I’m sorry for acting so mean,” Jake said sounding sad.
I didn’t say any thing I just opened the door and walked out the bathroom trying not to meet his eyes.
“Sam I’m sorry,” Jake said grabbing my arm before I walked away.
“I—I’m sorry too,” I said about to cry again.
“You don’t have any thing to be sorry for,” Jake said wiping a tear that ran down my face.
Suddenly some thing dawned on me. What happened to the Phantom? No one had caught Flick. People thought he probably ran to Mexico.
“Jake? What if Flick took the Phantom when he fled to Mexico?” I asked.
“I don’t think he took him,” Jake assured me.
“Ok,” I sighed relieved.
The front door opened and Maxine Ely, Jakes mom called,” We’re home!”
“Jake hurry!” I pulled him back in his room quickly.
“Ok ok,” he said sitting back on the bed looking grumpy again.
I giggled at his expression.
“Not funny, Brat,” he grumped which made me giggle harder.
“Yes it is,” I laughed so hard my ribs hurt.
“You want some thing to laugh at I’ll give you some thing to laugh at,” Jake gave me a sinister look.
“Oh no!” I squawked trying to get up off the bed but Jake grabbed me.
“Jake let me go!” I cried out giggling.
“No,” he grinned tickling me unmercifully.
“Jake! Jake? Jake stop!” I squirmed miserably.
“No can do,” he tickled me even more until I was screaming,” Jake stop it now!”
The Ely clan peeked in to see what was going on.
“Jake it sounded like you were trying to murder Sam,” Maxine giggled.
“Naw, I would never do that,” Jake said giving me a fake evil look.
“Don’t trust him,” I squeaked as he still tickled me. I tried to push him away but he didn’t move.
“Jake please stop,” I said giving up on fighting.
“Nope,” he said still tickling.
“What can I do to make you stop?” I said pushing against his chest.
“Nothing but this,” Jake stopped tickling me then kissed me hard.
“Oh!” I gasped as my leg bumped against the bed.
“Sorry,” Jake said.
Chapter 10: Scared Little Kid
Jake’s brothers were whistling and whooping. I blushed and Jake rolled his eyes at them.
“You two want to watch a scary movie with us?” Adam asked.
“Sure,” Jake said looking away from me for the first time.
“It’s gonna be good. It has lots of vampires,” Bryan said.
I gulped. No body knew my fear of vampires. I actually thought they existed almost.
Jake pulled me in the living room with his brothers.
I sighed and sat down on the couch and Jake sat down beside me.
Quinn pressed play on the DVD player and I gulped again feeling sick.
The movie started out with a vampire kidnapping a woman and a bunch of other stuff. I hated horror movies but I couldn’t just run out the room like a scared little kid so I sat next to Jake as close as I could.
Suddenly out of nowhere a vampire jumped out going ah ha! I jumped trying not to scream. This movie was too scary all I wanted to do was run out the room but I couldn’t.
“Sam, are you ok?” Jake asked as I jumped beside him.
“Uh-um-ye-yes,” I stuttered realizing I was shaking. I wanted to be closer to Jake like he would protect me from a vampire on a screen. Geez I am a wimp. I gulped.
“Sam, why are you shaking?” Jake pulled me close making me immediately feel safe.
“No reason,” I said telling my self, ‘You’re scared of a fictional character, you are such a fraidy cat.’ But I still held his hand tight and pretty much clung to him.
“Alright if you say so,” Jake said going back to watching the movie.
By the time the movie ended I was shaking so hard my teeth were chattering.
“Sam, what’s bothering you? I can tell there’s some thing wrong,” Jake said as we got up, he was staring at my shaking body. My legs wobbled and he had to steady me.
Before I could answer Adam and Bryan were running across the room with blankets around them like caps.
“Look at me I’m a vampire,” Bryan goofed,” I’m gonna get ya Sam you better watch out,” he walked toward me.
I screeched and ran out the house.
“Bryan?! What the heck did you just do?” Jake roared as I practically screamed bloody murder before racing out the house.
“Nothing just fooling around. I didn’t know I scared her that bad,” Bryan looked bewildered.
“Save it,” Jake said as Bryan opened his mouth to say something else.
Jake ran after me and found me on my knees in the barn sobbing.
“Brat, what’s wrong?” he said sitting down beside me.
“Nothing,” I gasped for air I was sobbing so hard.
“Samantha no body sobs like that for nothing,” Jake said pulling me close.
“I know you’re gonna think I went all wacky but-bu-“I stopped.
“But?” Jake asked looking at me with his mustang eyes.
“But, I-I’m scared of-vamp-vampires,” I managed not looking away from his eyes.
I was surprised he didn’t laugh at me. He wiped a tear off my face and said,” Sam, you should of told us you were scared of them and we wouldn’t have watched that movie.
“I didn’t want ya’ll to think I was a scared little kid,” I tried to laugh.
Jake just rolled his eyes and said,” Sam I could tell you were scared you were practically clinging to me the whole time,” he laughed.
“Oh sorry,” I blushed scarlet red.
“It’s ok. Actually I kinda liked you doing that,” he laughed again but cried out ow! When he laughed so hard his ribs hurt him. He grimaced.
“Jake, are you ok?” I asked him.
“Yes,” he grimaced again.
“Jake, you better go back in and lay down,” I told him.
“Good idea,” he gave in and we walked back inside hand in hand.
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