"So you’re not at all freaked out?" Lily asked, her voice small. Sam smiled.

"Well, you look like Lily Esposito, sound like Lily Esposito, so, you must be her. So you’re gay, big friggin’ deal," Sam said firmly. Lily put her head in her hands and burst into tears. Sam frowned.

"OK, those don’t look at all like tears of relief, Lil. I thought I gave the right answer. I said that I don’t care that you’re gay and I meant it."

"You don’t understand," Lily sobbed. Sam scooted her chair closer, which made Lily pull away a little. Sam frowned again. She was so confused her head was beginning to hurt.

"Then explain it to me, Lily," she coaxed soothingly. "What don’t I understand?" Lily raised her tear-streaked face to look into Sam’s caring, if somewhat confused one.

"When I kissed Carmen it did nothing for me because while I love her, it’s only as a friend. But I am in love with someone but I’m afraid that if I tell that someone I’ll lose them forever as a friend," she explained through her tears. Sam nodded in understanding.

"Oh, OK, I get it. But, Lily, still, you can’t keep this bottled up like this. It’s unhealthy. And even if this person doesn’t return your feelings at least things between you will be honest," Sam pointed out softly. Lily considered this carefully.

"I’m in love with you, Sam. Deeply," she confessed just above a whisper. She chanced a glance at Sam and was shocked to see her sitting absolutely still. No movement whatsoever, staring straight ahead unblinking and it scared Lily. She wasn’t even sure Sam was breathing anymore. Lily brought her hand up to her mouth as she felt the bile rise to the back of her throat and churn in her stomach.

"Oh God, you’re majorly freaked out and now you hate me. I’m sorry, Sam but I had to tell you. That’s why I haven’t been around lately. I was afraid I’d just blurt it out in front of everyone and…and…" she trailed off not knowing what else to say. She shifted in her seat uncomfortably not knowing whether she should leave or not. She decided to stay and see what Sam had to say, if Sam ever came out of her state of shock, that is.