After a horrendously long time, in Lily’s opinion, Sam’s eyes finally refocused from whereever they had been and pinned Lily with a look she had never seen before. Understanding mixed with relief, mixed with regret and something else Lily couldn’t put her finger on just then.

"I don’t hate you, Lily," Sam whispered. Lily felt her heart start to beat again and her lungs reinflate. "I was just really surprised. And flattered, actually. And relieved that you didn’t hate me." Lily’s eyes lit up for a second but then faded.

"But you don’t feel the same," she said as a statement and not a question. Sam shook her head sadly.

"I’m sorry, Lily, really I am. But my heart is spoken for. Wholey and completely whether I like it or not," Sam said with a sigh.

"George," Lily said flatly with a hint of contempt in her voice. Sam let out a laugh that was more like a bark.

"Yeah, right," she scoffed sarcastically. "That’s why I spend my Friday’s at home nursing hot chocolate and watching bad TV movies and he’s out dating his way through the junior class. We broke up a while ago, Lily. I think you might have missed that while you were `away’." Lily frowned. Sure she’s been living in her own private Sam obsessed bubble but surely Harrison or Carmen would have told her if Sam were seeing someone else.

"If not George, than who?" Sam gave her a pained look.

"Not to rub it in, but same as you, someone and something I can never have," Sam said as a few tears fell down her face. Suddenly it smacked Lily between the eyes like a sledgehammer.

"Brooke," she whispered in awe. "You’re in love with Brooke." The way Sam’s eyes widened in shock and she froze in place again was all the confirmation Lily needed.

"I don’t believe it, you’re gay," Lily breathed. Sam glared at her.

"Oh, sure fine. You decide to `out’ yourself in the school newspaper office and then decide to take me with you. Gee, thanks," she snarled.

"I’m sorry, Sam, just shocked is all," Lily apologized. "You’re in love with Brooke," she repeated. Sam rolled her eyes.