In Your Arms

by Becky Andrews

  PhilyCheeseSteak: She doesn’t like me, then?

  SamIam: No, she just doesn’t trust me…or approve of anything that involves ‘boys.’

  PhilyCheeseSteak: Haha. Well, I hope you get to come. I think Benjamin would really like it.

  SamIam: Yeah, I told Benjamin to tell my parents he really wants to go. I don’t think it will be a problem.

  PhilyCheeseSteak: Oh, I see how it works.

  SamIam: So don’t worry, Ben and I will be there.

  PhilyCheeseSteak: Who said I was worrying?

  SamIam: I’ll let that one slide for right now, just because you’re inviting me to your house.

  PhilyCheeseSteak: Okay, okay. I actually should go.

  SamIam: Talking to me is getting too boring, huh?

  PhilyCheeseSteak: Never.

  Another box popped up. Sam grinned when she saw it was Alex. She couldn’t wait to tell her everything that had happened.

  Alexiscool: Hey, Sam. You talking to Phillip?

  SamIam: I was, but he just logged off.

  Alexiscool: So I saw you two talking after school. Michael told me not to disturb you.

  SamIam: Well, tell Michael I said thanks.

  Alexiscool: Why? What happened? What did he say?

  SamIam: He just asked if I could come over to his house and invited Benjamin too.

  Alexiscool: Not me? Or Michael?

  SamIam: Maybe another day—I really want you to see it too. It’s so huge.

  Alexiscool: So why are you bringing Benjamin?

  SamIam: My mother would never let me go over there by myself

  Alexiscool: So what’s going to happen when you two start dating?

  SamIam: Dating? We haven’t talked about that. I don’t think he’s going to start going out with someone right after he breaks up with Tracy.

  Alexiscool: Why not? I mean he’s obviously head over heels in love with you.

  SamIam: Really?

  Alexiscool: Sam, you have to be an idiot not to notice the way he looks at you. And you did kiss…briefly.

  SamIam: I wouldn’t really say that was a kiss. I’ll let you know how it goes. So tomorrow—no you and me time.

  Alexiscool: No prob, Bob. I think I’m gonna invite Michael over to study.

  SamIam: To “study”…yeah, right.

  Alexiscool: Shut up. Pretty soon, you’re going to be hearing me say that to you. To “study,” sure…

  SamIam: All right, all right. I won’t say anything, even though you two just make out the entire time you’re really supposed to be studying.

  Alexiscool: Not all the time. He’s helped me with Pre-cal before—once.

  SamIam: Once…okay, Al…Speaking of Pre-cal, I better start on it. We spent the entire time talking earlier. I haven’t done anything.

  Alexiscool: Yeah, me either.

  SamIam: So, I’ll see you tomorrow at school.

  * * *

  Later that night, Sam’s family had just finished eating when Sam brought up the question.

  “John, she’s had enough time off. She needs to start focusing on her work,” her mother protested.

  “Susan, just let her go. Samantha has been through enough these past few weeks,” Sam’s father said.

  Sam’s mother looked disapprovingly at her father, and then turned to Sam, “All right, Samantha, you can go, but I want you back for dinner.”

  “Okay, I’m fine with that,” she said, helping her mother clear the table off. After Sam took the plates to the kitchen, she walked back up the stairs, while Benjamin helped her mother wash the dishes and put the leftover food in the refrigerator.

  Sam shut her door and sat back down at her desk. She had, like always, finished her homework and was now ready to do something other than studying.

  Sam turned on her TV that sat on the plastic drawers next to her desk. She began to flip through the channels, the volume barely audible.

  PhilyCheeseSteak: Hey. So did you get an answer?

  SamIam: Yes, I did.

  PhilyCheeseSteak: And…

  SamIam: What do you think?

  PhilyCheeseSteak: Um…I would say they said you could go.

  SamIam: Yes!

  PhilyCheeseSteak: I better remember that then!

  SamIam: You better! So I’ll pick up Ben after school and drive to your house then?

  PhilyCheeseSteak: You remember where it is?

  SamIam: I have a great memory. Besides, your house wasn’t that far from mine.

  PhilyCheeseSteak: Does that great memory involve understanding the game of football?

  SamIam: No, obviously not and I’d appreciate it if you wouldn’t make fun of my football comprehension skills. To be honest, I blame my teacher!

  PhilyCheeseSteak: Okay, I’ll leave you alone to your thoughts…maybe you could brush up on your football comprehension skills for homework. ;)

  * * *

  “Come on, Benjamin,” Sam called upstairs impatiently the next day after school. “I have your car seat all ready.”

  Benjamin ran down the stairs with his Thomas the Tank Engine backpack hanging loosely around his shoulder. “I’m ready, Sammy. I like your dress,” he said, running toward the door.

  Sam opened it and Benjamin took off toward her car.

  “Be careful driving, Samantha. Don’t speed. Oh, and let the other cars pass you,” her mother called from the front door, watching them climb into the car. “Make sure you buckle Benjamin’s seatbelt!”

  “Yes, Mother,” Sam said as she helped Benjamin into his car seat.

  “Is it buckled?”

  “Yes, Mom. Bye,” Sam said, waving to her mother.

  “Be safe!” her mom called out once more before Sam shut her door and drove off. It didn’t take long before Sam was pulling into the driveway leading to the guard tower.

  “Hello, Miss Baker. Mr. Corinodi said you would be coming today. It’s good to see you again.”

  Sam smiled. “Bob, right?”

  “Yes, miss.” He nodded.

  “Thank you, Bob,” Sam said as she pulled into the circular driveway leading to the house.

  “It’s Phillip!” Benjamin called from the backseat when Sam turned the car off. Phillip was standing by the driveway, waiting.

  Sam got out of the car and walked around to the other side, opening the car door. Benjamin had already unbuckled his seat belt and climbed out of it. “Come on, Benny,” Sam said as she pulled the seat forward, allowing Benjamin to climb out of the car, his backpack around his shoulders.

  “I see he’s brought his Thomas backpack,” Phillip said, smiling at them both.

  “Yeah, he never goes anywhere without it. Is it okay to park here?” Sam asked.

  “It’s fine. My parents won’t be back until after dinner, anyway,” Phillip said as they made their way inside.

  “Wow!” Benjamin gasped as he opened the door. “Your house is big.”

  “Yeah, a little too big sometimes.”

  “Are your parents ever home during the day?” Sam asked.

  “Tonight my dad has a dinner with his corporation, but most other days, my mother is here.”

  “Yeah, but it’s so big in here, do you ever see her?”

  Phillip laughed. “Not too often.”

  “Exactly how many bedrooms do you have here?”

  “Um, I think it’s something like seven.”

  “Seven? Do you even use all seven rooms?” Sam was curious.

  “Yeah, my mother turned one into an exercise room, one into a sewing room…”

  “I see. So what are we going to do?”

  “Anything you want.” Phillip smiled.

  “Benny, what do you want to do?” Sam knelt down.

  “I wanna play outside,” he said.

  Phillip led them through the large kitchen and opened the sliding door to the backyard.

  “A large yard, too, I see,” Sam commented as Benjamin ran out of the house and onto the children’s play set. “Oh, and you have your very own
play set out here.”

  Phillip laughed. “Yes, my mother didn’t want to get rid of anything. She wanted to have another child but hasn’t had any luck. Besides, without it, the yard is pretty bare. But no, I do not play on it anymore. My play set days are over, sadly.”

  The play set was surrounded by a large sand embankment. A large pool sat in the background, a stony pathway leading to it.

  “Well, I’m glad to hear it. So where does that lead to?” Sam pointed at the stone pathway.

  “It leads to a small little garden,” he said, taking her hand in his.

  “Can we have a look?” she asked, looking up at him, her heart beating faster at the look he was giving her.

  “Yeah, of course,” Phillip said, leading her on the stone pathway.

  “Sammy!” Benjamin called.

  Sam sighed then turned to look at Benjamin. “Yes, Benny?”

  “Can you push me?” he asked, running over to the swings.

  Sam looked up at Phillip.

  “Go on, I’m not going anywhere,” he said.

  Sam ran back over to the play set. Benjamin was sitting on one of the swings. “All right, are you ready?” Sam said as she began to push Benjamin on the swing until he was soaring high above her. “Be careful, Benny. Hold on tight!” Sam told him as she began to walk back toward Phillip, who was still standing on the pathway. “I’m just going to go see the garden with Phillip. I’ll be right back.”

  “Hey,” Sam said, taking her place back on the stony pathway. “What are you smiling at?”

  “You,” Phillip said. “You’re good with your little brother. It’s sweet. Come on, I want to show you the garden.”

  Phillip took her hand and entwined his fingers with hers.

  It wasn’t long before they entered the enclosed garden, which was lovely and secluded. Sam smiled up at Phillip, who reached up and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and looked into her eyes. She caught her breath at the touch of his hand. He gently stroked her cheek after putting her hair behind her ear. There was nothing she could do but look into his soft blue eyes.

  Sam still wasn’t sure what to think. Were they a couple now? Did their brief kiss the other day mean they were together? Did Phillip even want to be with her?

  Of course he did, the way he stared at her said it all.

  He leaned in closer, and she caught her breath.

  “Phillip—” Sam whispered, unsure what else to say.

  Phillip put his finger across her lips, stopping her lingering question. He traced his fingers across her lips then back to her cheek. Slowly, leaning forward, he gently pressed his lips to hers. Phillip cupped her face as he continued to kiss her. Sam relaxed and could think of nothing but the shivers sent up and down her spine by his kiss, his touch, his passion.

  Phillip and Sam finally parted, catching a long-needed breath.

  “Wow,” Phillip said breathlessly, smiling.

  “Was that a good ‘wow’ or a bad one?” she asked. She couldn’t help it.

  “Definitely a good one.”

  “So, what exactly does this mean?” Sam asked tentatively.

  “What do you want it to mean? I know what I want,” Phillip said, taking her hands in his. “I’ve liked you for so long, Sam. I just didn’t know how to tell you, or how to get out of that situation with Tracy—”

  Sam leaned over and kissed him, silencing him. This time, she freed her hand and touched his cheek. The passion between them was almost overwhelming for Sam as she continued to kiss him. Phillip wrapped his arms around her as she began to play with his hair.

  Sam finally broke away. “We have to slow down,” she whispered, his face still close to hers.

  “Yeah, that’s a good idea.”

  “I mean you just broke up with Tracy…” Sam trailed off.

  “And it would be wrong to pretend like nothing happened.”

  “It wouldn’t be right.”

  “But do you ever do what is socially acceptable?” he asked with a grin. “That’s one of the things I like best about you. You’re so honest. So beautiful.” He captured her lips with his again.

  The shivers continued to travel up and down her back. She knew this was right. It It felt good. Phillip continued to kiss her, more passionately than before. “Phillip…we have to stop…really…” she said between kisses. “Benny is still playing, and I have to check on him.”

  “Okay, but one more thing before we stop,” Phillip whispered. He started kissing her again, but this time she shivered as he ran his hand across her midriff, beneath her shirt. His fingertips were so gentle. Slowly they moved upward, until he brushed her nipple through her bra. She gasped into their kiss, shocked by how good it felt. No one had ever touched her that way before.

  Phillip moved to the other side, playing with that one until it was erect too. She was embarrassed, yet so aroused she didn’t know if she could stand it. Then his other hand was trailing up her back, unsnapping her bra so that her breasts were freed. The first touch of his hand on her bare breasts nearly made her jump out of her skin.

  “You’re so beautiful,” he whispered, breaking their kiss and staring deep into her eyes as he caressed her beneath her shirt. “I’ve always thought so, Sam. You don’t know how long I’ve wanted to do this. Kiss you… touch you…”

  He guided her toward the stone wall that surrounded the garden, pressing her against the wall and holding her gaze as he lifted the hem of her shirt, oh so slowly, giving her every opportunity to say no. Heat burned her cheeks as he bared her to his hot gaze, but she didn’t say anything to stop him.

  “Beautiful,” he breathed, bending his dark head to take one of her nipples in his mouth, running his tongue and teeth across the sensitive skin, making her shudder and cry out, burying her hands in his thick, silky hair as he tenderly kissed and suckled her.

  “No…come on…Benjamin—” Sam said, finally breaking free from his tantalizing touch. He was moving so fast. She loved the way he touched her, but it scared her too.

  “Okay, I’m sorry. We should head back,” Phillip said, He turned her around and refastened her bra with a deft hand, giving her such a hangdog look that she had to laugh. He smiled and reached a hand out to her.

  Sam placed her hand in his. She hadn’t expected such a fiery response to his touch, to their kiss, but something within her…within both of them, had risen to the surface. She couldn’t wait to explore it further.

  “Where’s Ben?” Sam asked as they emerged from the garden only to find an empty play set.

  “I’m not sure. He’s probably inside,” Phillip said, leading Sam inside the house.

  “Benny?” Sam called out as they walked inside.

  “Benjamin!” Phillip echoed.

  “Where would he be?” Sam asked, beginning to grow nervous.

  “Maybe the living room,” Phillip said, walking over toward the door to open it.

  “Benjamin? Are you in here?” Sam called out, panic rising within her.

  Benjamin was her responsibility and if something were to happen to him, she would never forgive herself. She'd gotten so caught up in her emotions and forgotten about her dear little brother. As they continued to look in all the rooms downstairs, Sam’s heart began to beat harder, her palms became clammy, and her breath more uneasy.

  “I can’t find him anywhere down here…maybe he went upstairs,” Phillip said, taking Sam’s hand and walking up the stairs with her. “I’ll look over there,” he pointed to the hallway on the left. “And you can look in those rooms.” He pointed to the hallway on the right.

  Both made their way down the hallway, opening the doors, calling for Benjamin. By this time, tears began to well in her eyes. Sam knew Benjamin wouldn’t run off. He knew better. Something must have happened or someone must have gotten him.

  Who would have taken him?

  She could think of only one person who would do something so awful, only one person who might have gained access to Phillip’s guarded, walled estate.<
br />
  Josh!

  Sam ran back toward Phillip, who had emerged from the hallway unsuccessful.

  “He wasn’t down there either,” he said, noticing the tears in her eyes. “It’s going to be all right, Sam. He couldn’t have gone far.” Phillip took Sam in his arms.

  “It’s all my fault. I wish I never saw it,” Sam cried. The panic that had been building in her since she first found that Benny wasn’t at the play set crashed over her, and she began to hyperventilate. Josh had Benny! This was all her fault! She should never have left him alone.

  “Saw what? What are you talking about?” he asked, looking down at her.

  “I lied…the shooting…I didn’t tell the whole truth…”

  “What? What are you talking about?” Phillip asked, confused.

  “I lied…this never would have happened if I didn’t see them…if I wasn’t there,” she cried.

  “Saw who? Saw what?”

  “Josh…I saw him…he killed Chris. I think he killed Billy too. Now he has Benjamin!”

  Phillip seemed at a loss for words. All he could do was look down at Sam, who had tears streaming down her cheeks.

  “Josh and Billy, they were the shooters. Josh wanted to take back the steroids Mr. Shepherd confiscated,” Sam explained brokenly.

  “Steroids?” Phillip questioned, looking more dazed by the minute.

  “For football. I overheard them talking before the shooting about it…Josh wanted them back,” she said in a rush, frantic.

  “Josh and Billy?”

  “Yes! Mr. Shepherd confiscated their steroids, but Josh didn’t have any money to buy more.”

  “That’s why they killed Chris? He knew about the steroids?”

  “No.” Sam caught her breath. “Chris saw them. They were scared he’d tell on them, but when they heard the sirens, Josh got spooked and shot Chris…” Sam trailed off, crying as she remembered the whole scene yet again. “Now he has Ben, and he’ll kill him like he killed Chris and Billy!”

  “It’s okay, Sam,” Phillip said, gathering her up in his arms again, still trying to get a full understanding over the situation. “We’ll get him back. We don’t know for sure that Ben’s been kidnapped.”

  “I have to keep looking,” Sam said, backing out of Phillip’s embrace.