Sammy was still dreaming. He could tell because he had that weird feeling that one usually has when they know that they are in a dream. Sammy decided to go with the dream as he got up out of bed and found he was already dressed. Yeah, it had to be a dream. Heading downstairs, Sammy followed his normal routine and headed into the kitchen for breakfast. Instead of seeing his mother he saw a shadowy figure sitting down at the table already eating. Sammy couldn't make out any distinguishable features to the person, it was like someone spilled shadowy ink all over him. Sammy was confused who it was but didn't ask any questions about it since it was a dream. Sammy sat down and waited for something to happen next.

After a few bites of food, the shadow of a person said something, "I got to say I'm a little disappointed." That voice sounded familiar, as if Sammy dreamed about his person before but he couldn't quite place it.

"Disappointed," Sammy asked the person. "Why?"

"Of all the people I bestow powers upon, not one has been this oblivious to them."

Sammy frowned. This was a weird dream.

"I mean," The figure chuckled, "It is extremely rare to see someone like, as smart as you are, not be able to connect the dots, or maybe..." The figure cocked his head to the side, "You're just that innocent and naive."

"I don't understand," Sammy said confused.

The man or thing, that sat across from Sammy just shrugged, "It doesn't matter. Normally I would give these powers to people to use them as they see fit, often for revenge. They would collect the essence of others and eventually become corrupted themselves the more they took. At which point I consume their soul along with the countless others they have collected. It makes the meal that more," He paused as if imaging it, "Delectable. However... you remain unaware to the point that your soul hasn't even been swayed at all. Not a bit. How unfortunate," the displeasure couldn't be missed in his voice.

Sammy was starting to feel uncomfortable and wanted to leave, but like any other dream he didn't have control of what he could do. The dark shadow in front of Sammy just shrugged.

"It's saddening, I thought you had potential....

"I don't understand," Sammy said again feeling extremely unnerved right now.

"And you never will."

Sammy suddenly felt a weird sensation as the shadowy figure held out his hand. Slowly Sammy felt something leaving his body. Looking down he saw blue lights flowing out of his body and into the open hand. Sammy didn't know how he knew but that blue light was this 'essence' the figure was talking about. Sammy felt his body start to become weaker and weaker as more of the light flowed from him and gathered in the man's hand. It was like someone was ripping him apart. He felt his eyes start to close as he got so weak that started to fall out of the chair he was in.

Sammy felt frightened as he closed his eyes.

"Rest..." The shadow said as Sammy's eyes closed completely.

Sammy woke up still feeling groggy. Sammy felt extremely tired, almost as if he ran a marathon in his sleep last night. Looking at his clock Sammy found he slept for a long time and couldn't understand why he was so sleepy and weak right now. Sammy debated whether to stay home and rest more or go to school. Deciding it was best to not miss a day of class, Sammy forced himself out of bed and started to get ready for School. Sammy could barely make it to the kitchen where he had a feeling of déjà vu came over him as he saw his chair and the one across from his pushed out. Someone sat in these chairs, Sammy thought...

Well duh, him and his mom had dinner last night. They must have forgotten to push the seats back in. Pushing the chairs back into place, Sammy started to make breakfast and then headed to the bus to get to school. It wasn't long before Sammy didn't feel as tired as he did that morning. Yet he couldn't shake a weird feeling that something was different about him. It was like the past couple of weeks he felt a little ... different from before, but now he felt like he was back to being the old Sammy. Sammy couldn't place it but he figured it must have been something he dreamed about last night.

Sammy got off the bus and headed to his locker. As tired as he felt, Sammy hopped that today was going to be a normal simple day. That thought disappeared as he approached his locker and saw Lucas and Tiffany already there before him. However, that wasn't what made him rethink his thoughts, it was the way that they were talking. It looked like... they were fighting, but that was impossible. They never fought. Sammy watched Tiffany face turn from disbelief to anger as she started to say something to Lucas. As Sammy got closer he could make out the last part of the fight.

Tiffany shook her head as she stormed off, "I can't believe you."

Sammy was about to stop her and ask her what was wrong but she dodged him and kept on walking.

"What was that about," Sammy asked worried about them.

Lucas just let out a sigh, "I just don't think it's working out between us."

"What," Sammy gasped.

Lucas just shrugged, "I told her that I think we need some time apart."

"But what happened," Sammy asked wanting to know why they were fighting.

"Don't worry about it," Lucas said as he patted Sammy on the shoulder. "You sleep ok you look tired," Lucas asked almost as if he forgot about the argument he just had with his girlfriend.

"I'm fine but what about Tiffany? Shouldn't you go after her or something," Sammy said really concerned about their argument.

"Come on Sammy," Lucas said pulling him close next to him, "Don't worry about her, I'd rather talk to you right now. What did you do yesterday?"

Sammy was worried. This seemed completely out of Lucas' behavior. "I... I um didn't do much. What about you?"

"I didn't do much either. You know I just stayed home and laid around," Lucas told Sammy. "And thought about you," Lucas said with a smirk on his face.

Sammy felt his heart skip a beat as he looked at Lucas. What did he say? Before Sammy could say anything, the bell rang signaling that they had to get to class.

"I'll see you later," Lucas said as he gave Sammy a hug and left him still frozen in the hallways.

Sammy didn't even hear his teacher talking as he was still thinking about what happened this morning between him and Lucas. He couldn't stop replaying the entire moment through his head over and over and over again. Did Lucas say what he thought he said to him? No, it had to be a mistake, he must have heard incorrectly. Right? Sammy was pulled out of his thoughts when he heard the bell signal the end of class. It wasn't until then that he realized that he wasn't taking notes and missed the entire lecture from his teacher. Trying to stay focused on what was happening, Sammy forced himself to get up and head to his other class and stay on task. It wasn't long before it was lunch and Sammy found Jessica waiting for him.

"Over here, Sammy," Jessica called him over. Sammy sat down next to Jessica. "Everything ok? You look a little down," Jessica asked.

"I'm just tired," Sammy told her, still feeling sleepy. "Have you seen Lucas today?"

Jessica shook her head no, "Why is something up?"

"Well, he and Tiffany got in a fight and... well Lucas just seems a little, I don't know different," Sammy told her. "Did Tiffany say anything to you?"

"Hmm," Jessica said after taking a bite of food. "Not that I remember. You sure they didn't just have like a small fight?"

Sammy shook his head, "Tiffany looked pretty upset. Lucas wouldn't even tell me what it was about."

"Maybe they just need some time apart," Jessica suggested.

Sammy wasn't sure if Jessica was right. Sammy had a feeling that things weren't going to get better with time...

The school day was about over and Sammy was in his last class with Mrs. Miller teaching the class about cell division and other topics that Sammy was struggling to get a grasp on. Finally, the bell rung as Mrs. Miller was writing on the board. The class departed so fast that Mrs. Miller didn't have time to turn around in time. Sammy was the last one in the class room packing his things.

"Mr. Heart, I'm glad to see you didn't disappear like the rest of the class. You must really be interested in this topic," Mrs. Miller said as she wiped down the board.

"Of course," Sammy lied not letting her know that he was just too slow to leave like the rest of the class.

Mrs. Miller laughed, "You don't have to lie to me. I know Biology can be a little boring at times. If you ever need a helping hand again just let me know," Mrs. Miller told Sammy.

Sammy couldn't help but be reminded of his fantasy last time and quickly nodded and left the classroom before Mrs. Miller thought he had a fever from how red he was turning. Sammy headed toward his locker to put his books away when he noticed someone standing near his locker. It was Bobby. Sammy was afraid that something was wrong.

Sammy came up to Bobby, who had his back to him, "Bobby?"

"Hey," Bobby said turning around.

"Is everything ok," Sammy asked worried that maybe the police were planning to actually pin Bobby with the disappearance of Rebeca.

"Of course," Bobby told him.

Sammy didn't buy it as he looked Bobby in the face. "Something is up," Sammy said as he tried to figure out what it might be.

Bobby didn't know why he was feeling nervous, but he did his best to stay calm as he looked Sammy in the face as he looked back. This Wednesday they had off and Bobby decided to ask Sammy out. "What.. what are you doing this Wednesday," Bobby said trying to muster up his courage.

"I'm not sure, I mean I don't think I have any plans-" Sammy started to say. Bobby's face lite up as he was about to ask if Sammy wanted to do something. But before Bobby could say anything someone called out Sammy's name.

It was Lucas.

"Sammy, I thought I was going to miss you before you left."

"No, you got caught me just in time," Sammy told him.

"Good," Lucas said as he came up beside Bobby and greeted him. "So what's happening," Lucas asked Sammy.

"Bobby was just asking if I was doing anything this Wednesday," Sammy told Lucas.

"Yeah? Did you tell him we got plans?"

"We do," Sammy asked confused.

"Yeah, I was thinking we could have like a bro day, just the two of us. You know like how we used to hang out in middle school."

"I-I guess, but," Sammy looked between both Bobby and Lucas now forced to make the decision. Who did he pick? Sammy was torn on who to choose until Sammy saw Bobby give him a sad smile.

"I should get going," Bobby said realizing that it was obvious who Sammy would rather be with.

"Wait," Sammy said as Bobby left, leaving Sammy with Lucas. Before Sammy could stop Bobby from leaving, Lucas clasped him on the shoulders and gave him a big smile.

"This is perfect just you and me. An entire day together! Oh man it's going to be a blast," Lucas said sounding really hyped.

"What about Tiffany?"

"Oh don't worry about her."

Sammy tried to put a little distance between him and Lucas, "Lucas, I'm serious. Why are you and Tiffany fighting?"

Lucas just shrugged, "I just told her things are different. I just don't feel the same as I did before."

Sammy looked stunned, "You broke up with her," Sammy said.

Lucas paused for a second, "... yeah I guess I did. Anyway, don't worry about that. Worry about what we will be doing this Wednesday," Lucas said again in a very cheerful mood. "I got to go to practice, but I'll talk to you later." Lucas headed off before Sammy could get a word in.

What was going on with him?

It was Monday night and Sammy tried to contact Tiffany again for the hundredth time but got no reply. She must really be upset right now. Sammy let out a sigh as he looked at his phone. He got a message but it wasn't from who he thought it was, it was Lucas... again. He had been sending him emojis and quick messages to Sammy all day that he started to feel a little worried at Lucas sudden change in character. Something was really off about him but Sammy didn't know what it was. First, he dumps Tiffany, then he starts acting weird around Sammy, and now he wants to spend more time with just him? Sammy didn't know what to say. Part of him was overjoyed that Lucas was paying more attention to him now, but the other part of him was worried about Tiffany. He never wanted her to get hurt.

Sammy decided to mute his phone as he set it down. It wasn't long before his mom called him for dinner.

Sammy wondered if he should talk with his mom about this. He decided he wouldn't bother her too much about it and let her know that he and Lucas were going to hang out Wednesday.

"Like a date," His mom asked teasingly.

Sammy never thought of it as a date...

"I'm just joking honey," Sammy's mom said laughing. Yet Sammy now couldn't stop thinking about it being anything other than a date. He was finally going on a date with Lucas...

It was near the end of the day of Tuesday and Sammy hadn't seen Lucas, that was until it was almost time for him to go home. Lucas appeared from the crowd of student that were heading home.

"Sorry I didn't see you this morning," Lucas apologized.

"It's ok, everything alright?"

"Yeah I just got held up that's all," Lucas told him. "So I was thinking, why don't we hang out after school?"

Sammy frowned, "What about practice?"

Lucas laughed, "I can skip a practice or two, it's fine."

Sammy was still frowning, "Are you sure? I mean you never missed a practice."

"So why not now," Lucas asked.

Sammy was skeptical but figured he was right, one practice missed wouldn't kill him.

"Come, let's get out of here," Lucas said as he helped Sammy put his books away and get what he needed.

"Are you sure about his," Sammy asked but Lucas was already pushing him away from his locker. Sammy didn't have anything to say as Lucas lead the way to his car. Sammy couldn't help but ask, "So where did you want to go?"

"I'm kind of hungry, want to go grab some food?" Sammy just nodded as they headed toward Lucas' car. "What do you feel like eating," Lucas asked as they both got into the car.

"I'm not that hungry," Sammy told him. He was still kind of full from the lunch he had at school that day.

"Not even a snack?"

"... maybe some ice-cream," Sammy said trying not to sound too forceful on the idea.

"Ice cream it is!" Lucas peeled out of the parking lot and headed off to the closes ice-cream shop around.

Sammy sat there eating his ice-cream while Lucas watched.

"Aren't you going to eat something," Sammy asked.

"I'm fine," He replied.

"But you're the one who wanted to eat something," Sammy retorted.

Lucas just shrugged, "I'm not hungry right now, I just wanted you to eat something."

Sammy did his best not to look embarrassed. What was up with Lucas?

"So... have you talked to Tiffany?"

"No, why?"

"Because you two were fighting and I think you guys should work it out."

"You're worrying too much about that, come on let's talk about something else," Lucas said changing the subject. Sammy decided to drop the subject too and continued to eat his food until it was gone. With Sammy's snack finished Lucas decided that they should go to the arcade after. They spent the rest of the afternoon playing video games and hanging out like old times. It wasn't long before Sammy got a text from his mom telling him that dinner will be ready soon and he should head home.

Sammy told Lucas and they headed to Sammy's house. It wasn't long before Sammy was home. He was still in the car as he thanked Lucas for the ride home.

Just as Sammy was about to leave the car Lucas said something, "Hey Sammy."

Sammy turned toward Lucas and was about to ask him what, when Lucas leaned in dangerously close to Sammy. He was right on top of him and was so close the Sammy could smell him. Still he moved closer and closer toward Sammy. Lucas was mere inches away from Sammy and he froze as he waited for his dream to come true...

Suddenly Sammy pushed Lucas back.

"What are you doing," Sammy asked flabbergasted at his own actions.

"What," Lucas asked confused. "I'm trying to kiss you."

"What," Sammy said completely shocked. "Why?!"

"Isn't it obvious," Lucas said leaning in to try again, "I love you..."

"Stop," Sammy said pushing him back. "This isn't like you. What is going on?!"

Lucas just laughed, "What are you talking about? I'm trying to kiss you."

Sammy couldn't believe this... one part of him was overjoyed, the part that always fantasied about it, then there was his rational said that told him this was not the Lucas he knew. This was someone else. The Lucas Sammy knew wouldn't try and kiss him, he wouldn't have broken up with Tiffany, he wouldn't be so... different.

"I need to go," Sammy told him as he got out of the car and started to head to his house.

"I'll see you tomorrow," Lucas said with a smile as he drove off before Sammy could say anything.

What was going on?

Unable to understand Sammy ran up to his room and climbed into his bed. Lucas changed dramatically. That wasn't the Lucas Sammy knew, it was like someone else was controlling him or something. His entire demeanor changed and it scared Sammy. Was there a way to change Lucas to his old self or was this the new Lucas ... Forever.

It was Wednesday morning and Sammy was still wondering about Lucas as he was eating breakfast. Suddenly here was a knock on the front door and Sammy looked to his mom who was starting to get up for the door.

"Wait... if it's Lucas... please tell him I'm sick," Sammy told her.

Sammy's mom looked confused but nodded.

Sammy could hear from the kitchen that it was in fact Lucas waiting for Sammy.

"Sorry, Sammy said he's feeling sick right now."

"Oh," Lucas said sounding worried. "Can I come in and say hi?"

"Umm, I'm not sure, he's sleeping right now and needs his rest," Sammy's mom lied.

"That's probably for the best. Do you mind telling him I stopped by?"

"Sure," She told him.

"Thanks," Lucas said and left.

Sammy let out a relived sigh. Sammy's mom came into the kitchen and sat down. She looked over to Sammy and waited for him to say something. Finally, she spoke up, "Want to tell me what that is about? I thought you liked Lucas?"

"I do, or did... I don't know," Sammy told his mom. "I mean... I do like Lucas but... he's not the same person as before."

Sammy's mom looked even more confused but just asked, "Are you sure?"

Sammy nodded. "I know Lucas to be caring and always looking out for others and being nice but... now he seems completely different."

"So what do you plan to do," Sammy's mom asked.

"... I-I don't know. I need to talk to Tiffany and find out if she said anything that might have done something or if something weird happened to Lucas."

"And until then..."

Sammy sighed, "I'm going to try and avoid Lucas..."

He had to avoid Lucas. Sammy wasn't sure if he would be able to stop himself if Lucas tried to kiss him again. It was a miracle he was able to do it the first time...

It was Thursday morning and Sammy was doing his best to avoid Lucas. He intentionally didn't go to his locker in the morning just so he could avoid him. It was hard because he didn't have the books he need for his first couple of classes, but luckily, they didn't require his books today. It wasn't until Lunch that Sammy found Tiffany sitting by herself.

"Tiffany," Sammy said trying to get her attention.

She didn't look at Sammy, "What do you want..."

Sammy felt confused, "Are you angry at me?" Tiffany glared at Sammy but didn't say anything. Sammy tried talking more with her, "Tiffany, what's going on? Why are you mad at me? What is up with Lucas?" When she didn't answer Sammy asked her again, "Why do you hate me?"

Tiffany turned on Sammy and for a second he thought she was going to hit him. But as soon as he saw that rage it quickly turn to sadness. "I thought he cared about me..." Tiffany said trying not to cry in front of Sammy and everyone else in the lunch room.

"Tiffany," Sammy started.

"Don't," She said. "It's bad enough that Lucas broke up with me, it's even worse when he told me it was because of you."

"What," Sammy said shocked.

Still anger and sad Tiffany looked at Sammy, "He said, that there was someone else. I thought it was another girl, but when he saw you ... I knew he was talking about you."

"It's not like that." Sammy told her. "Lucas isn't Lucas."

Tiffany frowned, "What are you talking about?"

"I don't know what happened, but ..." Sammy thought about how to explain this. Sammy did his best. "I-I-," Sammy took a deep breath and braced himself as he told Tiffany everything. "I always loved Lucas." Tiffany opened her mouth to say something but Sammy stopped her, "I always had a crush on him, and I know that you two were together so I didn't say anything to him. I didn't want to break you two up so I didn't say a word, but something happened. I don't know how or why, but Lucas changed from being Lucas and into... something else."

"..." Tiffany didn't say anything as she came to terms with Sammy's confession. "So-" Tiffany started.

"Please help me change him back," Sammy told her.

"But why... I mean, isn't this something you want," Tiffany asked skeptical at what Sammy same just said and told her a moment ago.

"Yeah," Sammy confessed his true feelings about Lucas. "But... I love Lucas for who he really was. The Lucas that would hang out with me and laugh at my stupid jokes and help me whenever I was in trouble. Not this Lucas."

"You really mean it don't you," Tiffany said realizing how serious he was about this.

Sammy was pleading with Tiffany, "I don't know how or why but..."

"Your right," Tiffany agreed. After a short pause she asked, "So what do we do?"

Sammy looked a little nervous, "I-I was hoping you might think of something."

Tiffany couldn't help but laugh, "Me? I have no idea."

Sammy gave Tiffany a deflated look, "Oh..." Before Sammy could say anything, else Tiffany gave him a hug.

"Thanks for trying to help," Tiffany said. "I was so mad at both you and Lucas, but you tried talking to me about it and, well thanks."

"But I didn't do anything," Sammy said depressed.

Letting him go Tiffany looked at him, "But you tried, and to me that means a lot."

"Really?"

Tiffany nodded. "So, let's try and think of somehow to get Lucas back to his old self."

Sammy was in front of his locker completely at a loss. Sammy and Tiffany couldn't come up with any idea of how to help Lucas. They even brought in Jessica but the three of them couldn't brainstorm any ideas. It was nearly impossible to try and change Lucas without know how he changed to start with it.

Sammy let out a sigh as he started to get ready to leave.

"Sammy," Lucas called out.

Sammy felt his heart skip a beat as he heard Lucas call his name. Quickly looking around he noticed Lucas waving from a crowd of students. Sammy quickly panicked, as he couldn't face Lucas. Looking around again Sammy quickly started to run in the opposite direction from Lucas.

"Where are you going," Lucas called out to Sammy.

Sammy headed down a hallway and took a quick left. He could still hear Lucas calling out for him. Sammy wasn't losing him in the hallways. Where should he go? Suddenly he noticed the locker room sign on the wall and without thinking he ran into there trying to get rid of Lucas.

Heading into the locker room Sammy ran into someone he wasn't expecting.

"Sammy," Bobby said confused at the sudden appearance of him while he was changing. What was Sammy doing in the locker room.

"Quick I'm hiding," Sammy said as he looked around. Without thinking, Sammy hid behind Bobby.

"Ummm, ok," Bobby said as he stood still. Not even a few seconds later did Lucas come in.

"Have you seen Sammy," Lucas asked Bobby.

Bobby paused for a few seconds before pointing toward an exit from the locker room, "I think he went that way."

Lucas quickly headed toward the exit to try and catch up with Sammy.

Bobby waited a few seconds before turning around. "What was that about?"

Sammy just let out a relived sigh, "It's a long story."

"I've got time," Bobby said as he continued to change. So, Sammy started to explain to Bobby his situation about how Lucas changed and what was going on to the point of why he was running away from Lucas. When Sammy was done he looked at Bobby who was frowning, "So he's suddenly fallen in love with, but you don't like him like that now," Bobby asked.

"I mean," Sammy started to say something but stopped. That pretty much summed it all up. Sammy looked down at his feet, "Yeah, that's right."

Bobby couldn't help but laugh, "Well isn't that something. Have you told him yet?"

Sammy looked at Bobby, "What?"

"How you feel now?"

"No, but what if he doesn't listen to me?"

"Then tell him you have a boyfriend," Bobby said nonchalantly.

"Boyfriend? Who," Sammy asked confused.

Bobby pointed to himself, "Me of course." Sammy went wide eyed at Bobby's answer. Bobby laughed again and stepped closer to Sammy, "Why do you look so shocked?"

"I... because..."

"Is that a no," Bobby asked with a smirk. Sammy didn't say anything but shook his head. "So," Bobby said as he got as close as he could, "What do you want to do this weekend?"

Flustered Sammy did his best not to look at Bobby, "I... um do- do you like m-movies?"

"Sure. It's a date then," Bobby said as he gave Sammy a quick kiss on the forehead.

Sammy turned red as Bobby left. Sammy now had a boyfriend...

It was Friday and Sammy did his best to avoid Lucas yet again. He was getting good at this, but he really didn't want to do this the rest of his life. He just wanted his friend back. But what did he do, just tell Lucas that he didn't love him anymore?

Sammy was so deep in thought he didn't even notice Mrs. Miller standing over his desk.

"Sammy?"

"Oh," Sammy said looking up noticing that the class was empty and it must be the end of the day.

"Is everything ok?" Mrs. Miller asked concerned for him.

"I..." Sammy didn't know where to start. Should he tell Mrs. Miller.

"Is it possible for someone to change completely overnight?"

"What do you mean change, like puberty?"

"No," Sammy said. "I mean like... I don't know how to explain it. Just forget it."

Mrs. Miller frowned, "Sammy remember what I told you a few weeks back?"

Sammy frowned not recalling what she meant.

"I'm here to help you if you ever need it," Mrs. Miller said as she placed a supportive hand on Sammy's hand.

Suddenly there was a large blue spark like static electricity that jumped from Mrs. Miller's hand to Sammy's causing both of them to jump. It reminded Sammy for whatever reason of that weird dream he had earlier that he couldn't quite remember much about except for that familiar blue light. Suddenly Sammy felt a familiar feeling that he had been missing the entire week. He couldn't place it but it felt ... good.

"I'm so sorry that I shocked you," Mrs. Miller apologized.

"It's ok," Sammy said still trying to understand where that new form of strength was coming from.

"But I really do mean it Sammy," Mrs. Miller told him, "If you need anything just let me know."

"Thanks again, Mrs. Miller," Sammy said as he got up. It was good to know that Mrs. Miller was there for Sammy. "But I think I'll be fine now. Thanks for the help," Sammy said as he left the classroom.

Mrs. Miller couldn't stop from responding with, "Your welcome," Not sure if she really did help him.

Sammy headed to his locker and prepared for the inevitable meeting with Lucas, who was already there waiting for him.

"Hey Sammy, I haven't seen you in a while," Lucas greeted him.

"Lucas, we need to talk," Sammy said trying to let him know that this was important.

"Sure," Lucas told him.

"It's about you." Sammy tried to think of how to put it and finally said it, "I don't know what happened to you but you have been acting strange lately."

Lucas smiled, "That's because of you."

"Lucas, you need to stop acting like this. It's not you. The Lucas I know wouldn't break up with Tiffany to chase after me. The Lucas I know wouldn't behave like you do or say some of the stuff you said to me the other day," Sammy said trying not look embarrassed as he recalled the kiss Lucas tried to give him. "I want my old friend back. The one I grew up with."

Lucas looked confused, "Sammy it's me. I've just never noticed how I really feel about you," Lucas said trying to move in closer to Sammy.

"Stop it," Sammy said firmly keeping him at least an arm's length away. He knew that if Lucas came any closer to him he might not keep his composer.

Sammy was glad to see Tiffany coming over. "Lucas," She called out to him.

Lucas didn't turn his head as he kept looking at Sammy, "Oh, hi."

Sammy couldn't help but notice the hurt on Tiffany's face but she didn't let it last. "Lucas, I wanted to talk to you."

"I'll talk to you later, I'm with Sammy right now," Lucas said again disregarding her as if she wasn't there.

"Lucas, stop it," Sammy said. "Tiffany wants to talk with you."

Lucas finally let out a bothered sigh and turned to Tiffany and waited for her to say something.

"You really don't have any feeling for me now... do you," Tiffany asked hurt.

"I told you before, I don't."

Tiffany swallowed the hurt from those words. "Fine, I understand. I'll leave you both alone, but I want you to answer this question for me."

Lucas seemed a little annoyed but agreed figuring the sooner she left the better it was for him and Sammy. "What?"

"Why do you love Sammy?"

Lucas rolled his eyes, "That's easy it's because..." Lucas paused as he couldn't think of one good reason he loved Sammy. "I love... his... I..." Lucas paused as it was like he was fighting himself. Why was he obsessed with Sammy? There was no logical reason why. Sammy was his friend, his best friend yet he suddenly felt like he needed more of him, like an addiction.

Sammy looked to Tiffany and they both realized that they were right, something was affecting Lucas.

"Why did you fall for Sammy," Tiffany asked again.

Lucas in his confusion couldn't help but get anger. "Because..." Again, he couldn't find a reason why. He just woke up one day and suddenly had this desire to be with Sammy. Why couldn't he think of a good reason why? It was so simple. It was like the answer was right there in front of him but he just couldn't reach it.

"I..." He couldn't think of anything. Lucas looked to Sammy trying to find out what it was about him that he liked.

"Lucas," Sammy asked as he noticed how he struggled with himself.

Lucas shook his head, "It doesn't matter. I've always loved Sammy."

"That's not true," Sammy said. "You're just saying that. If you really did love me then you would have noticed my feelings toward you. Yet you never did, but that was fine. I didn't mind that you didn't notice me the way I always wanted you to look at me."

"But I do now," Lucas told him.

Sammy shook his head no, "You might think you do, but I know you really don't. Not the way you used to look at Tiffany."

Lucas seemed to be backed into a corner as he was assaulted by all the confusion he was being bombarded with. "It doesn't matter, I'll always love you Sammy."

"It doesn't matter now," Sammy said as he figured it was time to hit him with the big guns.

"What do you mean..." Lucas said still looking confused.

"I have a," Sammy paused as he wasn't used to saying it the first time ever, "a boyfriend now."

Tiffany looked almost as shocked as Lucas.

"I'm going on a," again Sammy was not used to doing this especially in front of his best friends. "A date tomorrow."

Tiffany looked at Sammy and leaned over and whispered, "Are you serious?"

Sammy nodded, "Yeah... Bobby sort of, umm, asked me out the other day."

"And you said yes," Lucas said sounding crushed right now.

"He's nice and we're kind of close already," Sammy said trying not to go into too much detail of what they already did.

Lucas looked deflated at what Sammy was saying, "But-but I love you Sammy."

"Lucas," Tiffany said trying to get him to understand.

"I don't mind if you want to be with Bobby too," Lucas told Sammy sounding desperate right now. "We could share you," Lucas pleaded with Sammy.

Never had Sammy been more creeped out by what he was witnessing. His once best friend, now turned into some kind of frantic stalker. Sammy looked to Tiffany for help but she seemed just as creeped out as Sammy was. Whatever this was in front of Sammy was not the Lucas that he loved.

"Lucas, you need to calm down," Tiffany was saying.

Lucas took a step toward Sammy causing him to step back to keep the distance between them. Sammy couldn't believe what was happening right now. He was horrified, scared, and worried that he would never get his best friend back now.

Closing his eyes Sammy wished with all his heart that Lucas would come back to him, "I just want my friend back!" Sammy said as loud as he could.

There was a sudden weird feeling that went through Sammy's body. There was a wave of exhaustion that came over him. He nearly fell over if it wasn't for someone catching him. It was Bobby who came out of nowhere to help support him.

"What's going on?" Bobby asked concerned.

Sammy opened his eyes glad to see Bobby. Sammy turned to look at Lucas who also seemed to look weak. Tiffany was over by his side to make sure he didn't fall like Sammy almost did.

"Lucas," Tiffany asked concerned.

Lucas looked sick and unstable as he looked around confused. "What... where..."

Everyone looked just as confused as Lucas did. But when Lucas looked at Tiffany, Sammy felt his heart jump when he noticed that loving look he always had for Tiffany. Lucas was back!

"I don't understand," Lucas said sounding very upset.

"Should I call for an ambulance," Tiffany asked worried.

Lucas shook his head. "No, I just... I need a minute." Tiffany helped Lucas sit down next to the lockers. Lucas put his hands over his face and leaned his head back.

"What's the last thing you remember," Sammy asked.

"The movies... I drove you all home... then..." Lucas didn't say anything after that. "It's like a nightmare or something. I remember little bits and pieces ..." He looked at Tiffany. "Did I really..."

She hugged him, "Its ok."

"Do you know how it happened," Sammy asked. Lucas shook his head. "I can't remember..."

Lucas slowly got up off the floor. "Thank you..." Lucas said looking at Sammy.

"For what?"

"Being my friend."

Sammy couldn't help but smile. "I'll always be your friend no matter what."

"Good," Lucas said. "I just have one question."

"What," Tiffany asked.

"Did I pass Mr. Randell's math exam?"

It had been 3 weeks since Lucas' incident. Sammy and Tiffany kept a close eye on him to make sure he was back to normal. He didn't have any relapses or anything else weird happen. In fact, nobody knew how it happened, only that Sammy helped break Lucas free from it. Sammy was at first afraid that Lucas might be different toward him after being under whatever spell that was under, but Lucas treated him the same. Lucas didn't even harbor any weird discomforts around Sammy. Sammy asked Lucas if he recalled anything that happened that week he was lost but he just shook his head no. Although every once and a while Sammy would notice that Lucas would have a look in his eyes that told Sammy that he wasn't telling him everything.

As for the disappearances of people, just as quickly as it happened it stopped. The mysterious person or whatever that was kidnapping people vanished leaving the town wondering why. The investigation kept up for another few months but with no activity and no leads toward someone or why, they had to drop the case. Sammy couldn't help but feel for all those who lost someone close, like Jessica. He just wished that he could have done something to help them, but unfortunately there was nothing he could do except comfort those who lost someone.

Bobby and Sammy had been going out for a while now. It was strange how Sammy never noticed Bobby before until that party. As much as he hated it, he was kind of glad that Rebecca vanished. If she was still around he was sure that Bobby would still be with her. Sammy was just glad that Bobby wanted to be with him, it was possible the best thing that came out of all this.

Sammy couldn't have been happier.

Except for some of the weird dreams he would get. He never told anyone about them, but every once in a while, Sammy would dream of things that he couldn't understand. He would sometimes dream of the time he went to Vince's party. How he got drunk and found a small Vince and put him in his... well it was just a weird dream. Just like the one where he turned someone into underwear. There was a reason Sammy never told anyone about the dreams...

They were just dreams, right?