It was then Erik realized she wasn't really interested in having a boyfriend; at least it didn't sound like it from her conversation with Brenda.  "Well, you know - if you ever need to come over here, my parents are cool with that.  Growing up, all the neighborhood kids just walked in and out of here like they owned the place and Mom and Dad stock up the refrigerator just in case.  Now we're all grown up though; there aren't too many kids around anymore."<br/><br/>He wasn't going to give up being her friend and seeing if there is anything more.<br/><br/>"Yeah, I'm adopted too.  When I was six years old; it was a tough time of adjustment for me.  And my mom can be overly protective.  She doesn't mind being social, but she does mind if she thinks people get too attached and hurt each other."  He suddenly poked his head under his bed and came out with a picture photo album.<br/><br/>"Here, my adopted Mom gave me this photo album to keep.  Its pictures of her and her brother when they were real young.  She doesn't want to have it right now, but she said one day she'll take it back."  He toyed with the idea of telling Sam about his own sister; but he was afraid of the feelings and memories that might resurface.<br/><br/>As they looked through the picture book, Erik caught himself staring at her.  There was something about her that was special; usually when he was around pretty girls, he was tongue tied and slightly uncomfortable, shifting around in his pants because his body was making a physical reaction.  But with Samantha, it was different.  He didn't know why he seemed infatuated with her, maybe in love - but it was like a short circuit.  Something was missing.  Some spark he didn't know what it was would make the connection complete; he could only think in terms of boy-girl love though.<br/><br/>"That nurse in school is really weird, huh?"