"So, what were you two doing under the bleachers again?" the school nurse asked as she placed the ice over Erik's head.<br/><br/>"Well, I had dropped my sketch book under the bleachers and we had to go get it."<br/><br/>"Oh; I thought I was the only one who knew about that hiding place.  Well, I think you'll be fine but I think you'll need to go home for the rest of the day."  The nurse gathered up her papers, and started to read things over very carefully.  But she wasn't really reading much, she more or less looked like she was examining the two odd friends in her office.<br/><br/>"Uhh, I better stay here.  Don't they say you shouldn't be by yourself at home; my parents are out this weekend."  The nurse didn't seem to listen, but she kept writing notes in a folder.  "I don't think Sam is feeling very well this afternoon either.  Perhaps she should accompany you home.  Here are two passes to do with as you please."  The phone rang and the nurse was suddenly distracted by other matters that seemed to come to her attention.<br/><br/>The walk on the way home was slightly awkward; Erik didn't know what would happen when they reached his house.  He was so happy to finally have someone to hang out with; but he was unsure what would happen.  Both of them alone, in the house?  He really liked her, so he'd have to be especially careful not to do anything to screw things up.<br/><br/>Suddenly, Erik just blurted out:  "I like you.  Okay.  There, I said it.  I like you.  Thought I'd better say it before you spend a weekend regretting to be with me.  It has nothing to do with whether you deserve it or not, Samantha.  I can't help who I like and who I don't; and I can't not draw pictures of people I want to remember.  And it took me a while to realize why it's so hard to draw your hair; there are two colors weaved together.  I actually have a drawing of you blonde; you remind me of someone, I think."  Erik realized he was just babbling now.  He stopped for a moment and looked deep in her eyes.  "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make you cry, I mean before.  I guess I was too direct."  So he just stood there; and then smiled.  A dumb little grin from a little boy who had a hard time to express his feelings.<br/><br/>"Anyways, at least stay long enough to give me a chance."