"Sam, what the hell did you do?" I asked, putting down my fork and waiting for a response.

 "I...I hurt somebody. Not in the physical sense, but still in a horrible way." He explained.

 "Sam, just tell me." I said, growing nervous.

 "I think I got a girl pregnant." He mumbled, averting my stare.

 "Did you leave her alone?" I asked, trying not to freak out.

 "Yeah, that's why I'm here. She's getting a paternity test." He told me, pushing his food around his plate.

 "Is she the school slut or something?" 

 "Well, she's slept with one other guy before me."

 "Did you use...you know...protection?" I asked.

 "Yeah, which is why I don't think it's me." Sam said.

 "You need to go back and be with her. I'm sure it sucks to be in her position." I told him, grabbing my plate and standing up.

 "Okay. Well, thank you Diana." He replied, giving me a hug.

 "Good luck with your lady. I have some Christmas shopping to get done." I said, grabbing my bag and walking towards the door.

 I exhaled the breath I had been holding the entire time, as I closed the door behind me. I know it sounds stupid, but I was secretly hoping Sam would reveal the fact that he still had feelings for me. I'm so naïve.

 I slipped on the hat I always kept in my bag and braved the cold winds, headed to the mall. Seeing as it was December 18, I might have done my Christmas shopping a little late. The only thing I was happy about, was that I wasn't the only one. The malls were still crawling with people.

 I mentally checked gifts off my list, from the scarf my mom was begging for, to the gift-card for my second cousin. I stopped outside a small men's store, gazing in at the pressed slacks and brand new shoes. I found myself remembering the party one of my fellow nurses was throwing, and thought it would be a nice idea to invite Sam along, a colorful tie as his invitation.

 "Watch it!" A woman shouted, slamming into my shoulder.

 "Keep it moving, bitch." I replied, surprising myself with the outburst.

 "There are children present, you delinquent." She harshly whispered, covering her son's ears and walking on.

 I smiled, and walked inside the store, fully intending on getting Sam a tie, inviting him, and letting him know how I really feel.

~~~

 I pulled out the short, black dress I had bought for the party tonight, and slid it over my head. It fit tighter than I remembered and I self consciously tried to hide it clinging to my curves, with a blazer. 

 "Forget it." I sighed, tossing the ugly black jacket to the side and staring at myself in the mirror.

 The dress fit unlike anything I had ever worn before, but I wasn't sure if I liked it or not. I plugged in my curling wand and put on dab of red lipstick, and some mascara while waiting. It was the most makeup I'd worn in years. 

 Once my hair was done and wavy enough, I put on some black earrings and a gold bracelet. I didn't want my "colleagues" to think I was too grown up, so I paired my outfit with a pair of solid black, high-top Converse.

 "Good job, Diana." I congratulated myself, staring at the mirror in front of me.

 I grabbed my keys and phone, and headed outside to my car. The wind from the last couple of days had died down, leaving only the 45 degree chill. Once inside the car, I turned on the heat and blasted the radio, dancing in my car to Pitbull all the way to the party.

 I made it to Crystal's house in under ten minutes, anxious to see Sam and tell him how I really feel about him, and how wrong I was for choosing Liam over him. I just hoped he would take me back.

 "Diana! You made it." Crystal exclaimed, giving me a hug at the door.

 "How are you, Crystal?" I asked, following her inside and putting my keys and phone on a nearby table.

 "I'm great. Happy to not be at work. I like your outfit by the way." She laughed, taking in my shoes.

 "Thanks. Can't let these oldies think they're dealing with a mature woman." I said, smiling.

 "So, anyone special coming along with you tonight? It is almost Christmas. We have mistletoe." She told me, pouring me a glass of champagne.

 "One of my old friends from my home town." I shrugged, trying not to make it seem like a big deal.

 "Those are always the best ones."

 "The best whats?" I asked, holding my champagne flute.

 "Boyfriends of course." She answered.

 "It's not like that." I insisted, almost dropping my drink.

 "Of course it is. Don't worry your secret is safe with me." Crystal said, winking and making the motion of locking her lips and throwing away the key.

 I rolled my eyes, but smiled. I knew Crystal had good intentions. She was 24 and recently engaged to a doctor at the clinic. His family had money, so of course their house was pretty good sized, with expensive furniture and artwork. 

 I followed Crystal into the living room and sat beside her on the white, leather couch. 

 "Good evening, Diana." My boss greeted, glancing at my shoes.

 "Hello Dr. West. It's nice to see you." I smiled, sipping my champagne.

 "Interesting choice of shoes, Miss Richardson." His wife remarked.

 "Thanks, Carrie. Mine didn't involve any slaughtering of animals." I said, faking a smile as she nearly spit out her wine.

 "My, what a mouth on this one." She replied, raising her eyebrows.

 The following ten minutes consisted of boring small talk and Crystal telling the story of her engagement, which I had already heard while at work at least a dozen times. When the doorbell rang, I jumped up to answer, giving Crystal the look that it was my "date".

 "Bring him in quickly, Diana. It's cold." Crystal called from the kitchen, where she was getting more drinks.

 I swung open the door a smile plastered on my face. The person standing there was wearing the same tie I sent to Sam, but his face couldn't be more different.

 "Liam, what the hell are you doing here?" I demanded, crossing my arms and fighting back the angry tears.

~~~

 Sorry for the super late update. I was a camp counselor and just finished watching Gossip Girl (cue tears).

 I'll be back to regular updates now, don't worry.

 This story is coming to an end so be prepared :)

 Vote and comment for a speedy update

 ~Hayden 

 P.S. I love you guys