Sam came storming out into the lobby. It was almost as if he was on the verge of tears. Jessica quickly stood up and walked over to him. He looked straight into her eyes.

"Let's go." He says beginning to walk towards the door.

"Sam, wait!" Jessica says trying to catch up.

Sam storming out caught the attention of sandy and Roxanne. Jessica stood there as Sam ran out of the nursing home. She grabbed her purse and put her jacket on her shoulders.

"He always storms out. And he sure as hell is good at it." Sandy says turning the other direction. Jessica sighs then slowly walks out of the nursing home.

She got into the car and Sam was frozen.

"Do you want to talk about something?" She says

Sam stares at the stirring wheel, then suddenly he breaks into tears. He bangs the wheel with his fist of rage and cries. Jessica had never seen him like this.

"I do everything I can... everything! They can't even remember their own son. They remember those bitches of sisters that I have but not me! They wonder why I don't visit.... they make me feel like a horrible person. I'm not! I'm not the bad guy! Ever since they've been sick I've done everything I can for them. I got them into the best facility their was, I took over all the responsibilities, I gave up what I wanted to do for my father! I was the one that drove up every weekend to see them before Sandy and Roxanne moved down here. When it got really bad they just forgot me and asked for their daughters. I don't understand!" he cries

Jessica reached over to Sam and held onto his arm. "Sam, look at me." Jessica says sternly

"You are not the bad guy. It's frustrating and hard, I know. But you can't beat yourself up like this and you can't listen to your sisters. I believe that you've done everything you can and you love them. I also believe that you're scared... but they're sick and they aren't going to get any better. I wish I could say they would but they aren't. People that are sick like them have their good days and sometimes they have their bad days. You may think your parents completely forgot about you but Sam, they didn't. You're still in their heart. I promise you that."

It took a moment for Sam to calm down. He took a few deep breaths. "I never meant to drag you into my problems... that's the last thing I wanted to do." He says

"I'm your girlfriend, I'm here for you."

"All my sisters care about is money... it's always been that way and it will forever be that way. They make me out to be the bad guy, all the time. I'm sick of it."

"Roxanne talked to me a bit. She said after you got everything things got bad, is that true?"

Sam nods "When my mother first got sick my dad needed me. I quit my job and started working full time at the farm. He knew he was getting sick. He later signed it all over to me. The farm, the house, everything. But the deal was to always take care of my sisters, himself and my mother, and the farm. And I did take care of them. I send them money every year from what I make at the farm, hoping it goes towards my nieces and nephews colleges. Yet, My sisters are to this day so bitter that I got the farm. I dropped everything for my dad when they didn't. Cynthia and I dropped our jobs and moved to Minnesota for my mom and Dad. Ever since it's all been such a big ordeal. My mom and Dad wouldn't have wanted this. We were always so close. This sickness put a strain between it all. When I see them I just think about how disappointed they would be. My dad counted on me and it's almost as if I let him down."

"But you didn't, Sam. You didn't let him down. Your sisters problems aren't yours. You did what your father asked. You took care of the farm, your parents, and your sisters. You've done everything you can my love."

Sam turns to Jessica and kisses her cheek. "I just am not strong enough for this."

"That's Okay..." She says softly

"I think I just need to go back to the hotel and rest."

"Then let's do that."

//-//

That night Sam and Jessica did lots of talking. Jessica talked Sam through everything. It was hard for Sam but he had always needed someone to help him through this since his sisters never did. Within the next morning his mindset had changed. Sam decided before he left he'd see his parents again. He knew that it wouldn't be the visit he'd wish it would be, but deep down inside he knew he had to do it.

Jessica and Sam drove back up to the nursing home early in the morning.

"I'll wait out here, Okay?" Jessica says

Sam grabs onto her hand and stops her. "Come with me, meet my parents." He says

"Are you sure?"

"Yes." He smiles

As they walk down the hall one of the nurses stops Sam.

"Oh! Mr. Shepard! I'm so glad to see you. Today is a good day!" The nurse says with joy.

"It is?"

"Your mother! She's doing so well." She says

Jessica tugs onto Sam's jacket and smiles. "See" She says

"Is now an okay time?"

"Yes! Of course!" She says

Sam and Jessica walk into the room. Jessica wasn't sure what to expect but when she saw his parents they looked as happy as any elderly couple could be. They both sat in their chairs watching tv and laughing.

Jane looked up at Sam and waved. "Oh my! Samuel it's him!" Jane says

Sam and Jessica slowly walk up to Samuel and Jane.

"Who?" He says

"That's Cynthia and Sam! He's come home to visit from college!"

"Hey Mom..." He says rushing to her side.

"You look so grown up. Why don't I see you anymore?" She says sadly

"I'm sorry, Mom. I really am."

"Oh it's okay. I know you and Cynthia are working very hard." She says waving to Jessica.

Jessica kindly waves back and walks over to Sam.

"Mom this isn't-"

"Hi, Jane, how are you?" Jessica says interrupting Sam. She didn't want Sam to say anything to his mother to confuse her.

"I'm good, you look great." Jessica says

"And so do you! My gosh I'm so happy to see you all! Aren't you Samuel?"

"Is there juice?" He says looking around.

Sam stands up and grabs him some juice.

"Here you go, Dad."

"Thank you."

Jessica noticed that Samuel wasn't as present as Jane in the moment. But she saw how happy Sam was when Jane recognized him.

"You need to shave young man." She says with a chuckle

"I will Mom."

"Where are my two girls? We should have a family party!"

"They are back at home, ma."

Since Sandy and Roxanne both lived closer to the nursing home and visited regularly. But today they weren't there when Sam was.

"You are so beautiful." She says to Jessica.

"Thank you" She smiles

"You both look so happy!"

"And we are." Sam reassures her.

"Good!"

"I love you mom, and I love you Dad." He says

//-//

After spending the day at the nursing home it was time to leave. Sam and Jessica were leaving the next morning to go back home.

Today was a reassuring day for Sam. It was the first time in years that Jane recognized Sam. At times Samuel used to, but never Jane. She was still set back a few years to when Sam was in college but Jessica played along so she didn't get confused.

When they walked out to the car Sam stopped Jessica.

"Jessica, I'm so lucky to have you. Thank you for everything. You're my biggest support system and you got me through a tough time. I love you... and thank you for what you did in there, pretending to be my ex, even when you aren't feeling too well."

"Don't thank me, that's what I'm here for. I'll always be there for you. Even when you need me to be your ex wife for the day." She smiles and kisses his lips.

"But we need to get back to the hotel. You aren't feeling well."

"Sam, I'm fine."

"No you aren't. I know you, you're drained. You need to rest."

"You take too good of care of me." She smiles

//-//

I know this story is a bit all over the place, but please comment your thoughts :) if you'd like to see anything exciting happen in the future comment your ideas as well. I always appreciate feedback :)