Cordy knew something was up when she received Quinn's phone call out of the blue. "Hey. What's the matter?""Sam had a fight with his mother," Quinn said quickly and anxiously. "He broke his phone too, and I don't know where he's gone. I'm worried, but Mr. Saunders told me to visit Ryan at the hospital.""So you want me to ask John and his friends to look for Sam?""Yeah," Quinn quickly said, feeling lucky that she had a friend like Cordy who could read her mind."Alright. Don't worry—just go to Ryan. I'll talk to John and call you when we have something.""Thank you so much.""You're welcome."However, Quinn felt frustrated even as she hung up and could not calm down no matter how she tried. Once she arrived at the hospital, Quinn headed straight to the ICU. Marvin and Lindsay were still out in the hallway, with Lindsay's eyes red with tears and her still crying even after Quinn arrived.Quinn had no idea if Lindsay was crying because of Ryan or because of her fight with S
"I'm sorry, Mrs. Saunders," Quinn replied, avoiding Lindsay's question. "I may be upset too since what happened in the past couple days can get on anyone's nerves. I'll do my best to show restraint after this—I'm getting changed now. I'll talk to Ryan."As Quinn left, Lindsay wheeled on Marvin, who sighed. "She's right—everyone's upset after what happened, but we can't take it out on others because of that. It's unfair to anyone.""I'm just—""You're the one who told me how much Sam changed, and said we should make it up to him after owing him so much, so why are you so upset with him now? He stayed here alone keeping watch the entire night without sleep, and he needs it no matter what happens. How else would he be able to take over while we rest?! Don't forget that we're too old to stay up for too long."Lindsay remained indignant. "Then why would Sam tell Ryan about the amputation?! The doctor had orders to keep Ryan in the dark, and even if we neglected Sam, it's unbelievable wh
Ryan turned toward Quinn, his gaze projecting frailness and despair. Quinn could actually imagine how hurt and hysterical he could be inside, but she assured him, "It's alright, Ryan. We'll be by your side and get through this. Don't give up—the doctor said your surgery was a success, and you'll recover.""Recover?" Ryan groaned feebly in grief. "Without my leg? I'm never recovering—I'm useless now.""You're not useless. Don't forget that you're a scientist who works at the most famous research center in the country," Quinn quickly said. "Don't be mean to yourself—did you forget that your wisdom is a wealth for all people? Don't give up just because of a little setback. You're always a genius to me, and that will never change."Ryan listened in silence, his tears welling up in his eyes and still in denial about losing a leg."Don't do this, Ryan," Quinn said, wiping her tears. "Your parents are waiting outside, and they're worried. They can't live if you don't pull yourself toget
While Quinn stayed with Marvin and Lindsay at the hospital, she kept holding on to her phone, waiting anxiously for news.Eventually, Cordy texted her when night arrived.[Don't worry—my cousin found Sam drinking at a bar. He's just cranky but otherwise fine. John and I are now coming to the capital and we'll see him soon. We'll keep an eye on him.]Relieved, Quinn was earnestly grateful. [Thank you, Cordy. Sorry for putting you through all that trouble.][It's no trouble. John and I are coming anyway—Sean's been urging me to do so for a while now, and there's no better time to do it.][Yeah.]Quinn had no idea what to say, though there were times when feelings did not need to be expressed. Cordy soon sent her a photo of Sam drinking at a bar.It was dark and grainy, but Quinn could sense that Sam was upset even from behind the screen.She really wanted to go to him, but as she turned to glance at Ryan in the ICU, and then at Marvin and Lindsay who looked exhausted, she ultim
Quinn did not offer to leave or ask them to, and so Marvin and Lindsay remained awkwardly quiet even if they wanted to leave.Everyone simply remained in the hallway in silence, while Quinn continued to text Cordy.On the other end, Cordy and the rest had already met up with Sam.Since Cordy was pregnant and unable to stay at a lively place like the bar, they moved to Cranston Hall, where Sam, John, Sean Cranston, and Patrick Stuart continued drinking.Cordy, who was getting tired, sent Quinn one last photo and a text. Cordy: [Sorry, I can't stay up—I have to go to bed. Don't worry, Sam will be fine with John and the others.]Quinn: [Okay. Get some rest soon. Sorry for the trouble.]Cordy: [Again, you're welcome.]Quinn put away her phone, and turned to see Lindsay leaning against Marvin, clearly past her limit. If she had not started that fight with Sam and allowed him to sleep, he would have been here to take over and they would not be suffering.Still, Quinn could not live
Ryan seemed to notice she had been sleeping outside and wanted to send her away. "Quinn, you don't have to stay with me all the time.""No, your parents insisted that I stay with you until they're back," Quinn said, rejecting him right away."That's unnecessary," Ryan said. "There's no reason to put everyone through so much.""It doesn't matter as long as you get better.""Get better…" Scorn was clear in Ryan's eyes."I've told you, Ryan—it doesn't matter if you're missing a limb." Quinn did her best to reason with him. "You have such a great mind that can still contribute to the world. Have you forgotten your ambition? Are you giving up already?" "I don't want to give up," Ryan replied, shaking his head.Even so, he was just aggrieved. How did this happen to him?! It was just so unfair!His work has merit and contributes to humankind, and this was what he got? How was he going to stay calm and rational in this world with a missing leg?!"You have to be strong Ryan," Quinn
Sam simply watched as Quinn and Ryan held hands in the ICU, her eyes projecting concern and heartache.Should he have come? Probably not.He started to leave as quietly as he came, but he did not go that far.He stood at the end of the hallway, waiting for a long while until Quinn finally stepped out, and he pretended that he had just arrived.Quinn was surprised to see him and hurried to him, asking, "What are you doing here, Sam?"She was delighted, but it seemed to Sam she was upset.So he was not needed here?!"Do you want to switch?" Sam asked."No," Quinn blurted.Sam smiled faintly—true, he had been delusional.Nodding, he started to leave when Quinn explained, "Wait, Sam—I meant I want to stay with you. Your parents will come to switch places with us once they're up."She somehow felt that he was acting weird, thought it might be because he argued with his parents yesterday.That was understandable.Sam wanted to say no, but Quinn had already taken his hand as if i
"Okay," Cordy said.Quinn then led them to the ICU, and even Cordy felt a little overwhelmed to see Ryan's condition.That was despite them being distant from Ryan, as John had mentioned that they never could warm up to each other since Ryan did not like friends.Moreover, just because they were a little younger, they were all brats to Ryan and beneath him.However, John still had reason to come visit since Ryan was Sam's brother, and Sam was his best friend."How is he?" Cordy asked."Much better," Quinn replied. "He was overwhelmed before, but he's slowly adjusting—he needs time."Cordy nodded—that would be the case for anyone."I believe in him. He's always been strong, and he'll pull together once he accepts reality," Quinn said.Sam and John were standing beside them, and Sam could hear the affirmation Quinn had for Ryan.That was true—Ryan was probably all-powerful in her mind, just as everyone else considered him the greatest existence.As for Sam himself, he was born
Soon, another nurse emerged from the delivery room with a small bundle. "Is the mother's family here?""Yes!" John exclaimed loudly."The delivery was successful," the nurse said. "The baby weighs eight pounds—""How is she?" John asked in agitation, not caring about the child."She's fine. The doctor is just helping her clean up and she'll be out soon," the nurse replied.As John breathed a sigh of relief, the nurse reminded him, "Aren't you the father? Here's your child."John took the baby off her arms, staring at her for a moment as the others flocked around him. "Oh, she's so fair!" Zoe could not help exclaiming. "That's the most beautiful baby I've ever seen.""Are you saying that your son's ugly?" Bob teased."To be honest, yeah," Zoe replied without thinking.Jay cleared his throat—even if it was a subjective opinion, it still hurt to have his own baby called ugly."Let me carry her," Zoe volunteered just then, and John did not hesitate to hand her his baby.As Zoe
"What?!" Zoe exclaimed in shock.Beside them, John's face fell despite being usually stoic.Still, even before anyone could react, he scooped Cordy up in his arms and left.Zoe did not hesitate to follow, but Jay reminded her, "We're the hosts, Zoe.""Don't care." Zoe was completely unconcerned. "Ask my mom and your sister to handle the guests. I'm going with Cordy!"Jay hesitated for a moment before deciding to follow since there was no reasoning with Zoe.Sam and Quinn also realized that something was out of place.As they pulled away reluctantly, Bob shouted from below, "If you're done kissing, we're going to the hospital! Cordy's going into labor!"Quinn hurried after them as soon as she hurt, but Sam caught her. "Slow down. We can catch up."In fact, most of the guests were leaving as well—it was as if the banquet for Zoe's son was actually intended for everyone else.The poor boy was certainly unlucky to have such unreliable parents!-As everyone rushed to the hospit
"I'm swelling from my pregnancy," Quinn explained. "It's not your fault."Sam was left staring at her for a while before asking, "So, what should I do?""I'll put it on when I slim down.""Oh." Sam was a little disappointed, since he had always dreamed of having her put on the ring he had custom made.But this was fine—they had all the time they needed, and the most important thing for him is that Quinn was marrying him!He rose to his feet just then, and everyone was cheering as soon as he did. "Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!"Quinn blushed right then, and Sam could see that she was embarrassed.He did not want to make things awkward for her, even if he was quite eager at the moment.Heaven knows how much he missed that night's drunken fumble they had. In fact, during the times he remembered it in dreams, he had to wash his pants when he woke up.Still, just as he took Quinn's hand and started to leave, he felt a softness on his lips—Quinn was kissing him! Sam's heart pounded thunderous
Everyone waited patiently for the final outcome.Quinn's eyes were welling up with tears, threatening to gush if she so much as blinked.She did her best to hold back her tears—to be strong!Sam pursed his lips in turn, his Adam's apple bobbing.A long while passed, and it felt like a century for Quinn when she finally heard him say, "Yes."Quinn's tears started falling in happiness as Sam declared loudly, "I'll marry you, Quinn—it's what I've always wanted to do! I won't let you go even if you regret it eventually! You only get to be with me, and I'll never let any other man claim you! I'll become very overbearing… eventually!""I won't regret it," Quinn said, determined.She certainly would not regret marrying him!Zoe walked up to them with perfect timing just then, and Sam did a double take.He finally remembered that Zoe was the host of this luncheon and was going to leave with Quinn when Zoe whipped out a small red velvet box."You know what's in here, don't you?" Zoe a
However, Sam had already pushed Quinn away before she could tell him. But even if he did not love her or did not want to be with her, she would never stay with Ryan.She had been disappointed in Sam, wondering why he would give up so easily.Was she that unimportant to him?Therefore, if it were not for Zoe and Cordy showing her that video or telling her so much, she would never have known that he loved her for years…Sam's heart ached even as he looked into Quinn's tearful eyes.He reached out a hand, but soon withdrew it—would he not burden her?Even so, it hurt to restrain himself as he watched her, and he was actually getting the feeling that Quinn loved him…But she already had Ryan's child…Well, he was fine with that, as long as the child was Quinn's.But would she not mind?"I will marry you, Sam," Quinn said slowly and clearly then. "Not because you're a good man, not because you prepared so much for me, and not because of how much you prepared for me, but because I
Everyone in the hall was staring at Sam and Quinn, while Quinn took center stage, staring fixedly at Sam.He stood in the middle of the crowd, watching her silently.She in turn felt fear that he would turn and leave, just as she did not know if she had the courage to stand before him again and to declare her feelings for him in front of so many others.Nonetheless, amid the deafening silence, Sam suddenly walked toward the stage.His pace was slow as if his feet were made of lead, but he was also unusually determined.Quinn's heart raced uncontrollably right then!Everyone else was watching them nervously, especially Cordy and Zoe, with the latter being especially concerned that the cowardly Sam would bail.Fortunately, he was a man who showed responsibility. He would not leave Quinn alone and embarrassed.Hence, as everyone looked on, Sam stood before Quinn, his gaze flickering as their eyes met.He gulped ever so slightly, his emotions clearly ruffled even as he did his bes
The guests were encouraging, loudly asking, "Why?!""Because of a woman," Sam's recording replied."Who is it?""Quinn Summer," the Sam on the screen said slowly and clearly, leaving the Sam who was in the hall stunned.What the hell?! That was the proposal video he prepared before! Why did it show up here? Did Zoe make a mistake?!He knew it—leave anything to Zoe, and she would mess it up!He started striding toward the stage, intent on stopping the recording, when John and Bob intercepted him with a look of utter guilt while the recording continued. "Quinn is my wife, and we've been married for years, but I've never really loved her—not because I don't, but because I'm afraid to. I feel too insignificant in comparison to the one she loves, so I'd always hurt her… painfully and childishly. I regret that so much now, Quinn. How could I have abandoned you for so long because of my own jealousy? I'd rather hold you in my sleep every night, but my damned pride denied me that for y
At the banquet hall, Jay and Zoe were thanking their guests with their children in their arms.Then, Zoe announced excitedly, "Please give my best friend, who is also my son's godmother, a warm applause as she comes on stage!"Sam stood at a corner of the hall, watching as Quinn walked up the stage, only realizing just then that her belly was clearly swelling despite her baggy clothes.Time flies—he had not left that long ago, but she and Ryan already had a child.She was not worried about giving him a stroke, was she?He watched as Quinn took the mic and looked around below searching, seemingly searching.After a while, he thought she was looking at him, but by the time he looked up, she had already turned away.Maybe she was looking for Ryan before remembering that Ryan was not there?Nonetheless, Quinn spoke into the mic, saying, "I'm honored to be chosen as the godmother to Zoe's son, and she's been saying he'd be engaged to my child if it's a girl. I already love my godson
As their eyes met, Sam turned frantic and averted his. "Of course.""Really?" Quinn asked."Would I lie to you?" Sam asked a little grumpily."And you didn't bring her back?" Quinn asked."I'm on a schedule, and it'd be taxing for her if I bought her along," Sam said, making things up as he went along. "I'll bring her along when things are less busy.""Is she pretty?" Quinn pressed."What, have I ever picked an ugly one?" Sam snorted smugly. "You know I prefer curvaceous types, and there are plenty of those abroad.""Do you have a photo?"Sam was silent for a while and eventually said, "Yeah.""Can I see it?""What, does she have to pass your assessment?""Just curious about the girl who can tempt you to settle down," Quinn replied. "You'd be humbled." Sam hastily came up with an excuse."I won't," Quinn said, determined."You'll see her when I bring her home." Sam refused nonetheless."I would like to see a photo now.""No, she's not that photogenic. It'd be slander a