Where the heart is

 Deep down Sammie knew she was the one who was working with Hannah the most these days, but she wouldn't say. Still, she couldn't help but smile when she found out about Hannah's mobility from Deano. After all, she took a bus and a long walk in the burbs to get to Caitlin and Deano's. She needed to see them in person.

"Oh, she will be walking in no time," Sammie gleamed ever so happily even if she was exhausted, but she needed to prepare for what was next, especially if she was leaving.

"She's not old enough," Deano laughed at her as if no way.

"Oh, she's strong. She knows what she wants," Sammie told him. Although, she might have been talking about herself. She seemed quite close to Gabe now. Even if most of their relationship was through texting. She had to admit,  maybe it was safer that way, but if she could coax him, perhaps they could take off running too.

"So what's got you so happy?" Deano wanted to know while she was there at his house.

"Oh, I dunno." She looked at him brightly as if maybe she knew something.

"I bet it's somebody," Deano smiled slyly as he went to get her a soda from the fridge while she watched Hannah in the living room.

"Stop it," she giggled. He made her feel she was all of thirteen. Sammie knew she was too giddy around him.

"But it's good for you to find someone. Even if it's just a friend. You'll feel more like you are home here." Of course, his words made her sad to hear. It really made her feel like an outsider. She kept even-lipped. About then, Caitlin arrived as if she was not ready to see her almost relative.

"What are you doing here?" She wanted to know as she practically made Sammie jump. Yes, Sammie knew Caitlin wished she would go away.

"I might not be here much longer." Sammie nodded. Yes, she knew what to say. She could stop being other people's problems. "I..I guess I'm moving to Maryland."

"Maryland?" Well, of course, Caitlin smiled as if it were a relief. "You must be excited."

"Hold up, wait a  minute." Deano looked at both of them. "We need you here to help with Hannah this summer." Deano shot Sammie a look.

She gave him a nod, but she wished she could stay at least for the two of them, Deano and Hannah. About then a scooter parked in the driveway. Suddenly, Sammie thought she might pass out. What was Gabe doing here? She didn't tell him to come.

Of course, Caitlin beat everyone to the door. She looked even more surprised. "Pan, why are you here? And what have you done to your hair?"

Sammie looked at him startled.

"Because, I'm not Pan," he told her. "I've come to pick up Sammie." He looked at her as if he would always be here for her. No matter what.