Title: Untitled

Author: A. Mack
(a_mack101@yahoo.com)

Rating: PG-13 (yes, even tho the movie was R)

Synopsis: After Sam Monroe’s father, George, falls ill with Terminal Cancer and dies, Sam finishes his father’s dream house and gives it to the one girl in his father’s life that his father felt sorry for. Sam must now turn his life around and build his own “house.”

Rating: PG-13

Spoilers: (Don’t know if this would be one) Sam and Alyssa are no longer together.

Pairing: Sam/ Amanda

Disclaimer: None of these characters belong to me, only Amanda. It all belongs to Mark Andrus.

Additional info: I did my very best to portray the characters as I saw them portrayed in the film. I had also seen this movie and thought that Sam and Alyssa were not, I repeat WERE NOT a good couple/ship/ pair, so, and as some of us know not all High School relationships last through High School (so I made a little change.) J

Archive: If you would like this on your website or a website please email me first.

Additional info: Here is the original casting list from the movie - -

Cast overview, first billed only:
Kevin Kline
.... George Monroe
Kristin Scott Thomas
.... Robin Kimball
Hayden Christensen
.... Sam Monroe
Jena Malone
.... Alyssa Beck
Mary Steenburgen
.... Colleen Beck
Mike Weinberg
.... Adam Kimball
Scotty Leavenworth
.... Ryan Kimball
Ian Somerhalder
.... Josh
Jamey Sheridan
.... Peter Kimball
Scott Bakula
.... Officer Kurt Walker
Sandra Nelson
.... Nurse #1
Sam Robards
.... David Dokos
John Pankow
.... Bryan Burke
Kim Delgado
.... Bob Larson
Barry Primus
.... Tom



Chapter 1 - -

My dad always said that building a house was like building a life. And that’s just what he did. In the process of changing his life, he changed mine. I helped him this last summer with his dream house. He never got to see the finished work, but the girl his father had hit about 12 years ago, in a car accident, did. His life long wish was to build a house and give it to the girl that he felt so sorry for. He died, before our project had even finished, from terminal cancer.

Last year when summer ended, Alyssa and I kept in touch until one day she called me up on the phone and said it was over. Come to find out she had been messing with Kyle all summer. As we know it, everything in life happens for a reason, at least that’s what my dad always said. The school year is coming to an end and this summer I am staying with mom to help her around the house, and with my little brothers Ryan and Adam.

My name is Sam Monroe, my father was George Monroe, and he died last summer. I am trying my best to clean up my act and stay being “good” like my dad had always wanted to see me, his son. He always wanted me to be happy, and now, that I’m not sniffin’ or poppin’ anything, I am. He really showed me the true way to build a life for yourself. And that is what this story’s all about.

Chapter 2 - -

Robin Kimball, George’s ex-wife climbed the steps that led to her son’s room. Five o’clock in the morning was just way too early, but Sam had said he needed to be at school by six, so that’s what she had been aiming for since she had woken up a half hour ago.

“Sam!” she called through the door.

“Sam it’s time to get up.”

She fidgeted with the door a few times before it opened before her.

“Morning Mom!” Sam came out dressed semi-nice with his hair combed and his rings (where ever they might be) out. His father had sure cleaned him up.

He embraced his mother and kissed her atop of her golden head then headed downstairs. Mrs. Kimball looked down at her son as he ran down the stairs, in total shock. Since when did Sam ever do that in the mornings?

Sam leaped off the last step and grabbed a piece of toast off the plate on the bar counter just as Mrs. Kimball called out.

“Your breakfast is on the counter, Sam!” seeing her son grabbing the toast she added.

“I see you found it.” She was in total doubt as to what her late ex-husband had done to their son. After all it wasn’t every day her son bounded down the stairs excited about something.

”Don’t you need a ride?!” she asked still flustered.

“No! I just needed a second alarm clock!” Sam shouted as he walked out of the house is bag slung over his shoulder.

“What?!” Mrs. Kimball looked somewhat annoyed as she realized that her son looked not only excited (not to mention jumpy) but he had the air of a love struck hormonal teenager.

Yes that had to be it; surprise doors, kisses on the head, jumpy attitude, yep, hormones. A mother always knew and Mrs. Kimball was positive, as she walked down the stairs and shut the door her “love struck” son and somehow managed to forget. She sighed as she slumped against the closed door.


Chapter 3 - -

Sam, instead of walking, ran a few blocks down and turned into the only cul-de-sac around.

Jeez! Her house is huge! He exclaimed upon jogging into the driveway of her so called “house.” No, it was far from that.

It’s a- - mansion. Heck it’s bigger than dad’s house.

Sam’s thoughts were interrupted as a cute, petite brunette opened a van door and called out his name.

“Sam! You coming?!”

Sam tore his eyes from the mansion, his mouth still gapping wide.

“What?” she asked as she saw “inside” his mouth, confusion written all over her sea-blue eyes.

Blinking a few times Sam answered,

“Uh, nothing. It’s just I - - “ He stuttered.

“Shh… Hawks at 12 o’clock.” She answered, her eyes darting behind her as a warning against her parents.

“Right.” Sam cleared his throat and put on his more proper set of manners, the one most likely labeled in the back of his mind as “Manners for Dummies: Parents 101.”

Mr. And Mrs. Elliot walked out of the front door and made their way towards the van arm in arm, totally conservative from the looks of it.

“Mr. And Mrs. Elliot.” He nodded his head as he put out a hand.

Mrs. Elliot stared at it in almost utter disgust clutching onto her husband’s arm for dear life, while Mr. Elliot on the other hand took Sam’s hand and gave it a firm shake.

“Well you must be Mr. Monroe, the boy our daughter told us about yesterday. So you need a ride boy?” he asked, his voice low and gruff.

“Yes sir. If it’s not an inconvenience.” Sam gripped onto the strap of his backpack nervously.

“Inconvenience? Ha! There’s no such thing in this house. The Lord requests us to serve, and if he brings to us a young man that needs a ride, we shall be more than glad to offer our services.” He drawled in his speech.

“Harold.” Mrs. Elliot whispered and whined into her husband’s ear, nudging him in the side, her eyes beginning to blaze.

“With gladness Sara, and glory to the Lord.” He reprimanded his wife and put her back into her place. Sara Elliot, slowly shrunk back to her husband’s side.

All was silent for a few minutes as Sam took in the “churchy” speech.

“Well, what are we waiting for?” Harold Elliot cleared his throat and gave an uncomfortable chuckle as he opened the passenger door for his wife, then shut it, getting his keys out; breaking the silence.

“Nothing! Let’s go!” The petite, brunette put in, noticeably embarrassed as she opened the door and ushered Sam in.

“Allow me… Miss Elliot.” Sam said taking the door from her, his minds eye obviously reading that “Manners for Dummies Manual.” He closed the door then made his way around and got into the van.

Sam nor “Miss Elliot” said anything to each other on the way to school, it was obvious that one word could offend Mrs. Elliot, let alone make Mr. Elliot disapprove.

As they pulled up to the school, Sam and “Miss Elliot” jumped out of the van. Sam waited on the curb as the petite brunette said her daily goodbyes and gave out her daily “goodbye kisses.” After the daily ritual she joined Sam on the curb.

“I’ll be right back.” Sam whispered to her as he stepped off the curb towards her father.

“Thank you sir for the ride.” He said politely, mentally turning another page in the manual.

“Not a problem son, anytime. You have a nice day, and may the Lord go with you.” He put up a hand in a mock wave.

“You - - too, sir.” Sam answered not sure of what to say.

“Goodbye, ma’am.” He called to Mrs. Elliot who was staring in disgust once more. Looking totally appalled Mrs. Elliot turned her head to the window.

“She’ll soften up in a day or two, son. Don’t worry.” Mr. Elliot chuckled excusing his wife’s behavior.

“Would you like a ride home Mr. Monroe?” the stocky man asked.

“If it’s - -“

“Nah ah, Mr. Monroe. It’s no inconvenience.” Mr. Elliot stopped Sam in his tracks.

“Well?”

“Yes sir.” Sam replied, trying to take in "the parents."

“Alright, that’s better. We will see you this afternoon then. The Lord bless you!” Mr. Elliot called as he drove the blue van away.

Sam rejoined “Miss Elliot” on the curb.

“I’m sorry if my parents are a little - - different.” She apologized as they began to walk towards the outside cafeteria.

“No, it’s fine. I don’t mind. I find your father to be a - - very nice man.” He tried to avoid the uncomfortable conversation.

“And my mother?” Amanda asked as she set her books down on the table and straddled the bench.

Sam was silent.

“Like your father said, She’ll soften up in a day or two.” He tried his very best to sound confident.

Amanda chuckled at his comment. Sam was thoroughly positive that he hadn’t accomplished sounding "confident.”


Chapter 4 - -

Sam and Amanda walked off the campus three weeks later and waited on the curb for Amanda’s parents.

“I warn you, my father is planning to ask you over to dinner tonight.” She said quietly upon arriving on the red strip of curb.

“What’s so bad about that?” Sam asked, noticing the hint of concern in her voice. He joined her on the curb.

She turned and looked up at him.

“They’re, very, conservative.” She managed to “criticize” her parents.

“Oh, that explains a lot.” Sam said, sarcasm playing in his tone.

“Sam!” She whacked him playfully, giggling like a young girl again.

“What?!” He jumped back, protecting himself with his hands as he mock winced.

Sam stopped laughing as did Amanda when he noticed the familiar blue van pulling into the parking lot. Surprisingly enough it was just Mr. Elliot to pick them up. Mr. Elliot put his arm around the head of the passenger seat and leaned towards the window as he rolled it down.

“Hey you two, hop in!” he called to them, grinning widely.

Amanda opened the passenger door and began to get in when her father stopped her.

“Honey, why don’t you let Sam sit there today.” She looked at her father, a funny look on her face as if she didn’t have the slightest idea, whatsoever of what was going on. Mr. Elliot winked at his daughter and smiled.

“Just don’t tell your mother he’s been sitting in that seat.” He whispered to his daughter, letting out a great hearty chuckle. Amanda chuckled with him and mouthed “okay,” as they all (excluding her father) did the “Chinese Fire Drill” and took off towards Amanda’s house. They drove in silence until Amanda’s father broke it.

“Sam, how would you like to come over for dinner tonight? My wife is cooking a nice roast.” He asked.

Nice little incentive there. How can I say no to a good home cooked meal, none the less roast? Sam asked himself. Mr. Elliot looked at him as Sam had grown quiet for a few seconds.

“Well?” her father pressed.

“Don’t push him, let him have time to think, Daddy.” Amanda put in as she secretly nudged Sam’s arms with the tips of her fingers.

“Alright, alright. I’ll let the boy speak his mind.” Her father backed away playfully.

“So, what’s it going to be son?” he asked once more.

“Daddy!” she called choking on her laughter.

“I’m only joking!” he reached behind and grabbed his daughter’s hand in his and squeezed gently. Sam sat there and smiled as he watched Amanda and her Father play together. He glanced at her in the rear view mirror until she caught him and he looked away as she began to calm down. He glanced back and caught her flashing a small, but bashful smile at him.

As soon as they calmed down Sam answered Mr. Elliot’s question.

“I’d be honored. I’ll just have to call my mom and let her know.”

“All right then! I’ll let you call her when we get to the house.” Mr. Elliot was beaming as he swung a left at a green arrow.


Chapter 5 - -

Mrs. Elliot began to scoot her chair away from the table as she gently dabbed her lips with the cloth napkin and set her silverware into her plate, looking very uncomfortable. Clearing her throat she rose from her seat at the lower head of the table.

“Sara, dear, where are you going to in such an unexpected hurry?” Mr. Elliot asked his wife who not only looked uncomfortable, but displeased as well.

She cocked an eyebrow as though she felt she shouldn’t have been questioned in this matter.

“I - - I have to use the restroom, excuse me.” She made her leave, not wanting to explain the real reason why she didn’t want to be at the dinner table that evening.

Amanda looked over at her mother’s plate of untouched food and felt the humiliation of her mother’s behavior rising up into her pale cheeks. She began to fidget with the napkin in her lap until Sam noticed and reached a hand discretely under the table and placed it over hers.

Amanda stopped and glanced at him confused as Sam carried on a political discussion with her father that was becoming a friendly debate more than anything. Amanda jumped as her father’s fist slammed down on the table in utter excitement. Sam’s hand banged the underside of the table. His mouth gapped open wide in pain.

“What is it dear boy?” Mr. Elliot asked confused.

“Ah…nothing, I was just about to say your right, you are absolutely right!” Sam imitated Mr. Elliot’s movement and slammed his hand down softly on the table, fork still in hand.

“Right then,” Mr. Elliot continued in his speech and drawled on for another hour and a half until the old grandfather clock chimed eight o’clock.

Mr. Elliot rose from his seat and stretched as one would after a large, and, very good meal.

“Time for the evening walk. Would you care to join us Mr. Monroe?” He asked politely as he pushed in his chair.

“I’d love to, sir!” Sam accepted with excitement.

“Alright I’ll wait outside for the two of you.” Mr. Monroe opened the front door and left onto the front porch.

Amanda glanced over at Sam and then at their hands.

“Uh, yeah,” She whispered not knowing what to say as she felt her cheeks flush crimson from apprehension. She chuckled nervously and considerately removed her hand from under Sam’s and scooted her chair from the table, beginning to clear the table.

TBC