Annika had heard the entire fight, since they were shouting and sat on the bed, looking out the window... this was none of her business really.

Sam moved into the room a few minutes later and closed it softly behind her. He looked down, ashamed, and sat on the bed next to Annika. He really...needed her right now.
He took her hand in his.

Annika held onto his hand tightly, her other hand moving over his arm and up, around his neck, his ear. She pulled him just softly towards her and kissed his shoulder. "I'm sorry Sam." She whispered.

Sam nodded and hugged her. "I tried...I... did I never wanted her out of my life Annika." He murmured. "Did...did you hear all of that?"

Annika nodded. "I did." She whispered, hugging him tightly to her.

Sam hugged her back. "What...what do you think?" He murmured softly. "I mean should I let her get the abortion? It seems so wrong..."

Annika shook her head. "Sam... this is not my decision and I don't want to get in the middle of it... this is between you and your daughter... and in the end... it is her decision. Not yours."

Sam deflated a little and nodded. "I know...I just..." He looked to her. "Annika you're..." He swallowed. "You're the best thing that's happened to me in a long time. I trust what you think and I know you...don't think that it's your business but I trust you. Believe me when I say I need a little comfort here." He laughed a little and shook his head. "I need your help."

Annika nodded. "I'm here to comfort you Sam... I'm here for you, but I can't give you advice or my opinion on it." She said quietly, kissing his cheek softly.

Sam sighed roughly and nodded. "Alright." He murmured. He stared at his hands, feeling....lost. He felt....disconnected.
"I don't know what to do."

Annika nodded. "I know." She whispered to him, pulling him closer. She kissed the side of his head. "I am so... sorry Sam."

Sam pulled away from her for a moment before standing up. "I'm going to go take a shower." He murmured.
This certainly put a damper on the evening. Honestly, he tried to tell her it was...okay. He wanted to hear what she thought about it. But he understood how that might sound. He was looking for Katie's mother in Annika, and she just wasn't there. Like Katie had said...she was only four years older.

That stung. Sam hadn't even thought about age difference until now, and it was starting to boil down and become more apparent. He wondered if she cared about that. Obviously not for a sexual relationship but what about something more?

Annika blinked a little. "I... alright." she said quietly, understanding why he'd want some time to think. She'd want the same if she were him....

Sam stood under the warm faucet and closed his eyes, thinking this over.

***

There was a soft knock on the door though, and Katie waited for someone to answer. She didn't know if Annika was in there but she had heard her father go into his room.

Annika sighed and shook her head, getting up and walking to the door. She opened it. "Oh... hey Katie." She said quietly.