As she exited his room she nearly collapsed under the pressure of all of her feelings crashing down on her.  A part of her really did care about him but there was a small part that didn’t know if she would ever be able to get past that one night. She dreaded the thought of going home and having to deal with Lucas on top of everything else she was dealing with but she had to get home to her babies.            

 When she arrived at home she found Lucas washing baby bottles and he appeared to be in a mood.  “Oh great”, she thought to herself.  “Are the babies asleep Lucas?” She asked as she stifled a yawn.  “Yes they are asleep. Listen Sami, you really need to let me know when you are going to be late. I ran out of milk and you didn’t leave any extra. “             

 “I’m so sorry Lucas. I didn’t mean to run late it’s just that EJ needed me and I couldn’t just leave him.”  Lucas chuckled, “Of course, I should have known that you would be at his beck and call.” She glared at him, “That’s not fair Lucas.” “Fair? Life isn’t fair Sami. Is this how it’s going to be now? You are going to run off whenever EJ’s needs you?” He watched her as if daring her to reveal her feelings. She began picking up the toys scattered around the apartment trying her best to avoid eye contact with him. “What do you want from me Lucas? I’m his wife.  If he needs me I have to help him.”

“I knew this was going to happen. Little by little you are drifting closer to him. I’m just sick of this whole situation. You know what, just go, be with him if that is what you want but I’ll be damned if you are taking our daughter along for the ride.” He wiped down the kitchen counter. “I want you to sign over custody of Ali to me. It’s what’s best for our daughter.”            

 Sami felt the anger and rage begin to overtake her. “How dare you! I’m not giving you custody of Ali. You can just forget it! You will never take my child away from me. Not ever!” She threw down the toys on the couch. “I’m going to bed and if you know what’s good for you, sleep on the couch” She stormed into the bedroom and threw herself onto the bed.  She began sobbing into her pillow. She couldn’t believe what a nightmare her life had become.  She couldn’t imagine going through another nasty custody battle as she experienced with Will. She couldn’t, wouldn’t, allow that to happen again.            

As she laid there with tears staining the pillow beneath her she began to think. She knew what she had to do and she knew exactly who she needed to talk to. The question was, would he be willing to help her. She sat up and wiped the tears from her eyes. Her face became resolute. Yes she would go first thing tomorrow and solicit the help she needed. Lucas wouldn’t know what hit him by the time she was through.