This is story is going to make you go "Aww...."

The Key

She was sitting in a coffee shop enjoying a cup of espresso. Oh how she loved the smell of coffee early in the morning. It always gives her a boost seeing that she would always fall a sleep on her laptop in the morning while writing her newest novel. She was also a fan of watching different types of people coming in, enjoying the delicious coffee there. She had been a regular customer there ever since it was legal for her to drink coffee. She still remembers her first sip of the mouth-watering concoction. Not something she would forget. She took a sip of her espresso and enjoyed the tantalizing taste of it coursing through her tongue giving all her taste buds a morning pick me up. She put her cup down and slowly ran one of her finger on the rim of her cup still holding it. It wasn't just the amazing coffee they sell there that made her come daily, there was also a certain man who intrigued her interest sitting across the room reading a book. She couldn't make out what it was but she was sure of something that is he always changes his book every week. It's a weekly thing she guessed. She shrugged her shoulders and looked out the window taking another sip of her espresso.

The roads weren't overly filled with cars bustling their way to work. It was currently the morning rush and yet it wasn't like the city with all its traffic jams and such. She smiled at the view no longer looking at the horrible scenery the city gave her when she was little. Now she was able to live near the city and yet not get all the negative side effect of it. She opened her laptop, planning on continuing her newest novel that was going to be published in 4 more months. If she could finish this earlier she could go and take a holiday for a while after all the event she had to do after she finishes her novel. The novel before this did extremely well wining award here and there. She wondered whether to write another book about it but she decided not to. The reason was she found that the ending was certainly great and the story was left with no lose ends needing to be filled. Rather than continuing with the story she decided to write a new story filled with anything she can think of. When she started typing she didn't notice a person was sitting beside her, getting closer and closer to her slowly putting his head on her shoulder. She flinched and looked to her side.

“Samantha. How have you doing?" He smirked as he rubbed her hand calming her down.

“You're lucky nothing spilled on your laptop. It practically has all your life’s work and especially because it's the present I gave you for your 21st birthday." He chuckled as she sat back down on the chair covering half of her face with her hand feeling embarrassed.

"God! You need to stop doing that Adam. You know you're lucky we are in a public place because if we weren't I would probably beat the hell out of you." She playfully punched his shoulder and smiled.

He rubbed his shoulder and grins back to her. "What bring you here, Adam?" she asked taking a sip of her lukewarm espresso.

"Nothing really I just wanted to tease you." He snickered and yelp in pain after being pinched by Samantha. "I'm only kidding. I’m actually from home and mom asked me to pick you up." He rubbed the sore place hoping to sooth the pain.

"You could have just called me to go there rather than going to all the trouble of picking me up." She looked at him disbelieving the reason of his action.

“No I couldn't cause mom specifically told me to drive you there." He answered her with a serious face. "Okay but let me go back home and pack my stuff." She started to pack her laptop into her sling bag and finish her drink, leaving. "Adam can I go buy another cup of..."

"I knew you would ask so I already bought one. It's inside the car." She smiled at him appreciating the fact he still remember her daily routine. "You're welcomed." He smiled back at her, chuckling. Samantha didn't notice the man who changed his book every week left the coffee shop too.

In the car

“Adam this isn't black coffee. This is orange juice." She looked at him peculiarly.

"That's mine. Yours is here." He smirked holding the cup up with one his hand while the other started the car.

"Adam give it!" She tried to snatch it from his hand but failed.

"If only you say the magic word." He teased while holding the cup to the front of her face. She tried again before giving up knowing how fast her brother is.

"Alright, can I please have my cup of black coffee?" He gave her a soft pat on the head before giving her the cup of coffee.

“Thank you.” She smiled to him giving him a slap on his shoulder. “That’s for bullying me.” She smirked, looking back at the cup of coffee in her hand. She took a sip, surprised by the taste that spread across her tongue. It was creamier and foamier . It didn’t have the aroma and taste of black coffee but it certainly had an intriguing taste. “This isn't black coffee?" She looked at him interested of his answer.

"It's cafe breva. Do you like it?" He didn't look at her seeing that he was currently driving out of the parking lot. She gave a nod and a sound that she makes every time she agrees on something since she was little.

"Good" He puts on his sunglasses and smiled at her answer. On the way to her house she started to feel drowsy.” Adam what was inside that coffee?" She asked yawning.

"Just cappuccino, half and half milk foam. That's all." he answered looking at the road rather than her.

"So why am I so sleepy...” She leaned on his shoulder, closing her eyes falling into slumber.

"Not forgetting the sleeping pill mom told me to put in." Adam whispered to himself. He turned his face to take a look at her. He brushed away the lock of hair on her face tucking it to her ear.  When they finally arrived at her house, the old nanny was waiting for them in front of the gate. He parked the car and walked out to the old nanny. 

“Nice to see dear, it’s been a while hasn’t it.” He gave their old nanny her bag and she simply put her hand in finding the key on the first try.

“Yes, it’s been a long time hasn’t it.” He smiled at the old nanny remembering her over all those year her taking care of them. “Please pack her clothes and send it back home along with her favourite teddy bear that her deceased father gave her. She can't sleep without it." The nanny gave the bag back to him and gave him a sweet smile. "I see dear old Adam still hasn't changed a bit still loves his sister so much even though not blood related to each other. He snatched the bag from her hand and said "She is not my sister." He shook his head and quickly apologized.

"It's alright dear. I know." The nanny pats him on the shoulder and walked into Samantha's two stories house. Adam walked back to the car and continued their way back home.

Samantha lived with her best friend, Beth a.k.a Becky. Becky knew they were coming to take Samantha's clothes because Samantha's biological brother, Mathew informed her before hand. However, she wasn't expecting an old lady with two butlers to come in. The old lady told the men to stay behind while she packed Samantha's belongings. "Good afternoon Beth dear. I'm Samantha's old nanny. I'm here to pack her clothes. Can you show me her room?" Beth gave a nod and showed her the way. When they arrived the nanny said "Thank you, dear. You can go now. I don't want to bother you." The nanny opened Samantha's wardrobe taking out her travelling bag.

"How did she know?" Beth looked at the nanny shrugging it off thinking it was normal. After the nanny packed Samantha's bag she called the butler to pick it up, putting it in the car. The nanny thanked her smiling with satisfaction. "I'm sorry but can you give this to Samantha." Beth gave s package to the nanny. The nanny shook her head and pushes the package back to her. "Why?"

“Beth dear, you are coming with us to go to Samantha's parent’s house. I think she would be delighted to see you. Now go and pack your bags we have to hurry. Remember to bring a nice dress too." Beth ran and packed her bags as fast as she can. The nanny chuckled at her action and smiled seeing that young Samantha had found such a great friend. The nanny picked up Samantha's bear and softly pinched its cheek. “Master Aaron you would have loved to see what your daughter has become with such good friends by her side.”

“I’m back!” Beth came back that gasping for air. The nanny guessed she ran back to the car not wanting to make them wait for her any longer. They set off to their journey back to Samantha's home which she had lived with her parents.

On the other side, Adam had stopped on the way home to a place he knew would that would calm him down. He opened the door and walked out of it to see the nice view of the mountains. Samantha was still sleeping soundly in the car. He looked back at her and made a sad smile. He turned around to face the magnificent view and took a deep breath. Then he exhaled, taking out his phone and called Mathew. He waited for him to pick up and said "Hey Mathew."

"Hi little bro. Do you have Samantha with you?"

"Yeah I do. She's sleeping like mom requested. I still feel guilty doing this to her." He looked down to his feet feeling ashamed.

"We had to do it. If not she would ask you so many question and we need to keep it a secret. You have to remember she is turning 27 years old soon. Mom already have plans on getting her to get engaged with some guy she fond of."

"I know!" He fisted his hand into his hair, letting go after a while after deciding it was no use. "Mathew do you think it's a good idea for me to accept the offer to continue my studies overseas." He kicked a pebble which fell down the pavement to role down the steep slope.

"It's your choice, bro. All I know is that Samantha would be devastated to hear that you would be leaving her here all alone. You know how much she cares about you.” Mathew paused. “Anyway thanks for the info. I need to finish some other preparation here before she arrives."

"Okay, good bye." Mathew hanged up and Adam put his phone back into his pocket. "Maybe I should. It would be the best for both of us. He took on last glance at the view before going back in to the car driving back to their parent's house. Samantha slept soundly not knowing the fate awaiting her. After a few hours drive they finally arrived. The sleeping pills would soon wear off.

When they arrived they were greeted by their mother joyfully who seem too young than her real age. Their mother gave him a warm hug filled with love and care. "Are you tired my little boy?" she pushed away any strands of hair on his face and looked at him worriedly.

“I'm not a baby anymore mom." He chuckled and took her hand, giving a tired smile to her. "I'm just a little tired. I just need a quick nap that's all, mom. Mom what about Samantha? She is still a sleep." He looked back at her and his mother followed his gaze too.

"No worries. I'll go ask someone to bring her up to her room." She said smiling at him lovingly. It almost felt that she was his real mother.

"No it's alright. I'll carry her up myself." He smiled back at her and walked to the other side picking her up into his arms.

"You shouldn't push yourself Adam. I don't want anything bad to happen to you." She looked at him with a troubled look walking to him holding his shoulder.

"I'm fine mom. Her room is just across mine so I can go to my room right after I do this." Adam gave a smile to reassure his mom.

"Be safe alright." She gave him way to walk into the mansion reluctantly but she knew how stubborn her son could be “Adam after you send her up call the maids to get her ready for the party tonight.” He gave a nod and into the mansion, up the stairs to Samantha's room.

On the way he saw a girl coming out of guest room looking his way. "Is that Samantha?" Beth thought walking closer to the man. Adam heard about Beth but never met her in person so does Beth. "Who is the person carrying her?" She wondered, taking a closer look. Suddenly she remembered the description that was given by Samantha about her brother, Adam.  "Are you Adam Samantha's adopted brother?"

"Yeah I am." He took a look at her, not recognizing she was Beth because he was too tired after driving Samantha all the way here. "I'm sorry to be rude but can you move away I need to send my sister to her room. She's kind of heavy. Ouch!" He got punched at the shoulder by Samantha who was still sound a sleep. "Are you already awake Samantha?" He nudged his shoulder and Samantha snuggled closer into his hold putting her face into his neck. He blushed.

"Aww.... so adorable!" Beth said squealing. He glared at her which didn't seem at all scary that moment. He walked toward to Samantha's room trying to ignore the sound of Beth chuckling in the background. He walked in closing the door behind him.

"God! I'm just so lucky! Aren't I?" he said sarcastically. Then when he looked at Samantha's face all the anger seems to fade away. He put her down to her bed tucking her in. He pushed the stray hair on her forehead away, kissing it. She smiled and Adam moved away quietly not wanting to wake her up. 

As soon as he was just at the foot of her bed he heard her say "Is that you Adam?" She sat up rubbing her eyes still feeling dazed after just waking up. He gave nod and walked to her. "Where are we?" she looked around not noticing this was her room.

"She must be still tired" Adam thought. "We're at your room, Samantha." He said grinning at her and continued "You fell asleep on the way. Don't you remember?"

"Whose fault was that?" She glared at him. He simply gave a nervous smile and shrugged his shoulder. "I know Adam. Mom told you to do it. I should have known better."

"I didn't want to do it!" He felt guilty doing it he didn't even want to do it but if he didn't the guy Samantha's mother was fond with will bring her. He couldn't bare it if that happened. She put her hand to his cheek and looked at him in the eye.

"I know that you would never let me be in harm, Adam." She smiled at him and suddenly pinched his cheek. "That's pay back for not telling me straight. I would have drank it if you even if you told me that." She grinned at him. He rubbed his cheek and grinned at her back. 

He apologized to her and said "Well that's because as long as it is coffee you can't resist it." He smirked and ran out of the room not wanting to be punched or pinched by Samantha again.

"Hey!" Samantha yelled too tired to move. Adam closed the door behind him and had a sad smile on his face looking down to the floor. His hair fell in front of his face hiding it from Beth who was looking from the corner. Beth was planning on seeing Samantha and having a chat with her. She didn't expect to see such an expression on his face. Adam let go of the door knob reluctantly, walking to his room with a frustrated look on his face.

Suddenly Beth felt a tap on her shoulder, she flinch and slowly look back to see the nanny. The nanny put her pointing finger on her lip asking her to not talk of it. Beth gave a nod and the nanny smiled leaving Beth alone. "What the hell?!" She put her hand on her chest feeling her heart beating fast feeling scared. She sighed in relief. "At least she is not still here." She walked to Samantha's door knocking the door.

"Come in the door is not locked." Beth came in looking around Samantha's room. Samantha was busy playing with her dear beloved teddy bear, S.A.M which was a combination of her and her brother’s name.

"Nice room." Beth whistled.  Samantha looked up with her eyes wide open not believing the voice she heard was real till she saw Beth standing at the foot of her bed. Samantha jumped from her bed, still holding S.A.M she hugged Beth tightly. "Can't breathe Samantha…" Samantha let Beth go and smiled innocently.

"I'm sorry...Please forgive me..." Samantha said with pleading eyes. Beth could not say no to that face so Beth forgave her. "Thank you! Anyway Beth how did you get here? I thought you would be at home relaxing with your boyfriend." Samantha looked at her wondering what happened.

"First of all me and Will are just friends. Second it is..." Beth quickly put her hand to her mouth stopping her from spilling the beans.

"It is what?" Samantha gave Beth a serious expression making anyone who didn't know her fall to their knees telling her everything.

"It's boring without you around and I miss having to tease you. That's all." Beth thought it was a nice save hopefully Samantha won't notice. "Besides that can we go out and play around. I was bored waiting for you."

“No young mistress Samantha, You have to get ready for the party tonight.” The Latina maid said smiling holding a beautiful spaghetti strap red dress with a black rose pattern on it.

“Yes, young mistress we don’t want you to be late.” Another maid came out holding the a pair of black high heels to match and a black case full of makeup. She had red hair and freckles on her face.

“Guess the tour has to wait…” Beth said to Samantha who seemed surprised.

“Can I know what the party is for?” Samantha asked as the maids came in putting the items to their place.

“I’m sorry young mistress but that information is classified.” The maid answered. “Young mistress you should take a bath first while we get the items for the party ready.”

.“I’m sorry but I promise I’ll give you a tour of the house tomorrow or would you rather I ask Maria to do it.” Samantha said feeling guilty of leaving her friend alone

“No it’s alright. I’ll wait till tomorrow.” Beth smiled, hugging Samantha reassuring her she was fine. “I’ll be in my room if you’re looking for me.” Beth walked out of the room, waving Samantha goodbye.

After Beth left the room Samantha went to take a bath while the maids got everything ready. “How did she know your name, Maria?” The red hair maid asked.

“We were friends when she was in kindergarden. She was so cute then.” Maria answering her colleague’s question setting the makeup on the table while the red hair maid prepare the items for Samantha’s hair. 10 minutes had past and Samantha finally finished her bath. “Come sit here young mistress we need to start with your hair first then your makeup .Finally ending with the dress and shoes.” Maria said pulling the chair for her to sit.

“Thank you Maria.” Samantha sat down on the chair and looked at Maria smiling. “What’s your name?” Samantha asked looking at the red hair maid who was currently drying Samantha’s hair with a hairdryer.

“I’m Sarah.” The red hair maid answered with a delighted tone.

“Nice to meet you Sarah…” Samantha grinned at her. “I hope you enjoy working here.”

“Yes, I do very much enjoy working here. Your mother is a really nice person.” Sarah answered truthfully.

“It’s good to hear that.” Samantha smiled putting her hand on her chest, feeling a warm and bright emotion fill her heart.

After they finished getting her hair and makeup ready, they fit Samantha into the dress. “Young mistress you look stunning.” Maria said admiring Samantha’s beauty.

“Thank you, Maria.” Samantha said hugging her tightly.

“Young mistress all there is left is for you to slip on the black high heel and you’re ready for the party. I’m sure everyone is waiting for you downstairs.” Sarah said putting Samantha’s shoes right in front of her letting her slip them on. Samantha pulled Sarah to a hug whispering thank you too her ear.

Then suddenly there was a knock on the door surprising the girls. “Excuse me ladies but it’s almost time for Miss Samantha too leave. I’m afraid Mister Adam downstairs is getting agitated waiting for her.” The old butler looked down at Mister Adam who was pacing back and forth downstairs.

“Thank you. I’ll be down as soon.” Samantha answered letting Sarah go slipping on her shoes hurriedly. “Maria and Sarah thank you but I have to leave so bye.” The maids nod their head waving to her good bye with a smile on their face. Samantha walked as fast as she could.

Meanwhile downstairs

Adam was taking a glance of his watch and heard someone called his name. He turned around to see Samantha looking absolutely stunning with her spaghetti strap dress and her beautiful wavy hair being let down. He simply stood there stun of her beauty. The way her hair falls to her shoulder and light makeup she had letting her natural beauty shine. He could not stop staring in awe.

Samantha smiled and walked down the stairs gracefully till she reached his side. “Adam…” She called his name yet she received no reply. She looked around and asked “Are you waiting for someone else?”

Adam broke out of his stance and shook his head. “No, I was waiting for you.”

“So let’s go then…” Samantha gestured her hand for him to lead the way.

“Wait I have something to give you.” He took out a box and continued by saying. “I hope you like it.” He opened it to show a cute coffee mug with a lid.

She hugged him, smiling “It’s adorable. I couldn’t wish for a better present.”

“How did you know?” He asked putting his head on her shoulder smiling as a load was lifted from his shoulder because he couldn’t keep anything away from her.

“Who wouldn’t?” She chuckled accepting the present happily. She opened the lid to see a small box inside it. “What’s this?” She took the box out curious of the content. She opened it revealing a pair of necklaces one of them with an initial of her name the other was Adam’s.

“That’s the surprise present.” Adam said taking his initial name and Samantha. “I’ll be holding on to yours while you hold on to mine. So if I ever leave you one day you will remember me and I will remember you. Will you give me the permission to put it on you?” Samantha gave a nod and turned around. “You know what I sometimes wonder how would life be like if I never met you, mom, dad and Mathew? Would I have been the person I am today? But at the end of the day I know I have you guys around to take care and love me as if I am part of your family. I’m thankful of you for holding your hand out that time at the orphanage asking me to come along with you, to be a part of your family. When I took your hand I felt as if I found where I belong. I was no longer alone in this world with no one to care but, someone who had a place in the world.” He connected the hook of the necklace to its place finally letting go as if saying his good bye to Samantha. “I’m done so let’s go then.” He took her hand and led the way to the car.

When they arrived to the party everyone jump out yelling happy birthday and Samantha acted surprise. Samantha walked through the crowd with Adam to the cake. Her mother was waiting there holding the knife for the cake. Samantha blew the candles making her wish while the people surrounding her sang her the birthday song. After that her mother handed her the knife wishing her daughter Happy 27^th Birthday. Samantha cut 4 slices of the cake handing one to her mother, thanking her for the amazing party. She gave the other slice to Mathew who standing beside Drake, his best friend. “This is for being among the best brothers on Earth. Also for working hard on making the party what it is today. This couldn’t happen without you.” She hugged her brother, Mathew and kissed him on the cheek.

The next slice was given to Adam. “You will always be family no matter where you are or even with whoever you’re with. Cause we would always love you.” She hugged him and then the whole family came along, hugging him together. Adam felt touched and a joyful tear slipped out of his eye as he hugged them back.

The party continued as always with Samantha greeting the guest, talking with her friends and such while Adam was having a conversation with Mathew.

“So you decided to accept that offer to study overseas.” Mathew said sipping his drink.

“Yeah I did. I’m leaving after the party. They decided they wanted me there tomorrow and Drake is helping me through all the paper work and getting the visa. The tickets were also already been bought. My bags are ready since I was decided on it two weeks ago but I wanted to be sure before I leave today so here we are.” He smiled putting his hands in his pocket. “Today it feels like a weight is lifted from my shoulder not only because I no longer feel the need to worry about Samantha’s wellbeing but also the fact I no worries about whether you’ll still care of me if I left. Now everything has been answered so I should take my leave soon. Goodbye Mathew take care of Samantha for me.” He shook Mathew hand and walked to the main door only to see Samantha waiting there.

“Adam can you follow me somewhere?” Samantha said smiling however the smile looked as if something was missing.

“Yeah sure, where are we going?” Adam said as Samantha pulled his hand bringing him somewhere.

“It’s a secret.” Samantha answered. After a few turns and a lot of walking they finally arrived. It was the garden there. It had a gazebo right in the middle of everything surrounded by the flowers and just beside a pond. She pulled him in to the gazebo. She let go of his hand and faced him. “We have arrived.” She grinned and continued “You’re not wearing the necklace. Do you want to help you put it on?”

“Okay.” He said taking out the necklace from his pocket giving it to her. She took it and asked him to sit on the bench seeing that he was taller than her.

He sat down on the bench facing the pond. “Adam…” Samantha called him, he gave a nod. She slipped it on the front and hooked in on. Adam wanted turned his face to say thank you to Samantha only to be stopped by her putting her arm around his neck. “I know your leaving, Adam.” She tried to say it as calmly as she could but her voice still cracked. “I don’t want you to leave but if you think this is for the best I’ll do my best to accept it.” She said trying to be brave.

“Thank you Samantha but…” Adam put his hand on top of hers. “You don’t you don’t have to worry cause I will always be there. I am just a phone call away or even a Skype away so don’t worry you can also visit whenever your free. But I’ll always miss you and everyone else.” He looked up to smile at her kissing her on the cheek. “Everything will be fine.” He whispered reassuringly.

The next day

Adam had already gone on the plane to Cambridge in United Kingdom. While Samantha held the necklace in her hand looking up through the window, up to the blue sky. She knew she will see him again someday and also one day she will be able to tell him her feeling till then the necklace will be her only key to remind her that he is there. He was in her heart.

The End