"I can't believe you're making me do this." Sam said as her mom parked the car in front the retirement home.

"Yea and I can't believe that you got suspended from school… again. So we're equal." Her mother retorted giving Sam a stern look.

"Whatever." Sam replied. She got out of the car and slammed it behind her.

Her mother called out her name. "Honey, this is for your own good alright. You need to do something productive. You can't keep carrying on the way you have," her mother pleaded.

Sam turned around, "Oh and of course the best answer would be to watch people die."

"Hey! Have some respect, you might learn something!" Her mother was getting tired of dealing with the attitude. "I'll be back to pick you up at 9." And without another word her mother drove off.

Sam grudgingly entered the home and headed towards the receptionist. She was not looking forward to filling her days with boring old people. Sure she was at least getting paid but something more exciting would have been better.

"Hi, um , I'm here to start my new shift." Sam said to the girl sitting behind the counter.

The receptionist looked up and smiled. "Oh you must be Sam! Wow, you look just like your mom! How is she doing?"

Sam was startled; she was surprised someone recognized her. People always told her she looked like her mom, but that was before she started wearing lots of eyeliner and makeup. "She's fine."

"Well, that's good, I haven't seen her in a long time." When Sam didn't reply, she continued. " I'm Peyton by the way." Peyton reached her hand from behind the desk to Sam.

Sam took her hand and nodded. Peyton was young; younger than she expected from their phone conversation. She didn't know someone so young could know her mother. While shaking her hand Sam noticed the collection of bracelets on her arm and mentally gave her some points.

"Alright so let's get you started." Peyton said ushering Sam to join her behind the desk. After Peyton had printed her ID badge, gave her a vest and printed her schedule, she gave Sam a tour.

Peyton seemed nice enough and wasn't fazed by Sam's unwillingness to respond. Peyton showed her the lobby area, the administrative area, the garden then proceeded to show her the living quarters. When they entered the activity room Sam noticed a group of men sitting together and laughing out loud. She stopped listening to Peyton, to listen to the group's conversation. They were playing cards and arguing over who had the best hand. Sam then noticed a young man sitting with them. He was wearing the same vest as she and Peyton. He was blonde and from her side view he looked cute. Sam was intrigued. He seemed to be arguing that his hand was the best.

"Jeffrey, you always do this. I am telling you my Ace beats your double. Fair and square." The young man was looking at, who Sam assumed was Jeffrey, earnestly and trying to convince him. The other men were just laughing enjoying the argument.

"No son that is where you are wrong. I have been playing this game since 1955 and these are the rules. My father taught me how to play. My father. Did you know he fought in the war? Are you really going to argue with that?" Jeffrey then reclined in his chair as the other guys kept chuckling. Jeffrey was satisfied, he knew the kid couldn't say anything to that.

"Looks like he got you there son." Another man at the table said, giving the young man a pat on his arm.

"No, no, Jeffrey, you can't pull that on me." The young man said shaking his head and smiling at Jeffrey. "But you know what I'll let you have this one, you bunch of crooks." And with that they all laughed and the young man began dealing the cards.

"That's Lucas." Peyton stated from behind Sam, startling her. Sam was so absorbed in their conversation she forgot about Peyton. "He works here too." Sam nodded quickly, looking away from them, embarrassed she was caught staring.

They continued their walk into the apartments. Peyton explained that these were the residences of the guests. Some people had a full apartment styled room, while other had just a bedroom and ate in the full kitchen downstairs. The whole home itself was pretty, especially the garden while the residences were clean and neat. Sam noticed the deafening silence. If Peyton wasn't talking it would have been unbearable.

"Is it always this quiet?" Sam asked.

"No just in the afternoons. People are either downstairs doing activites or taking a nap."

Sam began wondering how long she would have to work here for. It was ridiculous that she was forced to work here instead of a restaurant or mall. What makes her mother think that a bunch of old people would change her. She was the way she was. Why couldn't her mother just accept it and move on. She was a teenager, it was okay for her to make mistakes and do stupid stuff, she thought, and who cares about high school suspension. It was stupid. All of it was stupid. Just thinking about it was getting her mad.

Suddenly Peyton stopped in front of a door. "Do you want to meet some guests?' Peyton said eagerly.

Sam wasn't sure, she didn't know what she should say to anyone. "Um, I guess."

Peyton noticed her hesistation. "Don't worry, you will get use to everything eventually. But I think you should meet one of my really good friends here. You will love her, she's amazing!" Peyton then knocked on the door and said, "It's Peyton."

Sam was not excited. Now she would have to talk and be polite.

When they heard "Come in" Peyton opened the door and ushered Sam inside.

When they entered Sam noticed how bright the room was and the wonderful floral smell. There were big windows letting in the afternoon sun. Sam quickly looked around and noticed the art and photographs all over the walls. Sitting on a rocking chair was a woman with a book in her hands. She was nicely dressed with white linen pants and a pretty pink blouse. Her hair was short and honey blonde with a few streaks of white at the front. The lady looked to Peyton with delight as they hugged.

"Oh I'm so glad you are here. I have the most amazing record for you to hear!" The older woman exclaimed as she slowly got up from her seat. When she stood up she noticed Sam. "Oh, who do we have here?"

Sam moved forward and gave a small wave. "Hi, I'm Sam. I'm new."

The lady extended her hand to Sam. "Lovely! My name is Haley, Haley James Scott."