Hi I'm only new but I love these two so much, they remind me of myself and my best friend (except I'm pretty sure we don't "like" each other...I think...um...yeah...anyway...)
Forgive me if the following post is too obsessive or long or something. I blame the part of me studying psychology.
Someone asked why Sam and Jake fight if they “like” each other. Well, friends do that. Its like, in the rulebook that close male and female friends fight at least once a month.
I certainly think they do like each other, a lot. But they’re young and stubborn, so they won't admit to it. And they way they act when one gets noticed by the opposite sex? Definitely jealousy. (Trust me I know. *rolls eyes*).
I won't elaborate too much on what Sam’s thoughts could be, seeing as we do spend the books in her point of view. However, from reading the series I've found that she definitely looks up to and admires Jake, if only for his horse skills. Then there are those few times where she notes on how handsome he’s become. That for me, was a definite sign of attraction. Then there's the times she gets jealous when Rachel Slocum flirts with Jake. Definite jealousy here. Sure I suppose it could just be the jealousy a best friend gets at the fear of having their friend taken away from them, but I'd like to think its more in this case.
Now…Jake. *cue drum roll*
I definitely think Jake likes, maybe even loves Sam. But how come he never admits to it?
Now, you have to look at Jake’s personality. I love the guy, he reminds me so much of my Alex. Jake is such a shy, reserved person…and as a reserved person myself and being the best friend of a shy guy I can tell you now, admitting you have those kind of feelings, especially for someone you’ve known since you were a baby and even teased and ridiculed as children…well put it this way. It'd be less painful being trampled by the Phantom.
Does anyone ever get frustrated by his shyness? I bet you do, and Sam does as well, multiple times. However, you need to look at the little things…things that don’t seem that big a deal when you first read, but if you dig a bit deeper and think you’ll go; "Oh my god, no way!"
Let's look at a few examples that show Jake cares for Sam deeply and
likes her:
--When Ace goes on his mad bronco run through the camp at the first roundup in The Wild One. Sam doesn’t understand why Jake is so furious with her. I'm willing to bet my favourite Western saddle that under the fury, Jake would have been terrified. It no doubt would have reminded him of that day when Sam came off Blackie…and generally when you’re scared like that, you get angry. Especially for someone like Jake, who doesn't like being surprised or afraid.
--The way Jake blames himself for Sam's accident, despite her constant reassurance that it was not his fault. He states that he should have been watching out for her and protecting her. That’s glaring proof there and then that he cares for her a great deal.
--The numerous times he sees her with the Phantom, especially those times where the Phantom is angry and dangerous. Again, he often gets angry. See the first example for my explanation there.
--His tendency to get overprotective of her. Need I say more?
--He's always blanking his face out to her. Now, prove me wrong, but that’s a sure sign you're hiding something.
--When they are cornered by Flick in Dark Sunshine. Afterwards, Jake admits that he threw the rifle over the edge because he was afraid he’d use it. That was a beautiful scene to me, due to the simple fact that Jake was willing to
kill somebody to protect Sam. BLING! BLING! BLING! MAJOR CARE FACTOR!
--The fact that he does things for her, even though he hates the idea.
--He's always willing to drop everything and come running to her aid when she’s in trouble.
--His dislike of Ryan Slocum, especially near Sam. Now come on, MAJOR jealousy fit here. That is proof right there.
--The way he calls her Brat after a while. Sure, it started out as a way to mock her but do you ever notice that it seems to almost become an affectionate endearment as the series progresses?
That’s all the examples I can think of for now, but I bet there’s plenty more.
Personally, I love the idea of them getting together. They’ve been best friends for so long…who better to be with than someone who obviously knows you inside and out? It’d be one spicy relationship that’s for sure (lol), but I'd love to see it. I only wish Terri had done something more at the end of the series…however the hint she left at the end of Run Away Home was enough to have me squealing like a little girl!
Again, apologies if this is too long. I tend to like explaining things thoroughly…so yeah. Sorry.