Give Up The Grudge [FINISHED]

[blatentlyobvious]

Hello fans of the fic. So, if you would prefer not being confused through the whole time you read this story, Goodbye Blue Monday in the Kevin section, would be a very good thing to read. Otherwise, this is the sequel to Head Over Jonas (Terry's POV)


Please enjoy and comment if you wish.



Give Up The Grudge


Chapter One~

List Number One: Crushes/Boyfriends/Loves
1. Charlie Henter (grade two; crush)
2. Terence Low (grade three; crush)
3. Harvey Cole (grades four-six; crush)
4. Christopher Steinman (grade seven; crush)
5. Hunter Moiren (grade eight; fooled around…we were amateurs.)
6. Mark Luise (grade nine; first official boyfriend but we only dated for three months.)
7. Nicholas Jonas (grade ten; status – unclear, but I loved him)

List Number Two: How I Spent the Rest of My Summer
1. Deciding that I was going to try to fix things with Nick.
2. Reconsidering that decision.
3. Re-evaluating the entire situation between Nick and myself.
4. Checking my cell phone and email constantly for messages. None.
5. Giving Up
6. Locking myself in my room for four days, and telling everyone it was to undergo some deep, intense mental restoration, when really, I spent that time crying my eyes out.
7. Listening to Meghan write songs, away in her room and eventually, letting her open up to me, and finding out that Kevin still loved her.
8. Moping because Joe loved Alicia, Kevin loved Meghan, and Nick didn’t love me.
9. Actually trying to move on.
10. Hanging out with a few friends on occasion and with Alicia and Meghan for all the days we had left.
11. Celebrating my sixteenth birthday, and registering for High School as a Sophomore
12. Growing…everywhere.

List Number Three: The Mistakes I Made While Trying to Move on
1. I kept Nick’s sweater.
2. I kept the picture of Nick, Joe and I
3. I kept the necklace with the inimitable blue shell
4. I still loved him
-----
The first day of classes always bored me. This was my second year at Foxington High in California. It was a distinguished private school that was devoted to the Arts. Alicia and Meghan had attended as seniors when I was a freshman last year. They both graduated a year before me and, unintentionally left me to the “sharks.” I did have a few friends at school.

Heather – a shy brunette with a light heart and a warm personality.

Jess – a blonde, whose failure to do any homework left her high strung. She was always positive despite it however.

Glen – A guy who I have known for three years, but never really knew until freshman year, when we ended up stuck together in Film studies as a last minute elective. We’re now good friends.

Deb – I met her last year in History. She was a transfer student from Victoria, Canada. Her bright smile and upbeat attitude along with a willingness to help anyone was what made us friends.

I looked at the time on Mrs. Henderson’s clock. She was running over the course outline for this semester’s English class. It was 3:30 and I realized she was going to go over, when the bell rang at 3:32. Unfortunately, I had suffered through her grade 10 English class last year, and I knew that she wasn’t one to let a silly bell interrupt her meaningful words.

Ten minutes past the bell, the students of my English class all crammed out Mrs. Henderson’s door. I waited until a few more have passed before I squeeze out as well. I rushed down the hall, flustered and anticipating missing my bus. I'm sure that Meghan would pick me up, but she is tied up at Starbucks, where she now works.

I ran, as fast as I could to catch the bus, and just before it left, I was able to get on. It approached my stop and I reached around some guy to pull the cord. The driver came to an abrupt stop, and I tripped, falling backwards. I brace myself for the impact of the ground, but instead, find myself in someone’s arms. I look up and see a concerned face looking at me. I straighten up and the bus driver yells for me to get off.

“Thank you.” I said to him as I stepped down onto the sidewalk. The guy who caught me stepped off as well. “Um, you get off here too?” I asked quietly. He was well built and probably close to 6 feet tall. He dressed the part of a natural Cali guy. His sandy blonde hair added to the image as well.

“Hah, not normally, but I can wait for the next bus.” He said grinning. I blushed a bit and stood there awkwardly, fiddling with my bag.

“I'm Trey Bowman.” He said extending his hand. I took it and shook it. His hands were rough and cold, nothing like Nick’s. I felt like smacking myself for thinking of Nick again. I was supposed to be moving on, not comparing other guys to him. As Trey stood in front of me, I introduced myself and thanked him again for helping me.

“It’s not a problem. It’s not every day that someone is lucky enough to have someone so beautiful fall right into your arms.” He said smiling at me. I couldn’t help but be a little flattered by this guy. He was charming, attractive, and let his bus drive away to talk to me.

“Do you have time to grab a coffee or something?” He asked. It was only ten to four so I didn’t object.
“Sure. There’s a Starbucks down the street.” I say. We started walking, and each chatted a bit about ourselves. He told me that he was a senior and he was in debate.

“On you on one of the teams?” I asked casually. He face started to seem more familiar.

“Yeah, I play Football.” He said modestly. He was the quarterback, I realized as he opened the door to the Starbucks. I started to walk in, but bumped him accidentally.

“Oh, sorry, go ahead.” I said gesturing. Without a second thought he walked in front of me. I frowned for a split second. Nick would have held it open for me, I think. I roll my eyes at myself and try to block out thoughts of him. Trey stepped up to the counter and asked me what I wanted.

“A green tea latte would be nice, if it’s not too much trouble.” I said smiling. He cocked his head and with a grin flashed his credit card. I smiled and nodded. He ordered a Carmel macchiato upside down, whatever that meant. The drinks were finished and Trey and I grabbed a table.

“Do you come here a lot?” He asked nonchalantly. I nodded and sipped my latte.

“Do you have a sister?” He asked out of the blue.

“Um, yeah, Meghan. She graduated in 06.” I said. He asked more questions about me, like the courses I was taking, the teachers I had. Electives, sports, clubs, committees. By the end of my latte I was bored and half regretting saying yes to having coffee with him. He talked a lot about himself when he ran out of questions. I was thinking about Nick, and was distracted.

I thought about the way he kissed me the night of the storm. I had forgotten the feel of his lips against my own, but the warmth of his embrace was fresh in my mind.

“Do you have a boyfriend?” Trey asked, being rather direct. I realized that I sort of admired that.

“Not presently.” I said smiling. I couldn’t help myself. He flashed a perfect smile.

“Maybe that could change?” He questioned.

I looked at him; his sandy hair, bright smile, sky blue eyes. He could be just what I need.

“It’s likely.” I said.

[blatentlyobvious]

This is chapter two.
I got a little bored writing it, because I'm antsy...mainly because I am really excited to write a certain scene.
I apologize if this lacks anything, or everything, that makes a chapter good. Still, read it. =)Also... sorry its so long. -=D

Chapter Two~

I was in the washroom of the campus Starbucks. No one else was around. I
looked at myself in the mirror. What I said in my list about growing, I wasn’t lying. I had gone from an A cup to a B in just a few months. My hips were wider, I had more fat on my body, and I hade even gained a few inches. I admired myself, and for once in my life I actually felt beautiful.

“Baby, I hate these.” Trey said as I handed him a Caramel Frappe.

“Oh. Sorry.” I said. “I would trade you but…” I trailed off holding up the exact same drink.

I watched as he chucked the drink into the trashcan. My mouth dropped and stared at him, and then the garbage. He started to walk back to the main building.

“Trey, I paid for that.” I said, angered.

“So, they taste gross. Lets go.” He reached down and kissed me lightly on the lips.
For about two weeks now, I had been seeing Trey. I began to notice he was a little more conceited than the guy who caught me on the bus. I had grown accustomed to it because for the first time, I felt like I was letting go of Nick.

I felt that being with Trey had stopped all the regrets and memories of Nick, and allowed me to be free from it all. I knew I didn’t love Trey, and I began to notice things changing on account of him. These things were within myself. I began to spend less and less time with my close friends in order to see Trey, but they all
understood.

“You really like him?” Deb asked as we sat in third period Biology. Mr. Cooper was talking about the decomposition of organic chemicals in the body during digestion.

“Well, yeah, otherwise I wouldn’t be dating him.” I stated, jotting down a quick note on the Hydrogen complex. Jess looked up from her binder. I didn’t expect her to actually be taking any notes.

“Well, how far have you gotten?” She asked quietly, staring at me. I thought about it. We had only been making out, nothing more. I wanted it to stay that way.

“Not now.” I said realizing that there were more than enough people listening. It was bad enough that word got out that I'm dating Trey, but the fact that half the school was giving me dirty looks was enough to make me regret going out with him.

Jess turned back to the front and so did Deb, and finally the period ended. I walked to forth, anticipating seeing Glen. He was only in one of my classes this semester, which sucked for both of us. For the hour and a half each day I did get to see him, we didn’t stop talking.

“Hey Terry.” Glen said as I slumped down beside him dropping my books onto my desk. One period left before I could go home.

“Hey Glen. How was your day?” I asked flipping open my History binder. He did the same and Mrs. Shultz wrote ‘The Recap’ on the board. I grabbed the textbook from my bag and the sheet we had for the first chapter, the quick reiteration of last years topics. Already, the teachers had piled on assignments due in days.

“Um, it was fine.” He says quickly. “Can I ask you something Terry?” He says leaning over. We are in the back corner of the room, where Mrs. Shultz never looks, but I check to make sure that she isn’t focused on us, just in case.

“Yeah, what?” I said quietly as the teacher started up on the second chapter of the book. For a minute Glen looks uncomfortable, but asks me anyway.

“Why are you dating him?” He waits for my answer. I sigh and lean back in my chair. Is now a good time? None of them know about Nick, let alone the events of the summer. That all stayed between the Jonas boys and Meghan, Alicia and I. He is still waiting, patiently, and though I am reluctant to answer, I manage to.

“You know who Nick Jonas is?” I said, fiddling with the books pages. Glen nodded his head and rolled his eyes. I ignored him. “Well, we had this thing this summer. I wouldn’t actually call it a thing, more of a ‘no thing’. You follow?” He shakes his head in confusion.

“You met him? You dated, wait, didn’t date him and didn’t tell anybody?” He questioned.

“Well, it wasn’t anything to tell about.” I said avoiding his eyes.

“Fine, wow, but still…continue.” He said blinking rapidly. I hate to bore Glen with details of boys, but since he was asking, I didn’t really hold back.

“I loved him.” I said in hardly a whisper. I can feel his eyes burning into me.

“So, you loved him, and now you’re dating some stupid, narcissistic jock?” He asked. I ignored his stab at Trey, and I looked up to see his eyes, confused and searching me for an answer. I sighed again, and shook my head.

“You don’t understand.” I stated. He laughed quietly.

“Do you remember Grace Holloway?” He asked me. I nodded. She was Glen’s girl friend last summer. I never really knew much about them as a couple, because Glen and I weren’t close yet.

“I loved a girl before her. Really loved her. Grace and I never lasted because –“ he stopped for a moment and looked around. “You tell anyone I told you this stuff and you’re dead.” He said. I chuckled and nodded, letting him finish. “Grace was just a rebound. She made me feel like I was never in love with the other girl, that she never moved away.” He finished looking down at his hands.

“Glen, I'm sorry.” I said, unsure of what else I could say.

“So am I. What makes it worse is that you’re doing the same thing. It won’t turn out good for anyone Terry. Trust me.” He explained.

I looked at him in disbelief. So he was telling me to break up with Trey, even though Trey was the one who made everything about Nick disappear?

“You think I should break up with him?” I asked taken aback. He turned back to his binder and pulled out a worksheet from the day before.

“Well, yeah, I mean Terry, come on. The guy is an asshole. I don’t even know how he charmed you into going out with him. I hoped that you would be smarter than that.” He said in a knowing tone. I glared at him.

“No.” was all I could think to say. He shook his head and focused on his papers.
Glen and I didn’t talk for the rest of the period. I grew madder as the time passed.

If he really understood, then he would be able to see why Trey was so good for me.
When the bell rang, I jetted out of the classroom and to Trey’s locker. I wait for twenty minutes and when Trey doesn’t show up, I run to catch the bus. I'm feeling incredibly angry. I’m angry at Trey for not showing up, and angry with
Glen for not understanding.

The late bus has much less people on it, and I actually get to sit down. I get off at my stop and walk to the gates. I walk to the front, and see my favorite security guard Dan smiling.

Dan was really the first to welcome us to the neighbourhood when we moved here. He does his job well, but still takes time to chat with me each time I come home from school.

“Terry!” He said excitedly. I smiled, but I know I'm not in a mood for conversation today. “Did you hear the good news?” He asked.

“Dan I really haven’t had a good day. I’ll catch up with you later.” I explained.
He frowns but nods his head, and opens the gate. I smile weakly at him and walk to the house. My key unlocks the door and I step inside, slipping off my shoes.

“Hello?” I called into the empty house. No one was home. I took my bag upstairs and threw it onto my desk. I check to see the time on my clock. 2:49. I pull out the history assignment and hear the phone ring.

“Hello?” I said into the phone.

“Hi sweetie.” My mom said warmly. “I need a huge favor.”

“Um, alright.” I said unsure.

“Well, your sisters birthday is in a few weeks.” She said like I wasn’t aware.

“Thank you Mom, I know.” I said. She ‘mhm-ed’ and continued.

“Well, I want you and Alicia to plan a big surprise party for her! I’ve already told Alicia, and I assume she is on her way there. You need to start today, and also…” She paused.

“Yeah, Mom?” I prodded.

“One of the guys I work with- John Fields- is a producer. You’re father and I want Meghan to come to dinner with him tonight. She needs to get ready, but I want it to be a surprise. I have to go, please do this for me?” She says all at once. It takes me a moment to reply.

“Alright, sure. Love you.” I said and hung up the phone.

I let the thoughts process in my mind. Tonight I had to start planning my sisters surprise party, while making sure she was ready for meeting with one of the best producers in the music business. And if Alicia already knew, why wasn’t she here.
I rush through my history assignment and by three thirty, still no Alicia. I sigh, getting more aggravated.

At 4:46 Alicia and Meghan tumble through the front door laughing manically. Meghan is in her Starbucks uniform and smells like coffee. I smack Alicia on the arm.

“Where the hell were you?” I shouted over their laughter. “Do you remember what today is?” I asked Alicia. They both fall to the floor in giggles. “Hey!” I yelled.

“No, no just wait!” Alicia said breathing in. “Okay, so we are walking down my street and I'm telling her about the pendant that I got Joe for his birthday, and then, out of no where this car full of guys drives by and whistles at us!” They started laughing again. Why is that funny? I think to myself.

“Oh my gosh! AH-HA! HA-HA! NO.” I said as they looked at me. They both broke out in laughter again and I found myself growing more and more upset. I grabbed Alicia by the wrist and dragged her over to the stairs, where Meghan couldn’t hear.

“Alicia, my mom called you right?” I asked quietly. I look of realization crossed her face.

“Oh, right.” She said. She put her hand on my shoulder. “I'm sorry. It slipped my mind. We should talk later okay?” I'm about to ask Alicia what we need to talk about, but Meghan bursts out in song, and runs to us, grabbing our hands and pulling us over to dance.

I slipped my hand away from her grasp, and walked to my room. I thought hard about what I would do for Meghan’s surprise party. I had three weeks to plan it, which would be plenty, but I would need a lot of help from Alicia.

I heard footsteps behind my chair and swung around to look. Alicia was sitting on my bed smiling.

“Are you excited to plan this?” She asked me quietly. I watched Meghan walk down the hall and heard her door close.

“Yeah, I'm pretty pumped.” I answered truthfully. “It should be huge!”
Alicia smiled at me, but it quickly faded into a frown.

“Ali, what’s wrong?” I asked seeing her expression.

“I thought that you should know something.” She said in almost a worried tone.

“What?” I asked, my stomach flipping.

“They’re home.”

[blatentlyobvious]

Definitely feeling better about this chapter. I hope you all love it.
THE NEXT ONE SHOULD BE AWESOMERRR ( I AM SO PUMPED TO WRITE IT!!)[/color]

Chapter Three~

It’s been
- Three months and eleven days since I met the Jonas Brothers.
- Two months and 29 days since Nick kissed me.
- Two months and 27 days since the Jonas boys left.
- Two weeks and one day since Trey asked me out.
- Two weeks and one day since I have worn my Seashell necklace.

Alicia left my room for a moment and I reached into the drawer of my desk, retrieving the leather necklace I made in the summer. I run my finger over the shell, in a circular motion. A small piece is missing. But it was big enough for me to string into a bracelet. One that Nick might still have in his possession.
I knew they had to come back. This was their home. They couldn’t stay on tour forever. My mind spun when I thought of their tour, and all their beautiful, amazing fans. I was sure Nick had found someone, and that thought tore at my heart. To me it would only make sense if he had forgotten about me, and picked up some other amazing girl.

Why would he still want me, the girl who ended their time together with “you’re life’s waiting and I don’t want to keep you…”, over some silly fan who loves him for all his worth, I thought. But what if he still wants me?

I told Nick I loved him. He never said it back. He told me he wasn’t ready to be with me. It was stupid to even consider that he was still thinking about me. I let go of the necklace and let it drop to the bottom of the drawer again. I sighed and closed it.

“What was that?” Alicia asked. I hadn’t known she was in the room.

“Just- nothing. Come on, we should go help Meghan get ready for tonight.” I said, plastering on a smile.

We walked to Meghan’s room, both knowing she was unaware of the events planned out for this evening. Despite the news that Nick and his brothers were back, I was incredibly happy for my sister.

We walked to her door and stared at her. She was dressed in her uniform, and still smelled like coffee. I was jealous of my sister, because even after a day at work, she was gorgeous.

She noticed Alicia and I staring at her and started to check her face for stuff.

“What?” She asked. I was staring at her work clothes now, the stains on her uniform. “What?” She said again, louder. I looked at Alicia, and she looked back at me.

“Mom and Dad are taking you out to dinner, and have you forgotten that you are still in your work clothes and smell like coffee?” I said quickly.

“What do you mean? Why?” She asked. I just looked to Alicia. I told my mom I wouldn’t say anything pertaining to the reason for this dinner.

“You have one hour to get ready. You better look amazing and drop dead gorgeous when we get back.” Alicia said smiling brightly. We closed her door and waited in the hall for a moment.

“Terry, are you okay? About them coming home, I mean.” Alicia asked me. I looked down at my hands.

“Yeah, it’s fine. Everything will be good unless I run into him.” I admitted.

“You don’t want to avoid him for the rest of your life Terry.” She lectures. “It won’t work anyway.”

“Come on, we’ll go find something for her to wear.” I said ignoring Alicia’s words of wisdom and opening Meghan’s door. We find her a satin top with hints of blue and match it with dark wash skinnies and some amazing blue heels, though we don’t actually pull anything out.
Alicia and I sit on Meghan’s bed and wait for her to get out of the bathroom. When the door opened, a completely nude Meghan emerged, shocked.

“GET OUT!” She screamed, trying frantically to cover herself. Alicia and I burst out laughing and ran out of her room.
We walked into my room and attempted to calm down. I was still laughing when Meghan called me to her room. She had put on a robe.

“What?” I asked still laughing a bit.

“Where am I going for dinner?” She asked me. I turned to Alicia who mouthed the name of the restaurant to me.

“El Punto.” I said naming one of the most popular places in California. “So wear something really nice.”

“What’s going on?” Meghan asked suspiciously. Alicia and I mutter nothing at the same time.

Meghan got ready in just enough time to meet Mom and Dad at the door. We saw her off and headed into the kitchen to make our own dinner.

“Isn’t this exciting?!” Alicia exclaimed. My head was spinning again.

“What?” I asked not really paying attention.

“This whole, potential record deal your mom told me about!” She said cheerfully.

“Yeah! Of course.” I replied, though, my mind wasn’t on the amazing opportunity my sister was being presented with, but rather many discouraging thoughts concerning Nick.

------

“Hey baby.” Trey slurred. I could hear loud music pumping in the back ground over the phone. I rolled my eyes.

“Trey, where are you?” I asked quietly. Alicia was asleep beside Meghan in her bed. It was almost eleven thirty, and after Meghan and Alicia fell asleep, my mind was spinning. I couldn’t stop thinking of Nick, and the only solution I could come up with was to call my boyfriend.

“I'm at Jeremy’s party!” He yelled, like he expected me to know who Jeremy was. I could hear someone screaming ’HELL YES’ in the background.

“Where were you today?” I asked.

“What? Baby, I can’t hear you. Ted’s wants to play quarters! I gotta go!” He said all at once, slurring his words together.
I sighed and closed my cell phone.

“You’re making a mistake.” Said a quiet voice. I tensed up.

“Alicia?” I said, hoping it was her. I heard her shift and I let out a silent sigh of relief.

“You know that he isn’t what you want. He’s a rebounder.” She said in a monotone.

“Ali, are you awake?” I asked, hearing the strange way she spoke.

I didn’t hear anymore from her, but the words she had said replayed in my mind, again and again, until I fell asleep.

You’re making a mistake…

-----

I felt a buzzing coming from the sweater. It was crazy that I decided to put this sweater on today for two reasons.

Those reasons are as follows:
- It’s 80 degrees out and so sunny.
- It’s Nicks.

I reach into the pocket and pull out my Razor.

“Terry!” Alicia screamed over the phone.

“What?” I question. I'm walking with Trey across campus after skipping my History class. He threw me a look when I flipped open my cell.

“I’ll only be a minute.” I said to Trey. He rolled his eyes and I smiled weakly.

He seems to be growing more and more demanding. It’s not necessary that I devote every moment I have to him. After ditching me on Friday, and hanging up
on me Saturday night so he could go drink, I hardly wanted to devote any time to him.

“I got into ASU!!” Alicia squealed, bringing me back to the conversation. I nearly dropped my phone.

“That’s fantastic. It’s so, far away though…” I trail off. A sudden wash of sadness came over me, and in the middle of the quad, I felt like breaking down. “I mean
Tempe is like, a whole day away.” I finished.

“I know, but this is what I really want! I got in for the winter semester!” She said happily.

“Does Meghan know? Or Joe?” I asked her quietly. Trey dropped in front of me on his knees and started to beg me to hang up. I had to chuckle a little.

“Only Joe. Please don’t tell Meghan, all right? I'm not telling her for a while.” She explained.

“I won’t I promise. I have to get back to class now,” I said as Trey stood up and brushed off his jeans.

“Alright, Love you hun!” She said still excited.

“Love you too.” I said before hanging up.

“Who was that?” Trey asked, on the defensive.

“My friend.” I said. That doesn’t seem to suffice. He stops walking. I stop as well.

“That you say ‘I love you’ to?” He questions.

“Yeah. Trey she is like my sister. I do love her.” I explained, having to defend
myself.

“Oh, it was a girl?” He said dumbly.

“Yes Trey, it was a girl.” I said.

He leaned down and kissed me hard. Normally, I would be fine with a little PDA, but he was nearly crushing me against his body. I kissed him back anyway and took his hand.

“Let’s go to class.” I said pulling him along. I see faces watch us as we walk into
the main building. My face goes red with embarrassment but I keep walking.

-----

When I walked to the gate, Dan was standing ready to greet me, looking as cheerful as ever.

“Hey Dan!” I said walking up him.

“Terry! How was your day? You seem a little down.” He asked concerned.

“Well, you can’t say anything,” I said pausing. He nodded. “Alicia is going to College
in Arizona in the winter and I'm really going to miss her.” I continued.

“Well I can understand that. You two are close like sisters. She’s here all the time.” He said trying to comfort me.

“Yeah. I should get home Dan, nice to talk to you.” I said as he opened the gate.

“As always!” He called as I walked to the house. Maybe what I needed was a night with my sister. We were kind of growing apart. She spent a lot of time with Kevin, while I spent my weeks at school. She didn’t even know about Trey.

I walked inside the front door and dropped my bag. It landed with a thump and I flung off my flip-flops. I walk down the hall to the living room.

“Hey, Meghan I'm home. You want to go to a mov-“ I start.
My heart jumps to my throat as I see who is sitting on the couch.

“Hi.”

Yeah, Nick was definitely back.

[blatentlyobvious]

YUSS!!
ALRIGHT, SO I DEFINITELY JUST HAD SOOOO MUCH FUN!!
I really really hope you all like this a lot. And for those who write, read your dialogs out loud with lots of emotion, its....THRILLING!!! =D

Chapter Four~

“Hey Terry.” Nick said as a frown ran across his face. I'm in a state of shock. I nod to Kevin and Meghan. I would have run to Kevin and given him a hug, but all
I wanted to do was hide. I walk to my room; I'm sure looking completely flabbergasted. I close the door behind me and walk to my desk, pulling out the necklace. I sit on my bed and before I can breathe, I start to cry. I cry hard for only a few minutes, and wipe my face. I hear a noises and shouting coming from outside my room. I shove the jewelry into the pocket of the sweater.

“Hey Terry, can you help me find something in the storage room? We want to play a board game.” Meghan said over one of my sniffles. I stand up abruptly when I hear a door slam.

“What? What’s all the commotion?” I asked.

“Nothing, come on!” She said smiling freakishly.

I feel her pull me down the hall and see Kevin leaning against the door. I watch as he opens it and I feel myself being shoved in. I bump into Nick and my face flushes.

“MEGHAN YOU BITCH LET ME OUT!” I scream against the door. I felt Nicks hand on my shoulder and shoved it off. I heard Meghan gasp.

“No need for such language, especially around my virgin ears!” she said. Nick banged on the door once and yelled as well.

“Kevin I'm gonna kill you!”

“Well, you can do that later. You two have issues that you need to work out.”
Kevin said. Nick and I look at each other and I walk away from the door.

“He’s right. Mom and Dad are gone for the next-“ Meghan chimes in, pausing.

“Wow, six hours. You can indulge in the food in the fridge and cupboard until then.”

We heard giggles as they strode away and downstairs.

------

“Are you going to say anything?” Nick asked me as we sat in the dark room. I was
sitting against a wall, my feet curled under me. He was standing up, leaning
against the opposite wall and looking down at me.

“I don’t know what to say…” I said quietly. Nick slid down the wall and sat. I
looked up to see his rich chocolate eyes, searching my own. I found myself
wanting him to search inside me, and see how much I still loved him.

“You could tell me how your summer was.” He said gently. “I haven’t seen you for
months.”

I looked around the storage room. It was dark, because it only had a slim window
at the meeting point of the wall and the roof. There was a fridge that had pop and
a few freeze-ees from last summer and not a lot else. The cupboards had odds and
ends like crackers and an extra box or two of corn pops. The rest of the room was
filled with boxes and shelving.

I looked at Nick, who was waiting for an answer.

“It was fine.” I stated grumpily.

“Good.” He said unsure. I stood up and opened the fridge door grabbing at a
Coke-Cola. I thought back to the discussion we had last summer on the day I met
him and moved instead to a water bottle. I didn’t want those memories.

I felt Nick’s eyes watching my every movement as I returned to my place against
the wall. I didn’t sit down this time. He stood up as well.

“Why don’t you want to talk to me?” He asked. I could see the sadness in his eyes,
and I felt like caving. Every part of him made me want to melt.

I walked to the back of the room, which wasn’t much further away from Nick. I
stood in the darkness where I could see him. The light outlined his shape; his broad shoulders and strong arms, ones that used to embrace me; his jaw and lips
were highlighted from the light.

“I just don’t know what to say.” I said again. He inched closer and now leaned
sideways against the wall, shoving his hand into his pocket.

“What happened?” He asked, shaking his head. It was then that I knew what I
wanted to tell him. Suddenly the sound of footsteps was heard as someone passed
the door.

“HEY!” Nick shouted. His call went unanswered.

“They won’t let us out. It’s some sort of twisted punishment.” I said to Nick as he
walked back to the end of the room.

“What did we do?” He huffed.

He looked at me again, his eyes bearing into me. I remembered what I wanted to
say.

“Nick, you asked what happened.” I said. He nodded his head. “This summer,
before you left, I really thought that you and I were a possibility.” I paused as I
contained my tears. “But when I told you that I loved you, you walked away from
it all.”

“Terry, I wasn’t ready. I mean you sprung that on me so fast I didn’t know what I
was supposed to do. I was leaving; I didn’t want you to get hurt. I didn’t want to
be with someone who would spend their whole summer miserable because I
wasn’t there. I wanted you to be happy.” He said quickly.

He came closer to me, and I could see the raw emotion on his face.

“I am happy. I was happy until you left, and then I was sad, and eventually I
found something else! Something that made me happy again Nick!” I said loudly,
lying to him and myself. I knew I wasn’t happy, not truly.

“What? What made you so happy that you had forgotten about me completely!?” He said raising his voice. “You didn’t call me, or text me or even send me a damn
email Terry!”

“So what? It was my responsibility to contact you?” I said angered.

“No. But you could have tried?” He said quieter.

“What did you think would happen Nick? I would send you an email that said how
much I missed you, and that I was sorry that we ever stopped being together, and
you could come home and we would be together again?” I asked.

“It worked for your sister.” He said looking down at his feet.

“I am not my sister. I'm someone different. I don’t do things the way she does. I
spent my summer trying to forget you.” I admitted.

“You don’t know what I went through Terry.” He said disheartened.

“So then tell me.” I said.

“The whole summer, the whole time we were on tour, I couldn’t stop thinking
about you. I did want to forget, but it was impossible. I would get on stage and in
the middle of a song, I would think of you and screw up. I can’t focus anymore.”
He said leaning back against the wall.

I didn’t say anything. I waited because I knew he wasn’t finished.

“You said before, that you loved me. And now it’s just like ‘forget it all.’” He
finished.

“So, what if I did?” I asked defensively.

“Terry, you didn’t.” He said shrewdly.

“Don’t be so sure of yourself Nick.” I retorted.

“Terry, you’re still wearing my sweater.” He said looking at me. I looked down…I
was. I searched my mind, trying to find something to throw back at him. I
spotted a leather bracelet on his wrist. I saw the pearl.

“And you’re wearing my bracelet.” I said triumphantly.

“Touché.” He said.

We stood there for a minute, just looking at each other. I pushed away all my
devilish desires so I could speak again.

“Nick, it only takes a moment to fall in love with someone, but it takes and
eternity to get over them.” I said calmly. I walked closer to the door, brushing
past Nick as I went. I felt shivers run down my spine and inhaled his scent.

“Why do you do that?” He said turning to me.

“Do what? Talk? It’s instinct.” I say being a smart ass.

“Funny. No, the way you talk about things…” He trailed off coming closer.

“There’s beauty in everything, you just have to look for it, remember?” He asked.

“Of course I do, I said it.” I answered.

He stopped a couple feet away from me, and sat down. I pulled out my iPod and looked at the time. It had already been two hours.

“Do you think we can ever –“ Nick started. I cut him off.

“Don’t do that to me.” I said and I pushed my headphones in my ears. I turned
on my music, almost full volume and picked a song I knew so well. Be Like That by 3 Doors Down started to ring through my ears. I turned to glance at Nick, who was a few feet down from me, with his own iPod turned on.

After another hour of silence and 19 games of solitaire, I stood up. Nick looked up
at me and made himself stand as well.

I took out the headphones and looked at him. I had been thinking for a while
now, about something to say to him.

“I don’t think that I am ever going to stop loving you Nick. When the rain falls,

I'm going to think of that storm at the beach. When I boil a kettle I'm going to think of when you knocked on my kitchen window, asked me for my number and gave me this sweater as an excuse to see me again. When the tide crawls up I'm going to think of this shell” I said and pulled out the necklace. I took his wrist and fit the two pieces together. Nick looked wide-eyed at the shell that fit his. “You have the missing piece, and as long as you hold on to that, you’re going to have me.”

I was still holding onto his hand, as I felt it reach up to my cheek and stroke it. I closed my eyes, relishing in the warmth of his touch. I opened my eyes to see his face was inches from mine. He was so close that I could feel his warm breath on my lips. I couldn’t hold back.

I closed the space between us and moved my lips eagerly. He was just as willing. His tongue begged for entrance and I opened my mouth. I placed my hand on his neck as I felt his hand at the small of my back holding me against him. My body was hot, and my cheeks were flushed.

A thought swept across my mind as we kissed passionately. I pulled away abruptly.

“No, more.” Nick whispered.

“Nick, No I can’t.” I said pushing his toned chest away from me. I slunk down into the corner and began to cry.

“Terry, no please don’t cry.” He said reaching down to me. I gently pushed his
hand away and looked at him.

“I have a boyfriend Nick. I can’t do this.” I said through streaming tears. His face
went white, and I could see the emotion boiling in his eyes.

[blatentlyobvious]

SO..... hope everyone enjoyed that drama. =D And I hope, as per usual, that this chapter doesn't put you to sleep. =D


Chapter Five~


Nick was rubbing his head in confusion, or frustration, I couldn’t tell. I tears stung my eyes, as I watched Nick. He was on the floor, with his head resting against the
wall of the room.

“You have a boyfriend?” He asked me without looking up.

“Yeah, I do. I have for almost three weeks…” I said quietly.

“Do you love him?” He said taking my hand and pulling me up.

I tried to avoid his eyes, but he wouldn’t let me. He took my face between his
hands so I would look at him.

“Do you love him?” He asked again.

I looked at his eyes. They were searching again. He could see through me. He was the only one who could do this to me. The feel of his hands against my skin,
and the intensity of his stare broke me.

“No.” I answered.

“Does he make you feel like the center of the world?” He asked.

“No.” I said. His hands slipped to my waist but he never took his eyes off mine.

“Does he devote all his time to you?”

“No.”

“Can he kiss you and make everything else dissolve?” He asked as he gently pulled me to him. I knew what he was trying to do, but I didn’t want any part of it now.

“Nick, I'm with Trey. He is my boyfriend, and you can’t change that now.” I said pulling away.

“Terry, I made a mistake.” He said giving me an apologetic look.

“Yeah you did.” I said turning to him viciously. “You made that mistake and you
missed out. I hate these games you play with me; telling me that you wanted to
“fix things with Kim” and then informing me that you wanted to be with me instead, and just as quickly deciding that you weren’t ready. I won’t let you do that to me now.”

“Why would you tell me that I would have you.” He said holding out his bracelet. I shook my head and dug out the necklace.

“You kissed me before I could finish.” I explained. I opened his hand and dropped
in my necklace. “I don’t want the memories, and I want to let go of it all. I can’t deal with your drama.” I told him. He looked at the necklace in his hands and I
felt my phone vibrate. I pulled it out, and looked at a message from Trey.

Hey.

That was all it said, and it was enough for me to decide to leave the Nick business behind.

Instead of texting Trey back, I dialed Meghan’s number and waited for a few rings before she picked up.

“Hello?” She said sleepily. No wonder no one had come to let us out.

“Oh my God.” I said loudly. “I'm going to kill you! You fell asleep?”

“Woah! SORRY!” She said. I rolled my eyes and hung up. I hear two sets of
footsteps coming up the stairs and down the hall way.

The door opened, letting a lot of light into the room.

“Terry, I'm-“ Meghan began.

“Save it.” I said holding my hand in front of her as a signal to stop. I slipped past her and walked into my room, closing the door behind me.

A few minutes later, I was sitting on my bed crying, when I heard a knock.

“Terry, can I talk to you?” Meghan asked. The events kept replaying through my mind. I didn’t want to talk to anyone. I just wanted my life to be normal, and drama free. I walked to the door and sighed as I turned out my light.

I reached into my jeans for my cell phone and threw it on the bed. I took off my
pants, and my top and threw them into my laundry hamper. I pulled on an old
baseball jersey of my dad’s and slipped under my covers with my cell.

“Trey?” I said when I called my boyfriend. I had to repeat the word in my mind a
couple of times.

“Hey babe.” He greeted me with the usual.

“Are you busy right now?” I asked.

“Not really, I'm just doing some physics.” He said casually. “What’s up?”

“I want to see you.” I said. I meant it. The only thing that I could think of to take
my mind off tonight was extreme.

“Right now?” He asked excited.

“Yeah. Right now.” I said surprising myself. I leaned over to check the time on my clock. It was only eight thirty. I could be back by eleven or so. I got out of my
bed. “Meet me at the bus stop at 9:00.” I instructed.

“Yeah, alright!” He agreed happily.

I closed my phone and pulled on my clothes again. I opened my door and called down to my parents.

“I don’t feel good. I'm going to bed. Love you.” I said. They both said goodnight and I closed my door, locking it behind me.

I grabbed a jacket from my door and slipped in my keys and phone. Slowly I opened the window and crawled to the side. I stepped onto the ledge outside my window, and climbed down the side of the house, placing my feet on the little ledges all the way down and holding tight to the other ones.

I slipped past the front of the house and down to the gate. I walked through the
gate and ran to the bus stop. When I got there, Trey was waiting in his car. I
opened the door and slid in.

“Thanks.” I said leaning over and kissing him softly. It was nothing like Nick’s kiss,
which won’t leave my mind. I sighed and pulled on my seat belt.

“No one’s at my place…” Trey said smiling mischievously.

“Sure.” I said smiling back at him.

-----

I sat down on Trey’s bed, pulling him onto me. He closed his mouth around mine and kissed me zealously. He pressed harder against me and moved his hand to between my legs. I stopped kissing him and pulled back.

“Sorry.” He said flushed. He withdrew his hand and kissed me again. We moved
up further on his bed, and I felt his hand wander up my shirt. I wasn’t going to pretend it didn’t feel nice, but it was making me uncomfortable.

“Trey.” I said sitting up. He looked at me, the passion burning in his eyes. I knew I wasn’t ready to go further, but I'm sure he thought it would be great. “What if your parents walk in?” I asked.

“Babe, my parents are off on vacation in Mexico.” He said smirking. He took a strand of my hair and held it to his nose. “Hm, you smell different.”

“Oh.” I said dumbly. I knew that the smell wasn’t my own. The scent of Nick was still on me and I thought again about the kiss in the storage room.

He leaned forward again and pushed me back so I was lying down. While his mouth covered mine, moving almost in a sloppy way, his hands ran up my shirt
again, and started to tug at the back of my bra.

“Stop Trey.” I said abruptly pulling his hands away. He looked at me confused.

“I thought you, you know…” He trailed off. I wanted to forget about Nick, not give myself up. I had only known Trey for a couple weeks.

“Not tonight.” I said, as to not expel the idea all together and make him miserable; he was a boy after all.

“Alright, so, then what do you want to do?” He asked, sitting up. I straightened my shirt and rubbed my lips together.

“Um, could I talk to you? I’ve been sort of stressed out lately.” I asked. He nodded and we cuddled up at the head of his bed.

“What’s eating at you?” He said. I explained to him that Alicia was moving away this winter, and told him more about how close we were.

“So you would see her for the big holidays right?” He said. “And you’ll have me.” I knew he was trying to make me feel better, but having him over Alicia was not the same. Alicia was like my sister.

“Yeah, I will.” I said trying to make him happy. He smiled and kissed me quickly. “I also have to deal with Meghan’s surprise party. Her birthday is in like two weeks, and I'm not sure what to do yet.” I continued.

“I'm sure you’ll figure something out. You’re smart like that.” He complimented. I sighed.

“So, how many celebrities live in that community?” He asked out of the blue.

“Uh, a few I think.” I said.

“Really? Like who?”

I looked away for a moment and pretended to think, but rolled my eyes.

“Um, I think some people like Corbin Bleu and Miley Cyrus live way up there. The Jonas Brothers are just around the bend from us.” I said.

“The Disney peeps? Cool.” He said. Peeps? How lame, I thought to myself. “Do you know any of them?” He asked. I wasn’t sure why he was all of a sudden so interested in my neighbours.

“Well, we hung out with Kevin, Joe and Nick this summer.” I said nonchalantly. A part of me wanted to see the reaction he gave.

“Did you date any of them?” He said, suddenly showing a little jealousy.

“No.” I said flatly. “I'm just their friend. My sister is dating Kevin though. Alicia and Joe have been together for a while too.” He looks a tad bit upset. Maybe it was wrong to bring it up. It wasn’t helping me.

“Well, if any of them try to make a move on my girl, I’ll crush their faces.” Trey said protectively. “No body gets near my girls.” He said and smiled at me. I reached up to kiss him.

I looked away for a moment.

See, I don’t need Nick, I thought to myself.

But…I paused in my thoughts. I'm not a piece of property like Trey seems to think….

[blatentlyobvious]

++So, here's hoping this isn't too boring.++ I wanted to add more Joe, because he is well... MO JOE SCHMOE FO SHO.
anyways, never mind that and enjoy the chapter!!
=D

Chapter Six~

“So, you want to hold it at River?” Alicia asked me as we sat on the floor of her room. We had sheets of ideas for Meghan’s birthday spread over the carpet. I looked up at her.

“Well, I think it would be nice. They have a big deck, and a stage.” I explained. For the last two days, we had been throwing around ideas for Meghan’s party.
Yesterday, while she worked, Alicia and I planned at home. We drew up invitations while we talked about the events concerning Joe and Alicia’s day.

“So you spent the entire day at the park?” I had asked Alicia. She beamed, telling me all about the date that Joe took her on, while I tried so hard not to roll my eyes at everything she said.

The truth was, I was jealous. She and Joe were so close, and in love. It was the same with Kevin and Alicia. Trey never once offered to actually take me out on a date. The closest thing to one was when he bought me a coffee the day I met
him.

I would have avoided both Meghan and Alicia if I could have, but I lived with Meghan and I had a commitment to her party, and that involved planning with Alicia.

I was thinking constantly about this stupid fix I was in. I was caught between Nick and Trey, and as much as I told myself it wasn’t a choice, I knew it was. I had Nick on one hand, Trey on the other.

I grabbed a scrap piece of paper, as Alicia drew up more ideas in a notebook, and
made a list.

Trey Nick
-Makes everything about Nick disappear. -Makes the world disappear.
-Is exciting -Is caring, and sweet
-Bold (in a good way) -Kisses me like he loves me.
-Plays football -Does he love me?
-Is a senior -I love him.
-Doesn’t love me, I don’t love him.

I looked up to think and saw Alicia staring at me.

“What is that? More plans? Let me see.” She said and reached forward.

“No-“ I said but she snatched the paper out of my hands. Oh shit.

“Trey?” She asked looking confused. “Who the hell is Trey?”

“He’s my boyfriend.” I said looking down, although it was pretty obvious from the
last point. The way she looked at me made me feel ashamed.

“You had a boyfriend and you never told me?” She asked, obviously hurt.

“Alicia, no body knew until two days ago.” I explained gently.

“Two days ago? What happened two days ago?” She asked, coming over to sit in
front of me.

I told her what happened with Nick and I in the storage room, how he had kissed me, and how I stopped him because of Trey. She listened, absorbing all of it.

“I don’t understand why you didn’t just tell us.” She said referring to herself and Meghan.

“I don’t know. I knew you would judge. I was pretty sure that you’re position and Meghan’s were the same. You both hate the idea of me not being with Nick. It’s like, this driving force that just doesn’t stop, you know?” I paused. “Everyone thinks I should be with Nick, but maybe things just feel better with Trey.” I told her.

“Terry.” Alicia said pulling me up. I stood and she walked to the door with me.

“You have a lot of things to figure out before you can look at planning this party.” I was confused. I half expected her to say something about Nick, or at the very least tell me that things would work out.

“What?” I said.

“Runt, go home. You need to think. We will deal with this planning in a couple days. How about when I get back from the road trip.” She said. She never ceased to surprise me.

“You’re leaving?” I said rather pathetically.

“Oh, I didn’t tell you.” She said and looked deep in thought for a minute. “Well, the Folks want to take me on a road trip. I think it would be nice, you know, spend some time with them before I leave. It will be the last time for a while.”
I understood what she meant, but I couldn’t empathize. I wasn’t the one who was leaving home.

“Yeah, I'm sure it will, but I cannot believe you are kicking me out. You drove me here, if you don’t recall.” I said raising an eyebrows and crossing my arms.

“Yes. I did. I will call Meghan to pick you up.” She said pushing me out to the front door.

“You’re beyond weird.” I said. Strangely enough, I felt a little better.

“Yes, I'll call Meghan, go wait out front. I love you bye.” She said all at once.
But she didn’t. Instead Kevin’s car pulled up to the curb. I watched as Joe got out
of the car and walked over to me.

“Runt!” Joe said as he ran to scoop me up in a big hug. I pulled away from his tight hold.

“No. Not you too.” I said smiling. Being around Joe was just like being around a
big brother. I felt safe, and protected. “Why are you here?” I asked.

“Alicia told me to pick you up. She said she was really busy.” Joe said, looking up
at Alicia’s window. It was obvious that he had been here before. He knew the right
window.

“I want to talk to you.” He said, guiding me to the car. I eyed him and got into the passenger side of the car.

“About?” I asked.

“Well, Nick told me what happened.” He said. I rolled my eyes and sighed.

“I think I will take the bus.” I said getting ready to open the door. He reached
over and caught my wrist.

“Now, hold on. I just want to hear your side of things Terry.” He said. I could see the honesty on his face and I decided that I should stay.

“Joe, I hate talking about it.” I said honestly. I felt like, lately, that was all I ever
thought about, or talked about; Nick.

“Terry, it’s not good to hold things inside.” He said. “Just talk to me for like, ten minutes, just while I drive you home, okay?”

I sighed and gave in. I strapped on my seatbelt. “Fine. Ten minutes.” I said flatly.

“Thank you Runt.” He said nudging me. I laughed and he started to drive.
Thinking about it, I had never really spent a ton of time with Joe. He had been around at the beach house in the summer, and I had been with him then.

“What do you want to know?” I asked.

“Just tell me what happened.” He said. I assumed he meant what happened this summer, up until now. I felt a little uncomfortable. I mean it was his brother.

“Joe, I love Nick.” I said simply. “He didn’t love me back. That’s what happened.”
He glanced at me, and then locked his eyes on the road again. I could see his hands clench the steering wheel, and then ease up quickly.

“But if you loved him, then why did you give up?” He asked.

“I wanted to try again. I really did. After you all left to go on tour, I was determined to try again, but I just kept rethinking things. You know, asking myself if it was really worth fighting for someone who didn’t love me back? You should see my list.” I said, adding the last part quietly. He looked at me questioningly and I shook my head.

“So you found someone else?” He asked. I rolled my eyes. Here came the judgments of Trey, even though know one actually knew him. “You want to talk about him?” He asked. I stifled a laugh. It was funny how much of a therapist Joe sounded like.

“His name is Trey, he is a football player, and I'm dating him.” I stated. This time Joe rolled his eyes at me.

“That’s all you’re going to say?” He asked me, taking his eyes off the road.

“What do you want me to say? Should I just say that everyone is right and I should give up Trey and fall into Nick’s arms because that’s what everyone thinks I should do?” I nearly shouted. I could feel my anger growing but I knew it wasn’t
fair to take it out on Joe. He wasn’t the one that screwed me over.

“Terry, I'm not saying that. It’s just; I’ve talked to Nick. He’s miserable. He was miserable on tour too. You know, he realizes that he made a mistake, giving you
up.” Joe said.

“No, see that’s where you’re wrong. He never gave me up, because he never had me.” I snapped. He pulled up to the gate and showed the pass.

“You wouldn’t let him.” Joe retorted.

“Joe, I told Nick that I loved him, I still love him, he knows that. But, he was all over the place. I mean, the thing with Kim…” I trailed off, looking out the window as he pulled into our driveway. “He told me he didn’t want to be with me and I
moved on.” I said sadly.

“Listen, I don’t mean to say that this guy, whatever his name is, isn’t a good guy, but you need to know that rebounders don’t end well.” He said putting his hand on my shoulder. I shrugged it off, thinking back to how Glen had said the same thing.

“Everyone needs to just stop. I need to be left alone. I'm happy with Trey okay?” I said looking at Joe. I saw his eyes and knew that he could see through me. He looked aggravated.

“I know that’s bullshit.” He said and smirked. I rolled my eyes and got out of the car.

“Thanks for that.” I said sarcastically, and slammed the door. I walked inside the house and to my room.

I turned on my laptop and while it booted up turned on my radio. With You was playing. I shut it off. The computer was loaded and I opened my inbox. I had an email from Alicia; from today.

What is your most favorite poem in the entire world?
-Alicia

I thought about it.

Lately I had really enjoyed Shakespeare’s work.

Sonnet 18: Shall I Compare Thee to a Summer’s Day…
Why does it matter?
-Terry.

I waited on my computer, but I knew that she wouldn’t reply anytime soon. It took forever for Alicia to return emails, and she was never one for using computers.

I heard a ding on my computer, the notification of a new email.

I was going to put it into the party plans. Kevin needed a good poem. Thanks. GO THINK.
-Alicia

I glared at the screen.

“I’ve already made up my mind!” I screamed at my computer.

[blatentlyobvious]

Hope it's okay and you all like it. =)


Chapter Seven~

I wanted to get rid of everything Nick did to me. I couldn’t get the thoughts of him out of my head. The way his hands felt against my skin, the soft warm feel of his lips. The way his eyes darted back and forth between mine.

No, I thought. Just stop. I was staring at Nick’s sweater, which was flung over my chair. That was when I decided that the Garborator could eat up that sweater and all of my other problems. No such luck. It got stuck, Meghan came into the kitchen yelling how stupid it was to do that, and I somehow ended up with Trey
meeting my dad and sister.

He had flirted with me all night, as a means of making it up to me that he had blown me off. Every time he touched me, I thought of Nick, and I hated that.

------

My mind was reeling.

Not because of school.

Or the party Alicia and I were planning.

Not because I couldn’t stop thinking about Nick.

Or because Trey had blown me off a few days ago.

But because, on top of all of those things, Kim Fischer was at my door. Yes, THE
Kim. The Kim who had butted into everything to do with Nick and I last summer.
The Kim who was much more beautiful than I could ever dream of being. The Kim who introduced herself as “Kim Fischer, Nick’s friend.”

“Terry right?” She asked. I looked around, stupidly. I wanted someone to wake
me up from all of it, and tell me that Nick had just stayed with me over the summer, and none of this was happening.

“Yeah. What are you doing here?” I said before I could think. It came out sort of harsh.

“I was wondering if we could sit and talk…” She said looking down. I showed her
into the living room, feeling very uncomfortable. I didn’t really want to talk to her, or have her anywhere near me, because I had so much jealousy running through my veins.

I don’t want that, I had to remind myself, but different thoughts were nagging at me.

“Look, Terry, I just wanted to say that Nick has told me a lot about you, and I'm sorry.” She said outright. I was surprised how forthcoming she was. I never
expected her to show up at my door, let alone apologize to me.

“For what?” I asked honestly curious. She looks at me hesitantly and we sat on the couch.

“For screwing things up for you and Nick. I was being ignorant and childish. He told me about you Terry. I get it…” She said. She was easy to read, and I could tell this was hard for her to do. I was still not at the point of understanding why she was actually doing it though. So I asked.

“Kim, why are you here, telling me this? Nick and I aren’t dating…and no offense,
but we don’t even know each other…” I said.

“I just-“ She looked at me, and I looked back, expectantly. “Nick got really upset
that this all happened and it slipped and I feel like it was all my responsibility. I want to apologize because I want to be a friend to Nick, and I just really want him to be happy. It looks like you’re the only one who can do that now…” She said trailing off.

“Really?” I asked, unable to help myself.

“Yeah.” She said. The hurt was evident in her voice. I wanted to tell her there was nothing between Nick and I, but finally I allowed myself to understand that there was. It was more than the three words I had said to him, more than the rarest-shell-necklace and bracelet, and more than I even knew.

I had been wrong this whole time. And, even though I hated to admit it, everyone around me had been spot on. I should be with Nick. Alicia was right, Meghan, Joe, and probably even Kevin. They were all right.

It was stupid that it took this much to realize it. I also realized that more than just Nick created the drama I used as an excuse to walk away from him. I did as well.

But I liked Trey. He was really attractive, outgoing and…experienced. That was all though. That was really all I liked about him…

“Kim, I know you didn’t have to do this, and how awkward it must have been. Thank you. You have no idea what it means to me.” I said and smiled.

“Really?” She said looking up.

“Yeah.” I chuckled. She smiled warmly. She really was pretty.

“I have another question.” I said. She nodded. “How did you find my house?”

“This is really stupid and embarrassing, but I remembered Nick mentioned the name of the community where he lived, and I looked it up. My mom dropped me at the gate and I asked the security guard if he knew a Terry Parker. He asked me what I was doing here, and wouldn’t let me through until I explained it all. He said that he hoped you wouldn’t mind, considering it was about “the boy”. I think his name was Dan.” She said her cheeks red. I laughed when she used air quotes, because I could picture Dan doing the exact same thing.

“Well, Thank you for coming. I mean, that was really big of you.” I said.

“Have you ever had someone who you cared so much for that you would do anything for them to be happy?” She asked. I thought a minute and realized that
I never had. Well, maybe way back in grade three when my friend Lucy Bishop had her dolly taken when her mom made a donation to the church and wouldn’t stop crying. I dragged my dad with me so we could find the dolly and we gave it back to her. She was really happy.

“Yeah, sort of.” I said and smiled inwardly, thinking about that doll.

“Well, that’s why I'm here. I want Nick to be happy, and I want to be his friend.
He’s a really good guy.” She said. I nodded and Meghan came into the room with
Kevin, both looking flustered.

“Terry, who’s this?” She asked briskly. Kim and I both stood up off the couch and
faced them.

“Oh, hi guys. Uh, Meg, this is Kim. Kim Fischer.” I shot her a look, knowing how she would react, that begged her to be nice. I turned to Kim.

“Kim, my sister Meghan and her boyfriend, Kevin Jonas.” I said and Kim smirked, looking at me. I smiled too and she shook Kevin and Meghan’s hands.

“Kim, it was good to meet you. If you don’t mind, we are having company tonight and have to get things ready.” Meghan said rather flatly. I knew she was lying and I looked at Kevin for an explanation. He shook his head subtly and looked at the door.

“Oh, well, enjoy yourselves.” Kim said nicely. I walked with her to the front and before she left thanked her.

“You’re really gusty, but I appreciate it. You don’t know how much you helped.” I said.

“I'm glad I could help then. See you around.” She said. I stopped her thinking of something.

“Wait! Do you like birthdays?” I asked, sounding like a dork.

“Yeah, who doesn’t.” She smiled.

“Well, my sister, as uptight as she seems” I said turning around to check and speaking quieter. “Is turning nineteen really soon. I was thinking you could come to the party.”

“Um, I could ask. Do you want to call me and let me know the details?” She asked. I pulled out my phone and she gave me her cell number.

“I will call you when everything is set. I hope you can make it.” I said. I felt strange, inviting Nick’s ex to the party. I knew that anyone else in my position would not have done it, but I saw how honest Kim was, and I knew that meant something.

I came inside and saw Kevin and Meghan still standing, looking worried now.

“Sit.” Meghan said pointing to the couch. I did as I was told and sat down. My stomach churned.

“Kevin can you get the pictures for me?” She asks. What pictures?

Meghan handed me Kevin’s phone and I looked at the pictures. Shit. All of them
were visible shots of Trey. Trey with another girl. A girl who wasn’t me.

“You need to know who Trey is. He made a move on me and he is obviously leading you on.” She said softly. Kevin just stood there, looking sad. I felt myself
start to shake, and I started to cry. I wasn’t crying over Trey though. I mean, it had hurt that he had done this to me. He seemed like a good enough guy, until now. I was crying for the mistakes I made with Nick. For not letting him kiss me more in the storage room and for giving him the necklace back; for shredding up his sweater.

For hiding my love.

I didn’t want Kevin and Meghan to know that now. I didn’t want anything but to cry.

“Why does this always happen? I find something that makes me happy-“ Nick
“and something always has to get in the way of it.” My stupidity. “Kim, this girl.” I said. I was actually referring to myself, but I wanted them to think I was talking
about the Trey thing.

Meghan said something to Kevin and I heard him leave.

“I'm such a dip shit.” I said into my hands.

Meghan laughed. “You’re not a dip shit. He’s a man whore.” She said.

I said some stuff about Trey. I did feel hurt, just not as much as I felt stupid and
regretful.

That didn’t matter now, because I had what I needed. I knew that I could try to get Nick back. I knew that I would dump Trey, and make him pay, because you don’t do that to people, and I knew that I had my sister to lean on. Literally. I leaned on her shoulder and slowly as she stroked my head, I fell asleep.

[blatentlyobvious]

So everyone knows, the story is finished. =D
Im going to post this, and then work on the Meghan/Kevin one for a while before I post the rest.
I really really hope you like it.
ITS GONNA GET BETTER LOL.
I know this next chapter kind of sucks..
Bare with me.
By the way, Kim is no longer attending the party... I had to do some editing.

Chapter Eight~

“Hello?” I said sleepily. It was 5:45 in the morning and my phone was ringing. It was a school day and I had to wake up this early. I never expected to wake up on the couch, snuggled into my sister. I got up slowly, feeling aches in my back.

“Hey. You need to get to the Jonas house by 8:00. Can you do that?” Alicia said quickly. She must have already downed two cups of coffee because she didn’t sound the least bit tired. I started to walk to my room, keeping the phone tucked under my head.

“Why?” I said. I didn’t want to go there, I thought, the flood of events from yesterday coming back. I didn’t know if I could face Nick. I felt like I was going to chicken out.

“I’ve decided that we need some extra help for the party. And by the way, I called river and they said they would be happy to do the dinner there. I had to mention the Jonas Brothers, and Joe was laughing the whole time I was talking to this lady until finally I put Joe on the phone…” She kept talking and I sort of tuned her out.
I grabbed some expensive silk underwear, stuff that Meghan and Alicia thought
would be funny as a gag gift on my sixteenth and headed to my washroom.
The shower turned on and I kept Alicia on the phone.

“Okay, so I'm going at 8:00. And what am I doing about school?” I asked.

“You’re going in the afternoon, you’re parents called you in.” She said. She would be an awesome wedding planner, or agent.

“Uh-huh, so my parents know?” I asked taking off my clothes from yesterday.

“You’re parents will be there too. It’s the whole Jonas family and us. We’re all planning it.” She said excited.

“Why is this so huge?” I asked.

“Well, John Fields is in on it too, and he said he wants to make it big because he
has an announcement.” She said even more excitement in her voice. I had no
idea how she was wide-awake. It could just be the burden of so many things I had to do that was making me tired.

“Alright. Sounds good. I have to shower and get ready.” I said. She said goodbye
and I showered and did my hair. I grabbed my book bag from my room and when I got downstairs, Dad and Mom were bustling around the kitchen, both dressed and ready to go.

“So, we’re all going over there?” I asked. They looked up and dad put a plate with yummy bacon and fried eggs on toast in front of me.

“Yes. Keep it down. We will take the car and meet you there. Just be there for eight okay?” My mom said, kissing me on the forehead. I cut into the eggs and let the yoke ooze out.

“Okay.” I said and smiled. I felt okay now, even knowing that I was going to ditch Trey and try to fix so much damage between Nick and I, all while helping to plan a party for my sister that included a big announcement from her producer.

We sat in silence for a bit and I ate my eggs and most of my bacon. Meghan finally got up and dragged herself, looking stiff, into the kitchen. She said good morning to all of us, seemed to contemplate something and then got caught up in the breakfast my dad had put in front of her.

My mom had explained something to her about writing songs, and they said goodbye, which I took as my cue.

I pushed around a bit of bacon around my plate.

“You going to tell him today?” Meghan asked.

“Yeah, today’s the day.” I said and laughed when she grabbed my bacon. “I’ll see
you later.” I said as I checked the time on my phone. 7:50am.
She shouted something about Kevin’s phone and jumped up, running off. I headed out the door and started in the direction of the Jonas house. Everyone was supposed to be there and sure enough, our car was parked in the driveway. I rang the doorbell and Mr. Jonas answered it.

“Hey Terry.” He said smiling. He welcomed me in and everyone was there; my parents, Joe, Alicia, Kevin, Frankie, Mr. and Mrs. Jonas, and Mr. Fields. Everyone but Nick. I greeted everyone and we all stood in the front hall.

“So, we’re all here, well, almost everyone, is here to throw Meghan’s party.” Alicia explained to everyone. Joe was standing beside her, watching her and smiling. Cute, I thought.

“And we want to make it really special.” Kevin chimed in.

“And TONS OF CAKE!” Frankie yelled, making everyone laughed. John’s phone rang and he excused himself from the room. Almost right after, the doorbell rang. Alicia and Joe walked to answer it, and when it opened a baffled Meghan was staring at everyone.

“Hi…everyone.” She said looking around.
Frankie tried to run to Meghan but Kevin caught him and held him back, a hand over his mouth. We all watched as Alicia started to close the door, handing her clipboard off to Joe, and went outside.

“That’s not good.” Dad said.

“Nope.” Mr. Jonas agreed.

We all waited in silence for a moment, watching the front door until Alicia stepped back inside. She handed Kevin his phone.

“Yours.” She said.

“Oh, thanks.” Kevin said letting go of Frankie.

“Well, she must think something’s up now.” I said as everyone waited in silence.

“I wouldn’t worry about it dear.” Mrs. Jonas said smiling warmly.

“Well, we should start the planning then.” Alicia said straightening up. Joe wrapped his arm around her and I couldn’t help but frown. I wish that someone
would hold me.

Speaking of Nick…where was he?

“Okay, so the parents can work on the finer details, but I need Kevin, Frankie and Terry to work on the invitations, and Joe and I can do some planning.” Alicia said. Everyone broke off into the groups and disappeared throughout the house.

“You okay Terry?” Kevin asked me as I walked over to him and Frankie.

“Yeah, I just, need to talk to your brother.” I admitted.

“Nick is still asleep. He said he wasn’t feeling good.” Kevin told me. I looked down.
I hoped that didn’t have anything to do with me.

“What’s wrong?” Frankie asked, tugging at my shirt.

“I'm fine Frankie.” I said smiling at him.

“Well, you want to do the invites?” Kevin asked me, smiling.

“Yeah. We can go work out back.” I suggested. He nodded and we went to the backyard.

-----

“Thanks again for doing this guys.” Alicia said as my parents and I left the Jonas
house. I smiled and waved. Kevin, Frankie and I actually didn’t have to do a whole lot. Frankie decided that coloring pictures for us would be much better than
gluing things so he sat at one end of the table while Kevin and I did the “hard work” at the other end. The invitations didn’t take long at all and we were finished
with enough time to play Guitar Hero for an hour.

It was almost noon and I knew I had to go in to school today. I also knew that
Trey had cheated on me and I was going to make him regret it. I opened the car door and slid into the back seat.

“You buckled?” Dad asked looking back in the rear view mirror. He sounded concerned.

“Um, yeah.” I said looking at him with an eyebrow raised. Mom turned around
and looked at me sympathetically.

“How are you doing Sweetie?” She asked. I knew now why they were treating me like this. It was because they knew about Trey. I smiled weakly.

“I'm fine. I don’t really want to talk about it though.” I said looking out the window.

“Okay.” My Dad said and patted my knee.
I had about twenty minutes to think of something to say to Trey. I would tell him
I knew he was seeing someone else. I could slap him, tell him I never wanted to see him again and that he was an asshole for thinking he could lead me on any
longer, but that would be so stupid and melodramatic. Though, I didn’t want to see him again and he was a two-timing asshole. Dad pulled the car to the curb
outside the school.

“Thanks for the ride.” I said as I grabbed my book bag and closed the door. I
walked inside, just in time for second period.

-----

“Hey Baby!” Trey said as I put my Bio textbook into my locker. “I missed you.” He said and wrapped his arms around my waist. I took him by the wrists and pushed him away. I slammed my locker and crossed my arms.

“Hard to believe seeing as you were too preoccupied with Laura Hapney.” I snarled.

“What? Baby, come on. I wouldn’t do that to you.” He said looking tense.

“Save it Asshole. You just screwed this whole thing over.” I said and started to walk away. His hand caught my wrist.

“I didn’t- don’t do this.” He said. For a moment, I almost caved, but I had seen the pictures and I knew the truth.

“Unfortunately Trey, I can’t UNdo this, but I can end it.” I said and walked away. It was all I had to do, and everything felt lighter; everything felt like it was coming together, even though Trey and I wouldn’t be.

I didn’t look back, and instead I walked out onto the quad to find my friends, who thanks to dating Trey, I hardly spent time with.

I saw Jess, Glen and Deb all gathered around a little table, lunches in front of them.

“Can I join you?” I asked them. They all looked up surprised.

“You’re not eating with Dick-wad?” Glen asked. I saw Deb smack his arm and he just shrugged, looking back at me expectantly. I sat down beside him and
wrapped my arm around his shoulder.

“You were beyond right, and I'm really sorry.” I said, thinking to our conversation
about a month ago. He moved his arm to my shoulder and let it rest there.

“I'm sorry.” He said genuinely. I smiled briefly and then looked at Jess and Deb.

“You dumped him?” Deb asked me. I nodded my head frowning. I didn’t want to
go into details, and before Deb could ask why, Jess changed the topic.

“So, are we invited to your sisters party?” She asked grinning ear to ear.

“It wouldn’t be a party without you.” I said.

Jess smiled at me, and I thanked her with a look. She understood. Deb was a little more clueless and automatically started chatting away about what she was going to wear there. I watched as Glen rolled his eyes and took a bit from his
burger. I laughed when Jess said she was thinking of taking the birthday suit approach and fully celebrating the occasion.

I was thankful I still had my friends and that none of them held my relationship with Trey against me. I was glad that I was free from it, and I could put it my past. I felt happy again and I hoped that I could keep that feeling after I talked to
Nick.

I was free to be with him.

But I wasn’t sure, that after everything I said, he would want to be with me.

[ihrtjb]

OMJ. THIS IS SO GOOD!! UPDATE!!!! PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE

[blatentlyobvious]

Thank you for the review ihrtjb!!
Alright, so this is chapter nineeeee =) and its short but thats okay.
Enjoyy

Chapter Nine~


I chickened out.

I had opportunities to talk to Nick, to apologize and explain things to him, but
every time I chickened out. Actually, when Alicia decided that we should all get
together, just the kids this time and work on the party planning, it was four days
after I dumped Trey. Nick was there and we were all sitting around the kitchen
table at Alicia’s house with glasses of lemonade. Kevin, Joe and Alicia were all
running low on drinks and so I offered to make more for them.

I went into the kitchen with there glasses and realized I had forgotten the jug.
When I turned to go back Nick was standing there with it.

“I thought you might want this.” He handed me the jug. “Do you want help?” He
asked.

I turned away momentarily to breath and turned back to smile at him.

“Yeah, do you want to get the sugar?” I asked sweetly.

“I don’t know where it is…” He said smiling back at me.

“Right. Here.” I said handing him the wood spoon from the counter. “You can
stir, and I will get the lemons and sugar.”

He nodded and waited by the counter as I grabbed the other stuff.

Standing there as he stirred, I was prepping myself so I could tell him I was sorry.
I was ready to until –

“I heard you broke up with that guy…” Nick said watching the motion of the juice
intently. Crap, I thought, I was so ready.

“Yeah, he cheated on me.” I said quietly. I turned and leaned my back against
Alicia’s counter.

“Oh.” He said knocking the spoon against the jug twice and then putting it in his
mouth. It was all I could do not to jump on him right there. I looked away
blushing at my thoughts. “Terry, I'm really sorry that he did that to you,
but…well, I'm not sorry you aren’t dating him.” Nick said looking up. He was
smiling. His smile could do so many things to me and I wanted to tell him right
then that I still loved him, and I needed to be with him.

“Nick –“

“Hey, guys!” Joe said after he popped his head into the kitchen and startled both of
us. “Are you coming with the lemonade? We’re dying from thirst.” He said and
laughed. Nick held up the jug and motioned for me to go ahead first. I sighed and
we got back to the table.

So close, I thought.

I talked to Alicia about it three days before Meghan’s party while we were wrapping
her gifts, and I ended up crying and hyperventilating with my head between my
legs.

She sat on my bed and rubbed my back, trying to calm me down. I can’t
remember the number of times I said “I love him” but I know it must have been
enough for Alicia to cup her hand over my mouth and tell me to use my nose to
breathe.

“No more noise, just breathe.” She had told me.

I took her advice and shut my mouth. Finally I stopped panicking and we finished
Meghan’s gifts and locked them all in my closet.

Now I felt like it was too late, it was the day before my sister’s big celebration, and
all the girls were out shopping for dresses, while the boys stayed home to break
from all the party fever.

So here we were (on my week off), Alicia, Mom, Denise, and I, all looking for just
the right dresses. Alicia and I decided to let my mom and Denise look in the stores
they were so eager to go to while we went elsewhere.

“Do you like this?” Alicia said spinning around happily. She had an amazing a-line
teal dress with strawberry colored thread embellishments at the neckline. She
looked incredible.

“It’s beautiful! You should get that one!” I exclaimed. She nodded enthusiastically
as I sat patiently outside the dressing room. We had a system where Alicia would
go in first and try on a whole bunch, and if she liked one (which didn’t happen until
the fifth store; this one) and then it would be my turn.

“Okay, go.” She said standing me up and giving me a push in the small of my
back. I laughed and walked over to a carousal of dresses. I flipped through,
grabbing a few and tossing them over my arms, not really paying attention to
anything but the size. I hit up a few more racks before heading to the dressing
room.

I grabbed the first dress, a short summery dress with a lace tie-up in the back.

No.

The second had a pearl empire against a silky green material, but it was definitely
too fancy for Meghan’s birthday.

No.

The third was a bright orange with a black neckline with sections coming off and
leading to an empire around the waist. Too much material in the middle and not
enough on the butt or chest.

No.

The fourth, no.

The fifth, no.

Sixth, not a chance in hell, how did I even take that one in here?

I grabbed the last one, tired and worn from so many unsuccessful dresses, and
my mouth dropped open.

It was the exact same color as the shell from the beach. It was a knee length
strapless with the top being pulled into the empire and flowing out at the bottom.
It was light, and movable and just what I needed to make Nick stop and stare. I
stepped out of the dressing room to show Alicia, and saw Denise and Mom there as
well. I smiled and they all stared.

“Do you think it would work?” I asked humbly.

“Absolutely, you look beautiful! Come here.” My mom said and I walked to her and
she squeezed me tight. In her arms I was surprised. My mom had always been
stick thin and now, it felt like she had grown a little. She felt a little paunchier,
which wasn’t a bad thing, it was just...different.

I pulled back and she smiled again. I put the thoughts aside feeling stupid and I
twirled for everyone.

Finally I agreed to get it and we left the store. Each of us had found something
special and we were all really tied from all the bustling around.

When we got home, Alicia asked to stay over, realizing it would be easier for
tomorrow. I grabbed her an extra pillow and threw it on my bed.

“Do you think Nick will notice?” I asked Alicia as I sat at my desk and she crossed
her legs in my disk chair.

“Notice what?” She asked playing dumb.

“Me.” I answered without caring.

“I think he’s going to see you and you two will be back together by the end of the
night.” She said smiling. I saw a flicker of mischief in her eyes before she looked
at my end table and grabbed a teen magazine.

“Do you know something?” I asked getting up and plopping down on her lap. She
laughed and then shook her head.

“No. I know that tomorrow is going to be so exciting and surprising! We’re both
going to be stunnah’s!” She said laughing.

“It should be, it’s a surprise party. You called to make sure the stage was going to
be set up right?” I asked. We had arranged for Meghan to be able to perform. The
best part was that she didn’t know.

“John took care of that.” She said looking proud.

“We really went out of our way. I hope she doesn’t freak.” I said and giggled at
the thought of her expression.

“Nope, it will be fantastic. Now move, my legs are being crushed and I think I just
heard the front door.” I got off and looked at the time. It was 6:00 and Meghan
was right on time, home from work. I rushed Alicia out the door.

“Go distract her for a minute. I have to hid these!” I said holding up the bags with
the dresses. She nodded and ran down the stairs.

I grabbed the key for my closet and unlocked it frantically, tossing the bags in and
closing it.

I sat down at my desk and logged on to Facebook. Surprisingly I had six
messages in my inbox. I clicked on it and saw that it was all concerning the party.
I replied to each of them, giving the location and the dress code, along with the
time and for one, even the date.

When I checked my email, there was only one in my inbox. It was from an email I
didn’t recognize. I opened it anyway and read it.

There’s a box outside your window.

-N

I knew who it was from, and my heart fluttered. Alicia and Meghan came into my
room.

“Hey Runt.” Meghan said affectionately and hugged me. She smelled like coffee.

“How was your first third day off?”

“Meh, uneventful like the rest. Just hang out with Ali.” I said and Ali nodded. I
knew very well how busy I had actually been but Meghan had picked up some

extra shifts (because of someone they let go), much to our advantage, and had
worked the last week, excluding weekends, for eight hours every day. She came
home tired every day, like she was working full time now, but always remembered
to check in on me. “Now go shower.” I said and she socked me in the arm.

“I love you.”

“You too!” I said and I guided her out the door. She laughed and walked into her
own room.

“What’s this?” Alicia asked looking at the email. I hadn’t realized she had sat down
at my desk.

“It’s from Nick.” I said beaming and then ran to my window and opened it.

I frowned and Alicia came over beside me.

“What is it?” She asked. I looked at her disappointed.

“Nothing’s there.” I said.

“Oh, maybe it fell.” She said quietly.


“Yeah…” I said. An idea sprang into my mind and I reached down again. I felt into
the little hidden ledge, and sure enough there was a little box with a ribbon tied

around it. “Look!” I said pulling it up and showing Alicia. I sat down on my bed

and set it down.

“Open it!” Alicia exclaimed. I gently loosened the string and opened the box.
Inside it was the necklace and a little note.

Now you have your necklace,

I have your heart.

I have my bracelet.

Until two souls depart.

-N.

I smiled at the note and showed it to Alicia. She nodded, hardly reading over it
and I took out the necklace.

“He loves you Terry.” Alicia said. For a second, my heart stopped and stared at it.
Like so many times before, I ran my finger over the smooth surface of the shell,
and then back and forth against the chip.

“I need to hear that from him.” I said honestly. I knew that anyone could say he
loved me, but it didn’t mean anything unless Nick said it. I fastened the leather
clasp at the back of my neck and laid down on my bed.

“I'm going to go talk to Meghan for a few. Don’t get too distracted, we have things
to do in prep for tomorrow.” She said and left my room.

I lay there stunned.

Nick cared enough to say he had my heart.

And that meant everything.