*Katie’s POV*
“Oh my god!” I heard Sarah scream. I was smiling and laughing I couldn’t believe I’d done it we’d won the game. I was soon enveloped in hugs from the rest of my teammates, Brian, and Cody.
“I can’t believe it we won!” Kelly exclaimed. We were all laughing and smiling then the eight of us looked at each other and I think it really sunk in that we had actually won, it did for me anyway. Suddenly we all screamed.
“Aaahhh Oh my God we won!” We all screamed laughing and jumping up and down. A couple minutes we calmed down and walked back to the benches just laughing and talking. I grabbed my water bottle from under the bench and took a big drink. When I looked back up I seen the whole crowd was standing up clapping but 17 specific people caught my eye wait make that 19 LeighAnne and Kristin had made it. I smiled at them and they smiled back. I was about to go up and talk to everyone but I was stopped. It was the referee. He told us to line up and shake hands with the other team. So we did just that. Then we went our separate ways. All but Sarah and I went into the locker room to shower. In my rush I had forgotten my gym bag that had my cloths and everything in it so I had to wait. Sarah had also been running late and did the same thing. I walked up to my family with Sarah behind me. We were getting congratulations from everyone we passed. We’d smile and say thanks then kept walking.
“You did it!” Kevin exclaimed.
“I know I can’t believe it!” I replied.
“Congratulations!” Kristin said.
“Thank you! What are you doing here?” I asked giving her a big hug.
“Well I couldn’t miss the big game and I came to see my wonderful boyfriend.” She said.
“Well Bri can’t deny you’re better than him anymore. Atleast he knows who you learned from!” Leigh said giving me a hug.
“Yea really.” I stated hugging her back.
“And I think a congratulations is defiantly in order.” She smiled.
“Thanks.” I said.
“And Congrats to you too Sarah. You played an awesome game, you both did.” Leigh stated giving Sarah a hug.
“Thanks Leigh.” Sarah replied. We both got Congratulations from the rest of my family and Sarah’s family. I was talking to Leigh when I heard the tune to “As Long As You Love Me.” I reached over and grabbed my phone picking it up while the boys, Leigh, and Kris started laughing.
“Hello.”
“Hey Littrell it’s Coach Hayes.”
“Oh hi.” I said shushing everyone.
“I heard how the game went on the radio. Sounds like you all played a terrific game.”
“Well I thought we did and that’s what we’ve been told.”
“Well that’s good and congrats.”
“Thank you.”
“I thought I’d remind you about the party tonight at nine at Kaleidoscope all of you girls have to attend.” Kaleidoscope is a teen club here in Lexington the only thing that makes it different from a normal club is that they don’t serve alcohol. (AN: ok I know it’s a sucky name but I couldn’t really think of anything. Remember this IS fiction, not true, so I have no idea whether there’s actually a place called that and if there is it’s only by coincidence.)
“Oh man I forgot about that.”
“Don’t worry you only have to stay till 10:30 then you can leave.”
“Thank God only an hour ‘n’ a half”
“Ok well make sure you tell the rest of them. I better go get back to Rachel.”
“Ok I’ll talk to you later.”
“Bye.”
“Bye Coach.” I stated and hung up.
“As long as you love me?” Brian questioned with a smile. I just shrugged my shoulders and smiled.
“What’d coach want?” Sarah asked.
“He wanted to congratulate us and remind us about the party that’s tonight.” I replied.
“Oh I totally forgot.” Sarah stated.
“Yea well so did I.” I said. “Well I’ll be back I’m gonna go remind the rest of them.” I said and walked for the locker room. “Hey girls?” I hollered walking in.
“Yea?” They asked.
“Don’t forget about the party tonight at 9 at Kaleidoscope that we have to attend till 10:30. ” I stated.
“Oh man. I totally forgot and if I had a choice I wouldn’t go.” Liz said. The rest of the girls pretty much agreed. We were all so tired we just wanted to rest and do absolutely nothing but there was still enough adrenaline running through our bodies we couldn’t sleep.
“Thanks for reminding us.” Kasidy said.
“No problem.” I replied and walked back out to where my parents were.
“Katie you ready to go home?” Mom asked.
“Yea you guys go ahead and head out to the cars and I’ll catch up. I gotta grab some stuff.” I stated.
“Ok. Do you have room for a couple people?” Dad asked.
“Yea I’ve got room for 4.” I replied.
“Ok, that’s good. Four of you can stay with her and the rest of us will head out.” He said. Nick, Aj, Kristin, and Kevin stayed with me and the rest of them walked out to the cars. I walked down to the bench with them following me. I grabbed my water bottle, knee brace, and keys.
“Katie how’s your knee?” Kevin asked as we walked out the doors.
“Why what happened to her knee?” Kristin asked worriedly. She was a lot like the big sister I never had so she worried a lot but Leigh was the same way.
“It’s fine. I got pushed in a game a couple months ago and it kinda messed up my knee a little but it’s nothing to worry about I’m fine.” I stated.
“Ok just making sure.” She replied relieved.
“Just like always.” I smiled unlocking the doors on my car. She just laughed and opened the back door. Her and Kevin slid in the back and shut the door.
“Well I’ll be nice and let Nick sit in front.” Aj stated opening the backdoor on the passenger side. I laughed at him and got in. Nick repeated my actions and got in.
“You guys don’t mind if I put the top down do you?” I asked starting the car.
“Not at all. It’s a beautiful night.” Kevin replied. I pushed the button that put the top down then reached for my cd’s.
“I didn’t think you guys would want to listen to yourselves.” I replied ejecting the CD.
“Not really.” Nick replied laughing. I smiled and put in Journey’s greatest hits CD. “I knew there was a reason I loved you so much.” Nick joked. The rest of us just laughed. I pulled out of the parking lot and headed home.
“So how late were you Katie?” Kevin asked.
“Only 5 minutes” I stated.
“Katelene it’s a little over a 5 minute drive to the school.” Kevin said.
“Yea I know I just made it a little shorter without getting a ticket.” I replied sheepishly.
“One day girl you’re gonna get yourself in trouble.” He stated smiling and shaking his head.
“Hey I don’t hardly ever speed unless I’m late for something important.” I replied. He just laughed and started quietly talking to Kris. I took my right hand off the wheel and turned it up a couple notches when ‘Open Arms’ came on, then sat my hand on the little cubby that was between Nick and I. A couple seconds later I felt Nick take my hand. I looked over at him real quick and smiled. He smiled back and I turned my attention back to the road. I loved the feeling of the wind blowing through my hair and it was cold enough it was keeping me alert which was good. I pulled into the garage a couple minutes later. We walked inside and into the den where everyone else was. Jerry, Kathy, Tim, and Marie had all left because they had stuff they had to do.
“Ok well I’m gonna go upstairs shower and get ready for this wonderful party I to go to.” I stated.
“Ok.” They all replied. I walked up the stairs with Nick following me. “You know if you think you’re gonna get to join me you’re out of luck.” I giggled walking into my room.
“No I didn’t think I was going to get to. I just wanted to the one thing I didn’t get to do when I told you congratulations.” Nick said slowly backing me up against the wall beside my closet and putting one hand on either side of me up against the walls.
“And what would that be Mr. Carter?” I whispered with a smile.
“This.” He whispered and leaned down kissing me softly. He pulled away seconds later and smiled. I smiled back and he spoke up again. “Ok I got what I wanted so I’ll leave you to shower.” He said.
“Thanks” I smiled as he walked out the door. After I was done showering I walked into my room and to the closet. I grabbed a black skirt the came about 4 inches above my knees. Then I grabbed I dark green ¾ sleeved v-neck top that stopped about and inch above my belly button. I threw that on then grabbed a pair of black chunky high-heeled sandals. *Thank God Leigh has great taste* I thought looking in the mirror. The outfit was one Leigh had gotten me for my birthday. I put on some silver colored eye shadow then put a little body glitter on right above my eyelashes. I put on a little light pink lipstick next then put a coat of gloss on them. Now for my hair. Since it was naturally curly I didn’t have to do any curling or anything I just pulled it halfway up with some butterfly clips with some curly tendrils hanging down around my face. I took some little silver rhinestones and put them in the shape of a star around my belly button. I grabbed a pair of earrings next that were silver and had about 5 little stars dangling off of them. *Only 8:45 that’s pretty good. It only took me 30 minutes.* I thought putting on my watch. I grabbed my bag and walked down the stairs. Just as I hit the bottom stair the doorbell rang. *Must be Sarah* I thought remembering she was going to ride with me. “I got it.” I yelled and opened the door.
“Hey!” I said seeing Sarah standing in the doorway.
“Hey you ready?” She asked coming in.
“Yea just let me tell everyone I’m leaving.” I said. She nodded her head and I walked into the den. “Mom, Dad, I’m leaving now” I said sticking my head inside the doorway.
“Ok” My mom said.
“That’s fine.” Dad said.
“Ok. Oh and Leigh you have awesome taste.” I told her talking about the outfit.
“Oh let me see how you look in it.” She said. I walked into the den showing off the outfit. “Wow you look amazing.” Kevin said. Everyone agreed but Nick and his mouth was on floor so he couldn’t speak.
“Nick Baby close your mouth before you start to catch flies.” I said walking over to him and closing it. He stood up, grabbing my hand and slowly turning me in a full circle.
“Wow you look…I’m speechless. You look magnificent.” He said.
“Thanks” I said blushing. “You know I don’t know what the big fuss is about It’s just something simple.” I stated.
“That’s true but the young woman in it isn’t simple.” Grandpa Richardson said. I blushed at his comment. He reminded me so much of Uncle Jerold. He had always said stuff like that to me.
“Are you all done gawking at me so I can leave?” I asked with a smile.
“Yes Katie we’re done you can leave.” Dad laughed.
“Thanks Daddy.” I said giving him a kiss on the cheek. I hugged my mom then quickly kissed Nick goodbye and was out the door with Sarah.
“Hey Katie did you remember to tell them that everyone is invited to this party?” Sarah asked once we got in the car.
“Oh man I forgot to. I’ll be right back. You can start the car and put the top down if you want.” I stated getting out. I ran back in the house.
“What’d you forget?” I heard Harry yell.
“Very funny but I did forget to tell you guys something.” I said sheepishly.
“See what’d I say.” He stated laughing.
“Shut up Hairball.” I stated.
“Hey!” He exclaimed while everyone else laughed at my nickname for him. You could definitely tell we were brother and sister.
“Anyway I forgot to tell you that yall are invited too, it’s for everybody so if you want to come you’re welcome.” I stated.
“Ok well maybe the rest of the guys and I will come later.” Brian said.
“I might come in a little bit but I won’t stay long.” Harry said.
“Ok that’s fine. Sarah’s still waiting on me so I’ll see ya later.” I said and walked out the door. “Now did I forget anything else?” I asked getting back in the car.
“Nope we’re ready.” She replied.
“Ok then let’s go.” I said pulling out of the driveway.
*15 minutes later @ Kaleidoscope*
“Hey girls.” Liz said when we got out of the car.
“Hey!” We replied. Everyone else was talking and I decided to look around to see who else from the team we were waiting on or if we were just standing they’re talking. Sarah of course was here. She was wearing a short knee length black dress and it had red see through material that went over it. She was wearing a pair of red chunky high-heeled shoes and her dark brown hair was pulled up into a bun with little curls hanging down around her face. Becky, Kasidy, and Jen were also here. Meaning we were still waiting on Kristy, Kelly, and Liz. A couple of minutes later two cars pulled up. Kristy and Kelly got out of the first car and Liz got out of the second car.
“Ok we’re all here now right?” Becky asked.
“Yep.” We all replied.
“Well all eight did show up. Lookin’ fine none the less.” Nathan said walking up to us. Nathan was part of the Boys’ varsity b-ball team. He had the rest of the team with him.
“Hey girls!” Cody said.
“Hey Cody!” We all replied in unison. We started laughing, amazing the things that could happen with your friends.
“Hey now why did he get welcomed with open arms and I got nothin’ at all?” Nathan asked. Nathan was a ball to be around. He was a black, but it didn't matter he was a lot of fun to be around. We kinda had our own little clique with the 16 of us plus a couple of girlfriends and boyfriends that some of them had. It was the rest of the girls, me, and the boys varsity team which is, Cody Smith, Eric Winn, Nathan Stegall, Ryan Johnson, Cole Manis, Joshua or Josh Branan, Andrew or Drew Prince, and Seth Lowry.
“Because he helped us win tonight by helping coach.” Liz replied.
“Well now that’s just no fair. You could’ve asked me to help coach I mean who wouldn’t want to be coaching 8 very hot girls. I just get no love no love at all…” He said and kept babbling on about god only knows what. I was beginning to feel better and wasn’t so tired so I decided I was going to shut him up with style.
“You know Nathan you talk a lot of sh*t for somebody who never says anything.” I said. (I got that from the movie Save The Last Dance. It’s my favorite movie and I suggest you see it It’s an Awesome movie)
“Oh! Good one!” Sarah exclaimed and we high fived while everyone else laughed.
“Like I said no love at all.” Nathan laughed.
“Yea yea shut your mouth and let’s get inside.” I laughed. We all laughed and headed inside. We walked in to hear 98 Degrees’ song ‘Do you wanna dance’ but as soon as we walked in it stopped.
“And here’s the stars of the night. The Tates Creek Girls’ Varsity Basketball team.” The DJ announced. Everybody clapped and cheered and we just kinda waved back blowing off all the attention. It was one thing to be out on the court and all attention on you cause you never realized but it was different to have all attention on you when the whole school and some other’s were watching you and you just had to stand there. The music started playing again and we walked down towards the bar. I ordered a Virgin strawberry daiquiri and stood there talking to Josh.
“You know you guys played a really awesome game tonight!” He exclaimed above the music.
“Thanks.” I replied with a smile.
“So how’ve you been I've hardly gotten to talk to you?” He asked.
“Pretty good actually. My knee’s doing better and I can play like I used to again so that’s good.” I said
“Yea it is. You didn’t hurt it or anything when you fell did you?” He questioned.
“Uhh well...” I stuttered.
“You did?” He stated.
“Not really. When I fell this stinging feeling kinda went through it but it went away just a couple seconds later so I’m sure I’m fine.” I replied.
“Katie sometimes those little things can do the most damage.” He stated.
“I know but I’m fine really.” I said. I wasn’t trying to convince him of a lie or anything cause I was fine and it didn’t hurt now so I was sure I was fine.
“Ok.” He sighed.
“OK well onto a better subject. How’ve you been?” I asked grabbing my drink that was just sat in front of me and talking a sip.
“I’ve been terrific actually. Haylie and I are getting along better than ever. I graduate this year, and I got accepted to the University of Kentucky on a basketball scholarship!” He exclaimed.
“Oh my God Congratulations!” I exclaimed hugging him. “When did you find this out?”
“Just this afternoon like right before the game.” He replied. “So I heard your brother and his friends came home today.”
“Yea they did.” I smiled
“So did Nick come with them?” He asked. Josh and I had been friends since sophomore year. It turned out that his Mom worked for IBM too just like my Dad so we go to see a lot of each other at business functions and things.
“Yea he came back with them.” I replied with a smile.
“So you guys patched things up?” He asked. “Yea.” I said.
“That’s good I could kinda tell you guys patched things up just by the smile on your face.” He stated.
“I’m that readable huh?” I questioned.
“Yes you are.” Sarah said coming up behind us. “Now you two need to get your butts on the floor. So get out there!” Sarah exclaimed.
“Would you like to dance Katie?” Josh asked laughing.
“Sure.” I laughed taking his hand. I took a quick drink then followed him out onto the dance floor.
*Nick’s POV*
“Does anybody see Katie?” I asked.
“Yea she’s right there.” Brian stated and pointed towards the bar. I found her standing with some guy laughing. A couple seconds later Sarah come up to them and said something and Katie and that guy headed out to the dance floor. I headed over to where she was before and sat down in front of her drink. I knew it was hers cause I’d seen her take a drink of it before she left to go dance. I waited for about 4 songs before she finally came back laughing and walking with that same guy.
*Katie’s POV*
“Nick!” I yelled when I seen him sitting in front of my drink. I went up and gave him a quick kiss then decided to introduce him to Josh. “Nick this is Josh Branan. Josh this my boyfriend Nick Carter.” I said. I looked at Nick and he looked a little startled to see I had introduced him as my boyfriend.
“Nice to meet you.” Nick said sticking his hand out.
“Nice to meet you too Nick.” Josh said shaking his hand. “Katie I’m gonna go find Haylie. I’ll talk to you later.” He said.
“Ok.” I said and he walked of. “So who else came?” I asked sitting down on Nick’s lap since all the chairs beside him were full.
“Brian, Leigh, Kevin, Kris, Aj, and Howie.” He stated.
“Ok well where are they? We’ll go sit with them.” I asked.
“Come on. I’ll take you to them.” He said setting me down on the ground and taking my hand and leading me through the crowd.
“Well there you two are.” Brian said when we sat down.
“Yea.” I smiled. I looked around the table and seen Aj wasn’t there. “Hey where’s Aj?” I asked.
“Out there.” Leigh said and pointed out to the dance floor. I looked at where she was pointing to see Aj dancing with Sarah.
“Oh man he’s making Sarah’s whole year!” I exclaimed turning back around.
“Why’s that?” Kevin asked.
“Because Sarah has this huge crush on him.” I replied.
“Oh that would make sense.” He laughed.
“You wanna dance Katie?” Nick asked when a slow song came on.
“Sure.” I replied taking his hands.
*10:00*
(AN: Part of this small scene is kind of a scene from Save the Last Dance.)
Josh, Haylie, Cody, Liz, Brian, Leigh, and Nick were all sitting at the table. The club had started play hip hop/R&B music about 5 minutes ago. I danced to this type of music a lot but Nick was tired and the other 6 were busy so I was stuck sitting here cause I didn’t really want to abandon Nick. I took a drink of my Pepsi and sat it back down just in time to see Nathan walk up to me.
“Hey Katie you wanna dance?” He asked. Oh and just so all of you know Nathan is a very good dancer especially to this type of music and he’d never seen me dance to hip-hop before. I looked over at Nick making sure he’d be ok. I nodded his head telling me he’d be fine and I could go.
“Yea.” I replied.
“Good. Now just remember this ain’t no square dance.” He stated.
“That’s ok.” I smiled. “I can dance in circles, probably around you.”
“Damn girl! You’re just full of smart ass remarks to throw at him aren’t you?” Haylie laughed.
“It’s not my fault he says stuff like that just giving the chance to say it!” I exclaimed laughing. They just laughed.
“Ok girl come on let’s see them circles your gonna dance around me.” Nathan laughed. He grabbed my hand and pulled me onto the dance floor and a new fast song started. I smiled and started dancing.
*A couple minutes later*
“Looks like she was right about them circles.” Josh chuckled.
“I know that now. Damn Nick you’re one lucky man.” Nathan stated sitting down.
“I know.” Nick smiled grabbing me around the waist and pulling me onto his lap.
*10:30*
I was walking back from the dance floor with Brian. I had decided to have one last dance with him and then we were going home. We walked up to the table and I found some girl all over Nick, who was trapped between the wall and her and he was trying to politely push her away. When I got a little bit closer I realized it was Shelly, the school slut. I sped up my pace not only was she the school slut she was also my worst enemy and her hands were all over MY boyfriend. Ok maybe I was a little jealous but I hated the girl with a passion.
“You wanna take your paws off my boyfriend Shelly?” I asked with a major attitude when I got to them. Nick gave me a thankful look. I just smiled at him.
“Well if it isn’t Miss Katelene Littrell, and what the hell did you just ask me to do?” She asked with the same attitude but hers a little more venom in it.
“It wasn’t exactly a question. I said take your paws of my boyfriend.” I said.
“Your boyfriend? Yea right!” She laughed sarcastically. “A majorally hot guy like this? He wouldn’t go for a girl like you.” She said. I watched as Nick moved sideways so he could get out from being stuck between her and the wall.
“You know you’d be wrong there because I did go for a girl like her. A girl that has class and morals unlike you. You’re just a slut. Let’s get out of here Katie.” He said standing up for me. I smiled at her kinda saying ‘haha.’ Everybody else was grabbing their stuff so we could leave. Shelly turned around to leave just as Sarah and Aj we were walking to where we were. She ran straight into Sarah and Sarah’s coke spilt all down the front of Shelly’s very low cut silk shirt. Sarah and I cracked up laughing while everyone else tried to hide their laughter.
“You know Shelly you really should watch where you’re going.” Sarah laughed.
“Yea or you might end up with coke down the front of your silk shirt that’s now ruined.” I laughed. She glared at us. I turned around and walked away with Sarah and everyone else following me.