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“So how was your weekend?” Laura inquired at lunch on Monday.
“Fine,” I mumbled.
“Fine? That’s all you can say? You just spent an entire weekend with Nick Carter and all you can say is ‘fine’?” She exclaimed trying not to be loud.
“What do you want me to say? Man! Nothing happened! We hung out!” I cried exasperated.
“Did you even kiss?”
“On the lips?” I asked. She nodded. “No. He kissed me though, just not on the lips. Like the forehead a few times.” I explained so she wouldn’t get the wrong idea.
“My gosh! You were together that long and didn’t even kiss once?!”
“Nope. Sorry to disappoint you!”
“Do you think he was jut playing you?”
I turned and looked her dead in the eyes. “Since when does kissing show complete affection? My gosh! Some of these ideas!”
“Sorry, but do you think he did?”
“No, I don’t think he played me. We did to much for it to be just playing around.”
“Oh...clue me in!”
I didn’t here Laura’s last comment. My mind had wondered back to Sunday morning.....
I had woken up first and on accident my movement woke Nick. Quickly we separated so my mom wouldn’t see. I went downstairs to as how long till we needed to leave for church, only to find that she had already gone.
When I went back upstairs Nick was already dressed. So I hurriedly threw on a t-shirt and jeans.
Before he left, he demanded a picture of me. Luckily I had gotten concert pictures developed. I pulled out the one Laura had taken of us. His eyes lit up as he declared that was the one he wanted. He found one more of me by myself and was satisfied.
As he was about to leave, he drew me in his arms one last time. I knew he was about to kiss me, it showed in his eyes. As we leaned towards each other, my mom drove up.
Nick smiled in embarrassment and settled for a quick kiss on my forehead. I savored the moment of his lips on my forehead. I had no clue when I would see him again. I stood where he left me as I watched him drive off......
“Anne! Clue me!” Laura pleaded tugging on my sleeve.
“No!” I smiled biting my bottom lip. I wanted to tell her, yet it was my special weekend to savor on my own.
“Aww! You said you would Friday! What changed your mind?”
“I don’t know. It just did. Maybe after awhile I can tell you. Just not while it’s still fresh.”
“But that’s when you give the best details.”
“Sorry! I’m not going to change my mind.” I declared sitting down at my lunch table.
“You stink!” Laura mumbled hoping I wouldn’t hear.
“If that’s what you think?” I laughed.
<><><>
“Hey Nick! Glad to have you back home.” Brian sarcastically welcomed.
“What?” Nick exclaimed a little alarmed by Brian’s tone of voice.
“Why didn’t you tell me that you were going to visit Anne?”
“I’m sorry! I didn’t think you would care.”
“Well....I’ve gotten an idea about what you might have done.” Brian mumbled wanting to know the truth yet scared to ask.
“No, we didn’t do anything. We never even really kissed.” Nick said.
“Oh..so it was more of getting to know each other?” Brian questioned to make sure he understood.
“Right!” Nick nodded as he sat down. “Oh that ride is going to get longer and longer each time I go down there.”
“Are you planning on going back?”
“Yeah. I don’t know when, but I will.”
“You like her, don’t you?”
“Yes I do. And I can’t wait till I can see her again. I’m taking it slow so everything will wort out.”
Brian’s expression changed as he looked at his younger band mate. “Well, I really hope that it does work out for you. You need a girl and I can tell you think she’s the one for you. Even though she is young.”
“Rok! She isn’t that young. you gotta remember, you’re 25. I’m only 19. It doesn’t look that big to me.”
“True, true, I do forget the difference between me and you. Age doesn’t seem to stand out with close friends.” Brian agreed.
“You see what I mean?” Nick questioned as a smile crept up his face.
“Yes Frack. I do. You need to give Anne a nickname that relates with our band. A pet name, I guess you’d call it.” Brian laughed.
Nick smiled as he reached for his cell phone. It was about time for Anne to get home from school.
<><><>
“I’m home!” I called as I opened the front door. I had hoped every day that maybe someone would be home or anything would change. I hated getting home with no one to greet me. Well, I guess that today isn’t that day.
I walked over to the computer ans turned it on. A little time on the internet wouldn’t hurt. Right as I was about to connect the phone rang.
“Awww man!” I mumbled walking over to answer it. “Hello?”
“Hey baby! It’s Nick!”
“Oh hey sweetie!” I smiled. I was surprised at how soon he called again. “I take it you got home safely.”
“Yeah. Long drive!” he complained.
“I’m sorry babe. I know you gotta hate it!”
He laughed at my comment. “It’s early January, when do you think we should try to get together again?”
His questioned stunned me for a minute cause he was asking me again so soon.
“I don’t know. I don’t have any holidays and you won’t be back up this way for a while.”
“Actually, I will be! Middle of February.”
“Yeah! That’s really soon, Nick!” I complained.
“Well, to me that is. Sorry to disappoint you, missy!” He teased.
“Well, why will you be up here?” I questioned.
“We’re going back on tour! Then we’ll have a concert at the GA dome in Atlanta. You can come and then I’ll ride home with you. I’ll catch up with the guys the next morning.” he exclaimed as he thought about his brilliant scheme.
“That sounds fine. Are you going to give me the things I’ll need to get in the concert?”
“Oh yeah. I gotta do that soon.”
“I agree!”
We talked on the phone awhile longer and got everything arranged for February the 19th. I was so exited, yet so much time had to pass before that day.
<><><>
It was the weekend before the concert. I had a group of friends over Friday to spend the night. We were all so excited, for almost no good reason. Laura was one person there and she noticed the picture of me and Nick on our first date. I had laid it out on my night stand. I had forgotten to put it, Nick really didn’t want many people knowing about me and him.
I walked in my room and noticed my answer machine blinking. So naturally I pushed play. How I wish I hadn’t when I had so many people over. None of them needed to hear it!
“Anne! I know you aren’t home, I just couldn’t wait till you got home or when I’d see you again.” I recognized Nick’s voice in a heart beat. “Well, I was wondering....would you be my girlfriend? I know it’s like ‘wow’, but I just couldn’t wait to a sk. Call me really late tonight. I have a concert in like five minutes. Love ya girl. Bye!”
I looked at the answer machine and then at all my friends. They had stopped what they were doing and were also starring at the machine.
“So what do you guys want to do?” I asked hoping they wouldn’t ask questions.
“Who was that?” Cynthia asked. She was the one who I ran into at the mall.
“Just a friend!” I smiled not wanting to give out any information. I glanced over at Laura, she was just smiling. She was the only one who knew who it really was.
“Yeah sure!” Devon accused.
“Well, it doesn’t matter who it is. You guys don’t know him. Can we please just do something else?” I was getting exasperated.
“You aren’t telling us something really important.” Melissa prompted.
“What movie do you want to watch?”
“We’re not doing anything until you tell us what’s been going on these past few months. Ever since November when you went to that Backstreet Boys concert, something has changed about you.” Cynthia claimed.
“I’m really sorry, but I’m not allowed to tell! This is personal.” I exclaimed and with my look begging them to stop.
After a few more minutes of pestering they finally hushed, I was surprised they didn’t turn on Laura, thinking that she might know something since she didn’t talk.
As it was getting close to one in the morning and we were starting on our fifth movie, the phone rang.
“I’ll get it!” Laura screamed. She picked it up and I saw a smile spread across her face. “Yeah, she’s up. I’ll get her for you.”
I took the cordless phone from her, knowing it was Nick. That was why Laura had jumped at the chance to answer the phone.
“Hey babe.” I sighed leaving the room. I didn’t want anybody to hear.
“Hey, what’s up?” Nick asked.
“Not much. Just some friends spending the night. So I can’t stay on long.
“That’s fine.”
“You’re waiting on my answer aren’t you?”
“Yes!” He exclaimed.
I smiled. I could tell he was a little nervous.
“Well...don’t leave me hanging!”
laughed at him. “Nick my answer is......” I paused to torture him. “Is yes.”
“Really? Oh my gosh! This is going to make this week feel even longer! Now I really can’t wait to see you even more!”
I laughed at how young he sounded. Just like a little five year old with so much energy and joy bubbling out. “Thanks Nick!”
“Thanks for what?”
“I don’t know, I just felt like saying that.”
He laughed this time as we talking for a few more minutes. Laura soon called me and we hung up.
“Did you have fun?” She teased as I walked back into the room.
I bit my lip to keep from smiling too big. She could tell by my eyes that I had.
For some reason the rest of the night seemed dull. Nothing sparked my interest. I only wanted to be with Nick. To feel his arms around me. Yet I had only one full week till that could happen.
We all soon fell asleep close to three. None of us even got up till ten or later. It felt heavenly to sleep so late.
<><><>
Through the next week with a normal schedule, timed seemed to drag by. Everyone said that there seemed to be something different about me. A happiness and joy they hadn’t seen in a long time.
Everyone asked me to do things with them the coming weekend. At least it seemed that way. Sometimes I hated to turn them down. But I had to! I knew it was all going to be worth it.
<><><>
Driving up to the concert alone felt weird. No one to share my excitement with. Laura had gotten tickets, she was just going with another group, since I had to sit in a special area. I really hoped she would have fun.
I pulled out my parking pass and showed it to the parking attendant so I could get backstage to park. The guy smiled at me as I rolled up the window. He probably wondered why I was only coming one hour early, being backstage. I was young enough to look it of an obsessed fan.
As soon as I walked backstage I had to go straight out to my seat. I had a special inside the railing seat. Only inches away from the stage. Compared to the last concert, even though we had third row seat, nothing could beat this seat.
Within minutes, the opening act came out from under the stage. The first guy threw a smile at me as he jumped up the steps. It caught me off guard and he was gone before I could smile back.
For the next 30 minutes, I was entertained. Nothing could top the site that was still waiting for me to see.
Once the opening act had finished I sat, impatiently. Nothing pass time quick enough. Without warning a huge wave of screams echoed through the dome.
“Oh my gosh!” I breathed as the guys slowly flew over the crowd. I spotted Nick and a smile covered my face. As they landed an the stage I took a quick glance at the crowd. So many signs were being held up. I knew some were for Nick. And he loved me out of all these beautiful girls. I don’t know how I got so lucky. But then again, he really is just a normal guy.
<><><>
Laura stood screaming with her friends as the Backstreet Boys made their presence known. Once they stood in front on her area, she glanced at Nick. Here was a hot guy everyone wanted to be theirs, yet Anne had him. It was strange to think that Anne could have cared less before she met him in person.
Anne was one lucky girl! Laura could have promised that there was a little something different about Nick. He looked happier. Laura smiled one last time as her happiness for her best friend over flowed.
I hurried backstage knowing Nick had to leave and soon. The plan had working fine so far. I parked next to their tour bus, so Nick could just jump in my car instead of the bus.
As I was about to get in my car, I noticed there was no Nick anywhere nearby!
“Nick where are you?” I whispered under my breath. Slowly I walked in front of the open tour bus door. “Nick what are you doing?”
“Who’s asking?” A sarcastic reply came back. “Fine! If you’re going to talk to me that way, I’ll just leave!” I turned and started to walk away.
“No! You can’t leave me!” Nick yelled as he ran out to me, throwing his arms around my waist. He laughed in my ear s he tickled my stomach.
“Nick! Stop!” I laughed trying to get out of his grip.
“Fine, I’ll stop, but I don’t want to. It’s funny watching you squirm.”
“Maybe for you!” I sneered as I turned around to face him.
“Ya know what?” he asked as the teasing glare softened from his eyes.
“What?” I smiled leaning against his arms still around my waist.
“I forgot you were coming tonight.”
The smile left my face. “You forgot? How could you forget that your girlfriend is coming tonight?”
“I don’t know! I guess I just got too wrapped up in the show. Can you ever forgive me?!” he begged.
I wanted to give him a hard time. But when I looked up into his mystical blue eyes, I couldn’t help it. “Yes, I forgive you!”
He smiled quickly. “Thanks!” he murmured leaning down to kiss me.
“Well, Nick! You better get going.” AJ yelled coming around the front of the tour bus. Nick looked up at him mad. Once again we had been interrupted trying to have our first kiss.
I pulled out of Nick’s arms and walked over to the driver’s side of my car. “Let’s go!”
“Finally! That was one heck of a drive getting home. I don’t remember traffic being that bad last time.”I exclaimed opening the door to my house. Mom wouldn’t be home tonight and I was surprised she still let Nick spend the night.
“Man! I never knew traffic was that bad after concerts. Thank goodness it was after dark or some fan would have recognized me!” Nick also exclaimed.
“Now that would have been a disaster.” I breathed looking up at him. He smiled back at me and walked up towards the guest bedroom. I went into the kitchen and searched the refrigerator for two cold cokes. Luckily I was successful.
“So, what’s in store for us tonight?” I questioned Nick when I finally heard his footsteps on the stairs.
“Who knows!” Nick smiled raising his eyebrows.
“Get your mind out of the gutter before I make you!” I yelled throwing a pillow from the couch at him. It hit him in the chest and I immediately regretted it. A delvish smile crept up his face as he glared at me.
“So you wanna play rough?” he teased. I smiled as I curled my legs to my chest. “I’ll give you rough.”
“No, Nick please!” I begged as he wrapped his arms around me and started to tickle me. I tried hard to get away from him and only wound up more tangled in his grip. I laughed so hard tears started to form in the corner of my eyes.
Nick finally relented after five minutes or so. I jumped up and away from him. “Don’t you dare do that again!”
I couldn’t hear his response as the phone rang. I ran over an grabbed it only a second before Nick could. It was my mother making sure I had made it home safe.
“What is it with my friends and answering the phone?!” I looked over at Nick, not really sure what to expect next. “Really, Nick! What do you want to do tonight?”
“Well, it’s almost two in the morning. How about we get ready for bed and if you don’t mind, give me another wonderful back massage.” His eyes pleaded and yet again I couldn’t say no.
Both of us hurrying and got ready for bed. None of the same situations repeated themselves and in a way I was kind of glad. As I sat cross-legged on my bed waiting for Nick to get ready, I sat and thought about what the future would hold. Is it really all worth the longing and missing to stay with Nick? Of course it is! Just as I pushed that thought to the side, Nick walked in.
“Ya ready?” He questioned.
“Yupe!” I smiled as he sat down in front of me with his back to me. I gently massaged all the tension that remained in his muscles. A life like his would literally kill me.
When I finished I let my arms hang around his neck and my head rest on his shoulder. “I missed you, Nick.” I whispered.
“So did I. More then you know.” he replied. His hand came up to my hair and he ran his fingers through it. He leaned closer towards me while he pulled me closer. As our lips met, his arms pulled me so close.
Everything whirled in my head as I hung like a rag doll in his arms. Our first kiss ended all too soon. The passion had been too sweet and I didn’t want it to end. Slowly I reached up and placed a hand on his cheek and pulled him towards me. He kissed me again. This time longer and with more passion behind it. The sensation was almost heart-stopping.
Out of breath we parted letting our graze reset on the other. A noise sounded out in the hallway breaking the moment. The precious moment I would treasure the rest of my life.
“What was that?” I asked Nick.
“I don’t know. I was hoping you would.”
“Not a clue. Wanna go check it out?”
“I’m following you.”
“Hey! The guy is supposed to protect the girl.” I protested shoving Nick in front on me.
“I knew you were a sissy!” he teased. I knew he was trying to bait me into jumping back in front of him to prove him wrong. I didn’t give him the pleasure.
We walked out into the hallway and gasped at the sight that met our eyes. Before too long we busted out in laughter as Brian Littrell tired to stand.
“What are you doing here, B?” Nick inquired punching him in the arm.
“No reason. Just felt like dropping by.” He muttered looking around.
“Really? I didn’t hear you drive up.” I commented.
“I didn’t drive.”
“You didn’t? How did you get here?” I questioned a little puzzled.
“Did AJ or Howie set you up to this?” Nick demanded to know.
Sheepishly Brian shuffled his feet staring at the floor. “Well, um...AJ did. I got here by riding in the back seat of your car.”
“How in the heck we didn’t notice you is beyond me!” I mumbled aggravated. There went an afternoon with Nick down the drain.
I couldn’t help but be a little mad at Brian four ruining my short time with Nick. Why did he have the nerve to pull of such a heartless dare. It wasn’t like he would miss Nick being gone only for one night!
Nick stayed till Sunday afternoon. I didn’t even get a goodbye kiss when I saw him off at the airport. Everything was Brian’s fault.
“Oh my gosh! Laura, guess who called me last night!” I giggled whispering to her my good news. Three weeks had passes since Nick had left.
She looked at me, annoyance written clearly across her face. “Nick?” Was the only word she stated then turned her back on me.
“Yeah, it’s been one month for us together. The 10th. We made plans for when we’d get together again. If mom says it’s okay I’m going to Tampa for Spring Break.” I exclaimed so excited.
“That’s great.” she replied rolling her eyes.
“Laura, what’s wrong?”
“You don’t wanna know!”
“Yes I do. I want to help.”
“Then shut up!”
“Laura please. “ I begged. She hadn’t talked to me like this in a long time.
“Okay fine! I’ll tell you! I’m getting sick about you and Nick. You have one of the finest guys in the world and you tell me everything. Every time he calls, how much you miss and...and other crap! I’m sick of it! I don’t mind it every now and then, but everyday is just too much! So just shut up and don’t talk about him. Better yet, don’t talk at all. I don’t think you could manage to talk about anything else!” She yelled then left our lunch table.
I starred at the back of her head s she walked away. How could she say those kinds of things. Wait...she’s right! I forgot that Nick is famous, that he doesn’t just live out of town. Every girl in the world wants him and he’s mine.
I swiped at an unwanted tear, praying more wouldn’t follow.
“Wow! What got into her?” Ales asked surprised by the out burst. “And who’s Nick?”
“She's mad at me. Nick is my....never mind.” I mumbled as I gathered all my school materials together. “If you’ll excuse me, I’m going to stay in the courtyard for the rest of lunch.”
“Why?” Alex called as I walked away. I didn’t feel like answering, so I didn’t.
I saw Laura later on through the day. She didn’t even look me in the eye. Matter of fact, didn’t even glance in my direction. It hurt so bad to feel the icy tension that hung in the air between us.
Once I got home that afternoon I logged on the internet. Nick’s screen name lit up, signaling he was on. Before I could type a message he had imed me.
“Hey! It’s Aaron.”
My smile faltered, but I hadn’t talked to Aaron since the very first time. “Hey, how’s life going?”
“It’s all fine.”
“Good”
“Before you ask, Nick is at practice.”
I laughed at his comment. “Thanks. How did the end of tour go?”
“It went fine. Feels good to be home. Well, stuck in Nick’s apartment.”
“I wish I could be there. I won’t get to see any of you till Spring Break.”
“Really? That long?” he asked.
“Yeah, if Nick is off and we make the plans permanent.”
“So even that is still a maybe?”
“Yupie. Oh Aaron.”
“Yeah?”
“Thanks.”
“Thanks for what?” He asked. I could tell he was confused.
“For trying to prove who you really are. I would have never met Nick if you hadn’t!”
“I’m glad I could help. Nick needed a girl...bad! You were just too perfect to resist!”
I laughed at his last sentence as I went to check my e-mail. There was a short note from Nick. Nothing of importance.
“Nick!” Fatima shouted. “Make your moves sharper!”
Nick grumbled as he followed the orders. He was so tired and didn’t understand why they had to work so hard for a quick extra hour performance they had decided to do.
Kevin looked over at Nick as he tried once again to get the choreography right. A smile crept up his face when Nick’s arms got tangled together. Nick had always had the most trouble catching on with the dances.
“Come on Nick! We all wanna go home!” AJ whined pulling off his sunglasses.
“Yeah man!” Howie joined in.
“Shut up!” Nick snapped glaring at them both. Brian whistled at eh tension and wondered why Nick was so irritated. Practice, probably. He always hated the long ones.
As the guys walked out the door of the studio, each of their girlfriends were waiting on them. All except for Nick’s.
“Why does Anne have to be so young?” Nick mumbled and left without saying another word. Nick got home quickly and couldn’t wait to call Anne. He missed her so much.
Aaron heard Nick’s apartment door open and was glad to finally have Nick home.
“Hey bro!” He called. When Nick didn’t answer he tried again. Still no response. Aaron looked up and noticed the phone pressed to his brother’s ear. “Is it really good that I got them together? Or is it just causing them more stress on each other?” Aaron mumbled to himself. Slowly he walked out of the room to give Nick the proper privacy he deserved on the phone with his girlfriend.
Groggily I woke up the next morning. Nick and I had stayed on the phone way too long and late. Sleepily I turned to look at my clock.
“Crap!” I breathed. In bold red numbers 7:45 blared at me. Quickly I pulled out a pair of blue jeans and a t-shirt. Yanking my hair back in a ponytail, I took a quick glance in the mirror. “Look good enough for a Friday.”
Within minutes I was in my car and driving to school. I made it on time surprisingly. Alex smiled at me as I sat down, out of breath, at my desk.
<><><>
At lunch no one really talked. Laura still wouldn’t even look at me. Som Alex and I did most of the talking. Never would I have realized how much I would miss hearing her voice. Cheerful and bright with happiness always bubbling out with every comment.
After a few minutes of talking, there was nothing interesting left to discuss. Quietly I looked down at my lunch and let out a long sigh, My best friend wasn’t talking to me and Nick was not anywhere nearby for comfort.
When the bell rang to go to 4th period, Laura hurried to leave before I could get ready. I sighed again, held back the tears that were threatening to come.
As I opened my locker, Cynthia walked over to me. “Still moping are we?” She inquired. I could hear the spite and sarcasm in her question, so I didn’t answer. “Is it all over your poor Nick, whom you claim to Laura that you’ve met and have a chance of going out with?”
I looked over at her in shock. Laura had told about me and Nick. Never, even when she’s been ready to kill me, has she betrayed my confidence.
“Why do you even think you have a chance with him? How old is he again?”
I shuddered under the cruelty of her words. I took a quick glance at the small picture of me and Nick I kept in my locker.
“How old is he?” She demanded to know.
“He’s 20.” I whispered.
“You’re how old?”
“16.”
“You have no chance. So keep dreaming your petty dreams. Just remember that, that dream will never come true. Bring yourself back down to reality Anne Johnson. It will never come true.” She sneered. An evil quiet laugh escaped from her throat as she walked away.
I couldn’t help the tear that started to run down my cheek. Ever since Nick turned 20 I was amazed at our age difference. I wanted to turn around and yell all of the truth back in Cynthia’s face. Everything. Every tiny word she had said, was a lie. There was something going on between me and Nick. But, he had made me promise not to tell anyone about us. I had promised and wasn’t about to break.
I leaned back against my locker and let my hair fall in my face. My wet tears mixed in with my now tangled hair.
“Why? Why does this have to come right now?” I cried. The tardy bell rand and I made no move to go to class. Instead I just stood still and let all my tears, stress and longing pour out.
Slowly, my body sunk to the ground s my tears poured out even more. I guess I sat out there and cried even longer than I thought. The bell to dismiss school shattered the silence. I stood up as people poured out of classrooms. Lockers slammed shut as more opened.
I saw Laura a few feet in front of me. My first thought was to hurry and catch up with her. But, I wouldn’t give in and go up to her. She hurt me and I decided to be just as stubborn as she can be at times.
She turned around as if she was looking for someone, then her eyes landed on me. A cold icy stare that penetrated the little resistance I had left. I turned my head so I wouldn’t have to look at it. I saw a look of concern cross her face.
“No!” I mumbled under my breath. “I’m not about to just forget everything this easily.” My look hardened and challenged hers. With more confidence then I had, I walked past her and to my car.
I drove home and as I rounded the corner to my driveway, an unfamiliar car was parked in the driveway. I pulled up beside the car. A guy was sitting behind the steering wheel, I wasn’t quite sure who it was.
“Hello?” I questioned as I stepped out of my car and closed the door behind me.
“Hey babe!” The voice from the guy answered.
“Nick is that?” I asked with excitement growing.
“Yeah.”
“Oh my gosh! How did you get here?” I called and before I could finish he was holding me tight in his arms.
“I caught a plane this afternoon and rented a car. Hate to say it, but I gotta leave early in the morning. And I mean before you get up!” He explained. I could hear the regret in his voice.
“I don’t care. I get to see you.” I whispered leaning against his chest. He hand reached under my chin. He lifted it up to where we were looking each other in the eye.
“You didn’t sound like you were okay last night. My girl can’t suffer, well at least when I’m not there to help her through it.” His voice was soft and caring. I let his words float through my head as I smiled at him. Without warning my pleasant thoughts were ruined by the memories from this afternoon.
Unknown a tear slide down my cheek. Nick reached a hand up to wipe it away. I was so caught up in my thoughts, his touch startled me.
“You aren’t okay at all.” he commented looking so caring at me.
“No, I’m not at all.” I sobbed about to lean against his chest and cry. His hand still on my cheek stopped me. I felt his lips brush against mine. My eyes blinked at the suddenness. I reached up and touched his cheek. Slowly I pulled him back towards me. Nick’s tightened his grip around me as my hands rested on his shoulders. His lips met mine so softly, yet the kiss had more force behind it this time. It was as if he was trying to release all the longing that had built up in him, in just one kiss. I knew that was impossible.
After a little bit, he pulled away. Cold air flung on my lips as I took in a deep breath. It was as if I gave all, the little bit of strength I had left into that kiss. My body leaned heavily against Nick.
“Ya feel better?” he asked. I smiled at his question as I replied with a whispered yes. We just stood and talked for a few minutes. Neither wanting to let go for even a second.
Nick leaned down to kiss me one more time, before we parted, another car drove into my driveway.
“Is that Laura?” Nick asked. I could tell he was a little anxious.
“No, it’s not her car. Calm down! It’s only one person. She can’t cause that much harm.” I mumbled pulling away from Nick. I couldn’t go too far, cause he grabbed my hand tight.
“Anne?” A female voice called.
“Yeah? Cynthia?”
“Yes. Do you mind if I stay and talk to you for a few minutes?”
“For a few. I have unexpected company.” I said nodding to Nick at my side. She noticed Nick for the first time. He jaw literally dropped straight down in amazement.
“It’s true!” she mumbled looking at me dead in the eyes. I just nodded. “Why didn’t you correct me this afternoon?”
“Two reasons. One, you wouldn’t have listened to me. And two, Nick made me promise not to tell anyone about him.”
“Are you two actually together?”
A smile crept up my face and I glanced over at Nick. This question was his job to answer.
“Yeah, we are.” he said. I saw the smile in his eyes.
“I’m sorry about this afternoon. Really!” Cynthia exclaimed.
“It’s okay! Now do you mind if I have a private evening with my boyfriend?” I questioned placing a hand on Nick’s chest. She smiled at me as she climbed back in her car. “Oh, Cynthia!” I yelled as the was about to close her car door. “You can’t tell anyone! I mean it, seriously. Okay?”
“Sure thing!” She replied and then was gone in a minute.
“So, my Anne, it’s my turn to ask you. What are out plans for the night?” Nick questioned.
“Not sure! We have a good many hours ahead of us. Watch movies and do anything we want.”
Nick looked at me and raised his eyebrows as a bad boy look crossed his face.
“Once again, I will tell you. Get you mind out of the gutter!” I laughed as I finished and soon heard his join me. “But, I wouldn’t mind a few kisses every now and then.” With that he leaned over and gave me a quick peck on the lips.
“I spoil you girl!” he smiled as we finally walked insides.
“How’s that?” I asked, actually puzzled.
“With how much I kiss you. Now you’re gonna want a kiss all the time!”
“And do you mind?” I teased.
“Well....no.” he admitted.
“Guys! They always try and give the girl a hard time with the pleasure they get out of them!”
Nick narrowed his eyes at me from my insult. I took off running into the living room. Times like these I hated Nick being so tall! It’s didn’t take long before he caught me and started to tickle me.
“Okay Nick! That’s enough of seeing my squirm. Please stop!” I cried. I pulled away from him putting my hands on my hips like a defiant 5 year old.
“Look at the spoiled brat!” Nick teased s that devlish look sparkled bright in his eye.
“I am no....” I couldn’t finish as Nick closed his lips around mine extremely hard. Something felt different this time. It took me a second before I realized that he was frenching me. It was my first ever french kiss. It was a thrill that no one could have ever prepared me for. He pulled away awhile after what felt like an eternity. But hey! I didn’t care.
“Now you’ve had your punishment.” he smiled still holding me tight.
My eyes glistened from the thrill and my happiness. “Trust me, you can punish me anytime you want!”
Nick smiled so big. “Was is really that bad?”
“Yeah, it was! I’m out of breath from it!” I sighed leaning against him.
“Good! It was a lot of work to make it that bad.” He laughed as he leaned his cheek on my head. It felt good to feel his arms holding me safe, away from the danger of the world. His love surrounding me always, even when we’re so far apart.
<><><>
After one week, thing slowly went back to normal. I was so happy! Now lunch never felt like torture and I could actually look forward to what Laura had to tell me about the pervious night.
I let his do most of the talking, just in case I might slip up and start talking about Nick. Amazingly enough, I had learned to hold my tongue about him. Although Laura still begged to hear something about what was going on between us.
Another change that occurred was, that Cynthia wanted to hear everything about me and Nick. All the details. I don’t know how many times I’ve heard her squeal then exclaim how lucky I am to have Nick. So times I wonder if he is just more annoying!
<><><>
On a Monday, still two weeks away from spring break, Laura startled me asking quite a few questions about Nick.
“Hey Anne?” She called.
“Yeah.”
“How is everything going between you and Nick?”
“Fine. Why do you ask?” I asked puzzled with the tone of her voice.
“Just making sure.” Was her only explanation. “When do you think you’ll see him again?”
“When I go down to Tampa over spring break.”
“Oh, okay.”
“Laura, you’re acting strange by asking these questions. Are you up to something?” I inquired as a weird feeling crept in my stomach.
“No! I’m not!” Laura smiled as the innocence returned to her voice.
<><><>
Through the rest of that long week, nothing happened. Tests, homework and social life poured in on me. I was actually getting sick of everything, but there was nothing I could do to change it. Its my life, and that’s, that!
<><><>
“Hey! Nick!” Brian called running up to his best friend.
“What Brian?”
“Did you have fun at Anne’s?”
“Of course!” Nick smiled remember the few moments they shared together.
“What’s that smile for? You didn’t....”
“B-rok! Don’t even think that!” Nick yelled looking at him. Although he had to admit that he couldn’t help but wish Anne was older. But then again, he was waiting till he was married to give himself away.