**Back to Nikki's house**

The doorbell rang. I ran down the stairs to the door but when I opened it I slammed it shut. It was Nick.

"Nikki let me in!" He called. I didn't answer.

"Nikki, I know you're in there. Come one let me in, I'm sorry!" He exclaimed. I shook my head but I opened the door.

"Yes?" I asked. He opened the door wider to get in and shut the door.

"Nikki, I'm sorry, your right. I have been acting like a jerk. I didn't mean it. I really didn't. And I took Candy to our spot because she's special to me, that's why I took you all the time." I looked away. "I really like her Nikki, she's nice, sweet, kind, funny, and beautiful. And maybe, I think I'm really in love with her." I thought that would hurt, but it didn't.

"I'm sorry to Nick. I guess I should've told you what I felt instead of giving you that black eye." I started to giggle then cause I realized how hard I hit him. He sighed again.

"Nikki, Kevin also told me that, well, that you like me." I stopped giggling. My head shot up and I was scared out of my mind. I started to turn away but Nick kept me there.

"You're a nice, sweet, caring girl Nikki, but I want you as my best friend. Not…" He trailed off but I knew what he was saying.

"Not anything more." I whispered. He nodded his head.

"I'm sorry. But please, I need you as my best friend still. I can't lose you." I looked in his eyes and smiled.

"I know, I'm ok. Don't worry." He looked me in the eyes.

"You sure?" He asked. I gave him one of my famous grins. I wasn't hurt, I was relieved. I was glad he knew, but we both knew it wasn't meant to be. I know I'll always have something there for him, but it'll always be behind friendship.

"I am completely sure Nicky Nick." I said giggling cause he hated that name. He reached in to hug me and I gave in.

"Do you wanna come back over at my house?" He asked. I shook my head.

"Nah, we gotta let your eye heal first." I laughed and ran off. Nick shook his head.

"I'll see ya then Nikki!" He called. I yelled back a goodbye. Then Nick left. Brian was waiting in my room quietly, he knew it was Nick.

"You two ok now?" He asked. I nodded my head. "Yep we ok, he invited me back over there but I said no cause I had to let his eye heal." Brian chuckled and I laughed. Brian stayed there that night in the guest bedroom but early in the morning he left. He left a note for me:

Dear Nikki,

Sorry bout leaving unexpectedly but I had practice. I'll come by at around noon. No don't think about protesting, I'm coming! See ya soon!

Love always,
Brian

I smiled to myself as I read the letter and stuck in my pocket. I couldn't help but think about when he said love always.

"He's so adorable!" I thought to myself and went back to bed.