“No!”
I was standing in the junior hallway talking to Crystal about the concert when I heard Nikki’s shout.
I turned around. She was standing with Aaron.
“Nnooo!”
I told Crys I’d talk to her later and went up to Nikki’s locker.
“I’m so sorry, I didn’t think this would happen Nikki.. I’m sorry...”
“Excuse me Aaron, can I please talk with Nik for a little while alone?”
“Oh sure Mandy. Umm..I’ll c-ya later Nikki.... I really am sorry..”
All Nikki did was repeat the same words over and over:
“No.. I can’t believe this..”
She had her head down and would not looking anyone in the eyes. I had a feeling she was crying.
“Nikki, what’s wrong?” No answer.
Everyone was now staring at us wondering what had happened. I turned around not knowing what to say to her. I finally realized that she was not going to say a word to me until everyone parted. There were too many of the student body gathered around her.
So I spoke up and asked, “Do you mind..??!”
They started talking all at once. The aides got everyone to move down to the cafeteria. I was surprised how fast they got everyone out. In no time we were alone.
“Nikki..”
She turned around and looked at me. Tears were streaming down her face, making the make up she put on earlier come running down her face.
“Mandy... Gosh! I can’t believe it!”
“Nikki what’s wrong? What’d Aaron have to tell you? Why are you crying? Please tell me.”
“Mandy.....Aaron...he...he....” she stopped and slumped down to the bottom of her locker. I sat down with her and she continued. “He..he said that... his sister’s friend can make it afterall....to the concert...I mean...now I...Gosh!...I was lookin’ forward to going so badly!...Ugh!...”
“Oh Nikki!........ I’m so sorry! What happened? Why’s she going now?”
“He said she couldn’t go before because their family was going to be in California still on their vacation.. but they came back early, and now I can’t go! I was really looking forward to the concert! Last night I even went out and bought a brand new BSB t-shirt, shorts, and I put together this huge Backstreet sign saying “I love you guys!” I went all out and for what?! Nothing!”
I reached into my purse and pulled out a tissue. I handed it to her. She used it up in no time. “Oh Nikki, I don’t know what to do. I’m so sorry....” I reached over and gave her a long friendly hug.
“That’s ok, it’s not your fault. It didn’t bother me so much before when I didn’t have tickets.. but when Aaron told me about the extra ticket I was just so happy! But now things are different...”
We sat there for awhile. Nikki’s tears eventually dried up. And when they did, she started apologizing to me.
“I’m sorry. I’ve caused you to be late for science. I’m sorry I over reacted.”
“Over reacted? Are you kidding me! I would have done the same thing!!! Don’t worry about it!”
“Ok.. well, that still doesn’t change the fact that I’ve made you late..”
“Maybe not, but forget about it! I’m always here for you! That’s what friends are for!”
Through all the smeared make- up I thought I saw a little smile crawl across her face. I was right.
“Thanks, Mandy.”
“Anytime gurl.”
