"This is supposed to be the funniest movie," Andy put an arm around Ali.

"Yeah, I know," they sat in the very back. The previews came on and Andy began nuzzling her neck, "Um...could you not?" she pushed him off.

"Sorry, hey, you want popcorn? I'll go get some for us," he got up and walked out.

"So, Ali...you're here with Andy right?" Julie Brown asked her. She had sat a row ahead of Ali and turned to talk.

"Yeah, he's my boyfriend," Ali glared at her.

"Really?" she pointed to a row in front of her where Andy was making out with Mandy.

"Excuse me," Ali got up. She headed straight for Andy. Ali tapped him on his shoulder then pulled his head back away from Mandy.

"Yeah?" he asked annoyed.

"Um, I'm your girlfriend!" He stood up and looked down at her pitiful face.

"You're a freakin loser, okay? I was planning to you, but you're so boring and prude. I mean, look at this shirt," he ripped a sleeve off and tore it down the middle.

"Why?" she asked through tears and trying to cover up.

"I told you not to think about him...that's why," Mandy stepped in. She smiled evilly, "And don't worry, it'll happen again when you get older, I promise you."

"No, Mandy, that's not why," Andy pushed her back, "Ali, look at yourself! That's why! You were a little toy for me to play with! Get the hell out of my face. You don't deserve to breath the same air as me!" he yelled. The movie had stopped, the lights flickered on and the audience was filled with people from school. They were all laughing and pointing.

In Ali's mind faces spun, laughter echoed and her life was destroyed. She was running out when Mandy tripped her. She rolled on the ground like a dog causing everyone to laugh more. Ali got up and ran out. She ran the ten miles back to Nick's house. No lights were on but his. She knocked frantically on the door.

Minutes later Nick appeared at the door.

"Can I come in?" Ali asked through tears and out of breath.

"Sure, I'm packing upstairs. C'mon," he put an arm around her knowing Andy had done this. He didn't want to know what happened. He didn't want to be right about Andy.

Nick escorted her upstairs. When the door to his room was shut Ali fell into his arms.

"Ali, lets lay down, you'll feel better," he whispered in her ear. She sniffed and he could feel her nod in his chest. He picked her up and laid her down. Nick walked around to the other side and laid by her. She once again buried her face in his chest.

"You were right, you're always right. He humiliated me. Tore my shirt, yelled at me, and a girl tripped my on my way out. I'm so stupid. Why would Andy ask a pathetic loser like me out?" she cried, "Nick, take me with you tomorrow. I'm small and I swear I won't talk."

"Okay," he replied not knowing what to say. He stroked her soft blonde hair and kissed the top of her head.

"Am I loser?" she asked with her big green eyes shining from her tears.

He started at her ivory face. She was so vulnerable then.

"Never," he shook his head.

"Can I stay in your bed tonight?"

"It'll be the last for a while," he smiled slightly.

"If I do anything out of the blue tonight, you understand, right?"

"Yeah," he stroked her cheek, "Close your eyes," he instructed. She took in a deep breath, exhaled and slowly closed her eyes. He took his hand and dried her eyes, I'm going to miss these kind of nights. Where I can be your night in shining armor. Ali, you are one of the most precious people I know. Those kids tonight were jerks and don't worry because when they mature and realize what a beautiful young lady you are, they'll be sorry."

"Really? You think I'm beautiful?" she fluttered her newly dried eyes open. He nodded smiling.

"You're foxy," he laughed. She smiled with a look like she was going to cry again. Ali's venerability too over her and she kissed Nick deeply, "Ali," he pulled away.

"I'm sorry," she whispered looking down.

"Its okay," he put his scrawny arms around her petite body and pulled her tightly too him.

"I can't ever go back to school. Its too embarrassing. Maybe I'll get famous somehow. Then we could always be together," she whispered.

"That could work."

"Why'd you have to go and get all these singing jobs anyway?"

"I love singing Ali. I have to go for it."

"You're so lucky."

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