It Won't Happen (not To Me)

[Kristen07]

Hey y'all

I'm home again, after another snow day. (They coulda had school today, but that's beside the point) so I decided to finish this chapter. I hope y'all enjoy it :)

“It Won’t Happen (Not to Me)�

~Chapter 1~

Kelly Alicia Carter, known as Alicia to everyone else because she hated the name Kelly, was very happy that this day had come. She was a girl of 16, with a nice figure, friendly blue eyes and very dark blonde hair. Though she didn’t think it much, she was very pretty. And she had brains to go with those looks. She had gotten a scholarship to go to this elite art high school, Cincinnati School of Arts, and she got to move miles away from where she lives at the present time, Ackensburg, Pennsylvania, a nice suburb a little outside Pittsburgh.

Why was she so happy to go? Mainly it was because of her strict parents. They were very no-nonsense and they thought of anything artistic was a waste of time. Their philosophy was “Do something productive, something that actually will help you make a difference in the world�. But Alicia begged to differ, and had on so many occasions. You could make a difference in the world with music or anything artsy. What if someone really liked one song and your rendition of that song really touched them? What if an old person saw a painting that someone did and it brought them back to their youth? But they wouldn’t understand. She was trying to be a good girl and something they would be proud of, but they overlooked it.

So now, she was going to Cincinnati to live with her favorite relatives, her uncle Jeremy, aunt Katie, and young cousins, Tyler, 10, Stacy, 8, and Bryan,7. They were just a lively and energetic family to be around. She definitely wondered how her father, Frank, and Jeremy could be brothers, because they were as different as night and day. Frank was a late 40s very stiff, uptight and strict, didn’t seem to want to have fun with anything, lawyer. Jeremy was 10 years younger, very energetic, loved life and to laugh.

However there definitely would be things she would miss about Ackensburg. Her younger sister, Chloe Loren, 14, was one of her best friends, and she hated to leave her to live with her parents alone. And she did have some friends that she talked to at school, but she wasn’t really attached to any of them. This was mostly because she was a very shy person and didn’t attach to anyone easily.

“Leesh, the cab is here� Chloe was standing in her doorway, snapping her out of her thoughts.
“Thanks Chloe� Alicia zipped up her suitcase and turned to face her sister. “I’m gonna miss you so much�
�I know, I’ll miss you too. Try to behave, don’t make Mom and Dad too mad�
Chloe grinned. “I’ll try not to. “ Chloe was generally a good girl, but there was a little bad steak as well. “And met some hot boys for me, ok?�
Alicia laughed. “I’ll try, but they probably won’t want to talk to me.�
That was the department Alicia was especially shy in. She had a couple guy friends. But if she had a crush on someone, she NEVER did anything with it because of her fear of rejection. Because of this, she had never been on a ‘real’ date or been kissed, and she kind of felt like a geek because of it.
“They will too, you just gotta let them get to know you!�
“Ok!� The sisters hugged and then Chloe helped her get her suitcases in the cab. Then they hugged again for a few minutes. “Love you, Chloe�
“Love you, too, sis� They let go, Alicia got in the cab and it began to take her to the airport. “A new beginning is about to begin� She thought as Chloe’s figure became smaller and smaller.

On the plane, Alicia examined her course schedule. It didn’t look too hard. First period was Honors History. 2nd was French. 3rd was Trigonometry. 4th was Biology. Then it was lunch. 5th period was Chorus, 6th was Honors English, and the final period of the day was Theatre. “Whew, got a course load here� Alicia thought. “Nothing I can’t handle though�. Alicia was very smart and loved to challenge herself with hard cl[arse]es.

Before she knew it, the plane landed. “Wow, that was quick� she thought, grabbing her purse and backpack.
Getting off, she looked around her for her uncle Jeremy. He was a man in his early 40s, with a kindly face and great smile. He could it up a room anywhere.
“Leesha!�
Jeremy always loved to call her that.
“Hey Jeremy� She ran over to him and they hugged “How’s my girl doing?�
“Great, how about yourself?�
“Awesome, actually. You hungry?� He asked.
“A bit, actually. Is Katie cooking?�
“Nope, we ordered two pizzas. Hopefully there will be some when we get home, if my kids haven’t wolfed it down already�
Alicia laughed “I’m sure not, Jeremy. Well let’s go�

It was a mild late August night as they walked out of Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky Airport. And the sky was so beautifully lit, with a million stars lighting it up. They drove home making small talk, but it was fun.
Once they arrived at the big house, Alicia felt warmth in her heart, knowing this was a place she knew she could feel she could belong.
“Welcome home, Leesha�
“Feels good to be here!� She said, walking to the trunk to get her suitcases.
“No, I’ll get these, go on in the house� Jeremy told her.
“Ok� Alicia said, going on in the house.

She could here lively voices coming from the kitchen. “I’m here everyone!� She said.
“Come on in the kitchen, hun� came Katie’s voice.
She walked in the huge and warm looking kitchen, seeing all the kids and Katie sitting at the table. “You made it, welcome� Katie gave her a big hug.
“Thank you, I’m happy to be here. Hi kids�
“Hi Leesh� said Tyler. He was an almost splitting image of his dad and the oldest and quietest of the bunch.
“Glad you’re here� said Bryan, the youngest and most hyper.
“Now, the girls and boys are even, we aren’t outnumbered anymore� said Stacy, the middle and only girl. Her smile was as beautiful as her mom’s.
Alicia and Katie laughed, and Jeremy came in and asked “What you two girls laughing about?�
“Stace just made a remark that now Alicia is here we have an even number of guys and girls here.�
“True�
“Dig in, Ali. There’s plenty of pizza� Tyler said.
“Thank you, I will� She got herself a piece and sat down between him and Stacy.
“Well, are you ready to pout up the madness that always goes on in our house?� asked Katie.
Alicia nodded “Yep. I think so. It’ll be better than my house though because Dad and Mom go absolutely NUTS even if our music is higher than a certain level�
“Geez, I wouldn’t want to live at your house. Things get pretty loud around here� said Bryan.
“And you’re usually the cause of it� Tyler said.
Bryan rolled his eyes “Not always�
“Come on kids, no arguments� Jeremy said, giving them a stern look.
“Ok dad�
“You’re the peacemaker in the house, aren’t you Jeremy?� Alicia asked him.
“Both Katie and I try to be, we don’t like fighting in out house, do we kids?�
Stacy shook her head. “Not at all. “
“And so, Leesha, it’s first day of art school for tomorrow. Are you nervous?� Katie asked her.
She nodded. “Very.�
“What about?� asked Tyler.
“Mommy, may I be excused?� Bryan asked.
“Sure� Bryan left the table and went to do something else.
“Well, it’s not so much course load, its just meeting people. I don’t know ANYONE, and I don’t make friends that easy�
“I’m sure you will. You just need to be confident. It’s also about body language. Try to present yourself as a friendly person. If a person sees that you are friendly, they’ll come up and talk to you�
“Easier said than done� Alicia said sadly.
“Just be yourself. I’m sure there’s people out there who would want to be friends with you� Tyler said.
Alicia smiled at the 10-year-old. “Thank you, Tyler�

~Later that night~

Alicia tossed and turned in her new bed. She couldn’t get comfortable for some reason. Maybe it was because it was new to her and hadn’t really settled in yet, or she was just nervous about starting school. Or maybe it was a combination of both. It was an art school she was going to, so there were bound to be a lot of people like her, but she was still nervous. What if she was unsuccessful in finding any friends? What if she didn’t like any of her cl[arse]es? “Calm down, Leesh� She told herself. “I’m sure it’ll be ok.�
“Well, if I’m even gonna make it to school, I need to get some sleep� Then she drifted off, excitement and extreme nerves still in her system.

[littleprincessj]

It's really good so far! I like it! :)

lol, poor you, we had a snow day too there's like 2 1/2 feet of snow out there!

[StargateGirl]

Oooh...I really like how this is going. :D

[smilingdork98]

Lucky, u got snow >P
Good chapter so far, its got me convinced!! :D
Can't wait for more :P

[Kristen07]

hey y'all

I have a lot of the next chapter done. So I'm gonna TRY to update tonight. If not, it proably won't be till Sunday because I'm gonna be busy tomorrow.

[Biondo Sorto]

Originally posted by ~KrisM16~@1/28/05, 08:23pm
hey y'all

I have a lot of the next chapter done. So I'm gonna TRY to update tonight. If not, it proably won't be till Sunday because I'm gonna be busy tomorrow.
Its all good Kris...I'm waiting.....impatienly but waiting, lol :popcorn: :D

[StargateGirl]

:^: I can't wait to read what you have. :D

[Kristen07]

Originally posted by Eeyoredork+1/28/05, 10:31pm--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Eeyoredork @ 1/28/05, 10:31pm)</div> <!--QuoteBegin-~KrisM16~@1/28/05, 08:23pm
hey y'all

I have a lot of the next chapter done. So I'm gonna TRY to update tonight. If not, it proably won't be till Sunday because I'm gonna be busy tomorrow.
Its all good Kris...I'm waiting.....impatienly but waiting, lol :popcorn: :D [/b]
:popcorn: As I am for your next add, lol! :)

[Biondo Sorto]

Originally posted by ~KrisM16~+1/28/05, 08:35pm--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(~KrisM16~ @ 1/28/05, 08:35pm)</div> Originally posted by Eeyoredork@1/28/05, 10:31pm
<!--QuoteBegin-~KrisM16~@1/28/05, 08:23pm
hey y'all

I have a lot of the next chapter done. So I'm gonna TRY to update tonight. If not, it proably won't be till Sunday because I'm gonna be busy tomorrow.
Its all good Kris...I'm waiting.....impatienly but waiting, lol :popcorn: :D
:popcorn: As I am for your next add, lol! :) [/b]
:hehe:...see, I'm working on that right now :P
U should b able 2 read it b4 u log off :D

[Kristen07]

There's another little part to this chapter, but I can't add it now because i'll get in trouble if I'm not upstiars in two minutes.


~Chapter 2~

Alicia woke up the next morning, butterflies still in her stomach. Today was her first day, and she was still very nervous about it. She looked at the clock. 6:11. She had about an hour to get ready.
She pushed off her covers, and then grabbed her brush. She usually wasn’t much for getting all dolled up for school, but she figured today would be the exception. For an outfit, she put on her favorite pair of jeans and white tank with a stripped over shirt, and put on enough make up to enhance her looks. As she did this, many thoughts were running through her head? What if no one liked her and she won’t be able to make any friends? And what if she wasn’t able to finds her cl[arse]es and they would be to hard? “Goodness, Alicia,� she told herself “You need to relax. You’re in a new environment. Sure it’s scary, but it’ll be a nice change. There will be more people like me and less of those stuck preppy popular people�
That was true. She hated those types, those ‘popular’ people who thought they were superior to others just because they had more money or something superficial like that. It was definitely not true and she could not see how they took pleasure putting those people to make themselves look better, because it didn’t. But since it was an art school, maybe there wouldn’t as many of those people.
She went downstairs to see just Jeremy at the breakfast table “Where are the kids?�
“They’re getting ready. That’s Katie’s responsibility to get them ready in the morning. Sit down and have some breakfast, Leesha�
“That’s ok. I’ll just grab a granola bar and eat it in the car. I want to get there as early as possible so I can find any many of my cl[arse]es as I can.�
He nodded “I don’t blame you. I’ll be ready a few minutes�

20 minutes later, they were at the school. “Well, here we are. Have a great first day. And try to make some new friends, ok?�
Alicia managed a smile. “I’ll try�
“Remember, it’s about looking confident and friendly, but not arrogant� Jeremy smiled.
“Ok� Alicia got out and shut the door. She then turned to the building and examined it. I was big, with a huge staircase leading to it, with two great stone lions next to the gate, and the actual building looked huge as well. Needless to say, it intimidated her a bit. “Well, here we go�
She arrived in the school to see a huge hallway with so many different doors and hallways; it seemed to lead so many different directions. “Oh goodness, this is so scary�
“Hello, can I help you?�
Alicia turned to see a friendly looking woman looking at her. “Yes. I need to know where my locker is�?�
“You didn’t go to freshman orientation?�
“No, I’m a sophomore who transferred. Actually, this is my first day in Cincinnati�
The woman smiled. “Bless your heart, you must be so overwhelmed today. What’s your name?�
“Alicia Carter�
“Welcome, I’m Mrs. DeWitt, [arse]istant principal. So, what your locker number?�
She looked at her course schedule. “1348�
Mrs. DeWitt gave her directions to her locker and she sound it without getting lost.

There was another girl there at the locker next to hers. She was petite, with long brown hair that went to the mid part of her back, and friendly brown eyes. “HI� She said, smiling.�
“Hello� Alicia said, giving an awkward smile.
“You’re a freshman, aren’t you?�
Alicia shook her head. “No, but I’m new and a sophomore. Why, is my nerves that obvious?�
“I’m a senior here, so you could say that I’ve seen all those looks and figured it out by now. “ She laughed. “So how come you’re new as a sophomore?�
“I moved here from Pennsylvania. Actually today is my first day in Cincinnati�
�Wow, stressful. What’s your name?�
“Alicia Carter� Alicia extended her hand. “Yours?�
“Leslie Campbell, but my friends call me Les� The girls shook hands. “Well, since this is your first day, can I show you around a bit before cl[arse], so you know where your cl[arse]es are?�
Her eyes widened in surprise. “Really? You would? Thank you, it would make this day so much easier�
“It’s nothing, I know this building back to front, being here for 4 years� Leslie smiled. “What’s your 1st period cl[arse]?�
Alicia couldn’t believe it. She hadn’t been at school 10 minutes and she already had a new friend. This was unheard of for her. “History�
“Come on, this way� The two girls headed down the hall together.

They spent 20 minutes walking around the school, showing her around and finding all her morning cl[arse]es. “Thank you so much Les, this has made today a bit easier.�
“Your welcome, anytime, Alicia. Hey, you wanna sit with my friends ands I at lunch?�
Alicia nodded “Sure, I guess. See ya at lunch�
“Ok�

History went off with nothing to write home about. But in French, something notable
did happen Or rather, she noticed someone notable. Alicia had never seen a more handsome guy in her life. He was about 18, so she figured he was a senior. He was about 5’11, with shining blue eyes and brown hair. His build was also slightly athletic, so he figured he played sports. “Oh goodness, that guy is so hot� She sighed dreamily.
Cl[arse] started and the teacher, Madame Drake, was taking attendance.
“Madame Kelly Carter�
“Bonjour. J'aimerais aller par Alicia� (Translation: Hello. I would like to go by Alicia)
“Alicia?�
“Oui, c'est mon deuxième prénom.� (Yes, it is my middle name)
Madame Drake smiled. “Très impressionnant� (Very impressive)
Everyone was looking at her like she was crazy. And that made her a bit nervous, but she was doing only what she knew.
She began to listen to she got to her new crush.
“Monsieur Nick Lachey�
“Ici� (Here) The guy said.
Nick Lachey. What a great name. “Man, how am I to get this boy crazy?� Alicia usually never paid as much attention as she was to Nick. But he probably would never give her the time of day. And he was likely to be taken; any girl would probably LOVE to go out on a date with him.

Trig and Biology also went off without anything really going on. Then it was lunchtime. Les and Alicia got in line together and picked out a table. “Dani and Desiree should be coming here in a minute� Les told her
“All right� She sighed.
“So, how was the morning?�
“Good, actually. I like my cl[arse]es so far… mostly. I think I’m gonna like it here. Yours?�
“Fine, basically. What do you have after this?�
“Chorus�
“I do, too. Dani, Desiree, and I are in it together, along with our boyfriends�
Then two girls came towards them, one was blond haired and blue eyed and one was brown haired and green eyed. She recognized the blond haired one form her French cl[arse].
“Dani, Dez, this is Alicia. She’s new�
“Hi, I’m Danielle but I go by Dani� The blond haired one said.
“And I’m Desiree� The other one said.
“Nice to meet y’all� She kinda sat back in the conversation till Dani asked her, “So, do you like it here?�
“Yes. I think it’ll be good.�
“Got any crushes?� Desiree asked teasingly.
She had just met these girls two minutes ago, so she really didn’t feel comfortable telling them that she did have a crush on Nick. “Not really. So, who are your boyfriends?�
“Jeff Timmons, we’ve been dating since sophomore year,� Dani said.
“Well, mine’s not really a boyfriend, we’re just really close friends. His name is Justin Jeffre.�
Desiree playfully rolled her eyes. “Whatever, Les. You know you’re crushing on him.. real bad�
“And mine’s Drew Lachey. And I’m her friend Justin’s little sister

[StargateGirl]

Aww.. cute I like. :D

[Biondo Sorto]

Th@ was cute Kris!!! :P
Now I'm itching 4 more....impatiently :popcorn:

[Raevengeance]

Love it Kris :)

[Kristen07]

~Chapter 2 (Con'd)~

“And mine’s Drew Lachey. And I’m her friend Justin’s little sister�
Drew Lachey? Could that be any relation to Nick, the guy in her French cl[arse]?
“Drew’s older brother is kinda hot, too� Dani remarked.
“Yeah, he is. But he’s taken. Him and Sara Reeves, the ‘it’ couple of the school.� Desiree rolled her eyes. “She’s such a [nice person], though. I have no clue what he sees in her�
“Well, she’s kinda a drop dead gorgeous blonde� Les said.
“Looks get you nowhere in relationships though. You can’t date somebody just by staring at them. You have to talk to them too� Dani said.
Alicia was trying her best to keep a straight face. She knew she had no chance, and she really wasn’t surprised that he was taken. Any girl would be crazy to not want to date him.
She sat back in the rest of the conversation, and then the 4 headed to Chorus.

There were approximately 65 people already in there. This choir was definitely bigger than the one in Ackensburg. And Alicia hoped that the choir director was nicer, because she wasn’t a big fan of the one there, she wasn’t very nice.
She sat between Desiree and Les as the bell rung. Then a friendly looking man, who looked to be in his 40s with a huge smile on his face, came into the room. “Hello, my students, welcome to another year at the arts school. I’m Mr. Havenworth�
The choir gave a murmur of greetings.
“Ok, here’s how I call role. For you people who have heard this time and time again, you may tune me out for a few minutes. When I call your name, you will have to do a couple scales. Nothing fancy, just to see what your range is.�
Alicia’s stomach sank. Great, in a way she already had to perform for the cl[arse]. And Nick was in the choir too. Hopefully she wouldn’t make a fool of herself.
Before she knew it, it was her turn.
“Kelly Carter�
“Please, Mr. Havenworth, I go by Alicia.�
“Allrighty, do you have any other nicknames from that like Ali or anything like that?�
Alicia shook her head “Alicia’s fine�
“Ok, Ms. Alicia, let’s test your range�
As Mr. Havenworth tested her range, she just forgot about every one watching her. And she was able to go up in a range of Soprano 1 down to the top of Alto 2.
Then she watched everyone else and she realized there were a lot of talented voices there, a lot more than at ackensburg. She had a feeling that this would be a good year for Chorus.

After uneventful English, came Theater. This was the period Alicia was the most nervous about. Mostly because before, she was mortified of even the THOGHT of getting up on the stage. But she knew she needed to do something different and since everything was going to be different this year, she signed up.
The theater director, Ms. Collins, an energetic woman, called role. And Alicia noticed that Nick, and his girlfriend Sara were in the cl[arse]. The girls were right about Sara. She did look like a [nice person] and all preppy. She wondered why Sara was even enrolled in Art School.
“All right, cl[arse]. Here’s what we are going to do. I’m going to pair all of you and groups and you are going prepare a monologue for me. We are going to do this couple of times. And then you will present it in front of the cl[arse]. And, it’s not for a grade. At least not the first or second one. This is just see what kind of actor you are and what kind of roles you are strong and weak in. And then we will star preparing to audition for our play, which should start in about three weeks.
“Three weeks… wow that is quick� Alicia thought.
She got paired up with another girl named Hannah and they worked pleasantly together. Hannah was kind of like her, had talent but needed to come out of her shell. Before they knew it, the 45 minutes were up.

Alicia was pleased with the way her first day went. Actually, quite surprised. This had probably been the best first day of her life. She had 3 new friends, her cl[arse]es were pretty good, and she had a crush already. Yep, this year was definitely be one of change.

[Raevengeance]

Very good Kris :)

More when you can, please :)

[StargateGirl]

Me likes. :D

[Biondo Sorto]

That was a muchos good add :wink:....can't wait 4 the next one. :P

[Kristen07]

Here's Chapter 3, hope y'all enjoy :)

~Chapter 3~

~Later That Night~

Alicia and Chloe were talking on the phone.

“So, how was the first day of high school?� Alicia asked her sister.

“It was ok. A huge change, that’s for sure. And it really would have been better if you have been in the building�

“But what did you like about it?�

“There’s a lot more independence, which I like, and there’s a older guys!� Chloe laughed.

Alicia laughed as well. “Scoped out the whole guy population, did you?�

“Not all of them, but I saw a couple hot ones. Mom and Dad would shoot me if I went out with any one of them though�

“They probably don’t want you to date, period�

Chloe made a noise. “Don’t remind me. I can’t go on dates till I’m 17 or 18� She paused “So how was your first day at art school?�

“Actually better than I thought it was going to be.� She sighed.

“Really? Finally came out of that hard shell or yours?� Chloe teased.

“�Not really, but I think I will this year. I have met three new friends and have a cute guy in three of my cl[arse]es�

This really interested Chloe. “Oh really? What’s his name and what does he look like?�

“Nick Lachey. He’s got brown hair, blue eyes, more of a jock build and a beautiful smile. And he seems really nice. I have never seen a guy like him, Chloe.�

“Kelly Alicia, you definitely have a crush. You never go on about guys like this� Alicia could imagine her shaking her head.

“But I never have, Chloe. But I have no chance with him because a), he’s a senior, B) he’s taken by a popular girl, and c), he’s too hot to be seen or even [arse]ociated with me�

Chloe started laughing really hard. “That is not true!!! You too are pretty; you just don’t give yourself a chance! What cl[arse]es do you have with him? “

“Chorus, Theater and French II� Alicia said. “Why?�

“Wouldn’t that be so cool if you two got cast in the school play as leads? Ultimate hook-up opportunity!� Her sister said.

“Yeah, but look at the reasons I have stated before. And besides, I’ll never get the lead role anyway�

“Sure you will, why is your rear end in Cincinnati and not in Ackensburg?�

�Because I wanted a challenge and a change.�

“Exactly. That would be a perfect challenge for you, I know you could nail it� Chloe [arse]ured her sister.

“Well, I’m glad that you have such confidence in me, but I’m still not so sure� Alicia sighed.

“Honestly, girl, you need to quit doubting yourself. You can do anything you set your mind to, and that’s doing all the things this year. You don’t realize how talented you really are�

“Well, I guess I don’t. But this year I’m gonna try to get over it�

“Try isn’t the word. You WILL get over it� Chloe paused for a moment. “Dad needs the phone. Love ya sis�

“You too, bye�

The next few days went off with nothing too noteworthy happening. But then on Friday, Dani invited her to go to Skyline Chili with Les and Desiree for dinner. Alicia was slightly surprised, but then accepted the invitation though she really wasn’t a big fan of chili.
“So, is it like a custom for you all to come here all the time?� Alicia asked.
“Well, not exactly a custom but we do like this place a lot� Les told her. “Oh, and Graters Ice Cream is a must go to ice cream place. That place is the best�
“Especially their mint chocolate chip ice cream� Desiree chimed in.
“That green ice cream?� asked Alicia, raising an eyebrow.
Desiree nodded. “It’s good stuff really�
Dani rolled her eyes playfully. “She’s a little different, but in a good way�
“Oh look, it’s Jeff and Justin� Les said. “Let’s invite them to sit with us�
Alicia turned around in her chair and two guys were heading towards them. One of them had brown hair and green eyes and the other had brown hair and green eyes.
They came over to the table and one sat next to Dani and the other sat beside Les. “Jeff, Justin, we don’t know if you two have met her officially, but this is Alicia Carter. She’s new to the school�
“Hey, I’m Jeff Timmons� the brown haired and green eyed one said.
“I’m Justin Jeffree� said the other one. “I think I recognize you from our Trig cl[arse]�
Alicia nodded “I’m in that�
“Aren’t you only a sophomore?� Jeff asked.
“Yep� Alicia replied.
“Dang, you are smart� Jeff said
She blushed. “Not really. I don’t care much for math, I’m just good in it�
“Do you like it here in Cincinnati?� asked Desiree.
“Yep, I do. I think I’m going to remain here for the remainder of my high school years� That was, if her parents would let her. No one really knew about her situation with them and she planned to keep it that way until she knew them better.
The 6 had a good time, talking and laughing, until it was 9:20! “Darn it, I hope Jeremy and Katie aren’t freaking out about me being out so late� “Les, I’m ready to go home�
Les was the one driving. “I am too.�

It was just the two of them since Dani and Desiree wanted to ride with Jeff and Justin.
“Do you think your aunt and uncle will freak out about you being out kinda late?� Les asked Alicia.
“I hope not. They are pretty mellow, but also have some rules. If I was out this late without telling my parents…� Alicia stopped right there.
“What?�
“Oh nothing. I don’t want to talk about it�
“It’s ok�
Finally they were at Jeremy and Katie’s. “Thanks for inviting me tonight, Les. I had a lot of fun�
“You’re more than welcome. I did too. Talk to you soon, Ali.�
“Ok� Alicia got out of the car and headed in the house.

Jeremy and Katie were watching a movie when she came in. “Hey Leesha, did you have fun with your friends?� Jeremy asked her.
She nodded. “I’m not in trouble, am I?�
“No no. You’re too used to Frank’s rules, aren’t you? You can stay out till 10:30, but you have to call us if it’s longer�
She sat down on the other couch. “I guess I am. Well, I’m going up to bed, goodnight�
“Night Leesha� Jeremy and Katie both gave her a big hug.

[StargateGirl]

Originally posted by ~KrisM16~@2/5/05, 03:17pm
“That green ice cream?� asked Alicia, raising an eyebrow.
LOL! That's something I would've said.

I really liked this add. :D

[Kristen07]

Hey

Just a quick note: This story will probably be updated on Sunday. So look for it then :)

[Biondo Sorto]

Oooo, interesting. Can't wait for more!

[Kristen07]

~Chapter 4~

~Wednesday~

She was in French cl[arse], and for one of the first times in her life, she was zoning out. Ands Nick was the reason for that. I sat in the row next to her two seats up so she could easily see him without making it obvious that she was staring at him. He was so gorgeous and he really did seem to be a nice guy. And talented too since he was in choir and theater. She wished he would give her a time of day But he wouldn’t, she knew he wouldn’t. And even if he did, Sara would probably get on her. She looked like one of those types who would just jealous if her boyfriend even TALKED to another girl. And Alicia had had enough of popular girls. She didn’t want any more of those types taunting her.
“Come on Alicia� she scolded herself “You are not supposed to do this. You’re supposed to concentrating on school!� She snapped at her trance and resumed her studious ways till lunch.

“I’ve noticed a couple things about you Alicia even though I’ve only known you a week� Dani was telling her.
Alicia was confused “OK. So, what do you mean?�
“That’s you have a lot of potential for a lot of things but you haven’t gotten there yet� Dani said.
“Ok. Like on what?�
“Your looks for one thing. You are a very pretty girl. You just don’t give yourself a chance… at all. Why do you dress so plain all the time?�
She sighed. “I’m not out to impress anybody and it was kinda my parents unspoken dress code and I just haven’t bothered to change. Besides nobody pays attention to me anyway�
“Well, you aren’t under their rules anymore, so maybe you could… let loose a little bit. You did want some changes this year didn’t you?� Desiree asked.
She nodded, having an idea where her new friends were taking this. “Yeah…�
“We were thinking to take you shopping for some new clothes on Saturday if you want to.� Les said. “Try to being out a side of Alicia Carter that has been hiding behind a wall for 16 years. To help you build some confidence in yourself and get noticed by people�
“Especially a certain Lachey� Dani teased.
Alicia turned two shades of red. She knew Dani was referring to Nick. “How did you figure it out?� She asked.
“I see the way you look at him in French cl[arse], it’s obvious that you like him� Dani said.
“Actually, I do have a crush on him. But you know, I’m sure everyone does� Alicia said, shrugging and then changed the subject to something else. She didn’t like to talk about herself that much.

In Theater, they didn’t work on all those monologue things. Ms. Collins instead gathered the cl[arse] and said, “I’m really liking what I see in this group of actors. So I have decided to just go ahead and give you the script for our first play.�
The cl[arse] was really happy to hear this. These monologues were getting a little boring.
“The play is called “Destiny�. It’s a play I have been working on and finished this past summer. So I decided I’d try it on you all. The main character is a girl named K[arse]andra, a girl who lives in a rich community and goes to an upscale high school. Everything in her life seems to be perfect except one thing. She longs for the affections of her crush of several years, Jamie. She and Jamie are friends but she’s never said anything about having feelings for him. But she knows the romance is never to happen because her nemesis, Andrea, has him wrapped around her finger. But then a couple things happen and then the two may sprout romance. There are a couple to songs to sing in this play, including a big one by K[arse]andra.� She began handing out the script.
“Hmmm… I know how K[arse]andra feels. It would be fun to play her.� Alicia thought sadly. “And if Nick was picked to be Jamie…� Her heart stopped at the thought. How could she do that? She didn’t have the guts to even go up and talk to him, let alone get up on the stage and act with him. And to have Sara’s envying eyes on her… she couldn’t stand the thought of that.
“Auditions will be in a week after school after school. During this week we will work on monologues a bit but if you want can practice in groups and do this script in whichever role you would like to audition for. So, you may look over the script for the rest of the period.�
Alicia looked over the script, and the more she read it, the more she liked the role. But she knew she would probably just audition for Justine, one of K[arse]andra’s friends. But she knew it would be great to play K[arse]andra. And she knew how K[arse]andra felt about having a crush on someone and not being able to tell them.
Alicia looked over at Nick across the room. She hoped he was auditioning for the role of Jamie but then she never knew.

That evening, Alicia was reading that script again in the living room. Jeremy came in and sat down beside her. “What’s that you’re reading, Leesha?� He asked her.
“The script for our school play. Auditions are in a week,� She said.
“See any roles you like?�
She nodded “Yeah, but I don’t think I can play it�
“Which one is it?�
“The lead one� Alicia replied and told him a little bit about the role.
“I’m sure you could. Read a couple of her lines to me�
She did.
“ I think you could. Alicia you have been living under Franks’ roof for too long and he’s, in a way limiting your creativity and making you think you can’t do things. But I believe you can. You have the potential to do anything if you set your mind to it. You just need to believe it yourself�
“My friends say that as well. They want to bring out the Alicia Carter that has been hiding for 16 years.� Alicia said, smiling vaguely.
“And she can, you just need to being her out. Keep reading�

She was talking to Chloe later.

“Mom and Dad really made me mad earlier� Chloe told her.

“Why?� Alicia asked.

“Well, we were sitting at the dinner table, and I bring up that you were having a good first week of art school. And Dad just makes a stuck up and says that you probably aren’t learning anything and putting a lot rubbish into your head�

This made her very angry. “Gosh!!! I am too learning things! Why are they so against creativity and how did they become our parents?�

“I wish I knew that answer. It made me so mad, because it was so insulting.�

“It is.� But Alicia knew that the only reason that she was even in Cincinnati right now was because Jeremy had told her dad that he was going to make sure that she got the education she deserved and Frank wasn’t going to stop her. Alicia’s greatest fear is that her parents would make her come home.

“I really wish I lived in Cincinnati with you as well. It’s so lonely in this house without you.� Chloe sounded really sad and wistful.

“I wouldn’t press your luck, I’m lucky to even be here right now� Alicia told her sister in a sad tone

Chloe sighed, “I know.�

They talked for a little while longer.

Alicia woke the next morning feeling very agitated. She was mad about what her patents said, she wasn’t feeling well and she just had a feeling that today just wasn’t going to be a good day.She hated everything and ignored her family and everyone else that she came in contact with that morning She even forgot to look at Nick in French cl[arse].

Finally it was lunchtime. Alicia had been really quiet through everything and finally Les asked her “What’s wrong Alicia? You’ve been quiet and avoiding us all day�
She sighed heavily. “I’m just having a bad day that’s all. I really don’t want to talk about it�
“Are you sure?� Dani asked.
She nodded, trying to keep her temper in check. This annoyed her when people asked her if she was sure she was ok after she had said she didn’t want to talk about it. She had no idea why, but it did.�
She sat and listened to Dani entertain them with stories about her and Jeff from when they had hung out at her house the night before, but then finally she decided she would go to her locker even though she didn’t have to just yet.
“I’ll see you all later, I’m going to my locker�
“Hope your day gets better Leesh� said Les, smiling.
“Yeah, I hope it does too� Desiree said, smiling. “Keep your chin up�
Alicia smiled slight y back at them. “Thanks. I hope it does too�

She left the lunchroom and then came to a staircase. She then started to walk down it and then without looking, tripping over something and taking a nasty spill down the rest of the steps. “Crap…� she thought. “I’m already in a bad mood, this is a bad day and now I take a fall down the stairs. “THIS IS JUST GREAT!!!!� she said under her breath.

Suddenly, a kind, young male voice above her asked, “Are you ok?�

So.... who is this guy helping Alicia :P Find out in Chapter 5 :D

[Raevengeance]

oh boy - you left me hangin there - Please post more soon, Kris :)

[StargateGirl]

*gasp*

Is it Nick? :D ...and stop with the suspense people... >P

[Kristen07]

Maybe :P You'll just have to wait and see

[Biondo Sorto]

Suspense is fun Les :P
Now I wonder....could it be Nick or could it be another guy.........hmmm, I can't wait for the next add :P

[StargateGirl]

suspense is not fun! LOL!

[Biondo Sorto]

Is 2, Is 2, Is 2, Is 2, Is 2, Is 2, Is 2, Is 2, Is 2, Is 2, Is 2, Is 2, Is 2, Is 2, Is 2, Is 2, Is 2, Is 2, Is 2, Is 2, Is 2, Is 2, Is 2, Is 2,
Is 2!!!
Times an infinity :P

[StargateGirl]

I won't argue with you in Kristi's post, but....

IS NOT!!!! :P

[Kristen07]

Originally posted by Undercoverblonde06@2/13/05, 08:28pm
Is 2, Is 2, Is 2, Is 2, Is 2, Is 2, Is 2, Is 2, Is 2, Is 2, Is 2, Is 2, Is 2, Is 2, Is 2, Is 2, Is 2, Is 2, Is 2, Is 2, Is 2, Is 2, Is 2, Is 2,
Is 2!!!
Times an infinity :P
I kinda agree with Brit, cliffers keep readers reading!

[StargateGirl]

yea... but see it's fun leaving people in suspense when you're the one writing the story, but when you're the actual reader...it's not fun at all. :P

[Kristen07]

Quick question: How many of y'all want me to update tonight because i'm working on the update right now.

[Biondo Sorto]

Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me!v Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me!
Times a Trilliono :P

[StargateGirl]

Me! :D

[Raevengeance]

MEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!! :)

since you asked. :)

[Kristen07]

Here it is :D I apologize for the shortness, this is all I could think of for it. But things are gonna get more interesting, I promise :D

~ Chapter 5~

“Are you ok?�
Alicia looked up to see Nick Lachey, her dream guy, looking down at her. “Oh great, now he probably thinks I’m a total loser,� she thought. “I think so.�
Nick gathered some of her stuff and handed it to her. “Thank you� she said, smiling.
“Your welcome. I’m Nick� He held out his hand.
“I’m Alicia.� She shook his hand and got up, her knee aching a little bit.
“Where are you heading?� He asked her.
“My locker� she said, surprised that he wanted to know. “Why?�
“I’ll help you carry some of that if you want me to� He offered.
Her heart jumped 100 feet in the air. Nick actually wanted to walk with her? “If you don’t mind…�
“No� He said.
“Ok� She handed him a couple of her books and they began to walk to her locker.

“So, what do you think of our play?� She asked him.
“It’s great. I think Ms. Collins did a great job writing it� He told her. “How about you?�
“I like it a lot, too. It’ll be a lot of fun to do. Have you found a role you want to audition for yet?�
He shrugged. “Not really, I’m just looking at all of them for now.�
“Well, you better decide, auditions are next week� She said, smiling.
“Don’t worry, I will� They got to her locker and Alicia began doing the combination. “Do we have any homework in French?�
She thought for a moment. She didn’t pay a whole lot of attention in any of her cl[arse]es because of her bad mood. “I think that if we didn’t finish those worksheets in cl[arse] it was homework�
“Oh ok. I finished them� She opened her locker and Nick handed her books. “Thank you for helping me.� She told him.
He smiled, one that would make her melt. “It’s no problem, Alicia.� He looked at his watch. “It’s getting pretty close to time for cl[arse]. Do you want to walk to Choir together?�
“Uh, sure� She gathered her stuff for the afternoon and shut the door. Then the duo headed to Choir.

Even though they didn’t speak again that afternoon, her encounter with Nick was enough to lift her spirits. She couldn’t believe that he had given her that much time of day. But then again he was probably just being nice. But still, she couldn’t believe it. And how calm and cool she had stayed around him. Usually she got all nervous and sweaty around guys she liked. But it was probably because of her bad mood earlier in the day.
Katie was waiting for her when she got out of school. “Hi hun, how was your day?� she asked.
“Well, it was crappy until lunchtime.’ Alicia said.
“What happened then?�
“Remember how I told you about this guy I had a crush on?�
Katie nodded “Go on�
“He talked to me�
“That’s awesome. What happened?�
Alicia had a grin on her face, thinking back. “Well, I was leaving lunch to go to my locker and as I was walking down the steps, I tripped and fell down the rest of the steps. Then Nick comes up and asks me if I’m ok. I was thinking, “Great, he probably thinks I’m a total loser� But he helped me pick up my stuff and walked to my locker with me.�
“Wow, that was nice of him. What did you talk about?�
“Just asked me if we had French homework and the play auditions next week� Alicia sighed. “Nothing personal. But I still can’t believe he talked to me.�
“That’s great. See, you’re already changing. But now you need to get the guts to talk to him yourself under good circumstances�
“I have no idea how I can do that� Alicia said. “I never talked to guys I like in Ackensburg because I knew they would reject me�
“Talking to a guy is no different that talking to your friends, they just happen to be the opposite sex. “ Katie said “Just go up to him and say hi and come up with an icebreaker�
“I’ll remember it�

That night, she wrote about it in her journal.

You will never believe what happened today. My crush talked to me! Unfortunately, the circumstances were a little embarr[arse]ing, but that’s beside the point. I was walking to my locker at the end of lunch, and I tripped down the stairs. It was a nasty fall; my knee still hurts from it. But then I hear this guy asking me if I’m ok. Turns out its Nick. I couldn’t believe it. He probably thought I was such a loser. But then he helped me pick up my books and walked to my locker with me. We didn’t talk about anything personal, but I felt like I was on the top of the world and forgot about my bad mood. But also I didn’t get all nervous and sweaty like I usually do around guys, especially ones I like. But that probably won’t happen the next time I run into him.

And speaking of, Ms. Collins gave us our play today. It looks so good. And I would really like to play the lead part. But I have never acted before and I’m probably not good enough to get the lead part. But If I did and then Nick would be my love interest… that would be the greatest thing in the world. Destiny… starring Alicia Cater and Nick Lachey.

Snap out of it, Leesh. It’s not gonna happen, not in a million years. So quit being in lala land and get your head back into reality. Sarah is going to get the lead, like the glory hog she is. The truth was, Alicia had no idea if Sara was a good actress or not. She had never been around her during Theatre and didn’t really have the desire to. There was always the possibility that she sucked and Ms. Collins didn’t want a sucky actress to be such a prominent part in the play she had worked so hard on the past few years. But Sara also looked like the type to persuade to get what she wanted.

Nonetheless, Alicia turned off her light with a smile on her face.

She joined her fiends the next day and apologized being so mean the day previous. “It’s ok. We all have bad days� Les re[arse]ured her.
“But Nick talked to me�
Dani raised her eyebrows.
“I was leaving lunch yesterday and then I tripped down this flight of stairs. And man, it was a bad fall. And then I hear this guy ask me if I’m ok. Turns its Nick. I was so embarr[arse]ed. But then he picked up my books and walked to my locker with me�
“ooo…. Hook up� Desiree teased.
“We didn’t talk about anything personal. Ands I’m sure he was just bring nice. Probably thinks I’m a total loser� She sighed.
“I’m sure not. Everyone has their klutzy moments. Yours just happened to be on a flight of stairs in front of your crush� Desiree said.
“Des, that’s not nice!� said Les.
“Well it’s the truth!�
“Yes it is. But I still can’t believe it happened. But he’ll never talk to me again.� Alicia sighed.
“Well, why don’t you talk to him? What a revolutionary concept!� Desiree said.
“You really don’t know how shy I am around guys. I have never had a boyfriend, been kissed, or even had very many close guy friends�
“It’s ok. But that will change this year, hun. By the time this year is over, you want even believe you were like what you are now� Dani told her.
“I hope you are right, Dan�

[Biondo Sorto]

Nice add, like always.:wink: I see where you going with this, don't worry :P

[StargateGirl]

So, does she get the guts to talk to him? Does she tryout for the lead and get it?

Come on! I wanna know! lol

[Raevengeance]

Great add, Kris :)

[Kristen07]

Here's Chapter 6! It's really long because I was on a writing sreak! I hope y'all enjoy :)

~Chapter 6~

Alicia was practicing parts of the play, with Ashlyn Peters, Megan Frankfurt, and Missy Woods. “So, which part are you two going to try out for?� Alicia asked them.
“Probably a main sidekick part, like Erica.� Ashlyn said. “I’m not interested in being in the spotlight�
“Why not, it’s fun,� asked Megan.
“Too much pressure� Ashlyn replied, pushing her blond hair pout of her face. “In a way you are carrying the play on your shoulders and I don’t like the thought of that�
“I’d like to be K[arse]andra, but I’ll settle for one of her friends too.� Missy chimed in.
“I’d like to be Andrea, just for something different� said Megan.
“That would be different for you, because you usually are the sweetest individual and Andrea is really mean and nasty� Missy said.
“I know, I wanna shock people and do something different. And something appeals to me acting like little Miss Sara does everyday� Megan rolled her eyes. “She’s such a preppy [nice person]�
“Why is she even here?� Alicia asked her. “To me, she seems like she doesn’t belong here�
“She really doesn’t, Alicia. She’s only here because her father insisted she be here. Wanted the best education for her�
“Megan and Sara really dislike each other� Missy explained to Alicia. “So, who would you like to be?�
“K[arse]andra� Alicia said, sheepishly. “But I don’t think I would be good enough�
“Why not?� Ashlyn inquired.
“Because, I’ve never acted before. And I’m really shy. I only signed up for this cl[arse] because I wanted something different. Last year I wouldn’t have even thought about getting on stage.�
“Aww…. We all know the feeling. But the beauty of acting is that you can disappear under a fictional person’s skin and tell their story to the audience. It’s not about you anymore. You ARE that person for the play. And it doesn’t really matter as much about the experience. I got a lead as a freshman, and I’m a senior now. So, go for it. You may get it on your first try�
“We’ll see.� The girls read the play together for the rest of the play and agreed that they would read together every day till auditions.

~Later that night~

Chloe was beside herself when Alicia told her about talking to Nick.

“See, sis! You can talk to guys! Now you need to learn to talk to him during good times�

“I don’t know if I can. I’ll get really nervous and stuff� Alicia said.

“Leesh, talking to guys is easy. You just have to avoid certain things around them, you know?� Chloe said.

“Easy for you to say, little miss I Flirt with guys all the time.�

They both laughed. “But really it is.�

Stacy came in her door then. “Leesha, can you help me with this homework, please?�
“Sure hunny� Alicia said. “Chlo, I need go. See you later, lovens�
“Right back at you. Bye�

The week went on. Nick would sometimes give her little smiles as if he recognized her, but they didn’t talk again. This was for several reasons. One Alicia still wasn’t able to get the guts to talk to Nick again. And she didn’t want Sara’s jealous eyes on her.
As also, as the week went on, She began to think. Maybe she would read for K[arse]andra. Ms. Collins had been saying they could audition for one than one part, if she didn’t get K[arse]andra, she had some insurance parts to fall back on. But she really did want K[arse]andra. And her new friends in theater said that they thought she was really good, even though she had not acted before.

This didn’t mean she forgot about her other friends. As promised, on Sunday
Desiree, Les and Dani took Alicia shopping. They went to American Eagle first for some jeans and shirts.
“What jean size are you?� Desiree asked as they looked at jeans.
Alicia thought for moment. “I really have no idea because I have never work a pair of jeans like these before�
They looked at her like she was crazy. “You have never worn a pair of low cut jeans before? Man you are deprived� Dani said, shaking her head.
“I could only wear boot cut, very conservative. Man, I am a loser�
“You are not. Don’t take this the wrong way but you got a cute body and I think you could pull of these looks. It’s time to get rid of those conservative clothes.� Desiree put a couple jeans in her arms.
“You really think so?� she asked tentatively.
“Yes. Now let’s see these on you� Alicia went in the dressing room and put a pair on. She had to admit; they did look really good on her. Why was she depriving herself of this look? “My parents would FREAK if they saw me in this� she thought, smiling.
She stepped out of the dressing room, to her friends’ approval. “They look good on you. Come on, do a twirl�
She did.
“Leesh, you have deprived yourself. Let’s see some more�

She bought a shirt and a pair of jeans from there and then they went into a make up store to look at make up. Alicia had make up, but was really old and she didn’t use much.
“Ok, we are going to teach you the proper way to shop for make up� They were able to find a right foundation and blush for her and that was really boring. The fun part was looking at the eyeshadow and nail polish with all the bright colors even though she thought she would never wear them. But then she settled on a few shades.
“Les, you’re so good with make up, do you think you could come over tomorrow morning and help me get ready?� Alicia asked her.
“Surely� said Les.
“I would come, but I’m too busy in the morning� Dani said.
“Justin takes me to school.� Desiree said.
“Don’t worry, I’ll help you. A girls gotta look good for her big audition, right?� Les asked.
The quartet laughed. “That’s true. Thank you so much, Les. You really don’t mind?� Alicia asked her.
“Not at all� Les said. “I can be a morning person�
“I didn’t know there was such a person� Desiree said jokingly. “Don’t worry, you’re in good hands�
“By the time she gets done with you, all the guys will be checking you out�
They laughed again, although Alicia was shaking her head. “I’m not so sure about that, Dan�

At 6:30 the next morning, Les was at her door, looking very perky. “Man Les, why do you look so awake as this hour?� Alicia asked her, rubbing her eyes and letting her in.
“�I just like mornings for some reason� Les replied. “Have you washed your face yet this morning? Because make up goes on better with a clean face�
She shoo k her head “I’ll do that in a minute�
Jeremy came downstairs then, dressed for work. “Hey Leesh, have an early morning guest do we?�
“Yeah, this is my friend, Les. She’s gonna help me get ready since the play audition is today�
“How ya doing Les, I’m Jeremy, her uncle?�
“Good, nice to meet you� Les said, shaking his hand. “Well, Alicia, shall we go upstairs and get started?�
Alicia nodded.
“You better bring her down here looking glamorous� Jeremy told Les.
Les laughed. “Don’t worry, I will, Jeremy.�

The duo went upstairs, and then Alicia washed her face. She then put on her American Eagle jeans and stripped blue and pink button down shirt with match tank top she had gotten yesterday.
“What should I do with my hair, Les?� she asked her.
“I think we should curl it, how about you?�
“Doesn’t matter to me, you’re the expert�
Les laughed, “I’m not a total expert, though�
“You know more than me because I have never bothered with my looks. I figured it was kinda a waste of time, you know. And it made you look high maintenance�
“It isn’t. I don’t like to totally primp like some people do, but I like to look nice for school. Dani and Des are the same way. You can care about the looks without being high maintenance� Les began to work on Alicia’s hair and after it was curled, sprayed it with a little bit of hair spray.
“Gosh! That stuff smells awful!� Alicia exclaimed.
“I know, but it’s the way it is. And it fades. Where’s the make up you bought yesterday?� Alicia got it out.
Les went to work and put the foundation and blush, with made her look better already. “Wow, make up goes so well on you, Alicia!�
“Really?� Alicia asked. She couldn’t see herself because she wasn’t near a mirror.
“Trust me, you do�
She then put on peach and gold eyeshadow on the eyelids, just mascara on the lashes and finished it off with a light lip gloss. Les handed her a mirror. Alicia couldn’t believe what she saw in the mirror. She looked so glamorous. “Wow, you did a great job, Les. I look almost pretty�
“You are a pretty girl, Leesha� Les said. “Now let’s go to school and show off your look�

All the family was approving of her look when she came downstairs. “You look really pretty� Stacy said, beaming.
“You look like you’re ready to nail an audition� Katie said. “Which we know you will�
Alicia smiled slightly. “I hope I do. I’m going to school with Les, and somebody will bring me home after auditions. I’ll call if I’ll be later�
“Ok. Knock em dead, Leesh�
“I will�

“So, do you think you’ll read for the lead?� Les asked her.
Alicia nodded “I’m gonna got out there and try. It I’m also going to red for Erica, who is one of the leads friends and another part�
“Are you nervous?�
It would be an outright lie to say that she wasn’t. She was petrified to be honest. But she really wanted to be K[arse]andra, so she was going to go for it, for the first time in her life. “I’m really scared but I’m gonna do it�
“I know you’ll get it.�
“I hope so�
Dani, Jeff, and Justin were waiting when they got to school. “I recognize you Les, but who is this glam girl you got with you?� Justin asked,
“It’s me Alicia� Alicia said.
“Man girl, you really glam up nice.� Jeff smiled. “It wouldn’t have known it was you. Dressed up for the auditions today?�
She nodded. “Decided to. Are you nervous about them, Jeff?�
Jeff shook his head “Not at all. If I get a part I want, cool. If not, that’s cool too. How about you?�
Alicia wished she could have Jeff’s attitude. But she couldn’t help but be nervous.
“I’m nervous, but we’ll just see what happens�

A lot of people were giving her comments on how pretty she looked but there was one that mattered the most and it came after French
“Alicia, wait up�
She turned around it. It was Nick. She didn’t know if she could keep her cool now.
“Hey.�
They began to down the hall together. “You look really pretty today� He said, smiling.
She was trying hard to not turn 10 shades of red. “Thank you. Are you ready for the auditions after school?�
He nodded “I think so. Are you?�
“Yeah.�
“Well, good luck. I’m sure you’ll be great� He smiled again.
“Thank you, and the same to you� Alicia felt like skipping to Trig. Two compliments from her crush! Could this get any better? “Man, I’m turning into being boy crazy� she thought.

[Raevengeance]

ohhhhhhhh good add


More soon please :)

[StargateGirl]

Aww... :D I hope she gets the part. :D

[Biondo Sorto]

That was cute :P
Can't wait for more :D

[Kristen07]

Here's Chapter 7 :D Hope y'all enjoy :D

~Chapter 7~

The day went by in a blur until it was time for Theater cl[arse]. “Wow Leesh, is that you? You look pretty today� Ashlyn said.
“Thanks, just thought I’d dress up a slight bit for the auditions� Alicia told them. “Are you three ready for the auditions?�
“Yep� Missy answered.
“Definitely� said Megan.
“Mostly, but a little nervous because it’s my first audition here� Ashlyn told them.
“I am really nervous, because I have NEVER acted before. I’m afraid I’ll screw up in front of Ms. Collins�
“Just walk in there, say hello to Ms. Collins, and play the part. Don’t worry so much about the lines; it’s not so much about them as it is how you carry the character. Just pretend that you ARE the character for the time and the lines will come naturally. It works for me� Megan told her.
She felt a little better by Megan’s words. “But let’s still go through the lines, what do you say?�
“Certainly� They read for all the period.

Auditions started right after school. The quartet decided to wait together. “So, Ali, do you have a crush on anyone?� Missy asked.
Alicia nodded “He’s in our cl[arse] actually. You have to guess�
“Bryan Cansten?� Megan inquired.
She shook her head.
“Drew Lachey?� asked Ashlyn.
“Right last name, wrong one�
“Nick. A lot of girls have crushes on him. You know something; you and him might make a good K[arse]andra and Jamie.� Ashlyn said, taking a sip of her water.
“Seriously?�
“Yeah. I’d like to see someone other than Sara get the lead. Our last play sucked because she was the female lead.� Megan rolled her eyes. “I really hope she doesn’t get a part at all�
Ms. Collins came in the waiting room. “Ok everyone, I need Alicia as Erica, Jess as K[arse]andra and Diana as Nicki�
“Break a leg Ali,� said Missy smiling.
“Hopefully not literally� Alicia said, laughing and went into the auditorium.

Ms. Collins had them go on the auditorium stage. “Ok girls, before we begin, I want to tell you what I will be looking for. I am looking for how well you memorized your lines, how well you are able to project out to the audience, how you are trying to incorporate the audience into the performance, and also how you carry the character. Good luck�
That audition went ok, but it was kind of because Jess and Diana didn’t know the part as well and were letting the nerves get over them.
After she got out, it was a long time till she had to audition again. People were getting called in and out and she couldn’t help but wonder how the people here doing and if they were better than she was. The nerves were really starting to get over her now.
It was 4:50 and she hadn’t gone back in yet. Missy was done for the day, so she had gone home. But Ashlyn and Megan were still with her.
“You look like the nerves are coming over� Ashlyn said.
Alicia nodded “They are. I’m just… I don’t know. I just want to get over with.�
Ms. Collins came back in again. “Ok. I need Alicia as K[arse]andra and Donovan as Jamie.�
“You can do it, Ali. Knock em dead� said Megan. “And remember what I said.�
“Thanks, I will� She smiled at her new friends and then went in.

They went in and then Ms. Collins told them the same thing as before. This scene that she and Donovan were doing was a friend scene where Jamie was suspecting K[arse]andra had a crush on him. And she and Donovan had pretty good chemistry and it went good. Alicia just forgot about everything and just pretended she WAS K[arse]andra. She was actually pretty confident about the audition. Then she had to do the friend scene as K[arse]andra with Ashlyn and Hannah. She was pretty confident about that, too. But she still knew she would never get the part.
“You want me to take you home?� Megan asked.
“That’s ok. I can just call my uncle and have him come get me�
“But you’ll be waiting by yourself and I don’t want you to do that.� Megan told her.
“Ok, sure then. Let’s go�

Megan drove her home and the girls said goodbye, saying they would see each other tomorrow.
Alicia walked in the house, to see everyone at the dinner table. “There’s our little actress� said Jeremy. “How did they go?�
“Pretty good. I don’t think I’ll get picked, though�
“Why not?� Tyler asked her.
“I just don’t think I will. But you never know. Good stuff has never happened to me much.� She said, sighing.
“I think it will this time. You deserve to have happy things to happen to you and to have people care about them. Look at you, you made the right choice. You have friends who really like you and you just tried out for your first acting role to get out of your shell.�
“But my parents could easily try to take it away from me� Alicia said under her breath.
“If they try to do so, we aren’t going to let them.� Katie said. “Seriously, they are depriving your sister and you of being creative and flourish to your full potential. You are never going back to living under their roof again, trust us.�
“Thanks, Katie. I never want to go back to there either.�

Alicia was writing in her journal later about the day.

Well, for a Monday, today was really good. Les came over this morning and helped me with my hair and make-up. And I was pleased with the result. Maybe I ought to wear it more often J
A lot of people also said that I looked pretty today. Even Nick said I did! That really made my day.
Auditions were today. I tried out for Erica and K[arse]andra. The Erica audition went ok, I guess. And the K[arse]andra audition was really good. I did a friend scene with Ashlyn and Hannah, and a scene with Donovan as Jamie. He was pretty good. But I’m so glad I didn’t have to audition with Nick. I would have been too nervous to concentrate. But I still dream that we will be cast together as K[arse]andra and Jamie. We might be good together. But I’m not going to get it. I know I’m not. Good things haven’t happened to me much in my life and I really don’t see why it would start now.
But then again, I was admitted to this place, and started making new friends who actually care and I did something that I would not have done last year. So I guess you could count that as a good thing. But I still don’t know…

The next day at lunch she sat with Megan, Jeff, Dani, Drew and Desiree. “I didn’t get to see you yesterday, Leesh. How do you think you did?�
“Pretty good, I still don’t think I’ll get anything.� She said.
“Alicia, why are you so down on yourself? I’m sure you’ll get cast in something,� Drew told her. “I’ve been overhearing your readings and I think you’re pretty good.�
“Thanks, Drew. I’m not used to getting compliments. I’ve kinda been under a shadow all my life�
“Well, its time you came out of it� Desiree said. “And being in the play will be your first time big moment. Did Sara audition for the lead part?�
Megan rolled her eyes. “Unfortunately, yes. But I don’t think she’s that good. I’d LOVE to see Little Miss Perfect not get something that she wants�
“I think we all would, Megan� Jeff said.
“Amen� came from the group.
“Drew, does Nick know that you talk about his girlfriend behind his back?� Alicia asked, glancing over at Nick’s table, where, Sara and some other people were sitting.
Drew shook his head. “No. I think he might give her the boot soon though, because I think even he is getting sick of her ways. Of course I don’t know what he saw in her the first place, but that’s beside the point�
Dani looked around the lunchroom. “Anyone seen Les or Justin today?�
“He was in Trig� Jeff said. “Maybe he and Les are together.�
“But you know her, she denies that she had a crush on him, but I know that she does.� Desiree said.
“Has she ever told you?� Megan asked.
“No, but I just know. I’m psychic� Desiree had this weird smile on her face.
“And I can back that claim up, too� Drew said. “She’s figured some things that I have no idea how she did� He paused, taking a sip of milk. “Les and Justin would make a good couple, don’t you think?�
“I agree. If only she’ll realize what’s right in front of her,� Dani said.
“Speaking of, here they come� Alicia said. Les and Justin were walking in, holding hands. “Are my eyes deceiving me, or are they holding hands?� Jeff asked.
“No, silly, they are not� Dani said. Les and Justin sat down with them. “Finally decided to be a couple did you,� Drew teased.
“Maybe. Keep your nose out of our business, Toucan Sam� Justin told him. Les and Justin were the type of people who didn’t talk about themselves much.
Drew flinched but didn’t say anymore. He hated being called that.

In Chorus, Mr. Haven worth put them in groups of 8 to see who was learning the song more and who needed to work. He then would coach some people who needed work. But Alicia’s group was not working that day so she got a free period, so she spent it watching Nick since he was working. He was a talented person, acting and singing. She would like to be leads with him but, she knew it never would happen�
“Daydreaming, Leesh?� Desiree teased.
She nodded “You can probably tell who and what about�
Desiree smiled. “Don’t worry; I think it’ll happen for ya. Things are already turning around for you this year, and it’ll begin a chain of more great things�
“I hope you’re right�

~A week later~

She had been anticipating and agonizing over them all week. She had also been fantasying at what could, but probably wouldn’t happen. But finally, today was the day that the parts in the play would be announced. She knew she would probably get a minor part, or nothing. But she was still pulling that she would be K[arse]andra.
She sat with her three theater friends. “Are you nervous about today, you all?� Alicia asked them.
Megan nodded “I always do, a little. Because I really don’t know what Ms. Collins thought of how I did and what part I am suited for. But I’m mostly excited�
“I’m pretty cool. Whatever part I get will be fine by me,� Ashlyn said.
“I’m not too nervous� Missy said. “How about you Ali?�
Alicia sighed “Totally nervous. I’m afraid that I won’t get anything�
“You will. You’re a good actress for never have even acted before. You will just have to get over your stage fright and you’ll be great,� Missy said, smiling at her. “And we all mean it�
Alicia smiled and blushed slightly. “Thank you. It means a lot�
Ms. Collins announced “Come on, people, it’s time to announce who is going in our play. First though, I want you all to know all of you are really talented and it was hard to pick for the parts, but there’s only one person per part. So we are going to start with our stage crew�
“Here we go� Megan whispered.
Alicia kind of tuned her out for a few minutes until she said “Now for the cast. Our prom extras will be Sara Reeves, Bryan Cansten, Frank Wilson, Jess Berry, Josh Smith and Hannah Ridgeland.�
There were minor claps and Alicia, Missy, Megan and Ashlyn, had to stifle laughs as they saw the look on Sara’s face after finding out that she was merely an extra.
Some of the minor parts were read, then Ms. Collins announced, “Ok, know we are getting into the major parts. Jamie’s are friends are Derrick, played by Jeff Timmons, Will, played by Drew Lachey, and Eric, played by Aaron Williams�
K[arse]andra’s nemesis, Andrea will be played by Megan Frankfurt, and her two best friends, Kelly and Meg, will be played by Diana Hess and Jessica Greg.�
There were a lot of claps and Alicia was starting to get tense. Neither her nor Nick’s name had been mentioned yet. Yet she was happy for Megan because she got the part she wanted.
�K[arse]andra’s friends are Erica, played by Ashlyn Peters and Nicki, played by Missy Woods.�
“Oh great, now I don’t get a part� Alicia thought sadly. “But everyone else had gotten the part they wanted�
“Our Jamie is going to be played by………à¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã‚¦Ã¢â‚¬Â¦. Nick Lacheyâ€ÂÂ�
There was enormous applause. But not Alicia was getting REALLY tense.
“And, the part you all have been waiting for. K[arse]andra is going to played by………à¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã‚¦Ã¢â‚¬Â¦Ã¢â‚¬Â¦Ã¢â†šÂ¬Ã‚¦Ã¢â‚¬Â¦Ã¢â‚¬Â¦Ã¢â‚¬Â ¦Ã¢â‚¬Â¦Ã¢â‚¬Â¦Ã¢â‚¬Â¦Ã ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã‚¦Ã¢â‚¬Â¦Ã¢â‚¬Â¦Ã¢â†šÂ¬Ã‚¦Ã¢â‚¬Â¦.â€ÂÂ�

So will she get it or not? Find out in Chapter 8! :hehe: :D

[Raevengeance]

That's just EVIL Kris!


And she better get it! :P

[Biondo Sorto]

I think I know how it is.....I think I know who it is......:P
Why'd you stop there, silly >P
Were going to ask for more, just to let you know :wink:

[StargateGirl]

oooohhh.... you're cruel. >P

[Kristen07]

I know, but i couldn't resist the cliffer oppurtunity :P

[Raevengeance]

Kris -

Cliffers SUCK!

But you're a great writer - other than leaving us hanging like this

[Kristen07]

Don't worry, you won't be in agony for too long. This'll be updated by Sunday hopefully. :)

[Kristen07]

Ok, there's no more suspense! :P Here's chapter 8! :D

~Chapter 8~

“……â €¦â€¦â€¦ââ‚ ¬Â¦Ã¢â‚¬Â¦Ã¢â‚¬Â¦Ã¢â‚¬Â ¦ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã‚¦Ã¢â‚¬Â¦Ã¢â‚¬Â¦Ã¢ €¦â€¦â€¦ââ‚ ¬Â¦.Alicia Carterâ€ÂÂ� Ms. Collins was beaming.
Alicia about died. It couldn’t be, not her. Not Alicia who couldn’t even think of getting on a stage last year. Not the Alicia who was a first time actress. But Ms. Collins had announced her name and mostly everyone in the cl[arse] was clapping and cheering for her. Except for Sara, who was evilly glaring at her.
Nick caught her eye and smiled at her. “Oh this is going to be great. How am I going to hide it now that I have a crush on him?� Nevertheless, she smiled back.
“We’ll be presenting this play in February, since it is a love story. I know, it seems like a long way off, but it really isn’t. We’ve got a lot to accomplish in these next months. There’s lines, dancing, blocking, songs, set design, lighting, sound, character development… costume design…. Lots of things. These months, believe it or not, will go by in a flash.� Ms. Collins told them.
Jeff raised his hand. “So when are we going to start practicing?�
“Tomorrow. We are going to be reading through parts of the play during cl[arse], but then I will want the main characters, such as K[arse]andra, Jamie, Erica, Derrick and all those folks to stay after school till about 5:30 for a couple weeks. Of course, I will probably change the people that need to stay occasionally. I want to have the cast read the lines together and develop the chemistry between them.�
Zach Winters, who was going to lighting, asked, “Then, when are we going to get to the auditorium?�
“Patience Zach, I am getting to that. Then when I feel that the chemistry has developed, we will go to the auditorium and work on the projection skills for a couple days. Then all the detail work will come into play, such as lighting and everything else. So, it’s going to the long, frustrating and everything else, bit I think we can pull if off. You may have the rest of the period to do whatever you want�
“You did it, Ali! We told you you would get something!� Missy said excitedly.
“I’m in like… complete shock right now. I think Ms. Collins picked the wrong person.� Alicia said.
‘She did not!� Ashlyn argued. “You did the best out of all the people I had to read with. And I mean it.�
Alicia smiled. “Well, thanks. Now, how am I going to hide it from Nick that I have a crush on him? I get really nervous around guys I like, so�
“Well, you’re going to have to either a) conquer your nervousness or B) totally bottle it up and make a fool of yourself. Option a sounds more appealing� Ashlyn said.
The group laughed. “It does. But I really don’t think I’m ready to have Sara’s jealous eyes on me all the time�
“Well, screw her. She’s not in the picture right now� Missy said.
Alicia looked at Megan. “Are you ok? You haven’t really said anything�
“Today’s just been a bad day. I feel like being Andrea right now.� She sighed. “But I’m really happy for you. You deserve it�
“Oh, thanks.�
“I wonder what Nick thinks of you being his costar?� Ashlyn said.
“Probably not too highly� Alicia said sarcastically.
“Why don’t you go over there and talk to him?� Missy asked her.
“Heck no.� Alicia said.
“Alicia ….. Carter, you are going to have to perform on stage with the guy so you better get used to going up and talking to him.� Ashlyn told her.
“By the way, Alicia is my middle name. Kelly is my first name, but I hate it, so I go by Alicia�
“Kelly Alicia… interesting�
“Ok, I’ll go over there� Alicia got up and went over to Nick, who was sitting with Drew and Jeff.
“Hi guys� she greeted them with a smile.
“Hey Miss Lead In The Play. How you doing� Jeff said with a smile.
“Pretty good. Shocked mostly.� Alicia said.
“You really shouldn’t be. As I told you before, I thought you’re pretty good.� Drew told her.
“Well, thank you. But I never expected to get lead role on my first try�
“There’s a first time for everything,� Nick said. “So we’re the ones carrying the play on our shoulders, huh?�
Alicia shrugged. “I guess so.� She was tensing up a little bit.
Drew and Jeff walked to the other side of the room and then she was really tensing up. “So, how long have you been acting?� She asked him.
“I did a little bit in the early days, but when I came here, I really got into it. I have probably done…� He thought for a minute “6 or 7 plays since I have been here.�
“Geez, you’re such a veteran compared to me� Alicia remarked.
“Why do you say that?� He asked her.
“Because this is my first role like ever. Last year I wouldn’t have even dreamed of getting on a stage, to be honest.�
“So this’ll be something different for you. But it’ll be fun.� Nick said. “I’m really looking forward to playing Jamie. He’s just a well written character and I can see a little bit of myself in him�
“I’m looking forward to being K[arse]andra too. I can relate to her in some ways, but it others she is completely different from me. But it’s really going to be a different experience being able to be in other person’s skin and pretend that you are them and telling their story to the audience. And I’m also nervous about singing the solo song�
“Hey, you got some range. I was listening to you the first day in Choir, and you definitely a pretty voice and some range. You’ll be able to do it� Nick said.
They talked small talk till the bell rang. “Well, the fun begins tomorrow. See you then, Alicia.�
“Ok. Bye� Nick followed Sara out of the cl[arse]room who looked obviously upset.

She picked up her books and then went up to Ms. Collins “Thank you for the part. I really appreciate it� She said.
Ms. Collins said at Alicia. “It’s my pleasure. How long have you been acting?�
“Um, actually this is my first role.� Alicia said slightly sheepishly.
“It’s nothing to ashamed of. You’re really good. And I just could just see in you everything that I had in mind for K[arse]andra.�
“Thank you. Well, see you tomorrow, Ms. Collins�
“Bye hun� Ms. Collins said.

Once she set foot outside that door, Alicia couldn’t wait to tell everyone that she had gotten the role. Les’s locker was right beside hers so she would be the first to know.
She was practically skipping down the hall. “Alicia, you look like you are in a good mood� Les commented.
“That’s because I feel like I am on top of the world right now. I got it!�
“What?� Les asked.
“The lead role!� She exclaimed. “I’m so excited!�
“Oh yeah! That’s excellent, I knew you would get it! “ Les smiled, shutting her locker. “Well, I need to run, see you later�
“Ok�

That night, Alicia was in the best mood in awhile. She was cracking jokes with people and just had a happy demeanor about her. And everyone that she told was overjoyed, including her sister, who said that this would be the best thing that would happen to her.

Later, she was reading the later part of the play, since she was just skimmed over it earlier. And what she found made her almost fall off the bed. She and Nick had to KISS at the end of the play. How was she going to be able to do that when, a) she had never kissed a guy before, B) she could barely keep her cool around the guy, and c) everyone be watching them. “Well, that’s not till the end, maybe something will happen by then�
Of course, the something was that Nick would dump Sara and go out with her. And there was practically no chance of that, despite what everyone else was saying. And she didn’t know what he felt about her anyway, so why even bother?

[StargateGirl]

YAY! she got the part. I figured there was going to be a kissing scene...lol.

:D

[Kristen07]

~Chapter 9~

*Note*: I apologize if these next few chapters seem boring. I just need to move the plot along a little bit, but then once it moves, oh the drama will unfold :D !!! So bear with me.

A month p[arse]ed by quickly. Alicia became even more comfortable in school and in her life. She had great friends that she could hang out with and relate to, she had a great living situation with her cousin, aunt and uncle, her cl[arse]es were giving her the challenge she needed and she was coming into her own as an actress. But she still was feeling as if this was all a dream. For once, she wasn’t the outcast that nobody paid attention to, and when they did, it was to make fun of her or make her life miserable. She felt like she was beginning to belong here and no one was going to take her away from that.

At first, she had been a little nervous when read-through practices started. She couldn’t make much eye contact, and stumbled on her words. But from gradual encouragement, she was coming out her shell. And that became even more so when they started in the auditorium. Alicia was really surprised herself on what she could do, and it got better and better as time went on.

And her and Nick’s friendship had also blossomed a little bit. They’d talk a little bit before or after cl[arse], and also the chemistry between them as Jamie and K[arse]andra was starting to show through.

Today for practice, everyone had to stay, except extras and stage crew. Which meant that Sara was there. Alicia had noticed that the relations between the two had been rocky since the play parts had been announced. She had no idea, but it was also none of her business. But no doubt Sara was jealous of Alicia, because she always shot her deathly looks at her every time they p[arse]ed by each other and she would mutter offensive words under her breath. Normally, Alicia would have been really offended, but she knew that it was just because she had gotten the lead and Sara had not, so she tried to ignore it.

Nick walked in the auditorium looking like his feathers had really been ruffled.
“Hey Nick� She said.
He looked at her and put his backpack down. “Hey.�
“You look upset. Are you feeling ok?�
He shook his head. “No, but Its really nothing I want to talk about. Thanks for asking, though.�
“Ok. You ready for practice?�
“Yeah. All I want to do right now is disappear under someone else’s skin� He said flatly. Slowly, one by one, everyone arrived and practice started.

Rehearsal went on for about an hour, and then Ms. Collins gave them a 10 minute break. She pulled Alicia aside. “Ok, Alicia, do you remember when I introduced the play, I said that K[arse]andra had a big song she had to sing?�
Alicia nodded. She was eager to hear that song. “Do you have it?�
“Yes, I have it recorded with demo vocals. I want to play it for you and see what you think�
“Ok� Ms. Collins handed her the cd it was on and she listened to it. The song was called “If Only� and it was about being in love with someone and wishing that you could tell them how you feel. The song had a little bit a range, but it was nothing she couldn’t handle.
“I love it, Ms. Collins. I can definitely relate to it and so can K[arse]andra.�
Ms. Collins smiled. “I’m glad you do. I wrote it specifically for this play and it took me back to when I was in high school� She paused “I bet you all are tired of straight lines. We are going to learned the other songs as well with a little dances to them�
Alicia was scared. Dancing? She wasn’t very good at that. “They aren’t hard, are they?�
“No, I designed them with the thought that some of you are not great dancers. So it wont’ be too hard, I promise.�
She nodded.

Everyone came back together and then Ms. Collins told them it sit on the stage. “Ok kids, we are going to take a break from straight lines. I want to play you all the songs I wrote for the play and start teaching the dances to some of them�
Aaron rolled his eyes. “I’m not a good dancer, Ms. Collins.�
Ms. Collins gave him a re[arse]uring smile. “Don’t worry, Aaron. I designed these dances based on this fact. They will be a little complicated, but not too much.�
They listened to all the songs and Alicia liked them. They were very contemporary but also seem to fit the play.
“Ok. I need Jamie, Derrick, Will and Eric on the stage� Ms. Collins had been getting in the habit of calling them by their character names during rehearsal. So, Nick, Jeff, Drew and Aaron began to learn the dance and it was a cute dance. And Aaron was wrong about his dancing. He was pretty good once he started to get it.
Then Alicia, Ashlyn and Missy began to learn part of their dance. It was a slight bit more complicated than the guys but not much.

Alicia’s [arse]ignment was to start learning the song because she was going to sing in front of the cast in a demo performance in a few days. She was nervous because it would be the first time she would be up there doing something be herself, but then again, it was only her cast mates and not an actual audience. But it still made her nervous. And after she was done with her homework that night, she started to learn it, playing it over and over again and stopping to check to see if she was doing something right. She really loved the song and couldn’t wait to sing it. But she wasn’t going to tell anyone outside of theater cl[arse] about it because they would have to see it for themselves. Oh how she wished Chloe could come to see her in February. But the way relations were going with her parents right now, she knew they wouldn’t let her.

Alicia really didn’t understand her parents. Why couldn’t they at least be happy for her even if they didn’t approve of what she was doing? They had been really opposed to letting her live with her relatives and go to the art school. Their philosophy was “She’s got a good enough education where she is. Why does she need to go to a ‘specialized’ school?� But Jeremy and Katie had seen something in her that she did not see herself and let her live with them.
She couldn’t understand how they couldn’t even enjoy anything creative. You could recreate a beautiful place with a picture, tell a story of love or heartache with a song, bring back things to life in plays… and even if they didn’t approve of it, shouldn’t they be happy that she was doing something that made her happy? Hey, at least she was doing something that most people would be proud of. She wasn’t out there getting herself pregnant, or selling drugs, wasting away her life. No, she ws doing something that could touch people’s lives. She really wanted to express those emotions to them, but she knew if she did she would be forced to go back and live in Ackensburg. And there was no way in hell she was going back there, even if her sister was still living there. Oh why did Chloe and Alicia end up with the parents they did?

Jeremy came into her room. “Leesha, your father wants to talk to you�

Alicia inwardly rolled her eyes, but then took the phone from him. “Hello?�

“Hello, Alicia� Her father’s firm and strict voice greeted her.

“How are you?� He asked.


“I’m fine. Yourself?� Alicia was polite as she always was over the years when she spoke to her parents.

“Good� He told her about some of the things that he had been doing and though it was BORING to her, she listened anyway.

“So, how is your life?�

Alicia said something that she wouldn’t have even dared to say a couple months ago. “Why should you care? You never really wanted me to come here anyway�

“Kelly Alicia, don’t be disrespectful to me!� Her dad was getting angry.

“I’m not trying to be disrespectful, I’m just saying the truth� She hung up on him, without feeling the least bit of guilt. She knew that she should not have done what she just did, but she did it. Man, she was definitely changing.

[StargateGirl]

This isn't a boring chapter... silly you. :P

I liked it. :D

[Biondo Sorto]

I liked it muchos also Kris :) Boring would be:

Alicia went to school. They rehearsed the play afterwards, where Nick came in distraught. He didn't want to talk about it, so they went on with the rehersal. Alicia finally got the song, and they went over that as well. She went home where she bluntly talked to her father and hung up w/out any feeling of guilt

Believe me Kris, its far from that :P

[Kristen07]

I'm glad y'all don't think so :D

[jnd98forever]

Wow! Great story
add soon plz i need more!!

[Raevengeance]

definitely not boring, Kris :)

Keep up the good work and add when you can :)

[Kristen07]

Here's the next chapter. I hope y'all enjoy :)

~Chapter 10~

Alicia went to school a couple of days later to met by Ashlyn. “What’s wrong, Ashlyn?� She asked her.
Ashlyn sighed a heavy sigh. “I don’t really want to talk about it right now. Can we sit by ourselves at lunch?�
Alicia nodded. She didn’t see why not. “Sure.�
“I’ll see you then� Ashlyn walked off.
Alicia was pretty confused on why she had gone to her, instead of one of her closer friends. The girls had nolny known each other a month or so and didn’t see each other outside of school related things. But if Ashlyn needed a person to talk to, she was more than willing to listen.

~Lunch~

“So, what’s brothering you?� Alicia asked her.
“I got into a bad fight with my parents last night� Ashlyn said, sighing.
Alicia felt sympathy for her. She knew how bad that could be. “I’m sorry�
“They really don’t understand me, Ali. They have too high of expectations for me.�
�Why?�
“You see, I have a brother who goes here, a senior. He’s perfect, at least in their eyes. He does everything with almost perfection. Straight As, excellent in Band and Art. They try to tell me to be more like him. But you know, I’m trying to do the best I can. I got the part of Nic,ki, I’m in Choir, and I have a B average. But that doesn’t seem to be enough for them�
“They don’t even praise ytoyu for the good work you do?�
Ashlyn shook her head, her eyes really sad. “None whatsoever. They just say that it’s not good enough.�
“You just need to sit down with them and say “Mom, Dad, this hurts that you are not supporting me. I may not be like my brother, but I’m trying to do the best I can. I would appreciate it if you were more supportive and encouraging� Alicia said.
“Thank you. None of my friends really understand what I’m going through�
“I know your pain. I’ve had parents problems for a long time as well�: Alicia said. “Nothing I want get into right now, but I do too�
“Everyone is just like, they’ll get over it and all this crap. But they don’t. I’m one of those people, and I’ve noticed that you are too, that needs to be encouraged to do well. And to have people say, that I’m not doing well enough…. It really hurts, you know?�
Alicia nodded. “it really does�
“Well, do you want to go get Missy and practice that scene that we have been working on? Because I need some help�
“Sure� They got Missy and the three girls went to the theater cl[arse]room to practice that scene.

During cl[arse] that day, ms. Collins wanted to work with Alicia on K[arse]andra’s song. “Did you do your homework?�
“Yes, I have been learning it and I have a decent grasp on it� Alicia said.
Ms. Collins beamed. “I’m glad. Let’s try the first part of the first verse� She started playing the piano part for the song..

I sit alone in this room
And I’m thinking about
What time we have through already
But now
I’m wanting something even more
(Words written by Kris M)

“Wow, you got a pretty voice., Alicia. However, I do have some constructive criticism for you. You’re seeming a little bit dead and holding back�
“Not to be mean, but I just learned this song. For me to really come out with the emotion of the song, and to really get the essence of it, it takes awhile� Alicia told her,
“I know. We’ll definitely work on that. Let’s practice a little more, shall we?�
“Ok�

Soon, they moved on to the second part:

But you will never know
Because your heart seems to have been
Captured already
But I still wonder
What could happen
If I did not hold back.

They worked on that a little bit too and then Ms. Collins called Nick and the others to work on their song.
On her way over to her usual seat with Missy, Ashlyn and Megan, Sara bumped into her intentionally and said “Out of my way, [nice person]� under her breath.
Now, before Alicia would have went home crying after a comment like that. But she didn’t now because she knew Sara was only trying to make her mad.
“I hate her,� Megan said, shaking her head. “And now she’s spreading rumors about you�
Alicia wasn’t surprised. “And what did she say about me?�
“Just that you’re a boyfriend stealer� Megan said. “But it’s not true at all. I know it isn’t�
“Of course it isn’t. I have never had a boyfriend and I’ve never kissed a guy in my life. And even if I had I would never steal another girl’s boyfriend just because I wanted him to myself.�
“You sound so nonchalant about it. I would be really upset if someone said that about me� Missy observed.
“I’m used to having rumors spread about it me. It’s happened all my life. They always hurt but you get used to them after awhile� Alicia re[arse]ured her. “I was such an outcast at my old school, nobody really liked me and I really didn’t get close to anyone while I was there� she paused. “To be honest, I’ve probably gotten closer to everyone that I’ve met here than I ever did at Ackensburg�
“What would they think if they saw you now, in this cl[arse]?� Ashlyn asked.
“They would either not care or be like, that’s Alicia? That quiet girl in my English cl[arse]? But I’m never going back there, never ever�
“Why not?�
“My parents. They were way too strict on me. Even more so than your parents, Ashlyn.�
“Really?’â₠¬Â�
Alicia nodded. “Not a subject I’d like to elaborate on at the moment, though�
“Hey, Jeff, Drew, Nick, me and Drew’s girlfriend, I forget her name, are going to the park tonight, just to have some fun. Any of y’all wanna come?�
“Is it after practice?� asked Missy.
Megan nodded.
“Can’t. I got way too much homework� Missy said.
“I don’t feel like being social able tonight� Ashlyn said.
“I’ll go.� Alicia didn’t have much homework that night and she knew it would be a good time. “Are we going straight after practice?�
“Uh huh. We can find room for you in our cars. Will it be ok with your aunt and uncle?�
“Yep, I just need to be home by 9:30 and have my homework done. And I don’t have much, so it’s something I can do on break�

After cl[arse], she p[arse]ed Dani going to her locker. “Dani, are you ok?�
She nodded. “I just got into a fight with Jeff, that’s all.�
Ok, count her out of tonight. “Ok. I’ll see you later�
“Bye�

Practice went by really fast that day. But she noticed Sara was there, even though she didn’t have to be. She knew Sara was spying on her and Nick. Thankfully, they were only doing pure friend scenes for Jamie and K[arse]andra. She hoped that Sara wasn’t coming to the park.

After practice, and they were sure Sara was out of earshot, nick came up to her. “Hey, are you coming to the park with us?�
She nodded. “Sounds like fun. Are we playing any sports games?�
“Yeah, basketball�
“Darn. I’m useless at them.� Alicia said.
“It’s all good. It’s just for fun, Leesha�

Alicia’s heart jumped again when he called her that. While her crush on him remained powerful, something else was forming. She wanted to start dating him. And she had caught herself wondering what it would be like to kiss him. Of course she would know when they did the kissing scene, but she wished he would kiss her off stage first. Oh well. She still wondered what he felt towards her. And if he had figured out what she felt for him.

They went to the park, and got started on the basketball game. It was a lot of fun; Alicia even joined in and scored a couple of baskets.
“I have NEVER had this much social life in my life� Alicia thought. She had been out with her new friends a lot this school year and she was gradually coming out of her shell with them. She was starting to realize that this was where she was meant to be all her life and had been to her confined, shy self for too long. And she liked the new her. She decided she was also going to change her hair as she was already changing her clothes gradually. It had been this conservative one length all her life and she wanted something different but not too extreme, like dying it black or purple. So, she was going to do that tomorrow or this weekend. It was all just a part of the ever evolving and growing image of Kelly Alicia Carter.

[Raevengeance]

awww great add, Kris :)

[StargateGirl]

great add. :D

[jnd98forever]

awww great add can't wait for more.
hmmm alicia in black hair hmmmm maybe brown or maybe even brownish blonde hmmmmm lol i am way too into this story you gotta add soon! :)

[Biondo Sorto]

Great add as always Kris. This is getting good. Darn, Megan 4got my name. That sucks, lol :wink:

[Kristen07]

~Chapter 11~

The next day after practice, Katie and Stacey took Alicia to the finest salon in Cincinnati to get her hair done. Alicia didn’t know what type of appointment it was because it was supposed to be a surprise. She hoped that it would help her achieve a different look than her super conservative and boring straight brown hair.

She was dropped off and only had to wait for 5 minutes.
A pretty woman of 30, and a really hot guy in his mid 20s, came over to her chair.
“Hi, Alicia, I’m Christine Roberts, a colorist here at this salon�
Colorist? Wow, there were definitely going to be changes!
“And I’m Dan Anderson, I will be your stylist for this evening�
“Nice to meet the both of you. So, what do you plan to have done with my hair?� she asked them.
“Bring it to it’s fullest potential. When I look at you, you are a very pretty girl, but the hair isn’t working.
“How old are you?� Dan asked.
“16� Alicia said.
“No offense, but your hair makes you look like you are 30 almost� They all laughed.
“Is it really that bad?�
“Don’t worry, we’ll fix it. Once Christine and I are through with you honey, you will not recognize yourself�
She nodded. “But I really don’t want a look that’s totally high maintenance, because I’m a girl who doesn’t want to put much thought into her looks, and I don’t want to have to spend… like an hour on my hair every day, you know what I mean?�
“We can definitely do that. So, I’m going to start with blonde highlights that will really compliment your features and then Dan will come back and give you a haircut that will enhance them. So are you ready?�
“This year has been about chance since I came to Cincinnati, so bring it on!� Alicia told them.
They laughed “That’s the spirit, girl!� said Dan.
So then Christine began putting the highlights in her hair, and while she did so, they had a friendly conversation. Then she had to sit for 20 minutes and let them set it in. Then Christine washed it and sent her to Dan.
“So, Miss Alicia, how are you enjoying your salon experience?� Dan asked her.
Alicia nodded “It’s nothing like I have experienced before at all. Before I would have just chomped off a few inches of hair and be done with it�
“We are going to do FAR from that. As we said before, you are a gorgeous girl, but it really hasn’t shown through. So I’m going to take off several inches of your hair because it’s just hanging there like a dead dog�
Alicia blushed. “That bad, huh?�
“It does NOTHING for you at all, so we are going to take off about this much� Dan had his fingers on her hair just above her collarbone, which was a lot, because her hair went down to mid back.
She chuckled. “I don’t know about this Dan, I haven’t had short hair in a LONG time�
“Well, you said earlier that you wanted a change� Dan told her.,
“I did. So we will. Work your magic�
Dan laughed. “I will. Here, put your hair back into a low ponytail for me� He handed her a ponytail holder.
She did so, and he cut off almost that entire ponytail. And the experience wasn’t that bad at all.
“Here you go, say goodbye to all that hair� Dan handed her her hair.
Alicia laughed. “Oh my gosh, I can’t believe it was that long. Well, there’s no going back now, style it�
“Ok� Dan began to style it.
“Why do you cut the hair wet? Wouldn’t you have a better idea of what it would look like dry?� She asked him.
“It’s easier to style that way.� He said.
“I’m getting kind of nervous about what it looks like, because I haven’t been able to see in a mirror since I got here� Alicia told him.
“Honey, I’m a professional, I know what I’m doing. But don’t worry, you are starting to look hot�
She blushed again, but also laughed. That was definitely a compliment, especially coming from a hot guy like Dan. “You’re funny, Dan�
“Thank you.�
He fished styling, and then blow-dried it out. “Are you ready to see the new Alicia?’
Alicia nodded. “Spin it around�
Dan did and then she gasped. A weird feeling came over her. She was content. THIS was what she was supposed to look like. It was definitely her and fit her new life. And she did have to admit, the layers did bring out her face and, dare she say it, she actually looked half way pretty.
“What do you think?�
“I LOVE it!!!! It’s completely me. Thank you so much Dan, you are a fashion genius.� She smiled.
“I’m glad you do. And it’s not too high maintenance, you can dress it up or down, all you need to do is come back here every 6 to 8 weeks to get it redone.�
“I can do that. Thank you again� she hugged him.
“You’re welcome, hun. Have a great night� He said.
“Same to you�

Stacey and Katie were waiting for her in the front. “Wow, Ali, you look really pretty!� Stacey exclaimed.
“Thank you�
“ You look beautiful, it totally fits your new image� Katie hugged her “What do you think of it?�
“I love it. It’s what I was meant to look like. Now, can we please get some dinner, I’m starving!�

The trio went to Cooker’s, one of the family’s favorite restaurants. “Do you have much homework tonight, Leesh?� Katie asked. “Because you will be out kind of late�
Alicia shook her head. “Just two worksheets in French and History, and Trig problems. Nothing I can’t handle.�
They talked for awhile, till Stacey asked “What do you think the guy you like will think of your new look?�
Alicia shrugged. “We’ll see. I hope he does�
“Make him realize what he’s missing.� Katie teased.
“Well, I really don’t want a guy to like me just because I’m pretty, and he has a girlfriend. He probably only sees me as a friend anyway, if that�
“Alicia, you need to learn to be not so doubtful of yourself and go for the guys you like. You may even get a relationship out of it�
“Yeah, but I won’t steal another girl’s boyfriend, even if I hate her and she is an uber... well we won’t use that language around Stace, but basically, a total meanie� She sighed.

They got home about nine. “Who is this beautiful girl that just walked in?� Jeremy asked.
“It’s me, Alicia,� She said.
“You look gorgeous, this look totally fits you� He hugged her. “Oh, and Chloe called. She said she really needed to talk to you and to call her as soon as you got home�
Alicia groaned inwardly. Things had been growing hostile between the two sisters lately. She would call after she did her homework, because she knew that if she called and they had an argument, she would not be motivated to do her homework.
She did it and it took her about an hour to do. “Chloe is going to be mad at me, but I’m really tired and not in the mood for an emotional talk� So she went to bed.

Alicia got up the next morning, excited to show her friends the new look. So she brushed it out and left it down, did her make up and put on an orange baby tee and her favorite pair of low cut jeans that she had gotten at American Eagle. “Wow, I must say I look good, though it is something the old me would never have DREAMED of wearing� she whispered to her reflection. “I hope my friends will recognize me�

She got to school, finding Drew, Jeff, Justin, Les, and Desiree standing in a group together.
Jeff gave out a whistle. “Who’s this sexy mama we have here?�
Alicia blushed five shades of red, and Desiree said, “Now, Jeff, you must not hit on other women. You have a girlfriend�
“Hey, I’m a guy. Guys notice these things�
“So I guess this means you like my new look� Alicia said, still blushing. She was not used to this kind of attention.
Jeff nodded. “Love it, actually�
“You look gorgeous, you always had the potential to look this good, but it just needed to show through� Desiree said.
“It’s a wonder what hair and make up can do to confidence. Look at you girl, you look like you could take on the world� Justin said.
Alicia said, beaming. “It’s comments like that that make me feel that way� She paused “Where’s Dani?�
“I haven’t seen her today� said Les.
Jeff was looking awkward, so Desiree and Alicia decided to go on ahead to History.
“So, what do you think Nick will think?� Desiree asked in a little bit of a teasing tone.
Alicia shrugged. “I really don’t know. Have you seen him today?�
Desiree shook her head. “Not at all. But you’ll see him next period though, won’t you?�
“Yeah, he’s in my French Cl[arse]�

French Cl[arse] came and when she walked in, Nick wasn’t in there. “Darn, I hope he’s here today� She thought.
She sat down in her seat and Nick walked in just before the bell rang. He didn’t look like he was having a good day.

After cl[arse], Alicia called to him. “Hey Nick, wait up!�
He turned around. “Hey hot stuff!�
Alicia was trying with all her might not to blush. “Wow, thank you. No one’s ever called me hot before�
“But you really do look hot, with that haircut and the outfit. You should keep your hair like that�
“Thanks. And I’m getting compliments left and right, I’m not used to this� She told him.
“You deserve to stand out. See you at lunch “ He walked away.
Alicia felt as if she was on top the world. Nick had complimented her! This was definitely going to be a good day.

At lunch, it was her, Justin, Les, Drew, Desiree, Nick, Megan and Missy sitting at the table together. And Nick was sitting next to her, which made her slightly nervous.
“I really don’t want to go to practice today� Nick said, “It’s been a bad day�
“Well, if it has, you can go pretend to be someone else for a couple hours. What’s so bad about that?� She asked him.
“I’m just really stressed, Alicia. About everything�
“Do you want to talk about it?�
He shook his head “But if I do, I’ll tell you, ok?�
“Ok�
He stood up. “I’m gonna go. See you later�
“Chin up, Nick�
“I’ll try� He started walking away.
Alicia felt a lot of sympathy for him. She wished she could help him feel better.
“I’m worried about him. He’s really been zoning out lately,� Drew said, watching him leave. “He’s been locking himself in his room a lot, except for last night when I made him come with us�
“It’s probably something to do with him and Sara� Justin said. “I’ve noticed she’s been a lot [nice person]ier since Alicia and Nick were cast as leads�
“Why can’t she get over the fact that she is not lead actress material and she doesn’t always get what she wants� Megan rolled her eyes. “I want to slap that [nice person] so bad. I wish she would leave�

Before Theater, Sara came up to Alicia, which made her nervous. She still couldn’t stand up to her enemies.
“Hey, [nice person]. Trying to steal my boyfriend�
“No� Alicia said “We’re just friends�
“[freak'n] off Sara, she never did anything to you� That was Ashlyn.
Sara gave her a nasty look. “What are you going to do about it Ashley?�
“It’s AshLYN. Now, remove your ugly face from our sight�
“Gladly� She walked away.
“ummm… Thank you ashlyn� Alicia said.
“Don’t mention it. She is out of your league and just jealous of you�
Now, that was something new. NO ONE had been jealous of her before.

Alicia got home around 6, after an average practice. Chloe was waiting on the phone for her. She knew she had to talk because Chloe was probably really pissed off.

“Hello?� Alicia answered in a calm, even tone.

“WHERE WERE YOU YESTERDAY? I REALLY NEEDED YOU!� Yep, she was pissed all right. Guilt started to set it. This was going to be a LONG conversation.

[StargateGirl]

ok, what is going on with Jeff and his girl?

uh oh...chloe seems a little mad...lol

Great add! :D

[Biondo Sorto]

Jeff is forever more screwing something up, lol :P
Uh oh...what's up with Chloe?
Poor Nick :(, cheer him up Leesh :wink:

[Kristen07]

I'm hoping to update this story toinght. The chapter is about 2/3 done, so look for an update tonight :)

[Kristen07]

I know, I promised this yesterday, but then I couldn't post. So here it is, Chapter 12 :D It's a REALLY long chapter, so I hope y'all enjoy :D

~Chapter 12~

“I’m really sorry Chloe, I was really busy yesterday� Alicia said.

“Yeah, right.� Chloe was really fired up.

“Honest I had a lot to do, you really need to take a chill pill� Alicia was trying to keep herself calm.

“I do not! I [freak'n]ing waited by the phone all night for you because I had no one else I could talk about this.�

The feeling of guilt was getting deeper. But on the other hand, she could have gone and found other means of getting her feelings out like writing. “You could have gone to find other means of getting your feelings out�

“You know that I hate writing and I’m no good at it. And I cried about all night last night� Chloe said. “ Damn, Alicia, you have no [freak'n]ing time for me anymore�

“Now that is not the truth!� Alicia was getting hot. “I have a new life now, yes, but yes I do make time to call you and everything even though I have a lot of stuff to do now� She paused. “But I’m here now, what’s bothering you?�

“WHAT DOES IT MATTER TO YOU? You weren’t there when I really needed you.� Chloe was a drama queen sometimes. She REALLY freaked out if you didn’t call her when you were supposed to or not do what she wants to. And now it was times 10. Alicia was starting to lose grip of her temper.

“And I’m sorry. I really do care, even though you may not think so� Alicia said.

“You always used to be the first one there when you were here. But now you’re not. You’re changing too much, Alicia. I almost don’t even recognize you anymore�

That really pissed Alicia off. “Now, what happened to you? You were behind the move 100 percent. And I was you who encouraged me to try out for the play and go after the guy I liked. And now you’re staying I’ve changed too much? You’re a [freak'n]ing hypocrite!�

“But I didn’t think you would totally run away from me, absorb yourself in your new life, turn into this new person, and totally forget about me!!!� Chloe said.

“OK, I will admit I have changed a little bit. I may have a little more strut in my step, and a little more courage to try new things, but I HAVE NOT totally changed my character and who I am. I’m still Alicia Carter, just with a little more confidence. And I have not forgotten about you. I have gone out of my way in my busy schedule to talk to you and tell you about everything that has been happening in my life. But if it doesn’t seem like that I am doing that, then I just won’t do that, if that’s the way you want it to be� Alicia told her.

“FINE BECAUSE I COULD CARE LESS RIGHT NOW� Chloe hung up.

The good mood that had built up through the day had now shattered because of this argument. Chloe could really make her mad sometimes. She really could. She had been really sorry that she hadn’t called last night, and had offered to listen to her, but Chloe had pushed away and ranted about how she hadn’t been there THEN and how she had changed too much. Alicia thought that she hadn’t changed too much. She still had the same personality and tendencies, she just was a little more confident and was able to take on more challenges. Unfortunately, there was still that lingering self-doubt in her system that still whispered in her ear that she couldn’t do it, but it was nowhere near as dominant as it was a couple months ago.

And in a way, Chloe was probably glad she was gone anyway. She could get all her parents attention. They always seemed to be more lenient with Chloe than her. Something that Alicia could get in trouble for, Chloe got away with it. It even seemed sometimes that they loved Chloe more than her, that she was the “wanted� child. It seemed weird, but that was the way it had seemed all these years. No one realty knew that she felt that way and she intended to stay that way.
And another thing had come up this year. It was how close she was getting her friends. She was afraid of getting too close to them for she might tell them something really personal and they would tell everyone or they would use it against her. That was one of the reasons she had refrained from getting close to anyone all these years. And no one liked her anyway, with her conservative clothing, boring hair, shy attitude, who would have wanted to be friends with her anyway? Evidently, people here at this school did.
Ands, yes, she had told Ashlyn about the fact that she had parents problems, but it had never gotten p[arse]ed that part. Lately, everyone had been asking her about how she wouldn’t talk about things like that. Alicia had just answered that she didn’t want to, but she knew she was going to have to give a more thorough answer later.

After her homework was done, she went in her room and began to daydream about Nick. She wondered what was bothering him lately. He had said he was stressed, but what about? She wished she could be the one he vented to. But she knew she wouldn’t be because they were nothing but friends who acted together in a play and he had closer friends he could talk to. And Sara. Of course, she could be the source of the problem.
Lately her feelings for him were going deeper than a crush. She wished she could get to know him better and just be the one he turns to in times of need. But there were so many odds against, a) he was a senior, she was a sophomore, to her the thought was so awkward. B) The [nice person], Sara. Even if they broke up, she would still be a huge problem. C) She had no idea what he felt for her, but it was probably that they were just friends. Of course, she could ask, but she didn’t want to mess up the good grounds they were on now. For now she was going to keep her dreams to herself.

School went on. The play was progressing on nicely, and they were all working hard. The lighting and sounds and set design were starting work in with the actors and it was looking good. It was going to be the best play ever when it was all said and done. But unfortunately, Sara was at every practice and was watching Nick and Alicia’s every move on stage. Talk about a paranoid, jealous, girlfriend. It was making Alicia feel really nervous because she knew Sara was watching for any romantic moves between them. Alicia was going to die if they were still together when they had to do the kissing scene.

She also noticed that relations with Nick and Sara were declining significantly. They were fighting a lot and not being seen doing the sickening PDA in the hallways. She could tell Nick wasn’t happy. She wished she could make him happy, but they were meant to be nothing more than friends. But the wishes still lingered and probably would until some action was taken.

After practice one early November evening, Alicia found herself in the predicament without a ride. Practice had ended 15 minutes ago and as far as she knew, most people had left.
She was standing in the auditorium, trying to figure what to do, when Nick came in the room. “Hey Leesha, you’re still here� He said.
“So are you� Alicia said. “Where’s your girlfriend?�
“Told her she could hitch her own ride home� Nick said in an irritated tone.
“Um, I don’t have a ride home. Would you…. Mind if you gave me one?� Alicia asked tentatively.
He shook his head. “Not at all. Pick up your bags and let’s go�
Alicia smiled. “Really? Thank you so much�
“It’s no problem. Let’s go�

They got to Nick’s car, loaded their stuff in, and then started driving. “I can’t figure out girls sometimes, Alicia.� He said.
“Why do you say that?� Alicia asked.
“Sara. She gets so frickin jealous of me even if I even so much as talk to another girl. I don’t understand it at all. And she’s been at all practices, watching us. It makes me nervous because I know she’s watching for doing romantic moves. But we’re in the part where Jamie and K[arse]ie are purely friends! Gosh I wish she would quit being so jealous�
“She just feels threatened by all other females and thinks everyone is out to steal her boyfriend. I’ve seen the type� Alicia said.
“And I’ve had enough of it. I’ve about to the point where I’m just ready to break it off� Nick sighed.
“Then do it. You don’t need her [crap]� She said.
“But there’s a problem. Have you ever wanted to be popular Alicia?� He asked her.
She nodded “Sometimes.�
“It’s not all it’s cracked to be. You feel this pressure to look good all the time and have this certain image. And you know how we are kind of the ‘it’ couple of the school? Everyone would totally get on us for breaking up� Nick said.
“Who really cares what they think, Nick? It’s about what you feel about the relationship, not them. If you don’t feel it’s working anymore, break it off!�
Nick sighed. “I wish it were that easy. Sara won’t accept it if I tell her it’s over.�
“Ignore her, do whatever you have to to prove that it’s over, I’m not feeling the relationship anymore�
“She’s not exactly avoidable at school, though� Nick said sadly. “But if I’m going to be happy again, it’s what I have to do�
“Do what makes you happy, Nick. Screw everyone else. Their opinion doesn’t directly matter� Alicia told him.
He nodded. “Thanks.�
They got to Jeremy’s house. “Thank you for taking me home, Nick.�
Nick smiled. “You’re welcome, Alicia. Anytime you need one, I’ll be glad to give you one�
Alicia got out her stuff and shut the door. She waved as he drove away. Her heart was fluttering again. She hoped that he made the decision that made him happy, whatever it was.

The next morning, before French cl[arse], Nick slipped a note on her desk.

Alicia,

Thanks for talking to me last night. It really helped. It even helped motivate me to break it off. It didn’t sit too well with her, as you can imagine, but it’s the way things are meant to work out. See you at lunch.

-Nick

Alicia threw a smile at him after she read it. She was glad she was able to make him feel better and help him through a tough time in his life. But she still was going to keep what she felt to herself, because she didn’t want to ruin anything.

During practice that night, Alicia just watched Nick work on the dance with the others and Ms. Collins and she admired it. He was so hard-working and dedicated to his craft and he wanted to make sure everything in the play was perfect- yet another thing she loved about him. This feeling was getting pretty deep.
They took a break and then Ms. Collins called all the cast together to talk about costumes. “All right everyone. You know how this is supposed to be taking place in a very upscale community? Well, the costume committee and I have decided we have enough money to provide really expensive clothing, like Vercase and all those expensive brands to the people who have major and minor parts. So, we need everyone’s clothing sizes and we’ll order them and they will be here soon�
Alicia couldn’t believe her ears. She was going to be wearing expensive, name brand clothing. She was really excited. So she wrote down her shirt, pant and shoe size, they were collected, and then Jenny Swenson, who was the costumes and make up head, spoke. “Ok ladies, do you know anyone who is good at hair or make and can work well under pressure, because we will need to hire a couple more stylists for the play.�
Alicia immediately thought of Les. “My friend Les would probably be able to do that,� She said.
“Great, what’s her name and home number so I can ask her?�
Alicia gave it to her and then there was a 5-minute break. Then Ms. Collins had to talk to Alicia and Nick.
“Are you two comfortable enough with each other on stage that we can start on the more hinting scenes that something may develop?�
“I think so.� Nick said.
“But I thought we were not supposed to start on those for another two weeks� Alicia said.
“I know, but we are ahead of schedule; and I think the chemistry is really starting to form between you two as Jamie and K[arse]andra. But don’t worry; I’m not going to make you start on the kissing scene just yet. We wont get to work on that till a little before Christmas, I want you two to be completely comfortable with each other before that first gets worked on, ok?�
“Sounds good to me. What do you think, Ali?�
“Fine by me� Alicia told them. “Let’s get on the stage�

They worked on a couple of scenes and then Ms. Collins called the cast together. “Ok, I’m going to edit the practice schedule for all of you. For now, there will be only practice on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 3:30-6, so I can give you some life back. But I don’t want you all to slack off on me, because you are working very hard, more than I have seen in recent years. But I’m trying to make the work load easier for both you and me. But once January and February roll around, look for long and intense practices. Good night�
People started to get their stuff, as Sara walked up to Alicia yet again, death in her eyes. “You’re the reason my boyfriend left me� She said.
“No I’m not.� Alicia said coolly. “I told you before, we’re just friends�
“No you’re not, you fancy him, don’t you?�
“Believe what you want, Sara. But I had nothing to do with the break up. But maybe he just got sick of you whining and complaining all the time� Alicia had a coy smile. “Bye� she walked off, pleased with herself.
Megan followed her “Wow, Leesh, you told her! Didn’t you say that she scares you?�
She nodded “I did, but she doesn’t anymore. Not even near it. If anything, I hate her. Causing Nick all that pain.�
“Maybe you could go after him now, huh?�
“Shut up Megan, that will never happen�
“Never say never, Alicia. You never thought that you’d been doing what you are now last year, right?� Megan asked her.
She nodded “Yeah, that’s true. But you know, my shyness around guys hasn’t changed. I’m going to wait for awhile. If he feels me, he can come to me, because I don’t want to be the cause of unneeded drama� Alicia explained.
“I would do the same thing. But Missy and Ash would probably still say go after him� Megan said. “However, it is smart, because if you two started dating… image what Sara might do�
“That’s not a thought I want to think about, Meg� Alicia cringed.
“Neither do I, hun, neither do I� Megan sighed, as her mom pulled up. “Do you need a ride?�
“No, Jeremy is coming in a few minutes. See you tomorrow, Megz.�
“Ok, Leesha. Have a great night� Megan smiled and walked to her car. Her friends had now developed a lot of nicknames for her, which she didn’t mind. It showed she was getting closer them.

Later that night, after her homework was done, Alicia decided to sit down and have a long conversation with Katie. She just needed to talk to someone about things. “Katie, can I talk to you about a couple things?� Alicia asked her.
“Sure, honey. Is something bothering you?�
“Well, I want to get some things off my chest� She sat down on the couch next to her.
“Ok, talk to me�
“Mom, Dad and Chloe have been on my mind a lot lately� Alicia said.
“Why is that?�
“Just their attitudes. Mom and Dad don’t even bother to be happy about the fact that I am now in a place where I am happy and I feel like I belong. They just ask me why I waste my time here. To be honest, my time here in Cincinnati has been the best time of my life. I feel accepted, I feel like people actually care that I’m around, I have great school work, I feel loved and for the first time in my life, I don’t feel alone. I used to feel so alone� Alicia sighed.
“Why, honey?� Katie asked, running her fingers through her niece’s hair.
“Because I never had friends� Alicia felt this sadness come over her as she remembered her past “And I didn’t feel loved by my parents. They were always critical of me and Chloe got away with a lot more things than I did� Tears started to form in her eyes. “I have felt that she was the ‘wanted’ child and that they never wanted me�
“Oh, I’m sure they did, what makes you think they didn’t?�
“Just that, she seemed more spoiled and let her get away with things. Something that they would yell at me for, they would say it was ok for her, she just needed try harder or whatever. It was like they established an unreachable standard of perfection for me. I could never please them, no matter how hard I tried� The tears came even faster, forcing her to relive all the darkness in her life. “So I used to cry in my room a lot because my life was so miserable. I knew no one would ever like me and I could never live up what my parents wanted of me. Some of the only times I was truly happy when I was with you two. You all were my favorite relatives, and whenever I could visit you, it was a real treat because I feel that you all were like my parents and you loved me. You treated me like I thought parents were supposed to treat their kids. I never felt that way with my parents� Alicia started crying.
Katie wrapped her arms around her, saying nothing because there was nothing to say. It good for her to cry about how miserable her life used to be to someone else.
After Alicia calmed down, Katie told her “Jeremy and I wanted to take you a couple years ago, because Jeremy knew all the favoritism that was going on. He knew that was no way to raise a child. But Frank, being the way he was, overreacted all time, saying, “don’t tell me how to raise my children� and all this stuff. But Jeremy knew that you had potential to be great and didn’t deserve to live like you were, so he got you that scholarship and we took you in. And we don’t want you to have to live like that again. They must have made you feel so horrible�
Alicia nodded, wiping her tears. “They did. So, talking to them and saying what they have been is making me think about how it used to be and that I don’t want it to be like that again. They told me the other day that I’m required to come home for Christmas. They are gonna try to make me stay in Ackensburg. But they won’t succeed. Ackensdbug is not my home anymore. Cincinnati is.�
“You would think they would want you to be happy� Katie said.
“Yeah. And Chloe is being real [nice person]y too. She’s accusing me of changing too much. She used to be my only friend. But now I’m not so sure I want to talk to her anymore.�
“I don’t think you have changed too much. You’re still kind of shy, sweet, sensitive, carting, funny, bubbly girl. You just have a little more confidence now and are ready to take on new things, such as acting.�
“That’s what I try to tell her, and that I go out of my way to talk to her, but she says I don’t care and don’t have time anymore.�
“She’s used to having you all to herself, because you were home a lot, right?�
She nodded “I never did anything social�
“She probably feels a little betrayed because of this. You got a new life and friends, and she’s jealous that your world kind of revolved around her back there and it doesn’t anymore�
“And because of that, I think she got too clingy to me. I want to tell her, to take a chill pill and realize that my world doesn’t do that anymore, but she’ll get really mad at me�
Katie put her hand on Alicia’s shoulder. “Leesh, honey, you sometimes have to hurt people’s feelings. And it’s obvious that Chloe is hurting yours and you need to make that known to her. She might get mad, yes, but you need to tell her that�
Alicia nodded “Thank you Katie, I needed to get that off my chest�
“You’re welcome. I’m here anytime, ok?�
“Ok� The women hugged.

[StargateGirl]

really good add. :)

[JeSsNnIcK1026]

update soon!

[Stacey]

LOVE IT MATE! Keep it up!!!! :D


Stace :P

[nickfan33]

i really like this story so far it keeps me wanting more so plz continue!!!

[Biondo Sorto]

That was a real good add Kris :P
Keep up the good work, and hopefully let some fireworks start to fly :wink:

[Kristen07]

~Chapter 13~

The next day Alicia was still in depressed spirits, even though she had gotten a lot off her chest the night previous. Just thinking about the way life used to be for her was really depressing. She never wanted it to be like that again. But for today, she was trying to be elusive and not to talk to people, like she did back in Ackensburg.
And the news of something that was spreading around didn’t help the cause either.

In between French and History, Megan and Dani came dashing up to her. “Hey guys, I really don’t feel like talking today� Alicia told them.
“It’s something you really need to know. There’s a nasty rumor going on about you� Dani said.
“What is it?�
“That’s you’re a [nice person] and slept with 15 different guys at your old school�
“That’s not even CLOSE to the truth. I’ve never had a boyfriend, or even been kissed. Sara is behind it, I know it� Alicia said, sighing. “Great, now Nick probably won’t want to be my friend�
“I wouldn’t be surprised. She’s trying to ruin your reputation, make herself look good and have Nick go running back into her arms� Megan rolled her eyes “I really don’t even know why in hell he was with that *****. She’s probably [freak'n]ed that many guys�
“It’s going to backfire majorly.� Dani said. “It always does when she tries to ruin someone else’s life. Every time she even feels the slightest bit threatened, she spreads rumors. Most people don’t take what she says seriously.�
“Only her little band of goons� Megan added, rolling her eyes.
“ So, Leesh, I really wouldn’t be worried if I were you� Dani finished.
“Thanks for the info. Come on Dani, we need to get to French Cl[arse]�
“Yeah, we do�

As cl[arse] started, Madame Drake told them to get out of their seats, because they were getting new ones. And they could sit wherever they pleased, as long as it wasn’t major disruption during cl[arse] time.
So Alicia chose a seat in the middle of the cl[arse] and Nick sat behind her. She was surprised, but also glad that Nick had chosen to sit near her. Then Dani sat across from Alicia, and Jeff across from Nick. Now they had their own little group.
Then Madame Drake gave them an [arse]ignment that a duo could work on for the rest of cl[arse]. So Alicia turned her desk around to face Nick’s. They worked on task for awhile until it was finished.
“Dang, Alicia, you’re smart� Nick said. “How do you learn this stuff so fast?�
Alicia gave a light chuckle. “Well, it’s partially because of the learner I am and also partially because I have had straight As all my life because I have had nothing better to do. Everyone learns differently. If you ever need help on it, I’ll be glad to help you�
“Ok, thanks.�
“You’re welcome. So you’ve probably heard about the rumors Sara has been spreading haven’t you?�
Nick nodded “Oh yeah. Ignore them Alicia, not many people here listen to them anymore because she has been doing that ever since she came her and before I dated her. Only her select ‘friends’ listen to them really. She’s tried to earn high status here all her years but it really hasn’t worked to well for her.�
“She’s trying to get you back I would [arse]ume�
Nick nodded “Oui, Mademoiselle. But I would never go back to her, she put me through too much and I should have broken it off long before I actually did� There was a sadness about the way he said that she wished she could take it all away from him. And the way he was looking at her, it almost seemed different to her for some reason. Like he liked her more than friends or something. “Never in this lifetime, Carter, keep dreaming� But she couldn’t help herself. She was falling in love with him.

I just can’t help myself
I’m falling in love with you
It doesn’t matter what you say or what you do
(No matter what you say, no matter what you do)
So give me a chance
And I know I’ll make you understand
I just can’t help myself
I’m falling in love with you
(Lyrics from Nobody’s Angel’s “I Can’t Help Myself�)

French Cl[arse] had put her in a good mood. It usually did not matter what the circumstance. But today it had especially done so, and she almost forgot when she had been in a bad mood that morning.

The next night at practice, Ms. Collins asked that only the main characters and their friends and enemies be present. But even they weren’t there too long; she excused them at 5:30 because she wanted to work with just Nick and Alicia. Alicia got a little nervous. It was just she and Nick acting and she would probably fumble… big time.

They started on a scene that after K[arse]andra had sung her big song and was still depressed on the fact that she couldn’t have him.
Alicia sat down on the floor were their tables was supposed to be. They really didn’t want to pull out the set today since it was such a small practice.
Ms. Collins had Nick work on his entrance a couple of times because she didn’t like it for one reason or another. But finally they got to the actual scene.
Nick walked in “What’s wrong K[arse]andra?�
Alicia looked at him, with sad eyes “Oh, hi Jamie�
“What’s wrong, you look like something’s bothering you�
Alicia shook her head. “Not really. Well, there’s something that’s been kind of bugging me, but it’s not bad.�
“And what’s that?�
“Well, it’s just that I….� Alicia stopped in mid sentence; this was not her line “Oh never mind. It’s nothing�
“Are you sure?� Nick asked.
“Yeah, I’m sure� Alicia told him.
They went on with the scene as it was planned.
“Alicia, I liked how you did that.� Ms. Collins.
“I stopped because I knew those weren’t my lines.� Alicia told her.
“But I love it. It makes you think K[arse]andra is finally going to tell Jamie what she feels for him, but then falls short because she’s not ready. It’ll really bring the audience in, I think�
“I like it too� Nick said “I say we change the scene a bit and put those lines in there�
“I agree. I want you kids to have your input in this play, and if you don’t like something, we’ll see if we can change it! I don’t want to be one of those directors that is like, “We are going to do what I think will work and that’s it! I want it to have a little bit of you all as well�
“Have you written plays before, Ms. Collins?�
Ms. Collins nodded “But none were good enough to show anyone or try on any cast. But I love how you all are doing this play. It’s better than I ever imagined it would be. You all are probably the best cast I have seen in awhile. And I mean it.�
They changed the scene slightly to accommodate the lines, and then worked a little bit longer.

After practice, Nick and Alicia were gathering their stuff to get ready to go home.
“Ali, can I ask you something?�
“Sure� Alicia said. “What?�
“Do you have an plans this weekend?�
She shook her head “No, why?�
“Would you like to go on a date with me this weekend?�

[StargateGirl]

The part where she said it wasn't her line... What..she started saying something else?

*gasp* SAY YES!!! SAY YES!!! :D

[Biondo Sorto]

Here, I'll finish it
"Nick....I'd Love too!!!" :D
She has to say that, she has too!!! :)
Come on Kris, you can't keep us hanging, lol :P

[Kristen07]

Originally posted by Leslie@4/3/05, 12:10am
The part where she said it wasn't her line... What..she started saying something else?

*gasp* SAY YES!!! SAY YES!!! :D
Yeah, Alicia tottaly forgot her line for that part, so then she considered telling Nick (Jamie) that she was in love with him. But then she changed her mind because she (K[arse]andra) wasn't ready for that yet. So she said never mind, it wasn't anything important. Ms. Collins liked the screw up, so they changed the scene to accomodate it. If that makes any sense :)

[StargateGirl]

Oh ok. I get it. :D Thanks for explaining it. :)

[Luv_98_Degrees]

Awesome story Kris!! You are doing a super job!! I love it lotz!! Thank you for writing it, please add more!! =))

[Kristen07]

I know y'all are DYING to know Alicia's answer, but I haven't been able to work the story much recently. But I hope to have it updated toinght.

[StargateGirl]

I can't wait to read it. :D

[jnd98forever]

me toooooo!!!!! :)

[Kristen07]

Here it is :D Drum roll please.................




















~Chapter 14~

Alicia couldn’t believe it. Nick Lachey, her dream guy, had just asked her out on a date! This was definitely a surprise. “Sure. What do you want to do?�
“I’ll pick you up about 7 on Saturday and we’ll go to dinner somewhere�
She smiled. “Sounds great. Do you need directions to my house, even though you have driven there once?�
He nodded “I think so. And can I please have your number while I am it?�
“Only if you give me yours�
“Deal� They exchanged numbers and then Alicia gave him directions to her house. “Well, I’ll see you tomorrow, then� Nick told her.
“Ok, bye� She watched him walk to his car, her heart beating a mile a minute. Had this really happened to her?

Katie arrived a few minutes later. “You look really happy� She commented.
“I am� Alicia said smiling “Nick just asked me out�
“Really? Wonderful!�
“I told him I would. I thought I would never ever get a chance to go out with him but now I do. I’m really excited, this is my first date in my life!�
“See, I told you he would ask you eventually! I’m really happy for you, Alicia. Will Nick pick you up?�
She nodded “Why?�
“Because Jeremy and I would like him to stay for a few minutes, just so we can get to know him and see what he’s like. It’s not a grill session or anything, we just want to meet him�
“You’ll like him, Katie, he’s a really sweet guy and a good friend. I never thought he would have any interest in me. Evidently he does�
“Alicia, you need to give yourself more credit than you do. You are a pretty girl with a lot of qualities that anyone would want in a friend, or a girlfriend�
“You’re just saying that, Kaite�
“No really, I think you do. You won’t let anyone compliment you very muich and you have a lot to be complimented about.�
“I guess my first 16 years of life have something to blame for that. My parents never complimented me for a job well done or had friends to do that. So it’s something I am not used to�
“You need to, it’s not that bad�

As soon as Alicia got home, she got out her journal.

Guess what? Nick asked me out after practice! I can’t bleive it! I never thought that he would have an interest in an average sophomore. I’m really high up on Cloud 9 right now and I don’t wanna come down! Ok, I can’t focus right now, so I am going to day dream about Nick now.

She shut it, sighing dreamily. She was going out with her dream guy. But then panic began to set in. What would they talk about? What did you talk about on dates? What should she do if Nick wanted to kiss and she didn’t? And, haven forbid, what would Sara think if she found out? “Screw her, she is not in the picture anymore. Nick wants something more with you now� Alicia told herself.
She figured she would get some advice on dating from her friends tomorrow. For now, she had to be nerdy and work on the pile of homework that was waiting in her backpack.

The next day at lunch, Dani asked her “How was practice last night?�
“Average. Until after� Alicia answered, trying to hide a smile.
“What happened after?� Desiree asked.
“Nick asked me out!� Now she was grinning.
“Fabulous� Les said. “Are you ecstatic about that?�
“Heck yeah. But I have a lot of questions about dating and I feel really stupid to ask them. You three seem to be such veterans next to me�
“Everyone was in your shoes at one time, Alicia� Les re[arse]ured her. “Come on, ask away�
“What exactly do you talk about on dates?�
“Just try to get to know one another as people, your history, try to find some common interests. And since you two are in play, talk about maybe the progress of your characters and play itself� Dani suggested.
“But there’s some things that I don’t feel comfortable telling anyone yet, let alone him� Alicia told them.
“You don’t to. That’s a common mistake that I see people make. They give too much information on the first date and are left with nothing to talk about the next dates. Obviously those relationships didn’t get anywhere� Les took a sip off her milk. “You need to leave a little mystery in the relationship�
“Exactly. That happened to me on the last guy I went out with before Drew� Desiree chimed in. “He told me way too much information, and it scared me so much that I never will talk to him again� she shuddered “But you’ll be fine, I’m sure you’ll find plenty of things to talk about�
“And what if Nick wants to kiss on the first date and I don’t? To me, a first kiss has to happen at the right moment�
“And you feel that it’s not the right moment, just straight out tell him, I don;’t want to do that just yet. And Nick’s a good guy with good morals, I’m sure he’ll listen to you and respect that� Dani said.
Desiree started giggling. “What?� Les asked her.
“I’m just thinking about her and Jeff’s first date! Tell her Dani�
“Why did something really funny or embarr[arse]ing happen?� Alicia asked her.
“It’s funny to think about now, but I was really mad and embarr[arse]ed at the time. Jeff and I went to go see a movie, I forget what one now, but he went to whisper something in my ear. He had a soda in his hand. So the soda slipped out of his hand and all over my outfit. I slapped him across the face for it, even though he apologized for it a million times. I ignored him for about two months after. But them with his charm, he convinced me to go back out with him and we have been dating ever since�
The quartet laughed. “Oh so graceful Jeff, but we love him anyway� Les commented.
“I hope Nick does do anything like that on our date� Alicia said.
“We hope not too�

It was a free period in theater cl[arse] for most people because Ms. Collins had to talk to all the stage crew about several things.
“Have either of you two seen Ashlyn today?� Megan asked.
Missy shook her head “Nope.�
“Not me either. She hasn’t looked well lately� Alicia commented. She had some idea of what it might be but didn’t indicate it to her friends.
“I hope she is� Megan paused “You look really cheerful, Ali. Are you just in a good mood?�
“Actually it has to do with practice last night. Nick asked me out after it last night� Alicia told them.
“Really? What did you say?� Missy asked.
“Yes, obviously. You both know that he’s my dream guy. But I’m really nervous�
“There’s nothing to be nervous about. All a date is you are going out alone with a member of the opposite sex. And it might lead something deeper than friendship� Missy told her. She had an interesting perspective on it.
“You make sound so easy, Missy. I’m afraid that I’ll make some stupid comment or something to mess it up�
“You won’t. And if you do, it may even count for you because some guys like how girls can make stupid comments and laugh about them. So, you never know, you really never know�
“I just hope it goes well�
“It will, Alicia. Don’t worry about it� Megan re[arse]ured her.

The week seemed to go by in a flash. Alicia spent it being a little bit nervous about the date with Nick. But she remembered what her friends said and tried to calm down a little bit. And on Friday, Nick told her he would call her if he got lost to her house.

On Saturday, Alicia got her highlights and cut redone by Christine and Dan (They were her regular stylists now). They were really happy that she had gotten a date.
Then at 5:00, she rummaged through her wardrobe to find something appropriate to wear. She changed her out fit what seemed like umpteen million times before she decided on a purple and blue halter she had borrowed from Desiree, black skirt, heels and a jean jacket. Then she fixed her make up and brushed her hair, leaving it down.
At 7:00 on the dot, she heard the front doorbell ring. “I’ll get it!� she called and rushed down the stairs. Nick was standing there waiting for her. He looked really good, in a black polo shirt and khakis. And he had a single red rose in his hand.
“Hi Nick� Alicia greeted him with a smile.
“Hi. This is for you� He handed the rose to her.
“For me? Awww, thank you, you’re so sweet� She said. “Would you mind coming in and meeting my aunt and uncle?�
“No, not at all� Nick told her. He followed her inside.
Jeremy and Katie were sitting on the couch together, while Tyler was working on his homework in the kitchen. “Jeremy, Katie, this my friend Nick. Nick, this is my aunt and uncle, Katie and Jeremy�
“Pleased to meet you, ma’am and sir� Nick shook both their hands.
“Likewise, Nick� Jeremy said. They talked for a few minutes till Jeremy told him “Have her home by 11:00, ok Nick?�
Nick nodded “Yes sir, I will�
“Have a good time,� Katie called after them as they walked out the door.
Nick escorted her to his car and opened the door for her. “Thank you�
“You’re welcome� Nick got in the other side.
“Well, here goes nothing� Alicia thought as he started the car.

[Raevengeance]

awwwwwwwwwwww so sweet

and only Jeff could be that graceful

[StargateGirl]

awww how cute. :D

[Biondo Sorto]

Totally a Jeff move, but that's why we love him :P
Ohhhh Leave us in suspense why don't you :D
Can't wait to see what happens on the date :wink:

[Luv_98_Degrees]

Aww...this story is soo cute Kris!!

[Kristen07]

I just wanted to let y'all know that I hope to have an update for this story this weekend. I can't tonight because I got a bit of homework to do (Including a HUGE English test) so look for it this weekend :)

[StargateGirl]

Can't wait to read it. :D

Good Luck on the english test. :)

[Kristen07]

Hey y'all, here's Chapter 15. Y'all will LOVE the cliffer I have at the end of this chapter :D :P


~Chapter 15~

They drove in comfortable silence to the restaurant. Then they went in and really didn’t talk much while waiting. “Oh, this is going great� Alicia thought sarcastically.
“That’s only because you aren’t talking to him. Why are you so nervous, Nick is already a friend of us so it’s not like you don’t know him already. Chill out� she told herself.
They were seated and then engaged in forced small talk till Nick asked her “Why are you so quiet, Ali?�
Alicia sighed. “I don’t know. It’s just that I’m nervous.�
“Why? We’re already good friends, so it’s not that you don’t know me. And we’ve been out together before, it’s just this is our first time out alone. Come on, tell me�
“I feel like such an amateur compared with my friends. I’ve never been a on a date, been kissed, any of that kind of stuff. So it makes me feel a little uncomfortable�
“Don’t be embarr[arse]ed. Everyone has been in your place at one time or another. You’re just experiencing them now. It seems to me that, like me, you care too much about what people think about you� Nick said.
“Yeah, I do. At my old school I felt that people thought I was a plain, outcast freak not worth talking to. So because of that, I didn’t have many friends.�
“I’m sure that people did want to, you just kind of ran away from them�
“Well, I talked to people but the conversations weren’t very in depth or personal. But when Les said hello to me on my first day here, I was really surprised. I was like, “you want to talk to me?� But then as the year p[arse]ed on, I began to realize that having friends isn’t so bad�
“And you realized that they didn’t have that preconception about you?� Nick asked.
She nodded “That’s one of my character flaws. I automatically [arse]ume things too much. I’m trying to be better about that though� Alicia liked how easy it was to talk to Nick and found herself slowly relaxing. “So, enough about me tell me so things about you Mr. Lachey�
So they spent about telling each other a little bit about their backgrounds, even though Alicia intentionally left out several things because she wasn’t ready to reveal those yet.
“You’re relaxing a lot Alicia. I guess my advice worked� Nick commented.
She nodded “It did. And I’m trying to remember what some people told me. All a date is that you are going out alone with a member of the opposite sex and you’re trying to get know each other one a deeper level.�
Nick took a sip of his soda. “Exactly. Good advice, whoever gave it to you.�
Just then Alicia spotted Sara walk in with someone she didn’t recognize. “Ignore her, Ali. She’s not worth our attention�
She turned around. “Who is that she’s with?�
“One of my ex friends� The way Nick said it, that told her that she needed to back off the subject.
“How many plays have been in in your life?� She asked him.
Nick thought for a moment. “5 or 6.�
“Wow, you seem like a veteran compared to me. Which one was your favorite?�
Nick chuckled. “Each one had something special about them. But I think the one we are doing right now is my favorite. We have a well written script, great cast and director, and a co star who is really special and very talented� Nick smiled.
“You don’t mean me, do you?� Alicia asked him, blushing slightly.
“Yes I mean you. You don’t give yourself enough credit. Even though it’s your debut role, you have talent I have never seen before. People will think you’re a veteran up there as long as you don’t let your nerves to get to you�
“There’s the problem. My nerves might get the best of me. I’m not worrying about it right now we just need to get things accomplished right now and I’ll deal with the nerves later. Do you ever get stage fright?�
“Well before a show I get a little nervous about it and if I’m going to do a good job or not. It comes with the territory now.� Nick said.
“You don’t get too scared?�
“Not really. Like it said, it’s normal now and I know that I just have to go out there and give it my all. And how it’s received, it’s that way.�
“Have you ever had performances you weren’t happy with?�
“Oh yeah. It’s normal to have a bad night. If it happens that way, you just have to accept it and move on�
“You make it so easy. If that happened to me I would freak out and dwell on it,� Alicia said.
“You really can’t do that. Sometimes in plays things don’t go the way they are supposed to. You just have to try to alter with the mistake and move on. You just have to keep going� Nick paused and looked at his watch. “It’s 8:40. Do you think we’ll be able to see a movie and get home by 11?�
“ We should be able to. Let’s do that� Alicia said. “I just hope nothing happens like what happened with Dani and Jeff,� she added to herself.

They went over in the movie theater and got in the movie just as the previews were starting. “I hate how so many previews are shown on movies� Alicia whispered to Nick. “They are too dang long and most of them don’t look good�
“The movie producers are just trying to get you to get to see their movie� Nick said.

The movie they saw was ok, but the highlight of it was that Nick held her hand for the majority of the movie. That definitely meant something deeper was becoming of them.
They returned to the house at 10:50. “I had a really good time tonight� Nick said.
“I did too, Nick. We need to do this again sometime.� She said smiling.
“We will. I’ll see you in school on Monday, ok?�
“Ok� Nick gave her a goodbye kiss on the cheek. She watched him drive away in his car. Alicia had the biggest grin on her face. Tonight was one of the greatest nights she had had in a long time.

She immediately went to her room and get ready for bed. Then she got under her covers and got out her journal.

Well, my date with Nick was tonight. It was great. We had dinner and went to a movie. I was a little nervous during the first part of dinner, but after Nick talked to me I relaxed. Nick is so easy and enjoyable to talk to. He also held my hand during the movie. Something deeper might be developing between us, I don’t know. The highlight of the night was him kissing me on my cheek after dropping me off. It’s still tingling from that. But I’m glad we didn’t kiss lips-to-lips yet. Our first kiss has to be special and it just wasn’t the right moment. I think Nick picked up on that. Tonight has made me fall in love with him even more. If I only I could tell him….

~Monday~

Nick was waiting for her at her locker when she got to school on Monday. “Hey� he said, smiling.
That smile always made her melt. “Hey. Gotten a grill session on how our date went yet?�
He shook his head. “Not yet. Guys are more like they ask what they need to know and leave it at that. Girls are more like hey have to know every single detail�
“True. We girls like to gossip about things like this. We have practice tonight, right?�
“Yeah. You’re supposed to be on top on this kind of thing�
Alicia gave him a quizzical look “Why do you say that?�
“Well, you’re a straight A student, so that means that you are on top of everything. Ever since the beginning of the year I’ve figured out that you are like that� Nick said.
“Well, I’ve become a little bit more relaxed this year. But not much� she added, seeing Nick’s raised eyebrow. “Did you think I was a goody-two shoes?�
Nick shook his head. “No. You’re a cool straight A student�
Alicia laughed “Thanks. I’m glad you think so.� She shut her locker. “See you in French�
“Ok. Bye hun� They hugged and Alicia headed toward History. Had he just called her ‘hun’? This was definitely leading somewhere.

At lunch it was just Desiree, Dani and Les and Alicia sitting together. “So, how was your big date?� Desiree inquired.
“Fabulous. Nick took me to dinner and we went to a movie.�
“Were you nervous?� Les asked
Alicia shook her head. “A little during dinner but then I relaxed. But we’re not dating... yet. Give us some time�
“You really would make a good couple� Desiree said. “Nick looks a lot more comfortable with you than he did with Sara.�
“How do you know? You really haven’t seen us together much� Alicia asked.
“Drew said so.� Desiree said simply. “We went on a triple date Saturday.�
“Oh really, where did you go?�
“Bowling at Star Lanes.� Dani said. “We didn’t invite you two because we knew you’d been too busy getting to know each other. Next time we’ll invite you two�
“It bet that was fun. Who got the highest score out of the 6 of you?�
“It was a fierce battle between Jeff and I for awhile, but then I got on top.� Dani said with a smile on her face.
“I bet he wasn’t so pleased to lose to his girlfriend� Alicia commented, laughing.
“Not really, but he gave a victory kiss afterwards so it wasn’t so bad�
“Next time we’ll have a guys and girls lanes playing against each other� Desiree said. “See who’s better�
“Excellent idea, Des.� Les said.
The girls talked for the rest of lunch.

The day p[arse]ed on normally until after practice. “Do you think she could come over for dinner and help me with French homework? I really don’t get what we’re doing� Nick asked.
“I think so, I really don’t have that much besides that. My aunt and uncle shouldn’t mind.� Alicia called Jeremy and he said it was ok for her to do that. “Ok. Let’s go to your house�

15 minutes later, they were at the Lachey residence. It was nice house, similar to what Katie and Jeremy lived in.
“Oh good, you boys are just in time for dinner� A friendly looking woman about 45 with dark hair and blue eyes appeared. “My, who’s this pretty girl you brought home with you Nick?�
“Mom, this my really good friend Ali. Ali, this is my mom Cate. I invited her over because I need help on my French homework�
“Pleased to meet you Mrs. Lachey� Alicia extended her hand.
�Likewise. And please, call me Cate. Would you like some dinner?�
“Ok Cate. I would love some�
Drew made a smart look on his face “You just want kissy face with her don’t you Nick?�
Nick rolled his eyes. “Shut up Drew�

The four of them sat down for a delicious dinner. Then Alicia and Nick went up to his room to do the homework. They worked for about an hour on that. Alicia was really patient with him because she wanted him to grasp the concept.
After they were done with homework, Alicia asked him “How long were you with Sara?�
Nick thought for a minute. “2 years or so. It was longer than it should have been though�
“Did she put you through a lot?�
He nodded.
“You don’t have to tell me about it if you don’t want to.�
“No, I want to. The 11 months was pretty smooth. Then she began to act all high maintenance and all this stuff, which wasn’t her before. She began to change a lot. She began to flirt with a lot of guys just to get their attention, but not do anything about it. And I even talked to another girl, she got really jealous. She was being a total hypocrite.�
“Was there problems before we got cast Together?� Alicia asked.
He nodded. “Lots. I really should have ended it about 6 months before I did. But I was a fool. I still stayed.�
“What happened?�
“Do you remember the guy was she with on Saturday?�
She nodded.
“Well, she began to flirt with more and more. And then at the end of junior year, she cheated on me with him. She fooled around. Not sex, but it seemed like everything but that�
Alicia gasped. “You should have dumped her right on the spot, Nick!�
“I know, I should have. But she came crying to me saying she was sorry and that she drunk when she did it and all this BS. I found out later that she really wanted him. But I believed it and forgave her. And everything was fine for that summer. But when the school year came around, it became bad again. And after I talked to you in the car that night, I finally got the guts to do what I’d been wanting to do for 6 months� Nick sighed, laying back on his pillows.
“She thinks that I’m the reason you broke up with her.� Alicia sat on the end of the bed.
“You’re not. You just justified what I should have done what I did a long time ago. I’m never going to make the same mistake again�
“I may be new to this dating stuff, but I would never do anything like that to you, Nick�
“I know you wouldn’t Alicia� Nick pushed her hair away form her face. They talked for a little while longer and then he took her home.

He gave her another kiss on the cheek after he dropped her off. They were getting closer to coupledom, but it just wasn’t quite there yet.

Nick and Alicia went out together a couple times over the course of the week and were starting to get a little more comfortable with each other on a deeper level. And with each time that they did, Alicia realized that love might not be so bad, if Nick was her boyfriend. One thing still stood in the way of that becoming a reality: she still couldn’t get the guts to tell him that she liked him. Her friends had said that she needed to turn the tables and ask him, but she felt that the guy should make the first move. Actually he already had, by asking her out on a date. She secretly wished she could get the courage to tell him so, like K[arse]andra was with Jamie. Because there was a chance, just a chance, that he might feel the same about her.

They were walking in the local park. The night sky was covered in dark gray clouds, threatening rain to come at any minute. But the two friends were oblivious to that fact.

They sat down on a park bench. “So, are you glad you moved here from Ackensburg?� Nick asked her.
Alicia nodded. “You have no idea. I feel like I’m finally home now. I have great friends that care about me, a family that is nurturing and loving, I have cl[arse]es that challenge me, and I’ve been cast in a dream role that, last year I have been even petrified of even the thought of performing any type of role. My life is so much different than my old life, but so much better. I never want to go back to where it was� Alicia sighed.
“Why? Was it bad?� Nick put Alicia’s hair back behind her ear.
She nodded “You have no idea�
“Do you want to talk about it?�
“Not yet. When I feel ready� Alicia told him.
�Ok. Whenever you do, I’m here to listen, ok?� Nick said.
That made her feel good that she would have Nick to talk to if she wanted to. “Thanks� She paused and took a deep breath. “Can I tell you something, Nick?�
“Sure, what?�
Alicia gathered all the courage she could “I’ve†¦ liked you since the beginning of the year.â€Â� There, it was out and over with.
“Really? I haven’t been able to tell�
“Haven’t I been obvious?� Alicia thought. “Yes I have. At first, I thought you were cute, like most girls would but then it got deeper, like wanting to know what you were like and what it would be like if we were together. I’ve been trying so hard to keep it in, but now, I can’t�
“Well, I have something to tell you too� Nick said.
“Ok�
“I’ve liked you too. I liked how you were that shy girl in the back of the cl[arse] who really didn’t say anything and I began to wonder why you hung back like you did. I knew there were some personality and a girl who wanted to be loved, and I was right. You’re different than anyone I’ve ever met. There’s just something about your aura that’s refreshing. You’re not all uptight and care about your looks all the time, and you have a different perspective on things. And� Nick put her hand on her face “If you let me in, I would like to get to know you even better�
“I would like you to do that� Alicia whispered.
As if it was on cue, the rain began to poor down. The duo stood up and Nick pulled her close to him. Then he moved even closer and closer…

[StargateGirl]

awww.... :D very cute.

[Biondo Sorto]

Oye Kris!!!
I finally got time to read this and you leave us in suspense?! >P
Gosh, you burn my curious heart :P

[Kristen07]

I know, but it keeps y'all reading! :) Don't worry I won't keep you in suspense too long.

[Luv_98_Degrees]

I love this story soo much Kris!! Keep up the great work, and add soon please!!

[jnd98forever]

kiss her already!!!!!!!!!! :Kiss: ahhhhhhhhh your gonna drive me insane from the suspense

[Superstar]

This a really good story!! Keep it up!! :D

[JeSsNnIcK1026]

post soon :)

[Superstar]

Please post some more, this is really good!!!!! :wink:

[Kristen07]

I promise I'll get it to y'all as soon as I can. However, I do not see much story updating till my summer vacation(which starts next week) i have two essays to write for my English final, study for my other finals and my computer has been screwing up lately. It won't let me save work to it (among other things). Thank you for being so patient! :D

[StargateGirl]

Take your time, Kris. Good Luck with your finals. :)

[Superstar]

Please post some more!!!!!!!!!!! :Angel:

[Kristen07]

Finally, here it is! :D

~Chapter 16~

Finally their lips met. It was nothing like Alicia felt before in her life. But she had to admit; she loved it. It was so magical, with the rain falling on them and them kissing. She had never been kissed before, but Nick was such a good kisser. She wished this moment could never end.
They broke away. “Wow!� Alicia exclaimed. “That was amazing!�
“It was for me too. You’re a good kisser, Alicia�
She couldn’t help but blush. Nick thought she was a good kisser, and this was her first one? What a compliment! “Thank you, so are you�
“Have you ever kissed a guy before?� Nick asked.
She shook her head. “No. But I’m glad you’re my first one. So does this mean we’re an official couple now?�
“I would think so.�
Alicia immediately thought about everyone else at school. What were they going to think? “What’s everyone going to think at school?�
Nick rolled his eyes. “Screw them, Ali. It really doesn’t matter what they think As long as we are happy with the relationship, that’s all that matters�
Nick was right. “You’re right� She looked at her watch. “Oh crap! I have to be home in 10 minutes. Oh no, I’m going to be late for curfew! They must be so worried about me!�
He smiled. “Don’t worry about it. Most teens break curfew at least once. Your aunt and uncle don’t seem like the type to get too mad over that.�
“I know, but I don’t like being late. Let’s go�
They walked to Nick’s car.

Nick drove her home. She was 10 minutes late. �Thank you for the good time tonight� Alicia said.
“You’re more than welcome� They kissed again. Alicia couldn’t believe how good it felt. “I’ll see you on Monday, ok?�
“Ok.� She got out of his car and into the house.

Katie was there on the steps, waiting. “Ali, there you are! I was getting worried! Look at you, you’re soaking wet? Did you get caught in the rain?�
Alicia nodded. “Yes I did. I’m really sorry I’m late, Nick and I just lost track of time.�
“It’s ok for this time. Just don’t do it again ok?�
“Yes, Katie�
�And you look especially happy tonight. Something happen between you and Nick?� Katie commented.
“Nick and I had our first kiss. He’s now my boyfriend!�
“See, I told you that you two might get together! I’m happy for you. He seems like a really nice guy.� Katie said.
“Oh he is the nicest guy. I guess he likes something about me�
“What’s not to like? As I have said before, you need to give yourself more credit. You have a lot more than you think you do. I don’t mean to walk around and think you are the best thing since sliced bread, but have a little more swing to your step. I think you’ve grown a lot more in confidence this year, but you can have even more�
“Ok. Thanks, Katie. Well, I’m going to bed. Goodnight�
“Goodnight, hun�

Alicia went up to her room, got into her pajamas and got out her journal.

And I thought things couldn’t get any better! Nick is now my boyfriend! We kissed tonight and let me tell you, it was so magical. It was pouring the rain down all over us
But really it just added to the moment. He said I was a good kisser. I couldn’t believe it. I’ve never been kissed before.

I really can’t believe how good my life is now. Just 6 months ago I was trapped in a world where I was not loved and no one cared I existed. I had under my goody-two shoes persona and conservative clothes. But now, I realize that was not truly who I was supposed to be. This year has really made me realize that. I’m meant to be a good girl, but not so good it’s sickening. I’m supposed to live life a little more and take risks. Taking Theatre and getting cast as K[arse]andra was definitely a risk. I wanted to do something different but had no idea I had any talent. Evidently I do. I’m on Cloud 9 right now and I never ever want to come down.

The next day after lunch, Alicia received a phone call that she did not want to have.

“Hello?�

“Hello Alicia, how are you today?� It was her mother. She hadn’t heard that icy voice since September and she had hoped never to hear it again.

“Hi mother. I’m fine. How about you?� She was careful to keep her tone very polite. She had mastered this tone living 16 years with her.

“Just fine. Still doing that pretty play?�

This made her really mad. Petty? It was anything but that. “Yes, I am�

“What a waste of time. Why bother putting together a story that isn’t true? There are a lot more important things in life�

Not to her there wasn’t. Her mother and father just didn’t understand the concept of that. “You may not agree with what I am doing, but it doesn’t mean you have to insult it every five seconds� Her anger was starting to show through.

“Kelly Alicia, I do not like your tone!� Her mother said in that stern voice.

That made Alicia really mad. She hated the name Kelly and got mad when anyone called her that. She didn’t answer.

“So, are you able to come home for Thanksgiving?�

“No, how about never?� Alicia thought sarcastically. “No, because we already have plans to go to another relative’s house. But if you really want me to, I can come home for Christmas� She really didn’t want to make that statement, but she knew her mother was going to make come ‘home’ for one of those holidays. She wanted it to look like she volunteered to come.

“That sounds fine. When do you get off form school?�

“December 23rd�

“Ok. Then you will fly here and spend the whole vacation with us�

Great. Two weeks back with her ’family’. Why had she gotten herself into this? Hadn’t she vowed to herself that she wouldn’t go back? ? “Fine� She hung up.
“What the heck have I gotten myself into? They might try to keep there. Oh well, can’t do anything about it now� Alicia took a deep breath.
Jeremy was sitting nearby. “Why did you just do that?�
“Because IU know I don’t want to be forced into going back. I know from past experience that you don’t want my parents to force you into anything. It’s not a pretty picture. And when I get there, I plan to tell them all the feelings towards that have developed over the years and how I don’t need them and don’t want them in my life anymore.�
“I don’t blame you. They have treated you horribly. Do you this will be the last time you go to Ackensburg in your life?�
She nodded. “No matter what they say, I’m coming back.�
Jeremy had a weird look on his face, like he knew something that she didn’t. But she decided against asking him why he had that look. She got up to do her homework that she had been putting off the whole weekend. The old her would not have even DREAMED of doing that.

That night Nick called her.

“Hello?�

“Hi. Is Alicia there?�

She smiled at hearing Nick’s voice. “You’re talking to her right now. Is this Mousier Nick Lachey?�

Nick laughed. “The one and only. What are you doing right now?�

“Nothing, relaxing in my room. How about you?��

“Same here. It’s your typical Sunday night�

“What are going to do if people see us… together tomorrow… and not like it?� Alicia asked him.

“What do you mean, what are going to do? Ignore them of course. Babe, it doesn’t matter what others think about us being together. They can love us or hate us�

“Yeah, but I care what people think�

“But you can care too much, which I think you do too much sometimes�

Nick was right. Alicia did care too much what people thought of her. That was mainly the reason that kept her from having friends all these years. She knew they would face opposition from some people. Especially a certain someone. “What about Sara?�

“You already know I don’t give a [crap] about what she thinks anymore. She is considered out of my life. Don’t’ worry Ali, it’ll be fine.�

“I guess it’s because I’m new to this dating stuff�

“There’s a first time for everything� The duo talked fro a little while longer and then said goodbye.

The next day at school, they met at Nick’s locker.
“Are we going to tell our friends that we’re together?�
Nick shook his head. “Let them figure it out for themselves. We don’t need to broadcast all over that we got together this weekend� Nick shut his locker. “Where are you heading to?�
“History, Room 317�
“My cl[arse] is kind off on the way too, so I’ll walk with you� Nick took her hand and the duo walked to cl[arse] together.

When they got to Alicia’s cl[arse], Nick just gave her a quick hug goodbye since it was 5 minutes before cl[arse] started.
Desiree had been eyeing them and suspected something was going on. “What was going on between you and Nick?�
Alicia played it off. “Nothing�
“Ah, come on. You two looked really cozy out there! You’re together aren’t you?� She teased.
“Maybe we are, maybe we aren’t�
“Leesh..� Desiree was getting irritated.
“Look I’ll tell you later�

The day p[arse]ed by normally till lunch. It was just Les, Desiree and Alicia today since Dani had gotten sick over the weekend.
“Jeff kept her company all day Sunday and he’s going to her house straight after school today to check on her� Les said.
“Aww, that’s sweet of Jeff� Alicia said, smiling.
“I know. There’s a total sweetheart under that goofy persona. So Des is telling me she thinks something happened between you and Nick this weekend�
“Well, I’ll admit we’re together, but that’s it.�
“Did you kiss him?� Desiree asked excitedly.
Alicia nodded. “He is a good kisser. But I am not looking forward to the end of the day. Because… well you know who I’m talking about, will see us and not like it.�
“I wish you luck on that. She is going to get really nasty� Les said.
“I know. And I’m not so sure I want to feel her wrath�

[StargateGirl]

awww..they're together. yay!!

[Superstar]

<span style="font-family:Arial">Hey, you added!!!! It's so good can't wait for the next post ! :hehe:
</span>

[Raevengeance]

great add Kris :)

[Biondo Sorto]

El Perfecto add again, like always!! :Kiss:
Can't wait 'till the next one. :)

[Superstar]

When are you going to add some more to this one? :scratch: I hope it's soon!!!!!!!!! :)

[Kristen07]

Well y'all.... i know it's been a couple weeks since I have written an update. But I can't update any other story untill I get Anytime done and out of my system. I paln to do that tomorrow so hpefully you'll se an update for this story within the week :)

[Kristen07]

Now it's been over a month. I'm sorry to keep y'all waitng. :( I have written out some of the chapter, so if I don't update in Georgia, i will definiely will when after I get home, which is on Monday.

[Kristen07]

Here's the actual chapter :) I'm sorry it is shorter, it's all I wanted to put in there!Hope y'all enjoy :)

~Chapter 17~

Alicia was nervous all afternoon. She did not want Theatre cl[arse] to come. She wasn’t exactly scared of Sara. She just didn’t want to face her wrath. And if she saw her and Nick together…. there would be some words exchanged to say the least.
She was the first one there today. “Good, the less time I have to be in Sara’s presence, the better�
Drew and Jeff came in after her. “Hey guys, have you seen Sara today?�
“She’s in my last period cl[arse], why do you ask?� Jeff asked.
“Well, I’m just nervous what she’ll say when she sees that Nick and I are…. together� Alicia sighed.
“You shouldn’t give a crap what she thinks. She’s just the jealous ex.� Drew told her.
Megan then walked in. “Little Miss Perfect’s mad and she and Nick look to be having an argument in the hallway�
“Oh crap,� she thought. “I hope that she hasn’t seen us already�
Nick came in a few minutes later. Alicia could tell from the look on his face that he wasn’t in the best of moods. He looked over at her and smiled. “Hey Ali�
“Hey� He sat down next to her and put his arm around her.
“No PDA during cl[arse]!� Jeff teased.
“Shut up Jeff� Nick said. “Cl[arse] doesn’t officially start till Ms. Collins comes in and calls order. Until then, we can do what we want. I could be making out with her in the middle of the room and I’m not�
That shut him up.

Cl[arse] seemed to go really slow that day. Things were going nowhere in the play. Having Sara’s beady eyes on her and Nick’s every move was not helping the cause either. Alicia wished she wasn’t in the cl[arse] because it was just adding stress on them.

After cl[arse], Alicia saw Sara all over the guy she had seen with her on Saturday. They obviously were dating. She wanted to scream at them “GET A ROOM!!!!!!� But they would not. Why couldn’t she see that Nick was not hers anymore? He was not the day he found out the day he was being cheated on. Oh well, it was her problem. She went back into the auditorium.

Megan and Ashlyn were chatting in the front row. “You look disgusted about something� Megan commented.
Alicia rolled her eyes. “Sara and her new flavor. But she also seems to think that Nick is hers still when he obviously is not�
“He’s not. He got over her a while ago. Rumor has it that he now has a new girlfriend. Would you know who that is?� Ashlyn asked.
Alicia blushed. She was the new girlfriend. “You’re blushing! Come on, fess up� Ashlyn teased.
“It’s me. We kissed this weekend.� She admitted timidly.
“Awwww…. Missy told me that she saw you two holding hands earlier in the day so she knew that you were it. See, you thought at the beginning of the year you had no chance with him. And now look, you are dating!
She sighed. “Yeah, but sometimes I feel that he’s only do it to be nice and because he feels sorry for me.�
Ashlyn shook her head. “I don’t think it’s that. I’ve been with a guy that did that, and I could see right through him. Nick seems like he genuinely sees something in you. You should feel lucky to have a guy like him. He’s one of the nicest in the school�
“It’s just something I’m not used to. This is all new to me, because I’ve never had a boyfriend before.�
“Everyone goes through this kind of thing at one point. Now is your time. Don’t worry about a thing� Megan said. “ Hey, now you won’t be nervous about the kissing scene!�
They laughed. “Yeah well, the next hurdle is getting over the nerves of kissing in front of everyone!� Alicia remarked. “That’s better than being nervous about kissing a guy I’m not dating or barely even know, though.�
“Exactly�
Sara came into the auditorium. She pointed to Alicia and motioned her finger for her to come out into the hall. Alicia got up, not afraid of her.
“What do you want, Sara?� she asked.
“What are you doing with my boyfriend?� She looked pretty mad.
“Last time I checked, he broke up with you a couple weeks ago. And for another thing, I saw you all over another guy like you were dating�
“When was this?�
“Just after school let out. Don’t deny it, everyone saw you. It was pretty public PDA. So I would advise you to get out of my face before something else happens� Alicia was really proud of herself.
“Gladly, you [freak]ing ugly [nice person]. You know Nick’s only with you because of the play. After it’s all over he’ll dump you and go back to me�
“I don’t think so, you hypocrite. Bye� Alicia said in a really sweet voice. She turned on her heel and went back into the auditorium.
“What was that all about?� Ashlyn asked.
“Nothing.� She looked at her watch. “I hope Nick’s coming, practice starts in 5 minutes!�

Yet again, practice was frustrating and had nothing noteworthy happen. That seemed to be the pattern lately. Everyone hoped they could get out of this block, because opening night was in 3 months. Much still needed to be accomplished in that tine frame.
Nick and Alicia were standing outside the school. She left out a huge sigh of frustration. “What’s wrong, Alicia?� He asked.
“I’m just really frustrated. Things need to be progressing faster than they are�
Nick made a noise. “I’ve been involved in worse, trust me. My sophomore year, no one wanted to do the play we were in. So we slacked off till about three weeks till opening night�
“How did it turn out?� She asked.
�It wasn’t great, but it wasn’t flat out horrible�
“Why did no one want to do it?�
Nick thought for a moment. “It was a combination that we didn’t like the director that year, and the play that was picked was too old for a high school drama cl[arse], it wasn’t a good combination�
“Sounds like it wasn’t. How long was that director there�
“Quit at the end of the year. The only reason he was hired because Ms. Collins had moved to Dayton to take a job there. She hated it, so she came back here junior year. Everyone was so happy about that. I think that she is the best director. Do you?�
Alicia nodded. “She has made me really comfortable with acting. At first, I was really embarr[arse]ed to admit that I was a rookie. To her, if doesn’t matter if you’ve acted once or a million times, if you have talent, she gives you the part. “
“I like that, too. Did you ever imagine yourself being in the lead role?�
She shook her head. “Not at all. I only did it for the heck of it. I never thought I would actually get it. There are a lot of things that I have now that I never would have thought I would a year ago… “She sighed.
Jeremy pulled on the curb a few feet from them. “Well, I need to go. See you tomorrow�
“See ya, babe� They kissed and she went to the car.
“Hey I see you were getting chummy with nick over there�
She blushed. “He’s my boyfriend now, Jeremy! Should I be allowed to kiss him?�
He laughed. “Yes, you are. I just couldn’t resist the opportunity to tease you�
“I’m sure you couldn’t� They started to head home.

Alicia arrived at school a few days later to Megan running up to her. “Alicia, someone has been spreading the nastiest rumor about�
She was scared to hear what it was. “What, Megan?�

[StargateGirl]

great add.. :D

hm.. wonder what the rumor is...

[Superstar]

Nice add. Can't wait for the next one!!! :wink:

[littleprincessj]

Kris, I just finally got to this chapter...i LOVE it. I'll put it up on my site tonight if I can. Keep writing, I wanna read moreee!

[littleprincessj]

Kris, just wantedto let you know, I added it to the site.

[Superstar]

When are you going to add? :(

[Kristen07]

I'm hoping sometime this week. I'm going to be home by myself during the day Tuesday-Thursday, so i'll have a lot of time to do so. Then my updating time will probably be cut down A LOT once school starts, which is on Friday. Thanks for the patience, y'all :)

[Kristen07]

I had some bad news. This story is on hold for awhile. I'm just bored with it. I have so many ideas and places I want to take this story.... but right now I'm just ont motivated to write it. Hopefully it won't be for too long. But for now... it has to be this way. I apologize to everyone who still reads this. :( I know i'm keeping you hanging. :( Once I pick it up again, i'll make it worth the wait! :)

~Kris

[Luv_98_Degrees]

This story is wonderfullll Kris!! I loveee it lotss!! Keep up the terrific work, & don't worry, take your time, it will definitely be worth waiting!! :D :D

[Kristen07]

Well, y'all, I'm starting to miss writing this story. I have a lot to do this week, but maybe during this weekend I will find some time to get Ch. 18 out to y'all. Sorry to keep ya waiting!

[Luv_98_Degrees]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(RememberWhenItRained @ 12/13/05, 09:53pm) 32764</div>
Well, y'all, I'm starting to miss writing this story. I have a lot to do this week, but maybe during this weekend I will find some time to get Ch. 18 out to y'all. Sorry to keep ya waiting!
[/b]

I can't wait, but take your time!!!!!! :D :D :D :D

[Kristen07]

This story is on pg. 3.... and I don't like it, lol. I really need to start picking it up again. But, be honest, who is still reading this? I kinda feel like no one is and I don't want to write something no one is going to read?. I don't mean to be harsh, but I'm just letting y'all know how I feel. i am going to try to find some time to attempt to get a decent start on the chapter and hopefully Ch. 18 will come soon!

OMG!!!!!!!!! I just realized the last chapter I wrote on this was WAYYYY back in July. Wow. Now I really miss this.

[Forever_Lost]

Well, I really like this story. ...and silly you haven't posted any new adds so how are you gonna ask, "who is still reading this?" In the end it's all up to you. :Tounge:

[jnd98forever]

ooooo Me...ME *raises hand and jumps up and down* lol...i've been waiting :Big Grin:

[Luv_98_Degrees]

same with me! i'm still reading your story, Kris!! i love it lots!! :Big Grin:

[Kristen07]

Ok y'all.... this chapter is 1/2 done. I am determinded to get it done either before i leave on vacation or during vacation... I know y'all are eanxious to read it.

[Superstar]

I just want read somemore!!!! It's really good.

[Luv_98_Degrees]

ohh yay!!!! i can't wait Kris!!!! :Big Grin:

[Kristen07]

Ok, y'all, this chapter is done. No I really mean it, it's done. I'm really happy about it because it signifies the OFFICAL restart on this story. I just hope that it meets y'alls expectations that it was worth the 8 or 9 month wait, that u enjoy and and please leave me some lovely feedback. It would make me really happy :Big Grin: Soooooooooo........ without further ado....... DRUM ROLL PLEASE............................................ ...........


















It Won't Happen (Not To Me) Chapter 18!!!

Edit** I forgot to post this... Mayoressofnickvill from the Prince's Shrine made this blend for the story

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v711/KM724/ItWontHappenNotToMeblend.jpg

~Chapter 18~

“That you have been cheating on Nick with Donovan�
Donovan? He seemed like a nice guy but she hadn’t really talked to him that much. “What the… I would never cheat on a boyfriend, especially one as loyal and sweet as Nick. It’s Sara…. Trying to break us up. It’s not going to work, though. No one believes her lies, especially Nick.� Alicia sighed. “I’d punch her if I had the chance, honestly. I hate her… more than anyone I have ever met�
“I figured it wasn’t true… I just thought I’d tell you�
“Well, thanks for the information. I need to head to cl[arse]� She headed down the hall, trying to shake off the information that she had just heard.
Nick was waiting for her outside the French cl[arse]room door, and was not fooled. “What’s wrong, something’s bothering you� He ran his fingers through her hair.
She sighed “The latest rumor around the school is that I’m cheating on you with Donovan�
Nick’s eyes widened in surprise. “Donovan? You barely talk to him. Honestly… that’s outrageous in every way possible�
“I know it is. One, I would never cheat on a guy and two, I barely know him. You didn’t believe it when you heard it did you?� she asked timidly.
He shook his head. “Not even for a second, Leesha. It’s just Sara’s failing attempts to break us up and make me run back to her like I have done in the past� He paused, shaking his head some more. “No. I am smarter than that now. It’s gonna be ok, baby. I promise�
“I didn’t doubt it was going to be, I was just wondering�
“You have absolutely nothing to worry about� He placed a kiss on her cheek as some smart [arse] walked by and said “NO PDA in the halls�
Alicia inwardly rolled her eyes. “smart [arse]es� as she and Nick walked back into cl[arse] to learn French.

The next couple weeks went on without incident. School remained the same, with the course load increasing slightly. Nick and Alicia kept excelling in French cl[arse], helping each other when there was a stumble. The duo and Dani and Jeff had their own little group in the corner of the room that always had fun. Also at times Nick and Alicia would try to talk in French when they didn’t want anyone to hear what they were saying to beach other. They were getting better at it, too. Also, they were slowly growing into being a couple. Alicia started to like the thought of having a boyfriend. It was nice to have someone to talk to about things when she couldn’t talk to Katie or Jeremy or any of her friends. She liked that exclusiveness between them, that they would always have each other. But…. one little word really scared her. Love. Her emotions for Nick were stronger than anything she had ever felt for another person in her life., but she knew it wasn’t love… yet. Still, she was scared that Nick would move faster than her and tell her he loved her when she wasn’t ready to say it back. He didn’t seem like the type of guy to do that kind of thing, but it worried her a little bit.
It looked like nothing was going to get the play out of its downward spiral. Ms. Collins had blown up a fair few times for people not trying as hard as they should have, or messing up on even the littlest of details. Alicia was shocked to see that side of her. Ms. Collins had been mostly a mild mannered, sweet woman. The cast knew she wanted to fall apart. This was her first play that she had mustered the guts to have a cast to perform and it seemed to be falling apart before her eyes.
Also, Winter Break was nearing. This was an occasion that Alicia was not looking forward to. Her destination was Ackensburg to spend it with her “family�. And with her luck, her parents were going to try take away everything that made her happy. But would they care? No. They never had. They never wanted her in the first place. This fact had never been expressed to Alicia, but that was the impression that she got with the treatment toward her. She had always felt unwanted all her life. Not by just her parents, but everyone in general. Her situation seemed inescapable. Jeremy and Katie allowed her a second chance at life, to discover her true personality. She loved who she discovered herself to be. That could not be stolen from her.
She had tried to express her fears of this visit to Jeremy, but every time she brought it up, he either clammed up or abruptly changed the subject. He had to know something she didn't.
One night, he tried to avoid the subject again. "Jeremy, why do you get so defensive when I want to talk about this?" Alicia inquired in an irritated tone.
He sighed, "I'm trying to protect you"
"I'm 16, Jeremy. There is no way you can protect me forever. I probably have some idea what you are going to say anyway"
He nodded "I know, and I’ve decided I'm tired of hiding the truth from you. Let's talk about this on the couch"
Alicia nodded "Let's do that" They sat down on the living room couch. "So what is it?"
"Frank has been in constant contact with me without wanting to talk to you. He has been making several threats at me"
"Like what?"
“Just yelling at me that I stole his daughter from him, that you need to come home or he’ll sue me or something. He is going to try every thing in his power to keep in you from coming back after Christmas. But I refuse to let you stay with him after I get you back this time. You do not deserve to go through what your life has been like the last sixteen years. I have never seen you this happy and I want to keep it that way�
“I know. I really don’t want to go back there but I was forced to. That is going to be the worst two weeks of my life. He only cares if I’m in the most miserable state possible. My parents never wanted me. They never said so, but I know that it’s true. They always loved my sister more than me. I almost want to say that they are not my family anymore. I do not want that [arse]ociation because it brings back that painful past. I’m ready to say goodbye to that part of my life, evidently he isn’t�
“Don’t worry honey, I am going to do everything I can to make sure you come back to where you belong, even if it means coming over there and telling him off. I do not like to do that to people, even if I do not like them very much. However, he has almost gotten on my last nerve. He does not treat you like a daughter. I’ve grown to love you as my own and I want absolutely nothing than the best for you. Don’t worry Ali, everything will be ok.� Jeremy wrapped her in a hug.
“I hope so, because I refuse to look back now.� She sighed, taking in Jeremy’s touch. This was the way dads were supposed to hug their daughters. She felt that Jeremy would protect and defend her. Why oh why wasn’t he her biological father? He had become just as good as one. She knew he loved her and was going to always look out for her best interests.

Alicia was toiling away at her homework a few nights before Winter Break. For some reason, all of her teachers must have teamed up to give her the biggest homework load possible. She had been working on it all night and still didn’t see an end in sight. She sighed. “I have to put this pencil down for a few moments or I am not going to be able to use my hand for a week� She laid down her pencil on her Trig homework. This particular [arse]ignment wasn’t particularly hard; it just was just painstakingly long.
A knock came on her door. “Come in� Alicia said. Good, there was someone to distract her.
Katie stepped into the room. “I just wanted to warn you, Jeremy is talking to your father and I think he might want to talk to you�
But not that kind of distraction. She groaned, “Thanks for the fair warning, Katie� She said sarcastically.
“I know it’s not what you want to hear, but I thought I’d warn you. Hopefully you want have to deal with him after this visit�
“We’ll see. Well, in the meantime, I shall finish my math homework�
“How is it coming?� Katie asked.
“Turtle pace, let’s just say that much� Alicia told her.
Katie laughed, “Well, I might as well let you work. Jeremy will come up her if Frank wants to talk to you�
“Ok, thanks� She picked up her pencil and proceeded to work again.
15 minutes later, there was another knock. “Come in� Alicia said.
Jeremy walked in, a weird look on his face. She knew her father wanted to talk to her. He handed her the phone wordlessly.
She took a deep breath and put the receiver to her ear.

“Hello Father� She said in her most polite tone of voice.

“Hello Kelly. How are you today?�

Kelly. Just the thought of the name made her squirm. And that voice was the fakest tone Alicia had ever heard in her life. He really didn’t care. “Just fine, and yourself?�

“Fine. You remember that you are staying with us for the next two weeks, don’t you?�

“Yeah, how could I forget?� Alicia thought sarcastically. “Yes, Father, I do. What about it?�

“You know that all of our rules will go in effect from the minute you step off the plane?�

“Yes, I do.� Why was he asking her all of this? Did he think she was dumb?

“It’s seemed like Jeremy has loosened you up too much. You are not to wear those new clothes that you have been wearing, I will take away your cell phone, and treat your mother and I with respect�

“BS, he has not. There are lots of people worse than me�. Now I have to go back to acting the way I used to� Alicia thought angrily. But she did not defy her father. “Ok�

“Why do you have that life? You know it’s utter nonsense? Working on some petty play that really doesn’t mean anything and isn’t real… and going to an ART school…it’s all rubbish… having a social life�

“Excuse me for saying this Dad, but why do you bother to criticize every little thing about my life, when I say absolutely NOTHING ABOUT YOURS� Her temper was flaring. She wasn’t going to be sweet, polite and a doormat unlike she had been for the past 16 years of her life. And she planned to pour every emotion that she felt towards him and her mother during her life. She didn’t care what they thought about it; she had to get to all of that hurt off her chest and throw it back in their face.

“YOU DO NOT SPEAK TO YOUR FATHER IN THAT TONE OF VOICE, YOUNTG LADY!!! I am your father and what I say is law�

“You wanna bet that?� She grumbled under her breath.

“WHAT DID YOU JUST SAY?�

“Nothing, absolutely nothing� Alicia said in a sickly sweet voice.

“IF YOU SPEAK YOY SPEAK TO ME IN THAT TONE OF VOICE WHEN YOU ARE HERE, I GURANTEE YOU THAT YOU WILL BE HIT AGAINST THE WALL AND BEATEN FOR THAT, YOU HEAR ME?�

The fierceness and sternness in his voice made Alicia cower like a lost hurt little puppy. He very rarely spoke like that, but when he did, it was in the best interest to not anger him further. “Yes, Father� Her voice was barely audible.

Frank took a deep breath. “So, when are you coming in?�

Alicia was quiet for a moment, trying to fight hot, fresh tears that had filled her eyes. “Thursday at 8:10 in the evening�
“Good. I will escort you from the airport. And when I do, keep your tongue in check�

Alicia sighed. “Yes, sir�

“Goodnight, Kelly.� His tone sounded exceptionally sinister.

“Goodnight, Father.� She hung up, knowing that he was probably laughing at the other end. She felt like the tragic heroine, fighting for her life the battle, but ending being wounded. She tried to control the tears, but they refused to leave. She started crying, that phone call brining back all of her pain from her life, realizing that she would have to go through it again, and realizing she may never return ever again

[Forever_Lost]

Great add!!!

Oh goodness.. that's going to be 2 very long weeks for her.

[Luv_98_Degrees]

i love your add, Kris! man, i missed this story. keep up the great adds! :Big Grin:

[Kristen07]

This part of the board is dead... lol. An update is going to coming tonight after i make the final corrections for this chapter :)

[Leslie]

YAY!! :D

[Kristen07]

Here's Chapter 19, y'all! Please leave me some oh so lovely feedback :Big Grin:

~Chapter 19~

The next morning was gray and bleak. Rain pounded heavily on the windows, thunder roared like a lion, and lightning flashed like a broken lightbulb. It seemed as if the world wanted to mourn along with Alicia. She couldn’t be more pleased. Today the world had fallen on her shoulders and she never wanted to remove the burden. Tomorrow, her world as she knew it would fall apart and be stolen away anyway. She sighed, putting on gray sweatpants, sneakers, and tank top. She put her hair back in a ponytail and didn’t bother with make up. She didn’t have a care in the world about what she looked like. In fact, she didn’t give a hoot about anything today.
Alicia thought about the words her father spoke last night. He’d only hit her once, but that memory brought back pain beyond pain she had ever felt in her life. How could he say she was his daughter when he treated Chloe like a queen and her like a servant? How could he even say he was a father? Now she had to live with the pain of being in his presence for two more excruciating weeks. How was she going to bear it? Alicia had no clue. “Well, now I have to go to school and avoid my friends because I really don’t want to be a social person today� She sighed, gathering her school stuff and headed downstairs.

Breakfast was wordless. Jeremy and Katie understood why she looked so emotionally wounded, and did not put forth any questions. The kids wanted to, but Katie gave them glares that told them to leave her alone.

Alicia arrived at school, and immediately headed to her locker. Les wasn’t at hers. “Good, I won’t be bombarded with questions of why I am acting anti-social and what’s bothering me. I just don’t want to talk to anyone�
That day she operated on autopilot. She behaved like what used to be daily routine. She didn’t notice any of her surroundings. She concentrated in class, but didn’t really grasp what was said. Not a word was spoken to her friends or Nick, despite their constant pleas to tell them what was wrong. She ignored the, hoping they would get the message. Unfortunately, they didn’t. Concerned questions and glances were pointed in her direction all day. Today wasn’t the day to spill her heart on the floor, even though she was at her most vulnerable emotional state.
Finally, play practice rolled around. As much as Alicia loved being Kassandra, she didn’t want to get under her skin today. She didn’t want to go on that stage and sing and dance. She didn’t want to daydream about Jamie and wish that they were together. But the production was falling into a deep abyss fast; the cast needed to do a 360-degree turn if the play was going to debut on February 12.
After an unproductive half an hour, Ms. Collins had had enough. “Everyone, please sit down on this stage. I want to talk to you� The tone of her voice was very firm. All the cast and crew made their way to the stage quietly and sat down on the front edge. The looks on everyone’s faces were solemn; they knew Ms. Collins meant business.
“What is going on? The first few months we were doing so well. Now it seems to me that some of you have stopped caring about this play. You don’t even try… there is no “uumph� to the acting, the movements. You look like you are going through the motions, not really feeling any of it. I know you are tired, I am too, but this has gone on for way too long. Some of you seniors remember the production where you slacked till 3 weeks till opening night. I’m sure you do not want that to happen again, do you?� She paused “We have roughly eight weeks to get this back together, kids. Do you want to make asses of yourselves or make the audience think that was the best play they have seen in recent years? If you don’t care, you are free to go and dismissed from the production. I don’t want an apathetic cast and crew .� She sighed. “There is so much potential in this group and it seems to me that you’re casting it away. This play is my baby and I don’t want to see a bad cast and crew perform it. If you deeply care about this production and what it to be the best production the Cincinnati School of Arts has ever seen, please raise your hand�
Slowly everyone raised his or her hand. They realized how much this meant to Ms. Collins and to themselves. “Good, that’s what I like to see. Then what do you say we get some work done!�
“Yeah!� Everyone said excitedly.
“Ok, then I need Derrick, Eric, Will, Jamie, Andrea, Kelly and Meg up on stage� When starting scenes, Ms. Collins always used character’s names to say who should be on stage.

Ms. Collin’s pep talk was the energy surge everyone needed. Everything seemed to liven up again. The lines flowed better, the blocking and dancing came easier, and everyone had found a newfound love for the play. Everyone expect Alicia, that is. Not even the peppiest of pep talks could lift her out of this broken depression. She tried with everything she had, but it was no use. She kept fighting back tears, which slowly wasn’t working either. She’d been close to the break down point all day but all the frustration and emotion she’d been feeling was slowly breaking down her wall.

At 5:30, Ms. Collins gave the cast and crew a break because she said that they had the most productive hour and a half in a month and deserved some quick downtime. As everyone filed out of the auditorium, Ms. Collins stopped Alicia. “Alicia, may I talk to you for a moment?�
Alicia shook her head. “Sure, what do you need?�
“What’s wrong? You don’t seem as motivated as everybody else�
Alicia sighed. “I appreciated your speech Ms. Collins, but not even that could raise me up tonight. I’ve had a terrible day and an even more so night last night. I just can’t get into character, no matter how hard I try.�
“What has made your day so horrible if you don’t mind me asking?�
“Parents problems… and I won’t be here for break. Actually there is a possibility that I may not come back to Cincinnati�
Ms. Collins raised her eyebrow.
“I’ll make a long story short. I live with my aunt and uncle here. I moved here because I didn’t feel well treated by my parents. They don’t like me living here. I am being forced to visit them for Christmas break and I know that they are going to try to make me move back in with them. So if I’m not back when school starts again….you know where I am� Tears form in her eyes.
“If you feel like you are going to break down, don’t even ask to leave. Just leave and go have your cry. Are you sure you don’t want any one to talk to about it further, honey?�
Alicia shook her head. “No. Thank you for offering though. Am I going to miss any practices?�
“A couple, yes. But we will go on the best we can without you. Are you going to be ok?�
“Yeah, I’ll be fine. She sighed, heading to get a drink.

About an hour later, Alicia reached her ultimate breakdown point. She slipped out of the auditorium and walked to the end of the hall. Slowly, she slid down the wall and began to cry for everything that had happened.
Ten minutes later, footsteps proceeded towards her. She felt gentle hands caressing her arms. “What’s wrong, baby?� A male voice whispered. It was Nick.
“It has to do with my parents� She whispered.
“Do you want to tell me what it is?�
She nodded. “ It’s a long story, though�
“I have all the time in the world. Talk to me, honey�
“Well, as you know, I live with my aunt and uncle. The original reason I moved here is because I didn’t feel well treated by my parents, my father especially.�
“What were they doing to you?� Nick asked.
“They conformed me to this false image that I truly am not. And if I even remotely tried to break out of that shell, I was slapped or disciplined.� She paused “They were hypocrites too�
“What do you say that?�
“Chloe didn’t have as many of the strict rules as I did. She always got away with almost anything. They treated her life a princess while I stayed the slave. Chloe was always the ‘wanted child’. They always praised her when she did good or just said it was ok when she didn’t please them. I, on the bother hand, had unreachable expectations and I could never tell they loved me. They never said it and it was never shown. Everything that I did, I was put down for. I never heard the words ‘I love you’ said to me in my young life.�
“I don’t understand that. You are a wonderful young woman that any parents would love ands be proud to claim as their own�
Alicia shook her head a dubious look on her face. “I don’t know why I have been treated this way. I’m a good kid. I could be out doing drugs and gosh knows what else like some other teenagers. But I’m not. And they still disapprove of me�
“Exactly�
“I don’t understand them, Nick, I really don’t. They caused me to feel like if they couldn’t love me, how could anyone else? I seldom made friends because I was terrified to get close to anyone�
“Weren’t you lonely?�
Alicia took a deep breath, the tears drying up temporarily. “You have no idea. I constantly wished I could get closer to people, but I never tried. I used to cry myself to sleep every night because I wondered why my life was a personal hell. Then Jeremy took me in and gave this second chance at life�
“Then why are you going back there if you really don’t want to?�
“Well, I told my dad I would come but the only reason I told him was because I knew if I didn’t, he’d force me to. So I had no choice.�
“He’s determined to get you back there, isn’t he?�
Alicia nodded “Very much so. I don’t see why; all he does is make my life hell. I guess he gets pleasure out of seeing his child suffer which shouldn’t be the case.� She paused “I’m so scared of what he could do, though, Nick�
“Why?�
“Because of the tone of voice he spoke to me in when we got into a fight last night. That fight is what made me cry in the first place. And he has hit me one time before, which brings back really painful memories�
Nick put his hands on her arms “He’s not going to hurt you. Just keep praying and you will get out of there unharmed� His tone almost seemed convincing.
“I can only hope you are right� Alicia looked down at the floor.
“Will we be able to talk to each other while you’re there?�
She shook her head. “My contact with the outside world will be very limited�
Nick sighed. “This is going to be a crappy few weeks for me�
“Why�
“Because I’m going to worry like hell about you and if you are ok.� He sighed “And I’m gonna wonder if we’ll ever see each other again after tonight� She could see the worry in his eyes.
“You will, Nick� I’m just unsure if I have the strength to stand up to my parents so I can come back�
“You’ll find it, babe. You’ll dig deep inside yourself and find a strength you never knew you had�
Tears filled Alicia’s eyes. How could she have such a wonderful boyfriend? She broke down again. Nick took her in his arms and began stroking her hair. “Cry all you want, Leesh. I’m here� He whispered in her ear. She never wanted him to let go.
Finally her eyes were all cried out. She’d never done so much crying in her life and she felt she could never cry again.
“I really don’t know what to say anymore. I wish I could do something to take away all the pain that you have just spilled out to me.�
She shook her head. “You don’t have to, Nicholas. Just you being here to listen was enough.�
“Everything’s going to be ok, Alicia. You’re going to come back here. Just keep telling yourself that. I‘ll come here and get you if I have to�
“Hopefully you won’t need to� She sighed. “Nick, there is still some time in practice left�
“There’s only about 10 minutes left. Besides, you are in no shape to do any more acting tonight�
“I know, but we need our stuff� She stood up.
Nick stood up as well. He wrapped her in his embrace again. They stood like that for a few minutes “Thank you for being there� Alicia whispered.
“You’re welcome� Nick whispered back.
Nick wrapped his arm around her waist and they began to walk back towards the auditorium.

Nick pulled up in front of her house about a half hour later. “Thank you again for tonight Nick, you have no idea how much it meant to me�
“You’re more than welcome. I only hope it made you feel a little better to get all that hurt off your chest�
Alicia nodded. “It definitely did�
They leaned in and met lips. Alicia loved kissing Nick. It felt so romantic and sweet, and he was an amazing kisser. She was going to miss feeling this so much.
They broke away. “Goodnight�
“Goodnight� And then he whispered in her ear “I love you�
Her loved her? Wow… he must be feeling strong feelings for her to say such things after only a little over a month of dating. However, she could not respond because she did not regard her feelings for him as love… yet. She simply smiled and exited the car.

She walked into the house to see Jeremy alone in the living room. “Where are Katie and the kids?� Alicia asked.
“She took them out to eat and ice cream. I’m not feeling well so I declined.� He paused. “So, how was your day?�
“Allright, drowned in my depression for the majority of the day and pretty much ignored my friends, had a breakdown and spilled my heart out to Nick at play practice… but nothing other than that.� She said with a hint of sarcasm in her voice.
“How are you feeling?�
She sighed “I don’t know how to describe but being broken and scared.� She sighed. “I’m so scared, Jeremy�
“I know you are. Please, if that man even lays a hand on you, try to find a way to contact me and tell me, even though if Frank had his way, he’d stop that from happening�
“I’ll try. I just have this funny feeling that if I speak to him in the way I did last night, he will seriously hit me somehow.�
“You are going to come back here. After you do that, I will change my phone number so they will not be able to find us anymore. You will not be under their tyranny anymore, I promise�
Tears filled Alicia’s eyes. “Why couldn’t you have been my biological father?�
Jeremy had tears as well. “I am now. This is your home and family now. It’s time that you do not feel that pain anymore. Do you plan to tell them everything you have felt all your life?�
She nodded.
“Then this will be the closure that you desperately need to move on from this chapter of your life.�
“Yes, it will� They embraced.
“I love you, Ali�
“I love you too Jeremy. You have become such a father figure to me.� Jeremy kissed her forehead.
After the hug broke, Alicia said “Well, I am going to go do my homework and meditate about things�
“Don’t you want some dinner?� He inquired.
Alicia shook her head. “I might decide to snag something out of the fridge later if I’m hungry.�
“Ok, if you’re positive�
She smiled, recognizing the Fern Gully movie quote. “Only fools are positive!�
Jeremy smiled. “Are you sure?�
“I’m positive!� Alicia walked out of the room with a slight smile on her face.

After her homework had been completed, she dozed into thought. Today made her realize how much she truly loved her life in Cincinnati. Her friends deeply cared about her, even though pushed away their sympathy; the play was beginning to go back in its correct direction, but she would be absent for valuable practice time. She had a family that she felt loved by and a compassionate and understanding boyfriend who let her spill her heart on his shoulder. How could she go back to being in a reclusive prison after having a life like this? One thing was for sure; she had every intension to let everything out on her parents and then run away never to return. She was going to let go on her painful past with this trip, slam and lock the door on the memories that would never define her character again.
Opening her heart to Nick was the first step to this freedom. Crying on his should felt almost liberating. She’d been able to talk to someone openly for the first time in her life and that felt so good.
And Nick dropping those three little words on her really shocked her. They had been dating a little over a month. That wasn’t enough time for love to build, was it? Nick made her feel emotions that she’d never experienced toward another person before. But she knew is wasn’t love… not yet. She imagined love to be something that gradually built over time and you just knew when you loved somebody.
This also allowed her to start working up the courage to stand up to her parents in order to return to Cincinnati. Now all she needed to do was live through these next two weeks. How she was going to do that, she didn’t know. But she was going to try her hardest to get through it without going insane.

[Leslie]

Wow.. that was a great add! :D

[Superstar]

That was a great add :Big Grin:

[Kristen07]

This next chapter is close to being done.,.. if only this stupid writers block would go away *bangs head on deak*. Anyway.. I hope to have something for y'all soon :)

[Superstar]

I Can't Wait :Big Grin:

[Kristen07]

Hey y'all

Guess what? :) My writers block was cured last night and now the chapter is done!! I hope you enjoy very much and please leave nice feedback :)

The following day was the last school day before Christmas break. Alicia decided that she was not going to depress herself with the thought of leaving and enjoy the time she had. Still, she told a couple more of her friends a little bit about her situation. Each one of them was so supportive and understanding. This allowed Alicia to realize that opening her heart up to people wasn’t so bad. Friends could support each other through hard times. It felt good to know that she had so many shoulders to cry on if she needed them. Again she wondered why she didn’t do this in her old life. Maybe those people weren’t meant to know her that way.
This magnified how much she was going to miss being in Cincinnati. Her life was filled with so many wonderful people; how was she going to be able to be away from them?

Play practice rolled around almost too soon. Ms. Collins wanted to work on the guys dance again; that left most of the cast with a little free time or solo practice time. Alicia decided to open up a little more to Ashlyn because she would be the most understanding of what she was going through.
“Hey, Ashlyn.�
She turned around. “Hey what?�
“Will you come sit with me for a minute? I want to talk to you about something.�
“Sure, girlie. Let’s go.�
Ashlyn and Alicia found seats in the back of the auditorium for a little more privacy.
“I want to ask you something but I don’t want to be nosy…� Ashlyn began timidly.
“It’s ok. Go ahead and ask.�
“What caused you to break down yesterday?�
“That’s what I want to talk to you about. I have been opening up to people lately and I think you will understand my troubles the most out of anybody.�
“Ok, what is it?
“I’ve had a lot of parent problems as well…especially my father.�
“Like what?�
Alicia proceeded to tell her most of what she told Nick, leaving out the physicality of the relationship. She was able to keep her composure this time because her pain was becoming easier to talk about.
“Wow… how can he treat you that way?�
Alicia shrugged. “I honestly don’t know. I’m so scared, Ashlyn. I don’t know if I can go back there, especially since I’ve changed so much since I left.�
“What you need to do is go there, look him straight in the eye and say ‘Dad, leave me alone. I don’t care if you disapprove of what I love to do. I’ve put up with your crap all my life and I won’t anymore.’� Ashlyn advised.
Alicia chuckled dryly. “You make it sound so easy. I really want to say that… among other things.�
“You’re a strong girl, Leesh. You’ve got the courage to do this. Don’t leave any emotion out. Cuss him out if you have to; you’re not going to be seeing the man ever again.�
“I’m not that type of girl, though.�
“Well, from all the hell he put you through, he deserves it.�
Silence fell over them for a few seconds.
“I really do feel for you. Your problems make mine seem minute in comparison. At least I have parents that love me and want to have a daughter who is successful and do what she can in her life. Although it seems so hard to see that sometimes with all the pressure they put on me.� She sighed, her eyes misting. “I want to go home and tell them how much I love them that I’m sorry for snapping at them and I’m a failure of a daughter.�
This side of Ashlyn surprised Alicia a little bit. Ashlyn was the type of girl to not show how much things affected her. “You are not, Ash. They really do want the best for you. Be lucky that you have that.�
“And you have it now, too, in Katie and Jeremy. You’re going to be fine, Leesh. I know you are.�
Alicia smiled slightly. “Thank you so much for listening.�
“You’re welcome. You know, you need to open up more often. Friends are able to help each other.�
“It took me 16 years to realize it, but I finally know. It feels so good to let it out onto someone who understands.� The two girls embraced for a moment.
“Kassandra! We need to go over your song!� Ms. Collins called out.
“That’s you. Knock ’em dead, girl.� Ashlyn still looked a little vulnerable.
“Will you be ok?�
“Don’t worry about me. You got work to do.�

After practice ended, Nick, Drew and Alicia went back to the Lachey household. Cate had a wonderful home cooked meal prepared for them on the table. That affair was comfortable: the teens basically reviewed what had gone on in their day with Cate.
After dinner, Nick and Alicia sat on the back porch. The chilly December air nipped at their skin, but neither took much notice. They were able to enjoy some fluffy small talk for a little while. Yet, when the awkward silence fell, they realized that what was really bothering them couldn’t be escaped.
Nick finally broke the ice. “How are you feeling right now, Ali?�
Alicia sighed. ‘I don’t know, Nick. So many emotions are swirling through my body.�
“Like what?�
“I’m frightened, upset…it’s hitting me that now I have to go confront my father and get all these emotions off my chest. I’ve been holding them in for too long. I’m terrified that it’s not going to go as I picture it and yet I’m ecstatic that it’s finally the right time for me to vent. I knew holding all that pain inside wasn’t healthy, but it took me moving away from him to finally realize it. Do you see what I mean?� She looked at him for approval.
After a moment of silence, he nodded. “Yeah, I do. Leesh, I hope you’ll remember that I love you, and there’s no one else I’d rather be with while you’re at your parents’. That’s my chief worry.�
The look in his eyes revealed more about his emotion. There was tenderness, fear, love, worry and anxiety, all mixed up into a little ball in the pit of his stomach whenever he thought about her going back. He was afraid that he’d never see her alive again, although he knew that it was the silliest sort of terror he could imagine. Her father would never kill her; he’d probably just beat her to a bloody pulp. He was terrified that he’d never see the spark in her eyes, her innocent smile or see her dance again.
“Nick, I’ll never forget you. Never. You’re the guy I really like, and you have my self, body, heart and soul. You have it in your hands. And you’re mine. You’ve shown me that it’s ok to have friends and feel strong emotions towards other people. I never had that courage before.� She said.
“I’m sorry if I caught you off guard last night. I was just telling you how I truly feel about you.�
“It’s ok, Nick. I have never felt this way about any person in my life. And it's almost scary. When you kiss me, my heart jumps through the roof.. I get tingles down my spine down when you hug me, and there is never a day that goes by that when we talk that it doesn't brighten up my day. But... to me you have to just... know when you're in love, and it's not there yet."
“What makes you say that?�
She sighed. “I’ve always perceived love to be something that really takes time and effort to develop. But once it gets there, it’s something that makes you feel like you are on the top of the world.� She paused. “So I’m basically saying to give me time. I have strong feelings for you, but I can’t call it love, not yet.�
“Leesha, I’m not going to force you to feel something when you don’t. But last night really made me fall for you. Seeing you so broken and having to relive all those lonely memories caused my heart to go out to you. I couldn’t believe that someone so sweet as you had to go through what you did. When you know, I‘ll be right here with my arms wide open.�
“I don’t want to make you wait, though.� She sighed heavily.
“It’s ok, Ali. I understand. Let’s just not dwell on what’s upon on us and enjoy this night.�
“That’s a good idea.� She cuddled up to him, drawing strength from his warm masculine body as she wrapped her arms around his waistline.
He smiled, wrapped his arms around her and kissed her forehead.
They sat like that for a long while. For that moment at least, all of their troubles had dissolved into nothing and all they knew was they had each other.
She lifted her head. “I think I need to go home.
“Ok. I‘ll take you.� They let go of each other.

The ride home was spent in silence. Nick pulled up in front of the house and helped her out. Alicia’s eyes had filled up with tears by this time.
“Don’t cry, honey.� He put his hand on her face.
“I can’t help it. I’m going to miss you so much, Nick.�
“I’ll miss you, too.� He wrapped her in a tight embrace.
They stood like that for a few minutes.
“I’m going to go through hell worrying about you, you know?� Nick whispered.
“Try not to worry about me too much, though. Promise me you won’t.�
“I promise, Ali.� The look in his eyes said otherwise, she could tell he wanted to make her happy. “I love you.� His eyes were starting to water.
They leaned in for a goodbye kiss. This could be the last time she would be able to feel Nick’s lips on hers. The thought wanted to make her cry even more.
“Goodbye.� She whispered.
“Bye.� They unwillingly let go.

Once in the house, Alicia ran up to her room. She flopped herself on her bed and began to cry. Every emotion that she had felt in the past few days caught up with her and broke her walls down. She cried herself to sleep at the possibility that was her last encounter with Nick.

She arose the next morning, her eyes hurting and swollen from all the crying she had done. Today was the day. No longer did she have to look ahead and spend constant hours dwelling on what could possibly happen. She had to actually live it now. The thought petrified her. But she couldn’t show any sign of weakness to Frank because he would take advantage of it.

Slowly she went downstairs to find Jeremy alone in the kitchen. He opened his arms and they shared a wordless embrace. He didn’t need to ask why she had been crying; he already had a hunch.
“Can I get you anything to make it easier?�
She sighed, looking up. “Could you make me some French toast, please? It’s one of my favorite breakfasts.�
“Sure, I’d been glad to. Sit down at the table and I’ll get that started for you.�
10 minutes later, her food was ready. The sweet taste of the toast and gooey syrup made her feel a little warmer inside. Even though it was something small, it still made her feel a little better.
“When am I leaving?� She asked Jeremy.
“The flight takes off at about 1:45, and it’s 9:45 now. I’d say we need to leave here about 11:30 to make sure you get there on time and get through security ok.�
She sighed, standing up from her seat. “Ok. I can be ready by then. Well, at least physically.�
Jeremy smiled sadly. “I know exactly what you mean.�

Alicia slowed the getting ready as much as possible. She knew she had a deadline to meet, but she wanted to soak her moments in this house for all it was worth. She might not be back. Closing her suitcase, she glanced around her room, taking in what it looked like: lavender walls, all the maple furniture, and all her miscellaneous belongings that were placed about the room. This had been a refuge for her ever since arriving only four months previous. In fact, the whole house had become home to her. I don’t know if I’ll ever see this room again. Yes, you will, she reassured herself. You have the courage to stand up for yourself and that will allow you to come back to the life you love so much. Alicia sighed. I pray that I will be able to have that strength. She picked up her heavy suitcase and proceeded to lug it downstairs.

The whole family was waiting for her in the hall. First she moved to Tyler, who had a very solemn look on his face. “Good luck and don’t let anything Uncle Frank says to you get you down.�
“I’ll try not to, I promise.� They hugged.
Stacy had tears in her eyes. “I don’t want you to go. You’ve become a big sister to me… I love you.� Alicia didn’t want her cousin to know how doubtful she was about coming back. “I love you, too, Stace. Don’t worry about me; I’m going to come back, I promise.� They hugged.
Next was Brian, who just gave her a quick and awkward hug.
After that she turned to Katie. They hugged a fierce hug. “You’re going to be fine, Alicia. I know you are. Just stay strong throughout these next two weeks and I’ll keep praying for you.�
Alicia sighed, tears in her eyes. “I’m gonna try my hardest. I love you, Katie.�
“I love you, too.� They exchanged kisses on cheeks and pulled away.
“Are you ready to go, Leesh?� Jeremy asked, putting his hand on her suitcase.
“Ready as I’ll ever be. I have no choice.� She followed him out the door.

The ride over to the airport was awkward and spent in complete silence. Alicia looked out the car window at the passing scenery.

Jeremy pulled up to the airport terminal. He lifted her boulder suitcase and set in on the gray sidewalk. He and Alicia engaged in a tearful embrace. She took in uncle’s firm but gentle grasp and the clean cologne he always wore.
“Take of yourself, Alicia. And remember, if Frank even tries to lay a hand on you, call me. I will make sure you return here, where you belong.�
“I know. I will.�
Jeremy kissed her forehead. “I love you, Ali.�
“I love you too, Jeremy.� Slowly she slipped out of his embrace, and turned to the airport. She couldn’t look back because it would bring more tears and make the leave even more difficult.

[Leslie]

*wipes away tears* Great add!

[Superstar]

:( That was a great add! It made me cry, Keep up the good work. :)

[Luv_98_Degrees]

omgg *sniff* awesome job Kristin! i missed this story!!!! :Big Grin:

[Kristen07]

Guess what y'all? I have another chapter for you!:bigsmile: i'm sorry you have had to wait so long. School consumes up time so much. But I got ba lot of time during this holiday so I got a lot of writing done. I promise you won't have to wait another three months for the next chapter because i have chapter 22 almost all written out too ;p I hope y'all enjoy and please leave some oh so lovely feedback!

<3 Kristin

~Chapter 21~
The plane landed at the Pittsburgh International Airport at approximately 3 o’clock. Alicia heaved a heavy sigh. There was absolutely no turning back now. All she could do for now is push the thoughts of Cincinnati away because she knew her parents hated it when she appeared to be daydreaming. She put her backpack on her back and exited with slow flow of the passengers.
She arrived in the gigantic and open terminal. Masses of passengers rushed to get to their unknown destination. “I need to start looking for my mother.” Lily was a housewife; she stayed at home all day fussing about little trifles.
After walking for a few minutes, Alicia spotted her mother waiting for her. Lily Carter was a stuffy looking woman. Her crisp ugly paisley button down skirt was perfectly ironed and paired with a pencil skirt that hung over a trim body. Her brown-gray hair was pulled back into a unnaturally tight bun. The corners of her lips turned down. When she tried to smile, it didn’t look like much of one.
“Hello Kelly.” She greeted in her in her normal stiff tone.
“Hello Mother.” Alicia replied, slightly nodding and bowing.
“Do you have a cell phone?”
“Yes.”
“May I have it, please?”
Alicia reluctantly searched through her purse and handed it to Lily wordlessly.
“Come, we have luggage to retrieve.” Her voice showed no emotion.
How am I going to survive this if I’m already going crazy and it’s not even five minutes into the trip? Alicia sighed and followed her mother.
Ten minutes later, they arrived at the sleek Chevy Lily loved to drive. They both got in and Alicia immediately turned to the window. Miles of parked cars appeared to be the image, but she didn’t see that. Her vision filled with images of Jeremy, Katie, her cousins, Nick, her friends and how much she missed all of them. She sighed heavily.
“What’s the matter, Kelly? Aren’t you happy?”
No, actually, I’m not. I never have been while here. “Nothing is the matter, Mother.” Alicia stated in her emotionless, sickly polite voice. Gosh, she hated talking like that.
Lily nodded. “We are going to pick up your sister now.”
I wonder how she is going to react to me. Their last conversation hadn’t gone over very well and she didn’t know if Chloe carried over any bitterness. “That’s great.” Alicia said halfheartedly.
The rest of the car ride passed in stony silence.
They pulled up to Ackensburg High School. Alicia internally cringed as she thought about the lonely days she spent in that school. Thankfully she didn’t have to deal with those kind of days anymore. I wonder if I see anyone from my plain jane days, would they recognize or remember me? She doubted it; there weren’t very many who really gave her the time of day back then.
Chloe waited for them on the patio. She looked like a younger version of Alicia, except with gray eyes and a darker shade of brown hair. She wore it loose with low rise jeans and a canary yellow t-shirt with a couple necklaces. Alicia couldn’t believe that her sister was permitted to wear that stuff; she never would be allowed to in a million years. This showed what even bigger hypocrites her parents were. She internally rolled her eyes. She couldn’t wait to tell them off whenever her heart desired.
Chloe got in the car. “Hey Ali!” She greeted genially. Evidently Chloe wasn’t still bitter about their last dispute.
“Hey Cho, how are ya?” Alicia smiled.
“I have missed you… it’s…..” Chloe’s thought trailed off, knowing that maybe the next thing she said would offend her mother.
“I’ve missed you, sis. But don’t worry, I’m here for about two weeks. So we get to make up for lost time.”
“Chloe, darling, how was school today?” Lily interrupted, her icy exterior softening.
“It was fine.” Chloe tried to her annoyance in her voice..
“Are you sure? Is that all?”
“Yes, Mom. It wasn’t anything special.” Chloe quickly rolled her eyes in Alicia’s direction. This reassured Alicia that she had a dislike for their parents, even though she received the better treatment.
The trio again fell in silence and not another word was spoken on the way home.
They arrived home and walked into the house. Alicia froze in her tracks, analyzing her surroundings. This looked hauntingly familiar. The walls were a dark navy hue; they seemed stony. The stairs seemed frozen in place. No sign of homeliness whatsoever. Just like the people that ran the house.
The trio entered the kitchen. The cabinets were a steel gray. The refrigerator matched the color. The table, placed next to a gigantic bay window, had a clear top with industrial chairs placed around it. The look was modern but unwelcoming.
“Can I get you anything, Chloe? Are you thirsty? Hungry?” Lily fussed.
“Yes, mom, I’m fine.”
“Ok, if you’re sure.” Lily exited the room. The sisters heard her pace up the stairs, her heel clicking with every step.
“Honestly, can’t I have some time to talk to my sister, who I haven’t seen since the summer and talked to in about a month?” She groaned. “It’s like she doesn’t trust us or something.” She walked over to the fridge. “Do you want anything?”
“Ice water would be fine.”
Chloe poured water for her and got juice for herself.
“So, how has life been over there?”
Alicia smiled slightly, the first during the visit. “I love it. I’ve never been happier. My life feels so much more like my life. I don’t know how I’m going to…” Alicia stopped herself, knowing Lily might hear and she might offend her sister with her next comment.
“Going to what?” Chloe’s eyebrow raised.
“Nothing… I’ll tell you later.”
“Has anything happened between you and Nick?”
Her smile widened. “Yes, actually. He’s my boyfriend now.”
Chloe’s eyes lit up. “Really? That’s awesome! See, you can date guys just like everyone else.”
“It took me awhile to open up to him but now I have and he’s amazing…” She sighed, thinking back to their tearful goodbye. “I cried when he dropped me off at Katie and Jeremy’s house last night. I’m not allowed to talk to him or anyone back there while I’m here.”
“Why is that?”
Alicia sighed and shrugged her shoulders. “I don’t know. But I have to follow their rules.”
Chloe nodded awkwardly. Silence fell over the girls for a few minutes.
“Do you want to see a picture of Nick?”
“Absolutely.”
Alicia picked up her backpack and set it on the kitchen table. She unzipped it and found her photo album. “Here, let me find one of my favorites.” She flipped through found the picture. She and Nick were sitting on the auditorium stage while holding hands and Alicia had her head on his shoulder. It had to taken during break at play practice
“Hot damn, Kelly Alicia… he’s a cutie. No wonder you thought he was out of your league.” Chloe commented.
“I know. But his looks aren’t the whole package. He’s the sweetest guy and very understanding. He showed me how easy it is to talk to guys. I was really intimidated by them before but not now.”
“How long have you been dating? I don’t think you were when we…well when I screamed at you.” She corrected herself.
“About a month, I’d say. And another thing is, I have to kiss him at the end of the play.”
Chloe gasped. “Oh really? Just think how petrified you would be if you just had a crush on him and had to do that.”
Alicia chuckled. “I know. I don’t even want to think about that.”
“I’m so glad you are home. These next two weeks are going to be so much fun.”
Fun’s not exactly the word I would use. “It’ll be a good time.” She remarked half heartedly, trying to convince herself of that fact.

[Kristen07]

(continued)

Time passed easily till about 6:00 pm. Dinner was set on the table and the three women had sat down. Frank was due any minute and Alicia was not looking forward to it. She never wanted to be in that atrocious man’s presence ever again. But she was forced to be. She was going to see a lot of him over the course of her stay. The mere thought of it wasn’t pleasant, but it was about to happen. She adjusted herself to have proper posture and look as lady like as possible.
The front door opened with faint creak. Frank always opened the door in that fashion. Her bones stiffened as his well polished shoes clicked on the floor in heading this direction. She knew this all too well.
A man walked into the dining room. He looked very stiff and haughty. His brown with strands of gray hair were thinning. The half moon spectacles sat properly on his nose. A slight gut hung from his stomach. His gray suit was well tailored; no sign of a wrinkle in sight. Alicia gritted her teeth so nothing hateful would be said to the man known as Frank Carter.
“Hello all.” He stated in his artic voice. He stiffly kissed his wife on the cheek.
Alicia stood up because he liked it when she stood to acknowledge his presence.
“Why, hello Kelly. Pleasure that you should join us.”
“The pleasure’s all mine.” Alicia stated politely while bowing slightly. This voice was second nature for her to do; she’d spoken this way for sixteen years of her life.
He moved on to Chloe. “Chloe my darling.” He gave her a stiff kiss as well.
Alicia restrained from rolling her eyes. How could he show such favoritism? Why the hell was she even here anyway? Oh right, because she was forced to be . But for what? Just so her parents could take pleasure out of her misery? What kind of parents were they? How was she going to take two weeks of this?
Dinner proceeded on. To say it was awkward for Alicia would be the understatement of the year. Frank and Lily exchanged about their days, including the latest gossip about the neighbors. They also asked incessant questions to Chloe about her school day. It was like Alicia wasn’t even present, just like it always had been. She reverted back to the mode she used to exist in.
The evening passed on peacefully. Alicia spent it reading a romance novel Missy recommended, “Summer Home”. The words made her think of Nick. “I’m going to go through hell worrying about you, you know?” His soft voice said in her mind. Well, I’m going through hell missing you, Nick. She would read the story, but her thoughts always came back to Nick. Eventually, she gave up on the book. The thoughts were too strong. I never thought I was this capable of missing another person as I miss Nick.” She sighed. “Maybe it is love.
“”No!! It can’t be! There’s no way! We’ve only dated a month!”
“But why can’t you stop thinking about him?”
“Because I miss him, along with everyone else.” Today wasn’t particularly unbearable. Still, the misery would multiply over the coming days. Especially when she would be without the people she truly wanted to be with on Christmas. But she couldn’t dwell on it. She couldn’t show Frank or Lily any vulnerability.
They took advantage of it.
She stood up and walked up to her old room. The place didn’t feel like hers anymore. With the opaque white walls and run down furniture, it lacked any drop of personality. That’s the way she lived for sixteen years. She couldn’t believe she had accepted living that way for so long. But she was going to put it behind her for good. She just had to figure out the best way to do it.
She heard a knock on the door. “Sis, it’s me. May I come in?” Chloe asked.
“Of course.”
Chloe opened the door and shut it behind her.
“I want to talk to you about something.”
“Ok. What is it?”
“I’m not coming back after this visit.”
Chloe’s face filled with disappointment. “Why not?”
“I don’t belong here anymore. I want to throw back in Frank and Lily’s faces all the pain they have inflicted on me over the years.”
“What have they done to you?”
Alicia was upset that her sister didn’t have at least a hunch; however, Chloe was the benefactor of the treatment. “They have treated you like the wanted child. It was always Chloe who got all the praise, all the attention, all the nice things…I was thrown into the shadows. I never felt loved by them. And because I never felt loved at home, I lived a life of being a recluse and afraid to love anyone. It took taking myself way from the situation to realize the full extent.”
“Mom and Dad wouldn’t do that. They are strikers than the average parents, but they would never go that far.”
“Oh yes, they would. I want to tell them all the pain I have suffered the past sixteen years, but I’m not sure how. You saw how they ignored me at dinner. They take pleasure in my misery. No parent should do that. It’s like I’m a prisoner.”
“I wondered why that was. And they won’t let you talk to anyone from Cincinnati while here?”
Alicia shook her head. “No one.”
Chloe didn’t answer for several moments. Links began to be clear in her head. Her face showed a light bulb come on. The realization came to her now. “It’s adding up to me now. I don’t understand why they treat you so cruelly. It is unfair.”
“But I’m afraid to speak up. I’m afraid he’ll beat me senseless. He has once before.”
“If Dad forced you to live an existence this, I would.”
“I’m not sure how. I’m going to wait and see for now, though.”
“Will you let me know if there is anything I can do to help you out. I will not let Dad hurt you again.” Chloe messaged her sister’s leg.
“I will. I love you, sis.”
“I love you, too.”
Alicia’s lips curled into a faint smile. “We’ll stick together.”
“Yes, we will.” The sisters held each other in a tight embrace.

[Leslie]

Great adds, Kris. :D I missed this story.

[Kristen07]

I'm working on the next chapter for this story. It needs more editing and corrections to be made. Hopefully it'll be up today or tommorrow at the latest :)

[Leslie]

:D Woohoo. :)

[Luv_98_Degrees]

aww great adds, Kris!! i missed this story. keep up the good work! i can't wait for the next one =)

[Kristen07]

Guess what y'all! A new chapter is here for your reading pleasure :) I looked over this post last night and realized I have been writing this story for two years. (Give or take the 8 months I took off from writing it.) I started it on a snow day and I'm doing this chapter on a snow day! Wooo!

Note about the next chapter: it's long and will be split into two parts. That's all i'm saying!

Ok, I'll quit rambling and let y'all read now. Please enjoy :)

~Chapter 22~

Alicia was spending her typical afternoon in the isolation of her room, reading another book. She was tired of doing this, but there was nothing else to do. It didn’t matter where she was located in the house; she was miserable whether alone or in her parents company. Preferably, she liked being alone. At least Lily and Frank’s beady glances weren’t being shot her way and she wasn’t considering screaming at them.
A soft knock came to the door. “Come in� She whispered.
Chloe creaked open the door. “Ali, do you want to go to the mall with Mom and I?�
Wow, I am actually invited? Well Chloe probably begged her to let me come. “Sure. There’s nothing else to do.� She closed the book and stood up.
“Are you ok?�
She nodded. “I’m fine, Chloe. Let‘s go.� I wish I was.
Chloe knew better, but didn’t press the issue. She knew it wasn’t the time to push her sister to talk. “Ok, let’s have some fun. You deserve it especially.�
“Yeah.� The two girls headed downstairs.
Once at the mall, Lily and Chloe went to look at something boring that Lily liked. Alicia was able to opt out of it without much trouble. She wanted to explore on her own, without Lily watching her every move. They agreed to meet at the front of the mall at 4:30.
She browsed aimlessly for a few minutes, the bustle of the crowd going on around her. I wonder if anyone from my old school would recognize me. Maybe a few would and say genial hello. She did talk to people, but got close to no one. She had a fear of opening her heart up to others; she still struggled with that now. It was the reason she clamed up for so long before she spilled her heart out to Nick and opened up to her friends.
Alicia spotted two girls she recognized, Emma Gwinett and Kylee Burke. Those two were particularly nice to her when she lived here. She could tell they wanted her to be their friend but never got the courage to open up. She decided to call out to them; hopefully they would respond to her.
“Emma! Kylee!�
The two girls turned around. Emma had short blond hair, hazel eyes and a short and toned body. Kylee’s hair was almost an ebony hue. Her tan skin always glowed. Her brown eyes expressed friendliness. Her body was average. “Oh, is it…?� Emma asked, walking over.
“Alicia Cater? Is that you?�
“Yes, it is!� Alicia answered, smiling.
“My goodness, how are you? We have wondered about you!� Kylee opened her arms for a hug.
“I’m good, how about you two?� She hugged Kylee, and then Emma.
“We’ve been good as well. Very busy.� Emma said.
“How about you please come hang out with us! We don’t want you to walk all alone!� Kylee exclaimed.
“I‘d love to!� The trio started walking together.
The next few hours were the best she’d ever spent in Ackenburg. She found two friends that now she wished she had spoken to more. They browsed various stores together, laughing and getting to know each other. Questions were asked about why she had left Ackensburg, but Alicia was able to politely avoid them. She still liked to keep her guard up until she felt she could completely trust someone. Kylee was loud and loving, while Emma had a more reserved aura about her. Alicia knew that these two girls, along with her sister, would make her stay in Ackensburg much more enjoyable.
Alicia looked at her watch. She had to meet Chloe and Lily in about five minutes. “Emma, Kylee, it has been a blast hanging out, but I need to get going.�
“We’ve had an awesome time too. Can you give us your number so we can hang out another time while you are here?� Kylee asked.
“Sure.� Alicia reached into her purse and took out two scraps of paper. “This is my house number. But don’t call after nine and I’m not allowed to talk more than a half an hour. Parents are really strict. I’ll give you more of the story later.�
“That’s fine� She hugged both of the girls.
“We’ll call you soon, we promise! Have a very merry Christmas!� Kylee exclaimed.
“You both have a merry Christmas too.� Alicia waved to her new friends and walked in the other direction.
Christmas came the next day. Unfortunately, it wasn’t very merry for Alicia. She was yet again ignored by Frank and Lily and didn’t receive any gifts. Chloe got several. She never looked forward to Christmas because every one in her existence had been spent in this fashion. It felt like just another day; being ignored and unloved. The gifts part she hadn’t minded as much. But, her loneliness magnified her sadness. Why was Chloe always showered with attention and gifts while she was treated like a whole in the wall. She’d hoped that this Christmas she would be loved and actually received gifts. However, all of that was located in Cincinnati. She tried not to think about everyone there, but it was too difficult. Tyler, Stacy, and Bryan probably excitedly woke up Jeremy and Katie because Santa had come. They would open each gift with never ending glee. All her friends were socializing with their families and opening gifts. Finally, Nick was probably in the Lachey household, celebrating with his family. Hopefully her being away hadn’t dampened his holiday spirit. She didn’t want him isolating himself from family members and thinking about her all the time. She doubted it, though, especially with the way he seemed during their goodbyes.
She sighed. Why in the hell would Frank keep away from all of those people? She hated him with every glare he shot her way to make sure she was inflicting pain on her. Her face showed no emotion because she refused to give him that satisfaction. No matter, she would escape that creep.
She’d tried to come up with the right words to say to Frank and Lily. The process was failing miserably. She’s tried to come up with tactful ways to put her emotions, but she shot down every speech for one reason or another. When she’d had enough thinking about it, she put it aside in her mind for later.
The days melted together into Alicia’s head. She spent them being a quiet recluse, trying avoid Frank and Lily’s evil glares and trying not to think about her friends, family and Nick too much. That task proved to be difficult. Thoughts of them, while they upset her at times, were one of the only reasons she stayed sane in this place. The only bright spots were when Chloe and Alicia got time alone to talk normally and Emma and Kylee’s phone calls. The four had tried to come up with a good plan for Alicia to leave, but nothing had materialized yet. They all agreed they need to get together sometime before break was over to brainstorm.
One night, Alicia was more depressed than usual. All day her thoughts were haunted by Nick. Every minute she recounted either the time she cried on his shoulder at play practice, their goodbyes a before she left, when he said ‘I love you’ or random times they’d had over the school year. She still wasn’t sure if she loved him. Yes, he trigged emotions that he never felt and was afraid to feel towards another person. It couldn’t be love, though. They were only 16 and 18, for gosh sakes. Teenagers didn’t know what love was, did they?
But doesn’t me make you shiver every time he holds you? Isn’t your day not complete with at least talking to him? Come on Alicia, you’ve thought with your head all your life. Isn’t it time you thought with your heart for once?
She shook her head. It couldn’t be this way. It was too soon.
Chloe looked intently at her sister. “Are you missing Nick?�
She nodded wordlessly.
“Anything I can do to help?�
Alicia shook her head. “There is nothing. Thank you for offering, though.�
“Ok. I’ll be upstairs if you want to vent.� She smiled. “Cheer up, sis, it’ll be fine.�
Alicia forced a half hearted smile. “I’ll try.�
After Chloe strode up the steps, she sat down on the black leather couch next to the bay window in the living room. The black midnight stared back in the face. “It’s so dark out there, just like my mood.� She sat there in the silence for what seemed like an eternity, the silence deafening to the ears.
Finally, she heard Frank’s heels clicking down the stairs towards her. Oh great . She thought sarcastically. What does he want from me now?
“Why such the blue expression, Kelly?� His sinister voice spoke.
That was one of few times he’d directly spoken to her. Why would he care? He never had all her life. “There is nothing, Father.� She switched to her emotionless mode, even though she wasn’t sure she could keep it up.
“Is there something on your mind?� His spidery fingers crept up her arm.
What? He actually recognized she had a brain? What did he want? “Not anything I’d tell you about.� She spat.
His eyes filled with fire. “Does it have to do with that…. SCHOOL� The tone of voice sounded like he’d just uttered a curse word.
“Maybe it does. You’ve never considered…� My happiness. She finished mentally.
Alicia wanted with all her might to go off on him right then and there. No, it’s not time yet. Her common sense whispered. That won out.
He read her mind. “Your happiness? Of course I have! I have put clothes on your back, food in front of you, and a nice roof over your head to live in. Isn’t that enough?�
No, it isn’t. You never loved me and you never will, you heartless snake. “No, not to me.� She sated defiantly, turning away.
“YOU UNGRATEFUL *****!� Frank swung to hit her cheek but she dodged his touch by an inch.
“I WON’T LET YOU DO THAT TO ME! “ Alicia screamed. She jumped off the couch and sped to her room faster than Frank could catch up with her.
Once behind the locked door, tears streamed down her face. This was hell. Being ignored but then almost slapped by a man that never loved her anyway. She wasn’t going to let him have the pleasure of seeing her bawl her eyes out. She wanted to feel loved right now. Whether it was the masculine and protective arms of Nick, Jeremy‘s fatherly embrace, Chloe‘s sisterly touch… someone who truly cared about her. But Chloe was out of the house and the others were miles away.
“I will do everything in my power to get you back here, even if it means going over there and telling him off myself.�
I wish you would Jeremy. Get me out of here, now! I don’t want to be here anymore! She fell over her sheets, crying. She cried herself to sleep for being miserable, for all the emotional pain she’d suffered, and for missing everyone beyond belief.

[Superstar]

Great Job, I love this story!

[Kristen07]

Here's part one of Chapter 23 y'all. It's a little bit emotional. I hope y'all enjoy :)

Oh, thank you sooo much whoever rated this thread :D I'm shocked and flattered.

~Chapter 23~

Part One:

Frank and Lily went out to a fancy dinner party on New Year’s Eve. Alicia knew it would be the perfect time to meet up with Kylee and Emma to materialize the plan. They wouldn’t know she and Chloe would be gone as long as they were back by 1:00 am. So Emma’s dad, Mike, would pick up Alicia and Chloe and take the quartet to Garfield’s. The girls got have their own table while Mike visited with friends.
“Ali! They are here!� Chloe called up the stairs.
“�Ok, coming.� She adjusted her pink American Eagle shirt she brought among her super conservative clothes. She threw on her tan blazer and rushed down the stairs. “That looks so much more like you.� Chloe remarked, smiling.
“It feels more like it too.� Alicia returned it.

The two girls climbed into the back of a Chevy van. “Hi girls, welcome aboard!�
“Hi Mike!� Chloe greeted, smiling.
“Dad, I’d like you to meet our friends, Alicia and her younger sister, Chloe.� Emma said.
“Nice to meet you all. I’m glad you’re here.�
“I’m glad to be here too. It gets me out of the hell hole that is my house.�
“Emma told me a little about your situation, but we’ll talk about that later.�
She nodded. “You’ll be informed of the plan we come up with, I’m sure.�
Kylee, Emma and Chloe got in lively conversation while Alicia zoned out. She wanted to leave this town now. Everyone waited for her back home. But she wasn’t sure how she was going to get out of the house without Frank and Lily knowing where she was going. She sighed.
“Ali, are you ok?� Kylee inquired.
She turned from the window. “Just thinking… nothing special. Don’t worry, I’m fine.�

The group arrived in the restaurant about 7:30. They waited for a table for about 10 minutes and were placed in a booth near the back. They put in their drink orders and chatted small talk for a little while.
“So what are we going to do about this plan thing?� Kylee asked.
Alicia sighed. “The sooner I can get out of here, the better. No offense to you all, but I want to go home. It’s been hell here. I can’t stand being in that wretched man’s presence much longer.�
“Well it would be wise to wait a little longer.� Emma said.
“Why?�
“Think about it. You want to cause them as much pain as possible, don’t you? Then have their last memory of you insulting them to the core and calling them every name you can think of.�
“And maybe give him a good whack of the head.� Kylee added with enthusiasm.
Chloe frowned dubiously. “Not sure we would let her do that.�
“No we wouldn’t. Actually, it’s going to be vise versa. After I’m finished with my rampage, he’ll beat the hell out of me.� She sighed, thinking of the time he did and come close to hitting her.
“What makes you so sure?� Emma asked sympathetically.
“I know everything I want to say will make him quite angry. But after a good beating of me… he won’t even care I exist anymore. Just was his hands of me. He’ll go on living his heartless life. Words can’t even begin to describe my hate for that man.� She shook her head.
“When would be the best time you could get to the airport?�
“Let’s think here… I’m under survillance by them 24-7 at home, so I can’t exactly walk up to them and ask ‘Mom, Dad, may I go to the airport?� She said the last part of it in a sweetly sarcastic voice.
“Well, you can do what rebellious teenagers do: sneak out.� Kylee suggested.
“It’s so dishonest, though.� Alicia protested.
“Look, how much do you want to get out of there? If you really want to leave, you have to be willing to make some risks.� Emma stated.
That was the truth. When she lived under Frank and Lily’s regime, she was afraid to take any risks whatsoever. She wouldn’t risk v putting her heart our for acceptance or rejection, talking to new people, or stepping outside her tiny comfort zone. Now she was going outside the box. The thought scared her. But she could take risks now. She had when she told Nick she liked him and again when she’d figure out she loved him. “You’re right, Emma. I need to take a risk. That’s one of the many things I’ve learned about myself in the last four months. Mostly it’s paid off and not so bad. So let’s plan when I’ll take the biggest risk of my life.�
“That’s the spirit! When do they usually get out of the house?� Kylee asked.
Alicia thought for a moment. “Well, I’m usually under surveillance by them 24/7 almost. Tonight’s one of those rare nights where they go out.�
“�We’d have to sneak out at some insanely early hour of the morning because Dad is up for work at 5:30 and leaves for work at 6:00 am.� Chloe added.
“Hmmm, when does classes start up again in Cincinnati?�
“January 4th.�
“Maybe you could call your uncle back at my house and ask him to schedule you a flight on that date at 6:00 am. Would that work?� Emma suggested.
“Well, how long does it take to get to the airport from here? Ideally, I’d like to leave the house by 5:15 am to allow enough time before Frank gets up.� Alicia said.
“A good 45 minutes, I’d say.� Kylee stated.
Emma nodded. “I’d agree with that. How about you leave the house at 5 for a 7:15 am flight?�
“That sounds lovely, but who will take me?�
“My dad will do it.� Emma told her.
“Are you sure it’s not too much trouble for him?�
“No, not at all. He told me he’d do any time to get you to the airport. He’s heard about Frank and would like to get the both of you out of harm’s way if he could.�
“I wish Chloe could come, too.� She sighed and paused. “Will you come with Mike as well?�
Emma nodded. “I’d love to. Whenever it is, I will come with you.�
“I’d love to as well, but the parentals would never let me get up that early.� Kylee said. “Let’s make a toast. To Alicia and Chloe, may you both make it safe and away from harm and be happy in life.�
The quartet clanked their glasses and drank to that.

Mike drove the girls back to Emma’s house. It was fairly large, even though the darkness disguised its features. The inside put forth friendless with warm colors and quirky decorations, the antithesis of Frank and Lily’s house. Alicia felt at home immediately. “Mike, may I use the phone to call Jeremy?�
“Is he your uncle?�
She nodded.
“Of course you may, Alicia. You can go to my room for privacy if you’d like.�
“I’d like that.�
Mike took her upstairs and showed her his masculine bedroom. “Take as long as you need.�
“Thank you� she said as he closed the door.
Alicia clung to the phone in her hand. She was about to talk to one of the people she’d been craving to talk to since she got here. Hopefully this conversation wouldn’t make her cry. She dialed the familiar number.

“Hello?� His soothing fatherly baritone answered.

“Jeremy…. It’s Alicia.�

“ALI!� He exclaimed. “I was just thinking about you! How are you sweetheart?�

“I’m fine, and you?�

“Good, at the house for New Years. Where are you?�

“At my friend Emma’s house. Frank and Lily are at a party, miraculously. I’ll be back by curfew, though.� She paused. “So tell me, what’s been going on for the past few days?�

Jeremy began to tell her a little bit about Christmas. She had presents waiting for her at home. This fact shocked but pleased her.

“Has he hurt you, Ali?�

Alicia shook her head. “No. I’m so scared he will, though. “ Tears filled her eyes at the thought. “He almost did once.�

“Don’t let him do it, ok? Promise me that. He doesn’t deserve to lay a hand on you.�

“I promise.� She whispered. “Has Nick called?�

“Sweetie, he’s called everyday, asking if there’s been any word. He’s worried as much as I am, if not more. I can hear it in his voice.�

That made Alicia cry harder. He deeply cared about her and was hurting because she wasn’t there. What she would give to have his protective arms around her now.

“Do you want to go call him?�

“No… I’ll bawl the whole time and it’ll make the separation that much harder for the both of us. Hearing his voice again… it just wouldn’t work, Jeremy. But, could you tell him something for me, please?� Alicia took a deep breath and laid against the headboard. She was on the brink of crying.

“Sure, honey.�

“That I’m ok and I miss him more than I’ve missed anyone in my life.� She let out a sob.

“I’ll make sure it gets to him. Do you need to go?�

She shook her head. “No, I’m fine. I’m coming home.�

“When?�

“Well, that’s where I need your help.� She had Jeremy look at flight on the Internet and book one for January 4that 7:15 am.

“Anything else I need to do?�

“No… it’s taken care of from this end. Don’t worry about me Jeremy.�

He chuckled. “It’s my job to now. But you’re welcome. I will be waiting for you with arms wide open.� He paused “You’re dearly missed, Ali. Hang in there, it’s only a few more days. Have you told Frank and Lily all the pain they have caused you all these years?�

“Not will the last night I’m not. I’ve been tempted to outburst several times, but it’s not happened yet.� She took another deep breath, trying to retain her composure.

“Are you sure you’re feeling fine?�

“I think so. Oh Jeremy, I miss you.�

“I miss you too, Ali. I’m praying you will come back unharmed. I love you.�

“I love you, too.�

“It was so wonderful to hear from you, Ali. Take care of yourself and don’t let Frank hurt you, ok?�

“Ok. Bye Jeremy.�

“Bye sweets.�

Alicia hung up, relieved and reassured. It felt calming to hear Jeremy’s friendly voice and to know everyone missed her. Yet, it hurt her more to hear how much Nick was hurting. She wanted desperately to call him and hear his lovely tenor, but knew she shouldn’t. She would cry the whole time, which might cause him to cry, and make the separation even harder for the young lovers. She took a deep breath to calm herself and walked to Emma’s room.

All three girls looked at her with concern when she entered. “Well, do you have a flight?� Kylee asked.
“Yep. Now all that has to happen is for the plan to go into effect.� She paused, trying to contain her tears still. “I want you all to know I’ve loved spending time with you all these past few weeks. If it weren’t for Kylee’s comedic tendencies, Emma’s nice phone calls, and Chloe’s motivational talks... I would have gone mad by this point… so thank you for that.�
“Alicia, Kylee and I wish we could have more time with you, but it does not matter now. This break we have spent with you and Chloe has been a lot of of fun, and we’re glad to bring you comfort, Ali. We wish you both happiness in the rest of your life.� A tearful Emma said.
“Group hug!� Chloe exclaimed.
The four girls jumbled up in a group hug, laughing and crying along the way, thankful to have each other for that moment.

[Superstar]

That was so good! And yes I did cry:cry:
Can't wait for the rest of the chapter!

[Kristen07]

I wrote a boatload of pages for this next part of the chapter because I had time in school, so hopefully it'll be up soon! Thank you for waiting so patiently. :D

[Kristen07]

Here's the chapter, y'all! :) I'm sorry you had to wait for so long. It took me awhile to type this up. It's an emotional chapter. There's a lot of sad moments. Please enjoy.

**Rated R for language and violence**

Part Two:

Alicia’s patience and restraint wore away minute by minute. Frank’s mere presence angered her. Even if she started thinking about him, the anger flared up inside of her. She desperately wanted the last night to come so she could leave this hell hole and scream all her pain out at him. Still, he made comments intentionally to irk a response out of her; shed been able to keep her emotion inside her so far. That would not last for much longer, though.

The truth was, her emotions were out of the control inside. Frank pissed her off to no end that she came close to having a mental breakdown at least once. The thought of her friends depressed her. They were having fun without her and she wished she was back with them. She also thought of Nick constantly and she cried her eyes out because she missed him. she missed his sweet aura and the happiness she felt in his presence. Still, she didn’t know if she loved him or not. It was an epic inward battle inside of her that seemed impossible to win.
Thorough the chaos, a few people were able to be her rocks. Chloe talked to her sister a lot; she was the one who calmed Alicia down most of the time. She appreciated it deeply. Their talks were one of the only reasons she could keep going through this “vacation”. Emma called a few times too. She loved those talks as well because Emma was able to take her mind off the storm inside her.

Finally, the last day came. It started out like any other day. Lily fussed about the house and gossip miles worse than Sara did on the phone with her stuck up clone friends while Alicia and Chloe stayed in Chloe’s room, hanging out and talking about nothing at all.
“How are you feeling today Leesh?”
Alicia looked up from a magazine she was reading. “Eh, I’m ok now. What happens as the day goes on is a different story, though.”
“Are you still going through with the plan tonight?”
She nodded. “Yep. Emotions will run high and that’ll dictate how well the night goes. I don’t want a repeat…” She drifted off.
“What do you mean by repeat?” Chloe asked, looking at her sister with concerned eyes.
“Dad hit me once before, but I don’t want to elaborate. I’ll cry again and I’ve cried enough on this trip and in this house in general.”
“He won’t. I don’t think his anger will escalate that high again.” Evidently she still had a soft spot for Frank.
She shook her head. “You don’t know him.”
“What are you looking forward to the most tomorrow?”
Alicia closed her eyes. “I don’t know. Running into Jeremy’s fatherly embrace and knowing I am finally protected and loved.”
“What about Nick?”
“Oh Nick… I can’t even begin to describe how I’ll feel when I see him. They both mean so much to me in different ways that I can’t weigh one against the other, you know what I mean?” She paused. “I guess I’m looking forward to feeling loved. I feel like everyone actually cares about me there and that feeling is the best in the world. I haven’t felt loved much in my life.” Tears welled in her eyes.
Chloe looked down, hurt. “Sis, I love you. I always have.”
“And that love gave me the strength to get through my life. I knew that out bond as sisters, even though I got quite jealous at times, brought me here. I’ll never forget that, Chloe. I love you with all my being. That fact will be broken, no matter how far we may have to go from each other.”
Chloe threw her arms around her sister, tears streaming down her face. “I hope you never feel that kind of pain again, Ali. I regret so much letting this happen to you and not saying anything to Dad about it.”
“Shh… don’t play the ‘what if’ game, sweetie. It’s all done with and hopefully will be all over by tonight.”
They held each other close for several moments, feeling the comforts of sisterly hugs. They knew what love they felt for each other and their bond would never break, come what may.

Unfortunately, that talk weakened her emotions. She fell deeper into a depression as they day progressed on. Everything under the sun that made her happy, she thought of over and over. Visions of her aunt, uncle and cousins, her true family, circled in her head. They were quite lovable. She thought about her friends and how she wished she could be enjoying the time off with them. Their company helped make her life so enjoyable. Also, she thought of Emma and Kylee. Their friendship had helped her through these last few weeks in Ackensburg. Then Alicia thought about Nick. Those diamond blue eyes. His gentle aura and sweet temperament. Oh, how she ached to be in his safe embrace. Her feelings for him were still unclear, but she knew it was strong.

She looked over at the calendar. January 3rd. That date rang like a incessantly ringing church bell in her head. Oh, no. It’s a year since Frank serious beat me. What if history decides to repeat itself. It might, especially considering the kind of language Alicia wanted to use towards Frank. I never want to feel as low as I did that night again. The memory was still vivid to her; it was the last time she’d mustered up enough courage to defy her father outright.

The incident seemed like yesterday. She’d been wondering about why she’d received the harsh treatment and that maybe she should quit being a coward. It took her a little while to make up her mind to do it, because her fearful side dominated and kept her from going for it. After a few months she decided she had to. She actually did have a voice, even though she never used it. She had to stand up for herself.

Alicia held back the tears, the pain striking her as hard as it did that night.

One of the endless days was drawing to a close. She had just finished homework and was coming downstairs for a drink of water. The house looked its normal, cold self. Every object was set in its place. Frank sat on the ratty gray couch while reading a newspaper, a normal stance for him. Alicia walked wordlessly to the empty kitchen. She retrieved a clear shiny glass and got the water pitcher out of the refrigerator. She began pouring the glass when Frank addressed her “How was your day, Kelly?”
She felt her bones chill. She wasn’t in the mood to deal with his comments. “Fine, Father.” She replied.
“Just ‘fine’?” Are you sure nothing special happened?” He asked with fabricated concern.
She wasn’t buying his fake caring father act. Why did he pretend he loved her? “I’m positive.” The emotionless tone maintained.
He got up from his position and walked into the kitchen. “Come here my pretty girl, you look like you need a hug.”
Why was he kissing up to her all of a sudden? Did someone talk to him and tell him to act like a father instead of a tyrant dictator? She would not touch him, even if her life depended on it. “No thank you father. I do not need one.”
“No, no. I think you do. Come here.” He advanced closer, a Botox smile on his face.
Alicia stood there stiff, pondering what to say or do next.
“Come here!” His sinister eyes narrowed and his teeth became gritted.
By this time, he was way too close for comfort. “Why are you pretending to love me now? It’s obvious you love Chloe more.” There, she said it. The very words she’d been desiring to utter for years.
“Don’t speak to me that way, *****! Since you don’t want to be cared for, how about you take THIS!” He violently grabbed her arm and threw her onto the icy tile floor. The breaking glass rang in her ears. Then, he crouched down, took her head in his hands, repeatedly banging it against the floor while muffling her screams. Alicia thought was she was going to be suffocated to death at that very moment.
This seemed to go on for an eternity. Finally he stopped, rose up quietly and walked away, the heels of his shoes clicking loudly, like it was common practice for him.
Alicia’s eyes welled up with tears at the memory. That night was the lowest in her life. Her sense of worth was shattered, just like that glass on the floor. She was convinced no one loved her and was capable of loving her. She never wanted to feel that way ever again. That night, suicidal thoughts lurked in her head. The Tylenol pills on her dresser seemed to call her name to overdose on them and end this cruel world of people who didn’t care. But, a tiny angel message whispered to her “It’s going to be fine, Alicia. Hold on. Life has better things in store for you.” Something inclined her to listen the message. It saved her life that night. Then Jeremy came along to offer her this second chance at life.

She took a deep breath. She couldn’t cry now. The memory awakened all the anger she felt toward Frank and his ways. Now was the time to stand up to him and say what all was on her mind. He would nevermore torment her with his comments and abuse. She needed to get out of here and back to where she belonged. Alicia felt empowered, like she could take on a thirty thousand man army. She was ready. She arose from her bed and walked downstairs.

Frank sat on the couch, reading one of his law books. His glasses sat at the tip of his nose and he looked very stern like always. The scene looked very similar to the last incident. Alicia started to walk past him when he looked up. He took his glasses off in a haughty fashion, glaring at her.
“Why are you looking at me that?” She asked, careful to not make her tone scathing.
“No reason. Just wondering if you’ll enjoy your permanent stay here. You’re never going back to my stupid brother.”
Alicia’s blood boiled. Of course she was going back there. And Jeremy wasn’t stupid; he was quite the contrary. “What makes you think I won’t?”
“Because your basic needs are satisfied and that’s all a person needs in their life.”
That comment made her rage raise even higher. “That is the biggest bull**** I have ever heard in my life, Franklin Carter. That’s all you’ve given me, DAMMIT! I have had ENOUGH!”
“How dare you use that language IN FRONT OF ME, KELLY!” He stood up.
She picked up his favorite coffee cup from the side table. “NO, YOU LISTEN TO ME! Sit down before I break this over YOUR HEAD!”
He sat down wordlessly, fire still in his eyes.
She set the cup down. “Thank you. Now, do you love me?”
“Why, of course dear. More than anything in this world.” His tone oozed fake sweetness.
“I am not buying it. WHY have you loved my sister and not me? Do you know how much pain you have caused me in my life? DO YOU?”
“I don’t care.” He stated offhandedly.
“Which exactly proves my point. But I’m going to tell you anyway. You never loved me once in your life so don’t even pretend you do. You’ve never given me anything of value. Sure, I was feed and clothed, but that’s not the most important in life. I’ve always known I wasn’t wanted. Chloe always got all the praise, attention, gifts… I got nothing. I cried all the time because didn’t know what I did to make you and Lily not love me? You instilled in me a fear to love because if a parent doesn’t love their children, who will? I’ve always been the child from HELL, BUT WHY? I’ve never done drugs, drank alcohol, or even get myself pregnant by some random guy, dammit.”
He stood up again, but Alicia pushed him down. “You are not leaving this couch till you give me an explanation of ehy my life was a hell home for 16 years.”
“Fine, slut! We had a certain time that we wanted to have children and you came along earlier than we wanted. So we wanted to punish you for it. Chloe came along at exactly the right time, so she was special.”
Alicia couldn’t believe her ears. THAT was the reason? How dare me? “Then you damn well shouldn’t have even had children. You are the biggest cold-hearted bastard I have ever met in my life, Franklin Eugene Carter. This is for..” She moved her fist to hit him, but he roared up and slammed her against the wall. She tried to get away from him, but her efforts were futile. “GET THE **** OFF OF ME!”
“I WILL NOT! AND I HOPE YOU GO TO HELL WHERE YOU BELONG!”
He threw her down on the floor, her head taking the brunt of the hit. He stormed away up the stairs.
Alicia laid there, her body broken. Her head hurt like nothing else from the fall and maybe a few more bruises. Tears filled her eyes. He did exactly what she thought he would do. Yet, she was done with him. He would haunt her no more.
Chloe’s timid footsteps approached her. “Ali… are you ok?” She sobbed.
“I don’t know.” She pushed herself up, pain filling her body, so she could sit up.
The sisters gazed at each other for a moment. Chloe threw her arms around her older sister, crying even harder.
The two girls held each other for what seemed to be eternity, crying over the cruelty of the act just committed and regrets of not realizing what was going on years earlier.
Finally, both their eyes dried up. “I can’t believe this happened. I believed you when you told me… but I didn’t fully until now. I wish I could have…”
“Shhh… it’s ok, sis. I don’t blame anything that has happened on you. I can’t look back now. This phase of my life is about to be over.”
“I correct you, our lives.”
Alicia cocked her head in confusion. “Our lives?”
“I talked to Jeremy and he said I can come with you. He has room for me too. He doesn’t want any harm to come to me because he’s afraid Frank will start abusing me without you around. And, I don’t want to live here. I can’t live with the memory of him hurting you that way.”
“Wow, that’s wonderful. I was afraid I’d be leaving you here to fend for yourself.”
“You’re not.” Chloe took a deep breath, trying to dry her tears. “I’m still in utter shock. If only I had seen the behavior before…”
“Chloe, there’s nothing you could have done. Frank’s attitude is ingrown and cannot be changed, no matter what we may have tried.” Alicia sighed, touching Chloe’s cheek. “We will be away from his tyranny soon, though. From this point on, Frank and Lily Carter do not exist to me.”
“Not to me, either.” She got up and picked up tissues from the coffee table. “Here, we both need these.”
“Thank you.” The girls spent the next minute drying their tears in silence.
“We better be heading to bed if our plan is going into effect.”
Chloe nodded. “Are you all packed?”
“Uh huh. All we need to do is get up, make as little noise as possible and go.”
“Then let’s have that come quicker.” Chloe took Alicia’s hands and help her slowly stand up.
The sisters embraced each other tightly. “You’re going to be ok, Ali. He’s not going to harm you anymore.”
“I know. We both will be.” They stayed in that embrace for a few moments before heading up to bed.

She arose in the darkness a few hours later and looked over at the clock. 3:45 am. Time to get up and get ready to go back to Cincinnati. She got out of the bed and made it neatly. Then she went into the bathroom, making sure she made as little noise as possible.

For dress, she put on a tight white long sleeve shirt, peach sweatpants and sneakers. She put on no make up because she was not in the mood and she would probably shed tears at the homecoming. Hopefully Chloe is getting ready.
A soft knock came at the door. “Come in.”
Chloe came in the door. “How are you this morning?”
“I’m ok. You?”
“Good, ready to go home.”
“You don’t call this place home anymore?”
She shook her head. “Not after last night, I don’t. I could never call Frank Carter my father anymore. Are you going to leave them any note?”
Alicia snorted. “Heck no. They don’t deserve it. I’ve said what I’ve needed to.”
“I know this is trivial, but I got your phone back for you.”
“Wow, when did you get it?”
“Last night. Mom was in the shower, so I snuck in and got it.” Chloe placed the phone in her sister’s hand.
“You’re wonderful, sis. Now, let’s finish getting stuff together.”
“I’m going to take one of my suitcases downstairs.”
“Remember, don’t make any noise!”

Tension filled the sisters bodies as they transported their luggage down the stairs. They maneuvered one at a time, making as little noise as possible. There was one scare as they thought they heard movement inside Frank and Lily’s bedroom. It settled down after a moment. Finally, at 4:45, all the belongings were successfully transported outside and were ready for loading. Chloe and Alicia stepped out of the house wordlessly. There were no other words to say about this house.

They sat down the porch, watching the darkness for any sign of a car. Alicia constantly kept watch on the house, checking to see if either of the parents somehow got inclined to awaken and would see them out there and foil the plot. They saw a car at 5, and it pulled up in front of the house. “That must be them.” Chloe whispered.
She nodded silently.
Mike got out of the car slowly. “Morning, girls.”
“Hi Mike.” Alicia stood up. “We have to move quickly and quietly. I don’t want to wake Frank.”
“Ok, let’s go.”

5 minutes later, the car was loaded. They all loaded in and began pulling away. As she gazed out the window, a new feeling came over Alicia: liberation. For the first time in her life, she felt completely free. Free to do everything she wanted Free to love who she chose. Free to be the person she was meant to be. She never felt more powerful in her life. She would never have to set her eyes on the likes of Frank and Lily Carter again. She was actually going home.
“Thank you very much for getting up at this hour to come get us. We both deeply appreciate it, Mike.” Alicia said.
“You’re welcome. I’m more than happy to take you away from someone who doesn’t deserve you.” Mike smiled. “I’m up this early sometimes anyway. Well, in the summer when I do my jogs.”
“I appreciate it deeply.”
“What are you looking forward to the most about going back to Cincinnati?” Emma asked.
“Feeling like myself again. These two weeks, Frank and Lily forced me to be someone I’m not. I’m back in control of my life.” She paused. “But don’t worry, I didn’t act fake to you. It was only when I was at home.”
“Did you let all your emotions out on him last night?”
She nodded. “Please, let’s not recount the painful details. It’s all over and done with. As far as I’m concerned, they do not exist to me anymore.”
“That’s the spirit!” Emma exclaimed. She turned to Chloe. “Are you moving with her?”
“Uh huh. I can’t live there after last night. I can’t wait to go. We aren’t going to the same school, but that’s ok. I’m excited to go.”
“Good for you! It’ll be a happy ending for the both of you!” Emma laid her head back on the seat and the trio fell asleep.

Finally, Mike pulled in front of the airport. The quartet got out of the car. Emma and Chloe gave each other a hug goodbye. Then she turned to Alicia. “I wish you had talked more! You’re such a sweetheart and I enjoyed being with you!”
“Thank you, Emma. You’ve helped me get through these past two weeks. I’ve enjoyed our phone calls and visits.”
“If you don’t want to keep in touch, I’ll completely understand.” She looked down.
“Don’t say that! Of course I do! Also, I invite you and your dad to come watch the play if you get a chance.”
“When is it?”
Alicia sighed, trying to remember. “We open on the 12th of February and run for the next two weekends.”
“I’ll remember.” They hugged. “I wish you nothing but the best, Ali.”
“Same to you. I’ll call soon.”
Mike handed Alicia her suitcase. “Thank you, Mike. I appreciate everything that you have done for me.”
“You’re welcome, hun. Good luck with your life and I’ll see if Emma and I can make it out to the play.”
“Okay.” They hugged as well.
Finally, Alicia and Chloe began walking towards the airport terminal. “Let’s go home, Leesh.” Chloe said.
She simply smiled. They finally were going home.

They landed in Cincinnati at 9:30. They got off the plane and into the terminal. People rushed around them, going to their specific destination. The sisters journeyed through the crowd, searching for familiar faces. Finally, she laid her eyes on them. Jeremy and Nick stood there, eagerly waiting. Tears filled her eyes. The two men who loved her most were standing right there. Being separated from them was the hardest thing she ever had to do.
Alicia approached Jeremy, who opened his arms wide. “Welcome home, Alicia.”
Home. She finally knew what that word meant. She’d been searching all her life for her true home. She fell into his arms, crying. This was the man meant to be her father.
A minute later, she turned to Nick. “Ali..”
“Nick.” They hugged each other so hard it seemed the embrace would last forever. She never felt more safe in a man’s arms than she did in Nick’s. I love him.
No, don’t say that yet. She groaned inwardly. When was this issue going to be solved?
“I’ve missed you so much, baby.” He whispered.
“I’ve missed you more than you’ll ever know.” They kissed.
After they broke away, she turned to Chloe. “Chloe, here is my wonderful boyfriend, Nick. Nick, this is my sister, Chloe Loren.”
“Hi, nice to meet you! Welcome to Cincinnati!” Nick opened his arms for a hug.
“Nice to meet you too. I’m excited to be here.” She returned it.
“Well, kids what do you say we get some breakfast?” Jeremy suggested.
“I’ll agree to that! Chlo and I have hot gotten a bite to eat yet. Come on! Let’s go!” Alicia led the way back to normalcy.

[Superstar]

Wow!!! Great Add:)...It was worth the wait...:toung:Can't wait for more!

[Kristen07]

Yikes!! I haven't added since May! :eek: A chapter should come before I go back to college on Sunday. I'm typing it up as we speak. I'm so sorry y'all have had to wait this long :( Thanks for the patience!

[Superstar]

oh...It's about time! lol...Can't Wait!:)

[Kristen07]

Here's chapter 24 :D I hope y'all enjoy this muchos. I had fun writing this chapter. It's very feel good, as opposed to the last few parts. I hope y'all like it! I have an outline to finish this story but I have no idea when the next chapter will come. I start college tomorrow and it'll probably be more homework to do, so it'll take awhile. Hopefully not 8 months again. Please leave some lovely feedback and enjoy :D

~Chapter 24~

Alicia spoke little of her last night in Ackensburg. She didn’t want to dwell on her painful past anymore. She’d come to grips with it; what was the point of sharing the upsetting details with others when it didn’t bother her? She wanted to push the memory out of her head and concentrate on what lay ahead. People showed signs of inquiry, but finally learned to respect her wishes.

Life had transitioned to normal since that night. Play practice was in full swing again; opening night was only a month away and everything needed to be as close as possible. The academic load was managed with attempting to throw in a reasonable social life in the mix. Chloe adapted well to her new surroundings. She started at Ohio Heights, a local public high school and fit right into life there. The house was little crowded now with 5 kids and two adultws, but it worked out most of the time.

Nick and Alicia’s relationship remained on stable ground. He told her he loved her a few times but didn’t pressure her to say it back. Still, she felt a little guilty. She wandered if he was getting enough out of their relationship. Well, if he truly loves you like he says he does, he’ll wait till you genuinely feel it, not say it just to make him happy. She still wrestled with the idea if she did. She thought she loved him the day she returned home, but her overly analytical mind wouldn’t let her fully believe it yet. It kept insisting she was too young, it was soon, and pretty much very excuse to keep her from being happy.

Aside from that, they had to work on their chemistry as Jamie and Kassandra. They hadn’t worked on the kissing scene yet; Alicia was a little nervous about that; they would be kissing front of an audience. She had to remind herself this was better than if she still only had a crush on him and she was more like her old self. She didn’t dare imagine what that would be like.
During Monday’s practice, Ms. Collins pulled Nick and Alicia aside. “Are you two ready to work on the kissing scene yet?”
“I’m ready. I think we got it down. What do you think, Alicia?”
“I suppose we can.” She replied with a hint of uncertainty.
“Are you not ready for it yet?” Ms. Collins inquired.
“It’s just the idea of it that makes me jumpy, that’s all.” Alicia said.
“It’s a natural thing, Alicia, but you can’t let that control you. It takes time but you achieve it.
“Ok, then. Let’s do it. We need to start sooner or later.”
“Are you sure? We can wait, you know.” Nick asked.
“Yes.”
“Then that’s the scene we’ll work on next. Go take your break and be back in five minutes.” Ms. Collins made her way out of the auditorium.
“This scene is going to make us go into kissing overload.” Alicia joked.
“But I like kissing you, baby.” Nick put his arms around her waist. “Besides, we’re probably going to do all the blocking and all that first. So we may not even kiss on stage today.”
“I know. But I hope this scene won’t make us sick of each other.”
“It won’t, I promise.” Nick placed a kiss on her lips.

Nick was right. They worked on a lot of blocking. First they read through the scene. Then they went onto the stage and started planning spots and movements. Nick took her clse to him several times and that struck a special chord. She started even more comfortable as an actress and as a couple with him. After a half hour, the cast had to move on to other scenes.

Nick drive Alicia home from practice. “We had a good practice today, didn’t we?” He asked her.
“Yeah, we did. I’m getting really excited for the performance now. It’s coming together nicely.”
“I am too. Are you okay with our kissing scene?”
“So far. That went well. I’ll be fine if I don’t let my nerves bother me.” She shrugged.
“You will be fine. Well, I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Ok, bye honey.” They kissed a little longer than usual this time. It felt even better.
“I love you.” He whispered.
Again she simply smiled and got out of the car. Guilt set in even farther. When was she going to make up her mind that she loved him? He kept saying it to her, but her selfish mind wouldn’t get over itself. I need to ask someone for advice on this. She decided to talk to DanI tomorrow. She would know a thing or tow about love since she and Jeff had been dating two years.

The next morning, Alicia found Dani before classes started. “Hey Dan.”
She turned around. “Hey Alicia. How are you this morning?”
“I’m good mostly. And you?”
“Good.”
“I need your advice at lunch.”
Dani looked a little surprised. “My advice? Why?”
“I need relationship advice. I’ll tell you the whole thing then. Meet in the courtyard?”
“Sounds good to me.” The bell rang. “Well, time to head to first period.”
“Ok, see ya.”
“Bye.”

The morning passed on without notoriety. Then at the beginning of lunch, Dani and Alicia met in the bare courtyard outside the school. The day was frigid; no student in their right mind would think to come out here in this weather. Still, Alicia felt better talking out here alone than in the crowded cafeteria where someone was bound to overhear their conversation.
They sat down on a concrete gray bench. “So, what’s going on, hun?”
She took a deep breath. “I’m not sure about my relationship with Nick.”
Dani raised an eyebrow. “What about it?”
“He’s telling me he loves me. But I’m not sure I feel the same thing about him. I feel strong feelings for him but I’m no5t sure if it’s love.” She paused “How do you know if you’re in love with someone?”
“Well, it’s about being comfortable with the other person. You get to the point where you both know it’s there. Two people have the same affections and you just now. But it takes awhile to get there.”
“Did you combat it at first? I find myself questioning my heart. When I think I love him, the thought gets shut down with analytical reason. “It can’t be love, you’re only 16 and only been dating not even two months.” She said the lat part with scolding.
Dani nodded. “I know exactly how you feel. Have you heard the story of Jeff and I’s first date?”
“Where he dumped the soda on you in the movie theater?”
“Yeah, that’s it. I convinced myself I couldn’t date him, let alone love him. I thought he was the biggest idiot in the world for embarrassing me. He didn’t do it intentionally, of course, but I had a grudge for about a month. He came up to me one day and apologized. The earnestness in his eyes made me want to give him another chance. We dated a few months before we said ‘I love you’.”
“Did it come out naturally for you?”
“No, actually. He said it first. It scared me a little bit at first. But after a few days I said it back and meant it.”
“Did you feel guilty for not saying back?”
She shook her head. “No. What makes you ask?”
“I feel guilty because it makes me wonder if Nick is doubting what I feel for him. It gets awkward when he says it because all I do is simply smile and leave.”
“Nick is a man who will not pressure a woman to do something until she is truly ready. He’ll patiently wait for you, I promise.”
“He can’t wait for me forever, though.” She heaved a heavy sigh.
“What makes you so hesistant to love him?”
Alicia contemplated this. She could give the superficial excuse that she’d never had a boyfriend before. But that was not the true answer. “I’ve never had a man love me before. All my life, I’ve figured, if my father doesn’t love me for whatever reason, how can anyone else? So, I stayed in my little bubble. Now that Nick does, I’m hesitant to let myself be vulnerable. I want to tell him I love him, I do, but I can’t get over my demons and say it.”
“That’s what you have to do. You just have to get over your fears and go for it. It’s the hardest thing to do in life, but the most worth it. It was scary for me to tell Jeff I loved him, but the smile on his face afterwards made it all worth it.”
Alicia smiled. “Thank you Dani. I feel so much better about this.”
“You’re welcome, sweets.” They hugged for a moment.
After they broke away, Alicia shivered. “Wow, it’s getting really cold. Let’s go inside.”
Dani nodded. “I agree wholeheartedly. I hate cold!” The two friends went inside the school.

Alicia came home that night to see her cousins playing a board game. She sat down with them. “What are you kids playing?”
“Monopoly. Want to play with us?” Tyler offered.
“No, just keep on playing. I want to watch.”
As she watched them play, a new feeling came over her. Longing. She noticed how easily the kids could trust and play well with each other, amidst a few squabbles. Younger kids were so much more willing to trust; hormones hadn’t kicked into gear to guard against what is different. Alicia wished she’d experienced that vulnerability. Her father taught her to fear everyone because his selfish reason for not caring about her. She wished she could be that trusting of her heart, but her head wasn’t going to let her. Why couldn’t she get over her fears and tell Nick she loved him? Well, it’s time that you did that.
He treated her very well. When they were together, they brought out the best qualities in each other. He made her feel like she mattered and deeply cared for her, a first in her life. She loved him; nothing could keep her from feeling that.

Making up her mind she loved Nick was easier than originally thought. Now she had to actually tell him. The idea scared her quite a bit. It meant she could be vulnerable to rejection . She hadn’t been in this place in her life. Yes, he said he loved her, but answering his emotions was a little scary. Come on, it’s not. It’s just taken you a little time to truly feel it. It’ll come out naturally, just like your acting does.

Another play practice occurred two days later. They were going to actually kiss today. Alicia felt happy for that.
“Are you feeling nervous about today, Ali?” Nick asked.
She shook her head. “Not today. I’m actually really excited!”
“Jamie! Kassie! Get in your places!” Ms. Collins commanded. She’d been on edge today.
“Here we go.” Alicia sat down on the stage, looking sad and mournful.
The duo ran through the whole scene. At the end, Nick took her in his arms and leaned in for the kiss. Alicia did the same thing and their lips met. The touch felt magical. This justified Alicia’s emotions. She could tell Nick she loved him now.
They broke away, passion still in their eyes. “Bravo, Bravo! Well done! Perfect!”
Yeah, for a different reason than you think it is. Alicia smiled at Nick.
Unfortunately, the moment as broken apart because Ms. Collins wanted to run the scene again. Alicia was disappointed because she didn’t the magic to end.

Practice adjourned a few minutes later. Nick hopped off the stage to gather his belongings while Alicia stood there. She couldn’t move for some reason. She couldn’t get off the stage until she told Nick the emotions she felt a few minutes previous. Hopefully he’d felt the same thing.
“Ali…” Nick started.
“Nick, will you come up here for a moment?” Her heart pounded a mile a minute in her chest. “Sure.” He climbed on stage and walked towards her.
She took his hands in hers. “I love you.” Her voice expressed the vulnerability she’d been terrified to express until now.
Nick answered with a smile. “I love you, too Ali.” He’d felt the moment, too. They exchanged a simple kiss, verifying the emotion.