More Than He Knows

[Kristen07]

Hey y'all

Here is another orginial fiction by me. I hope you enjoy and please leave me feedback :D

"More Than He Knows"

Nichole Davis is a junior in college. Life has been pretty satisfactory for her lately. One day she finds out that her first love form high school, Landon Miller, goes to her school as well. They dated for eight months, until Landon moved away. Nichole knows that their story isn’t finished and wants to pick up where they left off. Sadly, she discovers he’s dating an acquaintance of hers. Can she convince Landon that more to their story than he knows?

~Chapter 1~

The soft melody resonated throughout out the cold white room. It was singing a sorrowful song. Slowly it got louder and the key turned to minor. It seemed as if black thunderclouds had flocked together and started pouring a rainstorm. The song gradually gained intensity and reached the climax. As the tune climbed down, however, several notes were misplaced, killing the song.
“Argh, I always mess up there,� The young woman known as Nichole Davis, who had been playing this masterpiece, growled in frustration. She closed her hazel eyes and took a deep breath. “Come on, just try again. You can do this�
She pushed her silky dirty blonde hair from her face and placed her hands on the ivory keys. She repeated the song several times through, failing at the exact spot. She glanced at the clock. The 6 o’clock hour was quickly approaching. “I’ve gotten two hours of practice in… so I think I can it quits for today. Besides if I have to play Bach one more time I think I will scream� Nichole was a music major. So she was forced to spend hours in these cramped and icy practice rooms. She hated it, but it was a necessary evil.
Nichole rose gracefully from the piano and gathered everything up. It was time for dinner before cramming for a test in the library.

Outside the music building, her sister Jess patiently waited for her. Both women sported athletic bodies from dancing and cheerleading. They were close images of each other; only Jess was two years Nichole’s junior and had aqua eyes. The personality traits also differed. Jess was outgoing, partied and still managed to keep up a C average. Nichole, on the other hand, studied, worked very hard and was a more reserved person. They didn’t room together but saw each other when time permitted.
Nichole smiled at her sister. “Hey sis, what are you doing here?�
“I knew that you liked to practice around this time. I just thought I’d drop by and ask you if you wanted to go to SoCal Café with me.�
SoCal café was the student hangout. It was almost a full house almost every night.
“Well, it might be getting a little busy, but why not? I need to relax�
They began walking “Stressful day?� Jess asked.
Nichole nodded. “Very stressful. I need to get my mind of it right now�
�Then this should do the trick�

A half hour later the two women arrived. The SoCal Café looked as it always did, with the neon sign, bright colored walls, and funky booths and tables. It would be a good job work here during college. It looked like it was starting to push capacity.
They were greeted by a waitress who could put them in a two person table by the window. They agreed.
After they had settled in and their drink orders taken, Nichole asked, “How was your day?�
Jess sighed. “Do you really wanna know? It has sucked bad�
“Oh sure, if you don’t mind sharing�
Jess went into a big story on how she failed a test, almost lost her shirt during cl[arse], and her best friend’s latest escapade to steal her boyfriend. “Why can’t she understand that he is off limits?� Nichole asked
“She really wants him and apparently had dropped all the unwritten rules of friendship. I’ve tried to make it clear 5 million times but she will never listen. I’ve also said that if she and him hook up, they will both lose me�
“And does she seem to care?� Nichole asked.
“Absolutely not� Jess sighed, “Nichole you are so lucky. You don’t have any drama in your life.
That was the truth. It seemed as if everyone around her was involved in some kind of drama or other. They absolutely envied her for it. She didn’t have TIME for that kind of thing. Most of her day consisted working her butt off, she didn’t make any of her friends mad, and she didn’t have a boyfriend. So that eliminated all the components.
“Yeah, but with a schedule like mine, there is no time for that. It would erode at me like the ocean erodes on the sand. Cheer up Jess. The storm will p[arse] and you’ll find another best friend who treats you with the respect you deserve�
She smiled. “I’m trying. I actually talk to my best friend from high school a lot more. Hopefully we can see each other soon. Did anything exciting happen to you today?�
“You’ll think it’s totally boring.�
“Hey you listen to things I’m into and you don’t think it’s the most exciting thing in the world�
“True. I was working on my trouble piece during practice, and nothing progressed�
“You should go find someone who is a great piano player and maybe they can help you�
“I should… I wanted to ask my teacher, but he won’t help us. Oh well. I’ll get it, even if it takes till the night before it’s due, doggoneit�
“That’s the attitude Nichole!� They laughed. The food came and they ate in silence for several minutes.
A group of guys sat down near them. Jess immediately turned to them. This was no surprise since she loved flirting with guys. She was a boy crazy chick.
“Checking out all the hot guys, Jess?� Nichole teased.
She shook her head. “Not really. Don’t that one in the orange remind of you of Landon?�
Landon? It had been awhile she since he heard that name. She looked over at the guy. He had a thick head and curly dark blonde hair, and green eyes. His body was athletic from playing sports. He was dressed very laid back in an orange t-shirt, jeans and flip-flips. Sure, he reminded her of Landon but there was no snowballs chance it was him. There were lots of guys like him.
“Yeah he does. But I seriously doubt it’s him. It’s been three years since we have seen each other and I have no idea in the world where he is now�
“Did you ever wish you had more time together than you did?� Jess asked.
Nichole shrugged. “Sometimes. My world shattered into pieces when he moved. He was the first one that I really felt strong connection to. I don’t regret anything that happened between us, but if given the chance… yes, I would tell him I want to pick up where we left off.� She sighed, “Who am I kidding though? It was high school love and probably stay that way�
“You never know, he might just walk back into your life when you least expect it� Jess told her.
“Yeah, I suppose so.�

Nichole lay in bed later that night, her thoughts full of Landon. They met junior year in high school after being put in cl[arse] together. She thought he was gorgeous but didn’t have the guts to talk to him. One day she found a note in her locker from Landon. It said he wanted to meet her after school. He was waiting for her with a red rose and asked her if she would go to the winter formal with him. This was the beginning of an eight-month love affair. She’d had boyfriends before, but no one like Landon. He was the sweetest, loving, caring guy she had ever been with. He was always doing sweet little things for her to show he was thinking about her or that he loved her. Their bond was really close. He was her first love. Then, the summer before senior year, he had to move. The couple agreed that they should go ahead and end the relationship to save heartache in case the long distance relationship failed. Still, she cried for months after he left. Her heart had been ripped out of her chest and couldn’t stop bleeding. Eventually, she was able to move on but Landon had never left her heart. “Come on Nichole� She scolded herself. “That was then; this is now. You’ll find another guy who will do what Landon did�
She sighed “I suppose I shouldn’t dwell… why do you haunt me so after all these years, Landon?� She dosed off into a fitful slumber.

[Kristen07]

Here's Chapter 2 :)


~Chapter 2~

Several day p[arse]ed by. Nichole didn’t have much time to think about much besides music, so naturally Landon did not enter her thoughts. Which she thought was a good thing. She was the kind of person who did not like to dwell on past relationships and wonder what could have happened. Landon had made her go against her natural reactions, but he was the exception.

She sat in the library, working away on worksheets for her theory cl[arse]. They were terribly extensive and the professor was a hard grader. If you made even one little stupid mistake, he took a lot off. She glanced at her watch. She had to be at Performance in 45 minutes. She might as well get going now because of the travel time. She had had to switch to public transportation since her car died on her and was still in the shop. She did not like the idea, but she had to live with it for the time being. Nichole gathered up her bags and began walking down to the bus stop.

The bright March California sun shone brightly high in the robin’s egg sky. . There was comfortableness about the air; it wasn’t freezing cold or uncomfortably hot. She noticed several students walking, some alone and others happily conversing with friends. She sighed wistfully. She wished she had more time to do that.
She arrived at the dinky little bus house where the public bus picked up students to take them to certain destinations. A guy joined her a few minutes later. He looked exactly like the guy she and Jess had seen in SoCal a few weeks ago! He was sporting the usual casual look with worn blue jeans, a gray USC hoodie and flip-flops.
“Maybe it is Landon� A glimmer of hope inside her said.
“No, it couldn’t be. There’s lots of guys that look like him. Besides, what would he know to look for and I highly doubt he thinks of me anymore anyway�
She smiled a small friendly smile at him. “Hi�
He returned it “Hello.� He paused. “Don’t think of this as a pick up line… but you look exactly like a girl I loved in high school�
She raised an eyebrow “Oh really? Then if I do, what was her name and the special nickname you had for her?� If It was Landon, he would know that. They had special nicknames for each other.
“Nichole C[arse]idy Davis and the nickname was Flexie� He said without missing a beat.
“Well then, is your name Landon James Miller or…. Landy!�
He laughed. “Yes! Oh my goodness, I can’t believe it’s you. I never thought we’d see each other again!�
“I know! Come on, give me a hug!� The two friends embraced. It felt so familiar… so comforting, like an old blanket you could never get rid of. She wished she could never let go of him.
“How have you been?� Landon asked her.
“Pretty good…working my butt off as a music major. How about you?�
“Great… I’m just loving life and getting good grades. Are you waiting for the bus?�
She nodded. “My car is in the shop… so I’ve resorted to either this or walking
to get around. Riding seems like the action that brings the most pleasure at the moment�
“I can give you a ride to wherever you need to go� Landon offered.
“Are you sure? We just met again. Do you trust me?’
He nodded “Nichole my dear we had a very intimate 8 month relationship in high school. I think I can trust you now�
“True. Ok, where are you parked?�
“About a block up this way…� Landon and Nichole began walking north together.

They arrived at Landon’s sliver Mercedes Benz. Landon’s dad was a millionaire, so Landon grew up having only the best. It didn’t affect him though. He could do without all the nice things he constantly got. He was very levelheaded person. “Wow, this is a nice car. You didn’t have this in high school�
Landon got in the drivers seat “My dad gave it to me as a graduation present. I tried to give it back because I felt too spoiled but he wouldn’t let me. I try to hide my wealth because I don’t want people to like me because of that. It’s really hard sometimes, though�
“Have you gotten any girls that want to date you because of that?� She asked.
Landon nodded “I immediately figure it out…. I refuse to be in a relationship that is based on superficiality. It’s a waste of my time and feelings.�
“And you have so much more to offer than that. Some rich guys are shallow and have no feelings whatsoever.�
“Exactly. Some of the people I met in the high school after I moved…. I couldn’t believe the way they lived their lives. They were so disrespectful and everything HAD to be about them.� He paused. “Enough about me. What’s been happening with you?’
“Well… I have been studying music and not having much of a life because of it. I have to practice every single day. It gets tough at times because when I get really frustrated… I want to quit. Then I have to remind myself why I love music and I chose this major�
“I remember you singing all the time when we were dating. I always thought you always had a pretty voice.�
Nichole blushed; she almost always did when people complemented her voice. “Thank you.�
“Where do you want me to chauffer you?� Landon inquired her.
She chuckled inwardly. Landon liked to use fancy words for ordinary things. “Creative Arts Center, please. Do you know where that is?�
Landon thought for a moment. “I think I do, but if I go into the wrong direction, you tell me, ok?�
She nodded. “I certainly will.� He pulled out of the parking lot.

The 20 minutes they spent in the car together was really pleasant. They talked and laughed. It was like Landon had never moved. Nichole still couldn’t believe that they had just run into each other.
He pulled into the Creative Arts parking lot. “Here we are�
“Thank you very much for the ride Landon. It’s been great seeing you again�
He smiled. “Your welcome. I’ve enjoyed it too, hun. Do you think we could exchange numbers so we can get together another time?�
“Absolutely. Hopefully it’ll be for longer next time.� She got out a piece of paper and tore off two pieces of paper. She wrote her number on one of them. “There you are�
“Thanks� Landon wrote his on the other and handed it to her.
“Well, I guess we’ll be talking soon. Thank you again for the ride, Landon.� She said.
“I was happy to give it to you. I’ll call you sometime, ok?�
“Ok. I’ll talk to you later.�
“Ok, take care, Nichole.�
“You,too. Bye:� Nichole shut Landon’s car door. She walked towards the building, an extra skip in her step.

[Forever_Lost]

This is really good so far. :D

[Kristen07]

Here's Chapter 3, y'all! Please leave me feedback! :D

~Chapter 3~

Nichole skipped all the way into cl[arse]. She arrived in the auditorium and sat down by her friend, Melinda. “Whoa, Nichole, what has gotten you into this good mood?� She inquired.
Nichole just smiled “I’ll tell you afterwards. Now is not the time because I need to be serious for this cl[arse]�
“Ok. You’re right, we do. This cl[arse] is no fun�
“Who said cl[arse] was fun?� The two women giggled as the professor called cl[arse] to order.
Two boring hours later, they walked out of the building on their way to dinner. “So Nichole, spill, I’m dying to know what’s going on!�
“Ok… I’ll tell you. Have I ever told you about Landon?�
Melinda shook her head. “No, I do not believe so? Who is he?�
“He’s my ex boyfriend from high school. We met my junior year, and it was love at first sight. We dated for eight months and we had a deeper bond than I had ever felt before with any other guy. He was my first love. We broke up because Landon had to move and he didn’t want to hurt me by trying to keep a long distance relationship and have it fail. Still, my heart shattered after he left. I could not stop crying for months�
“You really loved him, didn’t you?�
Nichole nodded “Deeply. Even though I thought it would never be possible, I have never given up hope that maybe someday we should cross paths again and pick up where we left� She sighed. “So I saw him again today.�
Melinda didn’t say anything, cueing her to go on.
“We just happened to be at the same bus stop, and we exchanged hellos. He said I looked really familiar, we figured out who the other one was and wrapped each other in a big hug!�
“So I take it you were happy to see him� Melinda stated, smiling.
“You have no idea… honestly, I can’t remember the last time I felt so giddy� Nichole took a deep breath “Ok, I’m calm now�
“Don’t do that. If you want to be hyper and happy, do it. You have a right to express happiness when you want�
“Well, everyone does.�
Melinda sighed “That ain’t me right now� She and her boyfriend were going through a rocky part of their relationship right now.
“The sun will shine on you again soon, Mel. I promise� Nichole smiled.
“I hope you are right. About your friend, though. Do you think you two will begin to date again?�
She shrugged. “I honestly don’t know. It’s my ideal scenario, but there are a lot of circumstances that could get in the way�
“Like…?†� Melinda inquired.
“He could have another girlfriend that he is interested in; he could say he wants to only be friends… those kinds of reasons�
“You never know, he just might be�
“We’ll see. I sure hope so�

Later that night, Nichole called Jess.

“Hello?�

“Hey sis, what are you doing?� Nichole greeted in a chipper tone.
“Staying in my dorm because I don’t feel so well today� She groaned and coughed.

“Oh, I’m sorry�

Jess wrote off her sympathy. “It’s ok. You sound like something exceptionally good happened to you today�

“How can you tell?�

“It’s obvious in your tone of voice. Now, kiss and tell, darling� Jess said in her best British accent.

Nichole laughed “Ok, I will. Remember that guy we saw the last time at SoCal? You said he looked like Landon?�

She thought for a moment “Oh yeah, what about him?�

“it was him! He happened to be at same bus stop I was today. I thought it might be him but I wasn’t sure. We said hello and figured out who the other one was!�

“Oh so fabulous, sister! See I told you you’d see him again someday! You two had too much potential to be cut so short�

“Yes, you did. I was beyond shocked. I figured that it was someone else. And our love affair was meant to be nothing but high school love�

“So did you get his number?�

Nichole smiled “Yes, I did! I suppose we’ll get together for lunch or dinner sometime later this week. I’m so giddy right now, Jess, I never thought this would happen� Nichole squealed.

“If you’re bouncing off the walls now, just think what might happen if he asked you to be his girlfriend?�

Both women laughed. “I don’t even know, really. We had so much more to explore than high school allowed us. I never have given up hope than maybe some day we would be together again� She sighed

“Then now is your chance. Tell him how you feel� Jess told her.

“I’m going to sit back a little and see what happens. He may have a girlfriends and I am not going to break them up because of me. He may not have the same feelings I do, or we could get together and the old p[arse]ion wouldn’t be there like it used to.�

“Oh I highly doubt that they chemistry would not be there. Destiny brought Landon back in your life for a reason. What else would it be than for you to reunite?�

She had a point. “True. I still want to be careful, no matter how deep my p[arse]ion for Landon gets.�

“P[arse]ion sometimes overtakes logic, Nic. That’s how we get our hearts broken�

Again, Jess was right on the money. “You’re right, Jess. I just don’t want to experience the heartbreak that I did in high school� Nichole sighed. She vividly remembered how deep the heartache was. She never wanted to sink that deep into depression again.

“I don’t want you to either. Still, you need to pursue him. He made you the happiest of anyone and I’m sure you’re desiring to feel how he made you feel again�

Nichole smiled “I definitely am. Those eight months were the happiest of my life.�

Jess yawned “I think I’m heading to bed, sis. Maybe sleep will make me feel better. Call me soon, hun. I wanna know how your next encounter with Landon goes� She teased.

“You’ll be first one I call, I promise. Feel better soon, babe�

“I’ll try, bye�

Jess brought out several really good points during the conversation. There had to be a good reason that Landon was back in her life. Before, she was ok with the fact that she didn’t have a significant other by her side. Now, after today, she had a glimmer of hope that after all these years, Landon still loved her. “Come on Nichole� The cynical side of her began to say “It was nothing more than a high school affair that is meant to melt away in a puddle of memories�
She groaned “It sure felt like more than that. I had boyfriends before Landon, but the feeling wasn’t that intense. They didn’t have… the connection like we had. I rally want to have that again. Still, I’m not diving in head first without knowing what I am doing� She was determined not to let Landon break her heart again. But as Jess stated, p[arse]ion sometimes overtakes logic; when that happens, you make yourself vulnerable to that heartache.

[Baby On Board!]

Hey Kris, just finished it, I am in love with it so far, you're writing is amazing, it gets better everytime, so I can't wait for more!!!

[Forever_Lost]

I can't wait for the next add. :D

[Luv_98_Degrees]

awesome story, Kris!! Great job!! Please add soon!!!! :D

[Forever_Lost]

This story is still on - right Kris? :)

[Kristen07]

Yes it is Les. :) I just haven't found time to write the next chapter. My homework load is rather light these days so maybe you'll see a new chapter within the coming days.

[Forever_Lost]

Coolies - take your time... just making sure. I really like this story. :)

[Luv_98_Degrees]

:D yep, take your time, Kris! can't wait though, i love your story! :D

[Kristen07]

Hopefully you'll see a new chapter for this story in a few hours... I just need to write the last half of it

[Forever_Lost]

:D Cool - can't wait to read it.

[Kristen07]

Here's Chapter 4, y'all! Please leave nice feedback! :)

~Chapter 4~

The next morning, Nichole sat down to practice her guitar. She had gotten pretty good at it since picking it up to fulfill her two instrument requirement for her major. She loved the guitar because it was so smooth, it felt so good for her fingers to glide across the strings. It didn’t frustrate her like the piano did. She was constantly at war with the piano and almost despised it now. She had even written a couple songs on the guitar. They weren’t anything spectacular, despite friends protests. They kept trying to get her to perform at Joey’s, a club that an open mic night for talented college students. She told them she would when she wrote a good enough song. That would only come when she got vivid inspiration. “Maybe Landon will provide for that, depending how our relationship goes� Nichole thought, smiling. “I haven’t been this happy in a year or so. I feel like I’m in high school all over again�
She began strumming out “Again�, a song she had written about a breakup between people she knew. The slow chords expressed the sorry of love lost.
She played a few more monotone songs until her cell phone went off.

“Hello?�

“Hey, is this Nichole?� The voice was male.

“Yes. Who is this?� She asked, even though she already had a hunch.

“This is Landon. How are you?�

She grinned. Just hearing his voice made her want to jump ten feet in the air. “Great. How about you?�

“Not too shabby. I really enjoyed seeing you yesterday. So I was wondering when we could get together and catch up�

Landon must have felt something if he was calling this soon. “Well, I’m pretty high in demand these days. Let me get my planner�

He laughed “You perfectionist you�

“Hey, I like to have a good idea of what my day looks like� She walked over to her desk and opened it to the coming week. “I got Wednesday and Thursday after 6:00 and 1-3 on Friday�

“Wednesday is no good… I’m busy all day. Neither is Friday, I got cl[arse] in that timeframe. Thursday I have a test, but I should be done by 7. How about we meet at SoCal at 7:30?�

“That’ll be fabulous.� She penned in “Dinner with Landon at 7:30� in Thursday’s page.

They talked for awhile until Nichole had to go to cl[arse]. “Well Landon, I have to go to cl[arse] now as much as I would like to stay and chat�

“So soon? But we were having such a good conversation!� He said in a slightly pouty tone. He was so cute when he did that.

She laughed. “Don’t worry… we’ll be able to talk and laugh up a storm on Thursday, ok?�

“I’m already counting down till that time. I’ll talk to you soon�

“Ok, talk to you then. Don’t be late!� Nichole hated it when people were late.

“I wouldn’t dream of it, babe� Bye.�

Bye�

Wow… did he just call her ‘babe’? She remembered he sometimes called other girls that, but it was more to the person he called his girlfriend. She hoped that he wasn’t dating anyone, but she wouldn’t be surprised it if he was. Landon was a sweetheart that almost any girl would love. When he loved someone, he loved them with every inch of his being and you would always know. Nichole had felt that love for eight months, and she desperately wanted to feel that again. But, if he was not available, she wasn’t going to break them up just because she wanted him to be with her. Her heart would just be severely broken. “Ok Nichole… you have to forget about him for awhile. Cl[arse] awaits�
She groaned. She did not want to go to cl[arse] now. But at least she was in a good mood so she could concentrate. Good moods always allowed her to focus on her craft.
After cl[arse], she met her best friend from high school, Brooke Nickels to walk to another cl[arse]. She and Brooke had been inseparable in high school, but in college they had drifted apart. Nichole hated that because she loved Brooke’s company and she knew Brooke felt the same.
“Nichole, my lovely friend, we meet again!� Brooke said in a dramatic voice. She was a theater major and aspired to be on Broadway some day.
“It’s such a pleasure. I have missed you� They embraced. They talked for a few minutes as they walked.
Finally, Nichole couldn’t keep it to herself. “I have something to tell you that you will not believe.�
“Oh really? Do tell�
“I ran into Landon again yesterday� She said.
Brooke’s gray eyes widened. “You’ve got to be kidding me! That’s fabulous. How did it happen?�
Nichole told her the story.
“Wow… I’m so happy for you Nichole. You were such a beautiful couple�
“Don’t get too excited Brooke, we’re not dating again yet. I don’t even know if he has a girlfriend� She sighed.
“But you’re gonna find out, right?�
She nodded “We’re meeting for dinner on Thursday.�
“Well, have fun and enjoy it. Even if he is taken, you’ll have him back as a friend.�
“Yeah, but I want him as a boyfriend. I’d give anything just to feel his arms around me that way again, to feel his lips meeting mine…� She paused. “But I am only dreaming.�
“No you are not. It’s very possible that he’ll feel the same and you’ll be hugging and kissing in no time.�
“Yeah… but I’m not going to keep my hopes so high that if he says he doesn’t… my heart won’t be as broken.�
“I don’t think he will. I just have this hunch that he won’t.� Brooke smiled.
“I hope you are right. Because I miss what we were so much and I want it to be like that again. No guy has made me feel what he has.� She sighed.
“Then you’ll find out on Thursday whether you’ll get together�

[Luv_98_Degrees]

fantastic add, Kris! can't wait for the next one!!!! :Big Grin: :Big Grin:

[Forever_Lost]

Great add, Kris!!! :D

[Kristen07]

Here's Chapter 5, y'all! I'm sorry you have had to wait so long :( Please enjoy :)

Chapter 5~

Nichole walked to the music building for what seemed like the millionth time in her career. She had to practice because her professor threw in a pop quiz on their pieces that was scheduled for tomorrow. This was disaster for her because she was nowhere even close to being ready to be tested on her A minor weak piece. She had two others that would make up for it, but that didn’t make her feel anymore relaxed. She never settled for anything less than perfection.
She sat down quietly and began to play again. The bittersweet tune played through the piano, but when she got to the part where the key changed as well as the pace; yet again she messed up. Oh gosh, how in the world am I going to get this darn piece? she groaned and looked over at the clock. She had only two hours to practice before she had to get ready for her date with Landon. Oh Landon, as much as I want to think about you, I can’t because then I’ll get completely distracted and I can‘t afford to be distracted right now, she sighed, staring at her music.
Nichole heard elegant heels clicking into the room. She glanced up and noticed the noise belonged to Kate Berger. Kate was a silent type in the piano performance class that always worked by herself. Nichole didn’t know if that was because of arrogance or preference. Maybe she would be nice enough to help.
“Hello, Kate.�
Kate turned towards her. “Hello, Nichole. What are you doing?�
“Working on my pieces. You?�
“Same thing. Do you need any help?�
Nichole nodded. “I’d love some. I was going to ask you, but afraid to ask because you kind of hang back during class.�
“I know I do. I just work better that way. I really don’t mind helping, though.�
“Great, come here.�
Kate walked over and sat on Nichole’s bench with her. “Ah, Le jour de Porter le deuil (Day of Mourning). I have played this piece before. Where are you having trouble?�
“The fast key change part, measure 30,� she told Kate.
“Oh yes, I sympathize. I had trouble with it too. Get up, please,� Kate requested.
She did so.
“Now let me see, it’s been awhile since I’ve played it, let’s see here.� Kate put her fingers to the piano and seemed to effortlessly play the tune. The piece was ok to hear Nichole play it, but Kate seemed more natural for it. The sorrowful symphonies seemed to flow effortlessly from her fingers.
“How do you play like that? I’m amazed,� Nichole commented.
Kate shrugged. “It’s just from playing the piano since I was about 4 or so years old. Still, there are people that play better than I can.� She sighed.
“That was great in my eyes. Now please, teach me how to do that.�
“I’ll do my best. Sit down here.�
Nichole sat back down on the piano bench.
Kate and Nichole spent about the next hour and a half working on the piece. Slowly but surely, Nichole got the rhythm of it. It wasn’t perfect, but it was enough that she would be able to pass her professor’s examination. Nichole felt a little guilty, because she was eating up Kate’s valuable practice time for the examination and felt a little grumpy.
She glanced over the clock. She had roughly an hour and fifteen minutes before she had to meet Landon. She needed to get back to her apartment fast. “Well, Kate, I need to get going. I’m sorry I ate up some of your practice time.�
“It’s fine. I’m more than glad to be of service. I pretty much know my pieces. I just need to patch up some rough spots, you know?�
“Yeah. Do you think you’ll do ok in the quiz?�
“I think so. How about yourself; especially after you have gotten better on Day of Mourning?�
She raised her eyebrow. “You really think so?�
“Yes, I do. You’ll be fine.�
“Well, to answer your question, I think I’ll be ok. I usually never settle for anything less than perfection, but I have other plans that have derailed me of that task. I’m not going to stress till recital.�
“I’m not going to, either. You must get on your way, then.�
Nichole nodded. “Yep. I’ll see you in class. Thank you again, I really do appreciate it.�
“You’re more than welcome. Bye.�
“Bye.�
Nichole arrived back at her apartment 10 minutes later. She had an hour to get ready and get to the SoCal. She was feeling stressed. Come on, Nic, don’t be nervous. It’s not a date. It’s just two friends catching up on old times, she told herself.
But the way I have been thinking about him the past few days, it sure feels like a date. Although she didn’t want to admit it to herself, she was scared. Not of the fact of that she was going to see Landon; that was the best part. She was afraid he wasn’t going to return her affections of wanting a relationship with her again. But there was no time to dwell over it now; she had to get ready. She jumped in the shower.
After she was finished, she put on just enough makeup to enhance her features, a salmon halter top and tan capris with ties on the sides. She left her hair down and kept it straight. Looking cute, Ms. Davis,�Nichole mused at her reflection. Hopefully Landon would think so too.
Don’t worry… he’ll think you look fine no matter what you wear, she reassured herself, picking up her purse and walking out the door.

Nichole walked in the café a few minutes before 7:30. Landon was waiting for her, twiddling with his thumbs. He looked so adorable, with a white t-shirt, a green-blue striped over shirt, khaki pants and flip flops. “Man, how am I not going to be able to keep staring at this man all through dinner?� Nichole pondered.
He looked up at her and smiled. “Hey, Nichole!�
“Hi, Landon!� They hugged. To be in his embrace again if only for a brief moment felt so comforting to Nichole.
“It’s good to see you again, you look beautiful,� he told her.
She tried her hardest not to blush. “Thank you, so do you.�
Landon chuckled. “I don’t know about that.�
Oh gosh, Nichole, why did you say that? she scolded. “Handsome, then,� she corrected herself.
“There ya go. So what do you say we go get seated?�
“Absolutely.� They walked up to the podium and the waitress got them menus and led them to a seat near the back.
They sat down and started looking over their menus. Landon looked around, as if he was scanning to see anyone he knew. “What’s wrong, Landon?�
“Nothing,� he said and picked up his menu.
They looked at the menus for a few moments in awkward silence. Nichole didn’t like the way this was going at all.
Landon finally broke it. “You’re awfully quiet, Nichole. You were never like this if I remember you correctly.�
She smiled. “Well, only when I was really contemplating something. We didn’t really get to talk much the other day; I wanna know what you have been up to since we parted.�
“Ok. I moved to Los Angeles for senior year of high school. That year was ok; not really anything to write home about. Then I came here to USC because I am majoring in business.�
“Ah, still have those dreams of running your own business someday?�
He nodded. “Yes, I do. I work for Dad in the summers to learn the ropes of running a business. We’ll see how it goes. So, how about you? Still singing pretty?�
She chuckled. “Oh yes, I am. I told you that I’m a music major. I’m stressed right now because I have a pop quiz on three piano pieces I have to play tomorrow.�
“Shouldn’t you be practicing those pieces instead of catching up with me then, Ms. Davis?� Landon joked.
Nichole shook her head. “I’m covered. I practiced this afternoon. Someone helped me on the piece I really needed help on.�
“That’s good. I hope you do well on that tomorrow.�
“Thanks.�
The conversation got into full swing after that. The two friends laughed, joked, talked and ate. It was like they had never been apart. Maybe, just maybe, Landon and I could start again tonight, Nichole thought hopefully.
“Are you seeing anyone at the moment, Nichole?�
She shook her head. “Not right now. I have too much stress and I’m so busy that I’m better off without one� Unless it’s you, Landon, she added to herself. “How about you?�
He nodded “It’s been going two years strong right now.�
Nichole’s heart dropped about 100 feet inside of her. Yet she couldn’t be completely surprised. Any girl would love to have a catch like Landon. How was she going to show him that this didn’t affect her much when it really did?

[Biondo Sorto]

ANd Landon feels......the same maybe?
That's rude you just left me hanging on the cliff, lol, but I'll manage ;) Love the add, keep it up :)

[Leslie]

I'll have to read this when I can.. :)