Chap. 2

It was Friday, the day before the boys would arrive. After school, me and Stefanie decided to go shopping. My sister picked us up and headed to the mall.
"Wait, why are going to the mall again?" Stefanie asked.
"So I can get a cute outfit for tomorrow."
"Why?"
"Besides them coming, I'm going to throw them a welcome back party. I'm also planning to tell him."
"What? No your not! Your going to chicken out."
"Wow! Thanks for the support" I said trying not to laugh.

When we got to the mall, we went to all the stores trying to find the right outfit. I finally found it in Forever 21. After we were done, we headed home. Stefanie was going to spend the night to help me prepare for the next day.
"Stef, are you awake?"'
"Now I am"
"I can't fall asleep"
"Why? It's not like you've never met them before"
"I know, it's just that I'm nervous and excited at the same time. I haven't seen them since forever. Hopefully everything goes according to plan. Tomorrow is going to be the night when everything changes." 
" Yea, we will see"
We talked for a couple of minutes until we both fell asleep.

It was Saturday. I've been counting the days and it finally arrived. I woke up early even though the boys were coming at 12. By the time I took a shower, got changed, and woke up Stefanie, it was already 10.
"Ahh! They are almost here!" Why can't it be 12 already!" I said while eating breakfast.
"Calm down! Can't you wait for 2 more hours?" my sister yelled while walking away.
"No! Everything has to be perfect!"

I sat on the couch and waited until I heard a honk. Stefanie looked out the window and screamed, "They're here!"
I jumped off the couch and rushed to the door. When I opened it, there he was. My prince charming. The boy of my dreams was in front of my house.

 

Chapter 3
 
 
There they were. The Jonas Brothers. The guys most girls dream of. The guys girls can't get enough of. I was one of the lucky ones who was there before everything started. As soon as they came out of the car, I ran out. I went to go hug Kevin and Joe. Nick dropped his bags and we just stood there, staring at each other smiling.
"Are you just going to stand there or what?" Nick said with his arms wide open waiting for a hug. I laughed and gave him the biggest hug ever.
"Hey! Don't forget about me!" Stefanie yelled while walking towards us.
 
We went inside and showed them the new changes in the house. We headed to the backyard.
"It's just like how we left it" Kevin said while walking towards the swings.
"Yup, but we had some good memories" I sighed while looking around.
"The tree house!" Joe yelled, running to it. We climbed up and sat on the chairs.
"We had the best times up here" Nick said. A couple of hours passed and we stayed up there catching up. I told the guys to come back later for a surprise. Me and Stefanie went upstairs to get ready while my mom and my sister took care of everything downstairs. It was an hour before the party and I was having second thoughts about telling Nick my true feelings.
"I can't do it" I looked at Stefanie.

 

Chap. 4
 
 
It was finally party time. I went downstairs with Stefanie to greet everybody. When the guys came in with their family, we yelled surprise. They thanked everyone for coming and to me for planning the party. Everything was going perfect until Nick told me he wanted to talk to me. So we headed to the kitchen and sat down.
 
"So what's up?" I asked Nick wondering what he is going to ask me.
"We promised each other that we wouldn't keep secrets right?"
"Hmm"
"Well there is something I've been wanting to ask you for quite sometime. I'm falling in love with someone close to me."
 
My eyes widen and i started to scream inside.
It has to be me. I'm the only girl best friend he has. I can't believe this is happening!
 
(Back to Nick)
"Will you be....."
Nick was interrupted by Mama J.
"Can I steal him for a minute?"
"Yea sure"
 
So while he was gone, I rushed to find Stefanie. I told her what Nick was about to ask me and we began to jump around. Joe saw us and decided to join even though he didn't know what's going on.
 
"Am I interrupting something?" Nick said laughing.
"Uhh no! Actually I was about to look for you"
Nick smiled and grabbed my hand. We went back to the kitchen to finish our conversation.
"Where were we?" Nick asks.
"You were about to ask me a question"
"Ohh yea. Now I remember. Okay here it goes,
Cindy will you be...."

Chap. 5
 
 
"Cindy will you be...."
"Yes!"
"Let me finish. Will you be mad at me if I asked Rachel out?"
 
My mouth dropped

Rachel??!? Why her? Why not me? He has only known her for a year! He's known me for 10 years! What does she have that I don't have! I can't believe this is happening!
 
"Hello? Is anyone home?" Nick asked waving his hand in my face.
"I thought you were going to ask me....never mind. Wait, why are you asking me first?"
"Because your my best friend and like a sister."
 
A SISTER?? Why can't I be more?
 
"And I wanted to make sure you were alright with it before I asked Rachel.
I took a deep breath and said, "As long as your happy, I'm fine with it. But think twice before you make this decision."
Nick huged me and went to find Rachel. When he left, a tear came running down my face. I was right. Tonight was the night when everything changes.

 

Chapter 6
 
 
As I was wiping my face from the tears of a broken heart, Kevin saw me and walked to the kitchen.
"Hey what's wrong?" Kevin asked with a worried face.
"Nothing. Everything is just perfect"
"If you don't want to tell me that's fine but I know what's really wrong"
"You do? Is it that obvious?"
"No but I kind of knew you always liked him even when we were younger and I know you too well"
"Yea that's true. You always know what I'm feeling"
"Your a good friend for letting Nick ask Rachel out"
"I know"
 
Nick grabbed Rachel and headed to the living room. As they passed by me and Kevin, Nick winks at me. I just sighed.
Kevin starts singing "Hold On"
"When you love someone, and they break your heart
Don’t give up on love, have faith, restart
Just hold on"
 
"Thanks. I think I'm going to head to my room. I need sometime to think. If you see Stefanie, tell her I need to talk to her."
"I will. Feel better!" Kevin gave me a hug and walked away.
I ran upstairs before Nick noticed I had left the party. There was a knock on the door. Thinking it was Nick, I slowly approached it.
"Okay, it's just you. I thought you were Nick. I need to tell you what happened." I closed the door and told Stefanie everything.
 
A few minutes later, I got a new text. I looked at my phone and it was Nick. I opened it up and read the text out loud so Stef can hear.
Nick: Hey! Guess wat she said??
Me: Umm NO!
N: HaHa very funny. She said yes! Im so glad i asked her. Why did u leave early??
M: Wasnt feeling good. ttyl
 
"Ugh! I can't even stand him right now!" I said while looking at the window. There was Nick and Rachel playing on the swings.
"Just give him time. Maybe they will break up because he realized that he was in love with you." Stef said trying to cheer me up.
"Yea right! That only happens in the movies. I'm going to tell Joe. I feel bad because you and Kevin already know."
 
So I texted Joe and told everything that was happening. After a few texts, I read a message that caught my attention.
"OMG! You aren't going to believe what Joe just told me!"

Chap.8


Since we had off for a week in school, we decided to watch "I Am Legend" in my house. BIG MISTAKE!! Once again Nick was seating between Rachel and me on the coach. Stef and my sister was on the other couch while Joe and Kevin were on the floor. In one part of the movie, me and Rachel jumped and grabbed Nick's hand at the same time. Rachel didn't notice but Nick looked at me. We just sat there, staring at each other. TALK ABOUT AWKWARD! I got so embarrassed that I ran to the tree house. Nick ran after me and climbed up.

"Cindy, what just happened?"
"I'm sorry! You know I do stupid things when I get nervous. Please don't be mad"
"I'm not but why have you been acting weird lately?"
"That's what I've been trying to tell you yesterday, but you left with Rachel"
"Sorry about that. What did you want to tell me?"

I have to do it. I haveto tell him. It's either now or never!

"Nick, I lo......."

 

Chapter 9


"I love you"
"I love you too"
"No! Not like brother and sister love. I'm IN LOVE with you!"
Nick was speechless. He just sat there.
"Can you at least say something?" I said trying to hold back the tears.
"Why?"
"Why what?"
"Why did you tell me now? Couldn't you have done it before I asked Rachel out? What am I supposed to do now? I'm with Rachel. I'm actually falling in love with her and you just told me the last thing I wanted to hear from you!"
"Well, I'm sorry! I couldn't keep this secret from you any longer. I haven't slept in weeks just thinking about it. Sorry I wanted to be honest with my best friend!"
"I can't believe you told this to me NOW! I'm with Rachel!
"It's either me or Rachel"
"What?"
"You heard me. Who do you pick, me or Rachel?"
"Rachel"
"I can't believe you! After all the things we've been through and you pick her?!"
"You know what? I can't take this anymore. I decided maybe we shouldn't be friends at all!"
"Fine but when she breaks you heart, I won't be here to pick it up!"
"I don't care"

Nick climbed down and stormed off with Rachel. When I came in, everyone was asking what happened.
"I told him. That's what happened" I ran upstairs in tears.
A few weeks passed by and I was still not talking to Nick. I seriously thought this was the end of our friendship. My sister, Stef, and I were at the living room when my cell began to ring.
You left without a single word
Not even sorry
It might have hurt worse to hear you say
I'm leaving goodbye
But your smile still makes my heart sing
Another sad song
I can't forget it
Won’t regret it
Cause I'm still in love with you

I looked at my phone and it was Nick.

 

Chapter 10


I tossed my phone to my sister and Stef.
"Pick it up. You know you want to" Stef said while handing me the phone.

"Hello" I picked up.
"Cindy, we need to talk. Meet me at the park in 6 minutes"

I got up and told the girls to meet me at Nick's house. When I got there, Nick was already waiting. He was sitting at the bench looking at the floor. I can tell he was really hurt. I slowly walked up to him.
"Hi" I said quietly and sat next to him.
"Umm hi"
"Look I'm sorry"
"No I'm sorry for everything. I got carried away when I said we shouldn't be friends. I was caught up in the moment. Everything was happening to fast. I was mad at myself, not at you"
"Why are you mad at yourself?"
"Because I should of told you I liked you a long time ago. None of this would of happened. I was worried that if I asked you out, you would of said no"
"I would never do that! I would of said yes"
"I was wondering, when did you start to like me?"
"The moment I first met you. I should of told you earlier but now it's too late. Your going out with Rachel"
"Well if we don't work out, I will give us a try"
"Deal"
"Can we be friends again? These past few weeks made me realize I need you in my life"
"Same here. I rather have you as my best friend than nothing at all"
"So we're good right?"
"Yea"

We stood up and hugged. Nick gave me a piggy back ride to his house. When we got there, everyone was there including Rachel.
"So are you guys friends again?" Joe asked.
"Yea we are" me and Nick said at the same time.
He left to go on a date with Rachel. While the rest of us were talking, they asked me if I was okay with Rachel and Nick going out. I told them I fine with it but they knew i was lying.

 

Chapter 11

That weekend was Rachel's and Nick's 1 month anniversary. I was home, listening to music when my phone began to rang. I didn't recognize the number so I picked up.
"Hello"
"Ohh, hi Cynthia"
"Who's this?"
"Rachel"
"How did you get my number?"
"Nick gave it to me"
"Really? Remind me to kill him later!"
"What?"
"Nothing. So why are you calling me?"
"Well, you do know it's me and Nick's anniversary tomorrow?"
"Yea, I've heard"
"I need help picking out something"
"And you want me to help, right?"
"Yea"
"Why are you asking me for help? Nick's your bf"
"But you know him better than anymore"
"That's true. Fine I'll help"
"Thanks"
I couldn't believe myself that i was helping the person I least wanted to know about.

Later that day, I went to a guitar store with Rachel.
"Why are we here?" Rachel asked while looking disgusted.
"Because Nick has been wanting this Gibson Guitar for a very long time"
"Ohh"
After she payed, I handed her the guitar.
"Thanks so much"
"Yea, sure. No problem. He's going to love it"
"So I guess I'll see you later!"

The next day was their anniversary. Nick and Rachel went to a restaurant to celebrate. They decided to exchange their gifts after dinner.
"Here you go. I hope you like it" Nick handed Rachel a box.
When she opened it, it was a golden necklace with her name on it.
"Thank you so much! I always wanted one. I love it! Here's your gift." Rachel handed him a huge wrapped box. He ripped off the wrapping paper and there was a guitar case. When he opened it, it was the guitar he has been eyeing for months.
"Wow! This is amazing! And it's blue! How did you know I wanted this? Did anyone help you?"
"No silly! I just know you. Maybe more than you think!"

After Nick dropped off Rachel at her house, he headed to mine.
DING DONG
"I'll get it!" I yelled as I was walked to the door.
When I opened it, Nick was standing there.

"Hey what are you doing here?"
"To thank you for the gift" he said as he lifted the case.
"I don't know what your talking about" I grinned while heading to the living room.
"Yes you do! You were the only one who knew I wanted this guitar. Plus I read what you engraved in the back."
"Okay! I confess! I did pick out the guitar. So do you like it?"
"Like it? I love it. It's the best thing anyone has every given me"
We both blushed
"Well, it's getting late. I should be heading home" Nick sighed as he headed to the door.
"Alright. Text me when you get there, to make sure you got home safe"
"I will"

Before he left, I gave him a kiss on the cheek.
"So I'll see you around"
"Yea. I'll text you later"
Right when I was about to close the door, Nick stopped it.
"What happened?" I asked while looking confused.
He went up to me and kissed me!
"Sorry. I always wanted to do that" he said as he was walking away.

After I closed the door, I began to scream. Hopefully Nick didn't here me.
When he got home, he passed by Kevin.
"How was the night?"
"Amazing! I think I'm in love!"

 

Chapter 12

"So, who's the lucky girl?" Kevin asks.
"It's....."
 
Back to my house, I ran upstairs to my sisters room. I started jumping on her bed.
"What happened?" She asked while trying to push me off.
"He kissed me!"
"Who? Nick?"
"Yes! Who else would it be?"
"I don't know. Wait, doesn't he have a gf?"
"Don't rain on my parade!" I said while walking away.
 
When I got to my room, I went straight to my phone. I had an unread message and it was from Nick.
Nick:  Hey! I just got home. Tonight was amazing. Thanks for the gift!
Me: Ur welcome. Anything for u! :) Thks for tonight. Im getting pretty tired. See u tom.!
Nick: Cant wait. btw.... I luv u
Me: I luv u 2
 
After my lil convo with Nick, I started to text Stefanie.
Me: OMJ!! Guess wat happened??
Stef: Umm let me guess... he kissed u??
Me: How did u know?
Stef: Lucky guess... n i kinda heard it from a lil birdie
Me: By the name of Joe??
Stef: Maybe.. so i heard u helped Rachel pick out a guitar for Nick
Me: Well,not exactly. I picked it n she payed for it
Stef: How did u get the guitar engraved w/o her noticing?
Me: I called the owner ahead of time n told him how i wanted. When Rachel was looking away, the owner handed me the guitar in the case. So she didnt see the back, only the front
Stef: Im dying to know what it says!!

Chapter 13

Me: It says:

Dear Nick,

"When you look me in the eyes,
And tell me that you love me.
Everything's alright,
When you're right here by my side.
When you look me in the eyes,
I catch a glimpse of heaven.
I find my paradise,
When you look me in the eyes. "

Just remember, I will love you no matter what life throws at us. You will always be my prince charming.

Love, Cynthia

Stef: OMJ!!! u didn't put that??
Me: I did n im glad i did it too. anyways he luvved it. ttyl im getting tired. too much excitement for one day lol

The next day we went to Pinkberry for lunch. When Nick passed by me, he winked. I blushed a little but tried to hide it so Rachel doesn't notice.
"Is there something going on between you and Nick?" Joe asked as he sits next to me.
"What do you think?"
"Well he did kiss you so I'm guessing that's a yes" he said trying not to laugh. "And he's been acting all lovey dovey after he came back home"
"No comment" I said laughing.

Later that night, me and Nick snuck off to the tree house.
"So how are you and me supposed to work out if you are dating her?" I asked.
"I have no idea. We'll figure something out" Nick said while holding my hand.

Chapter 14

It was finally the last day of school, which meant last day of freshmen year for me and Stef. Also last day of senior year for my sis. My mom decided to throw a graduation party for my sis. They brought her a red convertible which she totally flipped out when see saw it. Then each of the guys gave her a Tiffany & Co. jewelry. But they didn't forget about me and Stefanie. They gave us concert tickets and backstage passes for their next concert. Unfortunately Rachel was also going. Me and Stef were sitting on the steps across from Nick. We kept on smiling at each other but we didn't make it that obvious. Everything was going great until Rachel noticed.
"Hey Cynthia, can we talk in private? Rachel asked while approaching me.
"Umm okay" I said looking at Stefanie.

When we got to the kitchen, Rachel started yelling at me.
"STOP flirting with my bf. He is mine!!"
"FIRST of all, DON'T scream at me! SECOND I'm not flirting with Nick and THIRD I don't like him!"
I wasn't lying. I don't like Nick, I love him.

Rachel stormed off furious and headed straight for Nick.
"Hey Rachel, what's........" She interrupts Nick by kissing him in front of everyone.
"What was that for?"
"Because I love you. Don't you love me back?"
"I...."

Chapter 15

Everyone was staring at Nick, waiting for answer. Kevin, Joe, and Nick looked at me then to Rachel.
"I...I... love you too"
Rachel hugged him. While she was hugging him, Nick looks at me and mouthed "Sorry". I couldn't take the thought of them together so I left the party and headed to park which was around the corner. Nick followed me there and sat next to me on the bench.
 
"I'm so sorry you had to hear that. I know it must of been hard for you to see that. The only reason I said it was because I felt pressured. Everybody was just staring at me, waiting for that answer. It's not her who I'm in love with, it's you"
"Do you want to be with me?"
"Yea. Someday but right now I have to work things out with Rachel"
"Nick, I can't do this anymore. The only way for you to fix things with Rachel is if we stop sneaking off to see each other"
"There has to be another way"
"There isn't. I'm sorry" We stood up and hugged.
Nick whispered in my ear, "I promise everything will work out at the end"
 
We both walked away in different directions. After a few minutes, I ran back to the place we were standing.
"Nick, I...." I looked around but he was nowhere in sight. I turned my heel and headed home. Heart broken.
A few minutes later, Nick also ran back to where we were.
"Cindy, I...." He looked around but I was already gone. It was too late.

 

Chapter 16

When I got home, I headed straight to my room. I put on my pj's and went to the kitchen.
"Ice Cream!" I thought to myself. It always made me feel better. So I opened the freezer and took the Oreo Cookies & Cream. When I was done stuffing my face, I went to lay on my bed. I was there for a couple of hours just thinking about "you know.. stuff". It was around 11 when I heard something at my window. It sounded like someone was throwing pebbles at it. When I went to the balcony, it was Nick holding the guitar I had gotten him... wait I mean the one Rachel gave him. I
always got confused on who really gave him the gift. All of the sudden he starts playing "Just Friends"
 
"There she goes again
The girl I'm in love with
It’s cool we’re just friends
We walk the halls at school
We know it’s casual
It’s cool we’re just…

I don’t want to lead you on
No
But the truth is I’ve grown fond
Yeah

Everyone knows it’s meant to be
Falling in love,  just you and me
‘til the end of time
‘til I’m on her mind
It’ll happen
I’ve been making lots of plans
Like a picket fence and a rose garden
I just keep on dreaming
But it’s cool cause we’re just friends"
 
After he was done, I ran outside to where he was.
"What are you doing here?" I asked with a confused look in my face.
"To tell you that I'm going to end it with Rachel tomorrow. Also to tell you that you were the one who inspired me to write "Just Friends". This song is written for you."
 
I went up to him and hugged him.
"I had a feeling it was meant for me" I said laughing.
"By the way, nice pjs"
"Thanks" I said embarrassed. They were pj pants that had moneys on them. Plus to top it off I was wearing matching monkey slippers. We went inside and talked for a while, until it was time for Nick to go. The next day was the concert. Little did I know it was going to change everything.
 

Chapter 17

It was finally the day of the concert. I texted the guys and told them that we would see them at the arena. Me and Stef got ready and headed to the concert. When we got to our seats, Rachel was already there. She said hi to my sis and Stef but ignored me. About 6 minutes later I got a text from Nick.

Nick: Hey! Come backstage b4 the concert starts

After I read the text, I told the girls I was going to the bathroom so Rachel wouldn't get suspicious. When I found Nick backstage, I ran up and hugged him.
"Hey!" Nick said.
"Hey, what's up?"
"Nothing, just wanted to see you before the concert started"
"Me too"
"I'm going to give out a special shout out to you during the show"
"Awesome, can't wait!"

We talked for a while until we heard a guy say "Your own in 5 minutes". I gave Nick a kiss on the cheek and told him I'll see him later. When I went to my seat, the concert began to start. During it, Nick starts to say "Before we play these next songs, I just want to dedicate them to someone special in my life. That very special someone also inspired me to write "Just Friends". So this is for you. You know who you are." Nick looked at me and winked.

After the concert, all of us went backstage. We hugged the guys for doing an awesome job. When I went to hug Nick, I whispered "Thank you for the songs". He whispers back, "They will always be for you no matter what happens". After we were done hugging each other, Rachel comes up to us and says, "We need to talk. All of us".

Chapter 18

Me and Nick looked at each other with a nervous face. We went to an empty room so we can talk in private. Rachel closed the door and told me and Nick to sit down.

Rachel stood in front of us and began to say, "I know".
I looked at her and said, "About what?"
"I know about you guys. I know you guys have feelings for one another. I always knew. I just never said anything because I thought I can make you fall in love with me. I can see the way you look at her. You love her, not me"
"I'm so sorry. I was planning to tell you" Nick said.
"It's okay. I understand"
Rachel walked up to us and grabbed our hands. She placed them on top of each other and sincerely said, "It's obvious to everyone that you care and love one another very much. If you guys don't see that then you must be blind. You belong together".
Me and Nick looked at each other smiling.
"Thank you", we both said at the same time and stood up to hug Rachel.
"I hope you guys stay together, you deserve each other", Rachel sayed as she walked out the room.
When she left, I looked at Nick and asked, "So what does this mean for us?"

Chapter 19

"So what does this mean for us?"
"Well we can go back to being just friends... OR we can try us being together"
"I like the second option" I said trying not to laugh.
"I thought you would"

.......

Weeks Later

Nick had asked me to be his girlfriend during one of our dates. It was probably one of the best days of my life. Nick and I were inseparable. Everything was perfect. I was dating my prince charming, the boy of my dreams. Nothing could go wrong, so I thought. One Friday evening, the boys made an unexpected visit. I opened the door unaware of who it might be.
"Um, hey guys! What are you doing here?"
"I need to talk to your dad" Kevin said with a wink.
"It took you long enough" I replied trying not to sound too excited for the question that was going to be asked to my dad and my sister. Kevin and I had made an agreement a while back. He was going to ask my sister, Emma, to go out with him when Nick asked me to be his girlfriend. Kevin and Emma have been crushing on each other since I have no idea when but both were to shy to do anything. Finally Kevin found the courage to ask my dad to ask her out.

"And you" I asked, still confused on Joe's unexpected appearance.
"I don't know why I'm here. I just tagged along" Joe said with a chuckle.
"Okay well Stef is in the kitchen eating Doritos and Gatorade. You could join her if you want". Before i could even finish, Joe had already ran to the kitchen without hesitation. Behind Joe, stood Nick shyly.
"Hey" Trying not to blush, I welcomed him in. Even though I had seen him millions of times, he still made my heart race with every look.
"Hi. Um don't freak out but we need to talk" Nick said trying to avoid direct eye contact. I slowly closed the front door, trying not to panic and guided him to the living room. Need to talk? That never ended good. Was I that bad of a girlfriend that he was already breaking up with me with only 2 weeks of going out? So many doubts and concerns were rushing through my head at the same time. My heart was beating so loud, I actually thought he can hear it. When we got to the couch, Nick grabbed my hands and looked straight into my eyes that send chills throughout my body. I can see through his brown, soulful eyes that he was afraid to ask me something. Before anything escaped from his mouth, I quickly jumped into conclusion.
"Are you breaking up with me?"

Chapter 20

... to be continued

---

So i ended the story earlier than I expected. But i just wanted to start adding the new ff which I like better than this one. The new ff is the sequel to this ff. Its called, "What Was Missing". Hope you like it

 

"What Was Missing"

written by Cindy S.