"I'm done, man. I'm done."

Nick hung his head; he was almost crying. It was painful to see Nick whom she appreciated very much in such a horrible condition. Lindsay should do something for him, but what? She'd never had a deal with people being so desperate and had no idea what could comfort them. She almost decided to kiss him but stopped herself in time. It may cause unpredictable consequences. Instead, the girl stepped to him and hugged him tightly. A few moments later Nick raised his hands and hugged her back.

Lindsay didn't know would it work or not. She almost heard Nick's heart beating, and his heavy breath tickled her hair. They stood like this quite long, each in own thoughts. When she noticed his breath become calmer and deeper, she broke off the hug. Girl looked at her friend worried and said «Hey, all gonna be alright. I promise you. Just don't give up, okay?"

Nick seemed as depressed as he was but gave her sad smile. "Are you sure?"

Lindsay nodded and smiled a little. "Absolutely. I believe in you."

Nick lowered his eyes for a moment and then looked at her. "Thank you, Linds. Your support means a lot to me."

"I'm glad," said Lindsay. She continued to distract him from bad thoughts. "Hey, are you hungry? Let's have some burgers, my treat."

"Let's just get out of here, okay?" asked Nick, going to his car and opening a door. Lindsay followed him.

A few days later Nick invited her to join the whole group on the patio. She was afraid that she would be an undesirable person, but they acted as if nothing had happened. Ken mocked on Nick's failed audition, Daniel brought some new chords to learn, and Kim called her Yoko playfully. Lindsay just smiled awkwardly and listened to the conversation mutely.

All seemed to be all right, but Lindsay remembered Daniel's words. "He doesn't need any help," he had said meaning Nick would still get into the army no matter how hard he tried to avoid it. Lindsay always was kinda competitive, and it was a challenge, a solid chance to prove the whole world she was right. Besides, she would give favor her friend, and his future was even more important that whatever else.

Lindsay compiled a plan carefully. At first, she found out Nick's schedule. They had only one common course, but there were some others Lindsay had taken a previous year. She couldn't help him with Labor or Physical education lessons, but she could do it with Math and Biology. Lindsay made some calculation. If Nick gained at least three A grades for final tests and kept another average not lower than C-, all would be perfect. She just hoped he would be a better learner than Daniel.

At last, she decided to tell Nick about her plan.

"I know, you think I'm bothersome or impudent or both of them, but I really want to do something for you," Lindsay ended her speech a little bit panting. "So… what do you say?"

Nick grinned and lightly slapped her shoulder. "Oh, man, it's great. Your plan is awesome. But… does it work?"

Lindsay smiled. "It depends on you, I guess. So… when do we start?"

"Maybe, next week?" suggested Nick. "I have some plans this weekends, so…"

"Oh, okay, sure," shrugged Lindsay. She didn't expect they started right now.

"Great!" beamed Nick, waved her goodbye and went to his class. Or ditched it – she didn't know exactly. For some reason, Lindsay felt a slight concern.

They didn't start practicing next week, but it was her fault. Lindsay was so angry with Mr. Rosso notations, and she wanted to feel like an adult so much, that she almost forced her friend to get fake IDs and go to a bar. Moreover, when they discovered what first IDs were fake more than they had expected, Lindsay found a way to get new ones.

"Weird guy, that Toby," said Nick to Daniel as Lindsay went into the house of her old buddy.

"Weird or not, but he makes perfect IDs," noticed Daniel. "Besides… Did you see his plants?"

"His plants? No, man, I didn't see them," he came up with an unexpected but pleasant idea "Hey, do you think he'll sell us some stuff? I mean if Mark will be empty. Like a fallback?" Nick exclaimed enthusiastically.

"I dunno. Maybe," shrugged Daniel lighting a cigarette. "It'll be kinda funny if Lindsay finds you a new dealer."

Nick chuckled and smiled. "She's full of secrets."

"Wanna reveal some?" Daniel asked mockingly.

"Oh, shut up, man," Nick slightly punched his friend in the arm. Nick didn't realize when and why he started to feel something more than just a sympathy to Lindsay. Maybe, all that happened because Lindsay was a girl and she hung out with them. Or, he fell in love with her because of her being kind to him, because of her intelligence, loveliness, and all those little things that made her so cute. Apparently, this was no longer a secret for Daniel.

They stood in silence a while. Daniel was smoking, and Nick was beating rhythm with his drumsticks. Ending it with a spectacular swing, Nick said insecurely "She's gone for a long time. Maybe, we should look for her?"

Daniel smirked. "Calm down, man. All these things take time. She's gonna be here soon."

Nick didn't answer and started to walk around nervously.

The front door opened, and Lindsay came out quickly. Toby went after her and stopped at the doorstep.

"I'll call you later," said he saucily. Lindsay didn't answer, and Toby returned to the house.

"Here they are," said Lindsay and gave IDs to boys. Daniel threw away his cigarette and started to study his new document. Nick took his card but paid more attention to Lindsay. She was apparently ill at ease and looked upset.

"Hey, are you okay? Did he do something to you?" asked Nick carefully.

"No, no, all is alright," answered Lindsay too fast and too strained for it to be true.

"I'll deal with him," promised Nick, clenching his fists and going to return to Toby's place. He felt strange urge to protect Lindsay even when she didn't need it.

"No, Nick, stop, please," Lindsay begged, grabbing his hand. "He didn't hurt me, he just… asked too many personal questions," she confessed nervously.

"Personal questions?" frowned Nick. Lindsay tried to find proper words to explain, but she was interrupted by Daniel who figured out what had happened.

"Next time, Linds, when some dork tries to hit on you, just say you already have a boyfriend."