Disclaimer: I (unfortunately) do not own Nancy Drew or any related characters, nor do I own the Hardy Boys and any related characters.

Chapter 1: Her Story...

'He never understood it all. The travelling, sleuthing, everything! It was really for the best that I broke it off with him. I promise that I'll never go out with another guy, unless he's going through the same as me. Until I find a guy of the sort, no more dating. Just me, my detective skills and mysteries. That's all I need...'

For the first time in days, a small smile crossed Nancy Drew's tear-streaked face. She had been so busy crying her eyes out over Ned Nickerson that she never realized that maybe the two of them just weren't meant to be together. He couldn't understand the whole detective thing, no matter what he had said all those past years. He had never truly accepted the fact that whenever he had finally managed to plan a night out, or a simple vacation, Nancy always ended up needing to go to some far away country for an investigation. She had always known it bothered him. Always. Yet, she hadn't done anything. She had simply acted like she didn't notice a thing and he had simply gone along with it. Until about 2 weeks ago.

He had always expressed some 'concern' about her going off suddenly to Italy, or places of the sort, but after a while he always gave in to her promises to be careful and call him every once in a while to check in. To Nancy though, it had gone one step too far when he had completely banned her from going anywhere, and in the process ripping up her passport in hundreds of tiny pieces of paper. He had told her that after a simple week of peace and no detective-work, he would give her back her passport and she would be free to do what she wanted. It had been truly unexpected and so un-Ned like that Nancy had decided then and there that it was over between her and Ned. No more pretending that they still cared about each other. No more holding back from going on more mysteries.

Nancy's thoughts came to an abrupt end as a sudden vibration could be felt from her jean pocket. She slipped her hand slowly inside the pocket and pulled out her cell phone. Different people went through her mind as she hesitated to check the caller ID. 'What if it's Ned to 'apologize' ?! I don't want to talk to him! I broke up with him for a reason, and I'm not going back on my word!' she took a deep breath, and quickly glanced at the front display. A picture of her and one of her best friends was currently appearing on the screen, as well as the words;

Incoming call from Bess Marvin

The titian haired woman gave a sigh, yet couldn't help but grin. It seemed that Bess had a sort of sixth sense about when one of her friends was having troubled thoughts. Even though now, Nancy's troubled thoughts had more or less been somewhat resolved. Opening the lid of her cell phone and pressing the 'talk' button, Nancy couldn't help but shoot a quick glance at a nearby mirror. Her mascara from three days ago was now nothing more than black streaks going down her cheek, her hair was a tussled mess, and she suddenly felt ashamed of having locked herself in her apartment for the past few days.

"Hey Bess."

"Nance? How did you...oh right-"

"Caller ID" the two said in unison. It was just like Bess to forget that Nancy had paid for Caller ID on her cell phone when she had bought it. Since Bess didn't have it, she often completely forgot it existed half the time.

"So. How're you holding up Nan? George and I have been worried sick about you! We were just about to-"

"I'm fine Bess. Well, at least now I am. I'm sorry about everything. I didn't mean to worry you two."

She could hear a small sigh from Bess on the other end. Her friend had always hated to be stopped in the middle of a sentence, but if no one stopped her, then she could go on for hours about anything, no matter what the subject was. Nancy felt slightly guilty to have interrupted her friend's sentence, but she had just managed to pull herself together. She wasn't about to do anything to make herself feel anymore guilty than she had already felt over the last few days. Nancy took a small stabilizing breath before continuing, since Bess had fallen silent.

"So, um Bess...um...I think you should come over before we go out anywhere today. I'm a mess, and I'm sure I'm in need of a small make-over..."

"Make-over?! Nancy Drew?! Say no more! George and I are on our way! See you later Nance!"

Nancy grinned as she closed her cell phone lid and looked at the time. Her digital clock currently read: 10:26. Knowing the speed at which Bess drove when the word 'make-over' was involved, she expected her friends to be at her apartment at around 10:45, if not before. She got off her bed and headed for her closet. She definitely wasn't going to stay dressed in the same sweat pants and shirt she had been in for the past few days. Deciding not to go for something too fancy, Nancy took out her favourite pair of baby blue jeans and a simple light green shirt, which Bess had given to her for her 24th birthday, last year.

She changed quickly, and just as she putting a new pot of coffee to brew, her bell rang. Knowing full well that it was Bess and George, she pressed the button allowing them to open the door to the building and waiting until they let themselves in. Nancy had made sure to give them the key to her apartment when she had first moved in, telling them they were welcome to come in whenever they wanted to. Problem was, they often forgot that the key she had given them worked both on her apartment door as well as the building's main door.

"Hey Nance we're here and...You're a wreck!"

Nancy rolled her eyes at her best friend, though she couldn't help but smile as Bess and George entered the kitchen, Bess looking like she came out of a magazine, as usual, with a skirt reaching up to her knees and a matching top, and George dressed in jeans and a t-shirt. Bess was already walking around in circles around Nancy, inspecting everything, and thinking of everything that she could do to help her friend.

"Alright. Well if we want to be done by two then we should get started right away."

Taking Nancy's hand, she lead her friend into her room, where she took out her make-up kit and started the make-over.

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This is my very first fanfic/chapter. R&R please. Sorry this chapter is so short by the way. I'll make the next one better. (: