THE FIRST DAY I SAW YOU.

This is a story about how Nancy Drew and Ned Nickerson first met, and the mystery that follows that meeting. Something has happened to Nancy's father, and somehow her ex-boyfriend is mixed up in the case.

Nancy is caught between the two guys and faces several tough choices in the investigation.

Please, please review:)

PART ONE.

CHAPTER 1.

"I can't believe he'd do that !" Bess Marvin exclaimed.

"I'd say," George agreed, "I mean, I thought James was nuts about you."

Eighteen year old Nancy Drew shrugged her shoulders. "Ever since we graduated high school last month he's been different. Now I know why," she said, a sad expression in her blue eyes.

Bess patted her best friend's shoulder. "Don't worry, Nan. Whoever the other girl is, she can't be half as good a girlfriend as you."

"That's right," George agreed, "He was a fool to break up with you, Nan."

Nancy managed a small smile. "Thanks guys." I was great to have friends who always knew how to say the right thing.

She looked around at the trees and playground in the park where the girls were sitting. It was a beautiful day, and eveything seemed so peaceful.

But Nancy was feeling anything but peace.

CHAPTER 2.

The three friends remained sitting together in the park for the next half hour, chatting and gossiping.

Nancy tried to join in conversation, but her mind wasn't really on what they were saying.

Eventually she stood up and said, "Hey you guys, I think I'm just going to go for a walk."

Bess and George nodded, understanding that she wanted to be alone. "Ok," George said.

Bess looked at her watch. "It's time for dinner, anyway. Isn't your mom making her delicious mac and cheese tonight, George?"

Nancy and George both rolled their eyes. Trust Bess to be thinking of food.

Nancy wandered along the river for a few minutes, they decided to walk over and sit on the swings for a while.

As she was nearing the swings, she saw that someone else had the same idea. That someone else was a tall , dark, and handsome young man who looked about a year older than her.

There was only one spare swing, and they were both walking toward it, their paces quickening as they got closer.

He was looking at her, a slight smile on his face.

Nancy could feel a smile crossing her own face.

They were only a few feet from the swing now, and both started running.

They got there at the same time.

"You can go," he said, gesturing to the swing.

Nancy smiled. "You sure?"

He smiled back and nodded. "Ladies first."

As she climbed onto the swing, he went and leaned against the railing next to the playground, watching as Nancy pushed off and swung higher.

"Why are you watching me?" she asked with a grin.

He ducked his head, suddenly looking shy. "I'm just waiting for my turn."

"Oh," she said, letting the swing slow down.

"I'm Nancy, by the way," she said as she got off the swing, holding out her hand for him to shake.

"Ned," he said, clasping her hand firmly in his.

Nancy felt a tingle go down her spine when they touched. Looking up to meet Ned's eyes, she noticed he looked the same way she felt. Nervous. But there was also a strong pull of attraction between them.

Nancy had never believed in love at first sight. But glancing into Ned's dark eyes, she had to admitt that might be about to change.

CHAPTER 3.

"So," Ned said, reluctantly pulling his hand away and looking flustered, "Nancy, do you have a last name?"

Nancy laughed, feeling at ease with his casual manner.

"Drew," she answered.

Suddenly a look of recognition passed across Ned's face. "Drew? Aren't you a detective or something? I remember seeing several articles about you in the paper. You've solved a lot of cases in the last year or so."

He looked impressed and Nancy blushed and nodded. James had never thought much of her detective work. But, we're broken up. It doesn't matter, Nancy reminded herself.

"So," she said, "You got a last name, too, Ned?"

"Yeah. Last time I checked it was Nickerson."

"Ned Nickerson," Nancy repeated. It had a nice ring to it.

After that, they both stood staring at each other, feeling nervous and not knowing what to say.

"You know, this is the first time since I can remember that I've been at loss of words," Ned said finally, a small smile on his handsome face.

Nancy laughed. "Yeah, me too." She looked up and met his gaze. "I guess you just make me nervous."

Suddenly Nancy couln't stop talking. "You know, you're different from any other guys I know. More mature, I guess. But how can I say that after only talking to you for two minutes? I don't even know you. And I just broke up with my boyfriend. I think I'd better go."

"I think you'd better shut up," Ned said, suddenly leaning toward her.

A second later his lips were against hers.

"Woah," Nancy said, pulling back. "What just happened?"

Ned grinned. "I think I just kissed you."

Nancy rolled her eyes. "I know that part. Wha- do you always kiss girls two minutes after meeting them?"

Ned shook his head. "I have to say, that would be a first. Although, I gotta admit, I kinda liked it."

Although she didn't say anything, Nancy had to admit to herself that she kinda liked it, too. More than kinda.

CHAPTER 4.

"Sooo...," Ned said, ""What happens now?"

Nancy shrugged. "Well, we hardly even know each other, so since you just kissed me, I think maybe..." she trailed off, feeling shy and not really shore what to say.

What is wrong with me? Nancy thought. I never get this way around guys.

Ned sensed her sudden shyness and took the lead. With a smile, he said, "How 'bout we go and get something to eat. Then maybe I can learn more about you."

Nancy grinned. "Are you asking me out?"

Ned ducked his head and shrugged. "If that's what you want to think, I wont stop you."

"Hey, wait a second- I never said- I just-" she stopped when she saw the teasing glint in Ned's eyes. "Ok, lets go."

A few minutes later the two of them were sitting opposite each other in a pizza restaurant close to the park.

"Um,Ned, before you say anything, there's something you have to know," Nancy started. When he didn't say anything, she went on, "I just broke up with my boyfriend- actually, he broke up with me, but I'm sure you don't need to know the gory details. Anyway, I just thought I'd better tell you. I need some time, you know."

Ned said nothing for a few seconds, then looked into her eyes. "Nancy," he said at last, "I've only known you for ten minutes or so, but I think any guy who would break up with you would have to be crazy."

Nancy blushed. "Thanks."

The rest of the evening went well, Nancy learned that Ned had just completed his first year at Emerson College, he lived in Mapleton, and was an only child, like her.

She told Ned about her detective work, Bess and George, and that she'd not long ago finished her senior year at high school.

"I'm an only child, too," Nancy finished off, "But my mom died when I was three, so I just live with my dad and our housekeeper, Hannah. And my dog, Togo," she added.

When she mensioned the death of her mother, Ned reached accross the now empty table and took her hand gently in his. His sympathy touched her.

Usually when Nsncy mensioned that her mother had died, people would say, 'oh I'm so sorry' or, 'you poor thing.'

Ned said neither and his simple gesture meant a lot to Nancy. She smiled at him then pulled her hand slowly away as they got up to pay the bill and leave.

Ned walked Nancy the short distance to her house, and they paused on the front steps.

"Listen, I know you just broke up with your boyfriend, so I'm going to ask if, maybe, I could give you a teeny tiny kiss goodnight." He held his thumb and index finger five millimetres apart.

Nancy laughed. "I think that'd be ok. In fact, I think I'd like that."

A big smile spread accross Ned's face, and he leaned in, giving her a brief kiss on the lips.

"Well, I guess this is goodnight," he said when he pulled back. "Could I possibly call you tomorrow?"

Nancy nodded. "Yes, you can." You deffinately can, Nancy thought, watching Ned walk down her driveway.