Cole

I sighed as I sat out front watching the rain fall. I was always the best friend, the girl who was in the background. I watched my friends take the spot light because I refused to do it myself. Yeah, it sucked, but it was the choice I made. I was so used to being put down by my family that I was used to being the shadows. I sighed when I heard a laugh, "Why are you in the rain Cole?" I put on a fake smile, "Hi Joe." I've known Joe since I was a kid, along with his three brothers. He came up onto he porch and sat on my lap, putting an arm around my shoulders. I smirked and he sighed, "So tell me what's wrong or I'm gonna have to...torture you." He grinned and I looked away, "I'm fine Joe. I promise." He shook his head, "You're not fine. So that means you just lied." I groaned, "Promises are meant to be broken." He rolled his eyes and my step mom opened the door, "Nicole Marie. Get in the fucking house." She slammed the door and I jumped. Joe glared, "I don't understand why you put up with this. They just hurt you." I got up causing him to stumble a little. He grabbed my wrist, "I can see the bruises Nicole." I looked down and felt his arms wrap around me. I was getting nervous. The door opened again and my dad came out. He ripped me backwards and shouted, "Stay the fuck away from my daughter, boy. I don't wanna see you again." He shoved Joe causing him to trip on the step and fall onto his butt. He sat there in the rain with a tear rolling down his cheek as he watched me get dragged into the house.

I was in black ripped up jeans, a tight gray MxPx shirt that was above my belly button, and my vans. I had the right side of my lip pierced, my labret, my belly button, my left eyebrow, and my tongue. My ears were a 0 gauge and I was...an outcast. I had on black eyeliner and my bleach blonde and hot pink/black highlighted hair was in a pony tail. I grabbed my phone and house keys and walked downstairs. I hurried outside and started walking to school. "Nicole!" It was Joe's voice. I turned to see him walking towards me with his older brother Kevin. I looked down and felt him grab my wrist. He turned me and looked me in the eyes. He ran his thumb over the cut on the left side of my lip along with the bruising. He gently tilted my face up to look him in the eyes, "He hit you again..." I nodded and he hugged me, "Let's skip school today." I nodded and he looked at Kevin, "Don't tell mom and dad, please!" Kevin nodded and hugged me, "Love you kiddo." I nodded and Joe and I walked towards the shopping center.
We walked to Maggie Moo's and he asked, "Want a milkshake? It's on me." I nodded and went to sit down. He came back with a chocolate chip cookie dough milkshake and a mint chocolate chip milkshake. I was still quiet, "Thanks." He smiled, "Yeah. No big." I sighed and he placed his hand on top of mine, sending waves of electricity throughout my body. Joe took a sip of his milkshake, "You need to tell someone he hits you Cole." I was scared, "I don't know what to do Joe." He gave me a reassuring smile, "I'm here for you ok." I nodded and he leaned over the table and hugged me. When he sat back down I felt a little better about myself.
Joe and I were walking through the park. I sighed and he asked, "What's on your mind?" I looked down, "I think I'm falling for this guy and he doesn't even act like I exist. I'm always the girl in the background and he takes center stage. He would never see me as his girl. It kinda sucks." Joe rolled his eyes, "He isn't worth anything to you than. If he can't see you how you wish he would than forget him." I felt worse about the situation, "I really like him though and I wish I could tell him." He was about to speak when his phone went off. He checked his text and smirked, "My mom said you could stay over tonight." I nodded and smiled, "Thanks." He nodded and hugged me.

Since it was Friday night and his mom said I could stay, Joe and I planned on having fun. He and Kevin shared a room, aka the basement. We had the Nintendo hooked up and had a bunch of junk food. We also snuck a bottle of Jack Daniels. It was around midnight and Joe was out like a light on his bed. I was outside looking at the stars when Kevin walked out, "You ok?" I smirked, "What is it with the Jonas' and asking me that question, verbatum?" He smirked, "I have NO idea. But seriously. Talk." I groaned. I was as close to Kevin as I was to Joe, "I started to like someone and he doesn't like me back." Kevin had a huge grin, "He feels the same kiddo. Seriously. You're all he talks about." I blushed, "You don't even know who I like!" Kevin burst into laughter, "We both may be drunk and stupid but it's so obvious to everyone but you two that you like each other! Go tell him!" He shoved me towards the door. I groaned, "He's asleep!" Kevin shoved me again and I fell through the door. He closed the door and held it shut. I walked over to Joe's bed and crawled in, curling up with him. He shifted, "Bout time you came to bed. I thought you would end up in Kevin's bed." I replied, "I always sleep in yours with you..." He nodded and I asked, "Joe...do you like me?" He opened his eyes, "Why wouldn't I? You're like my best friend." I nodded and turned, "Oh...ok." He put a hand on my shoulder, "What? Cole...what did you mean?" I sighed, "I'm the best friend. I know." I felt a tear roll down my cheek. He whined, "Nicole...tell me." I shook my head and closed my eyes. I felt his body against my own and we basically melted together. He put his arms around me and kissed my neck, "Night Nicole."

Joe

I opened my eyes and turned to look at the clock by the tv. The digital red numbers screamed 7:30 AM. I groaned and Nicole shifted, but didn't wake up. I let her go and gently got out of bed. I walked upstairs to see Kevin and Nick sitting at the table in the kitchen, eating pancakes. My mom was leaning against the counter, "Is Nicole alright?" I nodded, "Yeah." I yawned and sat down, "She is still asleep. It's probably the first night she's been able to peacefully sleep since the last time she stayed over." My mom nodded and Kevin smiled, "So...what did you two talk about?" I shook my head and we all looked at my mom. She sighed, "I get it! Personal. I'm going." She walked out of the kitchen and our attention went back to each other. I sighed, "She asked me if I liked her and I freaked dude. I was like you're my best friend, why wouldn't I?" Kevin smacked his forehead, "She likes you Joe. She really does. I got her to admit that and you made her feel stupid. What the hell!" I groaned and heard the basement door close. My mom and Cole walked into the kitchen. My mom smiled, "We're all going to the beach. Come on." We groaned and Cole sighed, "I don't own a bathing suit." My mom's mouth hit the floor, "Boys, tell your father to meet us at the beach. Get ready. Cole, come with me." They left and we sat there confused.

We were wrestling in the water when I saw Nick stop and his mouth hang open. Kevin looked behind me too, in shock. I turned around to see Cole walking towards the water with my mom. She was in a white bathing suit with the blue volcom stone all over it. She had never worn anything like this. It was always band tees and shitty jeans. I felt a beach ball hit me in the side of the head but all I could do was walk towards Cole. I could hear Kevin and Nick snickering. My dad was laughing as he made his way towards my mom. Once I reached Cole she crossed her arms around her stomach, "Hey...like it?" I nodded and she started to shift, "Please say something Joe." She looked into my eyes and I melted. I put my hands onto her hips and leaned in slowly. She looked scared, but leaned in, making our lips touch. I pulled away a little and smiled, "You look amazing." She looked down and I lightly lifter her face, "Don't. You look beautiful. No need to be embarrassed." A beach ball hit me in the head again and I turned, "Frankie! Stop it!" He giggled and I turned to face Cole, "Come on." She nodded and held my hand, following me into the water.