It was now Niki's senior year and D.L.'s sophomore. In the year that had gone by, Niki had become best friends with Tina. D.L. was still Linderman's lapdog. He'd also gone out with Felicia which had turned out to be a disappointment.
Niki had become pretty popular which stopped her from thinking about her father and sister. She was at home less often. She was either with Tina or at a party with D.L.
D.L. was still a popular outsider at school. He'd broken a school record for football as wide receiver. He was partying with Niki and his crew more often. It seemed like Niki always wanted to get away from home. He didn't know why, but he didn't care. He enjoyed hanging out with her. More than a friend should. After his date with Felicia, she was there to hear about it. He hated to admit it, but he was developing a crush on her.
Homecoming was coming soon. Faster than anyone had anticipated. D.L. was walking to Niki's locker; his nerves were killing him. He felt nauseas. He stopped at her locker.
"Hey," D.L. said.
"Hey, D.L. What's up?" Niki asked as she put a book in her bag.
"Nothing much. You?"
"I'm good." Niki closed her locker and leaned against it. D.L. looked her up and down subtly. He was more nervous than before. Not only was she a senior, she was one of the most popular girls at school and she was his friend. Not to mention she was hot.
"I wanted to ask you something."
"Excuse me, D.L.," D.L turned to find Linderman. "Niki, I was wondering if you'd like to go to Homecoming with me."
"Yeah. That'd be great," Niki said. D.L. was now completely surprised and heartbroken. Linderman had just swooped in and asked Niki out. And she had said yes.
"Cool. I'll pick you up at 7. See ya later, D.L." D.L. nodded to him.
"So, what did you want to ask me?" Niki asked.
"Uh, do you know about Derrick's party after the Homecoming dance?" D.L. asked.
"Yeah. Of course."
"Are you going?"
"You know I never miss a party."
"That's good."
"Oh, and again, I'm sorry about Felicia."
"It's OK. I've got a new girl in mind."
"Well, I hope it works out. Bye, D.L.," Niki said. D.L. walked around the corner and leaned against the wall.
"Too bad you're taken. Damn."
------------------------------
"So, do you have a date for Homecoming?" D.L. asked Trihn. The two were at his house, doing homework.
"Um, yeah," Trihn answered.
"You gonna tell me who?"
"Taylor," Trihn muttered.
"Who?" D.L. asked. "I didn't hear you."
"Taylor," Trihn said a little louder. D.L. withheld his laughter with effort.
"Taylor? Really?" D.L. said, a slight laugh in his voice.
"Shut up," Trihn said as she hit him. "Who's your date?"
"I don't have one," D.L. said sadly.
"Really? I thought you had someone in mind."
"I did. She got asked already."
"Oh. Who is she?"
"Niki," D.L. answered.
"Niki as in Niki Sanders?" she asked slowly. "Or Niki as in someone else?"
"Niki as in Niki Sanders," D.L. answered.
"Oh, I'm sorry. Who asked her?"
"Who do you think? Linderman."
"Well, are you still gonna go tomorrow?"
"Yeah, I have nothing else to do. I'll probably hang out for a bit."
"And stalk Niki," Trihn joked.
"Shut up, Trihn. I'm not gonna stalk her."
"Yeah, sure you're not."