We sat on the docks, dangling our legs over the edge. It was so nice to finally be alone. I was glad to have Nick's arms around me (the beach doesn't get all that warm in April; at least, not in Vancouver). But our recent escape from reality had told me that I had to have a serious chat with him. So I said the line.

"Nick, we need to talk." Ugh! So cliché, but I couldn't think of a better way to say it.

"About what?"

"I still don't think that you're taking all this seriously. We were almost caught back there."

"Oh, come on Alex, they're going to find out eventually!"

"But do you realize what could happen when they do? I just… listen, you're a great guy and you always come across as one, but I just don't want this to ruin your reputation. I don't want people to think you're going to far with me. I know you're not that kind of person and I don't want people to think you are."

"I don't care what everyone else thinks! Why are you-"

"What, why am I not madly in love with you like every other girl in the planet? Because I care, Nick! I want what's best for you and I don't think I'm it!" How is it, that a moment can be perfect, and a minute later I'm yelling?

"Why can't you just be happy with me?"

"I am happy, I just don't want you to give up everything for me."

"Alex; whatever the problem is, we'll sort it out!"

I sighed. Why is it so difficult for me to just be happy? There is a great guy sitting next to me who really likes me, and yet I continue to obsess over what people will think about our difference in age. This birthday really isn't working out well for me.

"I'm sorry. I just really couldn't stand it if your reputation was ruined because of me. You see celebrities all the time that do one thing wrong and suddenly their names are like swearwords or insults. I don't want you to be associated with guys who go after girls for really… just the wrong reasons."

"You know who I am. I know who I am. And that's all I care about."

With the sound of the ocean waves crashing on the beach, I couldn't help but feel more at ease.

"Hey, let's go back to my hotel room."

"Oh, so you got a room? How long were you planning on staying?"

"I was planning on staying until I had to go. By the way, I wanted to know if you play any instruments."

"Yeah, I've played piano for like 9 years, why?"

"Because I thought it might be cool if you could come along on tour with me, maybe play something backup."

My eyes grew wide. "Are you serious? That would rock!"

I hugged him really tightly, and squealed (yes, that's right, I squealed).

"Come on, let's go," he said, "there are a few hours left in this day."

His hotel was on the waterfront anyways, so it only took us half and hour to walk to it. Thankfully no one knew he was there, and we didn't have to sneak past a mob of fans. We got in the elevator to go up to his floor, and I swayed in time the old elevator music. Halfway up, the elevator shuddered and stopped. I had a feeling that we would be there for a while.