DISCLAIMER: No, my dears, the newsies in this story don't belong to me
unfortunately. I mean, c'mon now, I'd be doing better things with them if
they did. *snickers* Anywho, Nicollet belongs to me if you really care that
much. So here's my disclaimer, please don't sue me. Taco Bell and Chik-fil-
a are not mine either, and neither is Wendy's. Quite frankly, none of the
food chains mentioned in this story belong to me. Enjoy the show.
A.N.: A BIG FAT THANKS to: Technicolor Dreamgirl, Meredith, Dreamer, Dimples, Ice Renegade, Seraph, Jaede Loriele Conlon, Kathryn Mason-Skyes, and Ember for reviewing! W00t w00t! *The newsies jump onto a table and start stripping for the reviewers* ^_^ Heehee. Enjoy this chappie, goils!
*Confessions*
~~~ For the following few weeks that ensued the terrible verbal fight between Spot and Nicollet, the once inseparable companions now found their selves becoming the pawns of that ongoing childish game called jealousy. While Nicollet completely ignored Spot whenever the entire gang hung out in school, choosing rather to speak with Jack or Race during like times, Spot took matters into his own hand and made it his business to exaggerate his flirtations with the girls who were obsessed with him, also making sure he was always in Nicollet's line of sight.
It made no sense at all to either one why they were doing such, for deep within their hearts-though they'd never admit to it-they both wanted the relationship back, whether it was merely established on a friendly basis or was spiced with something more. They didn't want to hate each other and it hurt not having talked for as long as they refused. But there was still that poisonous seed of anger taking residence in their minds, and for the time being, it was of more power than any will to forget the past.
The tides fell even harder on the six in close ties with Spot and Nicollet. It all started one rainy Friday after school, when plans were being made for the night.
Spot hated the fact that the crew's in-school meetings were always held at Nicollet's locker. It had been as such for much too long; perhaps it was time for a change. Fortunately, the girl wasn't the only was there when he finally traversed the crowded halls to the appropriate area. Jack, Snitch, and Mush had arrived before he, and only one of them was chatting away nonsense with Nicollet.
"Heya Spot!" Jack spit shook with his friend, catching Nicollet's glare out the corner of his eye. Did she expect him to stop associating with Spot just because she had? He didn't bother worrying over the matter, assuming they'd work things out eventually.
"So, are we going to the lacrosse game tonight or what? I promise Desiree I'd be there." He smirked. Desiree Prado had won last year's sophomore superlative for both 'Most Attractive' and 'Biggest Flirt'. But she wasn't a stuck-up cocky brat as one might assumer. Rather, she was the type of girl one would feel in competition in when reeling in the men, the type shy dolls would envy for her bravery.
Jack grinned back knowingly. "Hot girls running around swinging sticks. What could be better?" They laughed while Blink and Race joined the assembly.
Nicollet looked at her watch; she needed to get home to help her mother sort out the unwanted items in their house for tomorrow's garage sale before she'd be able to go out anywhere with her friends. "Alright, guys. Let's hurry and decide what we're going to do, huh? How 'bout we go see a movie? Matrix Reloaded is out already!"
"That movie freaks me out," Mush said in a low voice, provoking a hearty laughter from his companions. "It does! I mean, those plug sockets on the back of their necks?" He shuddered. "If there's such thing as a matrix, leave me in the real world."
"Wait," piped in Snitch. "Where's Specs?"
"Oh, he had to go to a study session, I don't know. He said he'll be too busy this weekend studying for exams to hang with us. I swear, that boy's going to be a doctor or something." Nicollet smiled at the reality of it all and then remembered her present task of trying to decide on a place to go. "The malls are too crowded on Friday's...why don't we..."
Spot stepped closer into the group still wearing a smirk. "Hey guys, the girls' lacrosse team plays tonight; it's a home game too. And Mush, your girl Natasha's going to be there because her best friend's on the Varsity team. I say we shoot out here around seven and watch it."
Blink brought a hand to his chin in thought. He loved watching female sports, for more than one reason. "I'm in on that, man. Maybe it'll give me a chance to comfort a babe from the team that loses." The others laughed, except Nicollet, who wasn't too pleased with Spot's idea being the one accepted.
She tried to dissuade the four who hadn't made up their mind yet from going. "Oh please, it's going to be one long boring game! Who cares about the lacrosse team? Let's catch a movie instead."
"It's not boring if you look in all the right places," Spot replied devilishly, slapping hands with Blink who nodded in approval.
Nicollet glared at Blink. "If you're that horny, why don't you get off in the bathroom and then come talk to us when you're done?" Everyone was silenced by the blatant remark; Spot rolled his eyes. Upon the lockers, Race leaned his body as he noticed that this was merely another indirect fight between Spot and Nicollet. He hated how they always did this, how they manipulated him and the others as if they were chess pieces in the Conlon versus Cordelli game board.
"You know what, people?" he asked as he stretched his arms to crack as many bones as he could, "I say half of us go to the game, and the other half to the movies. That way, we don't have to choose between either side of our little debating couple."
"What's that suppose to mean?" Nicollet snapped.
Race only shrugged. "Spot, Blink, Mush, and Jack can go to the game. Me, Nikki, and Snitch will go see the Matrix. Sound good?" When he received silent head bobs, the matter was settled. He took Nicollet's arm and glanced at her watch. "Damnit! It's 3:30 already! My bus already left!"
"Aw, man!" Nicollet slapped a hand across her forehead. "That means mines left too! How am I suppose to get home now?!" All eyes fell upon Spot- the only one in the gang with his own car. He would be the transportation provider for Jack, Blink, Mush, and his younger cousin who would be riding with him today already. There was space enough for one more, and he definitely didn't want that individual to be Nicollet. He hesitated for an answer.
"Thank God I have a bike!" Snitch laughed. He bid farewell to his friends and walked off to the bike racks to head off home.
The remaining six stood behind in an uncomfortable silence. Spot took his keys out a pocket and started to walk away as well. "I'm going to get Lucas. Whoever's riding with me, wait in the parking lot." Without another word, he started down the hallway.
Nicollet flicked him off behind his back. "You know he doesn't wanna give me a ride," she complained to the others. "He's making it look like the decision's all on me, but you know he's hoping I'll walk home!"
"I'm sure he'd drive you home," said Jack, exhausted by this endless bickering.
"Bull!" She took out a notebook from her locker and then gently closed the door shut. "I've been needing some exercise anyways. I'll just walk it." She looked to Race with an innocent gaze. "Racey, will you come with me? We'll pass your house on the way, and I'll buy you ice cream from that one place across the way..." She smiled at him.
Race sighed. When would Spot and Nicollet grow up? It was a major folly to befriend a couple; having to pick sides was getting annoying. "Fine, I'll go. But only if you get me the fudge brownie sundae." He laughed and draped an arm over Nicollet's shoulders.
~*~*~*~*~
Blink jumped to his feet and hollered a cheer, his excitement merely fueled by the fact that the Varsity girls had just ran onto the field to begin the game. "Woooo Hoooo!" He waved his arms wildly, popcorn spilling out of the bag in his hands.
Jack laughed under the shower of popcorn and regarded Spot. "Do we always have to bring this nutcase with us when we go somewhere? People are starting to look at us like we're crazy!"
Spot smiled with a shake of his head. He always thought it amusing how Blink acted like a freakish, incontrollable whacko. It always made the days a tad bit more interesting. "Look, there's Desiree." He pointed to a tall brunette with hair pulled back in a pony tail and emerald eyes flashing playfully and watched as the girl casually strode into the bleachers to greet him.
"Hiya Spot," she said in an upbeat tone as she leaned over to brush her lips against his. Spot decided to turn it into more and pulled the girl down onto his lap to fire up the kiss. "Wow, we should do that more often." She gave him one last peck before sprinting back to her team which had by then huddled into a circle to review their game plan.
Spot licked his lips and lounged back with a grin. He and Desiree would look good together, he thought. Their personalities matched pretty well as far as he was concerned; it might be months before they had their first real fight. Maybe he'd ask her out before the month ended. He was wrenched from his thoughts when he saw three familiar faces coming his way. Nicollet, Race, and Snitch.
He bolted upwards in his seat with narrowed eyes. "What the hell are they doing here?!" Jack and Blink groaned upon seeing Nicollet; it would surely be the start of an ear-piercing fight. Yet while Race and Snitch joined their companions after explaining that the movie had been sold out, Nicollet instead met up with three of her punk friends seated three rows in front of Spot.
Matt Bradshaw smiled up at Nicollet as she plopped down beside him and rested her head onto his shoulder. He'd never tell, but he knew he had something going for the girl. Whenever he saw her enter their History class, his heart would speed up and his emotions melt into goo. His friends would laugh at him if they knew a girl could make him feel that way, so he kept his mouth shut about it. But with Nicollet here openly being flirtatious with him, he wasn't' sure how long he could hold up the charade.
He slid an arm around her waist, kissing her hair ever so gently. "What's up, kiddo? You look like you're in the downs."
"Nothing," she lied. She snuggled in closer to him and wrapped his arms around her, fully welcoming the warmth it brought her. She remembered when Spot use to hold her like this...She shook the memories out of her head. No doubt he was probably glaring at her public display of affection that very moment. "Matt, how come you never kiss me?"
The boy opened his mouth to say something but the words wouldn't come out, for at that same moment, Nicollet pressed her lips against his own, and they were lost in the embrace.
Spot rolled his eyes as he watched on. Since when did Nicollet make out with any guy that gave her the chance? This battle was getting crueler by the day, but he wouldn't let her attacks go without countering them. No, he would go the whole nine yards, even further if it was her wish. Whatever she dealt him was nothing new to him.
Race noticed his tension and offered some comforting words. "That's just Matt. They write for the school newspaper together and are pretty close. I don't think she likes him, though."
"I could care less if she did," Spot threw back. Why did everyone think he was affected by whatever the hell Nicollet chose to do? Did they think he was jealous? "Let her date the whole baseball team at one time for all I care; she'd probably be too afraid to hit third base with either one anyways. It's not like they'll be getting any."
"Don't talk about her like that."
"Why, you staring to like her now, Race? C'mon, you could do better."
Race stood to his feet. "She's your best friend! Why are you treating her like trash?"
Spot stood up as well, his face nearly touching Race's as they began to shout at each other. "She's not my best friend, alright? And I'll treat who I want with trash! I don't need you telling me how to run my friendships with other people! Besides, how else would you treat a whore?" The last word for some reason reverberated in the air louder than the others and everyone in hearing distance looked at Spot with questioning expressions.
Nicollet had heard but refused to look back as she sat in Matt's arm. "Damn bastard," she muttered under her breath. Matt turned to her confused, wondering what she had said, but she only excused herself with a lie that she needed to go home, got up, and began descending the bleacher stairs.
Spot caught sight of her. "Yea, run, Nikki! That's all you're good at doing! Running away from everything!"
"Shut your damn mouth, Spot!" she nearly screamed at him as she spun around and marched back up the stairs to near him. "You shout and holler about how great you are, the almighty Merryll. Ooo, let's all bow down and worship him! And yet you're nothing but a lying, cheating, son of a bitch!"
"What, you're player-hating now?"
She looked at him as if she were disgusted. "I always did. You're full of it, Spot. You need to get over yourself and get a reality check, man." The crowds of youth around started to gather in closer, eagerly trying to hear every single word exchanged and praying that a fight would break out so that they might see some action.
"Oh, cut the crap, Nikki. I've never even cheated on you so I don't know why you're bitching about it." He crossed his arms and waited for her reply. What would she say now? How would she try to win over the crowd with her next words? She had nothing on him, nothing! How dare she call him a cheater when she had no evidence by which to prove that claim. She was pulling things out of the air now!
"Whatever, Merryll. Live in denial all you want. You think you're so suave and cool. I know you for the asshole you are!" She shoved him back and turned on her heels to leave behind her friends, the cheering crowd, and the lacrosse team.
Spot clenched his fist tighter and tighter until his knuckles turned white. What the hell was that girl's problem! He was beginning to be convinced that she had psychological problems. What was this about living in denial, and her knowing him as the jerk he supposedly was? Had he somehow mistakenly wronged her without intentions to, and then had forgotten to apologize? He thought upon it, but nothing seemed to click.
"Yo, Merryll. What was that all about?" It was Chad Baker who had asked, the football jockey who had a passion fro confrontations.
"Who knows," Spot replied. "She's probably pissed 'cause I wouldn't sleep with her." He hadn't meant to humiliate the girl behind her back, but he had a reputation to uphold and a pride he wasn't about to trade in for a best friend that obviously hated him at present.
~*~*~*~*~
Review, Review, Review!!! ^_^
A.N.: A BIG FAT THANKS to: Technicolor Dreamgirl, Meredith, Dreamer, Dimples, Ice Renegade, Seraph, Jaede Loriele Conlon, Kathryn Mason-Skyes, and Ember for reviewing! W00t w00t! *The newsies jump onto a table and start stripping for the reviewers* ^_^ Heehee. Enjoy this chappie, goils!
*Confessions*
~~~ For the following few weeks that ensued the terrible verbal fight between Spot and Nicollet, the once inseparable companions now found their selves becoming the pawns of that ongoing childish game called jealousy. While Nicollet completely ignored Spot whenever the entire gang hung out in school, choosing rather to speak with Jack or Race during like times, Spot took matters into his own hand and made it his business to exaggerate his flirtations with the girls who were obsessed with him, also making sure he was always in Nicollet's line of sight.
It made no sense at all to either one why they were doing such, for deep within their hearts-though they'd never admit to it-they both wanted the relationship back, whether it was merely established on a friendly basis or was spiced with something more. They didn't want to hate each other and it hurt not having talked for as long as they refused. But there was still that poisonous seed of anger taking residence in their minds, and for the time being, it was of more power than any will to forget the past.
The tides fell even harder on the six in close ties with Spot and Nicollet. It all started one rainy Friday after school, when plans were being made for the night.
Spot hated the fact that the crew's in-school meetings were always held at Nicollet's locker. It had been as such for much too long; perhaps it was time for a change. Fortunately, the girl wasn't the only was there when he finally traversed the crowded halls to the appropriate area. Jack, Snitch, and Mush had arrived before he, and only one of them was chatting away nonsense with Nicollet.
"Heya Spot!" Jack spit shook with his friend, catching Nicollet's glare out the corner of his eye. Did she expect him to stop associating with Spot just because she had? He didn't bother worrying over the matter, assuming they'd work things out eventually.
"So, are we going to the lacrosse game tonight or what? I promise Desiree I'd be there." He smirked. Desiree Prado had won last year's sophomore superlative for both 'Most Attractive' and 'Biggest Flirt'. But she wasn't a stuck-up cocky brat as one might assumer. Rather, she was the type of girl one would feel in competition in when reeling in the men, the type shy dolls would envy for her bravery.
Jack grinned back knowingly. "Hot girls running around swinging sticks. What could be better?" They laughed while Blink and Race joined the assembly.
Nicollet looked at her watch; she needed to get home to help her mother sort out the unwanted items in their house for tomorrow's garage sale before she'd be able to go out anywhere with her friends. "Alright, guys. Let's hurry and decide what we're going to do, huh? How 'bout we go see a movie? Matrix Reloaded is out already!"
"That movie freaks me out," Mush said in a low voice, provoking a hearty laughter from his companions. "It does! I mean, those plug sockets on the back of their necks?" He shuddered. "If there's such thing as a matrix, leave me in the real world."
"Wait," piped in Snitch. "Where's Specs?"
"Oh, he had to go to a study session, I don't know. He said he'll be too busy this weekend studying for exams to hang with us. I swear, that boy's going to be a doctor or something." Nicollet smiled at the reality of it all and then remembered her present task of trying to decide on a place to go. "The malls are too crowded on Friday's...why don't we..."
Spot stepped closer into the group still wearing a smirk. "Hey guys, the girls' lacrosse team plays tonight; it's a home game too. And Mush, your girl Natasha's going to be there because her best friend's on the Varsity team. I say we shoot out here around seven and watch it."
Blink brought a hand to his chin in thought. He loved watching female sports, for more than one reason. "I'm in on that, man. Maybe it'll give me a chance to comfort a babe from the team that loses." The others laughed, except Nicollet, who wasn't too pleased with Spot's idea being the one accepted.
She tried to dissuade the four who hadn't made up their mind yet from going. "Oh please, it's going to be one long boring game! Who cares about the lacrosse team? Let's catch a movie instead."
"It's not boring if you look in all the right places," Spot replied devilishly, slapping hands with Blink who nodded in approval.
Nicollet glared at Blink. "If you're that horny, why don't you get off in the bathroom and then come talk to us when you're done?" Everyone was silenced by the blatant remark; Spot rolled his eyes. Upon the lockers, Race leaned his body as he noticed that this was merely another indirect fight between Spot and Nicollet. He hated how they always did this, how they manipulated him and the others as if they were chess pieces in the Conlon versus Cordelli game board.
"You know what, people?" he asked as he stretched his arms to crack as many bones as he could, "I say half of us go to the game, and the other half to the movies. That way, we don't have to choose between either side of our little debating couple."
"What's that suppose to mean?" Nicollet snapped.
Race only shrugged. "Spot, Blink, Mush, and Jack can go to the game. Me, Nikki, and Snitch will go see the Matrix. Sound good?" When he received silent head bobs, the matter was settled. He took Nicollet's arm and glanced at her watch. "Damnit! It's 3:30 already! My bus already left!"
"Aw, man!" Nicollet slapped a hand across her forehead. "That means mines left too! How am I suppose to get home now?!" All eyes fell upon Spot- the only one in the gang with his own car. He would be the transportation provider for Jack, Blink, Mush, and his younger cousin who would be riding with him today already. There was space enough for one more, and he definitely didn't want that individual to be Nicollet. He hesitated for an answer.
"Thank God I have a bike!" Snitch laughed. He bid farewell to his friends and walked off to the bike racks to head off home.
The remaining six stood behind in an uncomfortable silence. Spot took his keys out a pocket and started to walk away as well. "I'm going to get Lucas. Whoever's riding with me, wait in the parking lot." Without another word, he started down the hallway.
Nicollet flicked him off behind his back. "You know he doesn't wanna give me a ride," she complained to the others. "He's making it look like the decision's all on me, but you know he's hoping I'll walk home!"
"I'm sure he'd drive you home," said Jack, exhausted by this endless bickering.
"Bull!" She took out a notebook from her locker and then gently closed the door shut. "I've been needing some exercise anyways. I'll just walk it." She looked to Race with an innocent gaze. "Racey, will you come with me? We'll pass your house on the way, and I'll buy you ice cream from that one place across the way..." She smiled at him.
Race sighed. When would Spot and Nicollet grow up? It was a major folly to befriend a couple; having to pick sides was getting annoying. "Fine, I'll go. But only if you get me the fudge brownie sundae." He laughed and draped an arm over Nicollet's shoulders.
~*~*~*~*~
Blink jumped to his feet and hollered a cheer, his excitement merely fueled by the fact that the Varsity girls had just ran onto the field to begin the game. "Woooo Hoooo!" He waved his arms wildly, popcorn spilling out of the bag in his hands.
Jack laughed under the shower of popcorn and regarded Spot. "Do we always have to bring this nutcase with us when we go somewhere? People are starting to look at us like we're crazy!"
Spot smiled with a shake of his head. He always thought it amusing how Blink acted like a freakish, incontrollable whacko. It always made the days a tad bit more interesting. "Look, there's Desiree." He pointed to a tall brunette with hair pulled back in a pony tail and emerald eyes flashing playfully and watched as the girl casually strode into the bleachers to greet him.
"Hiya Spot," she said in an upbeat tone as she leaned over to brush her lips against his. Spot decided to turn it into more and pulled the girl down onto his lap to fire up the kiss. "Wow, we should do that more often." She gave him one last peck before sprinting back to her team which had by then huddled into a circle to review their game plan.
Spot licked his lips and lounged back with a grin. He and Desiree would look good together, he thought. Their personalities matched pretty well as far as he was concerned; it might be months before they had their first real fight. Maybe he'd ask her out before the month ended. He was wrenched from his thoughts when he saw three familiar faces coming his way. Nicollet, Race, and Snitch.
He bolted upwards in his seat with narrowed eyes. "What the hell are they doing here?!" Jack and Blink groaned upon seeing Nicollet; it would surely be the start of an ear-piercing fight. Yet while Race and Snitch joined their companions after explaining that the movie had been sold out, Nicollet instead met up with three of her punk friends seated three rows in front of Spot.
Matt Bradshaw smiled up at Nicollet as she plopped down beside him and rested her head onto his shoulder. He'd never tell, but he knew he had something going for the girl. Whenever he saw her enter their History class, his heart would speed up and his emotions melt into goo. His friends would laugh at him if they knew a girl could make him feel that way, so he kept his mouth shut about it. But with Nicollet here openly being flirtatious with him, he wasn't' sure how long he could hold up the charade.
He slid an arm around her waist, kissing her hair ever so gently. "What's up, kiddo? You look like you're in the downs."
"Nothing," she lied. She snuggled in closer to him and wrapped his arms around her, fully welcoming the warmth it brought her. She remembered when Spot use to hold her like this...She shook the memories out of her head. No doubt he was probably glaring at her public display of affection that very moment. "Matt, how come you never kiss me?"
The boy opened his mouth to say something but the words wouldn't come out, for at that same moment, Nicollet pressed her lips against his own, and they were lost in the embrace.
Spot rolled his eyes as he watched on. Since when did Nicollet make out with any guy that gave her the chance? This battle was getting crueler by the day, but he wouldn't let her attacks go without countering them. No, he would go the whole nine yards, even further if it was her wish. Whatever she dealt him was nothing new to him.
Race noticed his tension and offered some comforting words. "That's just Matt. They write for the school newspaper together and are pretty close. I don't think she likes him, though."
"I could care less if she did," Spot threw back. Why did everyone think he was affected by whatever the hell Nicollet chose to do? Did they think he was jealous? "Let her date the whole baseball team at one time for all I care; she'd probably be too afraid to hit third base with either one anyways. It's not like they'll be getting any."
"Don't talk about her like that."
"Why, you staring to like her now, Race? C'mon, you could do better."
Race stood to his feet. "She's your best friend! Why are you treating her like trash?"
Spot stood up as well, his face nearly touching Race's as they began to shout at each other. "She's not my best friend, alright? And I'll treat who I want with trash! I don't need you telling me how to run my friendships with other people! Besides, how else would you treat a whore?" The last word for some reason reverberated in the air louder than the others and everyone in hearing distance looked at Spot with questioning expressions.
Nicollet had heard but refused to look back as she sat in Matt's arm. "Damn bastard," she muttered under her breath. Matt turned to her confused, wondering what she had said, but she only excused herself with a lie that she needed to go home, got up, and began descending the bleacher stairs.
Spot caught sight of her. "Yea, run, Nikki! That's all you're good at doing! Running away from everything!"
"Shut your damn mouth, Spot!" she nearly screamed at him as she spun around and marched back up the stairs to near him. "You shout and holler about how great you are, the almighty Merryll. Ooo, let's all bow down and worship him! And yet you're nothing but a lying, cheating, son of a bitch!"
"What, you're player-hating now?"
She looked at him as if she were disgusted. "I always did. You're full of it, Spot. You need to get over yourself and get a reality check, man." The crowds of youth around started to gather in closer, eagerly trying to hear every single word exchanged and praying that a fight would break out so that they might see some action.
"Oh, cut the crap, Nikki. I've never even cheated on you so I don't know why you're bitching about it." He crossed his arms and waited for her reply. What would she say now? How would she try to win over the crowd with her next words? She had nothing on him, nothing! How dare she call him a cheater when she had no evidence by which to prove that claim. She was pulling things out of the air now!
"Whatever, Merryll. Live in denial all you want. You think you're so suave and cool. I know you for the asshole you are!" She shoved him back and turned on her heels to leave behind her friends, the cheering crowd, and the lacrosse team.
Spot clenched his fist tighter and tighter until his knuckles turned white. What the hell was that girl's problem! He was beginning to be convinced that she had psychological problems. What was this about living in denial, and her knowing him as the jerk he supposedly was? Had he somehow mistakenly wronged her without intentions to, and then had forgotten to apologize? He thought upon it, but nothing seemed to click.
"Yo, Merryll. What was that all about?" It was Chad Baker who had asked, the football jockey who had a passion fro confrontations.
"Who knows," Spot replied. "She's probably pissed 'cause I wouldn't sleep with her." He hadn't meant to humiliate the girl behind her back, but he had a reputation to uphold and a pride he wasn't about to trade in for a best friend that obviously hated him at present.
~*~*~*~*~
Review, Review, Review!!! ^_^
