C&N

Ava chuckled to herself as she thought about how much she had just embarrassed Bradin. Ava could tell that Callie was a good girl and would make Bradin happy even if only for a short time. Ava began the trek back to her workshop. As she passed Nikki's bedroom she heard wailing sobs, as if a young girl's heart had just been broken. She pushed open the door and poked her head in.

"Nikki?! What on earth is wrong? Why are you crying? And why are you home so early? Oh Nikki!" Ava plopped herself down on the edge of Nikki's bed at gazed sadly at the small writhing form next to her.

Nikki couldn't stop the tears once they had started. She sat up and sniffed her nose. Her pale face was rosy and tear-streaked.

"Oh Aunt Ava!! It's HORRIBLE!! Cameron already has a girlfriend! And she's blond and tall and gorgeous and her name is Amber. Why can't I have a cool name like that? WHERE WAS I WHEN THEY GAVE OUT ALL THE GOOD QUALITIES?!?! I thought he was asking me out on a date...I'm so stupid." Nikki sobbed into her Aunt's shoulder.

All Ava could do was pat Nikki's back reassuringly and listen to her cry. Trying to give advice would be roaming too far into Mom Territory. Ava wanted to help Nikki, she really did, but what could she do? It was rare that Ava should feel so powerless. Ava stroked Nikki's hair for a moment then left the room.

::..::30 minutes later::..::

Nikki curled her legs up underneath her precious baby blanket and rested her chin on knees, deep in thought. The tears had long stopped but the pain still felt freshly branded on her sensitive heart. She couldn't understand why Cameron had affected her so deeply. After all, they HAD just met. Oddly, she felt as if she'd known him all her life, even though she knew little, if anything, about him. Maybe it was his warm brown eyes or his thoughtful smile that made her melt every time. Or the fact that he was the only kind person she'd met since she'd come to Playa Linda months ago. Nikki knew that she didn't put herself out there enough, but why hadn't anyone been nice enough to come to her?

I'm so stupid. While I sit here crying my heart out Cameron is out having fun with Amber. Life sure has dealt me the crappiest card in the deck.

B&C

Bradin had expected Dilly's to be a classic ice-cream parlor. When he walked in, he was amazed to see that it was an ultra trendy diner. A diner that specialized in ice cream. Dilly's was packed with the crowd of kids that hung out there daily. After all, it was THE place to be. Everywhere couples and groups of friends twirled on the metal stools and scooped ice cream out of giant steel bowls.

"Wow busy place...It's so cool in here!! It's like zapping into the future!" Bradin gushed while spinning around to see the walls, all covered with art and brightly colored paint.

"Yeah it's cool I guess. Come on, I see a booth in the back," Callie said, amused at Bradin's delight. She dragged him toward the back of the diner.

They sat down and flipped through the mega sized menus. The waitress came just then and asked what they wanted. Bradin ordered a banana split and Callie got a chocolate milk shake.

A good looking brown-haired guy walked up and stood in front of their booth. He flashed Callie a toothy smile and his eyes flirted with her.

"Hi Callie, remember me?"

I'm sorry it took so long to get this out and it was so short!! I had a bit of writer's block but I think I know where I'm going now. Please please please R&R!!!