C&N

Nikki smiled weakly at Cameron before she stepped outside. She shielded her eyes from the blinding morning sun.

Cameron offered her a cheery smile and began to walk down the stairs, where his sneakers collided with sand.

"Nikki, I just wanted to say I'm really REALLY sorry about what happened yesterday. I know what you thought, and that was totally how I'd intended it. Amber demanded that she be allowed to tag along. I'm sorry, I really am. Can we please start over?" Cameron pleaded with Nikki.

"Chill Cam, it's ok! It's no big deal. I mean, I was kind of surprised yesterday, but it's all good now. Sure we can start over, no prob. Hi, I'm Nikki, what's your name?" Nikki smiled coyly at Cameron before she started cracking up.

"So what do you want to do? I'm free until 6...It would've been later, but my dad insisted that I be home for dinner tonight. My grandma's in town and doesn't visit that often."

"Umm…Wanna go to the movies? It'll be cool in there considering it's pretty hot out and I really want to see that new chick flick…Know the one I'm talking about? If it's too boring for you though, we can see something else."

"Nah, that's ok, I'll go with you. Our movie theater is small and all movies start at the same time…If we hurry we can make the 11:30 showing of the movie."

They made it to the theater just in time and ran in to find seats. The theater was packed so Cameron saved seats while Nikki went to get them popcorn and candy. When she came back a few minutes later she stopped dead in tracks as she watched the scene in front of her. No, the movie hadn't started yet. She saw a small, pretty, delicately featured brunette girl exclaim as she recognized Cameron. Cameron's face visibly lit up when he saw and it was a change that Nikki didn't miss. They spoke softly for a minute and then the girl plopped down in the seat meant for Nikki. Nikki wasn't at all calmed by the fact that there was an empty seat on the other side of Cameron. WHY were pretty girls always trying to invade her time with Cameron??!?

Nikki stalked over their seats and laid a possessive hand on Cameron's shoulder. He looked up at her in surprise, but seeing that it was her, his face relaxed into a smile.

"Hey, Nikki, you're just in time! This is my friend Olivia! I haven't seen her all summer…do you mind if she sits with us? She's all alone. We can hang out later cant we?"

How could she resist his sweet eyes begging her to allow him to spend time with his friend? She'd find a way. This was getting way too annoying. She handed him and Olivia a popcorn each and gave Cameron the most evil glare she could work up.

"Actually Cameron, suddenly this movie doesn't seem so appealing. When it's over, you're welcome to come to my house if you want…Bye."

Nikki used up all the nerve she had when she turned away from Cameron's shocked and hurt face. She walked as slowly and as glamorously as she could, knowing that if she tripped, the effect would be completely ruined.

B&C

"Excuse me, Callie? I'm sorry I don't think I heard you right. Can you, uh, repeat that?" Bradin sputtered his eyes wide with amazement.

"Please don't make me say it again. You heard me right. It was a situation that I had no control over…and afterwards I felt so HELPLESS. I had no one to turn to except my mom, and even she…well she tried, but she didn't understand how I could let something like that happen. He drugged me, I didn't ASK for it. And then Ben started at my school and it was just amazing. He was so easy to talk to and we clicked immediately. I don't know…everything just seemed right…And then my mom and I moved and Ben and his family moved…and everything got messed up. So here I am, with you." Callie's words came out slowly, as if trying not to stumble over them.

Bradin gazed at Callie for a second and then opened his mouth to say something, but instead closed it and reached over to place his hand over hers. He smiled tenderly and leaned over to kiss her. He didn't need words to tell her how he felt.