Chapter One The Crush

It started off as a usual day at the PCA Campus. Nicole and Dana had started off their day with an unnecessary argument ending with the usual interference by Zoey. Nicole sat on the couch with her arms folded across her chest, "Ever since the beginning of the school year Dana and I can't go a day without fighting."

Zoey sighed and took a seat next to her, "You guys just need to control your anger. Just let her leave her bed unmade and just dry your hair in the bathroom."

Nicole wasn't looking at Zoey. She started to look through her makeup bag, " I guess. It would be nice to go a morning or two without yelling. It is starting to strain my voice, and boys won't think that's cute."

Zoey shook her head with a smile and was about to continue their conversation when a knock came at the door. Dana, of course wasn't going to answer so Zoey got herself up and went to see who it was.

Outside the door was Dustin who greeted Zoey with a smile, "Hey Zo!"

"Hey, come on in," Zoey said as she pushed the door aside and let her little brother in.

Dustin looked around and spotted Nicole and his face suddenly turned as red as his red Polo he had on, "Hey, Nicole."

Nicole looked up from her eye shadow, "Hey," She looked down at her watch, "Oh great, if I don't hurry I'll miss Logan heading to English class. Nice seeing you, Dustin. Gosh Zoey, your brother is so cute."

Nicole hurried out the door while Dustin, flattered blushed heavily.

"So, is there any reason that you came to visit?" Zoey asked.

Dustin shook his head, "No, I can visit can't I? So I guess I'll be leaving," Dustin said as he started to the door.

"Hey, my class doesn't start for an hour, you can stay if you want," Zoey said.

"No, that's okay. I have to talk to Chase," Dustin said, rushing out the door before Zoey could object.

Up in Chase's room, Chase sat finishing his homework that he had yet to do. He was on the last problem when Dustin knocked on his door.

"It's open," Chase called, trying to refocus himself on the equation.

Dustin opened the door and let himself in, "Hey."

Chase shut his math binder, equations could wait, "Hey little man."

Dustin took a seat on Chase's bed, "How are things with Zoey?"

Chase gave him a questioning look, "How'd you know I like Zoey?"

"Well I wouldn't, if you didn't make it so obvious," Dustin said slyly.

Chase only smiled, "Well, things are fine. Like always and that's the problem. Nothing has happened yet."

"Make a move already!" Dustin cried.

"Hey, I don't feel so comfortable discussing making moves on Zoey with her little brother. No offense. But did you come here just talk about my love life, or lack of? Or do you need something? 'Cuz if you don't, my forgotten algebra homework is calling me."

Dustin shrugged, "Hey it can wait," Dustin said as he started to get up.

Chase waved his arms and motioned him to sit back down, "Hey, if you got something to ask I can help. The teacher forgets about the homework half the time anyway."

Dustin nodded and sat back down, "Well I have this crush on this girl and I don't know what to do now. Any advice?"

Chase rubbed his hands together, "Who's the luck little sixth grader?"

"That's the problem, she isn't in my grade," Dustin said, looking down.

"Well who is she?" Chase asked.

"Nicole," Dustin said quietly.

"Nicole?" Chase said, shocked by Dustin's choice.

"Just tell me what I should do, okay?" Dustin asked, clearly annoyed by Chase's response.

Chase sat thinking for a second, "Well you could tell her. Really though, your sister is better than this than I am."

"Please you have to talk to her for me!" Dustin pleading, standing up again, "I have to go to class, but please Chase?"

Chase smiled and couldn't help but agree, "Fine, but then it's all you."

Dustin smiled from ear to ear, "Thanks Chase!" And with that he ran out of the room.

As Chase approached Zoey, he knew that Zoey would do much better dealing with Nicole than he would.

"Zoey! Wait up!" Chase called as he walked faster to catch up with her.

Zoey stopped and turned around and waited for Chase.

"Zoey, have to tell you something about Dustin," Chase said as he stopped next to Zoey.

A worried look came to her face, "Is there something wrong?"

"Oh no, he's fine," Chase paused, "He just has a major crush on Nicole."

"Nicole?" Zoey said as shocked a Chase had been when he first heard.

"ME?" A high pitched voice squealed from behind them. Zoey and Chase quickly turned to see Nicole standing behind them in sheer shock