Chapter 3

To Fall For


By BAN

Hey there! I guess you all know me by now. I'm Nicole Heartilly, and I think you all know my friends. Well, my life has totally changed ever since I met Zack and Eric. For five years I known them and then new people came into my life. I have been feeling all kinds of feelings like love, hate (even though I don't like the word), and others. They have changed me forever and I am now, well, falling for them. I just wish it were that easy.

It's January 1, 2012, it's a totally new year. Of course everyone else acts the same except me! "Hey guys, Happy New Year!" Zack only said, "Whatever." That's been rude of him. Oh well, then I was walking Angelo outside, greeting everyone. But, for some reason, they were all in a bad mood.

"Happy New Year!"

"Oh…"

"What's the matter?"

"Nothing."

That was really strange. I guess it was the promises they made to themselves like going on a diet or something. So I get home and what do you know! My friends give me a surprise party!

"SURPRISE!"

"Wow."

"We all knew that you were into the New Year thing, so we decided to give you a party!" said Tiny.

Gosh, it was real nice of them. "Thanks guys." I exclaimed. Huh?

"Hey, where's Zack?"

"Oh, he decided not to be in.," said Tiny.

"But, why?"

"He doesn't have the New Year spirit like we do!"

Oh, well, he usually does want some time off. He deserved it since he promised me that he would be my knight in shining armor. Don't tell this to my friends, but I do kind of love him. Please don't tell.

"Yo, Nicole!" Huh? I turned around and saw Eric. I felt sorry for him because we all just learned that Zack wasn't his true brother. "I just came to tell you, from Zack, that it's his last day here." WHAT!

"What do you mean?" I demanded.

"Uh, well he wants to go out and explore."

Hmm. That's not like him. "When is he leaving?"

"Tonight." WHAT! So soon?

" Why is he leaving anyways?"

"Why don't you ask him?"

"Fine, I will."

Later, I came up to Zack who was still in his room.

"Zack, why are you leaving?" (Kinda random and rude at that moment.)

"Why do you wanna know?"

"Well, you never left me before."

"Oh?"

"Well, we all want you to stay, so please stay."

"Hmm. Maybe…not."

"Ah, PLEASE!"

I tugged on Zack's jacket, trying to pull him back to me. I could tell he didn't want me tugging, but how could I stop if he was leaving. He looked at me with his cold, icy, black eyes and that gave me the chills. "Can you stop tugging on my jacket?" He said. But why would you leave me alone… "Zack, please stay with me, I really don't want to be alone again." Would he believe me? "Uh…" he murmured. Then I hugged him real tight, in order to let him know that I needed him.

"Can you let go of me?"

"Huh, oh sorry…"

He brushed himself off and walked away. Oh man. He's going to go away again. Only if I could… Huh?

"Zack, why are you looking at me like that?" (Strange of him)

"Ha, well, I decided to stay a little longer, but don't get use to it."

"Yea!"

I jumped for joy and gave him a big hug. "Whoa, hold on there, I'm only here for a while longer, sheesh." Well, whatever, I was overjoyed that he decided to stay. Finally, I wouldn't be home alone tomorrow.

The next day, I was home alone with Asuka (Tiny's girlfriend and my close friend,) and Zack. Everyone else was at work. We were doing the usual things like shopping with Zack and Asuka. That was fun, even though Zack and Asuka weren't that interested. When we got home, Zack was a gentleman, helping me with my stuff. "Wow Zack, you're nice today!" I smiled. "Don't get use to it." he muttered. Okay…

"Zack, why did you decide to stay anyways?"

"What do you think?"

"Well, because I begged?" (I'm acting like such an idiot)

"No because you wanted me here really bad, so I decided, 'Heck, why not.'"

"Oh."

"Why did you ask anyways?"

"Oh, never mind."

So why am I blushing. This is all too weird. So I turned around and walked away. But, before I know it, I accidentally trip on one of my bags. "Watch out!" He then grabbed me before the land on the hard tile floor. "You should look before walk off like that." He chuckled. "I'm fine." And I gave him a little shove and walked into my room.

I was in my room with Asuka, who just seem to like playing around with Angelo. I was just tucking Omega (my awesome alien dog that I found one day) into bed, when I just blurted out something.

"I don't know why I like him now."

Asuka just looks at me wondering what I am talking about.

"Who?"

"Zack, I just feel like a little girl when I'm talking to him and when I look at him."

"Well, why don't you talk to him and express you're feelings?"

Huh?

"Asuka, you can speak English?" (She didn't know how since she just came from Japan!)

"Tiny just taught me finally."

"That's great!"

"So, are you in love with Zack?" (I blurted out something I shouldn't have said.)

"NO, I just like him okay, he's only a good friend."
"Nicole, you're turning red!"

"Huh?"

Asuka was laughing and I was definitely bewildered. I don't really love Zack, do I?

The next day, I was walking with Angelo, when Eric arrived.

"Hey Nicole!"

"Hi…"

"What's with the sad face?"

"I don't know."

"Well ok, see ya later Nicole." That was quick.

"Yeah, later…"

Why am I thinking of Zack now? And why did he want to be my knight anyways. I let Angelo go back inside the house while I was walking around the castle. Then I walked past Tiny, Leo, and Asuka who were fixing the garden.

"Hey Nicole, isn't it a nice day outside?"

So why am I getting this weird feeling?

"Nicole?"

And when did Zack come into my life for the first time anyways?

"Why is she dazed off like that?"

Uh, so many questions and I'm starting to think a lot more about him!

"Yo, Nicole?"

What made me think of him anyways?

"She's just thinking a lot now."

"Well, maybe she could at least answer back."

Later, I was at the Seed's garden just standing there wondering what I should do. I overheard some of my friends talking about some guy they liked.

"He is so hot!"

"I know."

"Wish I had someone who could of help me around unlike my boyfriend."

"Ha, he is gentleman though."

I suddenly blurted out, "I wish I had someone more grown up."

They all looked at me.

"Oh, Nicole has a crush on someone."

"OH!" all the girls shrieked.

"Never mind," I said.

"Nicole, who is it?"

"None of you business." I retorted.

"What's going on here?"

Headmaster Cid!

"Uh, nothing." all the girls said.

"Nothing sir." I said embarrassed.

"Good, now it's almost time for class, so get ready, right girls?"

"Yes sir."

"Good." he smiled and walked off to his office.

I went to my locker and took out my books. Class would start in ten minutes though. So I took out my books and started to read on the ground. Many people went by, but I didn't keep count.

"Nicole."

Huh? I look up to see Zack! In his usual black leather jacket, t-shirt, black leather pants, and his red belt.

"Oh!"

"Nicole, you have two minutes left before class starts."

"What!"

"Yeah, you heard me."

I got up and hit my head on something. MY LOCKER!

"Ow…"

"You better watch out next time." he smirked

"Yeah." I was blushing.

"Later, Nicole." Zack said quickly with a small thumb up.

"Yeah, later…" I waved.

I quickly turned and ran off to my first class. Why was I blushing again? Was it because of Zack?

The next day was the big exam in the Garden, and I was totally unprepared. Oh man, if I fail it, I'm doomed! I went into my room and started studying for the exam. It will be totally hard and well, you get the idea. There was an hour left so there was enough time. Uh, lets see… How long was it? Huh? Eight a clock! I am totally late again! I run outside only to find Zack waiting for me in his Viper. "Need a ride?" he asked quietly. "Sure do." I answered. I got in and we drove off and made it within two minutes left. Shoot! I ran inside. "Oh! Thanks Zack!" I waved and got to class. "Great job, Nicole," said the professor happily, "and with one minute to spare." I gave a deep sigh of relief. "Class, now for the big exam you all been waiting for." the professor said. Everyone moaned. He handed out a twenty-page test, and we had to get it done in an hour. Hmm, what the? Hey! This is easy!

An hour later, everyone passed in their exam and went off to break. I, myself, decided to get sometime off in the garden. Ah, fresh air after that damp classroom. "Hey, enjoying the fresh air out here?" Huh? "Zack!" "Yes, and I guess you're annoyed by the small classrooms, huh?" he said. "Uh…Yeah, I am quite stiff after sitting for an hour." I said. He quietly chuckled.

"Being inside too long makes us all forget about the beautiful things outside, and we never really took it for granted."

"Oh?"

"Well Nicole, I never thought that you would also be here as well."

"Uh, I guess I needed some time off."

He looked at me and I looked back. I never saw those joyous eyes for years! He was actually happy! He usual gets into fights and makes dirty comments, but this was different. He acted so differently than being in battle. It was like he was totally different around me! Why?

"We better go inside now," he said all of a sudden.

"Huh? Oh right."

"See ya later."

"Yeah, see you later Zack."

We both went our separate ways and finally to our next class (even though Zack doesn't take any classes anymore.) The next thing I know is, school's over! That fast? Weird…

During that day, my friends and I went shopping at the mall. It was the first time since last year, which I got to do this. We got to shop at Gap, Macy's, Old Navy, and a lot of others as well. It was fun, and I mean really, it was. I got a lot of things I wanted and so did they. I came home later at night only to find my brother, Tiny, awake.

"Hey Nicole, what took you so long," he said with a frustrated face.

"Just shopping that's all."

"Well, I wish you would shop so long."

"Well, I decided to be with my friends, ok!"

Tiny just gave me a glare and said, "Fine, have it your way."

"Hey guys, what's going on?" There was Leo, still sleepy.

"Nothing, just go back to sleep." I said.

I went into my room and there in the shadows was Flake!

"Zack, what are you doing in my room?"

"Just here to tell you something."

"Huh?"

"You're in danger, I can sense it."

"Wha… What?"

"I just have this bad feeling, ok."

"Okay."

"Tomorrow, stay home. It's for your own good."

"Fine, but I don't like being alone…"

"I know, that's why I'm here."

So Zack was going to stay home with me! Great! Finally some company. I love having company. And Zack would actually stay home with me for it.

"I appreciate it, Zack!" I suddenly blurted out.

"Don't mention it."

I got on my bed and stared at the ceiling. Zack, I…

That morning, I got up only to see Zack having breakfast already done for me! And it was my favorite, strawberry toast with bacon and orange juice. "Zack! Thank you!" I said with joy. "Don't get use to it Nicole, only because I have a bad feeling doesn't mean you always get anything you want." he chuckled. Hey! I noticed something. "Where's everyone?" I ask. "Well, off to work or exploring, I guess." he said. Oh, well why not go somewhere? "Zack can we go out for a walk?" "Sure, why not." So, we walked outside and it was a bright sunny day around the neighborhood. The air was crisp and fresh, full of life. "Ah" I breathed in the air. "Well, seems like I'm not the only one who really likes the outside." Zack smiled. The only bad thing was that it was almost dusk. We finally walked all the way to the beach. It was a beautiful purplish sunset with some orange. "It's beautiful." I said. "I know." Zack agreed. I loved it. I felt like I was in a different world. I…don't know… "Zack, I never got to say this." What am I saying? I'm too nervous. I started to sweat. "What is it, Nicole?" he asked. "I…I…" I stuttered. I can't say it. I just looked at him. I want you to know Zack. I just can't say it. "Nicole?" Huh? "What are you trying to say?" he asked in his calm way. "You wouldn't understand Zack." I finally told him.

"Oh really."

"Yeah."

I can't just tell him.

"You better hurry up, it's getting dark." He said.

Uh, what should I say! Words can't describe what I am feeling. "Zack, I can't do it." I suddenly blurted out. "Ok, maybe this was what you were trying to say." Flake said. He walked over and held me close. "Zack! What are you doing?" I ask quietly. Then we quickly kissed. Can you believe it! We actually kissed! I couldn't believe it. "Wow." I said, even though I was kinda shocked and blushing. He laughed, "Somehow, I'm not so surprised." Then we walked home, and I was still shocked that he actually caught me off guard. Was it true? Am I in love?

The next morning, I woke up to see Angelo sniffing around. "Angelo, what are you up to?" I asked while trying to clear my eyes. Angelo answered with a happy bark and jumped onto my bed. I smiled and gave him a comfortable scratch behind the ears. Suddenly the door opened. Eric! "Good Morning Nicole," cheerfully spoke Eric, "You ready for going to the Garden?" I replied, "Sure!" Eric smiled and shut my door. I sighed about the thought about school again. Zack already left (since he was the Master of the Garden,) and Eric must have been waiting for me. I got dressed up as fast as I could in my white tank top and jean shorts, but tripped as I put on my shorts! "Ow!" I muttered and Angelo barked and licked me as if he knew my pain. "Thanks Angelo," I laughed at myself and gave Angelo a small doggy treat. Then I got out and ran to Eric, who was waiting next to his black Toyota Supra (yes, I know my cars :D) He smiled as soon I came out the door. "Ready?" he asked with a little joy in his voice. "Yeah, let's go!" Eric laughed a bit about my enthusiasm.

During the car ride to school, Eric seems to have a problem trying to keep an eye on the road. Instead, I suggested that he should turn on Cruise Control and let it go. He nodded and did what I said. "Sorry Nicole, I never really get this bad a driving." he murmured, "I can't seem to help it when you are here." What about me? "Oh?" I questioned with a small voice. "Yeah, I don't know why, but you always seem to have this power that I can't explain." What do you mean Eric? He looked cute trying to explain something. He kept blushing, so I couldn't help but giggle. He scratched his head in embarrassment and said, "Sorry, it kinda came out of my mouth." "It's ok Eric," I smiled and looked at the road. It was a light snowy morning and not many people were outside. The side of the roads glittered in white snow and the sidewalk lights flashed on. It was such a pretty sight. Before I knew it, we reached the Garden. "Nicole, we're here," Eric smiled and got out. He even opened the passenger door for me. He was so nice. Eric was like a friend I never had when I was little. I gave him a surprise hug of my gratitude in the snowy parking lot. "Wow, Nicole…" he drifted off before he could say anything else. I laughed and let go of him. We looked at each other for a bit (6 seconds on my watch that Tiny gave me.) Finally, a snowflake fell on Eric's nose and made us lose our concentration. "Oh!" I exclaimed, "We better get going!" Eric nodded and we headed inside.

First period is always Leo's Fighting class, which is a lot of fun! He never gives homework, so that helps out with our busy lives. As soon as Eric and I walked into the classroom, the bell rung! "Hey, Eric, Nicole, welcome!" Leo said cheerfully (with probably a stench of alcohol.) Eric shrugged and sat in his seat, while I gave Leo a note about my absents yesterday. "It's ok Nicole," Leo said calmly (He isn't drunk?), "Zack already told me, so you're excused" I smiled and sighed in relief. I soon sat down, in front of my friends: Rachel, Mike, and Leon. I have so many friends here, in the Garden. "Piss, Nicole," whispered someone behind me. "Yeah?" I turned and saw Mike hand me a small piece of a letter. Huh? I opened it up, and saw that it was from Eric! It read: Meet me in the Training Center after school. Eric. What was this about?

After a long day, ending in Moe's (Leo's best friend and chemistry teacher) class, everyone got up and ran out the door. They must be ecstatic about the end of the school day since it was Friday. I put my books in my locker and headed to the Training Center. I found Eric standing there, probably waiting for me! "Hello Nicole," Eric said in an emotionless voice (which reminds me of Zack a lot!) "Hi, what is this about?" I asked in concern. "You'll see," he said. Eric turned and ran into the Training Center, which must mean that he wants me to follow. I ran after him and luckily, no monsters were around to attack us. Finally, we came up to a hidden doorway. "Where is this?" I asked. Eric ignored me and walked inside it. I followed closely, nervous what might come out of nowhere! Instead of a dark gloomy area, Eric and I found ourselves in one of the most beautiful sceneries I have seen for a while. It was the entire Garden, and the sunset made this scene glow in reddish orange and the blue halo above the Garden made the sky all purplish color. Eric turned at me and smiled, "What do you think of this?"

"Wow, it's pretty!"

"Yeah I know, this is where I go to retreat from the mayhem of this world."

"Oh, I can see why!"

"Well, it's a cool site and many couples come here at night to hang out."

"…"

"And some just come here to relax, like myself."

"…oh…"

"Nicole, everything okay?"

"Yeah it's fine, I just can't help but notice some things I never see from another point of view."

Eric laughed, "I don't blame you, this is the best place to see the Garden."

"Yup, it sure is…"

Then Eric did the unthinkable (to me)! He grabbed my hand and gave me a long smooth kiss. He did it so well, I thought he must have practiced! I didn't wanna let go. Finally, when he did let go, I couldn't find any words to say anything about that moment. Eric chuckled at his surprise kiss and offered to give me a lift home. I accepted and we headed out. I'm sure I'll be back here again someday…

On the ride home, I was still speechless and Eric let me stay quiet by turning on the radio. When we got home, I immediately went into my room and tried to do Mr. Leblanc's English homework. I couldn't think though. My mind was full about that kiss with Eric. A first time I ever kissed him! I never thought that it would be the two brothers that would get my attention so well. Zack had always protected me ever since we first met at that dance and Eric was by my side when I have been homesick or lonely. I loved them both as friends, but was there something more? I shook my head in disbelief. I actually had a crush on two brothers? They made me feel like a little girl again whenever they spent time with me. Also, I just…I don't know how I feel now. I'm too confused. Eric suddenly came bursting into my room. "Nicole, you wouldn't mind if I borrow your pencil, it's a emergency!"
"Oh?"

"Yeah, my Celica is leaking!"

"Leaking?"

"Yeah, it started this morning, I need your pencil to plug the hole!"

"But, couldn't you use Zack's?"

"You know him Nicole, he is too stubborn to lose anything."
"What about Leo?"

"Emma is using them!"

"But why not a pen?
"Since they are too smooth and move a lot!"

"But I using mine…Why not yours?"

"They are gone, please Nicole!"

"Ok Eric…"

I handed him my blue pencil that would soon be covered in gasoline. I sighed when he left, and went over to the pencil sharpener with my new pencil. I still can't help but notice that Eric was all dirty and has some oil stains on his new t-shirt I bought him last week. My head began to hurt and I was really tired after 8 hours of school including the homework that Mrs. McAfee (our Calculus teacher) gave us like 10 pages of work. I put down my homework and jumped into my soft welcoming bed. I probably fell asleep in an instant…

However, I soon woke up at a beach where the sun was blazing at my eyes. I covered it for a bit until I noticed Zack standing there in the water! "Zack, what are you doing?" I yelled to him. He didn't respond though, only to just turn around and hold out his hand. What is that suppose to mean? Suddenly, I say a tidal wave from behind him, which Zack did not even notice! "Zack!" I cried and ran to him. His cold icy blue eyes only looked at me as I came running to him. "Zack!" But he didn't budge at all! As soon as I got to him, the wave already hit us both and I found myself being hurled backwards. Zack was still standing there looking at me! I tried to swim to him, but the currents were too strong, therefore I was blown away like a feather. Soon afterwards, I woke up in a pile of snow, and the sky was sending down a light cluster of snow. I blinked a flake from my eyes and got up. I saw a figure walking towards me. Wha? "Who are you?" I asked, but the person kept walking towards me. I got up off the snow and looked at the person. Whoever the person was, they were holding a gun! Oh no! BANG!

I suddenly woke up back in the real world, and I shivered from that nightmare. I looked over at my cloud alarm clock, which said 2:17 am. It was way early… I rubbed my eyes and looked down at the floor where Angelo and Omega slept. They were curled up together, peacefully too. That reassured me that today wouldn't be such a bad day if I got some rest. Good night.

Six hours later, I finally woke up (for real in the day light,) and scurried downstairs to see what everyone was doing. Of course there were only Leo, Eric and Zack awake as usual. I was in my pajamas since Eric and Leo were looking at me with a cup of coffee in their hand. "Good morning everyone," I spoke cheerfully. "Good morning Nicole," Leo jumped, "How are you?" I smiled "I'm fine, thanks Leo." But the other two were quiet. Zack got up and walked out (the usual since he always wants to be alone,) and Eric just kept reading his newspaper. I let a sigh of annoyance that those two keep acting too cool. Almost emotionless… I remember that song that Asuka usually listens to in her room. What was it? "Suteki Da Ne"? Yeah that's the one. It sounded like a sad song but I couldn't understand the lyrics since it was in Japanese. It reminded me of the two of them. Somehow, I don't believe that they are sad though, they just need to… "Yo, Nicole!" Leo broke my train of thought. "Huh?" I was caught bewildered. "You're spilling the milk!" Wha? I looked down to see that the cup was overflowing with milk! "Oh my!" I exclaimed, "I'm so sorry Leo." I ran to the counter and grabbed some paper towels. "Sheesh Nicole, maybe you should daydream when you're pouring milk." Leo snickered. I gave him a mean glare and stuck my tongue at him. Then Zack walked in, looking at me on the tile floor cleaning the spilled milk. I looked up at him, only to see that he was chuckling. "What's so funny?" I demanded. He stopped and looked at me, "…you'll need this…" He threw me a cotton towel. I thanked him by not saying anything. I kept scrubbing until finally the last drop was absorbed. I let out a sigh of relief that I finished only to find out that I knocked over Leo's can of beer! "Oh, I'm sorry," I blushed in embarrassment. I was so clumsy today! "No problem Nicole, but maybe you should watch it next time," Leo smiled and went back to reading his newspaper. I decided to finish this one up and head out with Zack since he seems to be not busy at all now…

It was a light windy morning with fresh white snow on the ground. The breeze blew through my hair and felt free from the confines of our house. Zack was outside also, meditating I guess. "Zack?" I slowly walked over to him. "…" he stood there with his eyes still closed. "Can I speak with you for a moment?" I asked quietly hoping he wouldn't mind. Suddenly, a flash of sliver came out and Zack's gunblade was at my neck. I stood there frozen of the sight of Zack's icy cold eyes, which were glaring at me. "Sure…" he said and slowly holstered his gunblade. Zack and I were walking around the large neighborhood of Westwood Drive. "…" Zack didn't say anything. I looked at him, admiring how he could actually keep all this world to himself. "Zack?" I broke the silence. "Hm?" he didn't even look at me!

"How do you do it?"

"Do what?"

"How do you keep your emotions to yourself?"

"…"

"I'm just curious."

"I don't know, it just came naturally."

"Oh?"

"…Plus, I feel like releasing my emotions will cause maverick…"

"No it won't!"

"How would you know? You haven't had anyone die in your family…"

He got me there… My parents were still alive and his parents were missing or gone. I felt sorry for him and Eric. They have spent so much time in their life fighting, they forgot how to love, laugh, and open up. I wanted to tell him something that I kept for a long time. "Zack, I…" I drifted off.

I stopped and looked at Zack. He stopped to and our eyes met. Zack… Suddenly, a loud noise like a firecracker exploded behind me! I felt so weak in a flash and I could feel the bullet pierce through my chest. "NICOLE!" Zack yelled and caught me as I fell forward in his arms. "Zack…" I murmured as the immense pain spread through my veins. I looked at my hands, only to see my own blood! "Nicole, you'll be already, just hang in there…" I felt myself being swept up and carried back. I clung onto Zack's Jacket as I looked up at his face. He looked down at me and smiled. It was reassuring…But his face seemed to be blurring up. I couldn't see him as well anymore. "Nicole, please hang on!" I'm trying Zack…But… "Zack…?" I could hear Zack's foot steps get faster as my heart was slowing down and I felt two cold drops of water fall on my face... Please Zack…Hurry… I suddenly lost my energy to hang onto Zack's jacket and felt my hands slipping away from him. "Nicole?" I couldn't keep my arms up to him much more. I could feel the world around me become dark. I was really scared. I didn't want to let go, but what could I do? "Zack…" I could only speak almost inaudibly. "NICOLE!" He shook me, yelling my name, but my eye lids became heavy. I'm sorry Zack, I couldn't hang on for you… Please…forgive…me…Nicole

To Be Continued…