Let's just get down to the point: I don't own Drake & Josh characters or anything like that. "Collide" is sung and written by Howie Day.

Thanks for the reviews guys. Keep 'em coming. Remember, I never post a story until it is completely written. So, this story is done, it's just a matter of posting it.

Thanks to:
Dramagrl - Always an enthusiastic reader of my stories.
jhhhhjfjk89 - A new reader of my stories I believe. If not, sorry about that. Anyway, thanks for the comments.
JamiePaige101 - Another returning reader. Glad you're enjoying the series.
SemiAngel8 - Um, sorry about the bruise. Please remember, I will not be held liable for any injuries. ;-)

Okay, so everyone is getting ready for Christmas! This chapter is a little short. The next one is longer though, I promise.

Christmas was fast approaching, and Drake had no idea what to get Cassandra.

"Josh," he asked. "I can't think of anything to give Cassandra. What do I do?" He was constantly asking Josh for girlfriend help. Mainly because Josh had a steady girlfriend for a while before he did. Josh was always ready to give Drake advice, but he couldn't help teasing Drake a little about it.

"Drake Parker doesn't know what a girl wants?" asked Josh. "Well, some ladies man you are."

"Josh!" exclaimed Drake.

"Sorry. I don't know," said Josh. "But I think she got your gift already."

"Great," said Drake. "Now I'm in trouble. Girls like jewelry right? Oh wait, can't afford that."

"Drake, she's not gonna care how much you spend on her...as long as you don't buy her a twenty-five cent ring from the bubble gum machine."

Drake gave Josh an odd look.

"I tried that in fifth grade," said Josh. "It didn't work out well."

"I see," said Drake. "Let's see, she likes music. She likes writing."

"She likes Orlando Bloom," interjected Josh.

"What? Josh, I am not getting her anything that has to do with a pretty boy elf, okay?"

"I don't know," said Josh. "She mentions his movies a lot."

"Josh...let's stick with things I'm willing to buy okay? Like I said, music, writing... Hey! I got an idea!"

"What?" asked Josh.

Drake just smiled at his step-brother.

"You'll see," said Drake.

Drake poked at his lunch the day before Christmas break. He managed to get Cassandra's gift. He spent a lot, but it wasn't outrageously expensive, and he knew she'd like it. He was quite happy with it and couldn't wait to surprise her.

"Hey," said Cassandra, sitting down beside him.

"Hi," he said. "Hey," he said. "My mom's going on this kick about how she wants to spend more time with you...don't ask...she wants to know if you'll come by tomorrow and help her make Christmas cookies."

"Uh, sure," said Cassandra. "Your mom wants to spend time with me?"

"I don't know, she said something about wanting to get to know you a lot better since you've been my longest girlfriend," replied Drake. "I don't get it."

"Okay," Cassandra laughed. "Where's Josh and Mindy?"

"I have no idea. I'm pretty sure Josh said something about getting Mindy's Christmas present at lunch today. I have no clue where Mindy is."

"Oh, so we're alone today," she replied.

"Yeah," said Drake. "I guess so. Unless Alexa wants to join us with Greg."

"Ah, she broke up with him a little while ago. She said he didn't pay much attention to her."

"Oh, well, just you and me then."

"Hey Cassandra," said John, walking up to them. "Thanks for the help in calculus today."

"No problem," said Cassandra.

John walked away, leaving Drake look a bit confused.

"Who was that?" asked Drake.

"Oh, that's John from my calculus class." replied Cassandra.

"Oh," said Drake.

"Don't be jealous."

"I'm not jealous."

"Don't worry, he only tried to hit on me once."

"Oh, well that's...he what?"

"It was in October Drake, calm down. When you were sick. He found out I was with you and stopped right away."

"Oh, that John. Yeah, Josh told me that whole story."

"I remember," said Cassandra, thoroughly annoyed with Josh for spilling when it was his idea in the first place not to say anything to Drake. Drake probably hadn't cared much anyway if he basically forgot it had happened.

Drake looked at her. She wouldn't cheat on him. He couldn't be upset with her. Why did he love her so much?

"So," said Cassandra. "What'd you get me for Christmas?"

"Yeah right," said Drake. "Nice try."

"Oh, come on."

"Cassie!"

The next day was Saturday, and Cassandra came over to help Drake's mom make Christmas cookies as she'd promised. They were well into the middle of the afternoon. Everything was going smoothly. Cassandra was definitely more comfortable with Audrey than Drake was with Laura.

"Josh," Audrey called. "Will you please go get the mail?"

"I'll do it!" Drake hollered. He ran through the house and headed out the door.

"What was that about?" Audrey asked Josh.

"I have absolutely no idea," Josh replied.

Drake stood outside, flipping through the mail.

"No, no, no," he said. "Not here. I guess it could take until even May for an answer to come. Man, I wish I knew."

He walked back into the kitchen and grabbed a cookie off the tray.

"Drake..." said his mother.

"What?" he asked. He gave Cassandra a quick kiss on the cheek and set the mail on the counter.

"What was with the flying leap to get the mail?" asked Josh.

"Oh, just trying to be helpful," Drake replied.

"Yeah right," said Josh.

"I was," Drake replied, looking annoyed. He reached for another cookie. Cassandra swatted at his hand. "Hey!"

"Drake, don't spoil your dinner," said Audrey.

"Yeah, but she's my girlfriend! What's with the hand swatting?"

Cassandra gave him a teasing smile.

"Oh, now she's gotta act cute," said Drake.

Walter walked into the kitchen and went to grab a cookie. Audrey swatted his hand.

"Hey!" said Walter.

"Know the feeling Dad," said Drake.

Like I said, kind of short. The next chapter will be longer. Hope you're enjoying it! Please keep reviewing!