=Nicole's POV=
(Friday, 9/8/2017-2:30 pm)
(Archian Island, Berk)
(Berkian Academy)

It had been an interesting week at Berkian Academy for me. That wasn't to say it was bad, but I'm really enjoying everything it has to offer, and I'm really liking that Heather goes here because we are good friends. I don't feel like such a new kid to the school with her there. I get along great with her friends too; we have a lot of common interests and they are a riot to be around. All classes have resumed as normal with lessons; that started on Tuesday the 5th and we'll be starting homework on Monday the 11th. I've learned a lot about my friends; I felt like I could call them that. We all had each other's phone numbers by the end of lunch on the 4th. I've figured out that Travis is dating Shane's little sister, Addilyn; they've been together since August 26th, 2017, right before this school year started. Raelyn is dating an older male named Elijah; he's twenty-two. Elijah is also an assistant coach for Basketball like Devon, who is Heather's older brother. Ashley is kind of seeing the principal's son, Bryan Grimborn, who is nineteen and graduated last year. They aren't officially dating, but going on dates. Shane and Mindy clearly have mutual feelings for one another, but neither of them are speaking up and getting together. And then there's Hunter; single and seemingly content to be so.

I liked this school; it was pretty easy going and the classes weren't too difficult either. I sat with my new friends every day at lunch and we had a good time talking. I was glad it was Friday, though. No homework and two days to relax. Right now; it's the end of the day and the bell just rang. I grabbed my stuff, shoving it into my bag and heading for the door to leave the building and get to my bus. I finally have the school down, and just in time too because Fisher wasn't my assigned guide starting next Monday. While moving down the lines to locate my bus, which was always along C-Hall; I saw my friends hanging in the grass near the breezeway.

"Nikki!" Heather called to me. "Come on over and hang with us," she smiled.

"But my bus?" I replied.

"They won't start pulling out until 2:45; you got time," Ashley responded. I shrugged and moved over to them.

"How was your day?" Heather asked, hugging me.

"Same as every day," I said locating my phone and getting my headphones untangled; I always listened to music on the ride home from school. "Yours?"

"Quiet and not looking forward to homework next week," Heather mumbled.

"It's not that bad," Hunter rolled his eyes.

"Says the straight A student. You and Fisher both," Raelyn remarked.

"What are your weekend plans?" Addilyn wondered, looking at me now.

"Mine?" I asked as she nodded. "I dunno. Probably sitting at home, couple chores? Don't have much of a social life considering I used to go to a private school and only went home for vacations and holidays. Weekends were optional, but since my parents were always busy; I stayed at school in the library to read or use the computer. At least up until my parents got me laptop when I was sixteen," I smiled.

"Well, you're gonna be social this weekend. Or at least Saturday night," Heather chuckled.

"Yeah, it's my birthday party at Hunter's house. I want you to come," Addilyn invited.

"Really? That's…Nice of you, Addilyn. I'll check with my parents first…And see if they can give me a ride," I replied, surprised that I'd only known these people for five days and I was invited to a birthday party for one of them.

"I'll text you the address," Hunter informed. "This also doubles as our back to school homecoming,"

"Isn't there a school homecoming event? I thought I saw that on the calendar," I blinked a few times.

"We rarely go to the school dances because it's madness and the entire high school goes. We reserve ourselves for the junior and senior proms, because it's obviously, just those grades are allowed to go. Make sense?" Shane mentioned.

"Ah, yes. It does make sense, and a smart move too," Nicole smiled.

"And if your parents can't drive you; I can ask Devon when he takes me," Heather added.

"Okay, great. I better get on my bus now. I hate sitting on the outside of the seat," I laughed some before waving and heading to my bus, number twenty-four. I was still shocked that I was invited to Addilyn's party at Hunter's house. I'd have to ask my parents tonight over dinner; I hoped they said yes because this sounded like it could be a lot of fun.

. . .

(Saturday, 9/9/2017-4:00 pm)
(Archian Island, Berk)
(Haddock Household)

My parents had no problem with me going to a birthday party for a friend I'd made at school, as long as they got to meet the parents first. I understood that, but I explained also that these were friends of Heather and they were even more thrilled to let me go. Saturday morning; mom took me to get a gift for Addilyn. Unfortunately, I didn't know her well enough to know what she would like, so I went with a $50 preloaded gift card that she could anywhere she wanted. I also got her a card and $10 gift card for iTunes, because I knew she liked her music too. I had let Addilyn know I'd be able to come, and Hunter did text me his address. I let Heather know that my parents would be bringing me, and informed Hunter that my parents wanted to meet his parents before they left me there. Hunter assured that his uncle or father would be there to set my parents at ease that everything would be okay.

"We're so glad you were able to make so many friends in your first week, sweetheart," my mother, Ella, looked back at me from the front passenger seat. My dad was driving to Hunter's house.

"It's…Thanks to Heather, Mom," I informed with a smile.

"Well, here we are," my father, Keith, pulled into the cul-de-sac style driveway and parked out of the way. I saw some other cars that I knew belonged to friends; the ones who had their licenses and their own vehicles. I gathered my small side bag and slipped it over my head to rest on my shoulder before getting out of the car with my parents. As we reached the door, it opened to reveal Hunter.

"Hey, there you are," Hunter smiled.

"Sorry, late departure from the house. I hope we're not too late," I said.

"No, no. You're right on time," Hunter stated as he opened the door to let us in more. "Heather said you were here, so I figured I'd come greet you. My uncle is just inside to talk to your parents, as requested," he added.

"Thank you," I headed in with my parents behind me. Hunter closed the door and led us through the foyer and into the main room where everyone else was.

"Nikki! You came!" Heather bounded over the hug me instantly.

"I said I would," I replied.

"Hi, Mr. and Mrs. Strondsen," Heather greeted with a smile.

"Hello again, dear," Ella responded. I saw a portly male with a bald head but blonde mustache come into view.

"Ello. I'm Glenn Forger, Hunter's unofficial uncle and godfather. Mayor Haddock wanted to be here, but something came up that he needed to handle. I'll be in charge of the kids tonight and Spencer should be home no later than 8 pm," the man, Glenn, informed as he shook hands with Keith and Ella.

"Keith Strondsen, and this is my wife, Ella. We're Nicole's parents," Keith introduced.

"Good ta meet ya. You got nothing ta worry about; she'll be safe as can be. No alcohol or drugs, and supervised by me. Well, mainly me," Glenn chuckled.

"What Glenn means is that we're also monitored by the staff working here, Heather's older brother, Devon, and his wife, Myra," Hunter reiterated for his godfather. "This is just a little get together to celebrate the start of our last year of school, like a homecoming dance. And also my younger cousin's birthday as she's turning sixteen on the 10th," he added with a smile.

"And…What time will this party close down? When should we come get you, sweetheart?" Ella asked.

"We typically send everyone home around 10-10:30 pm," Glenn mentioned. "That way everyone is home before 11 pm curfew," he added.

"But late," Keith stated. "Only as my wife and I need to be up early for work,"

"I can bring Nicole home before 11 pm," Hunter offered as I was a bit shocked at the offer. "I'm also taking the twins and Mindy home, so it's no problem,"

"I…Hope you don't take offense to the question, but how long have you been driving?" Keith asked.

"Since I was sixteen, and I scored perfect on both the written and road test. I'll be eighteen in five months, so almost two years," Hunter replied. "And none taken," he added.

"I'm sure it's fine, honey. Nicole will be okay," Ella put her hand on Keith's arm. "That's fine with us if you bring her home, Hunter. Thank you," she smiled.

"I suppose with that taken care of; I'm content with the arrangement," Keith stated. "We'll get going now. Have fun, Nicole," he smiled, giving me a kiss on the forehead. My mom stepped in to kiss my cheek before Glenn moved to lead them out.

"I'm so sorry about my dad," I sighed with them out of sight now. Hunter laughed a little.

"Don't even worry about it," Hunter smiled. "I know a Daddy's Girl when I see one. Your dad one of fathers who thinks every male is a threat?"

"Eh…Something like that," I shrugged.

"It's cool; I get it," Hunter nodded. "Now, come join everyone. Our parties are riots," he said. "Can I take your coat?"

"I'll…Keep it on for now. Kind'a cold," I admitted. I didn't want to take it off because I felt like they wouldn't like my outfit. I saw all of them in jeans, shirts, leggings, a skirt or two. I was wearing something of an entirely different style. At school, I dressed somewhat normal, but on a weekend or not school; I wore my style and I didn't think they'd like it. Not even Heather knew of it because I wore different stuff back then. So I felt for now, to keep my coat on and not reveal what I was wearing.

"Ready for a fun time?" Hunter asked.

"I've never really done this before. So yes, absolutely," I replied. I was nervous, but I'm sure once I warmed up; I'd be okay.

"Great. It's nothing crazy, but we talk, dance, and eat. Would you like something to drink? I've got…Water, soda, and punch?" Hunter offered.

"What kind of soda?" I wondered.

"Cola, Sprite, Orange, and Root Beer," Hunter smiled.

"Uh, Orange, please?" I asked. Hunter nodded as he went off to get it from the fridge and I just looked around; his house was beautiful. I suppose that was to be expected as he was the Mayor of Archian Island's son. However, despite such a title; Hunter lived in a simple house, it seemed like one level. Hunter returned with black cup that had my name in silver marker on it.

"Here you are," Hunter said. "We use color-coded cups so no one loses their cup throughout the night. I noticed you sport black a lot, so thought giving you the black one was appropriate,"

"Thank you, and yeah…It's my favorite next to red and silver," I chuckled taking a sip of it.

"Well, now that everyone is here; let's get this party started!" Addilyn called. Hunter reached for a remove and pressed a button to start the music and then set the volume at a comfortable tone to enjoy for dancing, or talking among the group. At some point, I saw Glenn return while I was standing with Heather; I didn't feel overly close to the others yet. But I was sure that with more time around them it wouldn't feel totally awkward and I wouldn't see them as new friends anymore. For now, I was going to focus on trying to get to know them better outside of school.

. . .

(6:30 pm)

Hunter was totally right; their parties were a riot. I loved being here; it was so lively and fun after just two hours and I knew it went longer too. There was an array of snacks to eat, and our dinner was pizza at 6 pm. Addilyn had already opened her presents while we ate, and she loved them. I guess I wasn't the only one who went with gift cards; most of the others did it too. Heather mentioned that it was just easier to give someone the ability to go buy whatever they wanted rather than guess on one gift, which I totally agreed with. Now, we're all just around the living room, different conversations happening and some dancing. I was sort of in the corner against the wall and one of the windows that overlooked the backyard. Everyone else was engaged in other topics, so I just decided to take a minute off to the side to enjoy my drink and watch everything. It was nice to be around so many people.

"All partied out?" I hear someone ask, turning to see Hunter. I shook my head and smiled.

"Just taking it all in," I replied.

"You and Heather never hard parties with other friends at your old school?" Hunter inquired.

"No, it was a no-nonsense place. It was usually just us in our dorm," I stated gently. "We didn't really have other friends,"

"Well, you got a bunch now and we do this pretty often," Hunter informed.

"Always at your house?" I wondered.

"Biggest of the group, so it's easier," Hunter shrugged.

"Your home is beautiful," I admired while looking around again.

"Thanks. It happened to go on the market when mom and dad were looking for one; she fell in love with it and dad couldn't tell her no," Hunter laughed a little.

"Long time to be in one house. Was this their first one, or did they have anything before it?" I smiled.

"I think this is the house they got after getting married in 1994," Hunter stated. "Were your parents in the same place from when they got married? Well, aside from the move to Berk?"

"Yeah," I replied. "We're not ones for change once settled,"

"I can understand that," Hunter nodded. "So you mentioned your dad was working at the hospital?"

"Mmhm. I believe right now he's working in the emergency department. I forget what he was offered to do, but something about the department not being fully done yet? Or waiting on the other person to leave officially?" I shrugged a bit. I honestly couldn't remember what it was my dad was offered here in Berk other than a better job; higher pay, moving expenses, and superb benefits. "Dad couldn't say no, and they threw in a bonus to allow mom to work for the same hospital as a paramedic so she wouldn't have to find a new job in her field, which was medical like dad," I added.

"Is that a field you plan to go into?" Hunter inquired.

"No, it's not for me," I smiled some. "Not sure what I'll do yet,"

"Nothing wrong with that," Hunter responded.

"What about you? What are your plans? Gonna run the island like your dad?" I questioned.

"Gods no," Hunter laughed a bit. "Definitely not for me," he added. "I think I'm gonna go into Auto or Engineering," he looked at me.

"Both good careers. What type of Engineering? Computer? Mechanical? I know there's a bunch of branches and subcategories in those branches," I glanced to him. At least he had a plan for his life; I had never even given it a thought with private school and letting it slip me that I'm not in my final year of high school. I guess I should start considering my options during my quiet time.

"I like hands-on, so probably Mechanical," Hunter informed. "I plan to minor in Art,"

"That's nice. Into art?" I smiled at him.

"Yeah, all kinds. Big fan of designing things, nature, people on the rare occasion or two," Hunter informed lightly.

"Will you two quit being anti-social and join the rest of us! We're doing Karaoke," Ashley called to us. I didn't even realize we were so far away from them in Hunter's living room; it was big. We were by the window and fireplace and just talking about whatever came up, right now it was planned after high school.

"We're not being anti-social, everyone was having their own conversation. Nicole didn't have anyone to chat with, and neither did I, so I came over to talk to her," Hunter remarked. "Besides, you can't tell me what to do in my house,"

"Come on, it's a party," Shane stated.

"Coming along?" Hunter asked me. I nodded and moved with him to join the rest of the group. So far, I was really enjoying the party. It still wasn't my scene; I've never liked parties, but I guess something small like this wasn't so bad. Ashley and Raelyn's boyfriends showed up for dinner at 5:45 pm, so I have officially met Bryan and Elijah now; they both seemed nice. "I guess I'll get the system up and running," he chuckled while leaving my side. Yeah, this was cool. And there were still four hours until Hunter would be bringing me home; I'm glad I decided to come. My parent were over the moon about me having friends; I've always been a loner. I'm seeing that I kind of fit in with my new friends; we're all oddballs, so it was a good match. I can't wait to see how the rest of tonight goes; Karaoke seems fun, but undecided if I want to take part. I don't have stage fright or anything, but I don't usually have an audience to sing for except my parents, and Heather; she's heard me sing before. I guess we'll see what happens.