"Can we play a game?" a little voice called to Nickole as Christine, Nickole's five-year-old sister, walked into her room. Christine looked like a much smaller version of Nickole. She had the same bright red hair, and fair skin.

"No we can't. I'm going out tonight. Remember?" Nickole said as she rummaged though her closet for something to wear.

"Aw, but I wanted to play Candy Land," Christine pouted.

"We can play later; right now I have to get ready."

"Okay, but later I'm going over to Ashley's."

"Don't worry; we'll play Candy Land soon." Nickole reassured her. "Why don't you go play with Mary or Buttons?" Nickole suggested, referring to the family's cats.

"They're hiding under the couch," Christine replied,

"Well go get them out!" Nickole said shooing Christine out of her room. She ran back to her closet and started pulling out clothes and shoes. She changed clothes three times before she settled on an outfit and went down stairs where her parents were. Christine was sitting on the floor trying to coax the two cats out from under the couch.

"You look nice," her mom, Mrs. Dennis, commented as Nickole walked into the living room.

"Yes, you do." Mr. Dennis agreed, "What time did I say you are to be home?"

"Eleven o'clock," Nickole answered a little annoyed, "I know; you've asked me ten times already," she finished with a little smile at her mom, and then walked out of the room.

Nickole looked down at her watch, "Seven o'clock," she read aloud. It was Friday night, but not just any Friday night. Tonight, Don and Nickole were going on their date. Nickole was standing in her entry looking out the window at her empty driveway. Don should be coming to pick her up any minute now. She couldn't believe it was all ready Friday, or that it was seven o'clock. Then a pair of headlights lit up the driveway. Nickole recognized Don's truck, and walked out of the front door and onto the front porch. "Hey, there, are you ready to go?" Don asked as he got out of the truck and walked over to hug Nickole.

"You will have her back by eleven, young man?" Mr. Dennis interrupted sticking his head out of the front door. Nickole laughed.

"Yes sir, I will," Don responded shaking Mr. Denis' hand, and then Mr. Denis went back inside.

"Yep, so where are we going?" she asked, returning back to the conversation.

"I thought we'd go to dinner at On the Border and then go to the movies."

"Well, shall we?"

"Okay, after you," Don walked around to the passenger side of the truck and opened the door for his date.

"Thank you," Nickole replied getting into the truck.

Don walked back around to the driver's side and got in. The evening was already off to a great start. Nickole sat in the truck silently thinking. Even though they had been friends for most of their lives Nickole was excited that they were dating. She couldn't wait to see how the rest of the date would go. Don was also excited. He had always like Nickole as a friend, and he hoped that they could maintain their friendship whether dating worked out or not. In a matter of minutes they were at the movies, and in the middle of a conversation.

"So, yeah back in February when we did the Valentines, I only got two made because Patrick kept messing me up," Don said referring to one of the Teen Group's service projects.

"What was he doing?" Nickole asked with a little giggle.

"Well, when ever I turned my back for just one second he would do something like adding glitter or a sticker in a strange place," Don told her laughingly, "A few times he even glued some shut."

"That's Patrick for you," Nickole agreed.

"Yeah well, I eventually got smart and kept a close eye on him. It took me a while though."

"So, are you going to movie night tomorrow?"

"No, I have basketball."

"Oh," Nickole was disappointed but asked politely, "who are you playing?"

"Some guys from up-state. Now shush," Don teased, "the movies starting."

They picked their conversation back up when the movie was over. Once they were out of the theater they drove over to the restaurant, where they talked even more. They talked about the Teen Group events, their families, and their friends. Nickole knew that they would be talking about this stuff whether they were on a date or not; this made her feel more comfortable, so she relaxed and enjoyed the evening. "Do you remember the last year at the swing dance, how Joy was practically all over you?" Nickole asked tauntingly,

"Yeah, well, she wasn't nearly as bad as Eddie was with you!"Don replied matching her wit.

"Please, don't remind me!"

"You brought it up."

"I guess I did. Why did I do that?"

"Don't look at me! I don't know what goes on in that brain of yours."

"Thanks," Nickole replied; Don smiled.

"We'll figure out a way to help each other out this year," he suggested.

"I'd like that," Nickole agreed

They really did talk about all the things they normally talk about, but it was different, it was just the two of them. They were having such a good conversation, that it lasted all the way back to Nickole's house. A few minutes later, at 10:55, they were pulling into Nickole's driveway, and Don was helping her out of the truck. "Just in time, now I don't have to worry about your dad killing me for not getting you home on time." he said jokingly. "So, did you have a good time?" he asked as he walked her to the door.

"Yeah, I did. Did you?"

"Yes, I did. I'm glad that you did," Don leaned now and kissed Nickole on the cheek. She smiled back up at him. "Goodnight," he said.

"Goodnight," she whispered, and then she walked through the door and back inside the house. Mr. Denis was sitting in the living room reading his newspaper. He looked up at Nickole as she came inside, then over at the clock. He looked back at Nickole and nodded.