Come on...4 reviews?! Okay, I'm giving you guys one last chance to review by yourselves before I start charging you! :) I work hard to write this story for you guys to read...so maybe you could give some thought back by reviewing? Thank you... :D

This is the chappy where Alex and Nate meet again! And then Alex meets Steph in the next chapter. (shudder) I wonder what they'll say to each other...hmm...


Hidden Secrets

Chapter Three

The car pulled up into Nate's old driveway. Their family hadn't been able to sell the house so it'd been empty for the past seven years.

Nate stepped out of the car and breathed in the fresh New York air. Something about being home calmed him down a little; he'd been going crazy in the car of trying to figure out what to tell both Alex and Steph. He was sure Alex would be understanding, but Steph, well, she could go extremely angry.

Shane got out of the car behind him with two suitcases. They were going to stay in Nate's old house, since no one lived there anyway. It was right beside Alex's house, so they could easily just walk over anytime.

Two girls ran out the door, obviously Alex and Mitchie. They both looked excited and happy to see them. Mitchie smiled her big smile and hugged Shane. No awkwardness there. Alex smiled at Nate and reached for a hug. Nate hugged her, but felt guilty for not telling her about Steph.

Alex pulled away and studied his face. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing." Nate said, pulling her back for a hug.

Alex shrugged, it was probably because of the long car ride. Nate always used to get carsick when he was little, so it was no big deal.

"Let's go." Alex said, grabbing Nate's hand. "You have to see my parents. They're so excited to see you, plus they made this huge dinner that's waiting to be eaten."

Nate followed Alex, he couldn't exactly do anything else.

Alex threw open the door and yelled, "Mom! Dad! Nate's here!"

Theresa came running out, her hair all covered in bread crumbs. Jerry was right behind her, only cleaner and much less bread-crumby. They squealed and gave Nate hugs and kisses, as if he was their own son.

Alex gave him an apologetic look, her parents could sometimes be a little crazy and embarrassing. Nate just smiled, he remembered being smothered in hugs and kisses when he was little, he had missed those moments.

"Nate! How've you been?" Theresa asked.

"Great. How about you?" Nate said, smiling.

"Oh we're awesome!" Jerry said. "Come in, come in! And don't forget to bring that band of yours in too!"

Nate looked back at Alex, who smiled at him and led him inside. The house hadn't changed that much. There were a few new furniture pieces in the living room and kitchen, but most of the furniture he could remember from 7 years ago.

Justin came downstairs, holding a dead hamster. "My pet hamster died!" he cried. Then he saw Nate standing there and dropped the hamster. "Nate!"

"Don't mind him." Alex whispered, "He's just being a little weird because his pet died, and he blew up worms in the microwave."

Nate chuckled, Justin hadn't changed either. He was still that dorky looking kid, except much older and without the glasses.

Mitchie and Shane came in behind them, holding hands. Alex looked at their hands and said, "Aww, look at that cute couple."

Mitchie and Shane immediately dropped their hands and looked around, pretending to admire the house. Mitchie's face was all glowy, they'd obviously had a special moment together.

"Well," Theresa said, clapping her hands together, "Let's go eat!" She went into the kitchen and brought out a huge pan of yummy-looking lasagna. Jerry went to get some cups for the drinks and Alex and Justin set the table quickly.

Max came out and saw the dead hamster. "Ew, who dropped a dead hamster on the floor?" He picked it up and threw it in the trash can.

Justin sprang up. "No! That was my pet hamster!" He dropped to his knees, looking like he was about to cry. "You threw away my pet hamster!" He accused Max.

Max shrugged, "Hey, it was dead."

Alex sighed, embarrassed that her family was being so embarrassing and weird. But when she looked at Shane, Mitchie, Nate and Jason, her embarrassment went down a level.

At least they weren't having a horrible time.


Nate's phone rang right when he was shoving the last piece of his lasagna into his mouth. His cheeks turned red as everyone, including Alex turned around to look at him. He chewed quickly and swallowed, then, trying not to embarrass himself even further, muttered, "Excuse me," And ran to the bathroom.

The caller ID on his cell told him that it was Steph. He rolled his eyes and debated whether or not he should ignore or answer. Answering won. He couldn't hide from one of his girlfriends forever.

"Hello?" he said.

"Hey Nate!" The bright and cheerful voice made him jump. "How are you? Did you get my messages?"

"Yeah. Um Steph? I'm kinda in the middle of dinner, I'll call you back, okay?"

"Kay! Bye! Love you!" She made a kissy sound that made him grimace.

"Right. See you." He hung up and put his phone back in his pocket, then walked back to the table. Thankfully, nobody looked up as he sat down.

"So who was it?" Theresa asked.

"Mom! Don't go into people's business!" Alex said. Then she turned around and asked, "So...who was it?"

"Oh, it was just a...a friend of mine." Nate stuttered. He glanced at Shane, who gave him a knowing look.

"Okay. What's for dessert?" Alex asked her mom.

Her mom stood up and smiled. "Oh, double fudge brownies!" She ran to the oven and pulled out a pan filled with delicious-looking brownies.

Mitchie's eyes widened and she looked at them dreamily.

Shane smirked at her and said, "Dreaming about your precious brownies?"

Mitchie immediately changed her expression and said, "No, of course not."

Alex laughed. "Who knew Mitchie liked brownies more than she liked Shane?"

Shane gasped, but it was fake so everyone knew that he wasn't really mad. "You like brownies more than you like me?"

Mitchie tried to hide her smile. "No!"

Shane fake-sobbed. "I can't believe you like brownies more than you like me!"

Theresa came back with the pan. "I like these friends of yours, Alex. They're funny!"


"Shane?" Nate asked, stepping into the dark room. He heard snoring on the other side of the room and rolled his eyes. Apparently, he wasn't the only one who snored when he slept.

He flipped on the light switch and stomped over to the bed that Shane was on. Shane was drooling on his pillow. "Shane!" He said, more loudly this time.

Shane just kept on snoring. Nate sighed and gave him a punch.

"Ow!" Shane said, sitting up. "Nate? What are you doing here? What time is it?" He looked over at the clock and scowled. "Three in the morning? What are you doing?!"

Nate held up his phone. Steph had called him, waking him from his sleep at 2. Then, at 2:30, she'd called again, right when Nate was falling back asleep.

"Steph again?" Shane asked, yawning and stretching his arms.

"She won't leave me alone!" Nate said, sitting down on a chair.

"Wait till she gets here. Then you guys will have some real problems." Shane said, closing his eyes and falling back asleep. "Good night."

"But what if she calls me again?" Nate asked frantically.

"Turn off your phone." Shane pointed out.

"Oh, right." Nate said. Why hadn't he thought of that?


A little short...but that's okay right? Review! The next chappy'll be up pretty soon.