I feel so proud of myself for writing so diligently! :D

Disclaimer: I own nothing, except the plot. I don't even watch the show anymore.

Chapter 8

As the time to leave for the Lucas' drew nearer and nearer, Macy felt herself get more and more freaked out. Stella had the entire night planned out. First, they'd arrive and, in her words, "stun Joe-I mean you'll stun Nick! Haha, silly me…". Then after an hour or so of socializing and chatting with the various other guests, Macy would ask to talk to Nick. He would (supposedly) lead her outside where the "stars are shining" and maybe (most likely not) offer her his jacket, which she'd accept with the usual necessary blush. Just as the moment was going to get awkward, they'd both start to talk at the same time and laugh a little before Macy spilled the beans.

"Spill what beans?" Macy asked, blinking innocently as she paced while Stella was perched on her bed, smoothing the 'magnificent' dress out proudly. Her confusion caused her to stop in her tracks and give her friend a mystified look.

"Tell him that you figured it out, Mace." Stella sighed with a small shake of her head, "How are you ever gonna stick to the plan if you're so nervous?"

"You're plan-not mine." Macy snapped, "And I don't like it."

"Well, you have a better idea?" Stella asked seriously, looking completely open to suggestions. Macy groaned and sat heavily onto the bed, causing the dress to wrinkle slightly but only to be smoothed out again by Stella.

"How about I fake sick and don't go?" Macy asked sarcastically, "I like that plan."

"But then-"

"You're plan isn't solid, Stell-what if he says no I can't talk to him? Or what if it's raining? Or what if I freeze up?" Macy rambled panicked, anxiously running her fingers through her hair.

"You'll do fine." Stella patted her shoulder, "I'll be there the whole time."

"You're going to spy on us?!" Macy asked in shock, standing up abruptly with a stunned look on her face, eyes wide as she wondered if that was such a bad thing. Stella pulled her to sit on the bed next to her again.

"No, Mace, I'm going to be in the house the whole time…because I'll be at the party." Stella spoke slowly, as if to a child, but in a kind way and not in tone to make her feel inferior.

"Oh." She took a deep breath, "Right, ok. I can do this."

"That's my girl." Stella beamed before standing and lifting her friend's dress up, "I think it's about time we got ready because-"

"I can't do this!" Macy announced suddenly, gripping her friend's arm in panic, causing Stella to drop the precious masterpiece between them. Quickly wriggling out of Macy's tight grip, she retrieved the dropped article of clothing and sighed in impatience at the insane look on the other girl's face.

"Yes, you can." Stella stated simply, "If that's what you really want to do, you can."

"Do I want to?" Macy asked pitifully, biting her lip and watching Stella picking out jewelry for her to wear in only a couple hours.

"That's not my decision." Stella looked at her solemnly, "But I think it is."

Somehow, Stella managed to get Macy to the party on time, muttering to herself about Macy's silence. The entire ride to Joe's (ahem, Lucas') the pretty little brunette stared out the window, hands in tight fists, and lips in a tight line.

"And here we are!" she announced to Macy, forcing a smile and hoping it looked natural enough for the terrified girl. At the stillness of her friend, Stella sighed and climbed out of the car, going around to the other side of the car.

Macy was seated, staring straight ahead and feeling the tight knot in her stomach. What if she made a fool of herself? That wasn't out of the question. On numerous occasions, she'd been clumsy and ridiculous in front of the brothers.

Covering her face with her hands and sighing, Macy felt the cool air rush into the vehicle when her door opened, but ignored it. It wasn't until Stella's voice spoke up that she felt defeated.

"Macy, get out of the car, you look gorgeous-there's no reason to be nervous." Her demanding voice met her ears, and Macy felt cold fingers gently pick up her now limp hand that was settled on her lap.

She kept her eyes squeezed shut, trying to gather ever last bit of confidence that Macy was sure didn't even exist. Where had it all gone? Oh, yeah, she never did have any during this kind of situation. All these thoughts passed through her mind as she allowed the assistance out of the car blindly.

Steadying herself on her heeled feet, Macy took a deep breath as the cold hand released hers after a moment and the sound of the car door closing made her jump and open her eyes.

Only to realize she was face to face with Nicholas himself. Macy managed to bite back the gasp that tried to escape, feeling warm and tingly when she realized Stella had demanded her to get out of the car before abandoning her to Nick's care.

"What're you doing?" he asked slowly, looking at her with a mix of confusion, concern and uncertainty. Macy felt her face redden at his having seen her keeping her eyes closed tightly as she silently wished herself elsewhere.

"Uh…I…" she stuttered, feeling like an idiot (already).

"Like Stella said," the corner of Nick's mouth turned up in a slightly smile, "You have nothing to be nervous about. You look stunning."

"Stella said gorgeous." Macy blurted out, feeling like jumping back into the car and driving away at her thoughtless words. Somehow, stunning sounded more eloquent than gorgeous-especially coming from Nick.

When he chuckled, Macy felt herself only grow hotter and took to staring at her stilettos. How had Stella convinced her to do this? Come to the party, fine. Wear stilettos, alright. But tell Nick later? No way!

"Come on, Mace, it's cold out here." Nick commented, fingers teasing her own for a much too brief moment before they both entered the house in silence.

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