Disclaimer: I don't own anything associated with The Nanny. Yet.

A/N I just wanted to do something really out there and different. I'm taking a lot of circumstances and just lumping them together in…High School…Let me know what you think!

High School Drama

Chapter 8

There wasn't much for the seniors to do after the musical. They finished up their classes and took finals well before the rest of the school, so those who didn't quite accomplish everything they needed could have a little extra time to make up work, or re-take the 'senior proficiency exam'. The 'fabfour' finished and were all at the 'honors' level.

"Daddy!" Chas called as she and Fran entered her house after a day of sunning on the upper balcony. "Daddy…has Niles…"

Chastity didn't get to finish her question before she turned into the kitchen and saw Niles sitting at the table with her father. "Niles? Did I forget a date or something?"

"Yeah, right, Chas…" Fran lightly smacked her arm. "Like I'd let you forget a date."

Niles and her father stood up. Niles extended his hand to Chastity's father. "Thank you, Mr. Babcock. I appreciate your taking the time to speak with me."

"It was my pleasure, Niles. Now, I'll leave you to explain." Stuart winked at Niles and left him with Chastity and Fran in the kitchen.

Niles stepped in and kissed Chas lightly on the cheek. "Hello, Chas, Fran. Did you girls enjoy the sun?"

"Niles Andrew Brightmore, don't even try to get out of this. Why were you in here with Daddy?" Chas stood firmly with her hands planted on her hips.

Fran looked between the two of them. "Uhhh, I'm gonna head to your room, Chas. I'll see ya in a bit. Bye, Niles."

"Okay, Fran. Just don't lie on my bed, you're covered in oil." Chas reminded Fran. Fran just waved back at them. "Okay, Niles…spill it."

"Chas, I just wanted to ask his permission to take you to the prom." Niles sat back down at the table and diverted his eyes. "And…"

Chastity sat down careful not to lean back as she was covered in lotion. "And what, Niles?"

Niles sighed. "I wanted him to know the truth about me. About my parents being servants and my agreement with Max's family."

"Oh, Niles…I told you none of that matters to me." Chas covered his big hand with her smaller one.

Niles looked into her eyes. "I know, Chas, but I needed your parents to know." Chastity's eyes got very big.

"Dear God, Niles…you're not planning on telling my mother are you?" Chastity searched his face with her eyes.

Niles laughed lightly. "No, your father already told me that wasn't necessary. I didn't know that he'd had full custody. Isn't that…unusual?"

"Niles…you'll come to discover something about my mother." Chastity stood up from her chair. "She's an incredible bitch and I hate her. As far as she's concerned, I was a dreadful accident. Daddy has doted on me since I was too young to remember. He's the only parent you'll ever have to concern yourself with. Okay?"

Niles stood and took her hands in his. "Fine by me, Chas, I like your dad." Niles kissed her on the cheek and held her hand as he started toward the front door.

"What did Daddy say about the prom?" Chastity chided him.

Niles shrugged. "He said if I didn't have any other options that I was welcomed to take you." This earned Niles a playful smack in the back. "Ow!"

"What did he say about the other thing?" Chastity tried to keep it light but inside she was a little worried.

Niles smiled at her and his eyes sparkled. "He said that who you chose to spend your time with is completely up to you. But, he added that he liked me." Niles studied her face for a moment. "Do you like me, Chas?"

"Aaaahhhh," Chastity said as she shrugged then kissed him softly. "I'll see you at 6, right?"

Niles shook his head at her smiling. "Max and I will be here at 6 on the dot." Niles leaned in and whispered, "I love you, Chas."

"I love you too, Niles." Chas answered and watched him walk down the front stoop to his car.

Chastity practically floated up to her room where she found Fran lying on her bed. "Fran!" Chastity yelled. "That's my antique chenille bedspread!"

"Oy…get a grip, Chas. I took a shower already. So what was Niles talkin' to your dad about?" Fran sat up.

Chastity sat in her vanity chair. "He was asking Daddy's permission to take me to the prom."

"That is sooooo romantic, Chas. I love Max, but that Niles…he's definitely the more romantic." Fran looked at her friend. "I know that look, what else were they talkin' about?"

Chastity frowned a little. "Niles told Daddy all about his folks, and that stupid agreement with Max's parents."

"Oy…what'd he say?" Fran was worried.

Chastity smiled. "Come on, Fran. You know Daddy. He's never cared about any of that stuff. He said who I spend my time with is up to me."

"Well, I hope he doesn't decide to talk to your ma…she still hates me and we've been best friends for years." Fran stood and started pushing Chastity off the vanity chair. "Now, you go get in the shower so I can finish my make-up. We've got dates tonight."

It was about 5:45 pm when Chastity and Fran bounded down the stairs into the foyer. Stuart Babcock was sitting on the sofa in the living room and called to Chastity. "Kitten…could you come here for a minute."

Chastity looked at Fran and shrugged. "Yes, Daddy?" Chastity looked down into her father's blue eyes.

"I want you to know, I like Niles. I think he's a fine young man and he'll do quite well for himself, no matter what happens later in his life." Stuart put down his paperwork and stood up to give his baby girl a hug. "He loves you, Chastity. It's written all over his face."

Chastity tried her best not to cry, but her father wasn't making it easy. "Thank you, Daddy. I love him, too." Chas leaned up and kissed her father's cheek. "Thank you for giving him permission to take me to the prom, especially since I already bought a very expensive gown."

"I'm glad I gave him permission too, Kitten." Stuart winked. "All I ever want is your happiness." Stuart kissed his daughter. "Now, I'll make myself scarce so you and Frannie can greet your young men properly."

Stuart Babcock was barely out of the room when the door bell rang. Fran practically ripped it off the hinges opening it. Niles and Max stood before them clad in shorts and polo shirts. "Well, don't you both look very country club." Fran tossed out bringing a laugh from them.

"Are you ladies ready for our evening?" Niles asked as the girls grabbed their sweaters and headed out of the house.

"Chastity, what are these special plans you and Frannie have for after the prom?" Stuart Babcock asked his daughter as she sat at her vanity putting on her make-up trying her best not to disturb her already sculpted hair.

She had it pulled up smoothly onto the back of her head with a few strategically loosened locks framing her face. "It's just the same thing all the other kids are doing, Daddy. The drama club is heading down to New Jersey to the 'shore', Jen called it. Wildwood, I think." Chastity stood up and looked at her father who seemed a little concerned. "Daddy, Jen's parents have a summer house there. It's huge and they'll be there for the entire weekend, I promise."

"Is Niles going on this little trip?" Chastity's dad asked with a raised eyebrow.

Chastity tried not to collapse entirely. "Yes, Daddy." Chas thought, "Short and sweet, don't try to lie don't pull any punches."

"Well, as long as Niles is going, then I know you'll be safe and in good hands." Stuart kissed her lightly on the forehead and left her to finish getting ready.

When her father had closed the door to her standing in shock, Chastity practically leapt to the phone and dialed Fran. "Hello, Ma, may I speak to Frannie, please?" Chastity had called Sylvia 'Ma' since Sylvia insisted upon it about six months after Fran took her home the first time.

"Sure, Chas. How's your dad feel about this little trip to New Jersey for the weekend?" Sylvia asked Chastity.

Chastity smiled into the phone. "He's just glad that Fran, Max and Niles will be there with me." Chas paused for effect. "Would you like to speak to him, Ma?"

"Not necessary, Chas…you've never lied to me before, right?" Sylvia asked.

Chastity crossed her fingers. "Never, Ma!"

"Well, ok, then. Here's Fran." Sylvia handed the phone to Fran.

Fran waited for Sylvia to leave the room. "What's so important that it couldn't wait an hour, Chas?"

"Are you sitting down?" Chastity gleamed into the phone. "Daddy said, and I quote, '…as long as Niles is going, then I know you'll be safe and in good hands."

Fran's eyes grew large and her jaw dropped. "Hoo Haa, are you one lucky girl!"

"I knew Daddy liked Niles, but I didn't know he trusted him too!" Chastity giggled. "But, it's not like we're going to be down there alone. Jen's parents will be there and we'll be dived up one room for the girls and one for the boys."

Fran laughed. "It's a good thing the drama club isn't as big as the ski club or we'd neva fit!"

"Niles is taking the Solara. So at least for a few hours it'll just be the four of us." Chastity added. "I'd better finish getting ready, Niles will be here soon."

Fran rolled her eyes. "Geez, Chas…you ARE gonna make him wait a little bit, aren't ya?"

"Oh, Fran…of course I will…I have to make my grand entrance." Chastity laughed into the phone. "You'd better finish too, they'll be there first!" The girls said their good-byes and continued to get ready for the prom.

Niles and Max arrived at Fran's right at the appointed time. They had to give Mrs. Fine enough time to fawn over Max and take pictures of the couple in their formal attire. "Wow, Fran, you look amazing!" Max offered when Fran came into the room.

"Thank, Max. You look handsome as always." Fran leaned in and kissed him carefully so not to muss her lipstick or leave any sign of it on Max. "Ok, Ma. We still have to go get Chas, so get with the camera."

Sylvia asked about Niles, who waited in the car, and then moved quickly into her picture taking because Fran threatened to leave. "Ok, ok I'm takin' em!"

Sylvia ran through at least two dozen shots before Fran picked up her weekend bag and handed it to Max. "That's it, Ma. I love ya, we're goin' and I'll see ya Sunday night." Fran 'pageant kissed' her mother and gave her a big hug. "Bye Daddy!" Fran called back to her father before she and Max made their exit.

Niles got out of the car and turned to let Max out from the backseat. "I had to face Mrs. Fine alone; I think you can handle Mr. Babcock." Max announced.

"Oh, no, Mista." Fran playfully smacked Max's arm. "Ma's gonna want pictures of all four of us and unless you what to schlep us all back to Ma's house, we're goin' in."

The three of them were welcomed into the house by Stuart Babcock. "Well, look at the three of you. You've come a long way this year. I hear we have two future Julliard masters among us." Stuart looked at Max and Niles.

"That's right, Mr. Babcock. I'm majoring in Theatrical management and Niles is a performance major." Max offered.

Stuart smiled. "Oh, Max, I know all about Mr. Brightmore's plans." Stuart winked at Niles who just smiled sheepishly.

"Wow!" Niles whispered as Chastity stepped out onto the balcony just above them. "Chas you look amazing!"

"Why, thank you, Mr. Brightmore. You look quite dashing yourself." Chastity made her way down the stairs. "Daddy, could you take a few pictures of the four of us for Ma."

Stuart smiled and took the camera from his daughter knowing full well she meant Mrs. Fine and not her own mother. "Certainly, Kitten." Stuart took a few steps back and the 'fabfour' moved close together and the pictures were taken.

"Ok, Daddy." Chas started as she grabbed her weekend bag from the small closet. "I'll see you sometime Sunday evening." Chas kissed her father on the cheek. "I love you, Daddy."

Stuart smiled as his baby girl almost wistfully. "I love you too, Kitten. Have fun." They all turned to leave and Stuart clapped Niles on the back. "Good luck."

The prom was great fun for everyone. They danced and ate and talked and laughed and watched the AV club's 'senior memories' video. The senior class trip was once again going to be a week in Orlando, FL and was scheduled for the first week in June. The 'fabfour' couldn't have been more excited. Room assignments had already been made and Niles and Max would be rooming with Gene and Scott from Drama class. Fran and Chastity asked Chrissy and Laura from Drama to room with them. Chrissy and Scott started dating just before the prom so that would be fun and Gene and Laura were an item from almost day one of rehearsals for 'South Pacific'. So from the prom through the senior trip, the 'fabfour' would be doubled.

There was a full moon the night of the prom and the ballroom had a lovely patio so Niles and Chastity thought it was time for a short break in the 'group activity' and headed out for a few moments alone under the moon. "It's so beautiful out here."

Niles smiled at her. "Yes…" Looking only at Chastity, Niles agreed. "Very beautiful."

"Niles…" Chastity looked at him. "You're not even looking at the moon."

Niles kissed her softly. "I know."

"Hey, you two…" Fran and Max stood at the doorway. "Jen and the rest of the Drama Club are getting changed for the drive down to the shore. You ready to go?"

Niles turned. "Ready or not here we come." Niles took Chastity's hand and started toward the door as she and Fran burst into laughter. "What'd I say?"

"Ready or not here we come?" Fran asked and answered at the same time.

Niles frowned as the foursome walked to the restrooms with their bags which Max and Fran had grabbed from the car. "I just meant that it doesn't really matter if we're ready because we have to follow the rest of them to Jen's." Niles and Max felt quite out of the loop.

"It's ok, Niles. Fran neglected to mention that's a warning in a lot of kids games and stuff." Chastity shook her head.

Max frowned, mimicking Niles. "What kind of kid's games?"

"Like hide-and-seek, or tag, that kind of thing." Fran took over the explanation.

Niles and Max nodded. "I think I understand. The person who is 'it' calls "ready or not here I come", as a warning to the other players.

"Right." Chastity nods.

They reach the restrooms and part company. Just as the girls are about to go into the ladies room they hear Max ask Niles… "What's hide-and-seek?"

The drive down to the Jersey shore, or Wildwood as they all now were aware, was uneventful and fairly quick. They only stopped once as a full group for the bathroom and snacks. They quickly got back on the road to Jen's house, and into the arms of her waiting parents. It was rather late when they all arrived and Jen's parents, Mike and Denise Strom, made quick work of the 'room assignments' and expectations.

"Ok, this will be the boy's room." Mr. Strom pointed to the room that contained three sets of bunk beds, which would be perfect for the six boys in the group. "Your bathroom is just in there." Mr. Strom opened a door showing the boys a fairly large attached bath. "Mrs. Strom and I are just up the hall conveniently located between this room and the girl's room at the far end of the hallway." Mr. Strom was a pretty cool dad according to Jen, but even he had to have some kind of rules.

"Ok, girls." Mrs. Strom started. "This is your room. I'm so glad that it's a nice even-steven number this year." The girl's room also had three sets of bunk beds and there were just the six girls. "Last time we hosted a party for the drama club we only had two lone boys and they had to have the other guest room which only has the queen bed." Mrs. Strom winced a little. "Your bathroom is just through there." The girl's would have their own attached bath as well. "Mr. Strom and I are just up the hall in the room between here and the boys. Sorry, ladies, but even we must draw the line somewhere. Now, I don't care when you go to sleep, but breakfast starts at eight in the morning and I'll clear it away by nine." Mrs. Strom winked as she started to leave the room. "Of course, you're all welcome to make yourselves at home and you have free run of the house, pool and the beach."

"Ok, guys. Mrs. Strom puts breakfast out at eight in the morning and clears it away at nine. You all have the run of the house, yard, and pool and of course the beach. Just, try to keep it to a dull roar and no wandering down the hall if you get my meaning." Mr. Strom winked as he left the boys to settle in.

So, the boys in this little gathering were Niles and Max, of course. Gene and Scott, from Drama Class, joined mostly because they genuinely enjoyed acting even though it was just a hobby to them. Matthew and Cal usually had smaller speaking roles, but their girlfriends where in the club.

The girls in the club were of course Chas and Fran, heck they were the President and VP respectively. Laurie and Chrissy, were also officers, which was cool according to their boyfriends, Gene and Scott. The last two girls, Sharon and Leslie hadn't been in the club as long as the other girls, but they were seniors and had boyfriends so it made for a nice little party.

Mr. and Mrs. Strom had a few activities planned for the gang this weekend. They had tickets for a summer stock production of 'The Rink' at a local theatre the next day and had planned a bon fire for afterward on the beach. It was going to be a great Saturday for everyone; but one special couple more than the others.