Caught In The Middle by Melissa (Lissy4859@aol.com) and Marianne (Pnut1515@aol.com) Chapter 10 Annie kept running, away from Brittany, away from tears, and mostly away from Nick. She noticed a house that looked similar to 2 others she had seen. Realizing she had no clue where she was, she gave up and sat down on the sidewalk. Annie had grown up in this neighborhood but suddenly felt like an unwelcome stranger. She didn't want to go home to a fuming, overprotective dad, and she didn't want to go back to Melissa's. She noticed a green vehicle slowing down near her and realized it was Nick. He got out of his truck and walked over. "Oh great", thought Annie, "time to be bitched at!" She looked down at her shoes. "Hey Annie! Need a ride?" He said softly. She could tell he was crying earlier, which was unusual. "Nick! What's wrong? I didn't kill her did I? I really didn't mean to hit her, well....yeah..I did, but you don't have to hate me!" Annie tried to explain. "Annie, Annie," replied Nick, "calm down, and get in." She obeyed. Once inside the car, Nick stifled a laugh. "What?" Questioned Annie. "I have no clue what you are talking about, you sound pathetic." replied Nick. "What did Brittany tell you?" Annie asked, curiously. "When? That's kinda private Annie. Can't we talk about her later?" He answered. "Well, how is she?" "Ask her Kevy-kev. I've just been driving around alone for the past hour. He's the one getting what she wants!" Nick explained. "So you didn't see her after I.....?" Annie trailed off. "What did you do to her Annie??" Inquired Nick. "That's kinda private Nick! Can't we talk about her later?" Retorted Annie, repeating Nick. He sighed. "You know what I think we need?" He asked. "You can't be thinking what I am thinking!" Replied Annie. "I think I am!" He said, giddily. "Straight to Friendly's, driver!" Yelled Annie to Nick. "Right away ma'am!" He said picking up speed. The two sat down in a little booth. For some reason, Annie felt a tad better. she couldn't explain it, but as usual, when she was with Nick, sll her worries went away, and for a few moments, she forgot the torture her heart was being put through at the moment. He ordered a super banana plit, and she went with a hot fudge sundae. "Are you sure you don't want our special lovebird's sundae with 2 spoons and 6 scoops of strawberry?" Nick and Annie looked at each other, Nick spoke up "oh, we're not....." She nodded."Oh, I see! Your order will be right up!" Annie sipped her water, and Nick played with his straw. After what seemed like forever, he looked up and raised his eyebrows, the way he does whenever he knew something was wrong. "So, Annie, what happened back there at Melissa's? Did you guys get in a fight or something? You’re not the type of person to run out on good clean fun, or any other kind." She looked at him, feeling her heartache as their eyes met. "Its not funny, Nick, life’s not all fun and games. Brittany was bothering me, so I did what any other person would have done, and slugged her one. "she quickly looked back down, and acted interested in her hands. It took awhile for him to process. "Wait a minute? You WHAT? Annie! How could you, what did she do to you!" 'If you only knew Nick. If you only knew.' she thought to herself. "Come on Nick, admit it, I’m not good with jealousy, and she's got everything I could ever want!" "What's that? Just because she's spending more time with Melissa? Annie, you know that Melissa missed Brit alot while she was in NY, besides her mother, Brittany is all Melissa has of her life before Florida. Don't act like a middle schooler, picking one friend as your own, that’s not what your like." he was obviously clueless. "I guess your right, I’m being selfish, but come on, she's so, well, sooo, dense." The two laughed "She is a little slow, isn't she?” replied Nick The two giggled, and their sundaes came. They ate, and acted like they used to, before the whole Brittany saga. After they were done, Nick dropped Annie back off at AJ's house. "Thanks alot Nick, you really cheered me up!" "Of course I did! That’s what I'm here for!" he replied, with a grin. She smiled back, and they stared at each other for awhile, she was locked in his eyes. "Uh, Nick?" she said, not able to contain her emotions any more. > "Uh, what?" he replied. "I hope it doesn't have to do with Brittany, I’m still upset." She sighed. Would she ever get to his heart? "Goodnight. " She added "Night, thanks for helping!" She got out of the car, and walked slowly into AJ's apartment complex, stopping to wish on a star. From in the car, Nick watched her, wondering if what he was feeling was because he was on the rebound from Brittany, or because he was realizing what he should have 6 months ago, that love was right under his nose. He started the car, and tried to forget these thoughts of his best friend. He drove off wondering what tomorrow would bring. Next: Chapter 11 -FanFics -Home