By Veronica
Copyright 2001-2002
Chapter 1
"I'm coming!" Illana Cabrini called out. She didn't know why they insisted on inviting her along. She always felt like a third wheel when she hung out with the two.
Her close friend Vanessa Bickerstaff invited her out to the movies with her boyfriend of a year. Illana had met Vanessa a few years back, and they connected instantly. They'd known each other all through college and now that they'd graduated, they remained friends. They were both outgoing and liked to have fun. When Vanessa started dating Nick Carter from the Backstreet Boys, she figured it would've changed the relationship, but it didn't. Nick, she learned, was a really great guy and he treated Vanessa like a queen. Illana got a long great with him; he was really sweet and easy on the eyes. She figured their relationship would suffer with the amount of time he was gone, but it hadn't. It'd been a full year and things seemed to be going fine for the two. Illana was single, after just coming out of a long-term relationship; she wasn't ready to start dating again.
Sighing heavily, she rubbed at her forehead. This, of course, wasn't the first time she'd been invited out with them on one of their dates. Illana never could understand why they wanted her there. The same always ended up happening, she was left out while they sucked face for majority of the time. Come on, there was only so much she could take. Rolling her eyes, she made her way down the stairs. "I'm here, I'm here."
"Great let's go. Nick's waiting out in the car." Vanessa explained opening the door.
Illana picked up her purse and headed out, locking the door after her. They headed over to Nick's truck and got in. "Hey Nick."
"Hi Illana!" Nick greeted her before leaning over to kiss Vanessa.
Illana shook her head and smiled. Vanessa had been out of the car for all of fifteen minutes and they acted like it'd been months. She looked out the window as Nick pulled out of the parking lot and headed towards the movie theater.
"We're going to see 'Rockstar' Illana, is that ok?" Nick asked.
"That's fine." She'd be seeing it, but they wouldn't. She laughed to herself.
A short time later, Nick pulled into the parking lot and they all piled out. Once in line, they waited and when Nick went to pay for all three of them, Illana declined insisting she pay for herself. Nick agreed after five minutes of insisting he wanted to. They headed into the theater and found seats, in the back naturally. They talked during the previews then finally the movie started. They all watched for a few minutes, the next thing Illana knew, she turned and Nick and Vanessa were making out. Sighing heavily she got up and moved two seats down. They never even noticed. The movie ended and everyone stood. Nick and Vanessa looked over at Illana.
"Hey, when'd you move?" Vanessa asked, making her way out of the aisle behind Illana.
"Part way through, I went to the bathroom and didn't wanna bother you two." She lied.
"Aww, you didn't have to move so far away." Vanessa frowned.
"Not like you noticed." Illana smirked.
Vanessa giggled as her face turned red.
"What are you laughing about baby?" Nick whispered, wrapping his arms around Vanessa.
"Nothing." She giggled.
She was ready to throw up. They all piled back into Nick's truck.
"How bout stopping for something to eat?" Vanessa asked, looking over at Nick.
"Sounds good to me. Illana?"
"No thanks, I think I'm gonna head home. Work in the morning." Anything to get away from the lovebirds.
"Aww come on Illana!" Vanessa pouted.
"Yeah, you gotta be hungry." Nick smiled, looking up at her in the rearview mirror, winking.
"Nah, sorry guys. I'm beat. If you would please Nick, drop me off on your way there. I'd appreciate it."
"Sure no prob."
They drove the rest of the way in silence until Nick pulled into her parking lot.
"Well thanks for letting me hang out with you guys. I'll call ya later Vanessa. See ya later Nick." Illana announced, climbing out the back of the truck.
"See ya Illana." Nick smiled, waving to her.
Illana waved back. "Later Vanessa."
"Want me to walk with ya to your door?"
"You gonna...walk me to my door?" Illana raised her eyebrows. "I don't know what you're expecting, but I'm NOT that kinda girl!" "Damn, was worth a try." Vanessa grinned.
They both laughed and Illana waved bye again and headed over to her apartment. Relief.
