| Chapter Seven |
Nikki awoke on Christmas morning and smiled when she saw that JC had snuck into her bed in the middle of the night. “Josh? Wake up.” He slowly opened his eyes, “Five more minutes.” “Its Chriissstmasss.” She sang into his ear. He shot up and ran for the living room like he was five years old again. Nikki shook her head, but followed him anyway, meeting up with Arlee in the hallway. Nikki took a seat beside JC as they sat opening presents. “Arlee… I hate you.” JC said as he held up a stuffed frog with a gold crown on his head. Arlee rolled her eyes, “His name is-“ JC held up a hand. “Wait, lemme take a shot at it; Prince?” “You got it.” “What is it with that? Not knowing is making my go crazy.” Nikki put an arm around him. “I’ll tell you when you’re older.” JC threw her a look, “Prince.” “You had to say it, didn’t you?” ~ JC walked back into the cabin from taking Arlee to the airport and saw Nikki laying on the couch with her head buried in a pillow. “Nikki? What’s wrong?” She held her tear-stained face up as he sat on the floor next to the couch. “Arlee leaving made me think about some things we used to talk about.” “Like…” “You.” “I still don’t get it… Prince?” She laughed softly. “She called you my Prince Charming. She thought we made the cutest couple.” He nodded as the realization hit him, “We really did used to make the cutest couple, you know that?” She smiled, “Yeah. We still would. But… I don’t know if it would ever work out.” He stroked a piece of hair out of her eyes. “Well… We’ll never know unless we try, now will we?” He leaned in a gently kissed her. “You really are a Prince, aren’t you?” She whispered. “You’d think not. But for you to love me… I must be something pretty special.” He rested his forehead against hers. “Oh, wait! I have something I need to do.” He stood and ran into his bedroom. He picked up the phone and dialed. “Hey, could you deliver a message to Alree for me? Tell her that Nikki and Prince finally get it.” He hung up the phone and whispered to himself, “I finally get it.” |