Chapter Two
"Trace? Can I sit down?" Veronica asked, motioning to the seat beside him. When he nodded, she plopped down. "Look, I've known you since we were little kids. If it wasn't for you I wouldn't be in this group...."

"Me and Nikki both. Wasn't she the one that called your mother every hour on the hour for two weeks straight?"

Veronica laughed at the memory, "Yeah. But, back to what I was saying. We're best friends you know? So I really need your help again. Its big, Trace. It really is."

"V, what's going on?"

"Matt broke up with Mandy. She's heartbroken. I thought, y'know, maybe you could talk to Matt. Sort of... talk some sence into him? Mandy doesn't know what she did, and he wouldn't tell her."

Trace interuppted her. "Veronica, I really don't think I should interfere with this. Its their business. And, I hope you and the rest of the girls, and oh God, the guys, just leave well enough alone. They have to work this out on their own. Don't do anything to change the course of history."

"But, Trace, what if Jenny broke it off with you? Wouldn't you want to do everything in your power to find out and fix whatever you did? Wouldn't you want help? Nobody should go through this alone."

"Of course not. But what you need to do is be there for her, V. All of you, all of us. We need to support her. She'll work things out on her own. What's meant to happen does, and all that good stuff." He grabbed her hand in support, "Hey, at least she didn't quit the group. It could always be worse V. Live your life for today. For you."

"Wow. I knew there was a reason we were best friends Trace. I love you." She hugged him hard, 'Could you tell Mandy what you just told me?" She giggled as he glared at her. "Ok, I get the point."

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Nikki grinned at Justin and JC, who were still groaning. "Oh guys, come on. Titanic is not a chick flick. Wasn't it fun to see it again?" She ducked the pillow that flew at her head.

JC propped himself onto one arm and pushed the pillow away from her face, and tossed it onto Justin's lap. He was laying on Nikki's left, while Justin was on her right, pretending to fall asleep, "Nikki, that.... how many times can you watch that before you want to sink the freakin tape and just be done with it?"

"As many times as I please. OK boys, what next?" She clamped her hand over Justin's mouth before he could open it, "Do not say it, Timberflake. Just don't say it."

JC smiled as he watched his two best friends banter back and forth. Even the way Nikki argued impressed him. He missed her. It was true.

"Jace? Are you in there?" Nikki asked, tapping his head with her finger. She smiled when he looked at her with those icy blues, "You okay bud?"

He nodded and kissed the back of her hand before releasing it. "I'm fine. Are you two done arguing yet?"

Justin grinned evily, then pulled out a monoply box from under the bed. The smile widened when they groaned, "Oh c'mon! Its hours of enjoyment for the whole-"

Nikki covered his mouth again, "Shut up curls. We have a serious matter to discuss here. Once we're done, then I will commence to kicking your ass, and no matter what my dears, I get the boardwalk."

Justin rolled his eyes, but JC silenced him. 'Okay guys, I think we really do need to talk about Mandy and Matt's situation. Nikki? Any thoughts?"

"Who are you? Judge Judy?" Nikki joked, "Well, I think Matt must have had some reason to break up with her. I'm not putting the blame on Mandy or anything, but it does take two for a break up. Maybe-" They heard a knock on the door. "Well, ok. Maybe that's V. She was talking to Trace earlier today. I'm interested in what happened there."

JC pulled open the door, and sure enough, Veronica walked in, "Well? Any luck?" He whispered, locking the door behind her.

She shook her head slowly, "Guys, Trace seems to think we should leave it be. But.... I just don't.... I keep thinking that there must be something we can do. I feel so helpless."

Nikki sighed as she looked out the window. Her breath caught in her throat. "Oh no. Justin! Who does that look like to you?"

"Ricky Martin? Nikki this is no time to be having a teeny-"

"Shut up you moron. Look closer."

Justin's mouth dropped, "Oh my God.... that's Kyle."