First Impressions: Chapter 2

Awww you guys are so sweet, thank you for welcoming me back :)
Hope you like it. Please review guys.

A couple of weeks later, the new students were settling in their new school quite comfortably. They were the talk of the town still, everybody wanting to befriend them. Caleb fit in as if he knew everybody for years, he like everyone and everyone liked him. Carly, found her people too. Of course with her looks and attitude many people wanted to be her friend , or pretended to at least because they were scared of her.

And then there was Drake. For the most part he kept to himself, gave off that handsome, mysterious vibe to every girl in town. Althought, to Nicki it could easily be taken as arrogance. The two had a few classes together and the one thing she could tell about him was that he was extremely smart. Sometimes she found herself focusing on everything he spoke up about during class, his thoughts and observations. But other times she just wanted to slap him. If some girl tried to talk to him he would look past them like they weren't there. As if he was too good to speak to anybody in the town. Sure, she was still hurt by his comment about her but it stemed past that. Nicki had never met a more arrogant, difficult and...proud person before.

Unfortunately she couldn't stay away from him. Kat and Caleb had gotten pretty close, dragging Nicki along, which meant that Carly and Drake came as well.

It was like they all became a little group. Even though Nicki and Carly didn't particularly get along. Nicki saw right through Carly's fake exterior. But she had to admit it could easily be jealousy she felt towards the new girl. Lately, Carly would take up more of Kat's time, saying she needed her help getting used to the town and the school work. In doing that, she was slowly taking Kat away from Nicki.

With the Homecoming dance approaching, Caleb took initiative and asked Kat to be his date. She had, of course, happily accepted. Meanwhile, Nicki was going with a date as well. His name was Kyle and for as long as Nicki could remember, he had been after her. He was nice, and average looking but Nicki was just not attracted to him in any way. In fact, was a little annoying to her and to stop his begging she finally accepted to be his date, it wasn't like anyone else was asking her.

The big day was finally here. Nicki was at Kat's house getting ready, helping each other with hair & make up. Having already gone to two homecoming dances in her high school career, and the fact that she wasn't particularly fond of her date lessened Nicki's excitement. Kat, on the other hand was like a child on Christmas eve.

“I'm so nervous about tonight Nic!” Kat said while applying light foundation on Nicki's bare face.

“Why are you nervous? You wanted Caleb to ask you, he did, you should be happy.”

“I AM! But its like our first date you know? I want it to go well. I really, really like him Nicki.” Nicki heard Kat's voice falter.

“Kat.” Nicki grabbed her friend's hand, stopping her motions. “Everything is gonna be fine! Don't worry, He really likes you, you could step on his toes all night and he'll still have the time of his life.” Kat smiled and nodded. “At least one of us is going to have a good time.” Nicki mumbled.

“You're going to have a good time too Nic.” Kat finished up Nicki's foundation, moving on to her eye make up.

“Yeah right. I'm gonna have to be with Kyle all night, while you're with Prince Charming.”

“Nicki, i dont understand why you're going with him if you don't like him. I told you, i could have told Caleb to tell Drake to ask you and we all could have a good time together.” Kat was oblivious to the rift between Nicki and Drake. Nicki decided not to tell her best friend as to not cause problems with her and Caleb. Also, she was a little embarrased by the situation. Drake's comment had really hurt her, she didn't need anyone else to know. Even thought Drake and Caleb both realized Nicki had heard their conversation, neither brought it up again. Nor was there ever an apology.

“Yeah that wouldn't have made me seem desperate at all. Besides i would have an even more miserable time with him.” Nicki noted, fighting the urge to roll her eyes since her make up was being done.

“I don't know why you don't like Drake. He's...nice.” Kat cocked her head to the side.

“Nice?! How? Name one nice thing he's done since he's been here.” Nicki retorted.

“Well, i know he's not very....approachable in school. But Caleb has told me a lot about their friendship, and he's said Drake is the only person he could ever truly call his best friend. Apparently they've been through a lot together.”

“Really? Like what?” Nicki perked up, curious about what Caleb could have said.

“I don't know, he didn't really go into detail. But apparently they are like brothers. I'm not exactly sure why Drake lives with them though, he said it wasn't his place to reveal but that Drake went through some tough times with his parents so i guess that's why he is the way he is. You can't blame the guy for that right?”

I guess not. Nicki thought to herself. She felt some type of way knowing a little bit more to Drake's history, almost bad. Nicki herself had never had family problems, her parents were like any other, so she couldn't imagine what could have happened to Drake. Still, it didn't make it okay for him to act like he was better than everybody else. It didn't make him immune to other people's feelings.

Throughout the rest of her and Kat's beauty hour, Nicki couldn't stop thinking about Drake. She didn't know why her curiosity towards his story kept growing but it did. The suspicion kept building inside her, wanting to know more about this guy, who she didn't care about, she kept telling herself. Nicki was so corrupted by her thoughts that she didn't notice Kat was done with her hair and it was almost time for the guys to arrive.

“Nicki, Caleb said they're five minutes away. We gotta put our dresses and shoes on!” Kat was running around like a mad woman, but Nicki knew she was just nervous for her date.

Five minutes later, true to his word, Caleb and the rest of the group had arrived. As planned, Kyle had been picked up in the limo so they could all go together. The two girls heard commotion at the bottom of the stairs as they prepared to make their graceful descend. Before she could take a step down, Nicki felt her arm being tugged back.

“Are you sure i look okay?” Kat worriedly asked.

“Kat you look like a freaking movie star, he's going to fall at your feet.” And Kat really did. She looked like a real life greek goddess. Her long, luxorious, blonde hair was up in little ringlets with two mini braids at each side uncovering her fresh, flawless face. Her tuorquoise eyes popped with the dark, winged make up. But Nicki didn't get lost next to her. She looked equally as, if not more gorgeous than her best friend. Her long, dark hair was straightened framing her face. Her eye make up was kept at a minimum to not overshadow her plump, pink lips. The soft pink, mini dress with a sweetheart neckline clung to all her curves, that everybody would be staring at no doubt. The girls looked each other over one last time before making their way down the grand staircase.

As soon as they came into view, the room became silent. Caleb was in a transe like state staring at Kat, to him it was as if she was literally an angel floating down to him. Nicki, found this moment very intimidating. She felt insecure knowing everybody was staring at her, but hopefully they would all focus on Kat and not her. Taking the last step down, Nicki felt a very familiar sense wash over her. That stare. Remembering back to the first day Caleb, Drake and Carly came to school. She looked up following the gaze, and was met with Drake's eyes.

Why was he staring at her? Nicki couldn't move, it was as if she was trapped by his gaze. Her knees were locked. She scanned his body, taking in the sight. He looked good.

No. Better than good.

He was so handsome. She could tell his haircut was fresh, his beautiful hazel eyes were gleaming at her and his tux....oh his tux.

There was something about him, he didn't look like some little boy lost in a rented tux going to his cousin's wedding.

No. Drake looked like a man. That was something Nicki really admired of him, his demeanor and appearance. He wasn't try to win people over with his “swag”. He had class, which in her book ranked very high.

Nicki looked back up at his eyes, they were very intimidating. Why did he keep looking at her like that? The thing was, that she didn't know if she liked it or not. But in any case, she forced herself to look away. Drake wasn't her date.

Caleb's voice brought her back to the scene. “Kat, you look....so beautiful.” He turned to Nicki, with a sweet smile. “You too Nicki, you both look stunning.”

Nicki smiled at him and made her way over to kyle, reluctantly.

“Wow, you look really nice Nicki.” Kyle picked up her hand, leaving a sloppy kiss while she grimaced.

“Yes, everyone looks lovely NOW can we please hurry up and go, i don't care for being late.” Carly spoke up, wearing a scowl as an acessory. She looked like a model, no doubt. But her long, red, crystal adorned dress looked less like a homecoming outfit and more like a debut piece for Chanel's new fall line.

“Yes let's go!” Kat squealed, taking Caleb's hand into her own and making a dash for the door.

--

As soon as the group entered the school's gymnasium, the excitement had doubled. The room was decorate appropritely for the dance's “Night In Rome” theme. The ride over, however, wasn't very pleasant for Nicki. She was annoyed by how she had to hear Carly talk about her one-of-a-kind, especially made flown in from Paris dress. Nicki didn't know if it was that, or the fact that Carly clung so desperately to Drake's arm. She had lost count how many times, Carly had oh so casually pointed out that he was her date that evening. It was sick and twisted in some way, weren't they all supposed to be “just like siblings”?

Nicki was frustrated with herself moreso than with Carly. Why had her life suddenly taken a sharp turn and every thought that consumed her brain involved Drake? He wasn't worth her thoughts after the way he acted towards her.

Nicki tried to shake it off, she was going to have fun tonight. Even if it was with Kyle.

About an hour into the night, Nicki's feet already killed. Partly from her shoes, but mostly from the fact that Kyle repeatedly stepped on her feet while they danced. There were three hours left of the night but she was ready to go home. After excusing herself from Kyle, she went over to an empty table and sat down, sighing to herself.

Kat, seeing her best friend alone left Caleb for a moment to tend to Nicki.

“Hey Nicki Nic. Whatcha doing by yourself?” Kat was glowing. She was no doubtedly having the time of her life with Caleb, and Nicki felt bad that her friend was being dragged away because of her.

“Nothing, I'm just a little tired. Go back to Caleb Kat, im good.”

“No, no its fine. I should probably take a break, i've been dancing non stop.” She giggled.

“So how's it going with Caleb?”

“Really good. He's so nice and funny.”

Nicki smiled taking a sip of her drink, but frowned at the funny taste. “Ew whatever this is, its disgusting. Anyway, do you think Caleb is going to ask you to be his girlfriend?”

“Yeah, it taste kind of weird but i already had 4 cups i think im getting immuned to the taste. But I don't know...do you think?” Kat asked.

“Definitely, that boy is in love with you. Hey you'll have yourself a rich boyfriend, he'll by you whatever you want!” Nicki joked, knowing that was the furthest thing from her friend's mind.

Kat was about to say something when a guy approached their table. Nicki knew him around school, his name was Greg something. She didn't know him very well though.

“Hey Kat.” He spoke quietly, not looking very confident in himself.

“Oh, hi Greg.”

“I was wondering if you wanted to dance with me?”

Kat gave him a genuine smile and stood up. “Sure!”

Nicki furrowed her brows looking at her friend. “Uh, Kat what about Caleb?”

“I don't think he'll mind, its just a dance right?” Kat waved Nicki off. “I'll be back.”

And again Nicki was alone. She leaned back in her chair, observing her classmates having fun and dancing with their partners. Looking over to the left her gaze met someone standing just a few feet from her.

It was Drake. Nicki rolled her eyes. Why the hell did he constantly have to stare at her in that creepy way. Had he been standing there the whole time? She wasn't about to sit there wondering to herself, Nicki gathered up her courage and stood up making her way over to him.

“Drake.” She stood before him, arms crossed over her chest.

“Hi Nicki.” That was so like him, always so short with people. It was very annoying to her.

“Look, why do you keep staring at me like that?”

“Like what?”

“Like...like, i dont know but you keep doing it and i would appreciate it if you stopped.” Drake looked her over.

“I didn't know i needed permission to look at anybody here. Why aren't you with your date?”

Nicki was stunned he was actually carrying a conversation with her, let alone asking her questions.

“Uh, that's my business.” She replied, tensed.

He let out a small laugh, looking behind her towards the crowd. “Are you always like this?”

Nicki raised a brow, not knowing where this was leading to. “Like what?”

“Defensive.”

“I am NOT d-...” Nicki stopped herself realizing she was about to prove his point. “Anyway, why aren't you with your date?”

“Carly is not my date.”

“But she said-”

“If you haven't noticed by now, Carly can be somewhat...self centered. She thinks just by claiming me I'm her property or something. But i can assure you, i never agreed to be her date.” That made Nicki feel better, she didn't know why but it did. At least she could give him some credit for not being shallow enough to pair up with someone like Carly. She noticed Drake was looking down at her body. As if he was checking her out, but that couldn't be possible. Don't be silly Nicki, you're nothing special remember? Nothing worth his time.

“So...why aren't you out there dancing?” Nicki asked hoping the small talk would bring his focus back up.

Drake shook his head, “I don't dance if I can help it.”

It was Nicki's turn to laugh at him, “Then why come to a dance? People come here to dance, it's kind of in the name.”

“You aren't dancing.” Drake retorted.

“I WAS dancing, with Kyle but my feet started to hurt.”

“Then there's no reason for me to get on the dance floor now is there?” Drake said casually.

Nicki was taken back. What did he mean by that? She was about to ask when she felt a hand almost pull her down. Turning around she practically caught Kat before they both fell over.

“Kat?! What's wrong?”

Kat had a few tears threatening to fall as she held on to Nicki. “I don't know but i was dancing with Greg and i suddenly felt so....woozy. I can barely stand up or see right.”

Nicki looked towards Drake silently asking for his help. He caught her drift and went over to help hold up the young girl. Nicki quickly scanned the room for Caleb and found him talking to a few guys from the football team. She informed him of what was going on with Kat and they both ran back to her.

“I don't know what's wrong she was fine a minute ago.” Nicki said to Caleb.

As soon as they reached Kat, Carly had made her way over to the commotion as well.

“Kat do you have any idea what's wrong?” Nicki asked kneeling down on the floor.

“No...” Kat said lowly, her lip quivering.

“Maybe she had too many drinks. Look at her, she's probably a lightweight.” Carly said nonchalantly, inspecting her nails.

“Kat doesn't drink.” Nicki informed the girl, annoyance taking over in her voice.

“Excuse me, but the drinks were spiked. Everyone knew that.” Carly fought back.

Nicki sighed, that's why she thought the drinks tasted funny. Kat was a good girl, she never drank. Of course she didn't know what to do or why she felt this way.

“I swear i didn't know! I can't go home like this! My mom would kill me!” Kat whined, still being held up by Drake. Everybody had made a small circle surrounding the girl as to no bring nosy people in the situation.

“You can come to my house!” Caleb spoke up.

“What?” Both Kat and Nicki asked looking at him as if he had two heads.

“Caleb!” Carly snarled.

“We have plenty of spare rooms, my parents wont mind.” Caleb ignored his sister.

Kat looked over at Nicki. Looking towards her for advice.

“No that's okay, we'll just go to my house.” Nicki said, not loving the idea of spending a night in the same house as Drake and Carly.

“But what about your parents? You're mom will tell my mom Nicki!” Kat said wiping a stray tear.

She was right, Nicki didn't want to admit it but Caleb's offer migh be Kat's best bet.

“Thank you Caleb, that's really sweet of you.” Kat gave him a small smile. “Nicki you'll come too right? You're not gonna leave me are you?”

There is no way im having a sleepover with princess Carly. Much less spending a whole night so close to Drake. Who knows what else he'll have to say about me after seeing how i look in the morning. No way, i refuse....but i can' t leave Kat, can i? Nicki debated with herself for what seemed to be like minutes but finally gave in. “Of course i will Kat. Alright Caleb, looks like we're going to your house. Lead the way.”

This is gonna be a fun night.