Chapter 6

Amy and Nicole were talking in front of their lockers about their upcoming track meet, that is until Eva interrupted and began talking to Nicole. Amy found this strange since the two complained about Eva's inexperience quite regularly. What was even stranger was the way Nicole leaned away from Eva, as if she were uncomfortable with the interaction. Finally when the bell rang and Eva moved away from her Amy asked Nicole what just happened. "She gave me a ride home on Friday, and I think she's trying to be my friend. I mean I have been nice to her, and her company isn't bad, but she just butted into our conversation, which was so rude." Amy agreed, and as they walked she noted the way Nicole's face had flushed when Eva was too close to her.

"Are you sure that's it, I mean you guys were close in middle school, weren't you? What happened between you guys that made you split anyway?"

"I hate to admit it but I can't remember, whatever it was must have been pretty good, because you're right. We were extremely close, and then things suddenly ended in eighth grade." The two arrived at their class and took their seats. Nicole hated to admit it but the fact that she couldn't remember what had ended their friendship was bothering her. She had completely spaced out thinking of explanations and reasons, until the period was over and Amy tapped her shoulder.

"You okay Nicky? You look dazed, tired, and a little confused." Nicole nodded. "You were thinking about Eva, right?" An undeniably Eva related blush spread across Nicole's face and shoulders, making her feel warm and embarrassed.

"No, what would make you think that?" She asked, averting her eyes from Amy's.

"Nothing I guess, just a hunch. Come on, just one more period then lunch." Nicole followed Amy along the hallways.

The rest of her classes after lunch followed a similar pattern, Nicole would space out, and either Amy would bring her back to reality, or her teachers would. Often with questions Nicole had no answer except to mumble. Amy became increasingly concerned as Nicole's behaviour continued like this, even at practice, where luckily Eva was absent from. "You should go home early Nicole, you don't look so good, and you can't even focus. Come one, I'll walk you out of the gate." Amy was attempting to herd Nicole out of the track field until a hand landed on her shoulder.

"I can take her Amy, thanks." Eva was putting pressure on Amy's shoulder, trying to scare her from taking Nicole any further. Amy was not easily swayed, and continued on pushing a dazed and dead looking Nicole towards the exit. Eva then proceeded to grab Nicole's shoulder, at first there was no reaction, but then Eva used that nickname.

"Nicky, come on I'll give you a ride." Nicole flinched and turned facing Eva. Amy, who could sense conflict, backed away.

"What are you doing Eva?"

"I was gonna give you a ride, isn't that okay?" Nicole was confused and tired and she really just wanted to go home and sleep, so she gave in to Eva's pressure.

"Bye, Amy thanks for bringing me here." Amy still didn't want to relent and slapped away Eva's hand as it went to grab Nicole.

"I don't know what you're doing, but if you hurt her…" Nicole was shaking her head as Amy and Eva faced off. "Nevermind, just get her home alright?" Eva smirked

"Will do." She pulled Nicole's arm over her shoulder and walked her towards the parking lot. Amy had a very bad feeling about what was going to happen.

When the two arrived at the car Nicole was silent, trapped in a world of thoughts about Eva, about them. Eva opened Nicole's car door and walked around to the other side. She started the car and turned to Nicole. "Are you feeling okay Nicky?"

"Stop calling me that, I don't like it." Eva was taken back, she was only concerned for her friend.

"Alright, I'm sorry I didn't notice. Do you want to stop at a store and get some cold medicine or something? You look really pale, or maybe you just need sleep. Where to."

"Please, just take me home." She said, tears were forming in the corner of her eyes, but she couldn't let Eva see that. Maybe her mom was right, and Eva meant no harm.

"Alright, is your mom or Chris home?" Nicole shook her head, knowing both would be out or at work at this time. "Want me to stay and take care of you."

"No, just please take me home." Eva nodded, pulling out of her parking spot and driving out of the school's gate. The car ride was silent, until Eva noticed Nicole was crying.

"What's wrong, is it too cold or hot in here. What do you need." Nicole looked at her, brow furrowed and eyes puffy. She looked confused.

"Why are you doing this? You're not even my friend." Eva stared at her, had she heard that right. No they had hung out a couple times, how could they not be friends?

"What? Of course I am, you let me drive you home friday, and we texted for a bit." Nicole shook her head.

"No, no, no. What do you want from me, what did I do to you that has made you so obsessed. For four years we went on ignoring each other's existence, why are you now so interested in me? Do you have a crush on me or something?"

Eva thought the answer should have been obvious, but if this is what Nicole was upset about it clearly hadn't been. And it was making her uncomfortable, Eva was willing to stop. "I'm sorry, I don't know what you're talking about. I'm just trying to be nice. This is your stop, why don't you clear your head for a bit. Bye, see you tomorrow. Nicole exited the car and Eva sped away. Why did she feel like this?

She walked to the front door and unlocked it with her spare. She let her bag fall to the floor and walked slowly to her bedroom. She collapsed on her bed, staring across the room towards Bubbles. And then she slept like she hadn't in weeks. But this time her dreams were still focused and based solely around Eva.