The Safety Dance - Nick Clark

1 - Just A Game

Grains of sugar stuck to my lips as I licked at a Christmas cookie Mrs. Clark gave to me on the night of Christmas eve as earlier that day we had a massive snow storm which knocked out my entire Towns power so my family and I stayed at the Clark's, who took in four strangers the day before Christmas.

I was unglamorously the age of seven that night, but to Nick, Mrs. Clark's son, it didn't matter that I was in bright green pajama pants and an worn out Carebears t-shirt. My hair was messy and unbrushed but he never checked me off; to this day I think half was his mother pushing him to be polite but I guess it doesn't matter much now.

I remember him being a little intimidated by my accent. "Why do you sound like that?" he asked sitting next to me in the basement.

"I'm Scottish..." I looked at him if as he were stupid "have you ever heard another accent other than American?" He nervously settled into his seat, seven year old Nick wasn't much for people that weren't family. "I've heard them on TV. They sound cool... So I guess you're cool too." his face straight as if he hadn't said a thing to me. At the age of seven is when I first blushed because of a boy.

Five years seemed to pass so quickly. I moved schools so I could be with Nick. Age fourteen was my first heartbreak. Nick and I were never "together" but he was insanely special to me and he made me feel special as he'd call me pretty, funny, smart, beautiful...

All I can remember is walking pass him and Abby Young, the head Cheerleader of our school, making out. All I did for the next two weeks was push him away. I was hurt and he wasn't even mine. Trust me when I say that he was beyond confused as to why his Best friend didn't want to speak with him or see him. Maybe two hearts were broken that day.

Two more years and we lay on his bed while his parents were out of town for the next three days. Nick and I changed so much this year. We got closer than friends should have but like I said he made me feel special. I pushed myself off his bed and sat on a chair across his room staring at him. He looked new like he got the right amount of rest and water and food he needed. He looked perfect to me. His hands behind his head, he smiled at me. I jumped up and ran over to him kissing him. I pulled back and smiled at him "You're cute." I said.

"I love you." he replied and pulled me closer. Having his attention made me feel like I had worth, like I had meaning. I only wanted it from him and it only mattered if he was the one with me.

Age seven didn't care about him like that, she only wanted snacks and to show her best friend her favorite cartoon. Sixteen year old me just wanted him.

Two more years and Nick and I sat in his messy room. It was my eighteenth birthday and I was spending it with my... what ever he is to me anymore. Present time is hard, I love nothing more than to look back on my life before now.

"Amelia Pond." he laughed. A cigarette set between his lips "Kind of like a fairytale... You Angel."

"Don't call me that Nick, you know better." I scolded.

He chuckled and sat up from his mattress "Do I?" he smiled and kissed me lightly. He may be beyond high right now but he's never forgotten my birthday "Amy... you look sad, it's your birthday and you're not smiling." he pressed his forehead to mine.

I closed my eyes taking in every moment I'd have with him today because I know he'll leave. He always does anymore unless he needs something like clean clothes or food or money. Nick isn't a bad guy he just has gotten himself into things that make him like this.

I hate that I love him.

This story goes with my other one The Hanging Tree so if you haven't , go to my page and read it! Haha

-Becca