COMPLICATED.

CHAPTER 4

NICK

​"How’s the only girl I can actually stand in this place?" Nick exclaims, pulling me into an embrace that feels like home.
"The one you can stand?! More like the only one who puts up with you! But I’m alright, I guess. How about you?"
"Better now that I’ve seen you. My day just took a definite turn for the better," he replies with a playful wink.
​Nick is my best friend, the only person capable of making me smile in under two minutes, even when he’s being absolutely insufferable. We’ve been inseparable since we were four years old. I still remember the time at Central Park when he defended me from a girl who tried to steal my favorite teddy bear; we’ve been a team ever since. As we grew up, we discovered a shared obsession with Sia and a deep-rooted passion for music. He’s a brilliant pianist—so gifted that he’s already known as "the boy prodigy" at Juilliard. His mother, Elisa, is like a second mother to me; she cries every time she talks about his success, and even more when she talks about mine.
​"Lost in that labyrinth of thoughts again?" he asks, pulling me back to reality.
"Sorry, I was just remembering my heroic rescue at Central Park. Were you saying something?"
"Oh, I remember it all. I’m your brave hero, but you knew that already! I asked if you’re ready for the audition tomorrow. Knowing you, you’re probably on the verge of a total meltdown."
​He remembers everything, and he knows me better than anyone else. There isn’t an adjective that quite fits him. Nick is just Nick.
"You’re right, as usual. But I’m trying to stay positive, so let’s hope for the best," I reply, forced smile and all.
"You’ll be incredible. You have the talent, and they already know it. Enough said."
​As we walk down the main hallway, half the school seems to have their eyes on him. It’s not hard to see why. Nick is every girl’s dream: tall, dark-haired, with emerald green eyes. He’s a true gentleman, kind to every woman he meets, and always dressed with an effortless elegance. He’s half-Italian, and of course, he’s an artist through and through.
Suddenly, a thought strikes me.
"Hey! How did the date with Sasha go yesterday? Did you take her to that romantic spot I suggested? Did you wear the shirt? Did you get the roses? Talk! Now!"
​"Slow down, one question at a time! I was a perfect gentleman, as always, but I don't think this 'relationship' is going anywhere. In fact, I’m sure of it."
"What? Why?! Did you tell one of your terrible jokes and scare her off?"
"No, Emma! No stupid jokes. Everything was going fine until she made it clear that she wanted 'more' at the end of the night."
​"More?" What does she me—oh. Oh.
One more thing Nick and I have in common is our view on sex. He doesn't feel ready either, though he’s convinced it’ll happen eventually. Sasha, however, is our polar opposite. As the head cheerleader, every guy wants to be with her. It took Leo ages to set up a date for my friend because he knows all the girls on her team. Poor Nick.
​"You know how I feel. When I find the right girl, I’ll just know," he says, giving me a quick, meaningful glance.
"Nick, you don't have to be embarrassed, not with me. And honestly? Screw her. It’s her loss; she missed out on the perfect guy. I knew Leo shouldn't have gotten involved!"
​Nick bursts into uncontrollable laughter.
"You? Using a swear word? Did the world just end? Are you okay, Emma?!"
Oh god, I didn't even realize it. I can already hear my mother’s "lecture" playing in my head.
"I know, I’m just on edge because of Leo. He’s acting so weird and I’m losing my filter! My dad still thinks he’s an idiot and I just don't know..."
"Because he is, and you know it," he says, his tone suddenly serious.
​Great. Now he’s starting too. He’s never been able to stand Leo; he thinks he’s an arrogant snob. But he doesn't know him the way I do. Right?
"Alright, let's not go down this road again. See ya!" I wave him off with a theatrical gesture as I head to History class.
"See you later, little troublemaker! I'll be waiting at the exit," he calls out.
And despite everything, I can't help but smile.