Take A Chance On Me

Chapter 1

"I just don't understand why you keep that ring on your person Nancy." Ned looked at her with agitation.

Nancy continued to play with the elegant, simple ring connected to a thin silver chain around her neck, trying to ignore Ned's words.

"I've been cheated by you and I think you know when," Nancy almost whispers on their couch, she could feel her anger rising slowly.

This was the first time she had brought this topic up. He didn't know she knew. How could she have known? Ned had kept this top secret; he thought he had eluded Nancy Drew but how could he? She was the best detective in Chicago.

Nancy has known about his affairs for past 3 months since she had gone on a case in Egypt with Frank, Joe and Bess.

Every time she played with the ring Ned would blow. Subconsciously her hand would go down to the ring and she would play with it. When she was stressed; ring, angry; ring, happy; ring. This time though, Nancy had had enough. She thought their relationship would turn around and Ned would stop his affair with this woman.

Ned pulled Nancy out of her daze. "What does that asshole have over you? Keep the ring to make me angry? Keep the stupid giant bear in the library to make sure I know that he'll always be there?" Ned never got to finish what he was saying. He saw Nancy rising from her side of the couch.

"Get out!" Nancy's eyes were red with rage. She didn't think she had this sort of rage inside of her. "How dare you, I repeat, how DARE you say these things about Frank when you're the one going behind my back to continue this childish affair with this woman! Frank bought me that bear the day I found out about you cheating on me! I was the one who wanted to keep this ring! Not Frank but me! Grab your things and get out." Ned stood up and opened his mouth; Nancy turned her back to him and pointed to the door. He walked to their bedroom and filled up his suitcase. Ned walked past a pacing Nancy.

"I'll be staying at my parents. If I've forgotten anything just send it to them," Ned sighed as he looked at Nancy. "After 7 years, I've lost you to that moron." Nancy was seething.

"7 years and I lost you to a woman because of one childhood friend you big blabbering idiot!" Nancy let out her breath that she didn't realise she was holding. "I need to take a bath." She walked over to her bathroom, turned on the water and looked in the mirror. Nancy tied up her strawberry blonde hair; slowly getting into the bath. She had her phone next to the bath just in case; you never know, you might be called into a case.

Nancy chuckled softly and unconsciously started playing with her ring again. She thought back to that case. The case that turned her life upside down for better and for worst. Nancy had called up Ned to see how he was going. Usually it was the reverse, but as of late, Ned just never bothered to call.

Ring, ring, ring.

"Hello?" A female voice had answered the phone. "This is the Nickerson residence, this is Sarah?" Nancy was a taken back. Sarah, Nancy thought. Who was Sarah? Looking back at Frank, thinking about Frank's now ex-girlfriend she quickly replied.

"This is Callie Shaw speaking. I was wondering if, Nancy Drew was there?" Franks ears perked up. Nancy put a hand to his mouth to keep him quiet.

"I'm sorry, Ned and Nancy broke up. She's living in New York now. Did you want me to leave a message? I can get Ned to call you back with her new cell?" The innocence of Sarah could be heard through the phone.

Nancy has ended the call shortly after that. She certainly wasn't having this conversation then. Nancy sighed inwardly. The excitement for Frank slowly building up.

The ringing phone took Nancy out of thoughts. She looked at the phone ID and saw a familiar number.

"Hey Hardy! What are you doing up at this time?"

"Well Drew, I am standing outside your apartment building and was hoping you could tell your doorman that I have a key for emergencies?" Nancy's face broke out in a smile.

"You're in Chicago? Since when?" She could hear Frank chuckle to himself lightly.

"Joe and I are on vacation at the moment. Joe went to see Bess and George and I came to see you. I hope you and Ned aren't doing anything at the moment. I just wanted to stop by then see if anyone was willing to lend me a room."

"Well grab your bags because you're staying here for as long as you need. Come on up," Nancy leapt from the bath and into a towel.