THE NEXT DAY
Nick’s point of view

I was sitting in the living room playing a video game when I heard Kelly come downstairs. “Where are you off to?” I asked turning to face her.
“I just gotta go do something,” she replied hastily.
“Like what?” I asked grinning.
Kelly didn’t return the grin. “Just something, I’ll see you later,” she said and without waiting for me to answer, walked out.
“That was weird,” I said out loud, but didn’t really think anything of it. Yeah, Kelly had been doing that for a few nights, but I trusted her completely. There was no way that she was doing anything that could possibly hurt our relationship. I really hoped that I could believe that.

Liz’s point of view

“I think Kelly is cheating on me,” blurted out Nick. We were sitting and eating in-between takes on the set.
“What?” I exclaimed. “No way, she’s totally into you,” I said shaking my head.
“Then what is she doing?” he asked frustratingly. “She goes somewhere and doesn’t tell me where, she’s been doing it for a week now,” he added.
“I’m sure she has a good reason. Nick, there’s no way that she’s cheating on you,” I assured him.
“How can you be so sure?” he asked.
“Cause I’ve seen you two together and I know that there must be another reason for her going to wherever it is that she’s going,” I replied.
“I really hope you’re right Liz,” said Nick sadly.
“Oh come on, cheer up, I’ve never seen you unhappy,” I said grinning at him. “You’re always laughing and joking around,” I added.
“I guess,” he said glumly.
At that moment my cell phone rang. “One second,” I said to Nick and turned on my phone. “Hello?” I said.
“Hey baby,” said Brad, and I immediately started smiling.
“Hey, what’s up?” I asked.
“I’ve got bad news,” he said sighing.
“Oh no, what is it?” I asked worried instantly.
“I won’t be able to be with you on Christmas and New Year’s,” he said and I felt the smile disappearing from my face.
“Why not?” I asked.
“Because my family has this tradition. Every Christmas and New Year’s we go to the Pocono’s to ski, I didn’t want to tell you sooner because I thought that I could get out of it, but I’ve been bugging my parents about it for two weeks and they’re not budging. They keep saying how the entire family doesn’t spend enough time together, so I am so sorry, but I have to go, I have no choice,” he explained.
I sighed sadly. “Christmas Eve is tomorrow,” I said softly.
“I know I know, believe me, and I feel horrible right now. I had this whole big thing planned for how we could spend both Christmas and New Year’s,” he said, also sadly.
“Well, how am I supposed to give you your present?” I asked.
“We’ll exchange presents when I get back on January 3,” he replied.
“When are you leaving?” I asked, hoping that it wasn’t soon.
“In a few hours,” he replied softly.
“WHAT?” I exclaimed. “In a few hours???”
“I know, I am so so so so so so so unbelievably sorry,” he said apologetically.
“I was just looking forward to it so much,” I said.
“So was I,” said Brad. “I’m gonna drop by the set before I leave okay?” he asked.
“Yeah, that’d be great,” I said trying to tell myself that I was at least going to see him that day.
“Okay, so I’m gonna go finish getting ready, and I’ll see you in a few hours,” said Brad.
“Okay, I love you,” I said.
“I love you too,” he said and hung up. I turned off my phone and put it back into my bag.
“What’s wrong?” asked Nick obviously seeing my depressed face.
“Brad can’t be with me on Christmas and New Year’s cause he has this family thing and he has to go skiing,” I replied miserably.
“Oh, I’m sorry,” said Nick softly.
“Thanks, so am I,” I said and rested my chin on my hands.
“Hey, how about you have a party?” suggested Nick.
“Like for Christmas?” I asked.
“No, New Year’s,” he said shaking his head.
“Oh, that’s not a bad idea,” I said thinking about it. “But we have to work on New Year’s Eve,” I reminded him.
“So? We’re only working until 3, afterwards, we’re free,” he replied.
“Hmm, you know what, I’m gonna do it!” I decided and smiled.
“Great!” said Nick, also happy.
“Okay, so you and Kelly are definitely invited,” I said thoughtfully. “And let me call the other guys and see what they’re doing,” I said and took out my phone. I spoke to each guy for a few minutes and then hung up. “Okay, they’re all spending New Year’s with their families,” I told Nick.
“So we’ll invite other people, I’m sure we can find some,” he said. “Let’s invite some people from the set,” he suggested.
“Not a bad idea,” I mused.
“Okay, break is over, back to work!” yelled out Jake. Nick and me threw our trash into the garbage and went back to work.

CHRISTMAS EVE
Nick’s point of view

I was sitting home alone trying to figure out where Kelly was. It was already seven in the evening and she still wasn’t home. Where was she? It was Christmas Eve and I wanted to spend it with my girlfriend, not with the TV.
Finally after about half an hour of sulking, I heard the door slam. I went out into the hallway and saw Kelly hanging up her coat.
“Where were you?” I asked accusingly.
“Out,” she replied.
“Kel, I’m sick of this, you go somewhere every single day and you don’t tell me where,” I said frustratingly. “It’s Christmas Eve and I want to spend it with you, without fights, now please tell me where you went,” I requested.
“Nick, I will tell you where I’ve been going for the past week and a half, but only after you open your present,” said Kelly and handed me a brightly wrapped box.
I looked at her with a confused expression on my face but sat down and began to open the gift. As I lifted the object out of the box, a smile spread on my face. I was holding a large portrait frame with a photo of Kelly and me inside. The frame itself was absolutely beautiful. It was silver and all around it, dates were engraved into the metal and next to the dates, small notes were made. I looked at the engravings. The first one said: 11/3/01 – we met. The others said: 11/5/01 – our first official date; 11/6/01 – our first kiss; 11/14/01 – you sang to me on stage; 11/20/01 – you asked me to be your girlfriend; 12/3/01 – our one month anniversary. I lifted my eyes towards Kelly’s. “This is my present?” I asked still amazed by how much thought went into it.
She nodded. “Yeah, do you like it?” she asked.
“Of course, it’s the best present I’ve ever gotten,” I replied and got up and hugged and kissed her. After the kiss ended, we stood with our arms wrapped around one another just looking at each other’s faces.
“I was afraid you weren’t going to like it,” admitted Kelly.
“How can I not? It’s so thoughtful, and it came straight from your heart,” I said softly.
Kelly smiled. “Well, now I’m gonna tell you where I’ve been going for the past week and a half,” she began. “I was at the mall, wrapping presents. I got a job so that I could pay for the frame. I had money, but it wasn’t enough, I needed a little more to afford the present, so I got the job and since I wanted it to be a surprise, I didn’t tell you where I went,” she explained.
“You did all that for me?” I asked amazed.
“Well yeah, you’re hard to shop for,” she said grinning. “What do you get a guy who has everything and more?” she asked laughing lightly.
“You’re right, I do have everything, I have you,” I said and wrapped her in my arms once again.

Liz’s point of view

“Come on Liz, stop sulking,” said Lana shaking my arm.
“I’m not sulking,” I protested.
“Yes you are, you’ve been doing it since you got home from work,” retorted Lana. But I wasn’t sulking, I was just very upset that it was Christmas Eve and Brad wasn’t there.
“Well excuse me for being just a tiny bit upset that my boyfriend is not here to spend one of the most important holidays with me,” I said upsettingly.
“Liz, you’ll see Brad in like a week,” assured Lana.
“Yeah, just long enough to miss both Christmas and New Year’s,” I said and got up from the couch. I went over to the Christmas tree and looked at the sparkling lights.
“Don’t pretend like you’re fascinated by the lights,” said Lana coming up next to me. “It’s Christmas Eve and you’re going to have fun,” she said determinedly.
“Sure Lana, whatever you say,” I said absentmindedly. “I think I’m gonna go to sleep,” I announced.
“What? It’s only 11!” exclaimed Lana.
“So what? Not like I have anything better to do anyway,” I said sadly and went up the stairs to my room. I thought I heard Lana say something but I couldn’t make it out, I had already closed the door. I plopped down on my bed and stared into the ceiling. I didn’t know why Brad’s absence was upsetting me so much, but it was just something about it being Christmas Eve and me not being able to spend it with the person that I love. I sighed and closed my eyes. Maybe some sleep would help. A few minutes later, I fell asleep.

December 31, AFTERNOON
Nick’s point of view

“Liz, cheer up, please!” I begged.
“I am cheered up,” she said and put on a fake smile.
“Oh come on, I know a fake smile when I see one,” I said crossing my arms over my chest.
“This isn’t fake,” said Liz pointing at her smile. “It’s one hundred percent real,” she added.
“Yeah right, your smile is real and today is the fourth of July,” I retorted.
“You never know, the fireworks might start any minute,” said Liz stubbornly.
“Liz, I know that you’re upset about Brad not being here, but you have to start being a little happier. For instance, look forward to tonight’s party at least,” I pointed out.
“I guess,” she said shrugging.
“Oh yeah, I’m feeling the enthusiasm on that one,” I said sarcastically.
“Nick, I really am looking forward to the party tonight, it’ll help me get my mind off of things,” said Liz sighing.
“Then please act like it,” I said and grinned at her.
Liz managed a small smile back, and it wasn’t fake. “Happy?” she asked.
“Very,” I said still grinning.
“Okay guys, we are done for today, so you can go home and enjoy your holiday, I’ll see you bright and early on January 3,” announced Todd. We all clapped and went to change our clothing.
Fifteen minutes later, after changing, I caught up with Liz just as she was about to leave the set. “Hey, I got an idea, how about we go catch a movie?” I suggested.
“Won’t you be late for the party?” she asked.
“Oh I’m sure that the hostesses won’t mind,” I said grinning.
“Well,” said Liz unsurely, but I could see that she was giving in. “Okay, let’s go,” she said smiling.
“Great!” I said enthusiastically. I knew that a movie would definitely get her mind off of Brad.

TWO AND A HALF HOURS LATER

“Wasn’t that a great movie?” I asked as Liz and me walked out of the theater.
“Yeah, I loved it!” she said grinning. “Thanks for suggesting we come here,” she added gratefully.
“No problem, anytime you need a distraction from everyday life, I’m your guy,” I said cheerfully. When Liz didn’t respond I looked at her and saw that she wasn’t looking at me or paying any attention to me for that matter. Her stare was drawn to something ahead of us. I followed her gaze and saw it. Liz was staring at Brad; he was walking out of a different theater…with another girl.
“I can’t believe it,” said Liz, so quietly I barely heard her.
“Maybe that’s just his friend,” I said hastily but I knew it looked bad. Then it got worse. Brad leaned in and kissed the girl on the lips, and it wasn’t just a quick kiss either, it lasted for a full minute, quite possibly more.
I looked at Liz and the expression on her face made me wince. She looked like her heart had just been torn out and stepped on, repeatedly. She started to walk towards Brad. I put my hand on her shoulder to stop her.
“No Nick, I need to do this,” she said softly and I put my arm down, but followed her.
“Don’t worry, I’m right behind you,” I said to her and Liz nodded in understanding. When we reached Brad and the girl, he didn’t even see us.
“So how are the slopes Brad?” asked Liz in an angry tone.
Brad looked shocked, not to mention guilty. “Uh, uh, uh, Liz!” he exclaimed quickly dropping his arm from around the other girl’s shoulders. “What are you doing here?” he asked looking around.
“I came to see a movie, I’m guessing you didn’t,” she said accusingly.
“It’s not what you think,” stammered Brad.
“Really? Cause I think that you made a lame excuse about your family going to ski so that you can spend the holidays with whoever that is,” said Liz pointing at the girl with Brad.
“Um…” said Brad but he couldn’t come up with anything else.
“We’re through, I can’t believe I fell for a bastard like you,” said Liz and ran out of the theater.
“Liz!” called out Brad and was about to go after her when I stepped into his path.
“Don’t even think about it, or you’ll be sorry,” I warned and went after Liz myself. I caught up with her in the parking lot. She was leaning against my car and crying.
“How could I have been so blind?” she asked through tears upon seeing me approach.
“Liz, you weren’t blind, he’s just a jerk,” I said wrapping her in a hug.
“But I loved him,” she said sobbing into my shoulder.
“I know, I know you did,” I said soothingly and stroked her head. “Calm down, he doesn’t deserve your tears,” I said softly.
“I just can’t believe he would do this to me,” she said, more tears rolled down her cheeks.
“Neither can I,” I said feeling the anger at Brad rush through me.
“Can you just take me home please?” asked Liz looking at me.
“Of course, come on, get in,” I said and opened the passenger door for her. During the entire ride to her house, Liz didn’t say a word.

Lana’s point of view

I was setting up the refreshment table for the party when I heard the door open and close. I assumed that it was Liz. I walked into the hallway and saw Liz; Nick was behind her.
“Oh my God, what happened?” I exclaimed seeing Liz’s tear streaked face.
“We saw Brad at the movies, and he wasn’t alone,” replied Nick. I could see that he was furious at Brad for the pain that he had caused Liz.
“He was what?” I yelled.
“He was with another girl, he cheated on me,” said Liz as she began crying. She then ran past me and upstairs to her room. I heard the door slam.
“I can’t believe this,” I said shaking my head.
“I know, I can’t believe he did this to her,” said Nick turning to face me. “Do you think she’ll be okay?” he asked worriedly looking upstairs past me.
“I don’t know,” I said honestly.
“Maybe it’s a good idea if you cancel the party tonight,” suggested Nick.
I shook my head. “It’s too late, the party starts in a couple of hours, everyone is already on their way,” I said. “Besides, Liz needs all the friends she can get right about now,” I said anxiously.
“You’re probably right,” agreed Nick. He then looked at his watch. “Listen, I’m gonna go home and change, and then Kelly and me will come here for the party,” he said.
I nodded. “Okay,” I said and Nick left. I sighed and leaned against the wall. New Year’s Eve was not turning out the way everyone had planned.

AT THE PARTY A FEW HOURS LATER
Nick’s point of view

I looked around the room trying to spot Liz. I couldn’t. She was probably still up in her room.
I turned to Kelly. “Do you mind if I go check on Liz?” I asked. “I’m really worried about her,” I added.
“Of course, go ahead,” said Kelly nodding. “She’s your friend, and she needs you right now,” she said smiling at me.
“Thanks, you’re the best,” I said and kissed her. I then went upstairs to find Liz. I knocked on her door softly. “Liz?” I said.

Liz’s point of view

“Come in,” I said hearing Nick knock.
“How are you holding up?” he asked coming in and sitting down on my bed next to me.
“Horrible,” I said bluntly. “This is probably the worst New Year’s Eve of my life,” I said and started crying all over again.
“Liz, what did I tell you before?” asked Nick putting his arm around my shoulders. I looked at him questioningly. “Brad doesn’t deserve your tears,” he reminded me.
“I know that you’re right, well, at least my head does, but I still can’t help but feel betrayed you know?” I said softly and wiped my tears.
“I know, but you can’t let this guy get the best of you,” said Nick determinedly. “You have to go downstairs to that party and have a great time!” he added.
“I can’t,” I said shaking my head.
“Yes you can, I know you can,” said Nick getting up and pulling me up with him. “Now come on, wipe away your tears, put on a smile, and go out there,” he urged and handed me a tissue. I took it and wiped my eyes, miraculously, more tears didn’t follow. I took a deep breath and straightened my shirt.
“Okay, I’ll try,” I said putting on a brave face.
“That’s my girl,” said Nick softly and gave me that half smile that I swore he practiced in the mirror because it was perfect.
“Give me a few minutes to get dressed,” I said grabbing some clothes from the closet and going into my bathroom that was joined with my room. I came out a few minutes later in a simple pale blue skirt and a black velvet shirt. I put on my shoes, brushed my hair, and added some lip-gloss to my lips. “Okay, I think I’m done,” I said.
“Okay, so let’s go out there then,” said Nick grinning and held my door open for me. I took a deep breath and walked downstairs with him.
“Liz, are you okay?” asked Lana as soon as she saw me.
“I think I’ll be fine,” I said smiling at her and at Nick.
“I’m glad to hear that,” she said and hugged me. “Whenever you need to talk, I’m here for you,” she added.
I nodded. “Thanks,” I said gratefully.

Kelly’s point of view

I saw Liz and Nick come downstairs and was relieved to see that Liz was not crying. She was smiling and looked happy. I was glad, what Brad did to her was completely horrible and I couldn’t imagine how he could’ve done it to such a great girl like her. I turned my gaze at Nick and noticed something in his eyes. It was a form of sparkle, like he was unbelievably happy at the moment. I looked at him closely and saw that the sparkle was directed at Liz. I then knew that he was still in love with her, he probably never stopped, and maybe he just convinced himself that he was over her when he really wasn’t. I looked at the two of them and a plan began to form in my mind.

chapter 3 chapter 5