Cassie went back upstairs and looked in her dresser mirror. She had blonde, curly hair and green eyes. She was a very pretty girl. She only had her mom, (and Nick of course). Her Dad died, about two years ago, from a heart disease. Nick was there for her during that time of grief. He never left her side unless she asked him to. Since Cassie and Nick were such good friends, their parents couldn't help but be. Cassie picked up a picture that sat on her dresser. It was of her and Nick when they were 6. Another one was taken last year at a wedding they both went to with their families. Their moms both insisted that her and Nick have a picture taken together.

As Cassie recalled all the memories, she heard the phone ring. She answered it. The call was from her mom.

"Cassie, I have an emergency meeting in North Carolina that I have to go to for work. Will you be okay by yourself?"

Of course I will. But, don't you need some clothes?"

"I came by and got some on my lunch break." "

"Okay. When will you be back?"

"I have to be gone for a week. I hate to leave you there all alone, but there is this huge business thing. . ."

"It's okay. Don't worry about it."

"Okay, well, call the Carter's if you need anything. I left some money on the kitchen counter in case you need anything."

"I will, Mom and thanks."

"Alright, sweetie. I'll call you tomorrow. Love you."

"Love you too." They hung up.

"Well, another boring night at home by myself," she said quietly.

********************

"Cassie. . . Cassie. . . Cass, wake up."

Cassie opened her eyes and saw Nick standing in front of her. She was lying on the couch.

"Nick, what are you doing here?" she asked sitting up.

"My mom wanted me to come check on you. She said your mom was going out of town."

"Oh. Yeah. I'm fine. I just feel asleep."

She looked at the clock and it was 11 p.m.

"Will you be okay tonight?"

"Of course. How was your date with Melissa?"

"Great. We had a wonderful time at the beach."

Cassie felt a twitch of jealousy. "I'm glad you had a good time."

"Are you still up for basketball tomorrow?"

"Sure."

"Okay. I'll come by and pick you up."

"Call me first."

"I will." He kissed her on the forehead. She shivered when he kissed her.

"Are you okay?" he asked.

"Um. . . yeah. I don't know what's gotten into me. I'm not feeling right."

"Maybe I shouldn't leave yet."

"I'll be all right. Don't worry. You can go home."

"If I leave you here, I'll worry. I'll just stay until you go back to sleep."

"Okay." She started to get up, but couldn't keep her balance. She had to sit back down.

"Cassie! What's wrong?" he asked.

"I don't know."

"I'm going to walk you up the stairs to your room. I don't want you to fall."

"Thanks, Nick."

He took her hand and guided her up to her bedroom. She laid down in the bed. Nick knelt down by the side of it.

"You don't have to wait here," she said.

"I want to. I wanna make sure your all right before I leave."

"Well, if you're gonna stay, then at least sit on the side of the bed. I don't want you to be uncomfortable on the floor."

"Alright." He sat on the bed and took her hand. "I'm worried about you."

"I'll be fine. I just need some rest."

"Okay. Close your eyes and try to go to sleep."

Nick stayed for about 20 more minutes until he knew she was asleep. Then, he carefully laid her hand back down and left. He locked the front door before he went out.