Nothing Ever Happens

Author’s Note:  Trixie Belden® is the registered trademark of Random House. This story is not for profit. 

This story spans some time and each section is an event that takes place over a few weeks.

It also features lyrics from "Nothing Ever Happens" by Del Amitri.

Nothing ever happens, nothing happens at all 
The needle returns to the start of the song 
And we all sing along like before 

"So what's been happening?"  Dan asked in an effort to fill the silence.

"Just the usual," Hallie yawned into the phone.  "School, riding, homework - the usual stuff."

"Is school going well?" Dan asked and rolled his eyes.  How more boring can you get, man?  Talk to her about something that matters!

"Pretty much."

"How's Di?"

"Getting by," Hallie informed him.  "We talked her into trying out for the school play."

"That's great!"

"Yeah, she's not too excited about it though," Hallie sighed.  "It's like she's walking around with a dark cloud hanging over her head.  I wish there was something I could do about it."

"I think Mart's planning on coming home for Brian's birthday," Dan told her slowly.  "I'm not sure if that's going to be good for her or worse."

Hallie was silent, pondering the situation and Dan held his breath.

"I'm not sure either," she mumbled.

"Hallie, is everything okay?" Dan asked finally.

"I - uh...  what do you mean?" She stammered.

"You just seem so distant," Dan replied carefully.  "I've just got the feeling something's wrong."

"I'm fine," Hallie insisted firmly.  How does he know? "It's not as easy talking over the phone."

"I guess you're right," Dan conceded.  "You would tell me if something was wrong?"

"You'd be the first," Hallie promised.  If I was going to tell anyone...

"Okay," Dan murmured.  "Well, I'd better go.  There's a queue for the phone.  I'll see you on the weekend?"

"Sure," Hallie answered. 

"Great," Dan replied with more enthusiasm than he felt.  "Goodnight."

"'Night Dan," Hallie told him and slowly hung up the phone.

Dejectedly she walked back to her bedroom.  How can I tell him that he's part of the problem?

"Do you think it will be up on the drama board yet?" Trixie asked excitedly as she pulled into the parking lot with Honey, Di and Hallie in the car.

"Trixie, school doesn't start for another half an hour," Hallie grumbled.  "I'd be surprised if Mr Beckett and the other teachers are even here yet!"

Trixie shot Hallie a black look in the rear vision mirror to which Hallie responded by poking out her tongue.

"Stop it you two!  It's too early in the morning for this," Honey warned them good-naturedly and turned to Di.  "Are you excited Di?"

Di plastered a smile on her face and shrugged.  "A little, I guess."

"It's yours for sure," Trixie told her as they climbed out of the car.  "I saw you try-out while we were signing up for the crew and you were sensational."

Di gave a glum smile in response.

"Caucasian Chalk Circle - it's a strange name for a play," Honey mused.  "What's it about Di?"

"I don't really know," Di admitted.  "I've only read the part they gave me.  The character's name is Grusha."

"What a weird name!" Trixie exclaimed.

"No weirder than Beatrix," Hallie teased her.  "But all the characters have weird names.  I'm sure to be one of the nameless villagers, that's if I get in at all."

"I don't know how you convinced her to try out Di," Trixie laughed.  "She's the last person I could imagine up on the stage!"

"She blackmailed me," Hallie grumbled with a grin at Di.  "It's the only way I could get her to try out."

"Well, it looks like you might find out pretty soon," Honey told them.  "That's Mr Beckett at the end of the hall."

The girls' hurried towards him, Hallie dragging a reluctant Di.

"Good morning girls," the young drama teacher smiled at them.  "Eager to find out who got the lead roles?"

"Yes sir!" Trixie cried.  "Can you tell us?"

A small frown crossed his face as he pondered her question.

"Hmmm...  I guess I can share the good news with you," he answered slowly, his blue eyes twinkling.  "Congratulations Diana!  You're playing Grusha."

Honey, Trixie and Hallie whooped in delight as Di smiled nervously.

"Thanks Mr Beckett," she murmured.

"You'll make a perfect Grusha," he smiled.  "Now I better go and post the cast list before I'm swamped by other students."

The three girls hugged Di happily as the drama teacher continued down the hall.

"Oh, Hallie?"  He stopped and called to her.

"Yes?" She swallowed nervously.

"You're playing the role of the Governor's wife," he told her.

"I am?"

"Yes, you are!" He grinned.  "I'll see you ladies at rehearsal."

"Oh, boy!" Hallie groaned and glared at Di.  "I hope you're happy."

Di giggled and the others joined her, pleased and relieved to hear her laugh.

"C'mon," Honey said happily, linking arms with Hallie and Di.  "Let's go and find out who got the male leads."

"I want to find out who my husband is," Hallie agreed and the others laughed as they headed down the hall, the dark mood of the morning lifting.

"Is everything okay with you and Dan?" Trixie asked as they headed to the drama room after school.

"As far as I know," Hallie replied with a frown.  "Why do you ask?"

"Oh, I don't know," Trixie answered.  "You two don't seem to spend as much time together as you used to and he seems a bit dejected lately."

I can relate to that, Hallie thought with a sigh.

"He's so thoughtful and so patient," Hallie told her.  "He doesn't push me to tell him how I'm feeling, but I know it bothers him when I don't."

"You don't want to?"

"It's not that," Hallie shook her head.  "There are some things I can't tell him and he knows I'm keeping stuff from him.  I hate it."

Trixie looked confused.

"It's too hard to explain," Hallie sighed.  "We went from sharing almost everything and now I feel I'm keeping more and more from him."

"You really care about him, don't you?" Trixie asked.

Hallie hesitated then nodded.

"Does he know?"

"I don't know, I don't think so," Hallie murmured.  "That's what makes it even harder."

Impulsively, Trixie hugged her cousin and Hallie returned it in surprise.

"I know I haven't taken your advice, and I may live to regret it," Trixie admitted sheepishly.  "But Dan is a great guy and he cares about you.  Tell him how you feel.  You both deserve to be happy."

"Thanks Trix," Hallie replied with a small smile.  "I'll think about it."

"Hey, look at those two," Hallie nudged Honey and nodded towards Nick and Trixie who were obviously enjoying each other's company as they painted the sets for the play.

Honey looked up from the costume she was sewing and glanced over at Nick and Trixie.  Nick reached up to finger a paint cover curl that framed Trixie's face and Honey could see her blush from where she was sitting.

"I've been trying to tell her that he's got a thing for her, but she wouldn't listen," Honey grinned.  "But maybe now..."

"You think she's over Jim?"

"She'll never be over Jim," Honey sighed.  "But maybe now she'll be more inclined  to consider Nick."

"And how would Jim feel about that?" Hallie asked.

"I have a feeling he'd hate it," Honey confided and continued to look at Nick and Trixie with interest.

"I've got more paint on me than I've put on the set," Trixie mumbled as Nick's hand brushed her cheek and grinned at her paint-streaked curl.

"You're doing fine," Nick assured her.  "But you're a bit young for a blue rinse."

Trixie wrinkled her nose at him.

"I thought blue was my colour," she retorted with a giggle.

"It is," he assured her and found himself staring into her eyes.

Trixie found herself growing hot and uncomfortable under his gaze and turned quickly back to the set she was painting.

"Stop distracting me!" She told him.  "We've got to get this finished today and I want to get out of here before my entire weekend is over.  I've got so much study to do and I promised my parents I wouldn't let my involvement with the play affect my studies."

"Can I help you with anything?" Nick volunteered.

"Not unless you're good at history," Trixie replied and sighed.  "I'm struggling with this research project at the moment."

"Well, you're in luck," Nick smiled.  "History was my second best subject next to art.  I could come over tonight and help you with it."

Trixie hesitated then smiled gratefully at him.  "That would be wonderful.  Come for dinner.  It's the least I can do to thank you."

"Sure," Nick replied, trying not to grin too widely.  "Okay then, let's get back to it or we'll never get finished here."

Hallie smiled to herself as they went back to her painting and checked her script quickly to make sure she hadn't missed her entrance.

"Hallie!  Will you get that?"  Trixie called up the stairs as the phone shrilled, her hands carrying a tray of coffee out of the kitchen.

The phone continued to ring.

"Hallie!"

"Would you like me to get it?" Nick called to her.

"Thanks Nick," Trixie replied gratefully, her attention focussed on the tray.

"Belden residence."

"Dad?" Brian asked hesitantly.

"Oh, hi Brian," Nick laughed.  "It's Nick Roberts.  Trixie asked me to answer the phone."

"Hi Nick!  How are you?" Brian asked, a little surprised.  "I didn't think you sounded like my father."

"I'm fine," Nick replied.  "How's college?"

"Good, and you?"

"Not bad," Nick returned.  "Oh, here's Trixie.  Nice to speak to you again Brian."

"You too," Brian replied, with a hint of bewilderment in his voice.

"Hey big brother," Trixie drawled.

"Hey yourself," Brian replied.  "What gives?  Do we have a new house guest or something?"

"Nothing like that," Trixie answered evasively.  "I just had my hands full."

"Where are Moms and Dad?"

"What is this - an interrogation?" Trixie cried.  "They've gone to a movie, Bobby's over at the Lynch's and Hallie's upstairs ignoring the phone."

"So it's just you and Nick?"

Jim looked up from his text book.

"Did you ring for any particular reason, or just to grill me?" Trixie asked, grinning at Nick.

"Just wanted to ask Dad something but it can wait til later," Brian replied.  "So what are you two up to anyway?"

Jim put down his book, his concentration shot.

"None of your business," she replied tartly.  "Look, we're in the middle of something right now.  I'll tell Dad you called when he gets home."

"Okay," Brian said slowly.  "Behave yourself."

"You know I always do."

"Since when?"

"Goodbye Brian."

"Bye sis."

Brian put down the phone and Jim quickly picked up his book.

"How are things at home?" Jim asked, trying to sound casual.

"That's what I'd like to know," Brian muttered thoughtfully.

"So have any of you got a partner for the spring dance?" Hallie asked.

"I thought we were all going solo together," Di frowned.

"We were until Honey ruined it for us," Trixie replied, pulling a face at Honey.

"Well, Brian's coming home.  I couldn't very well tell him I didn't want him to come with me," Honey replied in her defense, blushing a little.

"She's only teasing you Honey," Hallie laughed.  "I was thinking about asking Dan."

"That's great!" Trixie cried, and then sobered.  "I guess that just leaves you and me Di."

"I'm not going," Di announced quietly.

"What!?"  The three girls cried.

"You have to go Di, it wouldn't be any fun without you," Honey implored.

"I think you'll be too busy to notice if I'm there or not," Di mumbled and Honey blushed again.

"Is it because you haven't got a date?" Trixie asked.  "I bet there's heaps of guys who'd love to go with you."

"That's exactly why I don't want to go," Di told her grimly.  "I just couldn't stand it."

No one spoke for a moment as Di's remark impacted on them.

"Well, I'm not going either," Trixie announced.  "I'm sick of being the gooseberry.  We can just have a girls' night together."

"You have to come," Hallie said desperately.  "If you don't, then Dan's going to think I want him to come as my date."

"Well, you do, don't you?" Trixie demanded.  "What's wrong with him thinking that?"

"Why don't you ask someone Trixie?" Honey asked slyly.

"Like who?"  Trixie snorted.

"Hmmm... I don't know," Honey mused.  "Maybe the art director of the school play.  You seem to be spending a lot of time with him lately."

"We're just friends," Trixie insisted firmly, but her cheeks reddened slightly.  "Besides, he wouldn't want to come to a stupid school dance.  He never used to go to them before."

"I think he'd go if you asked him," Hallie told her.

Trixie looked between Honey and Hallie, then over to Di who was staring blankly at the remains of her lunch.

"I haven't got time for this," she muttered and stood up.  "I'm off to the library to study for my test.  I'll see you all after school."

Hallie smiled as she watched Trixie hurry out of the cafeteria.

"Good try Hon," she remarked.  "I think she's going to need a little more coaxing before she changes her mind."

"You've done a great job on these sets during the week Trix," Nick commented.  "I think we're almost done here."

"They do look pretty good, don't they?" Trixie remarked as she stepped back to take a look.  "We couldn't have done it without your designs though.  None of the other seniors are any where as good as you."

Nick smiled self-consciously at her praise.

"I'm not sure if that's true," he replied.  "You and the rest of the crew have really pulled it all together.  Justin's going to be pleased to finally have the sets finished for the cast to rehearse with."

"Justin?  Oh, you mean Mr Beckett," Trixie smiled.  "Honey's almost finished the costumes too.  I can't believe the play opens so soon.  It's just a week after the spring dance."

"I saw the posters up around the school," Nick remarked casually.  "Honey told me Brian will be back from college that weekend.  I guess Jim will be too."

"I don't think so," Trixie mumbled, blushing.

"Oh?" Nick looked questioningly at her.  "I just assumed you and he..."

"No," Trixie shook her head emphatically. 

"Oh..." Nick murmured and looked hesitantly at her.  "So which lucky guy are you taking?"

"None," Trixie admitted.  "I'm not sure if I'll even go."

"Why not?"

"Well, the four of us girls were going to go together," Trixie told him.  "But then Brian decided he would come back, and Hallie asked Dan to go with her and Di doesn't want to go because of Mart and I don't want to go alone."

"Why don't you ask someone?" Nick suggested hesitantly.

"Like who?" Trixie retorted.

"Like me," Nick replied softly.

Trixie looked up at him in surprise.

"You?" She gasped and he nodded slightly.  "But you never went to school dances when you were here.  Why would you want to go with me?"

"I never went to school dances for the same reason you don't want to go to this one," Nick answered and her eyes widened in disbelief.  "But if we went together, then neither of us would be in that boat and maybe we'd have fun."

Trixie was almost speechless.

"You'd do that for me?"  She blurted.

"I'm doing it for both of us," Nick told her with a smile.  "It's your senior year, you should have some fun.  I didn't have a chance during my senior year, so maybe this will make up for it."

"You really want to go with me?"

"Yeah, it'll be fun," Nick answered earnestly.

"Okay," Trixie replied, still a little dazed.  "Thanks."

She smiled up at him and Nick grinned happily back at her, his heart skipping a beat.

I can't believe she agreed!

Gleeps!  I can't believe I've actually got a date for the dance.  Okay, so it's not really a date but...  Wow!

"Nick?  Can you come over here for a minute?" Mr Beckett called.

Nick tore his eyes reluctantly away from Trixie and nodded at the drama teacher.

"He sure is a cutie," Janice, a fellow crew member, whispered to Trixie as Nick walked away.

Trixie frowned slightly and looked over at Nick, talking to Mr Beckett and some other students.

I guess I'd never really thought about it before...

"Do you want a quick word with Jim before I hang up?" Brian asked Honey.

"Sure, if he's there," Honey replied.  "I can't wait to see you again.  I love you."

"Only two more sleeps Honey-girl and I'll be home," Brian assured her.  "I love you too.  Goodnight."

"Goodnight Brian," Honey told him with a touch of sadness and waited for Jim to come to the phone.

"Hey sis."

"Hi Jim, how are you?"

"Tired, worked to the bone, the usual," he sighed.  "How 'bout you?"

"Happy," Honey replied.  "Only two more days 'til Brian comes home."

"Not you too!" Jim cried.  "That's all I've been hearing from him.  Can't we talk about something else?"

"Sure," Honey laughed.  "Are you coming home with Brian?"

"No, I'd like to but I've got too much work to do," Jim sighed.  "I really wish I was.  I'd like to see everyone again."

Like Trixie, they both thought simultaneously.

"It's a shame you can't make it," Honey told him.  "You and Mart will be the only ones missing."

"Brian tells me you're dragging him to the spring dance," Jim teased her.

"I am not!" Honey cried.  "Us four girls were going together, but then Brian told me he'd come home and the others all got dates anyway, well except for Di.  She doesn't want to go."

A lump formed instantly in Jim's throat.

"Trixie and Hallie got dates?" Jim asked hesitantly.

"Well, Hallie and Dan are going together," Honey told him slowly, realising she'd said too much.  "And Trixie is going with Nick."

"Nick Roberts?"

"They've been working together on the sets for the school play," Honey explained.

"Oh..."

"I thought she might have told you," Honey added desperately.

"I... I haven't spoken to her recently," Jim muttered.

"I'm sorry, maybe I shouldn't have said anything," Honey said quickly.  "If this bothers you Jim, then maybe you should do something about it."

Jim grunted in response.

"Are you okay?"

"I'm just tired," he replied shortly.  "I'd better go to bed."

"Okay," Honey said slowly.  "I miss you brother."

"I miss you too sis," Jim murmured.  "Goodnight."

He hung up the phone as Honey bid him goodnight.

I have to know.  I have to know if she feels something for him.

He turned to Brian.

"You want some company on the drive home?"

"Brian!"

"Honey-girl!"

She fell into his arms and he whirled her around kissing her until they were both breathless and dizzy.  Honey didn't notice her brother get out of the car and begin to remove the luggage from the trunk.

"I want you..." she murmured.  "I want to get you upstairs and I want to..."

"Ahem."  Jim decided to make his presence known.

"Jim!" Honey cried in surprise and embarrassment and Brian released her from his arms.  "I thought you weren't coming home!"

"I changed my mind," he confessed gruffly as she hugged him tightly.  "It's good to see you again sis."

"You too," Honey smiled, but she looked at him suspiciously.  "What happened to all that work you had to do?"

"I asked him the same thing," Brian told her wryly.

"I just got a bit homesick," Jim muttered.  "I can study here."

"Sure you can," Brian teased.

"I'll take my bags inside," Jim announced and slunk off.

"I don't suppose there's any chance of us going up to your room right now?"  Brian murmured as he drew Honey to him.

Honey shook her head reluctantly.  "Why did he decide to come home anyway?"

"Why do you think?"

"Me and my big mouth," Honey groaned.

"But it's a beautiful mouth," Brian told her before he kissed her long and slow.

"I hope you don't mind Moms," Brian began as he walked into the kitchen.  "But I've brought one more home for dinner."

"Brian!" Helen cried happily, and hugged her tall son.  "You look skinny.  Have you been eating properly?  Who else have you brought for dinner?  I know Honey was coming."

"Hi Mrs Belden," Jim smiled as he entered the kitchen.

"Jim!  Why, I didn't know you were coming back too!" She hugged him quickly.  "You're always welcome here and I thought I told you to call me Helen."

Jim smiled sheepishly and nodded.

"Trixie!  Hallie!  Set one more place for dinner please."

"But we've already..." Trixie began and stopped in her tracks as she caught sight of Jim.

"Hi Trix."

"I didn't think you were coming home," she almost accused him as her heart beat quickened.

"Spur of the moment thing," Jim replied as his eyes met hers.

They had not seen each other since the day he left to go back to college, the day after he had told her they could never be more than friends.

"It's good to see you again," she murmured and stepped forward to embrace him.

"You too," he whispered as he wrapped is arms gently around her and took in her sweet scent.

"Have you got a hug for your brother?"

"Brian!" Trixie cried as Jim released her and she quickly hugged her eldest brother.

"Off you go to the living room all of you," Helen told them.  "I've got to finish making dinner."

Brian grabbed Honey's hand and led her out of the kitchen and Jim and Trixie followed him.

"So what changed your mind?" Trixie asked.

"Sorry?"

"Why did you decide to come home after all?" Trixie asked.  "Honey said you were snowed under with work."

"Just a little homesick," Jim admitted in a low tone.  "I'll try and get some study done while I'm here.  Maybe while you're all off at the spring dance."

Trixie looked at him in surprise.  Does he know I'm going with Nick?  Could that possible be the reason why he came home?

Don't be stupid, she told herself.  You heard what he said that day up in his room.  He's not interested in you.

She dismissed the thought from her head and another quickly replaced it.

"Or maybe you could solve a problem for us," Trixie mused and looked over at Hallie.  "Do you think Di would go to the dance if Jim asked her?"

Jim frowned as Honey and Hallie's faces lit up.

"That's the perfect solution!" Honey cried.  "I'm sure she won't say no if we all go together.  What do you think Hallie?"

"It's a great idea," Hallie agreed.  "I was really worried that we wouldn't be able to think of a way to talk her into going."

"So?" Trixie looked at Jim triumphantly.  "Will you ask her?"

Jim look bewildered.  How did this happen?  Why am I being rail-roaded into asking Di to her spring dance when all I wanted to do was...

"I don't know," he muttered.  "I've got a lot of work to do and if Di doesn't really want to go..."

"Will you just ask her at least?" Honey pleaded.  "She really needs this.  If we don't convince her to participate in things, she's just going to retreat back into her shell."

Brian tried to hide an amused smile.  Could Jim find a way of saying no to these three women?  He deliberately avoided Jim's gaze as he looked to him for help.

Jim hesitated.  I guess I'll be able to see first hand if anything is going on with Trixie and Nick.  He took a deep breath.

"Okay," he conceded.  "I'll ask her, but if she says no I don't know what else I can do."

"You're the best!" Trixie squealed in delight and hugged him quickly.

"Just make sure you explain it to Mart," Jim muttered.  "Whatever the situation is with him and Di, I don't want him taking a swing at me the next time he sees me."

"Has the world gone crazy?" Dan asked Hallie as they walked through the game preserve.  "You mean to tell me, Jim is taking Di to the dance and Trixie is going with Nick?"

"Yep," Hallie grinned.

"This dance may be a lot more interesting than I thought it was going to be," Dan remarked and Hallie took a playful swipe at him.

"Hey!"

"You know what I mean," Dan grinned.  "I'm glad you asked me to go."

Hallie grinned shyly back at him and they walked along for a while in silence.

"I'm sorry for the way I've been acting lately," she began.

"You don't have to apologise," Dan told her.

"Yes, I do," Hallie replied firmly.  "You're too patient with me, too kind.  I haven't been very fair to you lately and you've let me get away with it."

"Hallie..."

"I know why," she continued.  "And don't think I don't appreciate it.  But I need things to be real, I need life to get back to normal.  I want you to stop protecting me and to stop thinking you're going to hurt me."

I want you to tell me how you feel about me, she added silently.

Dan was silent for a moment and she began to worry that she had upset him.

"I wasn't sure if you were ready," he said finally. 

"I don't know if I ever will be," Hallie told him.  "But I have to start trying."

"Okay," Dan agreed and he looked over at her.  "Does that mean I can finally tell you how much I hate your green toenails?"

Hallie burst into laughter and hugged him impulsively.

"What would I do without you?"

Her question remained unanswered as he took her hand in his and continued walking.

"Oh, I've missed you Jupe," Jim murmured as he leant down and rubbed the gelding's neck.  "Almost as much as I've missed..."

"Missed who?" Trixie asked as she walked into the stables and Jim reddened.

"Home," Jim finished quickly.  "I've got Susie saddled up for you."

"Thanks," Trixie smiled at him and he swallowed quickly.  It still made his heart skip a beat, even after all this time.

Trixie quickly mounted Susie and adjusted the stirrups.

"Where would you like to go?"

"I thought we just go along one of the trails through the game preserve," Jim told her, watching her every movement.

"That sounds great."  Trixie gave Susie a light tap with her heels and led the way out of the stables, and Jim quickly moved up to ride along side her.

"Are you looking forward to the dance tonight?" He asked slowly.

"Are you?"

He didn't bother to answer her question and wondered why she was avoiding his question.

"It should be fun," Trixie eventually replied.  "It will sort of be like old times."

Not quite, Jim thought to himself.

They rode along in silence for a while and he decided to try again.

"Dan and I are going to pick up Di and Hallie tonight," he began.  "Would you like a lift with us?"

Trixie frowned slightly.

"I - I don't know," she stammered.  "I'll let you know if I do."

"You're going to drive yourself?"  Jim asked pointedly.

"No..." Trixie answered slowly.  "I think I may already have a lift."

Jim groaned inwardly.  It was true, there was no doubt about it.  She had a date for the dance and it wasn't with him.  The thought made him ill.

"Do you go to the dances at college?" Trixie asked casually.

"I've only been to a couple," he admitted.  "Brian rarely goes and I only go if he does."

So I guess he's not seeing anyone, Trixie thought to herself and realised that pleased her.  I guess that's not the reason he's not interested in me then.  It must really just be me.

Somehow that thought only made her feel worse.  I'm glad I'm going with Nick tonight.  I've got to stop hoping that something will happen with Jim and I.  I know Nick and I will have a great time together, it's just that...

Trixie wouldn't allow herself to finish the thought.  She took a deep breath and smiled brightly at Jim.

"Did Di tell you she got the lead in the school play?"

Honey lay her head down on Brian's bare chest and sighed contentedly.

"I don't know how it's possible, but I think I've missed you more over this past month than I ever have," she murmured as her hand ran gently down his side to settle on his hip bone.

"I know exactly what you mean," Brian replied softly.  "I lay awake at night thinking about what it would be like to touch you and hold you and make love to you.  Even during the day, it's still in the back of my mind."

"Do you think it's because we've been making love?" Honey asked shyly.

"I know it is," Brian answered.  "Missing you is the most bittersweet sensation.  I crave you Honey-girl."

Honey lifted her head up to kiss him and her hand moved down to his groin.  He began to stiffen at her touch and she smiled.

"Do you think we can... again?"

Brian groaned audibly as her hand tightened around his cock.  His hand moved to cup her breast and he caressed her nipple with his thumb until she began to whimper.

"Honey-girl, I know we can."

"Hi Trixie."

"Nick!  Oh hi!" Trixie cried.

"I thought I'd ring to see what time you'd like me to pick you up tonight," he told her.  "Unless you just want to meet me there..."

"Oh, no!  It would be great if you could," Trixie replied quickly.  "How about you pick me up at seven?"

"That's fine," Nick answered in relief.  Why do I keep thinking she's going to try and back out of this?  "Does Hallie need a lift too?"

"No, she's going with Dan, Di and Jim," Trixie replied.

"Jim?" Nick blurted.

"He came back unexpectedly this weekend," Trixie explained.  "We talked him into taking Di to the dance.  She wasn't going to go otherwise."

"Oh..." Nick murmured in surprise.  "Are you sure you wouldn't rather be going with him instead of me?"

"Don't be silly!" Trixie cried.  "I wouldn't be going if it wasn't for you.  Besides, Jim and I are just friends, he's made that very clear."

"Are you sure?"

"Are you trying to get out of this?" Trixie asked suspiciously.  "If you are, I understand..."

"No!" Nick almost yelled.  "I just don't want to be your second choice."

Trixie was silent a moment as she thought about this.  There is no first choice anymore.

"I want to go with you," she told him firmly.  "That's if you want to go with me."

"I do," he assured her in relief.  "I'm glad we got that straight.  I'll see you at seven tonight?"

"See you then," Trixie replied and hung up the phone slowly.

I don't understand.  Why would he offer to let me go with Jim?  He said he wants to go with me, but...

"Who knows?" She muttered to herself.  "Right now I've got bigger problems.  Like deciding what I'm going to wear."

"Are you sure you're okay with Di and Jim going to the dance together?" Hallie asked as they got ready.

"I suggested it, didn't I?" Trixie frowned.

"Yeah, I know.  It's just that I thought it might be a bit strange for you seeing Jim with someone else," Hallie commented.

"It's not like anything's going to happen between Jim and Di," Trixie retorted.  "So why should it bother me?"

"But if there was a chance something could happen?"

"What are you getting at Hallie?"

"Did you ever stop and think that the reason Jim came home and the reason he's taking Di to the dance is because you're going with Nick?" Hallie asked bluntly.

Trixie's face reddened quickly and she felt the heat in her cheeks.

"I-I don't think so," Trixie stammered.  "He told me it was time to move on and made it pretty clear we were just friends, nothing more."

"I know, I know," Hallie sighed.  "It just seems a little strange to me, and I wondered how you would feel if you were him."

Trixie froze.  How would I feel if Jim had taken someone else to one of our school dances?  Just the thought brought an ache to the pit of her stomach and she swallowed quickly.

"Why are you saying this?" Trixie demanded.  "I thought you wanted me to go with Nick?"

"I did, I do!" Hallie cried.  "But that's because you told me things were never going to happen with you and Jim.  But now that he's back, I can't help but wondering..."

"Well, don't," Trixie replied firmly.  "Concentrate on your own love life and I'll just concentrate on not tripping over in these high heels and making a fool out of myself again."

"Come in Nick," Helen said warmly.  "Trixie will be down in a minute."

"Thank you Mrs Belden," Nick replied, a little nervously.

"Call me Helen," she invited, eyeing the corsage in his hand with a smile.  "Have you met my husband, Peter?"

"I think so," Nick answered and reached out to shake his hand.  "Nice to see you again Sir."

"Good to see you too, Nick," Peter told him.  "Hallie and Trixie have been getting ready for hours.  For two tomboys, they seem to spend a lot of time getting ready for a school dance."

"They only started getting ready half an hour ago," Helen laughed.  "Oh, look.  Here's Dan.  Let him in Peter and I'll go and check on the girls."

Helen hurried up the stairs as Peter opened the door for Dan.

"Hi Dan," he greeted him.  "Helen's just gone up stairs to see what's keeping the girls."

Dan smiled in response and nodded to Nick.  "Hi Nick.  How are you?"

"A little nervous to tell you the truth," Nick confessed with a grin.

"I hear you," Dan muttered and looked down at the corsage in Nick's hand.

Dammit!  I should have thought of that!  Where's your brain Mangan?

"Here she comes," Peter announced and both men looked up to see Trixie coming down the stairs.

Dan raised his eyebrows in surprise and Nick's mouth formed an O as Trixie smiled at both of them.  Neither took in the details, all they knew was how well the chocolate coloured dress enhanced the curves of her body and shimmered in the light as she came down the stairs.

"Wow!  You look fantastic!" Nick breathed and Trixie blushed.

"You look great Trix," Dan told her and she wrinkled her nose as she felt her face begin to burn.

"Thanks," she mumbled.

"I-I bought you this," Nick stammered and held out the corsage.

"Oh Nick!" Trixie murmured.  "It's beautiful.  I didn't expect you to buy me a corsage."

Nick smiled self-consciously as Trixie opened the pack and pinned the corsage onto her dress.

"Can I make my entrance now?" Hallie called down the stairs and came down amid the laughter of her friends.

Dan's face lit up as she appeared in a loosely fitting burgundy dress, but Nick only had eyes for Trixie.

"Shall we go?" He asked in a husky voice.

Trixie nodded and smiled over at her parents.

"I'll be home by midnight," she told them.

"Have a good time."

"Drive carefully son."

"We'll see you there," Dan told them and Hallie waved goodbye

Nick's arm hovered behind Trixie, barely touching her as he escorted her to his car.  Parked next to him, were Jim and Di who watched them approach.

Di gave a small wave and Jim tried to smile as every muscle in his body froze.  She looked stunning and she wasn't with him.  He swallowed hard as Trixie smiled at him then turned to laugh at something Nick had said.

"Doesn't she look beautiful?" Di asked.  "Sometimes she just manages to outshine us all."

Jim could only nod as he watched the car drive away.

"Would you like to dance Di?" A brave junior asked.

"No, thankyou," Di shook her head politely and Jim watched the crestfallen junior walk away.

"Why don't you want to dance?" Jim asked her softly.

"I could ask you the same question," Di replied quickly.  "You haven't danced with anyone yet either."

Jim looked over to where Nick and Trixie were dancing and his frown deepened.

"I don't feel like it," he muttered.

"Well, neither do I," Di replied and they both lapsed into silence.

What the hell am I doing here? Jim asked himself angrily.  I could have stayed at college and tormented myself.  Now I get to watch it instead.

Trixie was having a great time.  We've danced almost every dance, she realised in surprise as Nick breathlessly led her off the dance floor and towards the refreshments.

"And here I was thinking you couldn't dance," Trixie remarked as he handed her a drink.

"I never actually said that," Nick laughed.  "I've just never had the right partner."

"Thanks for coming with me," Trixie told him seriously.  "I don't think I've ever had this much fun at a school dance before."

"Really?" Nick asked, incredulous.

"Really," Trixie assured him.  How many school dances had she gone to full of hope?  Why had they all ended in disappointment? 

She had seen her best friends have a wonderful time, but she had always gone home feeling cheated and more frustrated than before.

Trixie looked over to where Jim was standing.  He looked unhappy and she wondered what was bothering him.

Maybe I shouldn't have pressured him into talking Di, she thought.  Neither of them look like they're having a good time.

"We've been dancing all night," Nick began hesitantly.  "Did you want to dance with someone else, or would you like to go outside and cool off a little?"

Trixie turned towards Nick, her face flushed.  "Let's go outside.  There's no one else I want to dance with."

Nick smiled and escorted her outside, aware that Jim's eyes followed them out the door.

If he's really not interested in her, then why does he keep looking at us like that?  Nick wondered.  Brian doesn't seem overly protective, why should Jim be?

At least Trixie doesn't seem to be too interested in him, Nick thought with relief.

"Are you having fun?" Trixie asked, looking up at him.

"I'm having a great time," Nick assured her and made up his mind to forget Jim and just concentrate on Trixie. 

Not that I find that hard, he thought with a smile.

They found Dan and Hallie sitting outside on a bench enjoying the cool air.

"Do you mind if we join you?" Trixie asked.

"Take a seat," Dan offered.  "We were taking a breather."

"It's a great dance, isn't it?" Trixie asked.

"You seem to be having a good time," Hallie smiled.

"I chose the right partner," Trixie replied and smiled over at Nick.

"So she hasn't stepped on your toes yet?" Dan asked and Nick shook his head.  "You must have the right touch.  She always stands on mine."

"I do not," Trixie protested and stood up.  "Excuse me a minute, I'm going to powder my nose."

"I'll join you," Hallie said quickly and Dan grinned as they walked away.

"What is it with girls' going to the bathroom together?"

"So?" Hallie asked.  "You two look like you're having a lot of fun."

"We are," Trixie replied.  "He's a great guy, a good dancer and I like him."

"You like him?"

"Do you know this is the first dance I've been to where I didn't spend the whole time on tenterhooks hoping that something would happen between me and Jim?" Trixie remarked.  "Tonight I've actually been able to relax and enjoy myself."

"Even with Jim here?"

"It is sort of weird," Trixie admitted.  "But I know where we stand and it's starting to hurt a little less."

"So do you think something could happen with you and Nick?" Hallie asked.

Trixie's eyes widened in surprise.

"Hallie, we're just friends," she replied firmly.

"I think he'd like more than that," Hallie told her lightly.

Trixie frowned as they walked into the crowded bathroom.

"I've never really thought about it," she murmured.

"Maybe you should," Hallie suggested and Trixie turned her head away and began to search through her purse for something.

Me and Nick?  Could he really be interested in me?  He's a great guy, it's just that...

Trixie chose not to finish the thought and was happy to escape into the sanctity of one of the cubicles.

Hallie was waiting for her outside.

"Are you coming back outside?"

"In a few moments," Trixie replied.  "I'm just going to check on Di.  Tell Nick I'll be out there shortly."

Hallie nodded and headed back outside.  The evening had been going well for her and Dan so far.  Their relationship had returned to an amicable state and she had seen the way he had looked at her when she had walked down the stairs before.

I hope he'll take the next step tonight.  How else can I tell him it's what I want?

"So are you and Hallie together?" Nick asked Dan.

"Noooo," Dan replied with a rueful grin.

"But you'd like to be," Nick laughed.

Dan sighed and looked down at his hands.

"It's complicated," he admitted.  "She's a couple of years younger than me and I she's still grieving.  I don't want to take advantage of the situation."

Hallie came around the corner and stopped as she heard her name.

"Don't get me wrong, I really like Hallie," Dan continued.  "I just don't want her to get the wrong idea."

Hallie froze and a lump formed in her throat.  Oh God!  He doesn't like me like that!  How could I have been so stupid?

"But surely she wouldn't-" Nick began, but broke off as he caught sight of Hallie.  "Hey Hallie!  Finished with the secret women's business?"

"Something like that," Hallie forced herself to smile.  "Trixie's inside with Di.  I'm going back into join them."

"Are you okay?" Dan asked, noticing the odd expression on her face.

"Just a slight headache," she lied.  "I'm just going to sit down for a while."

"I'll come in with you," Dan replied, standing up quickly and Nick rose as well.

Hallie nodded slowly and turned to walk back in.  Dan took her arm and she froze and gently pulled away.

"I'm okay," she said through gritted teeth.

Dan raised his eyebrows in surprise and followed her inside.

"Hi," Nick smiled at Trixie.  "Are you ready for another dance?"

"Sure," Trixie answered as she saw Jim approaching them.  "Let's go."

Trixie took Nick's hand and Jim tried not to watch as he led her away.

"Having a good night Jim?" Dan asked as Hallie sat down silently next to Di.

"I've had better," he muttered and watched Nick holding Trixie in his arms.

"Why don't you ask her to dance?"

"I would if I could," Jim mumbled.  "But I've barely spoken to her tonight.  She seems rather preoccupied with someone else.  How long has this been going on?"

"Trixie and Nick?" Dan asked and raised his eyebrows.  "I honestly don't know.  They've been spending a fair amount of time together because of the school play, but I don't know if anything's going on between them."

Jim tensed his jaw and wished the ache inside him would go away.  Why was this so hard?  Why can't I just tell her the way I feel and make things work between us?

"Hallie?  Will you dance with me?"

Hallie looked up at Jim in surprise.

"Di doesn't want to and I'm going stir crazy standing here," he explained.  "Would you mind?"

Hallie nodded quickly and took his hand.  Dan watched with a slight frown as they walked onto the dance floor.

"What happened?" Di asked him.

"What do you mean?" Dan asked, sitting down next to him.

"She's upset about something," Di told him.  "Did something happen?"

"No," Dan replied slowly.  "Did she say something to you?"

"She didn't have to, I could see it in her face," Di murmured.  "Be careful Dan.  She's hurting enough."

Dan nodded slowly and watched her in Jim's arms.  She wasn't ready, he knew that now.  I was right to wait.  As much as I want her, I can't afford to push her into a relationship.

"You seem sad," Jim commented.  "Is everything okay?"

"Tonight hasn't quite been what I thought it would be," Hallie murmured, looking over his shoulder at Dan.

"I know what you mean," Jim mumbled.

"I guess Di hasn't been much fun," Hallie sighed.  "Sorry you got roped into this, but we thought it would be good for her."

"I don't mind," Jim assured her.  "That's not what's bothering me."

"I thought you and Trixie were just good friends," Hallie remarked, looking into his green eyes.  "At least, that's what she told me."

"We are," Jim insisted and sighed.  "Why does life have to be so difficult?"

"Tell me about it," Hallie groaned.  "We make a good pair, don't we?"

"You and Dan seem to be good friends."

"That's all we are," Hallie sighed.

"Maybe he doesn't want to rush things," Jim suggested.  "You're not going anywhere and you've been through a lot lately."

"Everyone keeps telling me that," Hallie told him.  "I just want to get on with my life."

"Do you think that's what Trixie's doing?"

"Could be," Hallie replied.  "But who knows what direction it will take?"

"How do you feel about swapping dance partners?" Jim asked suddenly and steered her towards Nick and Trixie.

"I've had a great time tonight Trixie," Nick told her. 

"So have I," Trixie smiled.

"I didn't think school dances could be so much fun," he continued.  "Do you think maybe we could do this again sometime?"

"What?  Another school dance?" Trixie asked in a teasing tone.

"No," Nick smiled.  "I thought maybe-"

"How 'bout we swap partners?" Hallie interrupted brightly.  "I want to go to school on Monday and tell everyone I danced with Nick Roberts."

Trixie and Nick looked at Hallie and Jim in surprise.  Nick looked at Trixie, who shrugged in reply and he gently released her.  Hallie quickly took her place and smiled at him.

"You didn't really want to dance with me, did you?" Nick accused her softly.  "I have a feeling it was more Jim wanting to dance with Trixie."

"I'm sorry," Hallie offered sheepishly.  "I encouraged Trixie to take you to the dance, but those two have some issues they need to sort out."

Nick swallowed hard and watched as Trixie smiled up at Jim.

"You look like you've been having a good time tonight," Jim remarked.

"I have," Trixie replied.  "Nick's a great guy.  We've been having a lot of fun together."

Jim closed his eyes briefly and pulled Trixie a little closer to him.

"We used to go to all the school dances together, even after I left for college," he said gently.

"You said you weren't coming home," Trixie replied in confusion.  "I didn't deliberately...  I wanted to come with Nick."

"I know," Jim murmured.  "But did you ask Nick because I wasn't going to be here, or were you going to ask him anyway?"

Trixie looked up in confusion; Jim's green eyes staring into hers.  She blinked quickly as she thought about his question.

"I-I didn't ask him," Trixie stammered.  "He asked me when he found out I wasn't going.  I didn't think to ask you..."

"I want you to," Jim told her.  "I want you to ask me.  I'll be here for you whenever you ask me to be, I want to."

"Really?" Trixie's eyes were wide and she could feel her heart beating loudly in her chest.  "Just before you left, when we talked, I thought..."

"I know," Jim replied quickly.  "And I'm sorry if I made you think that things had changed between us.  I don't want them to change Trix, I don't want us to grow apart."

"I'm so glad," Trixie breathed.  "I was so scared that you wanted to move on and find new friends."

"Never," Jim assured her.  "My home and my best friends will always be here.  Promise me that next time, you'll ask me?"

Trixie hesitated and looked up into his eyes.  The familiar rush thrilled through her body as Jim's green eyes smiled at her.  He does care for me.  This must just be his way of telling me.

She smiled and nodded happily.  Jim sighed with relief as she rested her head against his shoulder.  I wish it could be more than this.  If we can just make it through to the end of her senior year and then maybe...

"Thanks for a wonderful night Nick," Trixie told him as they pulled into the driveway of Crabapple Farm.  "I'm really glad you convinced me to go."

Nick smiled wistfully at her.  Something had changed after she had danced with Jim and the rest of the evening had not been the same.

"I had a good time too," Nick replied.  "Maybe we could do it again some time."

"Maybe," Trixie murmured.  "I guess I'll see you at the dress rehearsal next week."

"I'll be there," he replied.

"Well, goodnight," Trixie said slowly.  "Thanks again for a great night."

"You're welcome Trixie.  Anytime."

She nodded at him with a smile and climbed out of the car.  He watched as she walked up to her back door and gave him a quick wave before she disappeared into the house.

What did I do wrong?  He asked himself as he backed out of the driveway.  He's got this power over her that I just can't compete with.  I only wish...

He looked up at her window, where the light had just gone on.

"Goodbye Trixie."

And we'll all be lonely tonight and lonely tomorrow

The End