BEST FRIENDS MAKE THE BEST COUPLES (AN: This is my first 98* story. It centers mainly around Drew. I know very very few things about 98*. I changed ages, and basic facts of their lives around. Remember that. This is fiction. I can do what I want with my story. Anyway...enjoy!) "I have five more minutes before I meet Drew, Dad. Why?", Annabelle asked her father. "Because I wanna talk to you". "About what? Oh, can it wait? Drew just pulled up with Russ". "Okay. See ya, sweetheart". Her dad gave a little wave as Annabelle walked out the door. She saw Drew's little junker of a car and got inside sitting on the seat next to Drew. "Hey guys!", she said happily. "You're looking lovely today, as usual", Drew said as he looked Annabelle over. She was wearing short jean shorts and a white tank top, her favorite ensemble. Her dirty blonde hair was pulled up in a high poneytail. "How's it going, Sprout?", Russ asked Annabelle from the backseat. He was using a favorite nickname of hers. Annabelle was short, about 4'11", and round, about 145lbs. So Russ thought she looked like a little sprout. "Hey there Russell", Annabelle said using Russ' hated full first name. "Everythings going well. How are you?". "I'm tired and my hair is a complete and utter mess. Plus I'm going to school. How do you think I'm doing?". "Hair?", Annabelle asked looking at Russ' shiny bald head. "My head is too shiny today". "Your head is always too shiny. Grow some hair!". "I like my hair this way. 'Sides my hair would look even worse if it still existed". "It could get worse?". "Hey! Be nice". "Fine, but only this once". "Guys, are we ready to go yet?", Drew asked the two looking annoyed. "Why didn't you leave already?", Russ asked. "Cuz you guys always tell me when to go". "Away then!", Annabelle yelled. Just as Drew was pulling out, Annabelle's twin sister Annabella pulled her car in. "Hey!", Annabelle shouted out the window. "We've gotta go to school!". "I'll be back in a minute. I forgot my notebook", Annabella said as she jogged into the house. Although Annabelle and Annabella have many similarities they also have many differences. They stand the same height, have matching hair styles, and their faces are almost identical. But personality wise they are complete opposites. Also Annabella is a scrawny girl. She only weighs about ninety pounds. A few minutes later Annabella strolled out of the house. "Finally", Annabelle said loudly as they pulled out of the driveway. After reaching school, Annabelle and Drew said goodbye to Russ and headed off for ther first period class, English. The bell hadn't rung yet, so students lazily talked. Drew layed his head on his desk. "Drew?". "What?", Drew asked turning to Annabelle. "Nevermind". "What?". "Nevermind". "What?!". "I'm bored". Drew turned his head and talked to the boy sitting next to him. Annabelle poked Drew. "Drew?". "What?", Drew asked once again turning around. "Talk to me". "No". "Please, I'll be your best friend". "You already are my best friend". "I'll dance for you". Suddenly Annabelle stood up on Drew's desk indeed dancing for him. Drew watched a huge smile on his face. He was thoroughly enjoying the moment. "Drew?", he thought he heard someone whisper. It sounded like Annabelle but she was dancing for him. "Drew, you idiot, wake up before you get caught". "Mr. Lachey", A familar voice echoed. Drew opened his eyes and lifted his head off of his head. He had been dreaming. Annabelle had tried to wake him up. Now his English teacher was standing in front of him glaring down at him. "I'm glad you find my class so interesting. At least you were smiling. Next time sleep on your own time". The teacher then turned away and continued teaching. Annabelle poked him. "What were you dreaming about?". "Why?". "Cuz you were smiling and humming". "I don't remember", Drew lied. Annabelle then turned back to her notes. It was good that Annabelle didn't know about the dream. Besides the dream being weird Drew had secretly been in love with her for years, but was to nervous to approach her about it. He wasn't the best looking guy. He was average. Except he too was a little short. He stood 5'6". But most importantly Annabelle had a long time crush on someone who wasn't Drew. After that class Annabelle and Drew parted ways. Drew's next class was with Russ. It was gym. Drew went into the locker room and found his locker, which was right next to Russ'. "Hey dude", Russ said to Drew as Drew approached. "Hey man. What are we doing today?". "Same thing as yesterday". "Ultimate frisbee?". "Yup". "Is there a lot of people out there?". "Yep". "Who?". "Well... most of our gym class. Then the science class' are outside observing stuff". "Is Justin here?". "Yeah. He's back from vaca". "Damn!". "Uh huh. And guess who has science right now". "Annabelle has science now?". "Yes". "I fell asleep in English today. I was dreaming about her again". "Dude, you should ask her out. It's not like she's an out of this world figure. Y'all have been best friends forever". "And that's the problem". "But why?". "It'd just be too weird". "Why?". "Because I've known her forever, almost". "That should be the best part". "Huh?". "Ever heard the expression friends make the best girlfriends?". "No". "Well, it's an expression". The guys finished dressing and went outside. They walked onto the field and sat down. "Hey guys", Annabella said as she walked towards them. She sat down next to Russ. "Hey Bella", Russ greeted. Drew stayed quiet. He may have been in love with Annabelle but he couldn't stand Annabella. "Hi Russ. Hi Drew". Drew stood up and walked over to his gym teacher. Soon everyone was gathered up and seperated into two teams. Ultimate frisbee is a lot like football. You throw the frisbee to other teammates but you can't run with it. The object when you're on offense is to catch the frisbee in the endzone. If you're on defense you either want to knock the frisbee out of the other teams grasp or catch it before the other team can get it. If at any time the frisbee is dropped the other teams gets control of the frisbee. Drew, Russ, and Annabella were placed on the same team. Justin was on the other team. At one point in the game Drew was in the endzone jumping up and down yelling for Russ to throw him the frisbee. After Russ passed it Drew ran to catch it and missed it. It was a rather funny scene. Or at least Justin thought so. So he started laughing. Drew was about to punch him when the gym teacher stopped him. Instead Drew quietly told Justin to fuck off. After the game Drew went to say hi to Annabelle but was yelled at by her teacher. So he went inside and changed. When the last class of the day was over Annabelle went to her locker. She got her things and slammed the door. As she was turning she bumped into Justin Timberlake. The guy was perfect in her eyes. He was tall, with curly blonde hair, and blue eyes. 'God's gift to women', Annabelle thought to herself. Annabelle had had a crush on Justin since the sixth grade when she started junior high. Justin was a seventh grader. He ended up joining the Mickey Mouse Club. When the show was cancelled he came back extremely popular. Annabelle really didn't have a chance, but a girl could dream. Now she was a junior and he was a senior and his locker was right next to hers. "Hey Annabelle", Justin said with a slight smile. "Hi Justin. What's up?". Annabelle tried to remain calm. He knew her name. Wow! "Nothing much. Hey, I'm sorta flunking chemistry and I hear you're an expert. Do you think you could help me? Just tutor me for a while so I can pass". "Sure, I'd love to!", Annabelle said trying again to remain calm. "So, why don't we meet at the diner tonight at seven? That way we could catch a bite while we study". "Alright, that sounds great". "I'll see you then". Justin walked away. Annabelle let out a little squeal. Then walked outside to Drew's car. Drew was pacing by his car. He was talking on his cell phone. "Yep...I get it...of course I'll be there...no prob... I love you too, Nick...see ya, bro". He hung up the phone. "Hey Drewy", Annabelle said as she hugged her friend. "Was that your brother?". "Yeah". "What's up?". "My great grandma is sick. They think she may be dieing. Nick called to tell me he's gonna come by the house later". A tear escaped Drew's eye. "Oh baby", Annabelle said as she pulled Drew in for a hug. She stroked his hair lovingly. The way only Annabelle could. "I'm sorry". Drew pulled away and wiped his eyes. "I'm fine". Drew hopped in the car and started it up. Annabelle got in and sat in the passanger seat. Drew drove off not waiting for Russ, who had detention. When they got to Annabelle's house Drew pulled his car out front. "You don't hafta pull this macho crap, Drew", Annabelle said breaking the silence. "I know you're hurting. Just talk to me. I'm here for you. You're my best friend". She took his hand. Drew began to cry and Annabelle hugged him tight. "I love you", Drew whispered. "I love you too, sweetie", Annabelle said. Although she didn't know Drew's love differed from her own. Drew's feelings went way beyond friendship. Something deeper and more eternal. When Annabelle pulled away she gave Drew a pat on the shoulder. Then she gently stroked his cheek with her hand. "Are you going to be alright?". "Yeah. I'll be okay". Drew desperately wanted to kiss her, but didn't. 'She doesn't understand your feelings, numbnuts', Drew told himself. Annabelle opened the door but Drew her hand and pulled her into another hug. "Don't go". "My dad wanted to talk to me, Drew". "I want to talk to you". "Isn't Nick coming over?". "Yes, but I can't talk to him the way I talk to you. He's turned all frat boy on me now, since he started college". "Drewy, you're gonna be okay". Drew took in the scent of her. The smell of her hair, skin, perfume. Then he let go. Annabelle got out of the car and closed the door. She leaned in the open window. "Just call me if you need to talk, kay?". "Sure". "Oh, but not after seven". "Why?". "I have a study date". "With Russ?". "No". "Then with who?". "Justin Timberlake", she muttered quietly. "Who?", Drew asked confused. He hadn't heard her answer. "Justin Timberlake. Drew I know you guys don't get along too well...". Drew cut her off. "You didn't. You're not going to help him study, are you?". "Yes, I am". "But Annabelle...". "Don't but Annabelle me, Drew. I've had a crush on Justin since the sixth grade. This could be my chance to get to know him better. Maybe he likes me. You should be happy for me". "How can I be happy for someone who has such a fucked up taste in men?". Drew then drove away. "Crap", Annabelle said angrily. "I hate getting into fights with Drew and I left my backpack in his car. If only we didn't carpool to school each day. Damn environment! We try to save you and I lose my bag!". Annabelle went into her garage and got into her purple Dodge Neon. She pulled her car out of the driveway and drove to Drew's house, which was all the way across town. When she got there she noticed a red Jeep in the driveway. 'Nick's car', she said mentally. Annabelle got out of her car and went to knock on the front door. Nick answered the door. "Annie!", he yelled as he bent down, far to hug the girl. "Nicholas Scott Lachey, I haven't seen you in a whole year. How's college life?". "Great! Annie, you would not believe how many chicks I've picked up. Wow! They are everywhere". "Anybody special?". "Well, there's this one girl. She's a year younger then me. Ya know, a freshman. Her name is Jessica Simpson. She's really special. Actually she's in the choir with me. What a voice! But she has very strong morals". "Can't get her in bed, eh?", Annabelle said with a giggle. "How'd you know?". "Good guess. She must be a tough girl. How could anyone resist you, Nick". Annabelle playfully pinched Nick's cheek. "Oh hey, did you wanna come in?". "I guess. I need to talk to Drew". "After all of this time you still would rather talk to Drew". "It's not that. I forgot my backpack in his car. We got into a fight. Then he drove off before I could get the bag". "I'll go get him". Nick left to get Drew. Annabelle sat down on the bottom step outside. A couple of minutes later Drew came outside holding his car keys. He walked to his car. Then he unlocked the door. He pulled Annabelle's bag out and closed and re-locked the door. He walked over to Annabelle setting the bag on her lap. He began walking inside. Annabelle grabbed his pant leg. He turned around to look at her. "What?". "Drew, please don't be mad at me. This is petty. I hate it when we fight". Drew sat down next to Annabelle. "I'm sorry. You can do whatever you want. I just want to look out for you". "I know. You're a sweetheart". Annabelle patted Drew's hand. She had a strange yet strong urge to kiss him. So she instead gave him a hug, then she excused herself to say goodbye to Nick. Annabelle wasn't sure when the next time she saw Nick would be. Annabelle walked inside. She trudged up the stairs and walked into Nick's room. He was on the phone. "Later Jeff...I said I don't wanna talk about the future right now...College is more important... a month from now...yep...bye". Nick hung up the phone. "Hey Annie. That was a friend of mine back in LA. He's worried about our music group. Another guy quit". "Oh that's too bad". "So, what's up?". "I'm going home now. I wanted to say goodbye. It'll probably be a long time before I see you again". Nick nodded. "It's been a while". Annabelle sat down on the bed next to Nick. "I think you look happier. Do you still like that guy Justin?". "Yes". "Did he ask you out?". "Sort of". "Really?". "Uh huh". "What happened?" "Okay, this afternoon he asked me to help him with his chemistry". Nick laughed. "Oh, that sounded weird. I meant the class. But you probably knew that. I'm gonna meet him at the diner tonight at seven". "Well I'm glad for you". "Thank you. Drew didn't feel the same way". "He's a dick". Annabelle laughed. "Brotherly love. Drew was telling me that you've gone all frat boy on him. I guess I'm gonna agree. I asked you about college and all you talked about was girls. Care to talk about beer, partying, and sex?". "No. Hey! Making fun of me will get you nowhere". Nick took Annabelle's hand and swung it back and forth. He leaned over and kissed her softly. She kissed back, then pulled away. "We probably shouldn't be doing this. What would Jess say?". "Go Nick?". "Ha, ha. Whatever. If she's half as special as you say she is, she'll never speak to you again". "I'm sorry. It's just an old habit. A very good habit if you ask me". He kissed her again. "You know what was supposed to be a one time thing has transformed into a four year thing". "I know I'll quit". "We had an interesting relationship, ya know". ***FLASHBACK*** Annabelle and Nick sat down on Annabelle's bed. "This is a good idea. I'm thirteen years old now and you're sixteen. It's time I know more about men". "Are you sure, Annie? I mean this could totally change your life and your whole outlook on living". "I want to". ***END FLASHBACK*** "That was the only time I've ever done it with a virgin", Nick said. "I was always into older girls. But you're special, Annie. You always have been and you always will be. I think it's amazing that after all these years we're still friends. Especially since we slept together many more times then once. I'm glad it's our little secret. Nobody would understand". "You know you're the only guy I've ever slept with". "Really? The way Drew acts when he talks about you... I kind of expected you guys to be fucking". "No. Drew and I are just friends. Best friends. Like we've always have been and always will be". "I get the impression that he's in love with you, Annie". "No, he doesn't. He couldn't. I gotta go. Don't be a stranger, Nicky". She kissed him full on the lips. "Okay, that's the last time that's gonna happen. Unless we do get married when we're thirty. Ya know if we don't have anybody else". "Not to worry. I know you'll have somebody. I probably will too. Bye, Annie". "Bye, Nick. Be good to your great grandma. I hope she's okay". Annabelle walked out of the room. She came downstairs, then went ouside. Drew was still sitting on the steps. "Hey, what are you still doing out here?", Annabelle asked Drew. "It's a nice day. I just wanna sit outside". Annabelle hugged him. "I'll see you tomorrow. Bye, Drew". "Bye". Annabelle walked over to her car and drove home. When she got home her dad hollered to her. "Where the hell have you been?!", he yelled angrily. "I forgot my bag in Drew's car, so I drove over to his house to get it. Then Nick was there so I said hello and caught up on old times. Oh, I'm going out to the diner later with a friend. I'm going to help him study". "Who is him?". "His name is Justin". "Is Justin younger then you?". "No, he's senior". "Has he shown any interest in you?". "No, I don't think so". "Good. You can go. Do you remember when I said I needed to talk to you this morning?". "Yeah". "Are you a virgin?". "What? Why are you asking me this?". "Just answer the question, Annabelle". "That is none of your buisness". "Answer the damn question, Annabelle", her father yelled. "Yes, daddy. I am a virgin". "So, you lie to your diary regularly". "What?". Her father held up the small black book with the word diary written on the cover in gold letters. It was her diary. "What are you doing with that?", Annabelle asked trying to control her anger. "I was bringing your laundry into your room. I saw it in your drawer and got curious". "How could you? You have no right". "We'll talk about that later. You are a minor. Nick is twenty years old. I'm going to press charged". "No! Dad you can't. He didn't do anything wrong". "When was the last time you had sex with him?". "Last year, summer vacation". Annabelle looked down ashamedly. Her secret was out now and she felt dirty, really dirty. However, she still had to protect Nick. "I'm pressing charges". "Dad, you can't". "He corrupted you. How long has this been going on?". "Since I was thirteen". "That little prick". "It was my idea to have sex with him. You've seen Nick ...he's hot. I've known him for a long time, I mean his brother is my best friend. I felt comfortable with him. This was just going to be our little secret". "Do you love him?". "Not like that. He's a good friend. Definitely the most supportive. You can't get him in trouble, daddy. It would be wrong". "I'll leave it alone for now. But if it ever happens again I'm calling the authorities". "Okay". Annabelle went upstairs to her room. She layed on her bed and cried. What she had with Nick was wrong, Annabelle realized but it felt so right. At 6:30 Annabelle got ready. She only changed into jeans and brought her coat. She took her backpack and hopped in her car. She reached the diner at 6:50. Justin wasn't there yet. Annabelle ordered a coke and stared out the window. TO BE CONTINUED...