Chapter Ten
"I'm glad that's over." Nancy slipped off the makeshift dais, handing
her guitar to the waiting Cynthia with a sigh. "I felt so creeped out playing
in front of all these people who I used to go to school with. More, in
front of some of them I really hated."
"You played good, though, and they appreciated it." Copper assured
her. "I think whatever they thought of you before, they think only good
of you now."
"Like I care." Nancy snorted. "Hey, you're in a better frame of mind...what
did Aaron say to you?"
"Oh, just stuff." Copper smiled slightly. "He and I are gonna take
off, Nance...talk things through, okay? If the others ask, you know I'm
with him. He hasn't been drinking and nor have I - we're safe to drive."
"Okay." Nancy nodded. "I'm glad that you made up...I hope you made
him grovel."
"Not yet." Copper admitted. "But I might yet." She winked. "See you
later, huh?"
"Sure." Nancy agreed. "Later, Copper."
"Where's she off to?" Topaz asked, as Nancy rejoined the other two
band members on the dance floor.
"Off someplace with Aaron, just the two of them." Nancy replied with
a shrug. "I didn't ask questions. I think things are ok, though."
"As they should be, it's Christmas." Sylva dimpled. "And now I've done
playing, I'm gonna go find myself some hot guy to dance with...later, girls!"
With that she was off into the crowd. Nancy rolled her eyes.
"Great." She remarked. "Syl's on the prowl."
"I thought Dean was coming by here?" Topaz asked. Nancy nodded, glancing
at her watch and frowning.
"Yeah, he said so." She agreed. "Perhaps...perhaps his show overran?
Or he got caught in traffic?"
"Don't worry. He'll come if he said he would." Topaz assured her. "You
know that. Even if he only arrives at midnight...he'll be here."
"Guess so." A glimmer of a smile appeared on the younger girl's face.
"Least, I hope so."
"What is it you hope?" Cynthia rejoined them at that moment, sending
both girls a grin. "I saw Aaron and Copper leave together, by the way.
I trust all is well there."
"It seems to be." Topaz nodded. "And Nancy was talking about Dean."
"Oh, I see." Cynthia's expression became one of comprehension. "He's
late?"
"Well, no, just later than I thought he'd be." Nancy responded, looking
slightly uncomfortable. "I'm getting flustery and panicked, aren't I? Man
this was a bad idea...what if..."
"Shut up." Topaz ordered her, laughing. "Have some faith, and chill,
huh? Maybe you need a drink."
"Oh great, yeah. Get me drunk, that'll impress him." Nancy's tone was
laced with sarcasm. Topaz grinned.
"Who said I meant alcohol?" She replied teasingly. "Just something
to settle your nerves, that's all."
"Don't tease me." Nancy ordered. "I feel odd enough about him coming
here. About us being together in a public place where people will talk."
"Why does that make you nervous? I don't understand." Cynthia frowned.
"You like this guy, yes?"
"Yes." Nancy sighed, gazing at her hands. "That is the problem, Cyn.
I mean, I know he can do better. People are gonna say, what's he doing
hanging out with that loser?"
"Why are they gonna say that?" Topaz demanded.
"Because everyone always thinks of me as Aaron's loser weirdo sister,
that's why. This party confirms it." Nancy replied softly.
"That Clyde guy said you were a babe." Topaz objected.
"Hah." Nancy snorted. "Clyde. He used to call me the freak when we
were in school. Whenever he'd come and hang out at home and play basketball
with Aaron out back he used to say 'hi freak, how's it goin'? and laugh
every time. I hated it. And now, suddenly because I'm dressed up he can
talk to me like I'm a human being? What's that about?"
"You scored a point off him." Topaz told her. "You came in here looking
as good as you do, the lead guitarist in a successful female rock group...he
wasn't expecting that. And what's he? Same ol' same ol'. Right? The kind
of guy who is way beneath your notice. Yes?"
"Of course. He always was."
"Well, he knows for sure now that he hasn't a hope in hell of scoring
with you, and I bet he regrets it." Topaz's eyes twinkled. "The look he
gave you when Mack reintroduced you..."
"He was undressing me with his eyes, I hated it." Nancy shivered. "He
always was a sleaze."
A sudden commotion from across the hall attracted their attention and,
as she turned to see what was going on, Nancy was aware of some excited
whispers. Curious, she moved closer to the cafuffle to see what all the
fuss was about.
She soon realised it.
"Dean." She murmured, pushing through the crowd as a mix of relief
and anxiety swirled around inside of her. "I should have realised he'd
be recognised here...guess I wasn't thinking. Since Mack's from out of
state these days I didn't think that it'd mean anything to have Dean Stacey
at her party, since his show broadcasts in Cali and Cali alone at the moment.
I guess I didn't bank on her friends from here."
She slipped between two starstruck girls, reaching out to put a hand
on his arm.
"Dean?"
"Nancy." Dean looked relieved. "I couldn't see you...can we go someplace
less busy? I think I caused a bit of a stir."
He glanced around himself, evidently embarrassed by the amount of people
looking his way. Nancy blushed.
"I'm sorry, I didn't think." She admitted. Dean smiled.
"It's okay. I guess it comes with the job." he responded. "But I came
tonight to spend time with you, not half of California."
"Come with me." Nancy instructed. "Maybe we can get lost in the crowd."
"Let's hope so." Dean obediently followed her into the swirl of people.
"You look stunning, by the way. Am I allowed to tell you that?"
"I guess so." Nancy looked self-conscious. "Copper did my hair - you
like it?"
"I do." Dean nodded. "If Jewel ever splits, Copper should go into a
salon for sure!"
"I think she's been there, done that." Nancy said dryly, touching her
curls absently. "Here...it's more private over this way. I'm sorry again.
I totally didn't expect a stir like that."
"It freaked me a little." Dean admitted. "But it's okay. And I promised
you to come...so here I am." He eyed her expectantly. "What's next on the
agenda?"
Nancy looked sheepish.
"I don't know." She admitted. "Helpful, aren't I?"
Dean laughed.
"Very." He observed dryly. "But you'll do. You on your own tonight?"
"No...Copper took off somewhere with Aaron, but Topaz and Cynthia are
about and Syl's off to hook herself a stud for the night." Nancy responded.
"I just wondered if I had you to myself." Dean's dark eyes twinkled,
and Nancy blushed again.
"I seem to spend my whole life going red and feeling coy at the moment."
She acknowledged sheepishly, when he asked her if he had embarrassed her.
"Don't mind me. I guess I'm not used to all of this. But Dean, I am trying...you
do know that, right? I mean, I don't want you to think I don't...what I'm
trying to say is that you mustn't...oh hell, I can't do this!"
Despite himself, Dean grinned.
"Don't get tonguetied on my account." He chided her gently. Nancy sighed.
"I feel awkward." She admitted. "I know what I want to say, but I can't
make myself say it."
"Oh? Can you give me a clue?"
"I know we kinda agreed to go slow with things and see where they lead,
right? Back in Fall." Nancy began, twisting her hands together. Dean nodded.
"Yes, I remember. So?"
"Well, I...know it's been three months and we've not gone anywhere...or
changed anything and...I don't want you to get fed up and give up on me,
I guess. I...I like you a whole lot."
She dropped her gaze. "There, I said it."
"Well, I like you a whole lot too, Nance." Dean told her simply.
"Still?"
"Would I be here tonight if I didn't?"
Nancy raised her eyes to his, thinking this over.
"I guess...I guess not." She murmured.
"Well then, what are you worrying about?" Dean took her by the hand.
"Listen. I'm a patient person and I know that the best things in life are
sometimes things you have to wait for. I'm not the kind of man Blade was,
who'd take any woman going then move on to the next. I'm not like
that, Nancy. I'm not interested in chasing after some other woman, public
image or not. I know I want you...I'm hoping one day you'll want
me in return."
Nancy bit her lip.
"I do want you." She whispered. "I just don't know how to begin
things."
"Can I make a suggestion?" Dean asked softly. Nancy looked startled.
"Sure...go ahead."
Dean eyed her carefully for a moment. Then, very gently he kissed her.
"There." He murmured.
Nancy stared at him, a mix of emotions in her brown eyes. Then,
"That's your suggestion?" She managed.
"Well, I thought it worth a shot." Dean responded. "What do you think?"
Nancy hesitated, then she nodded.
"It's better than anything I had in mind." She murmured. "I guess...I
guess you can try your idea again."
"All right." Dean's eyes twinkled. Carefully he kissed her once more,
and this time Nancy found herself responding to it. For the first time
that evening she forgot that she was surrounded by people, many of whom
had caused her humiliation in the past. For an instant there was just her
and Dean, and that was all that mattered.
Across the floor, Topaz gave Cynthia a nudge.
"Way to go, Nancy." She murmured. Cynthia smiled, nodding.
"I love a happy ending." She agreed. "Especially at Christmas-time."
"You feeling a little more certain about things now?" Oblivious to
the attention the kiss had generated, Dean gently pulled Nancy to her feet,
and she nodded, taking his arm as she did so.
"I think so." She agreed. She laughed. "You know, it's dumb. I was
so nervous about kissing you, I was sure I'd screw it up so badly and you'd
hate me...but it all felt so natural!"
"What do you mean? Why would you mess up?" Dean looked confused.
"It...was kinda the first time I ever kissed a guy." Nancy admitted,
her expression one of sheepish embarrassment. "Well...I mean, apart from...apart
from Blade, and...well, that doesn't count. He...doesn't mean to me what
you do."
Dean let out a low whistle.
"Really? I had no idea." He responded. "Well, for a rookie, girl, you're
a natural!"
"You think so?" Nancy asked. "I mean, really think so?"
"Trust me." Dean winked at her. "So what do you reckon? Now we've taken
that step, are you ready to progress our friendship into something a little
more special?"
"I...guess I am." Nancy nodded. "If you're sure you want me."
"Silly." Dean laughed. "Of course I do."
"Holy..." From the doorway, Clyde shot Mackenzie an incredulous glance.
"I don't damn well believe it. Nancy Pelligrini and Dean Stacey? Tell me
I'm imagining it!"
"Tell me what the deal is with this Dean guy and I'll tell you." Mackenzie
replied.
"He's a television presenter, presents on a local channel." Clyde responded.
"Half the girls at work are crazy over him, he seems to have some kind
of hidden thrall for 'em that I just can't work out. Man, and Nancy's such
a weird little thing, even if she has grown up damn pretty. What's the
deal?"
"Guess he likes her." Mackenzie shrugged. "Not much more I can tell
you. This guy's a big deal in California?"
"Mm. Guess so." Clyde agreed. "Judging by what the girls at work say.
Man, you'd think they were all sleepin' with him, the way they carry on!"
"Maybe they all are." Mackenzie said dryly. "Let it go, Clyde. So Nancy
grew up good...what's the problem? She was never in your league, was she?"
"No way." Clyde took a sip of his beer.
"Well then?"
"I dunno." Clyde admitted. "Just unnerves me some, that's all."
"You ain't jealous, are you?" Mackenzie teased. Clyde shook his head.
"Of course not, dammit!" He exclaimed. "Just ain't normal, that's all,
for a girl as wacked as Nancy Pelligrini to land California's biggest showbiz
stud." He shook his head slowly. "The world's screwed up, I swear."
In the midst of the crowd, unobserved by the speakers, Sylva had absorbed
all this information with wide eyed interest. Though she and Nancy were
not always openly the best of friends, secretly they had an amount of respect
for each other, and gossip was gossip, after all. Neatly she stored the
data away for later, imagining with a smile the reaction it would bring.
"But for now, I've a party to rock." she mused. "So Nancy and her beaus
can wait!"
Christmas In California
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Copper, Nancy, Sylva, Topaz, Anna, Blade, Sirena, Aaron, Cameron,
Taylor, Gaynor, Sadie, Cynthia, Alan, Stefana, Luca, Maddie, Marissa, Clay,
Sophie, Justin, Zoe, Elliot, Rosita, Luis and any other characters in this
fiction which do not appear in the animated Jem series are copyrighted
to me (E.A Woolley) as of January 2002 <unless otherwise specified>
and are not to be reproduced without permission ANYWHERE. Sammi, Rose and
any of the other Teenangel Outsiders characters are copyrighted to Gemma
Dawn and appear here only with her permission. Jetta, Pizzazz, Stormer,
Roxy, Raya and all other original Jem characters are the copyright of Hasbro
Inc, Sunbow, Christy Marx and the other writers of the Jem series.
The names of the bands, the characters and the concepts in the stories
are entirely fictional and any similarity to any genuine musical act, situation,
person or concept is entirely coincidental. Jewel, Diablo, Sirena and the
other characters are NOT based on real individuals, either in the press
or in everyday life.