Nicki See, Nicki Please Don't

Crystal's Note: HAAAAAAAY TM! So, this is rather short, but I wanted to post something up before I got sucked up *pauz*  into last-minute studying for my SAT exam. I take it tomorrow, so wish me luck guys! I really hope you enjoy this chapter. There is LOTS more to come and I promise I'll make these chapters longer. So stay tuned and as always, read on! 

Story Title: When We Were Young

Chapter Three: Nicki See, Nicki Please Don't

"What are you doing here?" Nicki asked as her eyes lingered over his parted lips. She couldn't help but admire how attractive they were and secretly imagined them on her lips. Jason noticed that look and was very familiar with it.

He smiled.

"Well, I'm a friend of Jose's. Tracey's man. I'm guessing your a friend of hers?" He answered honestly, waiting for the teenager to snap out of her daze. When Nicki finally came back to earth, she looked down at her shoes, feeling a bit embarrassed.

"Yeah, I am... uh, wanna come in?"

"If I can use the bathroom, of course." The older boy joked, making the infatuated brunette giggle after.

"Okay, I'll just ask Candi. Wait here?"

"I'm not going anywhere Nic. Take your time."

If Nicki could die and go to heaven every time he said her name, she would. That's what it felt like to the teenager. The small girl departed from the door then rushed into her best friends kitchen. Nearly knocking over the glass bottle of Vodka Candi found, Nicki grabbed her friend then started to squeal.

"Oh my God, you will never believe who is at your door!"

"It better be God, the way you almost knocked over my daddy's bottle of liquor!"

"Ugh forget about that! Just guess!" Nicki said, eagerly waiting for an answer. Candi thought about all of the people in her mind who would make her friend go ballistic.

Sadly, there was none. Unless...

"Jay? He's here?!"

"YES! Ahhhhhhh!"

"Girl, stop playing! He's really here?" Candi asked, clearly in disbelief. The beautiful girl nodded as TT joined them.

"Uh, Candi, there is a fine guy at your door and he said he needs to use the bathroom." She informed them, clearly clueless about the situation that was currently transpiring.

"Oh my God, it is him! Ahhhhh!"

"What the hell-"

"Nic, tell him to come in! Go!" Candi insisted, shoving Nicki out of her kitchen. The teenager nearly lost her balance as Jason came into view.

"So, am I allowed to use the bathroom or...?"

"Um, yeah, she said yes. Right this way." Nicki instructed, gesturing him to walk ahead. The girls poked their heads out of the kitchen door and felt their hearts flutter at the sight. TT's eyes almost popped out of her head when she realized who it was and why her two best friends were making such a big deal out of it.

"That's him?" She questioned, following his lean figure till it disappeared down the hall and into the bathroom.

"Yes, that's the guy I met earlier. That's Jason." Nicki said, feeling her heartbeat take speed for the hundredth time that day. TT began to swoon over his looks as Nicki waited for him to come out of the bathroom.

"Girl, how did he end up here? Did he follow you?" Candi asked. Nicki nodded no, keeping her eyes towards the direction of the bathroom.

"He's a friend of Jose's. He just came along with him I guess."

"Wait, if he's a friend of Jose's, he's got to be older Nic." TT realized, looking at Candi in worry.

"Yeah Nic, way older than you." Candi added. The sixteen year didn't seem to care. She simply stared ahead with a wide smile on her face. To snap her out of it, TT hit the small girl on her back.

"Ow! What the-"

"Look barbie, he's not for sell. So I suggest you leave Ken on the shelf." Candi said, keeping a serious tone. Nicki searched their faces and tried to understand what was happening.

"What? What do you-"

"Sorry to interrupt ladies, but thanks for letting me use the bathroom Candi. I appreciate it." Jason said, flashing her a quick smile. The seventeen year old quickly smiled back then waited for one of her friends to say something. With no luck, Jason turned his attention towards Nicki.

"Thanks for answering the door. I didn't think I'd see you again." He said, obviously happy that he did. Nicki blushed then felt his hand take hers. She watched him raise it to his face then kiss it softly. TT and Candi stood completely in shock as their friend began to mentally swoon.

"Um, your welcome?" Nicki replied, getting a small laugh out of the boy. His laugh was surprisingly upbeat and captivating, just another thing the brunette could obsess over.

"So, this hopefully won't be the last time we meet?"

"Hopefully." Nicki agreed. Candi, not liking the situation anymore, casually pulled Nicki away.

"Yeah, as nice as this is, you better go back to your friend and make sure mine comes back as well."

"Of course. Thanks again girls. Bye." Jason called as his eyes caught Nicki's and he smiled.

"Bye Nic."

"Bye Jay."

"BYE!" TT yelled as Candi practically pushed him out the door and closed it behind him.

"Didn't you know playing with Ken had an age limit?!" Candi exclaimed, approaching her friend. Nicki rolled her eyes then walked back into the living room.

"What are you talking about?" The teenager asked as TT spoke up.

"He has to be in his twenties. You're only sixteen."

"So?"

TT and Candi both looked at each other.

"So? Nicki, he's so not your age! He's older!" Candi yelled as Nicki sucked her teeth.

"Does that really matter? Jose is twenty-four and Tracey is my age! They've been going out for almost a year now." Nicki defended.

"Yeah, well Jose is also a Spanish man-whore who beats on his girl! Please don't let her situation become yours Nic. Please."

"Just because Jay is older? Y'all are ridiculous."

Candi sighed then sat on the couch. TT joined her, then Nic. The room suddenly became very quiet as the girls pondered in their thoughts. Nicki couldn't believe her friends. Just seconds ago they liked the idea of Jason and approved of him. And now, in just a matter of minutes, their entire perspective changed on him and she honestly didn't like it. If age was really the issue, then Nicki didn't care. If she and Jay were meant to be in each other's lives, then so be it.

Interrupting the three girls from their silent thinking, the front door opened and in came Tracey. The tall Latina had a newly formed bruise on her left eye and a deep scratch on her right cheek. She wiped away her tears and began to approach the girls. She sat in between Nicki and TT, then joined them in their silence. Candi looked at TT then both of them switched their attention on Nicki, who was successfully ignoring their stares.

TBC...

Surprise, Surprise

Crystal's Note: Hello aliens! This is the second installment of When We Were Young. I really hope you guys read and enjoy it! PLEASE tell me what you think, your comments mean a lot to me. Constructive criticism is always welcome, so don't be afraid to express your thoughts! Without further ado, read on! 

Story Title: When We Were Young

Chapter Two: Surprise, Surprise

It was exactly 4:34 PM when Nicki arrived onto Candi's block. As she reached the front of Candi's porch, a tall, built man that she had never seen before stood by the entrance to the building. Nicki paused for a moment, then took a few steps forward. She couldn't resist the odd look that she gave him when he began to stare her down. His eyes traveled from her face, past her chest, then all the way down to her legs. Feeling very uncomfortable, the teenager decided to speak.

"Scuse' me."

"Where you going?" The man asked, eyeing her quizzically. Nicki mirrored his facial expression and took this opportunity to examine him. His skin complexion was much darker than hers and his face was awfully sweaty. He had a mean look and gave her an extremely bad vibe. He was taller than her by a whole foot and seemed to glow under the dim light that descended from the worn out bulb above. If there was anything this man was, it was definitely scary. The sixteen year old didn't drop her defensive gaze, no matter how intimidating this stranger was. After a few beats, Candi showed up and pushed past the intruder.

"What the hell Marty! Why is your big ass just standing there, blocking the doorway and shit?! MOVE!" The feisty seventeen year old demanded, pulling her best friend inside. Nicki couldn't help but look back at the mystery man, wondering who he was and what he was doing here. Her imaginative mind began to wander as she thought about the possibilities. All the while, Candi continued to drag her along until they got inside her first floor apartment. It consisted of three bedrooms, a bathroom, living room and kitchen. It was a bit small, but the family couldn't complain.

"Don't ever be alone with him again, Nic. He ain't nothing but trouble." The brunette advised, keeping a close eye on her friend. Nicki looked down then began to twist her gold bracelet around her wrist. It was something she did when she was too much into her thoughts or nervous.

"Who is he? Why is he dangerous?" The teenager asked. Candi rolled her eyes and walked into her kitchen. Her best friend since 7th grade had always been this curious, always wanting to know the "how's" and "whys" instead of listening to the "do's" and "don'ts". Nicki followed close behind her then sat on the wooden stool near the kitchen island.

"Just don't be alone with him, ever. I'm mad I had to look out my window and see you standing there, stuck on stupid." Candi commented, getting a glass of water then pouring a glass of iced tea for Nicki.

"I was not! I just never seen him before. He looks like a creep and I-"

"NEEKI!" TT screamed, nearly attacking her short friend. She pulled Nicki into a tight hug then picked her up and spun her around.

"Bitch! You didn't tell me you were here! I was in the living room with Lauren and Tracey." TT said, keeping her arm over Nicki's shoulders. The Trinidadian beauty simply smiled then replied.

"Girl, I just got here. I had to walk my lazy ass down them long blocks too." She explained as the girls shook their heads.

"We all know how lazy you can be." Candi said as Nicki nodded.

"But not for no boy! I bet Nic would run laps for that." TT teased as Nicki playfully shoved her.

"Shut up, y'all are the thirsty ones, not me."

"Mhmm, okay Ms. Boy Crazy."

"Whatever. Hey! I almost forgot, I met someone today." Nicki announced, immediately catching their attention. Seconds later, Lauren and Tracey walked in.

"Oh, so y'all done started a party without us?" Lauren said, approaching Nicki so she could give her a hug.

"My bad, I had to go outside and grab Onika before Mr. Creepy-as-shit got to her first." Candi informed them, giving Nicki a stern look.

"Ay no mija! You have to be real careful with some of these guys in the neighborhood." Tracey, who was full-blood Puertorican, said. She had dark brown hair with blond highlights at the end, wore huge hoop earrings, and usually had excessive pounds of make-up on her face. She was the only Spanish friend the group had and they occasionally invited her to their get-to-gethers. Nicki hugged her next then decided to change the subject.

"So can I tell y'all about how I met some cute ass boy named Jay at the corner store or..."

"TELL US!"

Candi, TT, Lauren and Tracey all lit up with excitement and waited for Nicki to share her brief story about her new eye candy.

The Encounter

Crystal’s Note: Hey guys! Well, I’d like to start off by giving you some very important information, the first being that this story is a complete figment of my imagination and is in no way REAL. It never happened, only in my overactive brain that tends to take me to these strange places… ANYWAY, this story will focus on Nic’s teen years and how I perceive it to be. Just a warning, some topics may be a little sensitive to you guys in future chapters… trust me, it was sensitive for me but those specific scenes wouldn't leave me alone and begged to be written. That’s not until later though so I’ll definitely warn you when that time comes. For now, you should be safe. Well, I’m done with my rambling but if you have any questions or comments, PLEASE leave them on this page. I really want some feedback. Constructive criticism is welcome. Thanks for your interest and I hope you want me to continue. Enjoy!

Story Title: When We Were Young

Chapter One: The Encounter

“Mommy! I’m gonna chill at Candi’s today!” the short, brown-skinned and brown-eyed sixteen year old yelled. Her long waves of black, Trinidadian hair hung over her shoulders and passed each of her breasts. Since she liked to dress comfortably, her outfit consisted of black sweatpants that hugged her perfect curves, a white T-shirt and an old pair of white Nike's. The beautiful brunette gazed at her appearance in the mirror and made sure she looked decent. She made an animated facial expression, which caused her to momentarily giggle until her little brother came waddling into the room.

“Caiah’! Watchu doin’ in here, baby?” she asked sweetly, watching as he walked around, hardly having any balance. He was only eleven months old, but his first birthday was coming up soon. She suddenly remembered when she first arrived in New York from Trinidad, her birthplace. She randomly remembered when her mother decided to paint her walls a light purple. That was nearly twelve years ago and the teenager was extremely tired of looking at the faded, “butt-ugly” color. With a huge smile on her blemish-free face, Onika Tanya Maraj bent down and opened her arms so the small child could run into them. Micaiah Maraj pressed his small face into his sisters chest and stood there as she held him.

“Remember what I told you, Nic. No boys.” Carol Maraj said, making her strong presence known as she entered the room. Onika, who preferred to be called Nicki, rolled her almond-shaped eyes before responding.

“I know ma’, you said that like a hundred times already. I get it.” The teenager said with a hint of annoyance in her voice. Micaiah started to blow bubbles and smiled at his two main providers. Their father, sadly, wasn't involved in their lives as much as he should have been, due to some very personal issues that affected the family. At least that’s what Nicki thought. Carol, on the other hand, was too busy denying the truth.

“I’m just making sure it processes in that big head of yours.” Carol teased, bending down to give her daughter a playful shove. Nicki dramatically fell back and pretended to be hurt.

“OW!” she said, still holding the small child in her arms.

“Oh please Onika, I didn’t even push you that hard.”

“See what mommy did Caiah’, you could have fell out of my arms and it would have been all her fault.” Nicki said in her baby voice that she used to communicate with the child.

It was the mothers turn to roll her eyes as she watched her daughter stand up with her son.

“Give me the baby, I’ll let you go out but you need to be back by nine. Understood?”

Nicki nodded in understanding, flashing her mother an all-too-wide smile before she left the room. 

Remembering something, she called out to Carol before she was completely gone.

“Ma!”

“Yes, Nic?”

“Can we paint my room?!”

Carol leaned against the frame of the door while Micaiah took her gold necklace that had a cross pendant on it and desperately tried to put it in his mouth. Scolding him, Carol removed it from his tiny hands and held it as she spoke.

“Why all of the sudden? Did Candi, Lauren and Tyesha paint theirs?” The mother asked, carefully watching Nicki’s facial expression.

“No, I just want something new.” She responded.

“Think of what color you want and we’ll talk about it when you get back at nine. Not eleven, not twelve, but at nine o’ clock.” Carol emphasized, not breaking eye contact so her daughter would get the point. Nicki shifted uncomfortably in her mother’s gaze, remembering when she came back at nearly two in the morning last week and almost got killed because of it.

“Okay ma’, nine o’ clock.” She promised.

“Good, see you soon. Say bye to Caiah.”

“Bye baby!” Nicki cooed as she planted a soft kiss on her baby brothers cheek then watched Carol exit her room once again. She waited until she was gone and got out her phone so she could call TT. Since she got no answer, she left a voice mail instead while grabbing her jacket to leave. It was October 14^th, 2001 on a Saturday afternoon. The weather was just getting chilly and the leaves just started to fall from the skinny trees that stood outside her bedroom window. Turning off the light and walking outside her two-bedroom apartment, Nicki rushed her words as she spoke into the phone.

“Hey girl, it’s me Nic. I’m leaving my house now so tell Candi and dem’ I’ll be there soon. Don’t forget to save me some of your mom’s food. Make sure Lauren’s hungry ass doesn't touch it either. Bye!” With that said, she hung up and trotted down the long street. As she was walking she noticed an unfamiliar face in the front of the corner store. Nicki couldn't help but stare at his muscular build. His honey-toned skin seemed to glisten under the bright sun along with his soft brown eyes. He was about five feet and nine inches tall, which wasn't too tall compared to her. Well, she was exactly five feet now so that should count for something, right? He looked much older and mature, something the teenager admired right away. As he talked to his friends, he talked with such charisma and passion. Not realizing where she was headed, Nicki accidentally bumped into the blue mail box that sat just inches away from the group of guys in front of the store. He looked at her and rushed over as soon as he saw what happened. He had beautifully constructed facial features and Nicki seemed to get lost in them as he got closer. He gently grabbed her hand, making her profusely blush in the process.

“Are you okay?” He asked in a soft tone, genuine concern in his voice.

“Your eyebrows, their perfect.” Oop. Ugh, Nic! You’re fucking stupid! Her conscious sneered at her as she mentally continued to beat herself up for that embarrassing comment. Unknown boy just smiled again, which exposed his cute dimples.

Oh my gaaaaawd. He’s gorgeous.

“Uh, sorry… I don’t know why I said that.” She admitted, shaking off the thick cloud that seemed to fog up her brain at just the sight of him. Nicki looked down and melted at the realization that he was still holding her hand.

“It’s cool, nothing to be sorry about. You live around here?” He questioned, squinting his eyes at her. Nicki took note of how cute he looked doing that then tried hard to assemble an appropriate answer.

“Yeah, just down the block. What about you?”

Just keep it normal, Nic. Don’t scare him away.

“I actually live in BX. I’m Jason, but you can call me Jay.”

Jay, Ooo, cute name.

“Nice.” She replied, gazing at his soft eyes. They were just too enticing.

“And you are…?”

“Oh, Right! I’m Nicki, but you can call me Nic.”

“Cool. Then I’ll see you around, Nic.” Jay said, slowly letting go of her hand then smiled before walking back to his group. Nicki felt like the temperature around her just turned into a hundred degrees and decided to walk it off.

 Eeeeep!

Millions of thoughts came into her head, the most important being that she needed to rush to Candi’s house and tell the girls all about her new eye candy, Jason aka Jay.

To Be Continued…