Empowered Ch 01

This is my first attempt at writing any kind of story. And this chapter is written as a prologue. Please post your valuable comments and don't forget to vote. All kinds of feedback is appreciated.

This story is a work of fiction. All characters in this story are above 18 years.

This story has been re-edited by a perfectionist. I'm really grateful to have madpaduk as my editor. Love you, madpaduk.

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A drop of sweat trickled down his wrinkled forehead, stopping at his eyebrow momentarily, threatening to fall in his eye, he wiped it with back of his trembling hand, his blood was rushing so fast through his veins that he wondered if everyone around him could hear his heart beating as his pulse pounded in his ears.

"Calm down Nick! You know you are going to pass," April said, placing a hand on his shoulder.

"And even if you don't, we will still be your friends," Steve said in an attempt at humor.

Nick looked at him with tense eyes. "Ass," he mumbled.

"Shut your dumb mouth Stephen!" April scolded and then turned back to Nick. "You are worrying too much. You'll do well, you always do," she said taking his hand in hers, rubbing it affectionately.

A sense of calmness spread over his body, this gentle gesture had always worked wonders for him. He remembered the lucky day when he first met April. They were just 8 years old and he was running around the neighborhood playing when he tripped over a stone and fell down. He was so embarrassed with all the kids laughing at him when suddenly a soft hand came at his aid, trying to help him up. He got as far as his hands and sat back on the ground and saw the angelic face of a girl, about his age, watching him with the kindest eyes he could remember seeing. He didn't know what to say, nervousness getting the better of him.

She asked softly, "Are you okay?"

Nick nodded rapidly, getting over his embarrassment.

"Yes. Thanks for the help. I just didn't see the rock."

The calmness returned as she took his hand again and started rubbing it. "It's okay! You don't have to be embarrassed."

He flashed back to the present and looked back at April giving her a faint smile. "Sorry guys, you know how my parents are, they expect me to top the class."

"Good luck doing that in this lifetime with Miss 'beauty 'N' brains' here," Steve laughed.

April slapped him on his arm. "Nick is quite capable, unlike you."

"Why are you always so mean to me?" Steve asked rubbing his arm.

"That's because you deserve it."

Nick smiled at his friends. They were always fighting but he loved them dearly.

"Yeah. I know April is far more intelligent than me. I'm just not sure how to face my parents when I go home," Nick let out his thoughts.

"You two are such dorks! I can't believe I'm friends with you two," Steve said shaking his head.

"That's because only we can tolerate you," laughed Nick.

"But seriously Nick, what's up with your parents? You're already 18 and they're still on your case."

"They love me a lot. I just don't want to fail their expectations."

"Holy fucking shit!" shouted Steve breaking the rather serious mood.

"Huh!"

"Look at those killer legs dude," Steve said blowing a whistle.

Nick saw two amazingly toned legs clad in a pair of skintight blue jeans that left little to the imagination walking away from him out of the school parking lot. He was mesmerized by the way those hips moved with each step and the expanse of the skin with the cute little dimples at her back left bare by the short T-shirt instantly caused stirrings in his loins and he immediately recognized the owner of that amazing body. She was arguably one of the most beautiful girls in the whole school. The only other girl who came close was standing beside him holding his hand.

"Dude, Katie is so hot!"

Nick nodded affirmatively. April just smiled and shook her head.

"Dude, what wouldn't I give to get her in bed?" Steve mumbled.

"You are such a horn-dog Stephen Taylor!"

"And you are the Ice Queen."

April cringed at the nickname she had cruelly earned growing up and looked at Steve, her face a mask of disbelief and rage. How could one of her best friends use THAT name and Steve knew immediately just how badly he had screwed up.

"I'm so sorry April, I didn't mean it."

Her eyes glazed over with tears forming at the corners until she was pulled in a firm embrace, which had the desired effect. She calmed down visibly and was so thankful to have Nick by her side. With him she always felt so protected, safe and warm with someone who never had and, she truly believed, never would hurt her. She rested her cheek against his chest, so firm, like a wall of steel and looked up in his brown eyes, staring directly at her. She held his gaze for a few moments enjoying how it soothed her and a shiver went down her spine. She jerked back suddenly and stood up to regain her equilibrium.

Nick wrinkled his eyes and nose, a quizzical look if ever she saw one but she flashed a smile and whispered a thank you and it was replaced with a huge grin and a set of perfect white teeth.

"I'm really sorry April," Steve said again.

"He didn't mean it April, he is just a dumb jock. Can't help it."

She knew Nick was mostly right. "It's okay," she said softly, allowing Steve to let out a sigh of relief. He knew April was a genuinely good person and she wouldn't hold the comment against him, despite all the stupid arguments they had, they always made up and forgave one another.

The tannoy system crackled to life and the announcement they had been waiting for was made, their results were now being displayed.

"Good luck!" they all said at the same time.

Nick gave them a nervous smile, April held his hand in hers and they started walking towards the display board, although for most of it she was dragging him with her. Steve followed them without a care in the world, this was something he had seen a thousand times before between the school's resident brainiacs. As expected, April was the top of the class, putting Nick into second place, Steve just about managed to pass the class.

In spite of the result Nick felt happy, although it took him a little while to realize it was probably because April was the one to beat him.

"Congratulations! You did it again," he said with a genuine smile.

"Sorry Nick!"

"It's okay April. I'm really happy for you."

"This is so unfair! They never give me good grades," Steve whined.

Nick looked at him with much the same look he had when April pulled away. "That's because you didn't answer much in the exams, dumb-ass!" he teased.

"Whatever," Steve said dismissively. "I don't care about these stupid exams. I'm going to get a Football scholarship anyways."

"True. If you continue the good form, you might get drafted for a professional team too."

"I'm the best dude! There is no way I won't get it."

"You've got such a big head already! I wonder what will happen if you really get a chance at pro football," April commented.

"It's called attitude, not a big head, you nerd!" Steve shot back at April.

"Oh, come on you guys! Not again. You know what? We have two months of vacation ahead. Let's start it with a party tonight!" suggested Nick.

"Awesome idea dude! Let's invite Katie too," Steve added excitedly

"Ha ha, like you are going to get lucky with her," Nick said poking fun at his excited display.

"You want to bet?" asked an incredulous Steve.

"Sure! What do you want to bet for?" inquired Nick, already believing in his victory.

"Ummm... Okay, how about loser does one task for the winner?"

"Alright, deal!" accepted Nick with a big smile.

"You know you are going to lose right? Katie doesn't even acknowledge a single guy in the whole school, except Nick," April snorted.

"Oh, no one can resist my charm sweetheart," Steve self-glorified.

April rolled her eyes. He had got himself into a losing battle. Serves him right for betting on someone, she thought, all I have to do is wait for the party to witness his downfall.