Jonathan was confused. What had just happened? He had stood up to Tommy and Steve. Had that really happened, or had it just been a dream? He walked, he didn't know where to. Suddenly, he was aware that Nancy was following him. He stopped and turned towards her.

"Look, Nancy, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to.. I didn't know why I did it, please forgive me. I understand if you hate me.."

Jonathan said. He didn't dare look her in the eyes.

"I'm not mad.. Just.. Thank you" She said. She had tears in her eyes, he saw.

"Are you okay?" he asked.

"I don't know.. I don't really want to go back to school."

"Me neither. I don't usually skip school, but if you want to you can come home with me, you know, until you feel a little better. I understand if you don't want to"

"No. I mean.. I want to" Nancy said.

Jonathan was stunned. They walked back to his house together, none of them saying any more.

Will was at school and Joyce was working, so there was no one at home.

"You want anything do drink? I think we've got a soda somewhere" Jonathan offered.

"Sure. Thanks" Nancy said and this time, she smiled a little, that wonderful, beautiful smile of hers.

Jonathan fetched them two coke's and they sat down on the couch. For a little while, none of them said anything. Suddenly, Nancy said: "Jonathan?"

"Yes?"

"I'm sorry."

"About what? You have nothing to be sorry for. I'm sorry, too" Jonathan said.

"No, it was all my fault.. Everything, with Steve and all."

"Steve. Yeah. Do you love him?" Jonathan asked. The question surprised them both.

Jonathan immediately regretted asking. He was about to apologize to her, when Nancy said: "I thought I did. But I suppose I don't. He's been a real jerk, not at least to you, and I'm so sorry for that. You don't deserve that. You're great."

"Really?" Jonathan asked, his cheeks suddenly warm.

"Yeah. I like you." Nancy said. Now she was looking at him.

"Thanks. I like you too."

For a while they just sat there in silence. Then they started talking about stuff that they liked, music, movies. After a while, Nancy said that she probably needed to go home, so she did. It had been the best day Jonathan had had in a long time.