so i've been debating on whether or not i should right my own fanfic.. i decided to and thought, hey why not? but its my first fanfic so its probably horrible and all.. but i still appreciate comments!

some of the details are twisted around to fit the story... but it might start to make a sense a little later on... i hope..

so here it is... Who Wouldn't Wanna Be Me?

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Chapter 1

“I’m through with standing in line to clubs I’ll never get in It’s like the bottom of the ninth and I’m never gonna win, This life hasn’t turned out quite the way I want it to be,” sang Candace’s iHome, signaling that it was time for her to get out of bed.

“Oh I’m with you Chad,” Candace mumbled groggily.

Not that Candace wasn’t pleased with her life; she just thought it would be totally different. In her childhood fantasies of herself as an adult, Candace didn’t picture herself waking up at 6 in the morning to get ready for school, not as a student but as the teacher. She never imagined herself not getting home from school until 4:45PM, sometimes as late as six, only to grade even more of her students’ papers.

But that’s what she did. Candace had agreed to take the job as an eighth grade right after she had finished college, thinking she would only be there for one semester, or a year at the most. Yet three years later, here she was, getting ready to take her class to downtown Chicago for their Class Trip, as it had been called.

“Hey, hey I wanna be a rockstar,” finished Chad Kroeger as “Rockstar” came to an end.

Now she really had to get up and get ready.

“I do too. I want to be a rockstar,” Candace said as she rolled over and opened her eyes.

“Hey Chicago, its 6:04 and time for weather with John Walters. How’s it lookin’ today Walters?”

“Well it’s looking like it will shape up to be a beautiful day- sunny with a high of 74 and low of 60, can you believe it? And not a hint of rain coming our way. Right now it is 58 at the Lake, 59 at O’Hare, 58 at Midway, 60 in Wheaton, and 60 in Aurora,” Candace’s radio announced.

“Humph, yeah right. Just watch, it will be 52 and raining like there’s no tomorrow,” Candace thought as she sat up and got out of bed. “The meteorologists have no clue what they are talking about.”

Ever since that first day in May when it had snowed, Candace had become very skeptical when it came to the whether. Sure some snow in March and April was normal for Chicago; after all it did have some pretty predictable weather patterns, but May? May. Seriously. Snow, in May. That was pushing it, even for Chicago.

Trying to get her mind off of the strange Chicago weather, Candace tried to focus on what the day ahead of her would behold. It was hard to believe, but her eighth graders would be graduating in a week, meaning it was time for the Class Trip, which was today. This year, the class would be taking a charter bus downtown where they would spend the day. First, the bus would take the group of students and parent chaperones to Navy Pier, where they would have brunch on one of the boats. After the boat ride, they would all walk along the Pier and would have the chance to go on some of the rides available, such as the ferris wheel, swings, and merry-go-round. Then the group would tour the downtown area making stops at Buckingham Fountain, Millennium Park, Lincoln Park Zoo, and finally ending at the Oriental Theatre. There they would get a private tour of the theatre and end the night by seeing Wicked.

“This is going to be a very, extremely, possibly painfully, long day,” Candace couldn’t help but think to herself as she took her morning shower.

After her shower, blow drying her hair, and putting on her makeup, Candace faced the difficult task of picking out her wardrobe. It had to be casual, but not too casual and comfortable since she would be wearing it all day downtown. But after much debate, Candace decided on a nice white skirt, a cute, orange cami with a white jean jacket over it, and white strappy sandals. She had to admit that she looked good. Real good. Her long, brown hair fell half way to her elbow, and when the sun hit it just right, her “chocolate brown hair looked like it had caramel highlights,” according to one of her best friends Hannah. Candace’s eyes, which she thought were her best features, where “the color of freshly baked brownies,” once again according to Hannah, were perfectly framed with long, black eyelashes. On top of that, her skin had a sun-kissed glow, still remaining from her vacation to Florida where she spent 99% of the time in the warm sun.

Who was she kidding? Candace looked hot. And she knew it.

As Candace was finishing up her breakfast of cereal, a muffin, an orange and coffee, her phone began to ring.

“Hello?” Candace answered.

“Yo, sis what’s up? Oh never mind that. What should I wear?” asked her frantic sister.

“Umm… Something casual and comfortable? I don’t know Tess. What is Kailey wearing?”

“Kailey is wearing…. hold on, let me check,” Tess said. “She’s wearing white capris, a navy blue baby doll and flats. How is that going to help me figure out what I’m going to wear?”

“Ok Tess, wear long flannel tan pants, with that pink lacy top you wore the other night. And please calm down!” Candace pleaded.

“Well Candy, you see, that might not happen soon because I’ve got to get Jordan downstairs for breakfast, I’ve got to get dressed, and we’ve got to be at school fifteen minutes earlier than normal, all because I had to be a chaperone for the trip,” Tess began as she got irritated. “You know I had conflicts today that kept me from chaperoning, but no. Because my kids are in your class and I’m your older sister and it is impossible for me to say ‘no’ to you, I’m chaperoning. I really do not want to chaperone Candy!”

“Well Tess, don’t complain to me! Complain to the other twenty-eight parents who wouldn’t chaperone,” Candace scolded her sister. “I tried my best to get the other parents to volunteer, but nobody would budge! So I thought I could turn to you, my sister, my role model, my friend. Besides,” Candace added, “it is going to be so much fun!”

“Fine. Only because my kids want to have a good time and because you are my little baby sister. I’m sure it’ll be fun. It’ll be fun… just as soon as I get my son down stairs for breakfast,” Tess sighed. “Oh, please do me a favor and cut all the crap about me being your role model. It is so annoying and it is not true. We’ll see ya at school Candy,” and Tess hung up.

“Oh yes. Today is going to be loads of fun. I just know it,” and with that Candace headed on her way to school.

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comments???

This is interesting, although I do have to ask, where's David?

he's got a special part in the next chapter...

Well then, bring on the next chapter!

Chapter 2


“When you're gone we want you all to know We'll Carry on, We'll Carry on, Though your dead and gone believe me Your memory will carry on Carry on,” Candace sang as she pulled into the school parking lot.

She set her things down on her desk and began to reread the itinerary that she had printed up for herself, as well as the chaperones, just so nobody got lost along the way.
Man was today going to be busy.

Candace needed to clear her mind and get somewhat relaxed before the parents and students arrived, so she took out her crossword puzzle book that she always had in her purse. It was the only necessity she really needed in her purse besides some money and lip gloss.

Before she knew it, the students began to hustle inside the classroom.

“Ok guys, I need everyone to get in their seats and listen up,” Candace said commanding the attention of her class. “We’re about ready to get on the bus, so far the weather is holding up so everything should be going along as scheduled,” Candace finished as she handed out the itineraries to the chaperones.

“This is just a brief schedule of what we’ll be doing today. As you can see, we’ll be having brunch on the boat first, then the trolley tour with a couple stops, followed by a special tour of the Oriental Theatre, and then ending with Wicked,” Candace briefed the parents. “After Wicked we will all be getting back on the bus, then head back home. Are there any questions?” she paused allowing everyone to look over the pieces of paper. “Good, and before we split into groups I want to thank you for giving up your time to join us,” as she said this her eyes lingered on her sister.

“Alright class! these are the groups you will need to be in as we stop along attractions…”

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Surprisingly, the day had gone by very smoothly. The kids all behaved appropriately on the boat, as did the weather surprise surprise, and everyone enjoyed themselves. A couple of the boys had asked Candace to join them as they rode on the ferris wheel, which she did. One of them commented, “Who are you and what have you done with our teacher, Ms. Higgens? You look nothing like her.” Apparently she wasn’t the only one who thought she looked pretty decent.

The trolley tour and stops had been enjoyable and passes rather quickly and before she knew it, Candace was instructing the class to get into the groups they were assigned to earlier, while she went to find out information about their private tour of the Oriental Theatre.

“Hey, are you with the Madison Junior High School group?” asked a man who was, to say in the simplest terms, completely gorgeous.

“Ahh… ummm... y-yes,” Candace managed to stutter out before regaining her composure. “Yes I am. I’m Candace Higgens, the class’ teacher,” she said as she extended her hand.

“Cool. I’m David, David Cook. I’ll be providing you with your once in a life time tour of the grand, historic, mesmerizing Oriental Theatre,” grinned David as reached forward and shook her hand.

“This guy is giving us the tour? Oh. My. God.” Candace thought to herself as she began to feel the heat rising in her cheeks.

The man standing in front of her was just, ineffable. He had dark hair that seemed to shoot out in twenty different directions, yet it didn’t look messy like he was a slob, it looked messy like it was supposed to be that way. His smile was divine, and it just made you want to smile back even more if that was possible. And his eyes. That was always the selling point for Candace. If the guy didn’t have good eyes then she really did not pay as much attention to them. A man’s eyes had to grab her attention, make her want to sit up straight and at attention like she was in the Army. Boy did this guy have good eyes. The moment her eyes met his, she immediately felt her back straighten just a tiny bit.

“What color are they?” Candace wondered to herself as she shook David’s hand. They were a beautiful mixture of brown and blue and gray. Wow. Now she was very pleased with her choice of wardrobe. “David. Hmm. I’ve always liked that name. David…” and her mind began to drift away slightly. “Snap out of it! Candace! Candace Antoinette Higgens snap out of it right this very second! You’ve only just met this guy, David… hehe David. OH SNAP OUT OF IT!” she mentally kicked herself. It had not even been a minute since they introduced themselves and already she was falling for him.

“So is that the group over there?” David asked Candace, bringing her back from her momentarily day-dream/ mental slap down.

“Yep. That’s the class right over there,” Candace confirmed. She slowly followed David back to the rest of the group and couldn’t help but think, “Hey, I will not mind following David around for the next hour.”

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ok... so not as "special" of a part as i thought in my head.. but its only chapter 2

Like you said, this is chapter two, so there's much room for more build up, however this was really good and David's the tour guide, now that's interesting. I like it. How'd he end up a tour guide? Very curious.

Cookies,

I have a hard time reading other stories while I write because I get confused and can't keep up but I thought this was cute. However, I do have to ask...where's Keith? Is he showing up as the bus driver?

lmao-

maddie

Chapter 3

“Excuse me, may I have everyone’s attention?” David cleared his throat and the group silenced. “Hello, my name is David Cook and I’ll be giving you your tour of this amazing, historic, beautiful, grand, exquisite, timeless, comely, ravi-”

“I think they get it Mr. Word Nerd,” said a short blonde girl.

“shing. Thank you Claudia for interrupting me, I was on a roll there,” David said sarcastically as some of the students, as well as Candace, began to giggle.

“Fine. I won’t interrupt you any more. I’ll just go back to the ticket booth, sit and ponder what my life has become while I eat one, or two, of your cookies,” Claudia retorted and walked away.

“You better not have any of my cookies!” David exclaimed acting as if he were really mad. “My mom made them especially for me,” he added quietly, acting all hurt and causing more giggles. “Now where were we?”

“you were rambling on about the theatre and how comely it is,” Candace managed to get out in between giggles.

“Yeah, and then you and the other lady got into an argument Mr. Cook,” added Thomas, one of the boys in the group.


oh right. Well I have completely forgotten what else I was going to say, so lets just start the tour, shall we?” David said. “One thing before we set upon our adventure of this exquisite theatre, please just call me David. Mr. cook is so formal and reminds me of my dad,” he added with a slight smirk.

“Hey, so this David guy seems pretty cool,” whispered Tess to her sister, “and I noticed that there’s no ring on his finger.”

“oh stop it Tess! Stop it right now! I am sick of you trying to set me up with ever eligible, good looking guy you meet,” Candace whispered back harshly.

Ever since college, Tess had taken it upon herself to play match maker for Candace and had been unsuccessful every time- with the exception of Nick Donati. Nick and Candace had actually gotten engaged, but it all fell through and it was not a pleasant ending.

“So you think he’s hot?” gasped Tess.

“I did not say that and you know it!”

“But you aren’t denying it either.”

Candace let out a long sigh and watched David talk about the stairways. then she finally said, “He’s definitely not hard to look at.”

Tess squealed, “Oh you should so get his number or something!”

“Just because David’s not married doesn’t mean that he doesn’t have a girlfriend. I mean look at him!” Candace exclaimed quietly, but not quiet enough. Just as she finished speaking, David shot her a suspicious look. Candace smiled back at and prayed that he didn’t hear what she had said.

“I am looking at him and I can’t help but notice that you are too. Quite often actually. And look at yourself, I mean you are gorgeous whether you want to believe or not Candace, and you don’t have a boyfriend,” Tess pointed out.

Candace let out another sigh. She hated it when Tess was right.

The two of them dropped the conversation after that and followed David as he skillfully spoke about the different features of the Oriental. He really knew what he was talking about and was very articulate. Candace liked that. Whenever someone had a question David would graciously answer it with a smile. Candace really like his smile.

---------------------------------------------

An hour later the group was back where they started and the tour came to a conclusion. Everyone seemed to have appreciated the knowledge David had shared with them and learned something new.

After all the thank you's it was time for the class to take their seats and await the beginning of the performance of “Wicked.”

while the class talked with each other, Candace went over to David to thank him personally.

“Hey, I just want to thank you for giving us a tour and sharing what you know with us,” Candace said.

“oh no problem, it was my pleasure,” David said as he make a slight bow, making Candace laugh. He loved her laugh… it was so infectious and soon he too was laughing. “I was kind of backed into a corner and had to do it if you know what I mean. You see, my mom is good friends with my boss, which is how I got this job, and my boss is good friends with the principal of your school. So when your principal brought up the idea to my boss, she asked my mom to ask me to give the tour and I couldn’t say no. But I enjoyed myself, so it’s all good.”

“The class had a good time, I can tell,” Candace smiled and went to explain. “when the kids are bored with something or someone they become fidgety and start to talk with each other, with disregard to the person speaking. You had their attention the entire time.”

“Well I’m glad to know that I didn’t bore them and that they actually paid attention,” David laughed. “What you? What did you think?”

“Me I loved it. I had no idea how much history this place had.”

“Ok, ‘cause I noticed that early on you were talking to one of the other women and looked really irritated.”

“Yeah, that,” Candace blushed.

“Dammit he did notice that I was talking with Tess. How could he not though? It’s not like I wasn’t being discrete. And he thought I looked irritated?” Candace thought to herself.

“I was talking with my sister, so that’s probably why I looked irritated,” Candace said coolly.

“I thought you two looked alike. You have the same shape and color eyes. But I know what you mean. Siblings are so obnoxious sometimes,” David continued. “So that means you have a niece or nephew in your class, huh?” David asked changing the subject.

“Yep. I’ve got both a niece and a nephew in my class. Tess, my sister, has twins,” Candace replied, somewhat relieved David changed the subject.

“That’s cool,” David said just as the lights flickered on and off, signaling the audience should take their seats because the show was about to begin. “Looks like I should let ya go now.”

“Looks like it,” Candace agreed. “I probably won’t see you after the show because we re heading back right away so…” Candace paused trying to think of what she should say.

“It was my deepest honor to give you a once in a lifetime, one of a kind tour of this magnificent place,” David said jokingly, sticking out his hand. “It was a pleasure to meet you Miss Candace Higgens.”

“And you too Mr. David Cook, a fellow word nerd,” Candace smiled as she flashed her crossword puzzle book and shook David’s hand.

“You… you’re… No way. You’re a word nerd too?” David asked surprised. He never would’ve guessed that about her.

“Yes sir,” Candace replied as she let go of David’s hand and looked down to find a crumpled piece of paper he had slipped into her hands. She glanced at him, giving him a questioning look.

“I don’t have a girlfriend,” David smirked.

Candace cocked her eyebrow and began to say, “Wha-”

“I’ve got exceptional hearing skills,” David whispered into her ear and walked away, leaving Candace standing alone and dumbfounded.

Candace looked down at the piece of paper and read, “David C- 940-5292” She smiled to herself and slid into an empty seat next to her sister, as the lights went down.




---------------------------------------------




Thanks, I'm glad you liked it.

How'd David become a tour guide???? well... part of it is answered in the update... the other part is coming up soon...





thanks maddie!

well.. Mr. Urban had to cancel an appearance due to previous mentions in another fanfic... lol jk jk.. he's already slightly here... the title.. Who Wouldn't Wanna Be Me, it actually kinda fits in the story.. lol

Keith the bus driver.. i love it! lol

very very cute. Now, there better be an impromptu preformance of David Cook as Fiyero in Wicked. BTW, good choice of shows. My second favorite one

okay, I'm only on the second chapter, but after the first sentence, I must ask you...


...Are you a My Chemical Romance fan...?

lol... yeah... David Cook as Fiyero... im lovin it already!!!

*gasp*

yes.. i love Wicked too... and the whole theatre with David's theatre background just seemed to fit and i had just heard a Wicked advertisement so.. it all works out!

thanx for readin




why yes i am!!!!!!!!

I looove My Chemical Romance so I was like "*squee's* OH MY GOD THE BLACK PARADE!" Then I got the song Headfirst For Halos in my head. Yes, in my world, squee is a verb.

hahaha i love it.. squee.. hehe...

ok so... the first part is David's pov and then its Candace's.... hope you like it!
*crosses fingers*


Chapter 4

“Why did Brendan have to be sick tonight- of all nights- and not bother to call in to tell anyone until 30 minutes before curtain?” David huffed has he got into his costume.

Just before Candace had come up to talk to him, one of the stage hands told David he would need to take Brendan’s part in the production seeing as he was the understudy.

“Candace…” David thought. “That look on her face when I gave her my number was priceless, a ‘MasterCard moment’ if you will.”

“Umm…” Claudia said slowly and softly, snapping David back to the present moment.

“Do you know something?” he asked the girl.

Claudia’s eyes shifted to the ground, as she became suddenly interested with the pattern of the floors.

“Claudia...” David said sternly.

“Maybe Brendan did call in sick with plenty of time before curtain,” she whispered, “and nobody could get to you until five minutes ago?”

“What time did he call?”

“Right after you took the group on the tour,” Claudia said.

“Five minutes until curtain people,” called a voice.

“Shit.”

“I should leave now. Bye,” Claudia said as she hurried away.

“Yeah. Bye,” David uttered, as he finished getting ready.

“Hey Cook what’s wrong?” asked a peppy, tan girl with medium length curly, blonde hair.

“Hey Desi. What do ya mean ‘what’s wrong’?” David questioned in return.

“I mean you look really pissed,” Desi clarified.

“Oh. Brendan’s sick and I just found out half hour ago,” David replied.

“Ah. I see then.”

“Yeah. I am really hating being the understudy right now.”

“Mmmmm,” Desi paused. “Well I’m up soon, so gotta go.”

“Break a leg, Des” David called.

“You too understudy,” she smirked.

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“This could be the start of something new. It feels so right to be here with you, ohh. And now looking in your eyes I feel in my heart the start of something new…” The TV’s on the bus blared the song “Start of Something New” from High School Musical, which, much to the dismay of the boys, the class was watching on their way home. At least some of the kids were watching it.

“Ohmigodyouaresooooocallinghim!” Tess squealed as soon as everyone had quieted down.

“Wow Tess I’m surprised you care so much,” Candace teased.

“Of course I care! You’re my baby sister and-” Tess never finished that sentence because she didn’t have to.

“Oh my gosh Tess come on. Just lay off of the whole ‘match maker finding the one true love of your life’ thing already,” Candace said.

“Fine, then I will. As long as you call David,” Tess reasoned.

“Of course I’m going to call David. He’s a really sweet guy, and a word nerd. I mean, when I heard that chick call him ‘Mr. Word Nerd’ I literally had to do all I could from jumping up and down and start acting all teenage girlish,” Candace said as she remembered that moment.

“I know. I saw how your face lit up slightly,” beamed Tess. Hearing this made Candace’s cheeks grow a slightly rosier color than usual. “I’m so excited that you’re going to call him. It’s like, don’t laugh, but it’s like I’m living vicariously through you.”

“We need to get you and your kids home to your husband,” Candace said, doing all she could trying not to burst out laughing.

“I love how you just emphasized the words you, kids, and husband, Candy,” Tess scoffed. “I am just really excited that you got his number, how’d you do it?”

“How did I do it? I didn’t.”

Noticing the look on her sister’s face, Candace continued on saying, “Once everyone was in their seats I went over to David to tell him thank you again and we just started talking.”

“About…”

“About how well he kept the kids attention. About how I looked slightly irritated when the tour first started, thanks to you,” she glared. “We talked about how he was cornered into giving the tour but ended up having fun, then the lights started to flicker so I had to leave and I was saying goodbye, and I kinda told him I was a “word nerd” as you other people call us,”

“Really, how did he respond to that?”

“David didn’t believe it at first. I had to show him my crossword book- that I have almost finished- to prove that I was a word nerd. Then we shook hands and he slipped the paper into my hand. He said, ‘I don’t have a girlfriend.’”

“Ha! I was right! I told you that he was totally single,” Tess squealed, again.

“Yeah well I was about to ask him what he was talking about because he gave me that smirk. You know the smirk I’m talking about right?”

Tess nodded.

“And then he whispered in my ear, ‘I have exceptional hearing skills’ or something like that, but the point is he must have heard us talking!” Candace said as she started to freak out again over what David had heard, or what he didn’t.

“Take a deep breath Candace and calm down,” Tess said calmly. “First, try not to over-analyze what happened. You do that too much and you shouldn’t, because you get all hyped up about nothing. Second,” she continued, “David obviously likes you ok. I mean, why else would he give you his number?”

Candace took in a deep breath, then said, “You’re right. I can be too analytical sometimes, so I will try my best to work on it. And as far as why David gave me his number? God I don’t know Tess. He could’ve meant it a- never mind,” Candace caught herself, “I’m about to get all analytical again.”

Tess laughed and hugged her sister. “I love you Candy!”

“Yeah I know. You don’t really have a choice do ya?” Candace smiled. “So when do you think I should call him?”

“Ooooooh!” Tess squealed. Again. For the third time during their conversation.

“Tess would you stop all this squealing nonsense! I feel like I’m on a pig farm!” Candace said, slightly annoyed.

“Sorry,” she replied apologetically. “I think that there is a 24 hour rule about calling a guy after you get his number.”

“Please don’t go all Patrick Dempsey ‘Made of Honor’ on me. You know how sick of that movie I am,” Candace glared.

“Hey- it’s not my fault that you had to go see with all of your friends at different times."

“A girl can only take so much of Patrick Dempsey in a ‘mini kilt’ as we now call it.”

Tess sighed,"You are hopeless you know that? But I’m being serious… Just call him tomorrow night or something.”

“David C- 940-5292. Tomorrow night, or something,” Candace said quietly, as her mind drifted to the movie playing.

“I gotta get my, get my head in the game. You gotta get'cha, get'cha, get'cha, get'cha head in the game,” sang teenage boys as they danced around while playing basketball.

I'm so lovin' this story.
You're doing great!
Keep it up cuz you've got me HOOKED!
lol

hey there! just read your fic....love it. and let me just say i got a word for your writing style....supercalifreakinawesome! yea i made that up on my own....took lots of hard work. but seriously i love it. keep up the good work.

p.s. your fic is totally kicking my fics ass

yay! u like it!!! im happy!

ook.. ive gotta get my ideas down for the next update.. thanks for readin!!!




im glad u love it! supercalifreakinawesome!!! i got a new word!!!! sweet!!!!! ur hard work paid off..

ok im workin on the next update

p.s. no. way. LIAR!!

I love this story! You're a brilliant writer - any chance of an update?

you kno i'd only work that hard for you

P.S.S. dude yes way! i can't freaking write cuz i'm waiting for your next upate. Where is that baby??

im glad u like it.. thanx.. im not really sure about my writing. i mean i think im a pretty decent writer... but brilliant????
its comin soon... it'll hopefully be long...



thank ya honey! i finally got ur word... but u ain't gettin it until u update... soon if i update (comin later tonight) u gotta update.. ya hear???

updated, sweet cheeks. now you are forced to update! haha. i will sit here like the hopeless puppy i am until you give me that update!!

Chapter 5

'Whew. just breathe Candace. Breathe, and pick up the damn phone. Breathe, pick up the damn phone, and dial his number.'

"Yo Candy!" Tess yelled. "Helloooooooo? Earth to word nerd!"

"Huh?"

"Are you gonna gawk at the receiver all night or call the guy?"

"Ummmm"...

"Ya know, I don't think David will appreciate getting a call if it gets any later."

Tess was right; it was already quarter till eleven. But then again, it was a Saturday night and he did work at the Oriental which was playing Wicked 24/7, or so it seemed.

"You have a great point Tess. It's almost eleven o'clock PM," Candace mocked. "Don't you have a family to get home to?"

"You are my family lil sis!" Tess replied innocently.

"Awww... cut the crap and go home to your husband and kids," Candace said all too sweetly.

"Clay has Kailey, Josh, and Riley so I could stay all night if I wanted to."

"What if I don't want you to stay?"

"Then you'll just have to kick me out- literally- which I know and you know you won't," Tess smiled.

Candace stuck her tongue out at her sister and shot her a malicious glare.

"Oh call the man already!" Tess practically begged.

"I'm scared to," Candace confessed.

"Don't be," Tess consoled. "If David didn't really like you, then why would eh give you his number and tell you that he doesn't have a girlfriend?"

"You've already told me that."

"And I'll keep telling you that until you call," Tess pushed the phone towards Candace.

Candace picked it up and slowly started dialing.

'9..... 4...... 0..... god why are my hands shaking?! 5.... 2...... oh my god! What'll I say when he answers... if he answers?' Candace's mind was racing.

"Just say 'hi' and ask David if he’d wanna hang out sometime," Tess said reading Candace's mind.

Candace smiled weakly. '9....'

"Well here goes nothing," she said out loud, "2."

Immediately the phone began to ring.

First ring… Candace just breathed in and out, trying to collect herself.

Second ring… She started drumming her nails on the coffee table in front of her, breathed in and out, and tried to collect herself.

Third ring… Her eyes began to dart nervously around the room, she drummed her nails on the coffee table, breathed in and out, and tried to collect herself.

Fourth ring… Candace bit her bottom lip, averted her eyes sot hey focused on her almost completed crossword book, she drummed her nails on the coffee table, breathed in and out, and tried to collect herself.

Fifth ring… Candace began to think of something to say when she left a message, if she would a leave a mes-

"Hello?" said a familiar voice.

"Hey Mr. Word Nerd."

"Ahhh, Ms. Higgens, my fellow word nerd," David laughed.

"Yes, the one and only, or at least I think so..." Candace said slowly.

David laughed again, "Are you forgetting who you are?"

"Nah, I know who I am," Candace giggled.

"Then why the 'I think so'?"

"The 'I think so' was me not knowing if there are any other Candace Higgens in the world."

"Oh I see. Well, if it makes you feel any better, you're the only Candace Higgens I know of." He added smugly, "And that says a lot because I know a lot of people."

"You do now?" Candace teased. "So I guess you're Mr. Popularity now."

"I thought I was Mr. Wor... Nerrr...."

"David?" Candace called.

"Ca... ace...."

"David you're sounding fuzzy," she paused waiting for a reply. Nothing. "Can you hear me?"

Once again, nothing.

"What happened?" Tess questioned.

"I don't know, something like bad reception or no bars I guess." Candace guessed.

"I guess," repeated Tess.

----------------------------------------------------

After two minutes of Tess and Candace staring at each other, baffled, “Rainin’ On Sunday” by Keith Urban could be heard coming form Candace’s cell phone on the coffee table.

“I wish you would change your ring tone Candy,” Tess complained. “I really wish you would.”

Candace mouthed, “Suck it up,” and answered her phone. “Hello?”

“Is it me you’re waiting for?” sang a voice on the other end.

“Ha. Ha. Once, I am not waiting for you, and two, those aren’t the lyrics to the song Mr. Smart Ass,” Candace laughed.

“Really? I thought they were,” David joked. “And so now I’m Mr. Smart Ass?”

“Now?”

“Yeah, like I was saying before you hung up on me…”

“Hey! I did not hang up on you!” Candace exclaimed.

“What happened then?” David asked her.

“I dunno… Bad reception? No bars?”

“Heh… we could be an advertisement for some service provider.”

“Whateves.”

“’Whateves?’ Come on who says ‘whatevs’ except for stuck up teenage girls who text too much? I mean, I though you were a word nerd.”

“I am offended,” and indeed Candace somewhat was.

“What’d he say?” mouthed Tess.

“That I’m not a word nerd!” Candace said covering the mouthpiece on the phone.

“Give me that!” Tess grabbed the phone from Candace before she could react and yelled into it, “My little sister is too a damn word nerd!”

“What?” said David confused.

“She went out this morning and bought like fifteen crossword puzzle book things and word searches or ‘search-a-words’ as I’ve heard her call them.”

“The books were on sale for 4 bucks! How could I pass up an offer like that??? And the search-a-word thing was a one time mess-up that no one, I repeat, no one has let me forget,” Candace defended herself.

“Ok ladies, I’m really confused now,” David said, talking to no one in particular. “Who am I talking to?”

Seizing the moment, Candace tackled her sister, who was a good two or three inches taller than her, and wrestled her to the ground desperately trying the get her phone back.

“Give…. me…. the….. fucking…. phone!” grunted Candace as she began to throw pillows from her couch at Tess.

“Oh.. ow! Ouch! The eighth grade teacher’s got a dirty mouth doesn’t she?” teased Tess as she avoided a pillow.

“Hey what’s going on over there?” David asked from the other end of the line.

“HA!” Candace celebrated as she managed to get the phone out of Tess’s firm grasp. “What now?!”

“Ummm.. Candace? This is Candace? You could explain to me what just happened?” David questioned more than stated.

“Riiiiiiiight, I’m so sorry David. My sister,” Candace glared at Tess, “stole the phone from me and I had to wrestle it from her evil clutch.”

“You are so over dramatic Candace,” Tess retaliated before getting up to leave. “See ya.”

“Bye hon,” Candace called after her sister.

“’Hon’?” David began but Candace interrrupeted.

“Yeah don’t start that not being a word nerd thing up again.”

“I wasn’t going to say that. I was going to say it’s a little early and weird to be calling me hon isn’t it?” David stated. “Plus I didn’t realize we’d be hanging up so soon.”

“Noooo. No no,” Candace laughed. “We’re not hanging up now and I wasn’t callin you hon. My sister was leaving and I was saying bye to her.”

“Oops, my fault. I didn’t know.”

“I know you didn’t know Mr. Smart Ass,” Candace said as she laughed again.

“That brings me to what I was saying before the whole ‘you and your sister started wrestling for the phone and my conversation’ thing, which I would’ve loved to have seen by the way,” David smirked, imagining what had just occurred between the two sisters just minutes before.

“I’m sure you would’ve loved to David, I’m sure. And you are quite the optimist if you think we were wrestling for your conversation. But please, continue,” Candace couldn’t wait to hear where this was going to go.

“Fine, just stay in denial Candace. First, according to you and Claudia, I’m ‘Mr. Word Nerd’ and then about 20 minutes ago you called me ‘Mr. Popularity’ right? You following Candace?” David asked.

“First I called you ‘Mr. Word Nerd’ and then changed it to ‘Mr. Popularity’. Go on.”

“K… so about 10 minutes ago I became ‘Mr. Smart Ass’,” David finished.

“You went from ‘Mr. Word Nerd’ to ‘Mr. Popularity’ to ‘Mr. Smart Ass’,” Candace recapped. “What’s the point you trying to make?”

“Pick a damn name and stick with it woman!”

“Alright, I’ll pick a name for you,” Candace said thoroughly amused. “You, David Cook, are….”

“Yes?” David, amused himself, was excited to see what Candace would come up with.

“Mr. Popular Smart Ass Word Nerd,” Candace declared, very proud of the name.

A roar of deep, genuine, infectious laughter came from David’s end and soon made Candace burst into laughter too.

“Isn’t that… a little… long?” David gasped for air.

“You’re right,” Candace managed to get out. “Let’s shorten to Mr. PSAWN. How’s that?”

----------------------------------------------------

After five more minutes of laughter, David asked, “So why did you call Candace?”

“You gave me your number?” Candace said while trying to find words.

“Indeed I did, with the intentions that you’d call me.”

“And I did…”

“To…?”

“See if you would wanna hang out sometime,” Candace finished.

“I thought you’d never ask!” David exclaimed in a mock voice.

“Haha,” Candace laughed. She could imagine David saying that with is little half smile/smirk, rolling those amazingly beautiful eyes of his, and it just made her laugh even more. If that was possible.

‘I haven’t laughed this much in a month, let alone one phone call,’ she thought to herself and smiled.

“Name a time and place and I’ll be there.”

“Great!” David beamed. “It’s a date!”


----------------------------------------------------



sorry i made u sit like a hopeless puppy ... this took soooooooooooooooooo long to type up... i think i've got carpal tunnel or somethin... lol... but hopefully the longness of it all makes up for the wait... hopefully..

I'm falling through clouds. I hope someone catches me and by someone I mean DC. You are a wonderful writer and I expect more to be posted soon. It'll keep me happy!

ook... i 'm workin on the next part right now... so it'll be up soon-ish.. thanx for reading!

Mr. Popular Smart Ass Word Nerd. HAH!! i love it. your so amazing at making words. YOUR MY HERO!! narly update by the way.

P.S. YOUR STORY IS STILLL KICKING MY STORIES ASS!!

haha.. yeah i loved that too. i was surprised i even came up with it.

glad u liked the update... i've got another one comin tonight.. maybe two... either one really really really really really long one... or 1 short one and a longer one.... might go with option #2....

P.S. NO IT IS NOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

P.S.S. lurkers... i no u r out there... please just leave a little comment.. even if u think it totally sucks.. please!!!! i no u r reading this.. i no u r... quit trying to hide!!!!!

ok, i'll admit it alex (yes, i found your name)...i am reading your kickass story. i kno, its tragic! but i hope you can forgive me. i'm am also guiltily waiting for an update...i'm sooo bad!

lol since u've been so nice.. i've decided to post part one of chapter....6?... yeah.. 6... part 2 will be posted after ive finished it!

---------------------------------

Chapter 6 (PART I)


“I could stay awake just to hear you breathin’ Watch you smile while you are sleepin’ while you’re far away and dreamin’”

“Of all the songs to play here, they play an Aerosmith song from the Armageddon soundtrack,” Candace mumbled to herself.

She and David had agreed to meet for lunch at Panera Bread on Monday, because that was the only day that really worked out the best for both of them. David had the day off, and Candace had a half day at school. The two of them found it quite ironic that they lived in the same town and went to the same exact coffee place in the morning around the exact same time, but had never once met.

“Well it could be worse,” a voice startled her from behind, “they could be playing ‘Baby Got Back.’”

Candace, as hard as she tried not to, bursted out laughing, “Oh god yes! That would be just perfect wouldn’t it?”

“So did you already eat or something?” David sat down and noticed that table was bare.

“No,” replied Candace. “I thought I’d be polite and wait for you to show up.”

“A girl with manners,” David smiled.

After a minute of awkward silence, David said, “I know we were just making fun of it, but I gotta say that ‘I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing’ is a really good song.”

“Yeah, I love it. I never saw the movie, but bought the soundtrack because of this song. It’s one of my favorites.”

“Haha, nice.”

Then, David and Candace both started to simultaneously start to sing softly, “Don’t want to close my eyes, I don’t want to fall asleep cause I’d miss you baby and I don’t want to miss a thing Cause even when I dream of you the sweetest dream will never do I’d still miss you baby and I don’t want to miss a thing” and they started laughing yet again.

“Wow,” Candace caught her breath, “you have a magnificent voice.”

“Thanks, it’s nice to hear that I don’t suck,” David laughed.

“You definitely don’t suck, that’s for sure.”

“I’ve been in a couple bands and I released an independent album not too long ago.”

“This is a stupid question, but was it any good?”

“It must’ve been; it won the Urban Tulsa Weekly's Absolute Best of Tulsa award for Best Locally Produced, Independent Album,” David said modestly.

“Here’s a belated congratulations! Wow. You have got to get me a copy,” Candace said standing up to get in line. “What’s the title?”

“Analog Heart,” David followed. “Thanks, and I’ll get you a copy.”

narly!! oh my god panera bread i love that place! especially their ice coffees yum....so is there going to be any...love exchanging.... in the back room possibly or our we going to keep it safe??...just kidding! i can't wait for the next update...alex...hehe!

Chapter 6 (Part II)

Once hour, a broccoli cheddar bread bowl, a club sandwich, two cokes, and on every large cookie later, David and Candace were talking like they’d known each other since they were in diapers.

“You are so easy and so much fun to talk to Ace, ya know that?” David grinned.

“Ace?” Candace raised an eyebrow.

“Yeah, Ace.”

“How did you come up with that?”

“You spell your name C-A-N-D-A-C-E right?”

“Yes….”

“See, I know another Candice at work and she spells her name C-A-N-D-I-C-E.”

“I am not following this,” Candace said bluntly.

“You spell your name A-C-E… Ace…” David said slowly trying to get his point across. “Get it now?”

“I. Am. An. Idiot.” she said, stopping after each word.

“You’re not an idiot Ace, you’re just slow,” he finished taking a bite out of his sandwich. “Hey! Ow!” David recoiled as Candace kicked him in the shin. “That hurts!”

Candace grinned, pleased that her kick had caused some pain.

“Candace kicked me!” she mimicked in a fake British accent. “Aha…. ooh…. ouch. Ouch. Ouch Candace,” she smirked. “OOOOOOOWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!” David glared at her. “Candace!” she said in her fake British accent, “That really hurt!” she let out a little giggle, “Candace kicked me. And that really hurt Candace,” Candace said trying to be serious, but started laughing again.

“Funny Ace,” David glared. “Hilarious.”

“Oh I know,” Candace grinned. “I’ve heard that for the past two weeks, and nothing but.”

“Sucks,”

“Oh yeah.”

“So I never got to ask you about Wicked,” David changed the subject.

“What about it,” Candace replied tearing off a piece of her bread bowl.

“Did you like it?”

“I loved it! I know it has been in town for a couple years, but I’ve never had time to go see it. I was thrilled when Marge, the principal, told me that we would be seeing it.”

“What did you think about the show?” David inquired.

“I loved the plot and everything. All the performers were amazing.”

Hearing that made David smile to himself.

“Except for one guy,” she paused.

‘Uh-oh,’ David thought. “Which guy?”

“The guy who played Fiyero. He seemed totally off during the dancing parts, very awkward. He was a great singer and performer, just not dancer,” Candace told him. “Why do you know him?”

“I guess you could say that…” David replied.

“Well, the next time you see him, tell him that some eighth grade teacher suggests he go take some dance lessons or something.”

“You just did,” David mumbled.

“Pardon me?” Candace asked.

“I was playing Fiyero that night.”

“You weren’t listed in the program,” Candace choked.

“Yeah, I’m the understudy for Fiyero, as well as a backstage hand. And Brendan was sick that day, and nobody told me until just after we finished speaking.”

Candace was sure she was a major shade of deep red by now.

“So you think I need dance lessons?” David joked.

“I am so, so, so, so, so sorry David. I didn’t know that was you and… oh my gosh… I’m sorry” she stuttered.

“Hey it’s fine. I almost never get a truly honest opinion. Forget about.”

“Really? Are you sure?”

“Positively.”

“In that case,” Candace began.

“Here it comes,” David sighed.

“You should definitely sign up for some dance lessons. It was obviously awkward up there. I actually had to do all I could to keep myself from laughing.”

“Anything else?”

“Yes. You have amazing stage presence. Purely amazing. I could not keep my eyes off of you,” Candace stopped.
‘Oh no. Did I really just say that out loud? Good job Candace! Good job!’

“And just when you were turning back to your normal skin tone,” David smiled. “You really think I have amazing stage presence?”

Candace nodded, afraid she would say something even more idiotic.

“Thank you.”

“So, how did you wind up in Chicago?” Candace changed the subject. “You mentioned something about Tulsa earlier?”

“I was raised outside of Kansas City, MO and then after college moved to Tulsa to follow music opportunities.”

“I see, so I guess you’re a Royals fan?”

“Yep,” David beamed. “So what are you? North Sider or a South Sider?”

“White Sox all the way baby!”

“Interesting. Why?”

“Because I prefer to support a team that can win World Series less than one hundred years a part,” Candace stated matter-of-factly.

David let out one of his genuine, infectious laughs. “Well said, Ace, well said.”

“We’re gonna kick your Kansas City asses when we play you.”

“Nahh. Only in your dreams.”

Sighing Candace said, “So you go from Kansas City to Tulsa.. to Chicago? How does that work out?”

“One day I got a call from my mom saying that one of her friends in Chicago was looking for employees to work at a theatre as backstage hands, and they could audition for a role if they wanted to,” David explained. “Since I couldn’t say ‘no’ to my mom, I moved up here, took the job, and got an understudy role.”

“That means you must have a theatrical background then.”

“I was in a couple plays in high school, and had a theatre scholarship but ended up dropping it.”

“Makes sense… sort of.” Candace said.

“So, are you and your sister close” David asked, breaking a few minutes of silence at their table.

“Very close. I’m pretty sure we’ve shared everything,” Candace answered.

“Everything?”

“Everything. Except boyfriends of course.”

“Yeah.”
“She is kinda like my best friend more than my sister really. We’ve gone through good times, hard times, happy times, horrible times and we both helped each other get through it,” Candace smiled. “What about you? Any siblings?” Candace asked, not wanting to get into any details. She wasn’t ready to share that much with him, at least not yet.

“Two brothers. One older, Adam, and one younger, Andrew,” David answered.

“Middle child?”

“That’s me. We’ve gotten through some of the worst circumstances because of each other. I really don’t know what I would do without them. My brothers, my whole family really, they are my rock. I’d simply be lost without them.”

“If I didn’t have Tess, I really don’t know how things would’ve turned out for me. She’s been there for me when nobody else was…” Candace drifted off.

“I used to have this weird superstition when I was growing up and I’d put my brothers’ initials on everything for good luck. You name it, it had ‘A.C.’ written on it somewhere,” David said remembering growing up. “Eventually I had it tattooed on my arm,” he showed Candace the “A C” on his left arm.

“Whoa, look at what time it!” David pointed out.

“How long have we been sitting here?” Candace asked.

“I do not know. A couple hours at least.”

“Yeah, well I better get going, we’ve got graduation Friday and I do not have anything to wear.”

“Typical girly stuff,” David rolled his eyes.

“Shut up, I might just kick you again,” she teased.

“I need your number,” David said as they stood up to leave. “You’ve got mine already.”

“Ok, hold on a sec…” Candace fished through her purse trying to find a pen and paper.

“Thank you Mr. Popular Smart Ass Word Nerd,” Candace said as David held the door open for her.

“You are welcome Miss… uh….” David thought. “Give me a couple more days.”

“Alrightey then,” Candace said.

“This was a lot of fun Ace, maybe we could do it again?”

“I think we could do it again,” Candace said as she gave David the napkin that had her scribbled phone number on it. “But I should tell you,” she whispered in his ear, “I do have a boyfriend.”

Now it was David’s turn to look dumbfounded as Candace walked towards her car.

Candace got into her car and turned it on. ‘Wait, he already has my number. He called me back after it all got screwed up,’ she thought to herself just as “Rainin’ on Sunday” began to ring.

“Hello?” she answered.

“Are you listening to the radio?” David asked.

Candace turned up the radio.

“You have got to be kidding me!” she practically yelled.

“You were kidding about having a boyfriend right?” David asked unsure.

“Yeah.. And you already had my number!”

“I forgot?” David smiled. “See ya lata Ace.”

“Don’t forget that CD you promised me!”

“I won’t.”

“See ya.” Candace hung up and laughed at the radio.


“I like big butts and I cannot lie You other brothers can’t deny…”















i love panera too.... i could live on that... and David Cook... but thats a whole other story...lol... keepin it safe.. for now... you'll see why later....

ok *SQUEE* later....I CAN'T WAIT!! haha. and ACE. jesus you just keep making up words. your on a roll baby! keep up the sweet work....maggie wants more!

maggie wants more??? well maggie will get more once alex gets more!!!!!!!
Ace... that i got from watching Candace Parker (who is from same town as me therefore i'm a big fan of hers and incase u didnt know shes a WNBA player) and her nickname is Ace... cuz of how she spells her name... and i got the inspiration from Gilmore Girls... Logan calls Rory Ace.. hehe...

no i gotta go make up a word for Candace.... hmmm...

i think i followed bout half of that...haha. and i'd help you with the whole word thing but uh...i'm not as creative as you i hope alex gets more soon cuz maggie's about to update!!

maggies about to update??? *does happy dance and claps hands like guy from best week ever after David said he'd style the guy's hair*

lol yeah.. that was a lot to follow... basically i stole it from someone else the whole Ace nickname.. i thought it would be really cute... she's Candy and Ace and Miss..... wups.. u gotta wait to find out

and i keep forgettin this... i LOVELOVELOVELVOELVOELOVELOVELOVELOVE ur avatar!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! where's that pic from????

ok i will update tomorrow because i got distracted!! maggie's sorry! and that's why i'll never play donkey kong again!!!

haha my avatar...um..i think i got it off photobucket. i'm glad you appreciate it! david is just tooo adorable!

he is!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! tooo adorable for his own good.....

ook..... u and David can stay away from donkey kong together

soo... is anyone actually reading this???? lol.. probably not.. i understand though.. too many good stories on here.. mines like...dull and pales in comparison to the rest... sorry for my ramblings..

I'M READING IT AND I ABSOLUTELY ADORE IT!!!!!!!!!

PLZ CONTINUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

YAY! someone else besides maggie is reading it!!! and commenting letting me know they read it!

ill continue soon....got half of the next written up... i was waiting to see if anyone else was reading... now i gotta go finish it!!

Cookies,

You need to update this. Seriously. I love this story.

I love Wicked. I love Panera (I eat just bread there XD). I love My Chemical Romance. I love David Cook.

I love this thing a lot.


*uses the heart thing to bring this back to life* Clear!

UPDATE NOOOW!

Hey, I'm reading, too! I lost it for a while, but I've found it again now! Yippee!

yes yes... lots of love goin on.

thanks for reading.. and reviving my story. i think it needed it



Yippee! im glad you found it. again. and that your reading it.

an update shall be coming tomorrow *starts singing the infamous song* i just gotta do some edits on what i've already got.

ALEEEEXXXX!! HONESTLY!! I UPDATED MY STORY! WHERE'S YOUR UPDATE WOMAN?!? MUST I BE FORCED TO KILL DAVID?? DON'T MAKE ME DO IT...I'LL DO IT!!!

DON'T KILL DAVID!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! HERE IT IS! JUST... JUST PUT THE KILLING SCENE AWAY AND READ BELOW!!!!


...so I think this is a filler. I know where I want this to go, but I don't know how I want to get there. I think this lays the ground work for future updates... if people are still reading... but you guys are smart so I'm pretty sure you'll be able to guess what part is going to need to be stored for future references. umm... I don't think i have anything else to add to the intro except... Thank You to my FOUR count them FOUR lovely readers! to quote our favorite Cookie, "Thank you seems so trite right now"
to any lurkers out there reading.. please comment! i know you are there! this has 385 views! (yes i did just check!) please comment though! even if it is horrible! i need to know!

so... i think i have done enough... here's chapter 7 of WWWBM (and everyone who reads it gets a free twinkie )


Chapter 7

“Welcome to Starbucks, what can I get you today?” said an enthusiastic, yet geeky looking short blonde haired man with a unibrow and glasses wearing a black and green apron.

“Could I get a tall late with an extra shot of espresso,” ordered David.

“That’s all you get?” Candace didn’t even try to hide the look of shock in her face.

“That comes to $4.07 and it will be ready for you around the corner,” the Starbucks employee said.

“Ummm… yeah that’s it,” David handed the man money and tried to supress a laugh after getting a glimpse of Candace’s shocked expression.

“How may I help you?” the man was now talking to Candace.

“I’ll have a Mint Mocha Chip Frappuccino with extra whip cream and a blueberry muffin, please.”

“What size?”

“Venti”

Now it was David’s turn to be utterly shocked at Candace’s order. There was nothing wrong with a frappuccino, or a muffin. But the size…

“Alright, that’s $8.98 please.”

“Here ya go,” Candace gave the employee, whose name she noticed was MJ, exact change.

“Here’s your muffin and your frappuccino will be ready around the corner.”

“Great, thanks. Whaat?” Candace had just noticed the look on David’s face.

“Morning person?” David blinked.

“I’m sorry, but I need my Starbucks fix every morning,” she tore off a piece of her muffin.

“I get that. There’s nothing wrong with getting your caffeine for the day, but vent Ace?’ David picked up his latte.

“You got a problem with that?” Candace got her frappuccino and led the way to small, empty table in the front of the popular coffee joint. “Besides, it’s only 165 milligrams of caffeine.”

David sighed and changed the subject knowing that he wouldn’t be able to get his point across. “So you come here every morning?”

“Every morning at 7:29 on the dot, for the past three years. With the exceptions of holidays, weekends, no school days, and sometimes the summer mornings when I want to be a normal person and sleep in.”

“You got it down to the minute. Wow,” David chuckled as he sipped his latte. And I have never noticed you here.”

“Yeah, weird isn’t it? Weird that two people who go to the same coffee shop, at the same time, on the same days never noticed each other.”

“Definitely. But most of the time I’m either too involved in my thoughts, or my crosswords to notice any of the other customers. Or I’m just too tired,” he added.

“Likewise here.”

After a long pause of sipping beverages and eating muffins, Candace spoke up, “You want to know what else is weird?”

“Hmm?” David nodded.

“I have been a loyal customer, coming here for three years as I said earlier, and that employee has always been here. He’s always been the one who would take my order,”

“That’s not weird,” David interrupted. “Well, it kind of is weird that the poor dude has been here for three years and hasn’t gotten a real job, but other than that it’s not very weird.”

“No, that’s not what I was getting at. And that’s not weird, it’s just depressing. But, I have never noticed what that man’s name was until today,” Candace said.

“Well then, Ace what is the depressing, geeky, overly enthusiastic kid’s name?”

“MJ,” she laughed. “You’re so heartless Cook.”

“Heartless? Me?” David acted insulted. “I am offended Candace.”

“Yes, you. I’m sure you are offended, when the one who has the right to be offended is MJ.”

“Well, how is MJ going to be offended, when he does not know what he should be offended about?” David questioned.

“I’ll go and tell him that you think he’s a depressing, geeky, overly enthusiastic kid,” Candace joked.

“You wouldn’t” he gasped dramatically.

“I would,” she replied, just as dramatic.

The dramatics kept going back and forth between “You wouldn’ts” and “I woulds.”

Finally David ended it and said, “Well, MJ kind of reminds me of my brother, so I guess that’s why I was so, quote, ‘disheartening,’ end quote.”

Candace bursted out laughing.

“What? What is so fucking funny?”

“One, I can’t believe you just compared MJ to your brother, and Two I can’t believe you just used air quotes,” Candace laughed.

“He does. MJ reminds me of my little brother, I can’t help it. And what is wrong with air quotes? Air quotes are the most amazing hand gestures aside from ‘rock on’ ‘peace out’ and flipping people off!”

“That is a huge insult to your brother then. The only thing wrong with air quotes is that they went out of style about a billion years ago.”

“Look who’s being ‘disheartening’ now!” David exaggerated the air quotes.

“Huh? Would you stop with the air quotes!” Candace was getting slightly annoyed with the air quotes, but was a good, “hey that’s actually kind of funny but I don’t want you to know that I think that” annoyed.

“Never mind. No, I like the air quotes,” he smirked. “MJ reminds me of my brother Andrew, except Andrew’s neither short nor blonde. And he doesn’t have a unibrow. And he doesn't wear green and black aprons. I don't think...”

“Whatever,” Candace finished up her muffin and frappuccino. “I better get going before I’m late.”

“K, same here,” David raised an eyebrow and slightly opened his mouth as if he was going to add another comment.

“Oh what now?”

“I can’t believe you finished that in 20 minutes.”

Candace threw her muffin wrapper at David’s head and began to walk towards the door, silently giggling to herself.

“Yo, Ace! Wait up!” David called after Candace.

Candace abruptly spun around and ran into David in the process, who was standing right behind her.

“Ouch,” David moaned as he massaged his nose.

“Sorry,” Candace mumbled rubbing her forehead. “What’s up?”

“Here,” David handed her a small square covered in wrapping paper, still messaging his nose for extra dramatics.

“What’s this?”

“A ‘new-found friendship’ present,” David used air quotes.

Candace smacked him on the side of his head and opened her present.
“You remembered!”

“I try my best to keep my promises. Talk to ya later Ace,” he hugged her. “Have a good day at school. Learn something new!” David laughed, doing his best motherly impression.

Hey, so I just finished reading all 7 chapters, and the verdict is....I think it's really cute!! Wicked, Panera, Starbucks...all things that I love. Not to mention, I love that that he calls her Ace. I was going to ask you if you watched Gilmore Girls cause that's what it reminds me of, but then I scrolled down and saw that it was your inspiration. Love GG and Logan and Rory! It's soo sad that it's over...

Anyway, looking forward to your next update!

Yay, update!
Liked it a lot. :]
Can't wait for the next one!

awww that was cute! they soo wanna bang each other. i can see it in David's eyes. i think you should give the man what he wants alex.....

update now now now!

yeah.. im sad that its over too... i still watch the re-runs on ABCFamily though! lol. cant get enough of it
thanks for reading! i've got an update in the works.. later tonight there could be an update.




im glad you liked it! next ones comin up tonight.



hmmm... do they? idk... we'll just have to see what David wants.. cuz what David wants. David gets.

tonight!

alright. My dedicated awesomefantasticalicious readers! Here is the update, as promised. I'm really excited for it. This one has major significance, which you shall learn later on.
This is rather long too. The next update I think will be short. And then medium. And then.... hmmm. Haven't gotten that far yet.

please comment after you read. it helps me figure out and plan ahead. Should I stay with my style? Change it? Throw in a monkey? haha. just kidding about the monkey... maybe..

ANYWAYZ! you've waited long enough.. so here it is!


Chapter 8

So the mornings of the following weeks all started out with the same routine of David and Candace meeting at Starbucks and having random conversations with topics ranging from family to favorite colors, weather to Paris Hilton, music to the hardest crossword puzzles, and politics to the latest youtube video.

“The Chiefs? Oh come on!” Candace scoffed has she chewed her muffin.

“What’ wrong with the Chiefs? At least we didn’t screw up the Super Bowl,” David sipped his latte and stole a bit of Candace’s muffin.

“Hey!” she smacked David’s hand away from her muffin. “At least we got to the Super Bowl!”

David rolled his eyes, “But you lost, to the Colts, by… what was the final score?”

“Shut up! We’ve still got one some of the best, Devin Hester and Brian Urlacher for example. Besides, ever heard of the Super Bowl Shuffle?”

“I don’t dance.”

“That still doesn’t mean you haven’t heard of it. But, a little well known team, the ’85 Bears were responsible for it. Speaking of the ’85 Bears, what about Walter Payton and Mike Ditka? Huh? Huh? That’s what I thought.”

“God you are passionate about the Bears.” David chuckled.

“Yes I am. ‘They are who we thought they were!’” Candace grinned.

“Hahaha. I love the Coors Light commercials they made outta that. Hilarity I tell you.”

“Hey, so guess who’s coming to Chicago on July 19?” David asked.

“Hmm?” Candace sipped her venti frappuccino.

“The Royals. I’m getting tickets and we are going. I don’t care if you have plans for that day; we are going to the game.”

“Oh, so what David wants, David gets?” Candace said.

“That’s right.”

“It’s a date then. I’ll be sure to bring extra tissues for you for after the game.”

“You mean for you right?” David smirked. “’Cause the Sox are going down.”

“In your dreams buddy-boy!”

“I’m just going to ignore that last comment, Ace.”

“You do that. So is there any sports team we can agree on?”

“You a basketball fan?” David inquired.

“Of course! I played it for... wow... I played it for seven years, first through eighth grade. And I’m a huge Candace Parker fan. I love the fact we have the same name.”

“Bulls. I’m a diehard Bulls fan.”

“Aha! We can finally come to a sports agreement! The Bulls may not have been the best team this year…”

“But they are still the best in our book,” David finished.

“Or fanfics,” Candace muttered.

“What was that Ms. Disheartening Air Quote-Hating Starbucks Obsessed Sister/Phone Wrestling Hangs Up On People Word Nerd?”

“My, my Mr. Popular Smart Ass Word Nerd, didn’t it take us more than a couple days to come up with a name?” Candace teased.

“Yeah, well, I had nothing to work with until lately,” David defended.

“Excuses, excuses.”

Candace took another sip, more like a gulp, of her frappuccino and let out a long sigh.

“What’s up,” David asked.

“Well, today’s graduation. It all ends tonight,” Candace slightly laughed at herself. “When darkness turns to light it ends tonight, it ends tonight,” she sang.

“So that means that you didn’t have school today?”

“Correct.”

“Then why’d you get up early and come here?”
“Because I wanted to,” Candace continued taking the hint of question in David’s face. “I don’t know, but I really enjoy these little random morning chats of ours. I’ve had a, for lack of a better word, stressful year, and it’s just nice to have someone to talk to without getting ‘the look’ if you know what I mean.”

“Yeah, I do,” David replied quietly noting the distant and sorrowful look in Candace’s eyes. “I’m always here if you want to talk. About anything. I’m here for you Ace.”

“Thanks David. It is good to have a friend who doesn’t know about the past year, and I don’t mean to leave you hanging or anything. I just…”

“I don’t have to know. You can tell me about whenever, if ever, you want.”

“I will tell you, just, later,” Candace laughed and thought out loud, “We’ve known each other for like, two weeks, you’re already one of my best friends. Is that strange?”

“No, not all!” David laughed. “You’re one of my only friends here.” ‘Friends…’ he sadly thought to himself.

“We need to get you out more Mr. Cook!”

They both laughed more. After about another couple minutes of a comfortable silence, David said, “You know Ace; you’re not half bad yourself.”

“What?” Candace asked, a little too quickly.

“I mean, you’re a pretty decent singer.”

“Ohh. Thanks. But I’m not half has good as you are.”

“Nah.”

“It’s true! I’ve been listening to Analog Heart almost non-stop lately. I’m becoming obsessed with it!”

“Obsessed? So you like it?” he joked.

“I hate it,” she said sarcastically.

“So…” David said hesitantly.

“I don’t have one.” Candace read his mind.

“I see.”
“So I’m just going to go through all the songs and tell you what I like, and dislike about them. But there really isn’t much I dislike. Honestly.”

“Honesty is always the best policy… or so I’ve heard,” David grinned.

“Yep. I’ve heard that too! What a koink-a-dink!”
“So starting off with ‘Straight Ahead’ I think that of all the songs, that was the best one to be the first track. I’m a sucker for amazing lyrics and kick ass guitar. And let me tell you, that is kick ass guitar! The chorus is infectious. I started singing it in class the other day and you should have seen the looks on the kids’ faces.”

Candace laughed remembering that day. It was only Tuesday and she was going over the graduation ceremony. The class wasn’t paying attention, and she was tired, so she just started to sing, “So take a minute just to breathe, and think of everything you wanted and what you got instead,” and then when she looked up, the class was staring at her.

“So to summarize ‘Straight Ahead’ it was the perfect song for track one, it’s got kick ass guitar, and the chorus earns strange looks from kids when you sing it,” David summed up.

“Yes. Now, ‘Don’t Say A Word,’ Candace began. “Once again the guitar in the beginning is wonderful. You sound great during the chorus, specifically the first line, ‘So don’t say a word that I wouldn’t say.’”

“’Don’t Say A Word’ has great guitar and vocals.”

“’Fall Back Into Me’ was probably what I thought was my favorite song on the album. ‘We've been here before we'll be here again so go on and rest your head before you lose it again’ hook, line, and sinker. And I absolutely love how you sing ‘so now I’m bloodied by my fists, clenched, swingin’. The lyrics are amazing. It was the first song that I memorized on the album, which took about 4 times for me to listen to it.”

“So,” David began, “You really like this song, specifically the lyrics ‘so now I’m bloodied by my fists, clenched, swinging’”

“Specifically how you say the lyrics,” Candace corrected him.

“Ok, how I say them. And you listened to it over and over and memorized it. Got’cha.”

Candace sighed, “So now that brings us to ‘The Truth’.”

“Uh oh,” David said. “That doesn’t sound too good.”

“Really? It sounds good to me. ‘Your laugh intoxicating’ is my #1 favorite line in that song. I absolutely love this song. And I love ‘if you wanna know the truth you make or break my day If you wanna know the truth I wouldn’t have it any other way’ I swear!” Candace grinned ear to ear.

“If you made me pick a favorite song right now, I would have to pick ‘The Truth’ I love it that much. I could ramble on about this song, so I’ll try and keep it short. Because I if I say too much you won’t be able to shut me up. And now I’m getting off topic. Dammit!”

David laughed, “That’s alright.”

“Ok… I’m going back to the song. As I said before, I am a hopeless sucker for lyrics, and this song has perhaps the, once gain for lack of a better word, best lyrics I have heard in a song. And I have heard a lot of songs. ‘If you wanna know the truth you make or break my day’ at about 3:15 when it’s just you and the guitar, oh my god. I fall to pieces. And then from there on out I just... I just loose myself. You sound flawless, perfectly flawless, until the end of the song. When I have a hard time falling asleep, like last night for instance dreading today, I listen to ‘The Truth,’” Candace finished.

“Wow. I didn’t think you were serious when you said that you could go on about that song. And does that mean that 'The Truth is boring and makes you fall asleep?” David joked.

“Hey! No! It just helps me rela-“

“I’m just kidding Ace. Just kidding. So that is your favorite song basically?”

“Of all time,” she smiled.

“Of all time? Thanks. If you like that guitar part towards the end, I did an acoustic of ‘The Truth’ and you would probably love it. I’d love to play it for you sometime,” David said timidly.

“I’d love that!”

“Ok. We can arrange it later. So if memory serves me right, ‘Searchlights’ is next?”

“Memory serves you right. With ‘Searchlights’ I will admit that I wasn’t a really big fan of it at first. I would periodically skip it and go to ‘Porcelain’ but after I forced myself to listen to it, it decided that I do like it. It’s a good song, good solid vocals.”

“So it grew on you? Ha, you sound like a judge on American Idol,” David said.

“You watch American Idol? You don’t strike me as the kind of guy who would,” Candace thought out loud.

“I will watch it. My brother keeps wanting to audition, but wusses out every season. So what do you think of ‘Porcelain’ Candace?”
“If ‘The Truth’ wasn’t so damn flawless, ‘Porcelain’ would be my favorite song.”

“Really?”

“It has the whole package, as I like to call it,” Candace began to explain. “The lyrics,
‘The paint is worn bare
Your eyes have starting fading
Were they ever even really there
Nothing to give with everything you take
The cracks in your smile make it impossible to decipher something legible
Your porcelain face and a heart of glass’
“The whole chorus I guess leaves me speechless. Love it.”

“So that leaves the kick ass guitar right?” David smirked.

“Kick ass guitar is so… trite. For this song anyways. I could listen to an instrumental version and die happy. I just… yeah. The guitar is fucking awesome! And now this is where it gets kinda freaky, because I’ve got the exact time length down, but from 2:29-2:58 I call that part the ‘Rising Action’ or ‘Conflict’ of the song,” Candace giggled. “Stop laughing. I’m not finished yet.”

“This should be good,” David sat back and continued to laugh.

“2:59-3:14 is what I call the ‘Climax’ of the song. Do you get how I figured it all out, or is it just strange thinking on my part?”

“Both. I get, and now that I think about it, you are right. It does sound like those parts could be the Conflict and Climax of the song. But it is strange thinking nevertheless. The thoughts of a teacher,” David smirked again.

“That only makes sense since I am a teacher and all,” Candace rolled her eyes. “But I actually used that as part of a quick lesson in Lit, demonstrating how the structure of a plot can be applied to things other than books. I hope you don’t mind. The kids loved the lesson though.”

“I don’t mind, only because they liked the lesson. ‘Stitches’ now?”

“’Stitches’ has my favorite lyrics- ‘I keep holding onto the same old song just because of a brand new verse’- because,” she sighed again, “I can apply it to this past year. And I love the echo effect during the bridge.”

“Ook. I see,” David said slowly.

“’Let Go.’”

“Yes.”

“That doesn’t have kick ass guitar either," she paused. "It’s got fucking awesome guitar! Fucking. Awesome. Guitar,” Candace stressed each word. “And that’s all I got to say about that.”

“You know Ace, considering you’re a teacher, you don’t have the ‘cleanest’ vocabulary,” David used the air quotes again.

“Yeah, I know. Quit using those damn air quotes!”

David stuck his tongue out at her.

“Part of my class behaves better than you do,” she stated.

“Sweet.”

“Moving on,” Candace said quickly. “’Makeover’ has those lyrics that just hit you right here, ya know?”

“Yeah I do know,” David half whispered.

“It is a very simple song, but… still it’s got that power behind it,” Candace lightly clapped for David.

“Thanks. So you liked that one?”

“Very much.”

“Now the last track, ‘Silver’.”

“It’s an all around haunting song. Simple as that. I find it so haunting.
‘So take this small confession as my price to pay
I’ve never been the kind to let go
But before you up and walk away
I’m miserable without you, you know
This silver leaves me longing for gold
Second place has never carried me home
Second place has never carried me home’
Brilliance.”

“Thank you. When you say haunting,” David started, “I have to ask; is that good or bad?”

“Good. It’s the kind of haunting that makes you sit up straighter, and pay closer attention.”
“Wow,” David stated. “I never thought a song of mine would be able to do that.”

“A couple do. ‘Silver’ does, ‘The Truth’ certainly does. ‘Makeover.’ You really need to give yourself more credit David.”

“Your opinion is truly valued Candace. Thank you.”

“You are more than welcome. I’ve been waiting to share it with you. I think, personally, that Analog Heart is better than some albums put out by the people who consider themselves professionals. The production of it is, fantastic.” Candace smiled.

“Thank you again. Those are huge compliments. And I must commend you; your knowledge of the music terms is proficient,” David grinned.

“Well, I’m a huge music freak. I love radio and I’m fascinated with music and music production. I actually worked at my college radio station for a couple years.”

“That must’ve been fun.”

“More than you could imagine. I loved talking about the songs. I could go on non stop, like I’ve done today,” Candace remembered.

David noticed that the look of longing and sorrow returned to Candace’s eyes.

“Are you sure you’re ok?” he asked, putting his hand atop her’s.

“It’s just this graduation. My niece and nephew are in this class, so I know the kids a little better than I normally would as just a teacher, and I can’t believe that they will all be starting high school soon.”
“And the prep for the ceremony was beyond stressful this time, but I don’t really know why. So I just want to get it over and done with. Relax. Enjoy my summer.”

“What time will the ceremony end tonight?”

“Umm… after the reception, probably around nine-thirty-ish,” Candace answered. “Why?”

“How about I take you out for a relaxing dinner after the reception. We could go to Panera if you wanted,” David suggested.

“Why not? But no Panera, I don’t know if I’ll be able to take the music.”

“We don’t want to walk in to hear ‘Baby Got Back’,” David joked.

“I can’t believe that was on the radio when we left.”

“I called it!”

“Yes. Yes you did Mr. Cook.”

“So I’ll just surprise you tonight. I’ll pick u up around 10?”

“10 sounds great. Enough time for me to get home, clean up, and get ready.”

“Wonderful,” David stopped. “Great. Now I’ve got that song stuck in my head. ‘Wonderful. They call me wonderful so I said wonderful if you insist.’” David laughed and sang.

“Stop singing! Now it will be stuck in my head! Ugh, David!” Candace acted frustrated. “Oh! We’ve sat here for an hour! Don’t you have work?”

“Umm… I have the day off,” David said shyly.






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p.s. Candace's opinion of Analog Heart is really my opinion and view of it. Just thought you guys should know that.

comments please!!!

“Oh, so what David wants, David gets?” Candace said.

ahaha i seriously laughed out loud at that. i hope david is "getting what he wants soon" jk.

and your thoughts about analog heart are soo true. i freaking love the guitar solo in let go, it seriously, quote candace, has a fucking awesome guitar.

i also absolutely love the bantering those two do. its soo cute. forget Joely, David and Candace were meant to be