rated *
Taking Chances
by AutumnT
Seventeen-year-old Trixie Belden sighed happily as she formed the pound of ground beef into patties. She was really excited about her date with Nick Roberts. Trixie had been shocked when the quiet artist has asked her but accepted, knowing that at this point, there was no future for her and Jim. Last she’d heard, he was dating someone at college. Her parents and Bobby were gone to Aunt Alicia’s until the next day and Mart was sleeping over at Mr. Maypenny’s with Dan. Honey and Diana were having a sleepover at Manor House but were ecstatic that she’d stopped pining for Jim. They insisted that she forget the slumber party and go out on the date.
Trixie turned the stove on and turned the radio on as loud as it would go. As she cooked the hamburgers, she danced around the kitchen, singing. She went back to the burgers and someone tapped her shoulder. “Ahhhh!” she screamed, whipped around and burned her hand. Seeing her brother Brian, she relaxed but tears formed in her eyes from the burn on her hand.
Concerned, Brian turned off the radio and led her into the dining room to inspect and bandage her hand. “Hey!” He yelled at someone, “Get me the first aid kit!” To Trixie, he said, “I didn’t mean to scare you. I tried to yell over the music but, well, it didn’t work.”
Trixie grinned. “It’s alright. Welcome home. Hi, Jim,” she said, seeing her friend entering the room with the first aid kit.
Seeing her hand, he winced. “That must hurt.”
Trixie shrugged it off. “Only a little.”
“So,” Brian said with a slight grin, “you’re going to Honey’s tonight?”
Trixie shook her head. “Nope, I’ve got a date.” She grinned and the boys looked at each other, surprised.
“Who with?” Brian asked stiffly.
Trixie stood and tossed her head. “Nick Roberts. Lunch will be done in a minute.” She flew into the kitchen and returned with burgers and chips. The boys stayed silent for a few moments until Brian found his voice.
“Where’s he taking you?”
Without looking up, Trixie answered, “We’re going to the new Under21 Club in White Plains.”
Jim couldn’t curb his curiosity any longer. “Your parents aren’t going to be here for your first date?”
Trixie shrugged. “It’s not like it’s the first date I’ve ever gone on. I mean, come on. What seventeen-year-old has never been on a date?”
Jim’s mind began racing. Why am I jealous? I’ve dated plenty, he hesitantly thought, But none of them were Trixie. Outwardly, he managed a quick nod and continued eating.
Trixie stood up and grabbed her plate. “Well, I’ll be upstairs if you need anything.” She stopped beside Brian and put her hand on his shoulder. “Brian, I’ll be okay. He’s a nice guy.”
Brian nodded, “I just don’t want you to get hurt.”
Trixie shook her head. “Brian, that’s going to happen no matter what. People get hurt sometimes. Yell for me when he gets here okay?” Trixie turned and skipped up the stairs.
Jim sat back. “I never, I mean… I didn’t know she was dating.”
Brian nodded, “That’s the problem, I didn’t see her as the woman she is. She grew up and I never realized it. Turning to Jim, he asked, “Why didn’t you ever ask her out? Everyone can see that you like her.”
Jim flushed red and began stammering. “I…I mean… she’s your sister and….umm what if she doesn’t feel that way. I’ve lost too many people I care about as it is. I don’t want to lose her.”
Brian seemed deep in thought for a moment before he spoke. “Just so that we’re clear, you have my full permission to date my sister.” Jim looked at his best friend surprised. He was silent for several minutes. He promised solemnly, “I’d be good to her.”
“I know you would. Who else can I trust my only sister with?” The boys shook hands and went into the living room to play video games.
Trixie read for awhile and fell asleep. When she awoke, she showered and painted her nails. She slipped on a flowing, knee-length black skirt and alight pink camisole with a matching shrug. She pulled the top of her shoulder length hair back in a clip. She put on a pair of tiny silver hoop earrings and began putting on her makeup. Just as she finished, Brian yelled, “Trixie! Nick’s here!” She grabbed her purse and sprayed on some perfume before running downstairs.
When Nick saw her, he grinned. “Hey! You look great!” He kissed her cheek. “Ready to go?”
Trixie nodded and nick grabbed her hand and they left.
When the car was gone, Jim sank onto the couch, speechless. Finally, he ran his finger through his hair and sighed. “Brian, I have to ask her, tell her. Tonight. I was ready to kill Nick and it’s not his fault. I could go fight him right now.”
“Jim, she’s my sister. If you’re going to chicken out, then don’t say anything at all.”
Jim nodded and the boys ordered some pizzas.
Around ten-thirty, Trixie walked through the front door, causing the guys, immersed in their movie, to jump. “What manly men!” Trixie teased, grinning. “You're home early” Brian commented.
“Okay,” his sister replied, confused.
“Did you have a good time?” Jim asked.
“Yeah. The club closed at ten. We went for ice cream before Nick dropped me off here.”
Jim fell silent. Trixie looks so pretty. His thoughts were interrupted.
“I’m going to go change. These shoes are killing me,” Trixie scowled.
Brian laughed. “When you’re done, come back down and watch movies with us.”
Trixie looked uncertain. “I don’t want to interrupt your guy night.”
Jim found his voice. “Come on, Trix. It’s no big deal…Really.”
He smiled a lopsided grin and Trixie nodded. “I’ll be right back.” She bounded up the stairs and Brian turned to Jim.
“Now’s your chance. I am going to bed. Goodnight.”
Jim was left alone in the room wondering what to do. He didn’t have long before Trixie returned, dressed in sweats.
She looked around the room. “Where’s Brian?”
“Well…I…uh…I mean he was tired.”
“Oh, well, you can go with him. I’ll just…”
“No,” Jim said firmly, standing up and surprising her. “I need to talk to you.”
Trixie looked shaken. “Okay.”
Jim took a deep breath and plunged ahead. “I like you. A lot. More than a friend. I don’t want to ruin our friendship but I can’t let another guy steal your heart if I could’ve had a chance and…”
Trixie stopped his words with a kiss. When she pulled away, she blushed. “I really like you too.”
“Really?” Jim asked in shock.
Trixie nodded and allowed him to kiss her.
“What should we do on our first date? Trixie asked, grinning.
“What do you have in mind?” Jim asked with a smile.
The End
I wrote this story but I’m not getting paid…please don’t sue me!! I am using Trixie Belden characters without permission from Random House. This story is 1,160 words long and is one of my many attempts at fan fiction.