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Half Sisters - Episode 74: No Man's Land (Patreon)

Published:
2026-04-13 07:52:38
Edited:
2026-06-01 07:31:21
Imported:
2026-04
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Nikki Palmer went to the stadium today to do one simple thing: help a friend.

That's it. That's the whole plan. Get Ron back on the team, maybe yell at a coach a little. Simple. Clean. In and out.

Instead? She got ambushed by a purple-haired cheerleader with zero sense of personal boundaries...

As always, I can't wait to hear your reactions in the comments. Especially about Evie. 😈💕

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Comments

Zoe Storm

Aw, Nikki :( I just wish Hutchinson would just FOAD so Zach and Nikki can take a breath and relax and be their true selves (a gay boy and an idiot bi girl).

Pet Jeffery

Wow! Another brilliant episode. Nikki's facial expression in the last panel is heart-wrenching. I love Evie, although if I met her in real life she would be way too much for me, even in a tiny dose. It looks as though one thing Zach and Nikki have in common is having both a boyfriend and a girlfriend. It seems inevitable; stopping Evie would be like stopping as express train with your bare hands. For both Zach and Nikki, maybe, the girlfriend is the unwelcome one, the one they can't avoid. I suppose that Nikki will have to look to the cheerleaders for a ride home. Riding with Evie or Lauren would be very different trips. Either, in their own ways, would be interesting. I'm agog to read Episode 75.

phil g1

Isn’t it time for Zach and Nikki to be forced into some up closes and very personal interaction?

Kris Greg

It was just dialogue, & that was needed. It's right that Nikki works through some stuff on her old football field. Lauren got what she deserved, & Nikki has changed more than she realizes. It was a sweet conversation. I also like that you showed that Zach is having to deal with his real romantic relationship. Now I'm thinking that it would be wild if Nikki & Evie become a long term couple by the end of the series. LOL! I'm positive that it won't happen, but I can see Evie being some kind of loving valkyrie.

ender8343

Zach you didn't need to imitate every aspect of Nick's prior behavior. At least Lauren seems to realize if Nikki hangs out at the stadium people are going to figure out they are Nick.

Gemma

Loved this episode . I initially thought there was a rhythm from episode to episode. After the high drama of the previous episode this one initially started off as one around light relief provided by Evie. Loved seeing Nikki encounter the experience of being ‘chatted up,’ the awkwardness she felt and I suspect some new feeling around being in the opposite role and on the receiving end of someone’s assertive advances. Then came the deeper reflective ‘D and M’ and a moment of quiet reflection as Nikki opened up, shared his thoughts and apologised to Lauren. Gees, he must be different as this switch in his behaviour opened Lauren up to taking on Evie’s assessment of Nikki. I loved the redemption arising from Nikki’s heart felt apology to Lauren. Well everything seemed very settled and then pow the drama of jealousy and insecurity was released. Unleashed again in part by ‘ghosts of the wounds’ the old Nick created in the past. Armando’s reaction to Nikki’s presence makes sense and is understandable. But wow, it came out with a bang. The old Nick and certainly must not have been very nice and left a lot of long standing resentment. This coupled with the threat of the new Nikki further built the intensity of negative feeling, and the potential threat Armando sees around her once again disrupting the harmony of their lives. It was interesting to see him spouting out the use of the male pronoun in an attacking sounding manner when referring to Nikki and making it clear he saw her as the ‘ same old Nick’ (just packaged differently). It was only as Nikki approached them that Armando used the female pronoun, ‘here she comes.’ Maybe suddenly seeing her feminisation then also as a threat? I felt sad and so sorry for Nikki, watching her whole face deflate and seeing all the excitement and bubbly animation leaving her. Watching buoyed excitement drain away from her face. Fantastic images Emory that both captured subtle changes in her facial expressions and shifts in all these moods. One thing that intrigued me I have say is around Lauren’s paranoia around Nikki being identified as Nick. She only spoke about the changes that have taken place in Nikki’s body. Certainly Nikki’s face could hardly be mistaken for the face of a man, let alone for that of the former Nick Palmer. Well done, great episode. I loved the tension you bring into different dynamics in the interactions between all characters. Unfortunately for Nikki it seems to be one step forward and two steps back. I wonder if Nikki needs to talk to her female friends to talk through and as she tries to understand and reconcile what just happened with Zach as she compare notes on strange behaviour of ‘men.’ It will be interesting to see just how all these issues of jealousy and the emotional hurt are resolved. It will be hard waiting out and counting down the days to the next packed filled episode of half Sisters.

Maggie Heels

Ohhh Nikki... I want to hug you so much... Zach... hey... dude... come on... Don't be a pu... Armando says he loves you? Why he gives you orders? That is not how good relationships work when I last checked man... Is it okay to let me thinking that I do not like this guy? He feels veeery insecure knowing Nikki "is back and close by". And that insecurity is on him, not Zach fault or Nikki... Giving orders to your partner is not the correct way to deal with such right?

Maggie Heels

That would be hella interesting plot twist if Nikki and Evie will end up together LOL

Maggie Heels

"Armando’s reaction to Nikki’s presence makes sense and is understandable. But wow, it came out with a bang." Because Armando is a jerk who gives orders to his partner...

Crewchick

Maggie, I agree Mando does seem a bit controlling and insecure. But we also don't know his backstory yet and what Nick may have done to him while still on the team. I believe he knows Nikki knows about him and Zach, or at least thinks Nikki knows, so that is opening up the Zach-Armando circle by half which is bound to have him uneasy as he has some idea of what is at risk. I don't know if Zach has given Mando the full unadulterated story on his Dad, but he has enough to know Hutchinson is crazy rich and just plain crazy with a maniacle mean streak, who could easily do to him what was done to Nikki. That in itself is enough to have anyone more than just a little on edge. I am not on "Team Mando" but someone, if they really think Zach is all that and has impeccable judgment, should assume there had to be a valid reason they got together and stayed together so far. I am willing to give Mando the benefit of the doubt for now and see where his character goes. Maybe we will find out he really is a good guy, just under a lot of stress, or maybe we find out he is not a good guy, and it takes Nikki once again coming to Zach's assistance to help save him from another kind of bully? Or maybe Mando out of jealousy becomes a snitch to Hutchinson to try and get Nikki out of the picture only to seal his own fate? There are many ways Emory could write this. I say pop some popcorn, sit back and enjoy the show.

Crewchick

Wow, great analysis Gemma! You touch on many things I thought but had not quite found the words to express. I, too, feel a bit sorry for Lauren. She is going through a lot. As much as Nick hurt her I think she still has unresolved feelings for him. With Nick gone with no explanation after a month or so it may have been easy to let him go by only focussing on all his selfish traits. Now that Nikki is back those unresolved feelings are starting to surface again, especially as Nikki begins providing some of the things Lauren wanted from Nick emotionally. Especially the heartfelt apology. I don't think Lauren is bi or lesbian, but I do think finding the traits she first saw in Nick or at least hoped and expected to find in Nick but didn't, now flourishing in Nikki will cause some confusion for her. I don't see her and Evie as rivals for Nikki's affections, but I do see a small part of her believing the hormone story because there might have been the slightest hope that once that was fixed by the doctors the old Nick physically would return but with some of Nikki's new insights. Furthermore, I think once Lauren learns or surmises this is far more than a temporary hormone imbalance and what has happened to Nikki is not reversible, we could possibly see a real friendship or even sisterhood develop between Lauren and Nikki. So it is for all these reasons that I believe Nikki needs to read Lauren in on what is going on, at least to some degree. Especially now that Ron knows. Someone Nick did not have much time for in the past. Lauren will feel used and betrayed twice if she is allowed to go on believing a BS story about hormone imbalance while other who were less close to Nick know more of the truth, even if not all of it. Unless Emory's goal is to eventually make her a villainous hurt and vengeful ex-girlfriend? But I would hate to see that for Lauren, I actually like her. I agree Evie is a loose cannon, but she is getting closer to the truth faster than Lauren. Reading Lauren in could allow her to help keep Evie in check to a degree and not dig too deep into things she should not, or say things that could be dangerous for everyone if heard by the wrong people. So I guess I am Team Lauren, but in a platonic way.

Robertlouis

“Loving Valkyrie” 🤣🤣🤣

Thomas Tolliver

Ultimatums, not typically the sign of a healthy relationship for sure.

Joe

Would be nice to see Armando turned into a girl as well.

Crewchick

WOW! Great story, great dialog and masterful illustrations. You could read the whole story in Nikki's facial expressions alone even if you had not written a single word. I think I loved the dialog between Nikki and Lauren the most. That was probably the most open and honest Nick/Nikki has ever been with her, and both realized it too. I don't see them becoming a couple again, but they shared a closeness that is still a part of both of them, even though Nick did much to shut Lauren out from what was going on inside him, along with everyone else. I think we could see a good friendship tied to something beyond the shared experience Nikki has with Sandy. Not to replace Sandy or be better than Sandy, just different and tying Nikki back to some of her earlier self, not just Nick but also Nicky. Lauren says she and Nick have known each other since they were six. Nikki has that in Zach, but as we are seeing that could get complicated. Lauren is someone who could be a nonromantic girlfriend without the baggage of Hutchinson forcing them into a romantic situation. I also still think she could help Nikki make the emotional and cultural transition into being a woman that Sandy can't really because Sandy herself is still going through it first hand and figuring it out as she goes. Not a rival or replacement for Sandy, but to paraphrase, "it takes a village to raise a Nikki"! ☺ 😉 And as I have said a dozen times before I think not reading Lauren in, at least more so than she is now, could cause Lauren to feel deceived, used and hurt by Nick/Nikki again! Lauren deserves much better, and I think after their conversation on the field Nikki is feeling so too. I get what Emory is saying about the risk of growing circles and the maniacal danger that Hutchinson poses, but the circle is growing anyway by forces beyond their control. Ron knows, Evie is not buying the hormone story and will likely discover enough more to also figure something out somewhat close to the truth. Lauren knows Nick/Nicky/Nikki, she knows his past, she knows the school, she is poplar and well-connected at the school. I think she could be an asset for Nikki if she is read in, at least more than she is now. Not necessarily Xu and full clinic 12 details, but enough to know Nikki's transition was not voluntary, is permanent and that Hutchinson is extremely powerful and dangerous. Also, that Zach was no way involved in his father's crazy plan. Just show her Nikki's license, and she will see how far Hutchinson's power goes. Give her at least enough to know she is not being fed just another lie from the old Nick, and enough to know helping Nikki comes with serious risks, so she can make a conscious decision to help in spite of the danger. If that is her choice, of course. Sandy is the best Nikki could have as a soulmate experiencing the very same type of forced transition. There is a connection there that absolutely no one else (except for Jill and other at Clinic 12) could possibly understand. In that way they truly are "half sisters". But I think Lauren is the girlfriend Nikki needs right now (not to the exclusion of Sandy) to help Nikki transition at school in a way that helps her blend and be perceived as a girl from birth. Sandy has a boyfriend who will be on campus and wanting to spend time with her, plus, she is making a decision to be openly trans at school. Her choice and her right, but Nikki not only wants to stay under the radar for her own reasons, Hutchinson expects her to "pass" as a genetic from birth girl to protect Zach's reputation for his future career. I expect it could cause conflict and problems if Nikki does not have others who can help her, knowing at least a little of what is at risk and be there when Sandy is preoccupied in her own life or too ever exposed for Nikki's or Hutchinson's comfort. I think it would also help Lauren adjust to accepting Nikki as Nikki and not simply some temporary state that Nick is in. The biggest mistake Nick made was holding everything in and not sharing his pain with others who could have helped him avoid becoming the jerk he became. Nikki should not be allowed to make the same mistake.

Jenny S

Ah, Zach over here proving once again that just because you're a gay guy doesn't mean you can't be a shitty misogynist.

Ellen Mellor

I think I might die for Evie now. Although the two boys need to pull back a bit and remember why Nicki is being forced to act like this. Zach especially.

Gemma

So true Ellen on both accounts. I too wondered about this aspect of the situation that both Armando and Zach did not seem to take into account. All I can think of when is that when it comes to Armando, is that due to his feeling of jealousy and insecurities around potential loss of Zach it seems it was easier for him to block this out and not acknowledging this aspect of Nikki’s situation. As for Zach, he too seems to have blocked this aspect of Nikki’s situation out ‘at least at this time,’ as he is more focussed on appeasing Armando, preserving and attending to the current fragility in their relationship.

Kris Greg

It would be cool even though I know that it won't happen. :)

Crewchick

This story is sooo good. There are so many layers to it. I keep re-reading it because there is so much to digest. The exchange between Zach and Nikki is wo! Both are out of character. Nikki starts in character channeling a good bit of the old Nick Palmer, so proud of himself and ready to high five Zach, and Zach just shuts Nikki down. And it is like a switch flipped and like that Nick Palmer is gone, and we are left with a girl on the brink of tears. I was waiting for a Nick Palmer type response putting Zach in his place along the lines of... "Yeah Zach, I remember! I remember because before this was your space and your team, it was MY space and My team. We are standing in the House I built and I defended. And I am only here now because no one is looking after MY Team. Ron could not defend himself, but someone had to, and you weren't doing it "Q. B."! SO, YEAH, I came over the top and I confronted coach about his own stupidity because someone had to. Do you really think I wanted to show up here? Here of all places, and looking like this??? This was not some jealous girlfriend move. Fuck that shit. It was not my plan to be your pretend girlfriend. That was your father's doing, right down to my G.D. tits! But for your father, THIS would still be MY HOUSE! MY FIELD! MY TEAM!! But Yeah I get it. I get a little intense at times and that puts us both at risk. I will do better, bite my tong, and try and stay out of the team business. But damn it man, you gotta step up and do your job, not just on the field but as the team's leader. If you want them to look after you on the field, you have to be looking after them off the field and with the coach. Promise me that, and I will promise you I will never do anything like this again. I will stay away from the stadium every day but game day. When I will show up and play the devoted girlfriend sitting up in the stands cheering on her boyfriend. Because your dad says I have to! So are we good or what? " Yeah, I know that conversation could never take place on the field with so many people around. But it felt good to write anyway. 😂 Those hormones must be working overtime for Nikki to go from alpha male energy, to beta female near tears so quickly. I have already commented elsewhere about Lauren. But that exchange too is so rich. So much is expressed in her face that is not expressed in words. She is on the brink of tears. This is truly hard for her and she really wants to help Nikki. I am curious what comes next? Does Nikki go back to Lauren and the cheerleaders to ask for a ride? It would provide an opportunity to introduce Nikki to other girls. But I think both have been through a lot already and may be too emotionally spent to deal with anyone else right now. Does Nikki call her Mom for a ride? Or does she call Sandy? Though Sandy could be tied up with her boyfriend right now. Nikki definitely is not calling her Dad. And having either parent pick her up from her college campus would make her feel like a major loser before even the first day. So I guess back to Lauren and Evie? Nikki is going to need a car, and more importantly, she will have to learn how to interact with other girls as a girl. Let the lessons begin!

Jerome B

Another amazing and emotive episode. So much to unpack. Some men can be total pricks at times whereas Ron seems a really great guy. Really looking forward to the non-date with Evie and Nikki. Once again some fabulous storytelling!

Gemma

Just looked at this episode again solely focusing on the images. Emory, these images you have created are magnificent ands say so much about what Nikki is thinking and feeling. Nikki’s also looks so cute and pretty, even, as captured in the last image, in which she looks oh so, so, ‘crestfallen.’

Crewchick

Sorry, promise last comment. I don't know what kind of music Nick listened to, and no idea what music Nikki listens to, though she is dressing more and more like a "Swifty". 😉 But this one song came on Spotify while reading this chapter and it kind of stuck with me like an earworm. It has me thinking more and more about her apology to Lauren, about her conversation with Zach during the date about the pressure she was under, and about her different interactions with her Dad, like the hunting outing and throwing the football together, and the last time she saw him when Sandy picked her up to go to the salon to get ready for the date. I have no idea if Nick or Nikki was/is into early 2000 post grunge hard rock, But I can kind of see/hear Nikki coming home from this day, going to her room. Putting on her headphones, laying on her bed and playing this song by Staind on repeat. https://open.spotify.com/track/464HG7mt7NNKtKY0Hco8Y8?si=49cffdd2686b4d98 Staind Break the Cycle "For You" To my mother, to my father It's your son or, it's your daughter Are my screams loud enough for You to hear me? Should I turn this up for you? I sit here locked inside my head Remembering everything you said The silence gets us nowhere Gets us nowhere way too fast Your silence is what kills me I need someone, here to help me But you don't know, how to listen And let me make, my decisions I sit here locked inside my head Remembering everything you said The silence gets us nowhere Gets us nowhere way too fast All your insults, and your curses Make me feel like I'm not a person And I feel like, I am nothing But you made me, so do something 'Cause I'm fucked up, because you all Need attention, attention you couldn't give 'Cause I sit here locked inside my head Remembering everything you said The silence gets us nowhere Gets us nowhere way too fast I sit here locked inside my head Remembering everything you said The silence gets us nowhere Gets us nowhere way too fast I think there is going to have to be a "coming to Jesus" in Nikki's dad's future. Whether he sees the light, or buries his head in a bottle and soothing lies, will be up to him, but I think there is a demon there Nikki needs to confront before she can put the past fully behind her and move on into whatever her post Hutchinson future might be.

Crewchick

OMG I feel like Columbo! "And one last thing..." 😂 The other thing I wanted to say about Nikki's question to Lauren, when she asked how long before everyone stopped asking and caring what happen to Nick. And touching back to a comment on part three from Last Straw, regarding possible movie themes in some of Emory's work. I felt the question and the answer were a bit of a reverse "it's a Wonderful Life" for Nikki. In the movie Jimmy Stewart encounters a very bad day at the savings and loan he is running in 1945. He makes a wish he had never been born and God grants it and sends him an Angel (3rd class trying to get his wings) named Clarence, to help him navigate this world in which he was never born and see how much good he actually brought into it and how different, and not for the better, things were without him. In Nikki's case she is seeing a world she lived in and left and seeing how little real and lasting impact she had on it. That has to be hard, especially for someone who had (has?) a major ego. Also, a little like A "Christmas Carol" in the scenes with the second and third ghosts, Christmas Present and Christmas future. In both Scrooge sees his presence at his nephew's Christmas party is not missed, and with his death there is no one to mourn him. This could be just coincidence and wishful thinking. Or maybe, like Scrooge, we will see Nikki, because of this experience, seek to change her life and how she engages people, to try and make a real and lasting impression on those she meets and especially those she cares about?

Jade Diaz

Nikki bullied both Zatch and Armando in the past. Mando has been against this entire farce from the beginning. So I don't think it's out of line for Mando to say the things he says to Zach.

Jade Diaz

First, thanks for another hot shirtless picture of Zatch. Um. Maybe we will get another one as a little treat later. Second, Nikki is *apologizing* to Lauren? Pigs flying. Hell freezing. And then Lauren's like waaaaait *is* Nikki trans? Sure feels like there's some signs!

Jessika

"The pieces are aligning...to fall apart in a glorious disaster for Nikki....then she can start again with a clean slate". Why do I feel like Armando is heading for the Island sometime soon...Hutchinson won't let anyone ruin his plans...especially when Zach and Nikki obviously are developing feelings for each other. Will be interesting to see if Jill still shows up like Xu planned.

Maggie Heels

We all know that those two were bullied in the past by Nicholas "the jerk" Palmer but IMHO I don't think that justifies bullying Zach by Armando now... I understand that Armando hasn't have access to "full picture" what is happening around him with those two but still... he acts a lil bit too aggressive to me... and my personal subjective point of view (person who was bullied through all the school life: primary, secondary, high school and college, basically entire 18 years of my life...) is that Armando behavior is at least let's say "NOT NICE".

Ella Cherry

Well, love the chapter and absolutely love Evie!

Crystal Peaches

Oh this is heartbreaking and so so wonderful. The emotional tussle, the fight to find her true self, the love that isn't reciprocated. Oh my days xxx

EmilyJL

Emory, that last panel. 😭 I've felt that same way. I love all of the character growth with Nikki. Thanks for giving her such conflict and nuance. Her victories and what she overcomes will feel so earned when they eventually arrive. I can't wait 🥰

Gemma

Missed it before, but following enlarging the last image of Nikki (on my phone), I noticed the tears welling up in Nikki’s eyes. Amazing image of Nikki Emory. I’m also sure that for Nikki, that this heightened emotional sensitivity she is experiencing would be very new to her. This emotional vulnerability would also be very unsettling due to it also being seen as unmanly as it is more commonly associated and seen as an aspect of being ‘a girl.’

Crewchick

Jessika, I too am still wondering about Jill showing up. It got me very excited when Xu mentioned it several months ago in J&J. I suspect we will have to wait until after the Coming Out contest in J&J to see how that plays out, who is in control of Clinic 12 when the dust settles, and if Jill is still working for Xu or whomever might be in control at that point. I do hope it can still come to be. I really loved the cross-over idea, like in some TV shows. I also think Jill could be valuable to both Nikki and Sandy providing some big sister support and insights, and maybe an allie in bringing down Hutchinson. Especially if Morosini is the one in control of Clinic 12 at that point in J&J.

Gemma

Quick reflection. Just looking again at a number of very close up images of Nikki’s face. Lauren and other characters suggest she needs to be careful as ‘those who knew her as Nick from the past,’ whilst her body is different they may recognise her face as that of Nick. As I look repeatedly at her face I question this suggestion and defy anyone to suggest that this is anything but the face of a very cute looking pretty girl.

Crewchick

I agree, plus I suspect Clinic 12 performed surgery on Nikki. Not the bottom surgery, but facial surgery to soften the features to look more feminine and to shave the Adam's Apple. Then add make-up, longer hair, a much more feminine body, that likely had some surgery as well, plus no one would ever in 1,000 years thin Nick Palmer secretly wanted "to play for the other team". So no one is going to be looking for Nick Palmer when they see a pretty girl. People tend to see what they want or expect. You tell someone you are going to show them a red piece of fruit the size of their first for two seconds, then ask them what they saw, 7 or 8 out of 10 will likely tell you they saw an apple. You gave them a suggestion, and so they went where that suggestion took them. Perhaps you showed them a tomato? Technically it is a fruit, though most people don't think of it as one. So bias and suggestion can work in Nikki's favor. I feel pretty confident about the surgery because Hutchinson wants Zach to be Governor of Texas or maybe a Senator. He wants Nikki to be Zach's First Lady. Hutchinson can't afford Niki looking like a guy in a dress. Or some reporter holding up side by side year book pictures of Nick and Nikki. So I expect Hutchinson opted for all the surgeries but for the bottom because as he told Nikki he is too doting on Zach and thought if Zach had a crush on Nick, letting Nikki keep her penis might seal the deal for Zach to go along with his father's plans for his career. Personally I think that is dangerous. Nikki is in college. All it takes is one drunken indiscretion. Like jumping in a fountain in a white dress or skirt or a wardrobe malfunction in the locker room and Nikki is outed and so is Zach. If I was Hutchinson I would have insisted on the full bottom surgery before leaving the island. That way, at least, it would take someone with a medical degree to out Nikki as not female from birth. But yeah, I expect Hutchinson paid for the full facial package, laser hair removal, various skin therapies, shaved Adam's Apple, jaw and cheek bone adjustments, maybe even eyelids and eye sockets? I am sure Nikki may absolutely look like a female member of the Palmer Family. But I doubt anyone but close friends and Ron would be able to clock Nikki as Nick. And Nikki is learning quickly now, Nick had no close friends. And Lauren only recognized Nikki as Nick from her birthmark. Something not a lot of people have seen or know about.

SingularCurve

Yea, estrogen do be like that. Things get softer, one is able to think again maybe for the first time, and everything just kind of gets confused for a long time. I know this from personal experience. It is a trans thing. Ive seen it happen to a lot of trans girls/women. It is a good thing. It also tells me that Nikki is a trans girl/woman, not just from early memories, but current reality outside of the island environment. This is why trans women need real world support systems and friendships and well everything. Without existing in social spaces, brain worms will eat unfettered. We are social beings and just want to exist as ourselves.

SingularCurve

This is exactly why Clark Kent is not outed as Superman. Subtle changes to the face is enough.

Emory Ahlberg

Thank you, Zoe! Hopefully, he will eventually fall into that woodchipper - but not until we get some more story! 😉

Emory Ahlberg

Yeah, ender, Zach channeled some classic Nick Palmer toxicity right there. It's ironic that he pushed her away using the exact same defensive playbook Nick used on Lauren and others back in the day. 💔

Emory Ahlberg

Thanks, Kris! I loved writing that apology scene. Nikki dragging around all that old wreckage and taking accountability with Lauren was a big step. She's learning! Seeing Zach get pulled between Armando's boundaries and his fake setup with Nikki brings some heavy tension to the field... I feel for them both! As for Evie, calling her a loving valkyrie is spot on. She's a total force of nature. Nikki's in for a VERY wild ride on that "hangout" hehe

Emory Ahlberg

Hmm! Things are getting complicated on that front. Zach made it clear that his real relationship with Armando takes priority over the fake dating scheme. But, yeah, Hutchinson expects a full show from them. They're probably going to struggle to fake that closeness if real feelings are getting hurt!

Emory Ahlberg

Thanks, Pet. Writing that last panel hurt my heart. Poor Nikki went from riding high on saving Ron's roster spot to getting shut out by Zach in a split second. Both Zach and Nikki are trapped dealing with unwanted female dynamics interfering with their lives. Seeing Nikki hitch a ride home with Evie or Lauren would be a hilarious end to that brutal rejection... we'll see what happens!

Emory Ahlberg

Yeah, Gemma, it's a total rollercoaster! 💖 Lauren's nervous because Nikki was reciting Coach Briggs's defensive stats on the sideline. That football obsession might be a massive giveaway, even with the new face and body. Armando holding a grudge makes perfect sense since old Nick made his life a nightmare. Seeing Zach shut Nikki down broke my heart, even if it makes total sense. Also, Zach has zero idea that Nikki might actually be (a tiny bit) attracted to him. She needs a serious debrief with the girls to process this mess - but probably won't get it!

Emory Ahlberg

Thanks, Maggie! 💖 I wanted to give Nikki a massive hug in that last panel too. Armando is absolutely terrified of losing Zach to the exact person who made his life a nightmare. But handing out ultimatums can be toxic. Zachs till thinks this is all very fake and has no idea that Nikki had such a great time last night. We'll definitely see if Zach and Armando can survive all this fake dating drama!

Emory Ahlberg

Thank you, Diana! 💕 I'm glad you loved that apology scene! Nikki finally taking accountability with Lauren without making excuses was a huge step for her. Honestly, keeping Lauren in the dark isn't sustainable. The secret circle's definitely expanding since Ron figured it out on the field and Evie's way too sharp to buy that hormone story. Nikki absolutely needs a solid squad to survive Hutchinson's crazy campus schemes. Having Lauren as a platonic guide to girlhood would be hilarious and exactly what she needs!

Emory Ahlberg

Thanks, Jerome! 💖 Ron is a sweetheart mostly - although feels peer pressure around Craig, even when Craig is acting like a jerk. But I really loved seeing him step up and cover for Nikki with that fake cousin story. Some of these guys need to take notes from him. I can't wait to write that horror movie hangout with Evie. It's going to be a chaotic mess in the best way.

Emory Ahlberg

Thank you, Diana! That scene was brutal to write. Nikki rode in on a high after saving Ron's spot on the roster. Getting shut down by Zach knocked the wind right out of her. You're right about her reaction. Old Nick would've screamed and caused a scene. She's carrying a ton of new vulnerability right now. She just put her walls up and played the supportive (girl)friend role instead. 💖

Emory Ahlberg

Thank you, Ellen! 💖 Evie is my favorite chaos agent. She bulldozed past Lauren's warnings on the sideline without blinking. You're right about the boys, though. Zach and Armando are wrapped up in their own relationship drama. They're forgetting Nikki is a hostage to Zach's psycho dad. Zach throwing her under the bus at practice was a massive foul.

Emory Ahlberg

💖 Yeah, Zach treated Nikki like an embarrassing accessory he needed to hide from his real life. He told her she didn't belong in his space right after she fixed his broken offensive line! He let his panic and anxiety turn him into a huge jerk on that field. He's USUALLY a really good guy though, and he's under a lot of stress. No excuse to treat Nikki that way, though!

Emory Ahlberg

If Hutchinson finds out, he might just do that!

Emory Ahlberg

I appreciate the love on the art, Gemma! Each images takes a lot of steps. But it's a top priority to nail Nikki's facial expressions. That shift from her fierce quarterback swagger with Coach Briggs to total devastation in the final panel was a challenging but sad transition to draw. I just want to wrap her in a Buc-ee's beach towel and feed her beaver nuggets after Zach acted like a bit of a jerk. 💖

Emory Ahlberg

Yeah, Diana, those lyrics hit way too close to home! Nikki is mostly a country music kinda girl. But yeah the pressure from her dad completely broke her down. She's absolutely going to need a showdown with him before she can truly heal. I'm loving that you found a track that matches her. That "son or daughter" lyric is literally her entire life right now!

Emory Ahlberg

Thanks, Jade! 💖 OF COURSE I had to throw in that shirtless Zatch moment for everyone. He has that dancer physique going on... if the dancer could bench 200 lbs. The apology to Lauren was such a big step for our brat! Old Nick Palmer taking accountability is basically a parallel universe lol

Emory Ahlberg

Honestly, Diana, that movie comparison is spot on. I was even thinking about writing a line making that comparison in the episode. Nikki realized her whole legacy vanished in about a month. That has to be a brutal reality check for a former star quarterback with a massive ego. Seeing Craig wear her old number eighty-five on the field stung hard. Maybe it'll push her to be a better friend to Zach and Lauren instead of the jerk she used to be.... but of course we can expect some setbacks!

Emory Ahlberg

Nikki isn’t used to feelings at this volume. The old Nick would’ve punched a wall. Now she’s left with raw hurt because Zach told her she doesn’t belong in his space. It’s a shift from the locker room bravado she used to live by. Thanks, Gemma!

Emory Ahlberg

Aw. 🫂 Honestly, Emily, I’m loving putting Nikki through the ringer. It makes those small wins feel sweet. Seeing her stand up to Briggs was a boss move even if Zach ruined it. It’s a long road but she’s getting there! Or, at least, she's on the journey!

Emory Ahlberg

Thank you, Crustal! Yeah... that field rejection stung. Nikki let her guard down and enjoyed the sushi date with Zach. Then he shut her out when she thought they were a team. It’s an emotional tug-of-war. Nobody’s sure where they stand. She’s fighting for a self she doesn’t understand. 💖

Emory Ahlberg

LOL, thank you, Ella! Evie is a hurricane in a cheerleading outfit. Every story’s gotta have that chaotic energy to keep things spicy.

Emory Ahlberg

Thanks, Jessika! 💖 Yeah, Armando’s playing with fire. Hutchinson won’t like folks messing with his plans for Zach and Nikki!!!

Emory Ahlberg

Clinic 12 did a great job on Nikki's face, but there is still a resemblance. And I think that Lauren's on edge because folks in this town live for football gossip. The real threat might be Nikki's habit of calling out blitzes on the sideline!

Emory Ahlberg

Thanks, Singular! The brain worms are real! 💖 The emotional shift is a obviously a big deal for Nikki. She's feeling that new softness and the confusion that comes with it. Having Sandy and Lauren on her team is a must so those brain worms from the island don't win. She'll eventually need to learn that being her true self means letting a squad see the real her. It's a mess but she's making progress!

Kris Greg

I'm looking forward to seeing Nikki's "hangout" with Evie. It will be fun to watch.

phil g1

I was thinking Hucth would be forcing the issue.

Crewchick

I admit this comment has little to do with this episode. I just did not know where to put it. As Nikki finds her identity and place in the school and in life, there is a part of me that could see her as a “fitness girl”. Like the type you see on social media. Not that I really see Nikki as an “Influencer“. But her sports and fitness energy and larger than life fun personality has to go somewhere. And the gym was likely a second home for Nick. I admit to following a couple of fitness girls on Instagram. I am posting a link to one below who I think gives off “Nikki” energy. In her videos she is always upbeat, fun and funny, and a bit self-effacing with her exaggerated poses and cheeky smiles and facial expressions. Using humor and light heartedness to deflect how hard she is really working and how truly serious she is about the things she loves. It reminds me of Nikki from the date. Granted this girl is blond, but if Nikki adopts the whole Texas pageant girl vibe, she could very well go blond too. Plus they both have those brown eyes Van Morrison and the Pogues both sang songs about. But even staying brunette, I think Nikki would be Queen of the Gym, and have every gym bro drooling and every yoga princess jealous. https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1bE9491zjA/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Nolwenn (edited)

Comment edits

2026-09-14 23:00 I didn't have time to react but i like it. Armando react is comprehensive but i feel like he doesn't trust his boyfriend. I really liked the lasts eposodes too. The big guy is a good guy. Nicky deserves someone like that.
2026-04-28 06:15

Emory Ahlberg

Definitely, Nolwenn! Armando's holding onto a ton of baggage from his high school days and when Nick was around. It's clear his lack of trust stems from old Nick making his life a nightmare. And, yes, Ron's a genuine sweetheart for stepping up and covering for Nikki with that fake cousin story on the field! Maybe eventually he'll be able to convert Craig from being as asshole too, lol.

Emory Ahlberg

Honestly, Diana, the fitness influencer aesthetic's a great match for Nikki! 💖After all, she's spent much of her life treating the weight room like a second home. We've seen her use sarcasm to deflect her pain during her bowling date with Zach. It'd be a blast to watch her take over the university gym and intimidate the local guys haha - but first she has to get over being seen. I think she took a big step with this episode, but maybe now a few steps back. She has dealt with A LOT the last few days.

Emory Ahlberg

Oh, and just as a reminder: Hutchinson said he didn't insist on bottom surgery as a "favor" to Zach.

Gemma

I remember Hutchison telling Nikki about his decision not to go ahead with bottom surgery ( allowing her to keep her berries and twig) as a favour to Zach. However, i also suspect, that Hutchison is unpredictable narcissist and very self focussed. Ultimately, I believe, if it comes down to his ambitions and the breaking his promises, any sense of honour and loyalty he may have for his son Zach would become secondary and null and void if they, in anyway at all, contravened other ultimate political plans and goals that he has for Zach (‘father knows best rationalisations, justification’). I’m sure he would also believe and assume that Zach, if he made such a decision, would eventually come around and ‘get over it!’

Gemma

Previous feedback comment in wrong place: I remember Hutchison telling Nikki about his decision not to go ahead with bottom surgery ( allowing her to keep her berries and twig) as a favour to Zach. However, I also suspect and suggest , that Hutchison is very unpredictable and a self focussed and absorbed narcissist. Ultimately, I believe, if it comes down to his ambitions and the breaking his promises, any sense of honour and loyalty he may have for his son Zach would become secondary and null and void if they, in anyway at all, contravened other ultimate political plans and goals that he has for Zach (‘father knows best rationalisations, justification’). I’m sure he would also believe and assume that Zach, if he made such a decision, would eventually come around and ‘get over it!’

Crewchick

Oh, I completely agree. I am not thinking next episode. I am just projecting where I see Nikki in a couple of months possibly; after a hella lot of healing and self discovery. No rushing. It is just after the date and the fun and playful side she showed and her comments to herself in her room prior to the date about checking out women’s sports as a possible outlet for her physicals and competitive nature, and then seeing Stephanie Sanzo in a few videos that it hit me. I could totally see Nikki acting that way, having fun and being at home in a gym. No rush though, putting on spandex booty workout short and a sports bra and strolling into a gym full of egos and perfect bodies is not for the faint of heart. 😉. I think we can give Nikki a day or two to process what the hell just happened on the date and on the field. Girlfriend is in need of a glass of wine after this day. I suspect from the comment in the prior episode about having to say “hi Babe” to Zach on the field, that Nikki texted Sandy. But really curious what advice Mary Palmer has for her daughter.