1994 (#27) - Nicholas and Matt's rivalry, Sharon's rape and affair with Amy

The love and feeling between Nicholas and Sharon, although still immature and despite the young age of the two, is already very solid and strong. However, neither of them suspects the many challenges that they will have to face together. The first obstacle to present itself in front of the two is the gruff, brash and a little 'braggart Matt Clark, Sharon's ex-boyfriend, determined to win back the love of the woman. When Matt, who also attends high school as a multiple repeat student, approaches Sharon to convince her to go out to the dance with him, Matt reacts badly to Sharon's initial refusal. Nicholas then comes to the girl's defense, informing Matt that Sharon is now his girlfriend. Matt then leaves, threatening Nicholas with retribution and that he will soon regret turning against him. Between tears, Sharon informs of Matt's typical brusque ways, then warning her boyfriend to be careful. Nicholas, however, determined and confident as ever, promises his girlfriend that he will defend her and that no one will take her away from him. Matt, meanwhile, begins to have a strong grudge against Nicholas, nicknamed "rich boy", accused of having stolen his girlfriend only thanks to the money and gifts that Matt, evidently, cannot afford to buy for his beloved. When Matt notices the new coat that Nicholas has given to Sharon, the man, full of rage, snatches it from her hand and begins to annoy her. Refusing his less than gallant advances, Sharon soon begins to struggle in vain against the man who, blinded by rage, ends up raping the woman. Visibly shocked and afraid, a devastated Sharon decides not to tell anyone about her experience, neither to Doris nor to Nicholas, who is unable to understand what happened from the simple perception of a Sharon more fragile and tense than usual. As time goes by, Sharon tries, with all due difficulty, to put the rape behind her. However, she is shocked when she sees Matt and Amy going out together. Sharon warns her friend to stay away from Matt, but Matt, who obviously still resents her for stealing Nicholas, appears annoyed by Sharon's words, informing her that they are no longer friends. Sharon then reveals to Amy that she was raped by Matt, but again the girl doesn't believe her, convinced by Matt that Sharon is obviously jealous of their relationship and regrets having let her ex-boyfriend slip away. The rivalry between Matt and Nicholas finally comes to fruition in the prom, where the couple formed by Sharon and Nicholas eventually manages to win against Amy and an indignant Matt, who promises to teach his rival a lesson.