Heroes by Robert Cormier
How does the relationship between Francis and Nicole develop?
Francis and Nicole first meet in the “seventh grade at St Jude’s Parochial school during arithmetic“. Immediately, Francis feels that there is a connection between them as Mother Margret introduced Nicole to the class. Francis described Nicole as “the most beautiful girl I had ever seen” and believed that there was a moment between them, “our eyes met and a flash of recantation passed between us, as if we had known each other before”. He also noticed “Something else flashed in her eyes, too, a hint of mischief”, Francis took the “hint” as an indication that they were going to have some good times together. This could mean that this a beginning of their relationship, but Francis realises that he has to talk and have Nicole notice him, if he wants more then a friendship.
Nicole and Marie LaCroix became friends and walked home together and often Francis noticed that Nicole would visit Marie, who lived above him on the third floor. Francis used this as an advantage to “get a glimpse of her and perhaps catch her attention”. He also tried to “seek out Marie and try to get her to mention Nicole Renard”. He finally admitted to Marie that he liked Nicole and made her swore not to tell anyone. Three days later when nicole was leaving after visiting Marie, she said to Francis “ ‘Don’t fall off, francis,’ ”. this startled francis making him almost fall off the banister. The comment nicole had given francis elevated their relationship only by a small amount as they acknowledge each others by their names, francis was astonished to know that she knew his name.
