Drive Me Crazy (1999) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

Nicole asks Chase to the dance because she couldn't bear the thought of attending alone and being labeled a loser after Brad chose a cheerleader from a rival school instead of her. Desperate to save face, she recruits her next-door neighbor and childhood friend, even though their friendship had drifted over the years.

Foreshadowing: Their childhood friendship and proximity made Chase the most logical choice when Nicole needed a date quickly.

• centennial dance
• Nicole
• Chase
• Brad
• high school dance
• date

Chase agrees because he had just been dumped by Dulcie, who thought his rebellious persona was fake. He saw an opportunity to make his ex jealous while also helping Nicole. Additionally, their agreement included an easy-out clause allowing them to end the ruse without hard feelings if either wanted out.

Foreshadowing: Chase's recent breakup made him emotionally vulnerable and open to Nicole's proposition.

• fake dating
• Chase
• Dulcie
• breakup
• jealousy
• easy-out clause

Nicole rejects Brad because by the time he finally asks her, she has already developed genuine feelings for Chase. Throughout their fake dating experience, she realized that Chase, her childhood best friend, was the person she actually wanted to be with, not her former crush.

Foreshadowing: Their makeover and bonding moments at the club had been slowly shifting Nicole's feelings toward Chase.

• Nicole
• Brad
• rejection
• dance invitation
• true feelings

Alicia, Nicole's competitive best friend, deliberately seduces Chase to manipulate the situation and make Nicole jealous. She exploits the confusion between Chase and Nicole's evolving feelings, using Chase to create tension and test whether Nicole truly cares about him.

Foreshadowing: Alicia's competitive nature was established early as she always wanted to outdo Nicole.

• Alicia
• Chase
• manipulation
• jealousy
• seduction
• competitive friend

When Chase runs into Dulcie and her new boyfriend, Nicole intervene to help Chase, publicly claiming to be his girlfriend. This moment of standing up for him, combined with existing chemistry and underlying feelings, leads to an impulsive kiss that surprises both of them and shifts their relationship dynamics.

Foreshadowing: Their earlier bonding at the club had already begun breaking down their emotional walls.

• Chase
• Nicole
• Dulcie
• kiss
• intervention
• new boyfriend

On the morning after the centennial dance, Chase walks Nicole to his door and they share a kiss. As daylight breaks, they learn that their own parents, Mrs. Maris and Mr. Maris, have also begun a romantic relationship and plan to live together, adding a humorous and unexpected twist to their new relationship.

Foreshadowing: The discovery happens immediately after they finally confess their feelings to each other.

• parents
• Mr. Maris
• Mrs. Maris
• relationship
• living together
• surprise twist

Chase reconnects with Dulcie partly due to confusion about his true feelings and partly to maintain appearances during their fake dating arrangement. He wasn't yet certain whether his growing feelings for Nicole were real or just a result of their act, so he tentatively tried going back to his ex while Nicole dealt with Brad's late invitation.

Foreshadowing: The ambiguity of their fake dating arrangement created uncertainty about which feelings were genuine.

• Chase
• Dulcie
• reconnection
• confusion
• fake relationship
• feelings

The easy-out clause was a provision they included at the start of their fake dating plan, stating that either party could end the ruse at any time without hard feelings or resentment. This allowed them to maintain the act publicly while keeping their emotional options open, knowing they could walk away if the situation became too complicated.

Foreshadowing: The clause was proposed by Chase when Nicole first asked him to the dance.

• easy-out clause
• agreement
• fake dating
• breakup
• no hard feelings

Nicole transforms Chase's appearance because she needs him to look convincing as her boyfriend to make her ex Brad and the rest of the popular crowd jealous. She believes that if Chase looks like part of her social circle, the fake relationship will be more believable and effective in provoking the desired reaction from her targets.

Foreshadowing: The makeover marks Chase's transition from Nicole's rebellious neighbor to her social equal.

• makeover
• Chase
• Nicole
• wardrobe
• popular crowd
• social status

When Chase arrives at the dance and asks Nicole to dance, asking "Who are we trying to make jealous now?" it marks the turning point where they stop pretending. Nicole's playful response that it's "everyone" signals they're no longer acting for Brad or Dulcie, they're now a couple genuinely enjoying each other's company, finally acknowledging their real feelings.

Foreshadowing: Ray's presence as Nicole's date created the perfect moment for Chase to confront his jealousy and make his move.

• dance
• Chase
• Nicole
• jealousy
• turning point
• confession