A/N: I may decide to rewrite this with the same storyline but more enhanced and such. Stay tuned.

Craig Manning had spent one miserable year of his life in rehab. His stupid decision to try cocaine landed him there faster than he could imagine. Even worse, during all of this he broke two hearts, of two girls that he genuinely cared about. Now he was out, living with his stepdad, Joey, and half sister, Angie, in a Vancouver apartment. It had been only two months since he had been released from hell – which he so frequently referred to rehab as. He was desperately trying to get his life back together again. He wanted to return to great life he had, before he had destroyed it. He planned on attending university in the fall; it was a good start, at least.

No matter how much he tried to prove to Joey that he was getting better, that he was trustworthy, it didn't seem to work. Joey still didn't fully trust him. Which he could understand, but wished wasn't true. He wanted to live on his own again, and work things out on his own. He didn't need Joey being his guide dog, like he was blind or something. This was why he was being dragged back to Toronto for Christmas. One week in one of the last places he wanted to be.

"Craig! You know I love you, but after what happened, I'm not going to risk leaving you alone for an entire week, while I'm in an entirely different Province!" Joey explained impatiently, when Craig asked why he couldn't just stay home. "You're going to have to go back eventually."

"I know," Craig replied, the two syllables he uttered filled with anger and frustration. "I'm just not ready to go back." His last comment was soft, and was really only meant for him. Joey didn't hear him, thankfully.

"It's only for a week, Craig. We're going to spend time with Spike and Snake for a couple nights, including Christmas Eve. Look, Craig, we all need a vacation. We've all had something that's been stressful for us. You and rehab, me and work, Angie with her school work, and going home would be the best place for all of us. Not to mention, it's about all I can afford. You're coming, Craig, whether you like it or not." Joey refrained from saying something about if Craig hadn't done the cocaine, he'd be on the road or doing anything he'd like without Joey's constant supervision.

Craig said nothing back. Lately he realized it was no use fighting with Joey. It was always over the same thing, anyway, and the same general reason for not getting to do what he wanted was always shot back at him each time. He sighed, and went off to the room he shared with Angie. It was a bit awkward, but the apartment was small and he only was in there for sleeping, normally. He sat down on his bed, and thought about what he would do. He'd have to see Marco, they were best friends after all, and they had just recently started e-mailing each other. As he thought of this he looked over at Angie's laptop on her desk.

Without thinking about any other plans, he stood up, walked over and signed onto his hotmail e-mail account. There was a new message from Marco. Perfect. He could tell him of the trip in his reply. It was about a month and a half away, but that didn't matter to him. Craig clicked on the e-mail and began to read its contents.

Craig! Craigness! Craigeramma!

Can you tell I'm excited? I have the best news! Dylan proposed to me! You know he's been back for about three months now, well he finally popped the question! He even surprised me with a booked church and reception hall. Honestly, how did I ever find this man? So, the wedding is going to be pretty soon, probably January. Like I said, soon.

The real point of this is to ask you to be one of my groomsman. Ellie is going to be my best man, well, best[i girl[i, just to give you a heads up. Yeah, I know, that'll be awkward, but you're going to have to get over it, Craig. You're an adult now, and you've been doing pretty well from what I hear now that you're out of "hell".

I hope you're as excited as I am for this! You'll be able to see everyone again! And this time, I don't think you'll be sent to rehab afterwards. OK, sorry. I know, bad joke. Please reply to this as soon as you get the chance!

You're newly-engaged friend,

Marco

Craig couldn't help but crack a smile at this. Maybe going back wouldn't be so bad after all. It would be better to patch things up between him and Ellie before the wedding came rolling around anyway. What would be more awkward than going to a wedding after not seeing the girl who's heart you broke and used to do drugs after over a year? Maybe Ellie would even give him a second chance. After all, he really did mean that, "I love you." He just hadn't used it the right way.

Craig quickly clicked on the reply button and typed up his response to Marco's e-mail.

Marco,

Yes! I'm excited for you! Extremely excited to tell you the truth. Of course I'd love to be in your wedding. You're my best friend, saying no would be a sin. If you let me, I'll write you a nice ballad about you and Dylan's epic love story. Kidding… unless you want me to.

I have great news too, which is why I'm really glad you e-mailed me. Joey's dragging me back to Toronto for a week during Christmas time. When I say "dragging" I mean I didn't want to go at first. But since your wedding is coming up soon, it'll be better if I patch things up with Ellie before popping out from Vancouver and coming to the wedding.

So, I'll be home for Christmas (please don't start singing this when you're reading this… which now you're probably going to since I said not to) and you'll have to Dr. Phil me through this Ellie thing.

You're newly excited best friend,

Craig

Craig smiled again. What was up with all the smiling today? Ellie. That's what was up.