Terrible memories flashed back in Emma Nelson's mind. She could still feel Jay's lips touch hers, "it's for hooking up". Emma wanted to forget… forget it all. But it all was still so very clear. She couldn't get past Rick, aiming the gun right at her.

Emma slammed her locker shut.

"Emma, I missed you!" Manny squealed with glee.

"Hey," Emma responded expressionless.

"What's wrong? We're juniors!"

"Nothing- one year closer to graduating, what could be better?"

Emma starred down the hall at Jay, who was leaning against his locker, arms crossed. The usual.

"I can't believe they let him come back this year," Manny sighed.

"What? Spinner was in on it too," Emma replied.

"I didn't say he wasn't… are you defending Jay?"

"No, I'm just stating the obvious."

Manny looked at the clock, "Come on, let me walk you to class."

"No, I still have a few minutes. You go ahead."

Manny shut her locker and went to class.

EMMA'S POV

I looked at Jay. Why did I go to the ravine with him that night? I mean- he didn't force me to do anything. Maybe I really hadn't gotten over the shooting… and he understood me. He accepted me. Or maybe I was just flattered that he took an interest in me? I couldn't possibly like him. He was the one that tortured Rick. He had a girlfriend. But, he did show me that he cared… maybe he isn't that bad.

Jay looked back at Emma. Emma gathered up enough courage to talk to him.

"About last year-" She began.

"Yeah, I'm sorry." He interrupted.

"Me too," Emma replied, feeling her face turn red.

"You alright?"

"I'm fine."

For a moment, Jay and Emma had an emotional connection.

"I'm gonna go," Emma told him.

"Ok."

JAY'S POV

I don't know how to describe it. I thought I felt bad for giving her an STD. But it seems there's something else. Maybe, it's because I ruined something sacred. Emma was hurting and it was my fault. Why did I bring her to the ravine? I already had Alex… and that bimbo Amy. Emma I guess was more of a challenge and she had virtue which kind of turned me on. Still, no regrets.

LUNCH

Emma took a bite of her PB&J sandwich, while staring at Jay who was pulling up in his red civic.

"Em, forget him," Manny consoled her.

Jay passed their table. Manny looked at Emma, who was obviously fixated on him.

Manny got up and walked over to him, "You are a scumbag."

Jay turned around, "I'd hate to have to shove a girl in a locker."

"You'd have sex with anyone with a pulse."

"Is that right, Santos? Then why is it- I wouldn't shove my tongue down your throat if I were paid?"

Manny stood there, dumbfounded, thinking up a comeback.

"And for the record, I wouldn't hurt Emma purposely," he added.

Emma quickly ran over to them, "Manny, stop it!" she yelled.

"I'm handling this," Manny responded, pushing Emma away.

"No," Emma said firmly, "I'm fine! I don't have a problem with Jay! So don't create a problem! I don't need your help!"

Emma grabbed her backpack and ran into the school.

Jay looked at Emma and then at Manny, "Nice one," he said.

Media Immersion

Emma receives a message on her computer, it reads:

TO: ALL

SUBJECT: Check it out!

"Just reminding everyone to steer clear of gonorrhea girl"

CLOSE

It was from Chris. There were a few giggles. Paige entered the room, "Mr. Simpson, could you remind everyone about the dance this Friday?"

"Sure thing, Paige," Simpson said, shuffling a few graded assignments.

"Yo, Paige," Chris called.

"Do I know you?"

Chris pointed to his computer, "Take a look at this."

"Creative. Mr. Simpson, you might wanna check your student's online activity? Lame rumors can be quite a drag."

Mr. Simpson looks at Chris' computer, "Chris, I would like to see you after class."

Chris looks at Emma, "Thanks a lot!"

Emma stood up, "Chris, what is your problem? Do you have nothing better to do than make my life hell? What did I do to you?"

"Emma…" Mr. Simpson began.

"No. I was hoping this year… people would quit giving me a hard time. But all of you have absolutely no lives."

"At least we don't have gonorrhea…" J.T. taunted. There were a few giggles.

"J.T., I would like to see you after class as well," Mr. Simpson continued.

Manny was angry, "JT, do I need to tell everyone about your little problem?"

JT replied, "No. Manny, people don't need to know about your pregnancy either."

Manny felt like a bomb had just struck her, "I'm just glad that Craig didn't have to use a penis pump."

Mr. Simpson: "Manny, JT… I would like everyone to stay after class."

"You do that- but I'm going- now." Emma said as she walked out of the classroom, a tear falling down her cheek.

Emma needed someone. She jetted into the library where she found Jay.

"Jay, could you give me a ride?"

"Ditching school, green peace?"

"I need to go- away from here," she gulped.

"Since when am I the one you come to for help?"

Emma stared into his eyes. How could he be so heartless?

"I'm out of here. I shouldn't have expected anything from you," Emma darted out the doors of Degrassi and into the parking lot.

Jay ran after her, keys in hand, "Emma! I didn't say I wouldn't give you a ride."

Emma wiped a tear from her cheek and smiled. The two got into his car. Emma put on her seat belt.

Jay looked at her, "Where do you wanna go?"

Emma watched the raindrops as they lightly splattered against the windshield, "I don't know… Wasaga. Wasaga Beach?"

"That's nearly two hours away from here, I thought you'd wanna go somewhere closer. Like McDonald's?"

Emma laughed, "I don't eat meat."

"Oh, right. So… Wasaga Beach? Why would you want to go there? Unless, you miss Seany-boy?"

"I don't miss him. I just… I just need someone who won't judge me. Ok, I do miss him."

Jay smiled. He was about to say "That's adorable" but he shut up. In a way, he could feel her pain.