Chapter 1

"Are we really gonna talk about this now?" Craig whined.

"Yes, this is actually important too, so I need you to listen," Darcy replied.

Craig opened his eyes as wide as he could and stared at Darcy. "You have my undivided attention," he said, grinning.

That was the one thing Darcy had always liked about Craig, his outgoing, goofy personality. It was his personality that had won her over from the minute they met. She remembered it all too well.

"You know a musician's only as good as his critic, and I didn't see you clapping after my last set," Craig said.

"Well, I liked it, don't get me wrong, it just needs more of something. I can't quite explain what," she replied.

"Hmm. Well Miss It Needs More Something, you wanna get a drink with me?" Craig said, melting her with his brown eyes and cocky smile.

"You sure I didn't insult your ego too much Mr Only As Good As His Critics?"

"Nah, it only hurts when I'm breathing," Craig said, taking her hand.

Darcy hit him playfully, "Stop, I'm trying to be serious!" but she couldn't help but smile.

"Okay, what do you wanna talk about?" he asked, his face now serious.

"I want you to meet my parents," Darcy started slowly, knowing Craig would immediately protest.

"Darc," Craig said, "you know i love you. Honestly, you're my everything. But why do we have to complicate that by bringing your parents into this?"

"Because I already told them what a wonderful guy you are, and I'm sure they'd really like to meet the guy that's been occupying most of their daughter's waking hours. Why does it have to complicate things?"

"Because parents hate me, Darc. You're a parent's wet dream, you're smart, beautiful, funny, and caring. I'm not. Parents see right through me. My dad saw it, Joey sees it, and your parents will see it too. They'll hate me, Darc, and they'll make you hate me too."

"Craig, I could never hate you. And I'm not perfect, you know that as well as anyone. But you, you're special. I know it, and they'll know it too. Just give it a chance to work, please Craig?" Darcy pleaded

"You're not gonna give up until I agree are you?" Craig asked, pushing a fallen piece of hair back from her face.

Darcy shook her head. "Not a chance."

"In that case., I'll do it," Craig said, smiling, his brown eyes looking deep into hers.

"How did I get so lucky to get you?" Darcy asked, smiling back,

"Good karma?" Craig guessed, and pulled her in for a kiss.

"So you're sure you can make it back from the gig to have dinner tonight? I wouldn't want to make you rush home," Darcy spoke into her phone.

"Babe I'll be fine, and yes, I can make it, don't worry, I won't let you down," Craig replied.

"Can't wait to see you tonight," she said slowly. "You know you always look so much sexier after a gig. It completely uplifts your attitude."

"Hmm, maybe that's because I know I have a perfect girlfriend waiting for me when I get off stage," Craig said, knowing Darcy was blushing and smiling.

"Stop," Darcy said, smiling from ear to ear.

"Alright, well I have to go, the show's about to start, I'll call you when it's over, okay?" Craig said.

"Okay. I love you, Craig," Darcy said.

"Love you too, Darc." Click

God, you idiot! The voice in Craig's mind screamed at him, You love this girl. You really, really love her. Why are you really gonna let her down all because of your problems with yourself?

"Because, I have no choice. Either I hurt her now, or I fuck up royally and hurt her later. Whatever does the least damage, that's what I have to do," Craig told himself.

"Craig, where are you?" Darcy asked an empty street as she stared out her window, hoping Craig had just forgot to call and would show up on her doorstep any minute.

Craig's never stood you up before, Darcy told herself, Why would he start now? He wouldn't. Get a grip Darcy, he's probably just doing an extra set or is stuck in traffic or something, he'll be here. Any minute now, he'll be here.

The hours passed slowly as Craig sat in silence in his apartment. As he began to doze off, his cell phone began to ring. He picked it up to look at the caller ID, already knowing who it was. Darcy, he thought. I'll just let it ring. Maybe she'll think I fell asleep. If she calls again, I'll answer it.

Craig waited patiently, and the rings died down and his phone screen revealed 1 missed call. He put his phone back on the table just as it began to ring again, this time somehow sounding more urgent.

He picked it up reluctantly on the third ring. "Craig, where are you? I've been waiting for hours!" Darcy yelped, sounding incredibly upset.

Can I really do this? With her on the phone, me able to hear her every emotion, any possible tear she might cry? Craig thought to himself. I have to, this can't end on a good note, it's impossible. Craig the psychopath was never meant to be happy.

"I'm sorry, Darc, I thought about it, and I really don't wanna meet your parents." Craig said, his eyes closed, anticipating the fallout about to take place.

"What do you mean you don't want to meet them? Craig you said just yesterday that you did! I can't believe you'd let me down like this, just when I thought everything was starting to go well." she said, as Craig heard the tears in her voice.

"I actually wanted to talk to you about that too," he said, "I think we should break up."

"What? Why?!" Darcy said, and he knew that she was letting the tears fall.

"Darcy, I'm ruining your life, and I care more about that fact than I want to admit. I'm keeping you from your family, and your friends, and I don't wanna do that anymore," Craig said, feeling his own tears rising in the corners of his eyes.

"Craig Manning don't ever call me again! EVER!" Click.