Chapter 4 "Help"

Help, I need somebody,
Help, not just anybody,
Help, you know I need someone, help.

When I was younger, so much younger than today,
I never needed anybody's help in any way.
But now these days are gone, I'm not so self assured,
Now I find I've changed my mind and opened up the doors.

Help me if you can, I'm feeling down
And I do appreciate you being round.
Help me, get my feet back on the ground,
Won't you please, please help me.

"I can't believe you dragged me to this thing Paige. God, look at how many people are here" Ashley whispered as Paige piled her plate with goodies from the buffet table. "Stop whining Ashley. Seriously relax and just take it easy," she replied stuffing some shrimp in her mouth. That was easy for you to say, Ashley thought. As Paige chowed down and made random small talk with Darcy's mom about the wedding plans, Ashley sat down nearby. She recognized a few people from Degrassi who she thought about walking up to but decided it against it since they would just bring up Jimmy. She decided the best escape from the small crowd would be the bathroom. She stood in front of the mirror and fixed her hair when all of a sudden Darcy busted into the bathroom. "You'll never guess who's here! Craig Manning!" she screamed. "Its like a dream come true! This is such great publicity for the Dot and not to mention my wedding! This could even be in the tabloids" she gushed."You've got to be kidding me," Ashley mumbled aloud in a state of shock. "And that's a bad thing. Oh…now I remember he cheated on you and stole your song… well at least you're lucky enough to have dated a rockstar," Darcy said leaving. All of a sudden Ashley's stomach started to hurt. She needed to find Paige quick. There was no way she was going to stay at the party if Craig was there. She head back to the buffet table where Paige was still adding more food to her now huge plate. "Paige, we've got to go. Craig's here and I wanna leave before he sees me," she said tapping her on the shoulder. "Hun, too late for that cause he seems to be walking over here right now," Paige replied. "Oh my God. This is so embrassing," Ashley said nervously. "Well so much for playing it off cool. Don't worry you look great and so do the twins. They're very perky tonight," she added adjusting Ashley's shirt. "Paige!" she yelled slapping her hand as Craig came closer. How do guys do it. He looks so calm while I'm over here about to implode out of sheer nervousness? she thought. "Well well speak of the devil," Paige said trying to clear the air. Ashley was glad Paige spoke first which was maybe a small gesture so she collect herself. "Paige still sharp as ever with those words," Craig said looking at Ashley although he was talking to Paige. "Always have been. If you two will excuse me I need to attack the cheese buffet before Heather Sinclaire eats all the Havarti again," she said walking away. Ashley could immediately feel Craig's eyes all over her and she didn't like it.

"So how have you been?" he asked trying to make some light conversation. "Good. I think I saw I you the other day like at 12th and Porter," she replied trying to make things not awkward. "Yeah I thought I saw you too. I even thought about calling you,' he suggested laughing cynically. It was almost reminiscent of Heath Ledger's portrayal of the Joker. "Is that supposed to be some kind of joke?" she asked a slightly angry. "No but did you know I 

still think about you? But you know what? You were really mean. You dumped me and then I was hurt. Very very hurt. You always run away when things get hard. Its all about Ashley! Well guess what?! Now I'm a rockstar and people know me. I was in Spin magazine Ashley! And sometimes Manny still let's me touch her boobs" he replied seeming amused. Ashley slapped him and he almost fell to the ground. "That was NOT nice!" Craig yelled back. She felt a little embarrassed as everyone began to stare. Maybe that was a little harsh, she reasoned. She held out her hand to help him up and he reluctantly took it. Ashley leaned in closer. Craig smelled like he had wasted a few bottles of booze on his clothes. "You've got to be kiddin me! You're drunk," she shouted. "Shh! I'm not drunk I'm high off of life!" he softly replied and then snickering. "After all this time you still haven't changed. Look I'm sorry I slapped you and all but let's just keep things the way they were. You go your way and I'll go mine. Nice seeing you and have a good life," she said walking off.

She needed to get away. Breathe and just get some fresh air. She walked across the street and sat down on a bench and put her head in her hands. She hated feeling sorry him but in the back of her mind she knew what he said had some truth in it. When things got hard or were too complicated she walked away. In some ways she blamed herself for how Craig turned out. Their breakup was what lead him down a slippery slope to destruction years ago. As she got up to go back inside she spotted Spinner arguing with Darcy. "Spin! The party just started less than an hour ago you can't leave!" she shouted. "Well Darcy who else is gonna stay and take care of Craig?" he asked. Ashley sighed. "I can stay with Craig," she reluctantly answered. They both turned around and looked at her as if she were crazy. "You've got to be kidding me! Not just after that scene," Spinner replied. "Look I owe it to him. And to you guys for making a scene. I know it sounds weird coming from me of all people but I'll make sure he's alright." she added. "Well I have no clue where he's staying. I'd take him to Joey's but he's out of town and we can't get in without a key." "Actually if I can remember correctly, I know where there's a key," Ashley added. "You're sure you want to do this? Cause I don't want to wake up tomorrow morning and read "Ex Girlfriend Murders Former Rockstar Lover'", he stated. Ashley smacked him upside his head. "I won't hurt him, I promise. Besides Darcy's right. You should be enjoying your party. Joey's house is just one street over. Spinner can help me get Craig into the house and he'll back in no time," Ashley said trying to convince Darcy. Darcy pouted. "Alright but don't be long sweetie," Darcy told him giving him a kiss. Ashley rolled her eyes. Sometimes she swore they were the most annoying couple.

Spinner headed inside and after a few minutes dragged Craig out. With Craig still resisting a little bit he finally got him into the car. "Keep talking to him to keep him so he doesn't black out or anything Ashley," Spinner told her. She nervously turned around and faced Craig. "Craig. We're taking you home," she replied looking him in the eyes. He stared back but she could tell he wasn't all there. She grabbed his face and shook him. "Craig! Stay with me. This is Ashley. Honey you got to stay awake," she said as they pulled in the driveway. "Ashley," he mumbled back. "Go get the key while I try to go and get him out of the car," Spinner told her. She hopped out and went to the back yard, picking up a garden knome. I think this is the one, she thought. The head twisted open with a tiny house key inside. She ran back to the front and opened the door. "Sweet!" Spinner said as he brought Craig in. "Where am I?" Craig said somewhat slurring. "We're at Joey's," Spinner answered as Ashley turned on the lights. She thought back to all the times she was over and all the fun they had making music years ago. She stared at the photos on the wall, mostly of Craig and his sister throughout the years. "Ash, I don't think I'll be able to carry him up the stairs so I'm just gonna let him lay down on the couch," he replied. "Okay," she said still amazed she had agreed to stay and help Craig. "If there's anything else you need just call me. You have my number right?" he asked her. "Yeah," she smiled. "Thanks and good luck with that," Spinner pointed out as Craig puked on the floor.