The drive to the university was slightly awkward. Craig asked the usual questions. How was college going? Any new classes? Favorite teachers? Ellie just sat back and answered, asking questions of her own as well. What was it like working on an album? How was the studio? Who did he meet? So on and so forth. It was like an interview. She had so much info she could've written an entire article for the Core…but of course Jesse wouldn't have approved…ass.

They both spoke as if last year didn't even happen, which was what made the ride so awkward. Both of them had to hold back the urge to discuss it for personal reasons. Ellie would've been considered bitter by Marco's standards and her bringing the issue up would only prove that she wasn't over it at all…which would've made her seem as unforgiving as Marco said. Craig, on the other hand, didn't want to revisit a time where he caused her so much pain and heartache. Bringing up last year would kill him, and he'd be forced to tell Ellie his true feelings.

At around 6:45, they arrived at the university and were escorted to the auditorium entrance by one of the drivers.

"Mr. Manning!" a guy in his late 20's greeted them. He was dressed in an oddly burgundy suit, something Ellie would think Hugh Heffner would wear. There was something snide and sleazy in his appearance, but he and Craig seemed to be the best friends. They did the high-five, hug thing."Nice to see you again, Bro-ham. Big album release party and all! You excited?"

"Yep, very excited! Is the place packed?" Craig asked balancing on his heels. He looked all eager and childlike…Ellie wanted to shy away the thought of it being a little cute.

"Yes! A ton of people here to see you! And the record label, the company all of us are really proud of you. Yah did a phenomenal job." He said. His eyes fell to Ellie, "This your date?"

"Yeah, she's a good friend of mine."

"I'm sure she is," the guy winked at her. Ellie rolled her eyes. "Anyway, congratulations and have fun at the party."

"Thanks Kem." Craig said. He and Ellie walked through the double doors past the guy.

"Okay, who was that?"

"That's my producer, Kem. He's cool."

"That wink was kinda weird."

"That's just Kem. He acts like that when he's around beautiful girls." Craig smiled. Ellie was uneasy towards the compliment, she managed a smirk but didn't want it to say anymore than "thanks." "Um, here we are." Craig spoke up, shaking off his own smile. They came to the auditorium double doors. Craig pushed them open and in they went.

Colorful lights spiraled around the room. Loud music pounded through the stereos; a projector screen showed random images of Craig performing on stage. Giant-sized posters of his album cover were placed on either side of the auditorium walls. The place was packed; the few people who saw Craig enter applauded him. He waved and smiled, thanking the crowd and bowing to them. Ellie couldn't help but giggle at his quirkiness.

"The bow wins 'em over every time." He joked. He took her hand and they proceeded further into auditorium.

…

"So, in my conclusion," Kem started. He and Craig stood at the podium. "I would like to officially announce this day Craig Manning day. A trademark event in Rock'n Roll history. He's been a blast to work with and I look forward to producing his next album. To Craig Manning." Kem held up his wine glass.

"To Craig Manning," everyone repeated in sync. They cheered. Soon the music switched back on and the crowd returned to the mingling and dancing.

"Thanks man." Craig said, he and Kem shaking hands.

"Anytime. This album is kick-ass, you should be proud of yourself Manning."

"Oh I am…I really am…"

"Now, if I were you, I'd be trying to score with some of these ladies. A lot of 'em been giving you the eye since yah got here." Kem had laid eyes on a brunette a few ways away and winked at her.

"Kem, it's my first album, the party is supposed to be for me. I'm not surprised." Craig took a sip from his wine glass.

"Yeah, but these girls are hot. And I mean hot. We're at a university; the majority of the chicks in here are college girls. College girls, Manning!"

"I've noticed, but I have a date."

"What? That redhead? Look, she's cute, but compared to the other gitch in here? Manning you got it made. Besides, you've barely made any contact with her since you been here. Sure you had that little grand entrance, but that was it. Try mingling. Like with," a slim, sexy blonde had approached them at the podium. She had green eyes and wore a long, blue, sparkling dress. She was at least 19 or 20. "My good friend, Heather. She's been wanting to talk to you for a while now."

"Kem, what's a while?" Craig eyed him suspiciously.

"When I told her you were interested. Go mingle," Kem shoved Craig to the blonde and scurried away.

"Um, hi." Craig greeted, slightly uncomfortably

"Hi, I'm Heather." The blonde girl cheesed, waving at him.

"Yeah, so I hear." Craig nodded. It was silent for a moment. Craig was looking for anything in the crowd to take his mind off the situation. The blonde girl, Heather, merely stared at him, smiling

"I love My Window." Heather blurted out. "I think it's one of the best songs on the album… not that the other songs aren't great, I just really love the sound and the words. Your whole album is just amazing; I could tell you put a lot of work into it."

The flattery seemed to have brought Craig's attention back to her.

"Well..." Craig started, smiling back at her. "I did, I really did…"

They stood there smiling at each other for what seemed like hours.