Avoidance
Craig and Ashley didn't talk for a couple days. At school, they avoided each other. When they did come face to face with each other, one would turn and other would keep on going in the other direction. It was lunch time and they were sitting at different tables.
Sean: So, what's up with you and Ashley?
Craig: I don't know man.
Sean: Did you guys break up?
Craig: No. At least I don't think so.
Sean: What is that suppose to mean?
Craig: It means that I went to that party the other night.
Sean: I heard about that.
Craig: And Ashley didn't want me to go because of Manny, but I went anyway.
Sean: What did she say?
Craig: Well at first she was mad, butt then she came over to my house a couple days ago saying that she understood why I had to go.
Sean: So what's the problem?
Craig: Now she's mad because I'm going to meet with a photographer on Thursday and Manny is coming with me.
Sean: Well, why is she going?
Craig: Because that is the way it was set up. The photographer is her connection. He wanted us to come and see him together. I guess they also have a meeting.
Sean: What did Ashley say when you told her?
Craig: Basically it was 'it's either her or me'. (He said with a sarcastic tone)
Sean: So who did you choose?
Craig: I didn't choose. Or…maybe you could say I chose my photography.
At another table across the cafeteria, Ashley was telling her side to Ellie. She was staring at Craig with a hurt and disappointed look on her face.
Ellie: Ash, if you're going to look like that, why don't you just go and talk to him.
Ashley: Are you crazy? After what he said.
Ellie: I listened to what you told me happened between the two of you and it sounds like you either have to accept his choice or break up with him.
Ashley: He chose Manny. You want me to accept that.
Ellie: He chose photography, not Manny.
Ashley thought about the conversation with Craig yesterday. Then about what Ellie was telling her now.
Ellie: You've got a decision to make. Either you trust him or you don't.
Ashley: It's so hard El. I know he has feelings for Manny after everything they went through. I just don't know if those feelings are going to resurface when they're together or not.
Ellie: Look at it this way. If they resurface, then you know it was only a matter of time before your relationship was going to end. If his feelings don't resurface then you know he is over her for good.
MEANWHILE
Sean: So you gonna go talk to her?
Craig: No
Sean: So then it's over?
Craig: don't know.
Sean: Is it worth all this? That's the question.
Craig and Sean continued to talk, after Sean changed the subject. Twenty minutes later, the bell rang. Everyone got up and Craig made his way over to Ashley.
Craig: Ash. Can I talk to you?
Ashley: Sure.
Craig: Look, I want you to accept my meeting. I want you to trust me.
Ashley: It's hard Craig. I just keep seeing the two of you together.
Craig: How about we go out this Friday. Just the two of us. We'll go out to dinner and do whatever you want to do.
Ashley: (she thought hard for a moment) Ok. That sounds nice.
Craig: Great. Well I gotta go.
Ashley: Me too.
They gave each other a quick kiss and then headed off in different directions.
Early the next morning, before school, Manny found Craig outside the building. He was talking to Sean and laughing about a joke that he just heard.
Manny: Craig.
Craig: Hey.
Manny: Hi Sean.
Sean: Hey Manny.
Manny: Craig, can I talk to you for a minute?
Craig: Sure. I'll be right back. (He said to Sean)
Craig: What's up?
Manny: I got a call from Scott last night. He has another meeting scheduled for Thursday, so he has to move ours to Friday at 5:00 p.m.
Craig: Ok (he said hesitantly)
Manny: Is that a problem?
Craig: No, of course not.
Manny: We are probably going to have to leave right after school so have a change of clothes ready and bring your portfolio. Jim will pick us up.
Craig: Ok
Manny: Well I gotta go. I'll see you.
Just as Manny was about to walk away, Craig stopped her.
Craig: Manny!
Manny: Yes.
Craig: What do you think I should wear to the meeting?
Manny: Just a nice suit.
Craig: I'm not so good at picking stuff like that out.
Then Craig paused with his words. He knew he didn't need to say this, but he did it anyway.
Craig: Could you help me?
Manny (She thought for a second.) Ok, she said
Craig: How about today after dinner?
Manny: ok, about seven.
Craig: Sure.
Manny: I'll see you then.
Manny then turned and walked into to the school. Craig turned back around and it suddenly hit him what he had done.
Sean: So what did she want?
Craig: She told me that our meeting we had was moved to Friday.
Sean: What else?
Craig: That's it
Sean: That doesn't take long to say.
Craig: Well I stopped and ask her if she would come over and help me pick out something to wear at the meeting.
Sean shook his head and laughed.
Craig: What?
Sean: You know you're just trying to figure out some way to be alone with her.
Craig: No, I'm not
Sean: Ok, if you say so dude.
Craig: I just don't want to have any problems.
Sean: Yeh. Well I'll tell you one problem you have.
Craig: What's that?
Sean: Telling Ashley your date is off for Friday because of a meeting with Manny
Craig stopped and looked at Sean.
In his head: Oh man, Ash is going to flip.
Then he and Sean went inside the school.