My note…sorry I didn't update on Wednesday, like I said I would…I've been enjoying spring break a little too much, trying to cram all I want to do, in one little week.

IMPROPRIETY

CHAPTER 12: NEW ISSUES

"Mom, I can go to school today…I'm feeling fine", Jimmy groaned as him mother placed a plate of scrambled eggs on the table in front of him.

"No, I think you should stay home today…you're tired and still weak and I don't want anything happening to you", Mrs. Brooks argued as she took a seat across from him.

"Nothing's gonna happen to me…", Jimmy chuckled at her concern. "…I'm a big boy, Mom".

"Yes, but you're my boy and I'm telling you to stay home for just one more day and rest", she replied in insistently. "Besides, it's my last day here, I'm leaving tomorrow morning, and after I'm gone, you can do whatever you so choose. But, until then, I call the shots", she added with mock authority and smiled.

Jimmy shook his head in disbelief. "I cant believe what I'm hearing…a mother who actually doesn't want her kid to go to school", he mumbled under his breath as he picked over his food.

"Ya know, it's probably for the best Jimmy….", Ashley stated in agreement, brushing her hand over his shoulder as she passed him. "…at least tomorrow we have the same classes, so I'll be with you…".

Jimmy tossed his fork onto the plate and angrily backed away from the table, causing Ashley to stop mid sentence. "But, I don't need…", he trailed off as he glanced from his mother to Ashley, who were both giving him looks of warning. "Whatever…", he sighed resignedly and headed into the living room. "…I'm gonna go take a shower".

Ashley giggled a little and a smile spread across Mrs. Brooks' face. "He's not a very patient, patient", she pointed out, with slight amusement in her voice.

"I've noticed" Ashley chuckled slightly and sat down at the table. "But, three and a half months in a hospital would probably do that to any person".

Mrs. Brooks nodded sadly. "Jimmy was hardly ever sick when he was younger...stitches in second grade and a broken arm at ten, but nothing major", she told Ashley. "Then he was shot", she added, her voice cracking. "It was really hard on him, on everyone".

Ashley felt hot tears spring to he eyes as Mrs. Brooks continued. "It was so difficult to watch your strong independent son, lying helpless in a hospital bed, faced with a devastating injury and a uncertain future…having to relearn basic skills and compensate for a body that doesn't function properly", she explained emotionally.

Mrs. Brooks blushed slightly with embarrassment when she finally snapped out of her thoughts. "I'm sorry Ashley, I don't know what's gotten into me. I don't usually go on and ramble like that.", she apologized and wiped her eyes.

"Oh that's okay, I understand", Ashley assured her with a small pat on the arm. "With Jimmy being sick, it's hard not to think about what he's been through…what he'll always have to go through". Mrs. Brooks gave Ashley a slightly surprised look and smiled warmly. "But he's strong and determined…he's a fighter, Mrs. Brooks", Ashley added proudly. "And nothing like this could ever get him down".

"Thank you Ashley", Mrs. Brooks stated sincerely, taking Ashley's hand in hers.

"For what?", she asked incredulously.

"For loving my son", she answered simply. "…the way he deserves to be loved".

Ashley immediately became defensive, "You don't have to thank me for loving Jimmy. I don't do it for…".

"Oh I know, your love for him is genuine, and that's what makes me so happy", Mrs. Brooks cut in. "I was so worried about him, after the shooting, and not just physically, but emotionally too. He was scared that he'd never find someone who could love him….."

"But he had Hazel?", Ashley interrupted questionably.

Mrs. Brooks shook her head. "Hazel didn't stick around because of love, Ashley. She stayed out of guilt, pity, obligation...whatever you want to call it", she explained with a shrug. "She was great for about the first two weeks or so, always by Jimmy's side...until we got the final prognosis, that is. Then she started distancing herself, visiting less frequently, always busy doing something else...spirit squad, yoga, shopping with Paige".

Ashley smiled at the last statement, but it soon faded when she realized how much she didn't know about that part of Jimmy's life. "I probably shouldn't be telling you all of this...", Mrs. Brooks stated quietly, thinking she may have stepped over her bounds.

"No, I'm glad you trust me enough to tell me...there are some things I'd like to know, but I'm not sure how to go about asking. Jimmy doesn't like to talk about what happened while he was in the hospital and I know his relationship with Hazel definitely isn't one of his favorite subjects... ", she clarified with a slight giggle and Mrs. Brooks chuckled along.

Mrs. Brooks laid her hand on Ashley's cheek and smiled. "You make my son truly happy Ashley, something I was afraid, might never happen", she stated with tears in her eyes.

"You don't ever have to worry about Jimmy being unhappy, Mrs. Brooks...not anymore", Ashley stated confidently. Jimmy's mom nodded happily and hugged Ashley tight.

Ashley looked down at her watch and groaned. "I have to get to class", she stated disappointedly as she stood up from the table. "I'm just gonna go say goodbye to Jimmy first", Ashley added, pointing over her shoulder, toward their bedroom. Mrs. Brooks nodded and smiled, then started clearing the breakfast dishes.

"Hey, I'm leaving now, but your mom...", Ashley trailed off after she opened the door wide enough to see Jimmy sprawled out on the bed, fast asleep. "So much for your shower", she mummbled quietly to herself as she sat down next to him and cupped his face in her hand.

Ashley gently caressed his cheek with her thumb as she watched him sleep. She tried pushing her deppest, darkest fear from the past week...the fear of losing Jimmy...down as far as she could. She softly kissed his lips, causing him to stir a little, but not wake up...and silently left the room.

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"Wow, you look even more exhausted today, than you did Monday in class", Dave snickered as he walked into the humanities office. Ashley knew she looked haggard and worn, but to have people actually point it out was a bit embarassing. She selfconciously ran her fingers through her hair and smiled weakly at Dave.

"This week has been absolutely crazy", she groaned as she filed some papers. "Jimmy and I are trying to catch up on our work from the classes we missed last week, not to mention study for exams that just happen to be in less than three weeks and still find some time to spend together".

Dave chuckled and placed a large latte on the desk in front of Ashley. "Dave you are a total mind reader", gasped and happily sipped from the paper cup.

"I thought you could use a little pick-me-up", he stated, taking a seat at his desk, directly across from Ashley's.

"This is perfect, thank you", Ashley replied with a sincere smile and promptly got back to work.

"So, how's Jimmy doing?", Dave asked as he tried to clear his desk.

"He's much better, thanks for asking.", Ashley answered, letting out a relieved sigh. "Last week was just awful...Jimmy was sick and in the hospital, then we got hit with that huge snow storm, then my car was giving me trouble, and Jimmy had two doctors appointments...", she rattled on. "...I'm just glad his mom came out to help. I couldn't have done it without her".

Dave smiled sympathetically at Ashley. "I really admire you Ashley", he stated honestly, leaning forward on his desk.

"Admire me...why?", Ashley inquired quizzically and blushed slightly with embarrassment.

Dave shrugged slightly. "How you deal with your situation and everything", he replied outright. "It must be hard on you, ya know...juggling school, a job, and taking care of your boyfriend...".

"What do you mean?", she asked incredulously, becoming increasingly annoyed at the way Dave said the last part. "I don't take care of Jimmy...he's perfectly capable of taking care of himself", Ashley added defensively as she tapped a stack of papers hard on the desk and angrily shoved them into the file cabinet. "We work together, always there when the other needs them...

"I'm sure that's how it is, and I'm sorry if I offended you", Dave apologized, and reached his hand across the desk. "I just don't think that most girls your age would have the strength to do what you do. I mean, your intelligent, beautiful...".

"And too good to date a guy in a wheelchair?", Ashley cut in furiously, grabbing her purse off of the desk and rushing for the door.

"Ashley, no. I didn't mean...", Dave trailed off as he grabbed her by the arm and spun her around. Ashley glared at him with sad, hurt eyes. "I'm your friend Ashley, and I'm concerned for you", he added, bringing both hands up to her shoulders.

"There's no need to be concerned Dave, I'm fine", she assured him, suddenly feeling quite uneasy under his grasp.

"I can't help it", Dave replied quietly, closing in the gap between them. "I have feelings for you Ashley...", he whispered, leaning in closer.

"Ash, I talked it over with Evan and he said tonight was fine. So, after his art class, if Jimmy's feeling up to it...", Kelly trailed off as she watched Dave's lips touch Ashley's. "What do think you're doing?", she gasped in horror and Dave instantly backed away.

"Kelly, I...", Ashley started to explain but Kelly didn't want to here it. "Kelly wait, please", Ashley called from the doorway as her friend ran down the hall.

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Ashley and Jimmy entered the small Chinese restaurant and immediately spotted Kelly and her boyfriend at a table in the back. Kelly waited for Jimmy to pull up to the table and Ashley to take her seat before introducing them to Evan. "These are my friends, Jimmy Brooks and Ashley Kerwin", she stated, flashing Ashley a disapproving look when she said her name.

Ashley and Kelly sat awkwardly, only speaking when they were spoken to or when they had something to add to the conversations the guys were having. Jimmy was having a great time, once he realized he and Evan had a lot more in common than just their disabilities. They were both guitatists and they both played basketball...although, Evan's first passion was skiing.

"Man, you should try it..it's a real rush", Evan offered excitedly, when Jimmy showed a slight interest. "My family goes up to the Catskills every winter break. Maybe you guys could come this season...".

"That'd be great, but we're going home for break", Jimmy replied disappointedly.

"So? There is skiing in Canada, isn't there?", Evan asked in a kind yet slightly incredulous, way.

Jimmy shrugged uncertainly and stated, "Well yeah, but...I don't know if I can...I mean your injury level is a lot lower than mine, and it's only been...".

"Dude, my accident was only a year and a half before yours, and you're twice as strong as some of the people I've seen out on the slopes. You can definitely do it", Evan encouraged, making Jimmy smile slightly as he thought it over.

Jimmy nodded enthusiastically and wrapped his arm around Ashley's shoulder. "And you could be my little snow bunny", he chuckled, whispering into her ear.

"I'd love that", she replied sweetly, kissing him softly on the cheek. "Maybe we could get the rest of the gang to go...make it a mini vacation with our friends...".

"Friendship is a very important component in a relationship". Kelly cut in sarcastically. "Dave, our instructor, says it's right up there with trustworthiness and honesty", she added, emphasizing the 'Dave' and looking pointedly at Ashley.

Ashley shifted uncomfortably in her seat. "Don't you agree Ashley?", Kelly asked, almost bitterly.

"Um, of course", she answered uneasily and grabbed for her purse. "If you'll excuse me", Ashley stated as she rose from her seat and nodded to Kelly. "Kelly, would you mind?".

Kelly sat silently for a moment then reluctantly stood up and followed Ashley, leaving the guys to discuss why girls always went to the restroom in packs.

Once they reached the safe haven of the restroom, Ashley turned to Kelly and said, "Kelly, I tried to explain earlier...".

"Explain what Ashley?", she asked sarcastically. "There's no denying what I saw".

"I know, but you have to understand...he kissed me", Ashley defended.

"And that makes it all right?", Kelly asked, her voice conveying a hurt tone.

Ashley sighed heavily and shook her head, "No, I tried to push him away, but..".

Kelly's softness was getting the best of her as she fought to keep her composure. "I just can't believe you'd do this to...".

"Kelly, I would never do anything to hurt Natalie...", Ashley started to say, but Kelly quickly interrupted her.

"Natalie?", Kelly gasped in astonishment. "I wasn't talking about Natalie, Ashley...I was talking about Jimmy", she yelled incredulously and stormed out of the restroom.

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The drive home was silent, except for the welcome distraction of the car radio, thanks to Jimmy obsession with the tuner buttons...forever joking that it was the only part of being a constant passenger, that he enjoyed.

"So, that was kinda weird...Kelly and Evan just leaving like that", Jimmy stated as he and Ashley pulled into the garage.

"Uh huh", Ashley mumbled avoidingly, as she brought his chair around.

"Did something happen in the washroom?", Jimmy asked as he followed her into the house. Ashley quickly turned to look at him. "I don't mean something in a...", he stopped when Ashley's look went from questioning to disturbed. Jimmy chuckled a little. "I mean, did you guys have a fight or something?".

Ashley frowned and shrugged. "Yeah, I guess", she replied shortly, trying to busy herself around the kitchen.

"What about?", Jimmy pressed, pulling up to the sink, next to her.

Ashley shook her head dismissively, "Nothing really, just something stupid that happened at school...".

"Well it had to be something big if it's got the both of you so upset", Jimmy replied cecernedly when he noticed how distraught Ashley was becoming.

"Really Jimmy, it was nothing", she insisted pleadingly as she walked from the kitchen, into the living room.

"Ashley, tell me what happened", Jimmy called out as he quickly followed her.

"No, I can't...I", she stuttered through the tears that were now falling rapidly.

Jimmy caught up to Ashley and stopped in front of her, forcing her to sink down onto the couch. "God, Ash...what is it?", he whispered comfortingly as he took her hands in his. Ashley shook her head fiercely. "Ash, c'mon...it's me", Jimmy coaxed, placing his finger under her chin and raised her face to meet his.

Wracked with guilt, fear and confusion, Ashley looked away from Jimmy's eyes, and whispered softly, "Dave kissed me".

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Ooh, how will Jimmy take the news? Can't wait to find out(insert wicked laugh here). So there it is, the revelation of Dave's intentions...but have we heard the last of him?(insert wickeder laugh here). Not to worry, there's only two more chapters to this story(I think, it does't look the same on paper), so you'll find out soon enough. I've decided only post on Saturdays from now on(sorry if this upsets anyone). Saturday posts always seem to give more feedback and I really need the feedback.

Sunshyne08...you little mind reader. I know, I really hate how the show never incorporated Jimmy's mom into the storylines, especially after the shooting. And as much as I like the character of Jimmy's dad, like you said, one would think she'd be more involved in her son's life. Lilfiftyfour...actually, I meant their first U.S. Thanksgiving, Christmas time always means the end of the semester, and that's coming up. Thanks so much for the review. TigrouAngel...thanks for reviewing. Yeah, I love Mr. Brooks/ Jimmy interaction too. As for the Dave/Natalie drama...hmmmm?(am I that transparent, lol). Raina-Bess...hey there, we've missed you. Thanks for the great review, I'm so happy you liked the chapter. Glad to have you back!

Degrassi is not mine.