(Catch You pt.2)

Spinner and Hazel sat silently starring at one another until Spinner's boss called for him to take the trash outside to the dumpster. Feeling that he was about to get much desired information, Spinner dejectedly left the booth and started to the back doorway. Hazel looked down at the table for a minute thinking whenever she realized that Paige and Jay were still in the back ally. She rushed up from the table hoping that she would be able to stop Spinner.

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(Spinner's POV) Stupid boss. Stupid job. Stupid… stupidity! I'm telling you, I had Hazel eating out of the palm of my hand! Two more minutes with her and I would have been able to get Paige back into my life. Stupid trash bags! Spinner opened the door leading to the ally and saw "two people" leaning against the wall making out. Whoa! Talk about a secret place to make out… Paige starts giggling as Jay is tracing her necklace with his finger and leaning closer to kiss her. Wait a minute… I know that laugh. I could never forget that laugh… Paige

Spinner: Paige?

The girl jumped when I called out her name and finally I could see her face… The guy she was with turned to face me and I couldn't believe the sight that was right in front of me. Paige Michalchuk and Jay Hogart; the love of my life and the life of the ravine, together.

Spinner: What the hell…!
Paige: Spinner! I…
Spinner: What do you think you're doing!

Before I knew it I had dropped the bag of trash I had been carrying and was charging towards Jay. I shoved him back against the wall and held his neck up with arm. Out of the corner of my eye I could see Paige standing besides the two of us with a look of complete shock and agony in her eyes. Before I could even think to realize what I was doing Paige began to beg me to stop and I heard the door to the dot open once more. I faintly heard Hazel let out a scream and then saw a blur as she ran to Paige's side grabbing her hand.

Paige: Spinner please! Stop it, you're hurting him! PLEASE!

I turned to face Paige and saw a tear escape her face. I let go of Jay and backed up. Jay started coughing and rubbing the area of his neck that was now turning a fierce red while Hazel held on tighter to Paige's arm as if she needed to hold the blonde up and Paige just stood starring at me crying.

Spinner: Fine! If you want to be with that two-timing, lying, piece of trailer scum who's incapable of love instead of me then go right ahead and be miserable!

Paige clenched her jaw and started to shake her head as I backed up into the door and walked into the dot again. I knew that she wanted to say something, but there was no way that I was going to stay to hear it…

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Hazel: Are you two ok?
Jay: Yea, um… we're fine.

(Jay's POV) I personally had the desire to go beat the crap out of Mason right now, and aside from the fact that it felt like my throat had a cherry-bomb inside of it, I just wanted to make sure that Paige was ok. Hazel remained glued to her side as she stood with a pist off expression on her face and tears sitting in her eyes.

Hazel: Paige? Sweety…
Paige: Where the hell does he get off! He has absolutely NO right, whatsoever—…
Jay: Hey come here.

I did something I normally wouldn't do and pulled Princess into a hug. I could feel her take a deep breath and I continued talking.

Jay: Spinner Mason is an illiterate moron. The guy can hardly keep a goldfish alive let alone a good relationship.

What the hell am I saying? When has the word relationship ever even come out of my mouth?

Paige: Haze I'll meet you inside ok?
Hazel: Sure…

Hazel gave Paige a hug and then walked back into the dot. Paige turned to me once again, and instead of looking angry, she just looked tired…

Paige: I guess the worst is over.

The way I see, this is only the beginning. There's no way in hell anybody at school is going to be ok with Princess Prissy making out with the one and only Jay Hogart… I guess I'm just gunna have to take my own advice for once and let people think what they want. That's basically the way I live my life anyways…

Jay: If Spinner Mason was the worst of your worries—
Paige: Don't finish that sentence.
Jay: Screw it… tonight will just be me and you and hopefully no firemen.

As soon as I said the word 'tonight' I could see the wheels in Barbie's head spinning and I knew exactly what she was thinking about: The Dance.

Jay: No. No. No. No, no, no. No!

Paige started moving closer to me and placed a small grin on her face as she wrapped her arms around my neck and started trailing kisses from my earlobe to my chest.

Paige: Spin… and… Hazel… know… … it's… only… a few… hours… … pleaaase….
Jay: No way! It's not happ—

Before I could finish my sentence her mouth was pressed to mine once more and her tongue was gently massaging mine. I could feel her warm breath inside of my mouth while her hands made circles on my chest. Damn this girl is good. Once the kiss was over Paige pulled back and looked up at me with those eyes that I've come to hate because of their power.

Jay: I'll pick you up at eight.
Paige: Eeek!
Jay: Yea go inside little miss manipulative!
Paige: I'd be glad to my dear chauffeur!
Jay: Damnit…

(Paige's POV) Perfect dress, amazing make-up, soon to be desirable boyfriend… at least Jay's sorta my boyfriend. I mean sure we have an amazing time together no matter what it is that we're doing, and I so love being around him, but we haven't actually gotten to the "let's talk about our relationship" stage yet… I guess we'll just have to wait and see what happens, granted the fact that I'm pretty sure Jay is completely oblivious to the sheer existence of a "let's talk about our relationship" stage. Oh well, tonight is all about our cotillion into high school life as we know it, and I just hope to god that nothing tres dramatic happens…

Jay: You should really start locking that window you know.

I jumped in my chair at the sound of Jay's voice not knowing that he was inside. As soon as my eyes caught glance of him in the mirror I was practically permanently placed in front of, I eased myself back to a normal heartbeat.

Paige: You should really stop scaring me half to death by sneaking in here! I do have a front door you know!
Jay: Yea, but the window just has more of a Hogart vibe going… besides, I'm taking you to this stupid pumpkin fest aren't I?
Paige: Although it's going to be rather difficult for you, please try to silence your utter disgrosement of the dance until the night is over. In order for me to not go into a complete anxiety attack I really need to have confidence in the fact that I'm not making numerous errors in judgment.
Jay: What did you do, come home and swallow a dictionary? You just used about 15 ten-syllable words.

I smiled as Jay tossed his hat on the table and slumped onto his usual spot on my crimson coloured couch. Truth be told I have a tendency to use larger words when I'm nervous, I just never thought that anybody noticed.

Jay: What are you so smiley about?
Paige: Oh nothing, I just didn't think that you knew what the word 'syllable' meant is all.
Jay: Nice one Princess…
Paige: I try… So, how do I look?
Jay: Do you really want me to answer that?
Paige: Come on Hogart I'm being serious here.
Jay: And so am I.
Paige: Does it really look that bad?
Jay: You do realize that you're talking to me right? I mean I'm not your bestest-buddy Hazel and I'm definitely not big brother Dylan.
Paige: I guess you do lack the fashion gene… and speaking of fashion, I'm impressed.

I remained seated as I glanced over Jay's current apparel. Nothing too fancy, but undeniably an improvement from the usual bad-boy façade I was half expecting to see tonight.

Jay: Yea well, I figure if I'm gunna be forced to go to this "thing" I might as well make it seem like I lost a bet and am being forced to wear dorky clothes.
Paige: You like them and you know it!
Jay: No, I like that you like them, because now not only do you owe me big time for going to this stupid dance, but you think I look hot.
Paige: Ok, can we just go already mister egomaniacal!
Jay: Car's out front Barbie.

I rolled my eyes as I started for the stairs pushing Jay in front of me as I stood.

(Jay's POV) Friday night, and I'm on my way to Degrassi High's "Fall Ball". Can you say manipulated? How about psychotic? I mean when in my life have I ever let some girl push me around… some hot, sexy girl who can work wonders with her mouth. I mean the things that Princess can do with that mouth would amaze even her closest friends. And those eyes too… those eyes hold a hypnotic power that makes you wanna—Wait! What the hell am I thinking? I'm supposed to be mad at Little Miss Mind Games… to hell with it. The second I look at her face its all gunna leap out of my head anyways.

Jay: Alright Princess, your magnificent dance awaits you.
Paige: Wow, any more sarcasm and I think the car would explode. What's wrong with you?
Jay: Oh nothing, just that I'm at a school dance instead of—
Paige: What? Going down to the ravine? No pun intended.
Jay: I was going to say instead of being alone with you, but being with you at the ravine would be a bit more fun.
Paige: Don't get your hopes up Jason; I'm not a ravine whore.
Jay: You're so cute when you're cynical.

Paige smiled and rolled her eyes, a gesture that I had come to learn meant "kiss me before you make me mad again", and so I leaned over the center console of my car and kissed her lightly before she took off her seat belt and let out a large breath.

Paige: Well, I guess we'd better get in there. Hazel was expecting us a half hour ago.
Jay: Look, why don't we just blow this off. Go back to your place, order take-out, watch a movie…

I started trailing my hand up and down her arm as she looked at me almost as if she were considering what I was saying. Unfortunately, I think we both knew that there was no chance off walking away from this dance now.

Jay: Ok, ok. Let's do this.
Paige: Let's do it.

Paige smiled as she and I both got out of the car, and I instinctively latched her arm into mine as we walked up the steps to the front doors of Degrassi. Once we got there she parted from my arm as I opened the door and we both stepped inside of the dimly-lit foyer.

Jay: What is it about you that can make me act like such a—
Paige: Unless you're going to say gentleman, don't even think about finishing that sentence.
Jay: Well you know me, that's for sure.

Paige let out a quiet laugh as I put my arm around her shoulder and we started for the door to the gym.

Jay: Now you see, laughing isn't so hard now is it.
Paige: Shut up Hogart. Let's do this thing.

Paige and I each pulled on the handles for the doors we were standing in front of, and it seemed as though a silence came over the entire dance.

(Paige's POV) Jay and I stood there in the doorway practically frozen (me out of complete anxiety, and Jay most likely out of a fierce distaste for school oriented functions… and school for that matter). Jay's right arm stayed placed around my shoulder and after a split second that seemed to last an hour, I glanced up to Jay and put on my infamous Michalchuk smirk that soon turned into a smile as we started into the gymnasium. I'm pretty sure that everybody I cared about (and those who I harbor an extreme grudge against) were all front and center for mine and Jay's appearance, and honestly, I don't think that I would be able to have it any other way. My friends should be happy for me, and my enemies should be jealous. That's the order of high school life as we all know it… it's been that way ever since I started at degrassi, and I'm not about to change social rules. So, as Jay and I made our way from the entrance doors over to the table that I could see Hazel and Jimmy at, I smiled and waved at those who I cared to do so with, and gave a smug grin to those whom shall not be named… I guess Jay is rubbing off on me.

Hazel: Paige, you look amazing! I can't believe you found that killer dress in only 5 hours!
Paige: Well, my shopping skills do astonish even me. Thanks Haze.
Hazel: And Jay… you know, you actually look acceptable.
Jay: I'll take that as a compliment Aden. Brookes.
Jimmy: Jay.

Hazel and I both looked quizzically between Jimmy and Jay before letting out pairs of girlish laughter.

Paige: Well, before the two of you get any more vague, how about a toast to commemorate this momentous occasion?
Jimmy: I got lost at commemorate.
Jay: I'm gunna have to go with vague.

I rolled my eyes and let out yet another laugh before picking up and handing off four punch glasses from the waiter passing by and then continuing with my speech.

Paige: This is the first official date of the Jason Hogart era, not to mention our junior year fall formal a.k.a. our last official autumn school dance seeing as next year our first one is in December. So, let's raise these cheap, generic, plastic cups that the school insists upon buying and make a toast to us.
Hazel: Cheers!
Jay & Jimmy: Cheers…

I swallowed the tiny sip of punch and smiled as I looked to Jay who for the first time that night didn't look like he was going to keel over from being at school after hours and not vandalizing anything. Unfortunately, not everything always goes according to plan… actually, nothing ever goes according to plan.

Spinner: Well I see that you're still suffering from brain damage.
Paige: Actually, once I stopped giving you the time of day I recovered quite nicely. Fortunately for me, the condition was only temporary, unlike in your case where the situation is much more permanent. Now, can we help you with something? Or better yet, do we want to?

Jay began to suppress a laugh as Spinner looked like he was about to boil over with anger, and Jimmy was flat out boiling over with amusement.

Spinner: I hope you enjoy the illusion while it lasts buddy. Believe me; your little Princess turns into pumpkin before you have time to blink.
Hazel: Why don't you just leave before you get beat up worse than you did at Jimmy's party?

Spinner looked from Hazel to Jay to me and then walked away ending up on the dance floor with Manny.

Jimmy: The guy's my friend and all, but I have to admit, that was worth seeing.

I averted my eyes from the gruesome sight of Spinner dancing with Manny (who had the most annoying "I have him and you don't" look on her face) and let out a small laugh at Jimmy's obvious delight.

Paige: If he wants to think that he's ruler of the world, then somebody needs to give him the facts.
Jimmy: I'm just so glad that somebody gets to be you.
Paige: That makes four of us. Now, let's just forget about hair-boy and enjoy this dance.
Hazel: Cheers to that!

Hazel, Jimmy, myself, and shockingly even Jay laughed at the comment, and as we all set our drinks down, we paired off and went to the dance floor (by which dragging was the only way to get to said space).

Pull the hair back from your eyes,
Let the people see your pretty face
Try not to say anything weird-

Save your questions without answers,
Till you're old enough to know
That things aint as they appear

Be first in line, raise your hand
Remember everything you hear
And playing in the rain is worth catching cold

Sooner or later- we'll be looking' back on everything
And well laugh about it like we knew what all was happening and
Someday you might listen to what people have to say
Now you learn the hard way...

We only want what's best for you
That's why we tell you what to do
And never mind if nothing makes sense
Cause it all works out in the end

Sooner or later- we'll be looking' back on everything
And well laugh about it like we knew what all was happening
And someday you might listen to what people have to say
Now you learn the hard way...

Some things you have to learn
Them all on your own
You can't rely on anybody else
Or the point of view of a source unknown

If it feels good, & sounds nice, then it's your choice
Don't doubt yourself don't even think twice

Pull the hair back from your eyes,
Let the people see your pretty face
You know they like it when you smile (find a reason to smile)
Try not to focus on yourself share that love with someone else
Don't let the bitters bring you down (down)
Don't let anything bring you down

Sooner or later- we'll be looking' back on everything
And well laugh about it like we knew what all was happening and
Someday (someday) you might listen
To what people have to say (someday you might listen to what people have to say)
Now you learn the hard way…
(Sooner or later)

Ok, before i forget, the lyrics at the end of this part of the chapter are "Sooner or Later" by Michael Tolcher (aka the 'Life As We Know It' theme song)... secondly, I really hope that you guys liked the second chunk of the chapter Anyways, stay tuned for a "Jay Hogart" moment inside of the dance, and an ending scene very tv worthy (in my opinion)... Thanks again to all you great fans who take the time to read and reply... without you i don't know if i would be just as inspired (and i would definately not be able to make an authors note sound like an award acceptance speech! )