Disclaimer: I own nothing Degrassi...

Sorry for the delay. I've been suffering from writer's block. I've been having lots of ideas for new stories, but few for this one. Hopefully I'll get back on track soon.

Emma tried hard to avoid Jay over the next few weeks. Jay tried even harder to be a constant part of her life. He met her each morning at her locker, often walking her to class, swinging her bag over his shoulder as if it were the most natural thing in the world. And strangely enough, Emma's icy exterior began to melt, leaving her looking forward to their daily routines and Jay's merciless flirting.

Manny was dating someone new and spending every minute with him, JT and Liberty were back into their relationship full force, and even Toby had found someone to cozy up to. Emma found herself alone, and although she hated to admit it, Jay was a ray of sunshine in her usually dull days.

But Emma wasn't the only one changing. Jay found himself doing things he'd never done before; not only studying for, but participating in most of his classes, especially Chemistry. He liked answering the particularly difficult questions, flashing Emma a satisfied smile to let her know just how together he really could be. All it took was a simple upturning of her delicate lips to keep Jay focused.

"So what exactly is up with Jay lately?" Manny asked, munching on a French fry that she'd stolen from Toby's plate.

Emma flashed her a mortified look, dodging the question and taking a large bite of her cucumber and tomato sandwich. She darted her eyes from Manny to Liberty, and then back to Manny. She did not want to discuss this.

"I think it's sweet," Liberty said, her eyes glossing over. "The bad boy turns all soft and mushy for the girl he loves. It's romantic."

JT wrapped his arm around Liberty's shoulder, pulling her to his side. "Ah Liberty! Sensibility leaves her wonderful mind when confronted with romance." He and Toby shared a laugh.

"Can we please focus here!" Manny ordered. "Let's try to remember that this is Jay Hogart we're talking about and he's stalking our friend."

Emma rolled her eyes at her friend. "He's not stalking me!"

JT shrugged. "I think Jay's okay. He hasn't slammed my head into a locker all year. We worked together on a History project and he actually did some work. I don't think he's as bad as you think, Manny."

Liberty smiled up at JT, adoration on her face. "Now if we could just turn our little Emma's head in his direction, the world would be right yet again."

Emma coughed, sending a piece of her carrot Toby's way. She stifled a laugh, as Toby ducked, shooting a disgusted look her way, and tried to focus on Liberty. "Will you all just stop! Jay and I are friends and nothing more! I'm with Sean, remember?"

Emma's four friends exchanged knowing looks, annoying Emma. She gave them each dirty looks before cleaning her space and leaving the table. She walked slowly to her locker, head down, until she bumped into none other than Jay.

"Hey!" he smiled, taking her elbow to help steady her. "Where you headed to in such a hurry? I was just gonna come eat lunch with you."

Emma continued walking to her locker, ignoring Jay's proposal. He followed behind, like a dog following his master, looking for any bit of encouragement to brighten his day. Emma opened her locker, sticking her head inside, while Jay leaned on the locker beside hers.

He turned his head toward her and asked, "What did I do now?"

She finally met his eyes, seeing the humour there, and wanting to smile, but knowing she had to find a way to get him to stop thinking she was so great. "It's just that you're always around."

He stood up, straighter, showing his full height, towering over Emma. "I'm not following."

Emma shut her locker and began walking toward the girl's bathroom. She didn't turn around to see if Jay was following her, knowing that he was there, at her heels...as always. "Don't you ever have anything better to be doing than following me around school every day?"

"I thought we were friends," he said.

Emma stopped walking, turning to stare at Jay. The comment, so innocent and straightforward, threw her for a loop. She didn't want him to hate her. "We are," she sighed. "It's just that some people are getting the wrong idea about us. I just don't want something to get misunderstood and for people to start thinking we're more...than just friends."

Jay sniffed, telling himself to be cool. Don't let her see the truth, Hogart. She's not ready to know yet. Just frost this one over and bide your time.

"Sorry to be cramping your style, Greenpeace. 'Nough said," he shrugged, backing away.

"Jay," Emma called.

He raised a hand, shook his head, and turned to walk away.

I know it's short, but the next chapter more than makes up for it!