36. In which Craig and Hillary have a heart to heart and Craig finds his inspiration

It's taken a lot for me to get over the loss of Jake in my life. It's taken even more for me to get over the guilt I placed on myself and the feelings about myself I got from my parents. But I guess everyone gets a little redemption in their lives. Craig is my redemption.

After the contest that night, Craig drove Hillary home. Spinner was hooting as the two got into Joey's car, and Craig shot him a murderous look. Hillary only laughed a little and waved as they drove off. They arrived at her house late, and went up to her room to listen to music and relax. When they got to her room, Craig flopped down on the bed and Hillary went to the bathroom to change. When she emerged her eyes were still rimmed a little with black, and her hair still stuck up. She had traded her short skirt for a pair of jeans and her blazer and tank for a long sleeved black thermal shirt. She flipped on the stereo and one of her favorite songs poured out.

I had these dreams that I learned to play guitar
Maybe cross the country
Become a rock star
And there was hope in me that I could take you there
But damn it you're so young
Well I don't think I care
And if I hurt you
Then I'm sorry
Please don't think that this was easy

She hummed along as she sat down next to him on the bed. She lay down by his side, wrapping an arm around his waist and resting her cheek on his chest. She listened to his heart beat through his tee shirt and then rested her hand there. She could feel the vibrations in his chest as he began to sing along.

"Spin around me like a dream, played out on this movie screen. And I said: Did you know I missed you?" he sang, stroking her hair out of her face. She squeezed him a little, and he sat up. She sat up as well, and he kissed her softly. She kissed him and then broke into a smile. He smiled as well, laying a finger on her bottom lip. She giggled a little, and he eyed her with interest before asking, "What?"

"Nothing." She replied, then giggled again. He looked at her with disbelief and she kissed him again. "I just missed you."

"I missed you too, Hill. So much." He told her, watching as she lay back on the bed and stared at the ceiling. He could see the tears hiding just behind her eyes and he quickly reached out to take her hand. "What's wrong?"

"I'm sorry." She told him, voice cracking a little as she finally turned her eyes back to him.

"For what? What on earth do you have to be sorry for?" he asked, and she grabbed a nearby pillow to clutch to her chest.

"For everything. For wasting so much time. I was just scared." She replied, and he still looked confused.

"Scared of what?" he questioned, and her eyes flew shut. She was silent for a moment before answering.

"I was scared I'd do to you what I did to Jake." She finally told him, and his face grew immediately angry.

"Did to... Jake? Hillary, you didn't do anything to Jake! He had problems. If anything, you helped him. Frankly, he's a bastard for writing that note. I can't believe you thought I'd ever do that to you!" he cried, voice becoming louder and louder. He was nearly screaming when he saw that she really did have tears in her eyes. He stopped immediately and drew her into a tight embrace. He could feel her tears on his shoulder but she was crying silently. He stroked her hair for a moment before pulling away and taking her face in his hands. Using his thumbs he wiped away the moisture on her cheeks and made sure he had her full attention before speaking. "Hillary, I swear I would never, ever do that to you."

"I know." She replied, sniffling a little. "I really do."

"Good." He told her with a smile that slowly spread to her. "Cause I love ya, kid."

They both laughed at the old joke and he kissed her forehead before leaning over the edge of the bed to where he had stashed his bag. He retrieved his camera and then hopped to his feet. Hillary was wiping the tears from her eyes when she looked up and saw him poised to snap a photo.

"Craig!" she screeched with a laugh, trying to grab his ankles and pull him down before he could succeed at his task. She held up a hand and he snapped the picture anyway. He knew he'd have a rather odd shot of her fingers when it was developed. He grinned at her and she pouted playfully. "Please, Craig! I'm all blotchy and spotted and bloated from crying. It's cruel to create photographic evidence!"

"Hillary Anne, you look beautiful." He told her, and she lowered her hand. He had used her middle name, which indicated he meant business. He took a few more pictures before kneeling back down on the bed and placing his camera on the night stand. Hillary was lying on the bed again, and her eyes were beginning to droop. Suddenly a loud thrashing song started to pour out of the speakers and Craig moved quickly to quiet it. He flipped off the power and turned back to the bed, where Hillary was curled up. Her eyes were closed and her breathing was growing more even by the second. Craig smiled to himself as he placed a kiss on her head and pulled the blanket over her gently. She sighed a little as he flipped off the light and moved towards the door. He stopped for just a moment to take a last look before he closed the door behind him. He hoped this was the beginning of good things.

A/N – This is not the ending of the story. There are, in fact, 11 more chapters on the way (though the length of these chapters has yet to be determined). There is a lot more drama to come. Thanks to all my reviewers, you guys are so great to keep leaving me comments. They completely make my day. If you're reading and haven't been leaving comments please do. They make me so totally happy!