Meet our heroes, two young women who decide to go to Degrassi community school..using fake ids. to make them younger...Degrassi? Not ours. If it was, we'd be...not writing.
Day one
When Ashley and Nicole enrolled at Degrassi, the first thing they did was lock tour guide Liberty in a broom closet. The second thing was have trouble with their lockers, which Craig helped with. Craig then invited the girls to sit with him at lunch.
They sat at lunch with Craig and Ashley and Ellie and Marco.
"Hi, what's your name?" Marco said, flamboyantly
And while they were talking with Ashley and Ellie, the most popular, albeit, slutty looking girl came up to the table, flipped her hair over her shoulder, and asked, "Who are you and why are you sitting at this table?"
"I'm Ashley, who the fuck are you?"
"I'm Manny Santos"
"Good to know. I'll let you know when I care"
Marco, poor invisible, Marco spoke again "Ashley? Another Ashley?"
Ellie spoke. "we've got one name, what's the other ones?"
The blonde tore her eyes away from the boy eating spray cheese from the can at the next table and looked at Ellie. "Nice braids. I'm Nicole"
"Thanks. I'm Ellie. that's Marco. Ash. You know Craig."
"Hey, who was your advisor, I forgot to ask." Craig said.
Ashley giggled "it was Liberty..but something happened to her."
Nicole giggled as well. "Yeah, umm..she got...separated from us.."
"I don't know how..." Ashley continued, before nearly collapsing in laughter.
"Anyway, new subject, who's that? Spray cheese boy?"
"He can spray cheese on me anytime he wants," Nicole muttered under her breath. Only Marco heard her and rolled his eyes.
"Spinner Mason. That's his girlfriend next to him."
"Is everyone at this school paired up?" Ashley asked.
"Just me and Craig and spinner and Paige.."
Nicole shared a secret look with Ashley. "Interesting," she said aloud. "So um, what do you guys do for fun around here?"
"Craig and Spinner and Jimmy and I have a band" Marco said. "You could watch us practice tonight!"
"That would be...interesting. who else will be there?" Ashley said, narrowing her eyes at the other Ashley, Hoping no one notices
"Just my stepdad probably...oh, and my little sister Angie," Craig said. "You girls should definitely come."
"But Craig, I have a huge assignment for Kwan's class tonight," Ashley argued. "I can't make it"
"Oh, ok..I'll call you after practice then?"
Ashley smiled "of course"
Ashley and Nicole shared eye rolls. Marco was once again the only one who noticed.
"Nice shoes," Nicole said to Marco. He was cute after all, maybe a little innocent pick up line wouldn't hurt.
Marco smiled proudly. "Thanks, their Gucci." Okay, Nicole thought, definitely gay.
Soon the lunch bell rang and the girls went back to class.
On the way to Craig's house they discussed the first day.
"OK, this is going to be so easy." Ashley said. "We'll fly through classes, and no one will be able to know we're..you know."
Nicole laughed. "That we both graduated like, 4 years ago? No, they're clueless. This is going to be cake." They stopped in front of a house. "This must be it"
"I think it is" Ashley knocked on the door and a blond girl answered "Is this where Craig lives?"
"Yes, it is. I'm Emma. The baby sitter."
They looked Emma up and down. Nicole noted the 'Save the Planet' T-shirt, and rolled her eyes (the eye rolling was out of control here at Degrassi) She smiled and pushed Emma aside. "Great, we're here to watch the band rehearse," she said, unwrapping a piece of candy and absently throwing the wrapper down on the ground. Emma glared at her and bent down to snatch the litter up.
"They're out back"
Ashley smiled at her, thanked her and headed out back, yanking Nicole with her before she could say anything else
"I don't like her," Nicole said as they headed for the garage. She grinned at the boy playing drums. "But I do like him."
"Do I have enough bail money?"
"Because you weren't looking at Craig all day."
"I'm guilty."
"Hello boys!" Nicole called out, waving. They stopped playing and looked up.
"Hi!" Marco said.
"I'm Jimmy" Jimmy said.
"I'm Spinner" Spinner said.
"You spin me right round baby right round like a record spinning..." Nicole knew the song was going to be stuck in her head all day. She only smiled. "So, you guys have a band. That's cool."
"We're not that good." Craig said.
"Shouldn't you let us judge that?" Ashley replied, smiling.
"I'm sure you aren't that bad." Nicole added
"Play us something," they suggested, settling in on the couch
They started to play a tune, and they weren't horrible, for a high school band.
"Well," Nicole said, when they were done. "It wasn't John Mayer, but you guys sound great."
"Not that Nicole would have been paying attention to the music if John Mayer was three feet in front of her. That was really nice, though."
Marco had to laugh at that.
Nicole agreed. "You're one to talk," she said to Ashley. She turned back to the guys. "So.." Before she could say anymore, the garage door opened and a little girl came running in.
She went to sit on the couch, but Ashley and Nicole were there. Both girls made room for her.
"She's cute" Ashley said, before whispering to Nicole "I don't even like kids and I think she's cute" she spoke up again "Who's is she?"
"Angie, does Emma know you're not in the house?" Craig asked, leaning down so he was eye level with the little girl. They got a whiff of his cologne as he did so. "This is my little sister," he said, introducing her.
"Emma's on the phone with Sean," Angie said. "I don't like her, she's boring"
Nicole snickered and whispered to Ashley, "Yeah, I like this kid too."
"OK, you can sit with Ashley and Nicole"
" That isn't Ashley. Ashley's got funny hair"
"There's more than one Ashley, Angie." Craig explained
"Is this one nicer than the other Ashley?" Angie asked. Marco laughed out loud. "Marco!" Craig admonished. "Polo." Nicole giggled.
"You'll have to sit here with me and find out." Ashley smiled at the girl, her dislike of children had mellowed in her old age. Angie sat with the girls as the band played another song.
"This little girl could be useful," Nicole whispered to Ashley. "She might be able to help us out,"
"She's a kid! Wait, you're right."
Emma entered the room then, followed by an older, not unattractive, man.
Nicole unwrapped another piece of candy and handed it to Angie, tossing the wrapper on the ground just like before. She had never seen a person's face turn the shade of red that Emma's did.
Ashley tried very hard not to snort, and when she looked over at Marco it got worse-he was giggling as well.
"Who are these lovely ladies?"
"Hi," Nicole said, smiling sweetly. "We're just moved here and Craig and his friends were sweet enough to invite us over to watch them play."
"Ah."
"Craig helped us out today before school."
"I see. I'm Joey Jeremiah."
"Nice to meet you Mr. Jeremiah."
"Same here," he said, looking at the 2 girls. "So, are you girls in the same class as Craig, or are you grade 12s?" he asked, noticing they looked a little more..well, they looked older than the other girls Craig had been having hang around.
We're in Craig's grade"
Joey nodded, "Where are you from?"
"The states, Chicago." Ashley gave the fake address of the girls former lives-figuring the urban setting would add to the maturity. "We're cousins, and her parents are in Europe on business so she moved here with my dad and I"
"Spinner!" The garage door opened again and a perfect looking blonde came in, an annoyed look on her face. "What's taking so long, we were supposed to go to the mall today."
Spinner dropped his drum sticks, "I'm sorry honeybee, we've got a good practice going on."
Ashley tried not to laugh-at either the honeybee comment or the look on Nicole's face.
"Who are these girls?" the blonde said.
"I'm Ashley, that's Nicole. Who are you?"
"I'm Paige. I heard there were new girls. I just didn't know you'd be here." Nicole smiled. "We were invited by the guys, wasn't that just so sweet of them," she asked.
"Yes, the boys are always so sweet, which is why Spinner is taking me to the mall. Now." She left the garage and spinner stood up, shrugged his shoulders and followed her.
"Hag," Nicole muttered under her breath. "So.." She looked at the other guy, who hadn't said well, anything since they got there.."Jimmy is it," she asked. "what's your story?"
"Not much to say." Jimmy said, shrugging his shoulders.
"I can see that" Nicole said.
"You guys should get going, its nearly dinner time" Joey said.
"Yeah, it is getting late...you know what I just remembered though? We need to get some stuff for school...do you guys know how we can get to the mall?" Nicole asked.
Craig gave them directions, but messed them up and Marco offered to take them-the girls took him up on the offer.
On the way to the mall Marco turned to them and said "OK, what's the true story with you two."
"True story?" Nicole asked innocently. "What do you mean?"
"You two aren't sixteen. I know that much."
"Does it matter?" Ashley asked him.
Marco shrugged. "Hey, I'm just happy to be involved in something that's fun for once so no, it doesn't matter."
"Can you keep a secret?" Marco nodded. "We're both 22. We decided to relive our high school years. Picked Toronto on a whim. found a cheap apartment and this was the school district it was in" Ashley shrugged as she finished.
"We were just lucky enough to get some eye candy in the process."
Marco snickered. "You want eye candy, check out Paige's older brother, but well yeah, you wouldn't be his type." Marco nodded. "Spinner for you..what about you Ashley?"
"Craig."
Marco clapped his hands. "Such drama! I love it."
"So, why do you think we're at the mall?"
"Spinner and Paige"
"Well, I really need some clothes." Ashley said. "But mostly to spy, yes."
Nicole nodded in agreement. "Any thoughts on what we can do while we're here?" she asked Marco.
"None that will keep you out of jail," he replied.
"Jail I can handle." Nicole said.
"Me too. Its that other Ashley that I'm worried about."
"Yeah what's her deal?" Nicole asked. "She seemed...odd."
"She's got problems." Marco said, as if that explained everything.
"Don't we all?" Ashley said. "For crying out loud, I spent my high school years trying to kill myself. Damned mental illness."
Marco nodded. "Well, I can't help you break up Craig and Ashley or Spinner and Paige."
"Why not?" Nicole asked.
"Come on Marco"
"Polo"
"Are you two going to always do that? And I'll think about it. Let you know tomorrow."
They decided then that they couldn't find Paige and Spinner, and headed home, deciding to shop the next day.
Day Two
"Hey look, didn't we lock that girl in the closet?" Nicole asked, as they looked up at the television screen for the morning news.
"She got out."
The girls were seated in Mr. Simpson's homeroom, by Craig and Marco, and near enough to Spinner that Nicole could stare.
"Could you be any more obvious?" Marco whispered loud enough so that Ashley and Nicole could hear. Before she could answer, the other Ashley walked up to them. "You're in my seat," she said to Ashley.
"This is where Mr. Simpson told me to sit, I'm sorry." Ashley went to stand up when Mr. Simpson saw them.
"What's going on?"
"Ashley told me I was in her seat."
"Ashley, you aren't even in this class, why are you here?"
"Um, sir I am in this class."
"Wait, I'm sorry. You are. But you sit over by Paige, so get there." She left and he smiled at Ashley. "I've been in Chemo, it makes me forgetful"
"Okay class, now where did we leave off yesterday? Oh yes, Marco," "Polo" Nicole whispered. "Marco, what can you tell me about flash animation?"
"Not much.."
Ashley looked at her. "Remind me tonight, I'll talk to one of my online friend about this class. Or else I'll fail it. I'm just glad I have connections."
Classes were boring, and at lunch the girls sat with Marco. Ellie came over and sat with them, as did Craig. Ashley was sitting with Terri and Paige.
"How come your girlfriend doesn't sit with you Craig?"
"She does sometimes, I don't know why she's sitting with Paige."
"So, Marco, we still on for tonight?" Ashley said to him.
"Polo"
Everyone but Marco laughed. This game was never going to get old. Nicole saw Spinner pass by them. "Spinner!" she called out, "wait up." She followed him. "Um, so I hear you're really good in English?" she asked. She glared at Marco, who was bent over laughing.
"No, I suck."
"Oh, I'm sorry then..I just needed a tutor.."
"I'm OK in math, though...do you need a tutor in that?"
"Maybe until I get caught up..."
"Great," Nicole said, smiling. "Why don't you come over tonight then and catch me up?" she asked, writing her address and phone number on his hand. God she loved high school.
"I hope that's after we shop"
"Of course..say around seven?" Nicole said to Spinner.
"Sure, I'll see you then." Nicole was thanking God that they'd set up one of the bedrooms tin the three bedroom apartment to be Ashley's father's room. Ashley's single father. Who worked nights at a factory and was very grouchy when woken up.
Marco looked at Craig and Ellie. "What are you guys doing tonight?"
Ellie said "Hanging out with Ash."
"Not much..could I tag along to the mall?"
"The more the merrier," Ashley said, smiling at Craig.
After school the four of them headed to the mall.
"OK, Marco, tell me about this Dylan guy"
"Polo"
"What is she doing here?" Nicole asked, seeing that girl Emma from last night, standing outside the mall, holding a sign that said, "Hug a Tree." They walked right past her and Nicole dropped a Diet Coke can at her feet.
"Dylan's yummy," Marco said. And that seemed to sum it all up.
Ashley giggled "You are so mean. And I want to see this yummy Dylan."
"I'm sure you will."
"OK, lets get this shopping done with, so I can be home to meet Spinner."
"At least you have a tutor. I'm going to fail computer class. I can chat on the net, fine. But anything beyond basic HTML? So not in my brain."
"Really," Marco said. "Did you know Craig here's like, super genius when it comes to computers?"
"No, I didn't."
"I'd love to help you..Tomorrow? I have to watch Angie but she'll be good while we are on the computer."
"That would be nice, Craig."
"These boys are like putty in our hands," Nicole whispered to Ashley
Ashley just nodded her agreement.
The four of them went to a store where Marco started picking out warmer weather clothes for Ashley, who needed some new ones.
Thanks for helping out with Craig just now Marco," Ashley said, trying on clothes. "Polo!" Nicole yelled from across the store.
"No problem. I like you, you're nice to me."
"What's there not to be nice to? You're a great guy."
Ashley came out of the dressing room to model for Nicole and Craig.
Craig's jaw dropped at the sight of Ashley. Why didn't his Ashley dress like that?
"I have never. In my life. Worn pants like this. Or a shirt like this. But hey, new country new me, right?"
Nicole nodded. "you look great"
Just then, Nicole saw Paige and Spinner. Arguing.
"Excuse me a minute," she said, an evil smile on her face. She walked towards the fighting couple, "accidentally" bumping into Spinner from behind.
"Oops," she said
Paige glared at her, "excuse you"
"That's, OK, Nicole" Spinner said.
"We're talking, if you don't mind."
"No, I just wanted to make sure Spinner still had my address for math tutoring."
Paige's eyes grew wide. "Math tutoring? You're tutoring her?" "At my house. Tonight," Nicole said, smiling sweetly.
"I see...We should eat then" She grabbed spinner and drug him off as he called "see you at seven" over his shoulder.
Craig and Ashley and Marco came up behind him, Craig cracking his imaginary whip.
"Is she always like that?" Nicole asked
"Yes, she is" Marco said.
Craig shrugged. "Can we eat now?"
"You are such a guy."
"Guys eat. It's what we do."
"True." After they ate, Craig and Marco went home.
Spinner came over at seven, Ashley was on the phone with Marco discussing Craig's life when the Buzzer rang.
"Let the games begin,' Nicole said, smiling and opening the door. "Spinner, hi! Hope you found the place okay."
"Yes, I did."
Ashley came out of her room then. "hey spin. Remember to keep it down, dad's sleeping. He works nights." She explained.
Spinner nodded and they got down to work.
"You don't seem to need much help in math, you're doing really good," Spinner said a few minutes later. "Oh," Nicole said, covering quickly. "You must just be a really good teacher, that's all." She shrugged. "Snack break?"
"Sure" Spinner and Nicole rummaged around in the kitchen until spinner found the spray cheese.
"So, how long have you and Paige been going out?" she asked casually
"Just since the summer."
"I see..." She nodded to herself.
She seems a little...I don't know..I don't want to sound mean,but.." "Yeah, she's a little snotty sometimes," Spinner said shrugging. "She's hot though."
"there's more than just hot, isn't' there?"
"I guess...I don't know. I'm not in the mood to think about this..lets get back to math. And they did.
Day Three
The next day was just like any other. Ashley sat with them at lunch.
"Craig, what are we doing tonight?"
"I have plans Ash..babysitting."
Marco, Ashley and Nicole all noticed he wasn't mentioning the tutoring
"I see. Marco--" "Polo!" everyone yelled. It was becoming their favorite thing. "What are you doing tonight?"
"Nicole and I were going shopping. she needs curtains for her room."
"I see..."
"How about you Ellie? Do you have plans tonight?"
"Nope, we should go to the mall. Hey, Ashley, if Nicole is going to be with Marco polo you should come with Ash and I"
"I uh, have school stuff to do."
"Is that all we ever do? Go to the mall?"
"What else is there to do, Ash."
"You have a point...Are you sure you can't come Craig?"
"I've got Angie.."
"Bring her with"
"Angie doesn't like the mall. I promised her we'd watch movies tonight."
"Angie's so cute," Ashley said.
"You met Angie?" the other Ash asked
"The other night, we were at band practice. She's so cute, though."
Ash frowned "Yes, she is"
Just then, Emma walked by trying to get people to sign a petition to get genetically modified foods banned from the cafeteria. Nicole threw a straw wrapper on the floor in front of her.
Ashley and Marco rolled their eyes at each other, wondering if that was ever going to get old.
That afternoon, Craig and Ashley walked to Craig's house where Angie was waiting.
Craig said good-bye to the day baby-sitter and then looked at Angie.
"whatcha wanna do kiddo? Ashley and I have some homework to do"
"I want to watch Powerpuff Girls."
"I love Powerpuff Girls!"
"You like Powerpuff Girls Ashley? Who's your favorite? Mine's Bubbles"
"I like Buttercup"
"Yay! Powerpuff Girls. Can we have ice cream Craig?"
"Sure" Craig said, before looking at Ashley and saying "Powerpuff girls, huh?"
"Nothing wrong with saving the world before bedtime!"
"um, yeah..I guess." Craig just shook his head, knowing he was never going to understand girls
Craig was laughing as Angie and Ashley discussed Powerpuff Girls over ice cream. "OK, we have to start on homework now."
"some fun baby-sitter you are," Ashley said, sticking her tongue out at Craig.
"you can watch Powerpuff Girls next time, I don't want you failing Mr. Simpson's class."
Ashley sighed her agreement-unlike Nicole, she really was clueless in this class. and Craig had mentioned next time.
Ashley hadn't been the only one to pick up on that "Next time? Can she come back?"
"Well, maybe if we're really nice to her, she'll come back sometime when we don't have to do homework."
"Ok!" Angie said, setting up her movie and getting ready to watch it.
Ashley and Craig headed over to the computer "You're good to her."
"She reminds me of someone I knew back in the states-a woman I knew's daughter."
"Yeah, she's a good kid. And since our Mom died, well..we stick together, you know?"
"I can imagine." Ashley smiled at Craig and they settled down to studying.
Day one
When Ashley and Nicole enrolled at Degrassi, the first thing they did was lock tour guide Liberty in a broom closet. The second thing was have trouble with their lockers, which Craig helped with. Craig then invited the girls to sit with him at lunch.
They sat at lunch with Craig and Ashley and Ellie and Marco.
"Hi, what's your name?" Marco said, flamboyantly
And while they were talking with Ashley and Ellie, the most popular, albeit, slutty looking girl came up to the table, flipped her hair over her shoulder, and asked, "Who are you and why are you sitting at this table?"
"I'm Ashley, who the fuck are you?"
"I'm Manny Santos"
"Good to know. I'll let you know when I care"
Marco, poor invisible, Marco spoke again "Ashley? Another Ashley?"
Ellie spoke. "we've got one name, what's the other ones?"
The blonde tore her eyes away from the boy eating spray cheese from the can at the next table and looked at Ellie. "Nice braids. I'm Nicole"
"Thanks. I'm Ellie. that's Marco. Ash. You know Craig."
"Hey, who was your advisor, I forgot to ask." Craig said.
Ashley giggled "it was Liberty..but something happened to her."
Nicole giggled as well. "Yeah, umm..she got...separated from us.."
"I don't know how..." Ashley continued, before nearly collapsing in laughter.
"Anyway, new subject, who's that? Spray cheese boy?"
"He can spray cheese on me anytime he wants," Nicole muttered under her breath. Only Marco heard her and rolled his eyes.
"Spinner Mason. That's his girlfriend next to him."
"Is everyone at this school paired up?" Ashley asked.
"Just me and Craig and spinner and Paige.."
Nicole shared a secret look with Ashley. "Interesting," she said aloud. "So um, what do you guys do for fun around here?"
"Craig and Spinner and Jimmy and I have a band" Marco said. "You could watch us practice tonight!"
"That would be...interesting. who else will be there?" Ashley said, narrowing her eyes at the other Ashley, Hoping no one notices
"Just my stepdad probably...oh, and my little sister Angie," Craig said. "You girls should definitely come."
"But Craig, I have a huge assignment for Kwan's class tonight," Ashley argued. "I can't make it"
"Oh, ok..I'll call you after practice then?"
Ashley smiled "of course"
Ashley and Nicole shared eye rolls. Marco was once again the only one who noticed.
"Nice shoes," Nicole said to Marco. He was cute after all, maybe a little innocent pick up line wouldn't hurt.
Marco smiled proudly. "Thanks, their Gucci." Okay, Nicole thought, definitely gay.
Soon the lunch bell rang and the girls went back to class.
On the way to Craig's house they discussed the first day.
"OK, this is going to be so easy." Ashley said. "We'll fly through classes, and no one will be able to know we're..you know."
Nicole laughed. "That we both graduated like, 4 years ago? No, they're clueless. This is going to be cake." They stopped in front of a house. "This must be it"
"I think it is" Ashley knocked on the door and a blond girl answered "Is this where Craig lives?"
"Yes, it is. I'm Emma. The baby sitter."
They looked Emma up and down. Nicole noted the 'Save the Planet' T-shirt, and rolled her eyes (the eye rolling was out of control here at Degrassi) She smiled and pushed Emma aside. "Great, we're here to watch the band rehearse," she said, unwrapping a piece of candy and absently throwing the wrapper down on the ground. Emma glared at her and bent down to snatch the litter up.
"They're out back"
Ashley smiled at her, thanked her and headed out back, yanking Nicole with her before she could say anything else
"I don't like her," Nicole said as they headed for the garage. She grinned at the boy playing drums. "But I do like him."
"Do I have enough bail money?"
"Because you weren't looking at Craig all day."
"I'm guilty."
"Hello boys!" Nicole called out, waving. They stopped playing and looked up.
"Hi!" Marco said.
"I'm Jimmy" Jimmy said.
"I'm Spinner" Spinner said.
"You spin me right round baby right round like a record spinning..." Nicole knew the song was going to be stuck in her head all day. She only smiled. "So, you guys have a band. That's cool."
"We're not that good." Craig said.
"Shouldn't you let us judge that?" Ashley replied, smiling.
"I'm sure you aren't that bad." Nicole added
"Play us something," they suggested, settling in on the couch
They started to play a tune, and they weren't horrible, for a high school band.
"Well," Nicole said, when they were done. "It wasn't John Mayer, but you guys sound great."
"Not that Nicole would have been paying attention to the music if John Mayer was three feet in front of her. That was really nice, though."
Marco had to laugh at that.
Nicole agreed. "You're one to talk," she said to Ashley. She turned back to the guys. "So.." Before she could say anymore, the garage door opened and a little girl came running in.
She went to sit on the couch, but Ashley and Nicole were there. Both girls made room for her.
"She's cute" Ashley said, before whispering to Nicole "I don't even like kids and I think she's cute" she spoke up again "Who's is she?"
"Angie, does Emma know you're not in the house?" Craig asked, leaning down so he was eye level with the little girl. They got a whiff of his cologne as he did so. "This is my little sister," he said, introducing her.
"Emma's on the phone with Sean," Angie said. "I don't like her, she's boring"
Nicole snickered and whispered to Ashley, "Yeah, I like this kid too."
"OK, you can sit with Ashley and Nicole"
" That isn't Ashley. Ashley's got funny hair"
"There's more than one Ashley, Angie." Craig explained
"Is this one nicer than the other Ashley?" Angie asked. Marco laughed out loud. "Marco!" Craig admonished. "Polo." Nicole giggled.
"You'll have to sit here with me and find out." Ashley smiled at the girl, her dislike of children had mellowed in her old age. Angie sat with the girls as the band played another song.
"This little girl could be useful," Nicole whispered to Ashley. "She might be able to help us out,"
"She's a kid! Wait, you're right."
Emma entered the room then, followed by an older, not unattractive, man.
Nicole unwrapped another piece of candy and handed it to Angie, tossing the wrapper on the ground just like before. She had never seen a person's face turn the shade of red that Emma's did.
Ashley tried very hard not to snort, and when she looked over at Marco it got worse-he was giggling as well.
"Who are these lovely ladies?"
"Hi," Nicole said, smiling sweetly. "We're just moved here and Craig and his friends were sweet enough to invite us over to watch them play."
"Ah."
"Craig helped us out today before school."
"I see. I'm Joey Jeremiah."
"Nice to meet you Mr. Jeremiah."
"Same here," he said, looking at the 2 girls. "So, are you girls in the same class as Craig, or are you grade 12s?" he asked, noticing they looked a little more..well, they looked older than the other girls Craig had been having hang around.
We're in Craig's grade"
Joey nodded, "Where are you from?"
"The states, Chicago." Ashley gave the fake address of the girls former lives-figuring the urban setting would add to the maturity. "We're cousins, and her parents are in Europe on business so she moved here with my dad and I"
"Spinner!" The garage door opened again and a perfect looking blonde came in, an annoyed look on her face. "What's taking so long, we were supposed to go to the mall today."
Spinner dropped his drum sticks, "I'm sorry honeybee, we've got a good practice going on."
Ashley tried not to laugh-at either the honeybee comment or the look on Nicole's face.
"Who are these girls?" the blonde said.
"I'm Ashley, that's Nicole. Who are you?"
"I'm Paige. I heard there were new girls. I just didn't know you'd be here." Nicole smiled. "We were invited by the guys, wasn't that just so sweet of them," she asked.
"Yes, the boys are always so sweet, which is why Spinner is taking me to the mall. Now." She left the garage and spinner stood up, shrugged his shoulders and followed her.
"Hag," Nicole muttered under her breath. "So.." She looked at the other guy, who hadn't said well, anything since they got there.."Jimmy is it," she asked. "what's your story?"
"Not much to say." Jimmy said, shrugging his shoulders.
"I can see that" Nicole said.
"You guys should get going, its nearly dinner time" Joey said.
"Yeah, it is getting late...you know what I just remembered though? We need to get some stuff for school...do you guys know how we can get to the mall?" Nicole asked.
Craig gave them directions, but messed them up and Marco offered to take them-the girls took him up on the offer.
On the way to the mall Marco turned to them and said "OK, what's the true story with you two."
"True story?" Nicole asked innocently. "What do you mean?"
"You two aren't sixteen. I know that much."
"Does it matter?" Ashley asked him.
Marco shrugged. "Hey, I'm just happy to be involved in something that's fun for once so no, it doesn't matter."
"Can you keep a secret?" Marco nodded. "We're both 22. We decided to relive our high school years. Picked Toronto on a whim. found a cheap apartment and this was the school district it was in" Ashley shrugged as she finished.
"We were just lucky enough to get some eye candy in the process."
Marco snickered. "You want eye candy, check out Paige's older brother, but well yeah, you wouldn't be his type." Marco nodded. "Spinner for you..what about you Ashley?"
"Craig."
Marco clapped his hands. "Such drama! I love it."
"So, why do you think we're at the mall?"
"Spinner and Paige"
"Well, I really need some clothes." Ashley said. "But mostly to spy, yes."
Nicole nodded in agreement. "Any thoughts on what we can do while we're here?" she asked Marco.
"None that will keep you out of jail," he replied.
"Jail I can handle." Nicole said.
"Me too. Its that other Ashley that I'm worried about."
"Yeah what's her deal?" Nicole asked. "She seemed...odd."
"She's got problems." Marco said, as if that explained everything.
"Don't we all?" Ashley said. "For crying out loud, I spent my high school years trying to kill myself. Damned mental illness."
Marco nodded. "Well, I can't help you break up Craig and Ashley or Spinner and Paige."
"Why not?" Nicole asked.
"Come on Marco"
"Polo"
"Are you two going to always do that? And I'll think about it. Let you know tomorrow."
They decided then that they couldn't find Paige and Spinner, and headed home, deciding to shop the next day.
Day Two
"Hey look, didn't we lock that girl in the closet?" Nicole asked, as they looked up at the television screen for the morning news.
"She got out."
The girls were seated in Mr. Simpson's homeroom, by Craig and Marco, and near enough to Spinner that Nicole could stare.
"Could you be any more obvious?" Marco whispered loud enough so that Ashley and Nicole could hear. Before she could answer, the other Ashley walked up to them. "You're in my seat," she said to Ashley.
"This is where Mr. Simpson told me to sit, I'm sorry." Ashley went to stand up when Mr. Simpson saw them.
"What's going on?"
"Ashley told me I was in her seat."
"Ashley, you aren't even in this class, why are you here?"
"Um, sir I am in this class."
"Wait, I'm sorry. You are. But you sit over by Paige, so get there." She left and he smiled at Ashley. "I've been in Chemo, it makes me forgetful"
"Okay class, now where did we leave off yesterday? Oh yes, Marco," "Polo" Nicole whispered. "Marco, what can you tell me about flash animation?"
"Not much.."
Ashley looked at her. "Remind me tonight, I'll talk to one of my online friend about this class. Or else I'll fail it. I'm just glad I have connections."
Classes were boring, and at lunch the girls sat with Marco. Ellie came over and sat with them, as did Craig. Ashley was sitting with Terri and Paige.
"How come your girlfriend doesn't sit with you Craig?"
"She does sometimes, I don't know why she's sitting with Paige."
"So, Marco, we still on for tonight?" Ashley said to him.
"Polo"
Everyone but Marco laughed. This game was never going to get old. Nicole saw Spinner pass by them. "Spinner!" she called out, "wait up." She followed him. "Um, so I hear you're really good in English?" she asked. She glared at Marco, who was bent over laughing.
"No, I suck."
"Oh, I'm sorry then..I just needed a tutor.."
"I'm OK in math, though...do you need a tutor in that?"
"Maybe until I get caught up..."
"Great," Nicole said, smiling. "Why don't you come over tonight then and catch me up?" she asked, writing her address and phone number on his hand. God she loved high school.
"I hope that's after we shop"
"Of course..say around seven?" Nicole said to Spinner.
"Sure, I'll see you then." Nicole was thanking God that they'd set up one of the bedrooms tin the three bedroom apartment to be Ashley's father's room. Ashley's single father. Who worked nights at a factory and was very grouchy when woken up.
Marco looked at Craig and Ellie. "What are you guys doing tonight?"
Ellie said "Hanging out with Ash."
"Not much..could I tag along to the mall?"
"The more the merrier," Ashley said, smiling at Craig.
After school the four of them headed to the mall.
"OK, Marco, tell me about this Dylan guy"
"Polo"
"What is she doing here?" Nicole asked, seeing that girl Emma from last night, standing outside the mall, holding a sign that said, "Hug a Tree." They walked right past her and Nicole dropped a Diet Coke can at her feet.
"Dylan's yummy," Marco said. And that seemed to sum it all up.
Ashley giggled "You are so mean. And I want to see this yummy Dylan."
"I'm sure you will."
"OK, lets get this shopping done with, so I can be home to meet Spinner."
"At least you have a tutor. I'm going to fail computer class. I can chat on the net, fine. But anything beyond basic HTML? So not in my brain."
"Really," Marco said. "Did you know Craig here's like, super genius when it comes to computers?"
"No, I didn't."
"I'd love to help you..Tomorrow? I have to watch Angie but she'll be good while we are on the computer."
"That would be nice, Craig."
"These boys are like putty in our hands," Nicole whispered to Ashley
Ashley just nodded her agreement.
The four of them went to a store where Marco started picking out warmer weather clothes for Ashley, who needed some new ones.
Thanks for helping out with Craig just now Marco," Ashley said, trying on clothes. "Polo!" Nicole yelled from across the store.
"No problem. I like you, you're nice to me."
"What's there not to be nice to? You're a great guy."
Ashley came out of the dressing room to model for Nicole and Craig.
Craig's jaw dropped at the sight of Ashley. Why didn't his Ashley dress like that?
"I have never. In my life. Worn pants like this. Or a shirt like this. But hey, new country new me, right?"
Nicole nodded. "you look great"
Just then, Nicole saw Paige and Spinner. Arguing.
"Excuse me a minute," she said, an evil smile on her face. She walked towards the fighting couple, "accidentally" bumping into Spinner from behind.
"Oops," she said
Paige glared at her, "excuse you"
"That's, OK, Nicole" Spinner said.
"We're talking, if you don't mind."
"No, I just wanted to make sure Spinner still had my address for math tutoring."
Paige's eyes grew wide. "Math tutoring? You're tutoring her?" "At my house. Tonight," Nicole said, smiling sweetly.
"I see...We should eat then" She grabbed spinner and drug him off as he called "see you at seven" over his shoulder.
Craig and Ashley and Marco came up behind him, Craig cracking his imaginary whip.
"Is she always like that?" Nicole asked
"Yes, she is" Marco said.
Craig shrugged. "Can we eat now?"
"You are such a guy."
"Guys eat. It's what we do."
"True." After they ate, Craig and Marco went home.
Spinner came over at seven, Ashley was on the phone with Marco discussing Craig's life when the Buzzer rang.
"Let the games begin,' Nicole said, smiling and opening the door. "Spinner, hi! Hope you found the place okay."
"Yes, I did."
Ashley came out of her room then. "hey spin. Remember to keep it down, dad's sleeping. He works nights." She explained.
Spinner nodded and they got down to work.
"You don't seem to need much help in math, you're doing really good," Spinner said a few minutes later. "Oh," Nicole said, covering quickly. "You must just be a really good teacher, that's all." She shrugged. "Snack break?"
"Sure" Spinner and Nicole rummaged around in the kitchen until spinner found the spray cheese.
"So, how long have you and Paige been going out?" she asked casually
"Just since the summer."
"I see..." She nodded to herself.
She seems a little...I don't know..I don't want to sound mean,but.." "Yeah, she's a little snotty sometimes," Spinner said shrugging. "She's hot though."
"there's more than just hot, isn't' there?"
"I guess...I don't know. I'm not in the mood to think about this..lets get back to math. And they did.
Day Three
The next day was just like any other. Ashley sat with them at lunch.
"Craig, what are we doing tonight?"
"I have plans Ash..babysitting."
Marco, Ashley and Nicole all noticed he wasn't mentioning the tutoring
"I see. Marco--" "Polo!" everyone yelled. It was becoming their favorite thing. "What are you doing tonight?"
"Nicole and I were going shopping. she needs curtains for her room."
"I see..."
"How about you Ellie? Do you have plans tonight?"
"Nope, we should go to the mall. Hey, Ashley, if Nicole is going to be with Marco polo you should come with Ash and I"
"I uh, have school stuff to do."
"Is that all we ever do? Go to the mall?"
"What else is there to do, Ash."
"You have a point...Are you sure you can't come Craig?"
"I've got Angie.."
"Bring her with"
"Angie doesn't like the mall. I promised her we'd watch movies tonight."
"Angie's so cute," Ashley said.
"You met Angie?" the other Ash asked
"The other night, we were at band practice. She's so cute, though."
Ash frowned "Yes, she is"
Just then, Emma walked by trying to get people to sign a petition to get genetically modified foods banned from the cafeteria. Nicole threw a straw wrapper on the floor in front of her.
Ashley and Marco rolled their eyes at each other, wondering if that was ever going to get old.
That afternoon, Craig and Ashley walked to Craig's house where Angie was waiting.
Craig said good-bye to the day baby-sitter and then looked at Angie.
"whatcha wanna do kiddo? Ashley and I have some homework to do"
"I want to watch Powerpuff Girls."
"I love Powerpuff Girls!"
"You like Powerpuff Girls Ashley? Who's your favorite? Mine's Bubbles"
"I like Buttercup"
"Yay! Powerpuff Girls. Can we have ice cream Craig?"
"Sure" Craig said, before looking at Ashley and saying "Powerpuff girls, huh?"
"Nothing wrong with saving the world before bedtime!"
"um, yeah..I guess." Craig just shook his head, knowing he was never going to understand girls
Craig was laughing as Angie and Ashley discussed Powerpuff Girls over ice cream. "OK, we have to start on homework now."
"some fun baby-sitter you are," Ashley said, sticking her tongue out at Craig.
"you can watch Powerpuff Girls next time, I don't want you failing Mr. Simpson's class."
Ashley sighed her agreement-unlike Nicole, she really was clueless in this class. and Craig had mentioned next time.
Ashley hadn't been the only one to pick up on that "Next time? Can she come back?"
"Well, maybe if we're really nice to her, she'll come back sometime when we don't have to do homework."
"Ok!" Angie said, setting up her movie and getting ready to watch it.
Ashley and Craig headed over to the computer "You're good to her."
"She reminds me of someone I knew back in the states-a woman I knew's daughter."
"Yeah, she's a good kid. And since our Mom died, well..we stick together, you know?"
"I can imagine." Ashley smiled at Craig and they settled down to studying.