We Own Nothing related to Degrassi, yet. *eg*
The Party
Marco came over to get Ashley and Nicole ready for Jimmy's party.
The girls got ready, as did Marco, who was going to be staying over that night.
"I haven't had a slumber party since I really was sixteen."
"Careful Marco-" "polo!" "Before you know it, Ashley's going to be painting your nails and we'll be playing truth or dare," Nicole said
Actually, Ashley.."
"Oh, God what now?"
"I told Ellie she could stay over tonight-I told her your dad was working all weekend and sleeping at the factory..."
"Does Ellie know?" Ashley asked.
"Just that you're dad isn't around much. I figured it was your story to tell. Plus she might tell Ash..."
"Its OK, then." Ashley decided. "we'll have fun."
"Can we go yet? I want to see if Spinner likes me in this outfit."
"not much of an outfit, is it?" Marco asked
"I don't care."
The three of them left the house for Jimmy's then. They met up with Ellie outside Jimmy's building "Ashley's pissed I ditched her tonight for you."
"You don't have to come...Really, Ellie." Marco said.
they get there, jimmy opens the door. "Come on in ladies!"
"hey!"
"and Marco."
"Polo!"
Jimmy just looked at them. "I don't get it." He said when everyone else laughed.
"Jimmy... never mind."
They walk into the party. "OK, where is he?"
"Nicole, you have a one track mind."
Nicole shrugged. "two track if getting rid of Hon herself counts as a separate thought" She scanned the room, her eyes landing on Spinner in the middle of the living room, trying to breakdance.
Ashley snorts. "oh. My. God."
"He's hot!"
"he's trying to breakdance."
"He's still hot! Maybe he just needs some...guidance"
Ashley lowered her voice so Ellie can't hear "and since you were alive when breakdancing was popular the first time..."
"Exactly!"
Craig walks over to them. "Have you seen Ash? I'm worried about her. jimmy has a keg and some bottles and she's been enjoying them."
"Ash can't hold her alcohol? This should be interesting" Nicole said, grinning at Ashley. "Maybe she should drink a lot tonight?"
Ellie quickly ran off to check the bathroom for Ashley.
"you guys drinking?" Craig asked. Ashley shook her head no.
"I don't like alcohol, don't ask me why. We're not old enough to drink anyway," she tried to get the words out without laughing, but couldn't stop a small giggle.
"like that's stopping half the people at the party." Marco said.
"True."
"Marco-" "Polo" "-has a point" Nicole decided. "And hey. I bet Spin needs a drink after all that dancing. Excuse me."
She dragged Marco away with her, leaving Ashley and Craig alone
"Are you sure you don't want a drink?"
"Just a soda. I'm not into alcohol, sorry."
"Me either, really.
"Right then. 2 sodas on the rocks."
"Thanks Craig."
They walk over to the makeshift bar where Sean is tending.
"Wow, so Jimmy's parties come complete with bartenders?"
"Naah, just Sean. You haven't met him yet?"
"Nope. Sean huh, I'm Ashley."
"She's new..two soda's please"
"Ashley..the new girl from the states, right...where's your friend?"
Sean handed them their drinks
"Um, just look for Spinner Mason, she's hot on his heels."
"She does like him then" Craig asked. "I've been wondering."
"Not that she's that obvious or anything," Ashley said rolling her eyes.
Craig grinned "Not with that outfit."
Sean smiles. "Not that you look bad Ashley."
"Finally, a guy other than Marco who knows how to compliment a girl. You should take notes Craig."
"I'll do that. You do look good, though. Is that the shirt you got at the mall the other day."
"Sure is, doesn't she look great?" Marco said, he was with Nicole and Spinner.
"She looks fabulous," Nicole said, resting her elbows on the bar. She flashed a smile at Sean. "What are we drinking tonight and who is this?"
"I'm Sean, and I'll give you whatever you want. Not just alcohol."
"I'm being sober tonight, so drink what you want, but not too much, If you pass out you're on your own,"
"whatever I want, eh?" Nicole glanced sideways at Spinner and then back at Sean. "I'll keep that in mind, but for now, just a diet coke please."
"I see..."
"Same for me" Marco says, getting looks "hey, it tastes good!"
Just then Ashley stumbles over. followed by Paige and Hazel
"Floor a bit crooked there Ashley?" Nicole asked, not hiding the sarcasm in her voice.
"Sean, I want more" Was all Ashley managed to say.
"Hon, you need to stop. You're drunk."
"At least I'm not a whore" She said, shooting a look at the other Ashley.
"Whoa now, someone's an angry drunk. I know she did not just call you a whore," Nicole said, stepping forward. "And if she did, we might have to do something about it."
"Nicole, She'll have punishment enough tomorrow morning. Be the bigger person..wait, its you. no blood, that's all I ask."
"You whore!" Ashley said again.
The Ashley she said it to her sighed. "Come on, Ash, lets get you a drink and a chair." She whispers something to Sean, then he rummages around and gets her a class of something.
Ashley then whispers to Craig. "I got her orange juice-she thinks its a screwdriver."
Nicole just shrugged at the niceness and turned back to Spinner.."feel like dancing some more?" she asked, avoiding the glare of Paige.
"I don't know, I should dance with Paige.."
"Damn right you should!"
Just then Ashley sighed and said "Oh, my God." Before vomiting on Paige's shoes
Everyone was silent for a moment. Then Marco started laughing, and then Sean. Spinner was trying his best not to, but it was pretty funny.
Terri came rushing over to help Ashley to the bathroom. The other Ashley went to get Jimmy to clean up. Craig just stood there, completely lost..
"Now this is a great party," Nicole said.
Ashley came back with Jimmy who cleaned up. Craig, Marco, Sean, Ashley, Nicole and Ellie decided to go to an all-night diner. Spinner was told he was not going by Paige.
"He is so whipped" Sean said as they sat at the diner
"And you've never been whipped by a girl Sean?"
"We're not talking about *her*
"Wait, who's her?"
"Emma" Craig explained.
"And shouldn't *you* be with your girlfriend..is she still your girlfriend?" Sean asked.
"Emma?" Nicole rolled her eyes. "Save the Earth girl?"
"OOh..troubles in paradise Craig?"
"The very same." Ellie said.
Craig shrugged. "She was drunk and calling Ashley a whore."
"She seems to have rage issues," Marco said. "Whenever she gets around illegal substances anyway"
Sean shrugged himself. "Don't we all."
Everyone ordered food. "For the record, I'm not a whore. not unless John Mayer shows up."
"And for the record on that, No comment," Nicole replied.
Everyone laughed. They all ate, and then Ashley pulled out her wallet.
"No, I'm paying for yours. I feel bad about what Ash did." Craig said
"My my my, what a sweetheart," Nicole whispered. Only Marco and Ashley heard her.
"Craig, you don't have to."
"I am, that's final." After paying, Ellie, Marco, Nicole and Ashley headed to Nicole and Ashley's for a gossip session.
"That was so cute."
"Unbelievably cute. He and Ash must not be getting along very well. No guy who's happy with his girlfriend does that for another girl who's obviously interested."
Speaking of interested...what about Spinner?"
"I don't know, he's hard to read..he's so cute though!"
"Its great when her highness isn't around. Are they always like that?"
"She's got him whipped"
"He's got to be sick of it by now, right?"
Ellie just laughed at the girls. "You guys are strange."
"Stranger than you think." Marco said.
What's your story Ellie? Ashley asked. "You seem pretty cool."
"I've never quite fit it, that's all."
"Join the club" Marco said.
"Yes, join us at Ashley and Nicole's home of misfit Degrassi Students!"
"Right," Ellie said. "So you 2..what's the real story? You came here from the states why?"
"The real story?" Ashley was worried. She looked at Nicole "We can't possibly be bad liars, can we?"
Marco Laughed. "No, we're just more observant. so you're telling Ellie everything?"
"What about Ashley the other one."
Yeah, I don't know about this..the more people that know..the more risk we run," Nicole said, looking back at Ashley.
"Yes. I mean, I already feel weird about liking Craig so much..."
"Because of everything."
"Damnit, tell me already!" Ellie shouted. "Sorry, don't want to wake anyone."
"Well.... You have to swear on Marco's life that you won't tell anyone."
"I will"
"This goes double for Ashley."
"I won't tell her."
"Have you ever wanted to relive your life over?" At Ellie's nod Ashley went on "We are."
"We're not really 16"
"You aren't? How old are you?"
"22"
"22?!?! Why would you want to be 16 again?"
"To be the people we are now at sixteen..its complicated."
"What about Craig and Spinner?"
"What about them?"
"If you're 22...both of you..they're sixteen"
"Yeah," Ashley said. "Are you guys sure they're only 16?"
"we're sure."
"Damnit!"
"We'll figure things out as we go, we're good at that."
The Project
In class on Monday, Mr. Simpson was handing out group projects...
"Now I know everyone likes to be paired with their friends, but for something new, I've put all of your names into the computer and you were randomly paired together. No switching either.
Everyone grumbled as he gave out groups and papers with the assignment. "I'm going to fail if I'm with the wrong person" Ashley worried.
"Spinner and Marco."
"Polo!" Everyone giggled.
"Ellie and Hazel."
"Ashley Kerwin and Jimmy."
"Other Ashley and Craig."
"And let's see..Paige and Nicole"
Nicole and Paige both rolled their eyes at the same time. "Nice going!" Nicole whispered to Ashley
"Too bad you aren't as lucky."
Nicole just smiled "Think of this as getting ammo."
At lunch, Craig and Ashley decided to meet after school for the project.
Being the "better person" Nicole asked Paige if she wanted to work on their project at either the Dot, or at her place. Paige picked the Dot, which Nicole was grateful for. Marco and Spinner agreed to work there also, to stop any possible fights-well, that was Spinner's reasoning. Marco wanted to watch any possible fights.
Ashley and Craig get to Craig's house. "So, is anyone home, or do we have the place to ourselves?"
Angie's going to be home in a half our or so, I think but right now its just us."
"Cool, lets get started before she gets here and wants to watch Powerpuff Girls"
Craig rolled his eyes, a habit he'd picked up from the American girls. "Yeah thanks for that..all I hear from her now is, I want to watch Powerpuff Girls, where's the girl who likes Buttercup?"
"You could watch it with her."
"But she wants you."
"I'm glad someone does"
Craig opened his mouth to say something, but shut it again. opened it again, And shut it. Finally, "lots of guys want you I'm sure"
"No one's ever said so. Besides, I'm waiting for the right guy."
"John Mayer?"
"What can I say? I'm a sucker for the curly dark-haired musicians."
She blushed. "Besides, Nicole would kill me if I went after John" she said, covering
Craig just blinked at that, then he smiled and said. "I guess we should get to work."
"Right, so what's this project on anyways?"
"We have to make a webpage about ourselves, complete with scanned pictures and sound files. That's the one we got anyway. Nicole and Paige got one where they have to test different web animation pages using the same animation idea and see how it comes out."
They started to work on the project. A lot was accomplished in a lot less time than they figured on, so when Craig suggested a break, Ashley was happy to agree. Perfect timing too, because Angie came running in.
"Its Buttercup!!"
"Buttercup, Angie, her name is Ashley."
Nu-uh, it's Buttercup!"
"Buttercup it is then."
The three of them settled down to watch Angie's powerpuff girl tapes. They were still that way when Joey came home.
"I thought you were having someone over to work on schoolwork Craig," he teased.
"Angie kidnapped us and forced us to watch Powerpuff Girls'"
Joey looked at the TV where Ashley and Angie were saying "Pow!" along with the sound.
"Yeah, looks like you're all being held against your will."
"Well, I am."
"Mr. Jeremiah, he lies. He's loving it."
"Dad! Buttercup knows the lines!"
"Buttercup eh? No wonder Angie's been insisting we call her Bubbles. Looks like you've got a new friend."
"Yes! She's great!"
"Ashley, will you stay for dinner?"
"Sure, let me call Nicole." She calls her "Nicole? Mr. Jeremiah invited me for dinner."
"Wow, getting right in with the family, very good work indeed." Nicole said. "Paige and I are having the time of our lives right now." The sarcasm was way obvious.
"Is she alive?"
"Yes."
"So are you, You'll live. Plus, make her look like a bitch in front of Spinner and maybe he'll dump her."
"Good thinking. I'll work on that. Marco keeps doing that meow cat claw thing with his hand and looking over at us, I think he wants a fight."
"Marco just wants to be involved in the action. I'll see you at home."
"Maybe I won't be alone."
"Maybe not" She hangs up. "Mr. Jeremiah, its fine with my cousin and dad."
"Great, hope you like spaghetti." Joey disappeared into the kitchen. As he got dinner ready they could hear him singing "..everybody wants something..."
"What's that song?"
"Joey had a band. They had one song. That one."
"I see. Was it a good song?"
"Its..not horrible. I can say that much. Enough about Joey's pop star past. Work or Powerpuff?"
"Powerpuff!" Angie cried from the couch. Ashley laughed. "Sorry kiddo, but homework right now, maybe I'll watch more later."
"Very mature Buttercup"
"Are you going to call me that too now?"
He shrugged. "It'll be better than confusing 2 Ashley's"
"True, but the other Ashley will hate it."
"Why?"
"Craig, if you call me that without the back story, do you know what it sounds like?"
"It's just a nickname. I mean, Spinner isn't Spinners real name, but no one questions that." Being a guy, Craig didn't get it
"I'm warning you now. If you chose to call me that, you deal with the fall out."
"Its not a big deal."
"Ask Joey what he thinks."
"Ask me what?" Joey asked, "Dinner's ready guys"
"If I refer to this Ashley as Buttercup, will other Ashley get upset?"
Ashley cut in "This is with her not knowing about Angie and the Powerpuff girls thing." Joey looked back and forth from Craig to Ashley, back to Craig again. "Do you have some cutesy name for the other Ashley?" he asked. Craig shook his head. "Yeah, upsets a word for what she'll be"
"Thank you, I love to be right!" Ashley said.
"I don't get it!"
Ashley smiled, "Mr. Jeremiah, explain it to him" She was laughing to hard to get anything out.
Joey just shook his head. "Okay Craig, what would you do if Ashley started to call...I don' t know, Sean something like, Sugarpie?"
Why would she?"
"Craig, just follow me."
"I guess it would be annoying..."
"Exactly, that's what you call someone you are dating or otherwise interested in. So is Buttercup."
You could literally see the light bulb above Craig's head. "Oh!" he said, his face turning red.
Ashley and Joey just laughed.
"Can I call you Buttercup here though?"
"I don't see why not...Angie does it."
"Exactly!" They headed for the dinner table then.
Ashley just smiled to herself, seeing things were definitely well on their way.
As they were cleaning up-the doorbell rang. It was Nicole and Marco.
"Hey how's the project going?" Nicole asked, waving to Angie who was coloring.
"We're doing ok. What about yours?" Ashley said.
"Its ok, we split it so each of us does half, that helps."
Ashley nodded. "What about yours Marco?"
"Polo"
"We're all set."
"Yeah," Craig said, slinging his arm around Ashley's shoulders. "Buttercup and I here are a great team." Buttercup? Nicole mouthed to Ashley. Marco burst out laughing.
Ashley couldn't help but laugh too. Just then Angie called out "Buttercup! I have something!"
It was a picture. "Angie, how cute."
"Its you and Craig." It was of a shorter girl with glasses and a tall boy with lots of hair.
"Aww!" Marco said.
He looked around, "what? we were all thinking it"
"Yep. I drew it for you."
Just then the doorbell wrung again. It was Spinner. "I ran here, Marco, you left a notebook. In my stuff. Cute picture."
"Its Craig and Buttercup. With hearts cause I think they love each other."
Spinner looked at Nicole. "Paige said your guys project is uh--interesting."
"We split all the work, which is good."
"As long as yo don't get in trouble for it." Marco noted.
"Hey, not everyone can be a good team."
"True, some of the best teams work better apart...like...hmm..well, there have to be some," Nicole argued.
"We'll think of some."
Spinner looked at Ashley and Craig. "how's your project going?"
"you mean Craig and Buttercup's project?" Marco said, snickering.
"Dude, what's up with this Buttercup thing?" Spinner asked
"Oh, God. See what you started" Ashley said to Craig.
Nicole said innocently "What do you mean Spinner, you call Paige honeybee."
"Well, yeah, but..we're dating."
"Point proven!" Ashley said, hitting Craig in the arm
"Fine, I wont' call you that in front of Ash."
Angie handed Craig a picture the same as Ashley's, pretty much "You both have one now!"
"Lots of hearts? Wait a minute..Ashley doesn't wear glasses," Spinner began.."Oh, right. Wrong Ashley," he said, after looking at everyone else.
"No one said he was the smart one," Nicole whispered to Ashley.
"But you aren't interested in his brains." Ashley whispered back.
"Its not Ashley! Its Buttercup!"
"But where does Buttercup come from!" Spinner repeated
"you're joking, right?" Ashley asked, looking at Spinner. "Powerpuff Girls?"
"That's a kids show, I've never seen it."
"You've never seen it? We're going to remedy that now!"
"Angie! Can we borrow some of your Powerpuff tapes?" Craig asked, thinking he could move this party down to the rec room.
"Can't I watch too?"
"Nope" Joey said, "You're taking a bath. Here are the tapes. Make sure everyone's gone by 10:30"
"Thanks Joey," Craig said.
The five of them moved down to the rec room. Ashley and Craig jockeyed for a huge comfy chair.
Nicole frowned at Marco as he sat down next to Spinner on the couch. He grinned at her, whispered "just kidding" and moved to the floor in front of the couch, leaving the spot open for Nicole.
Ashley and Craig were still arguing over the chair as Nicole sat way too close to Spinner.
Marco just rolled his eyes at the silliness of the situation and focused on the TV. "Flip a coin or share the chair," he said to Craig and Ashley.
"Fine" Craig said, pulling Ashley down next to him and flipping the Tape on.
Marco looked pleased with himself. The five of them watched the show, Spinner grumbling the whole time.
"Its OK. I don't get why Ashley and Craig like it."
"Ashley loves it, Craig is just humoring her, I think."
"Why would he do that? No guy puts up with a girls stuff unless--oh no way! You think?"
"Spinner, you have eyes right? Look at them!"
Spinner looked. "But..he's got a girlfriend!" Nicole shrugged. "Its an easy thing to forget sometimes," she said, her hand touching his arm.
"True..." Nicole waited five minutes before reaching for Spinner's hand.
Spinner pulled away. "Nicole..Paige and I.."
"Too much to hope for I guess, that you'd forget?"
"I like you but...Paige is still my girlfriend."
"But are you really happy with her?"
"I was but..You're different than she is. Nicer. Everyone likes you-you're good to Marco."
"Marco's great."
"I need to think about it."
Nicole leaned over and quickly kissed his cheek. "Think fast," she said smiling.
Then she settled back on her side of the couch
"I can do that."
The Party
Marco came over to get Ashley and Nicole ready for Jimmy's party.
The girls got ready, as did Marco, who was going to be staying over that night.
"I haven't had a slumber party since I really was sixteen."
"Careful Marco-" "polo!" "Before you know it, Ashley's going to be painting your nails and we'll be playing truth or dare," Nicole said
Actually, Ashley.."
"Oh, God what now?"
"I told Ellie she could stay over tonight-I told her your dad was working all weekend and sleeping at the factory..."
"Does Ellie know?" Ashley asked.
"Just that you're dad isn't around much. I figured it was your story to tell. Plus she might tell Ash..."
"Its OK, then." Ashley decided. "we'll have fun."
"Can we go yet? I want to see if Spinner likes me in this outfit."
"not much of an outfit, is it?" Marco asked
"I don't care."
The three of them left the house for Jimmy's then. They met up with Ellie outside Jimmy's building "Ashley's pissed I ditched her tonight for you."
"You don't have to come...Really, Ellie." Marco said.
they get there, jimmy opens the door. "Come on in ladies!"
"hey!"
"and Marco."
"Polo!"
Jimmy just looked at them. "I don't get it." He said when everyone else laughed.
"Jimmy... never mind."
They walk into the party. "OK, where is he?"
"Nicole, you have a one track mind."
Nicole shrugged. "two track if getting rid of Hon herself counts as a separate thought" She scanned the room, her eyes landing on Spinner in the middle of the living room, trying to breakdance.
Ashley snorts. "oh. My. God."
"He's hot!"
"he's trying to breakdance."
"He's still hot! Maybe he just needs some...guidance"
Ashley lowered her voice so Ellie can't hear "and since you were alive when breakdancing was popular the first time..."
"Exactly!"
Craig walks over to them. "Have you seen Ash? I'm worried about her. jimmy has a keg and some bottles and she's been enjoying them."
"Ash can't hold her alcohol? This should be interesting" Nicole said, grinning at Ashley. "Maybe she should drink a lot tonight?"
Ellie quickly ran off to check the bathroom for Ashley.
"you guys drinking?" Craig asked. Ashley shook her head no.
"I don't like alcohol, don't ask me why. We're not old enough to drink anyway," she tried to get the words out without laughing, but couldn't stop a small giggle.
"like that's stopping half the people at the party." Marco said.
"True."
"Marco-" "Polo" "-has a point" Nicole decided. "And hey. I bet Spin needs a drink after all that dancing. Excuse me."
She dragged Marco away with her, leaving Ashley and Craig alone
"Are you sure you don't want a drink?"
"Just a soda. I'm not into alcohol, sorry."
"Me either, really.
"Right then. 2 sodas on the rocks."
"Thanks Craig."
They walk over to the makeshift bar where Sean is tending.
"Wow, so Jimmy's parties come complete with bartenders?"
"Naah, just Sean. You haven't met him yet?"
"Nope. Sean huh, I'm Ashley."
"She's new..two soda's please"
"Ashley..the new girl from the states, right...where's your friend?"
Sean handed them their drinks
"Um, just look for Spinner Mason, she's hot on his heels."
"She does like him then" Craig asked. "I've been wondering."
"Not that she's that obvious or anything," Ashley said rolling her eyes.
Craig grinned "Not with that outfit."
Sean smiles. "Not that you look bad Ashley."
"Finally, a guy other than Marco who knows how to compliment a girl. You should take notes Craig."
"I'll do that. You do look good, though. Is that the shirt you got at the mall the other day."
"Sure is, doesn't she look great?" Marco said, he was with Nicole and Spinner.
"She looks fabulous," Nicole said, resting her elbows on the bar. She flashed a smile at Sean. "What are we drinking tonight and who is this?"
"I'm Sean, and I'll give you whatever you want. Not just alcohol."
"I'm being sober tonight, so drink what you want, but not too much, If you pass out you're on your own,"
"whatever I want, eh?" Nicole glanced sideways at Spinner and then back at Sean. "I'll keep that in mind, but for now, just a diet coke please."
"I see..."
"Same for me" Marco says, getting looks "hey, it tastes good!"
Just then Ashley stumbles over. followed by Paige and Hazel
"Floor a bit crooked there Ashley?" Nicole asked, not hiding the sarcasm in her voice.
"Sean, I want more" Was all Ashley managed to say.
"Hon, you need to stop. You're drunk."
"At least I'm not a whore" She said, shooting a look at the other Ashley.
"Whoa now, someone's an angry drunk. I know she did not just call you a whore," Nicole said, stepping forward. "And if she did, we might have to do something about it."
"Nicole, She'll have punishment enough tomorrow morning. Be the bigger person..wait, its you. no blood, that's all I ask."
"You whore!" Ashley said again.
The Ashley she said it to her sighed. "Come on, Ash, lets get you a drink and a chair." She whispers something to Sean, then he rummages around and gets her a class of something.
Ashley then whispers to Craig. "I got her orange juice-she thinks its a screwdriver."
Nicole just shrugged at the niceness and turned back to Spinner.."feel like dancing some more?" she asked, avoiding the glare of Paige.
"I don't know, I should dance with Paige.."
"Damn right you should!"
Just then Ashley sighed and said "Oh, my God." Before vomiting on Paige's shoes
Everyone was silent for a moment. Then Marco started laughing, and then Sean. Spinner was trying his best not to, but it was pretty funny.
Terri came rushing over to help Ashley to the bathroom. The other Ashley went to get Jimmy to clean up. Craig just stood there, completely lost..
"Now this is a great party," Nicole said.
Ashley came back with Jimmy who cleaned up. Craig, Marco, Sean, Ashley, Nicole and Ellie decided to go to an all-night diner. Spinner was told he was not going by Paige.
"He is so whipped" Sean said as they sat at the diner
"And you've never been whipped by a girl Sean?"
"We're not talking about *her*
"Wait, who's her?"
"Emma" Craig explained.
"And shouldn't *you* be with your girlfriend..is she still your girlfriend?" Sean asked.
"Emma?" Nicole rolled her eyes. "Save the Earth girl?"
"OOh..troubles in paradise Craig?"
"The very same." Ellie said.
Craig shrugged. "She was drunk and calling Ashley a whore."
"She seems to have rage issues," Marco said. "Whenever she gets around illegal substances anyway"
Sean shrugged himself. "Don't we all."
Everyone ordered food. "For the record, I'm not a whore. not unless John Mayer shows up."
"And for the record on that, No comment," Nicole replied.
Everyone laughed. They all ate, and then Ashley pulled out her wallet.
"No, I'm paying for yours. I feel bad about what Ash did." Craig said
"My my my, what a sweetheart," Nicole whispered. Only Marco and Ashley heard her.
"Craig, you don't have to."
"I am, that's final." After paying, Ellie, Marco, Nicole and Ashley headed to Nicole and Ashley's for a gossip session.
"That was so cute."
"Unbelievably cute. He and Ash must not be getting along very well. No guy who's happy with his girlfriend does that for another girl who's obviously interested."
Speaking of interested...what about Spinner?"
"I don't know, he's hard to read..he's so cute though!"
"Its great when her highness isn't around. Are they always like that?"
"She's got him whipped"
"He's got to be sick of it by now, right?"
Ellie just laughed at the girls. "You guys are strange."
"Stranger than you think." Marco said.
What's your story Ellie? Ashley asked. "You seem pretty cool."
"I've never quite fit it, that's all."
"Join the club" Marco said.
"Yes, join us at Ashley and Nicole's home of misfit Degrassi Students!"
"Right," Ellie said. "So you 2..what's the real story? You came here from the states why?"
"The real story?" Ashley was worried. She looked at Nicole "We can't possibly be bad liars, can we?"
Marco Laughed. "No, we're just more observant. so you're telling Ellie everything?"
"What about Ashley the other one."
Yeah, I don't know about this..the more people that know..the more risk we run," Nicole said, looking back at Ashley.
"Yes. I mean, I already feel weird about liking Craig so much..."
"Because of everything."
"Damnit, tell me already!" Ellie shouted. "Sorry, don't want to wake anyone."
"Well.... You have to swear on Marco's life that you won't tell anyone."
"I will"
"This goes double for Ashley."
"I won't tell her."
"Have you ever wanted to relive your life over?" At Ellie's nod Ashley went on "We are."
"We're not really 16"
"You aren't? How old are you?"
"22"
"22?!?! Why would you want to be 16 again?"
"To be the people we are now at sixteen..its complicated."
"What about Craig and Spinner?"
"What about them?"
"If you're 22...both of you..they're sixteen"
"Yeah," Ashley said. "Are you guys sure they're only 16?"
"we're sure."
"Damnit!"
"We'll figure things out as we go, we're good at that."
The Project
In class on Monday, Mr. Simpson was handing out group projects...
"Now I know everyone likes to be paired with their friends, but for something new, I've put all of your names into the computer and you were randomly paired together. No switching either.
Everyone grumbled as he gave out groups and papers with the assignment. "I'm going to fail if I'm with the wrong person" Ashley worried.
"Spinner and Marco."
"Polo!" Everyone giggled.
"Ellie and Hazel."
"Ashley Kerwin and Jimmy."
"Other Ashley and Craig."
"And let's see..Paige and Nicole"
Nicole and Paige both rolled their eyes at the same time. "Nice going!" Nicole whispered to Ashley
"Too bad you aren't as lucky."
Nicole just smiled "Think of this as getting ammo."
At lunch, Craig and Ashley decided to meet after school for the project.
Being the "better person" Nicole asked Paige if she wanted to work on their project at either the Dot, or at her place. Paige picked the Dot, which Nicole was grateful for. Marco and Spinner agreed to work there also, to stop any possible fights-well, that was Spinner's reasoning. Marco wanted to watch any possible fights.
Ashley and Craig get to Craig's house. "So, is anyone home, or do we have the place to ourselves?"
Angie's going to be home in a half our or so, I think but right now its just us."
"Cool, lets get started before she gets here and wants to watch Powerpuff Girls"
Craig rolled his eyes, a habit he'd picked up from the American girls. "Yeah thanks for that..all I hear from her now is, I want to watch Powerpuff Girls, where's the girl who likes Buttercup?"
"You could watch it with her."
"But she wants you."
"I'm glad someone does"
Craig opened his mouth to say something, but shut it again. opened it again, And shut it. Finally, "lots of guys want you I'm sure"
"No one's ever said so. Besides, I'm waiting for the right guy."
"John Mayer?"
"What can I say? I'm a sucker for the curly dark-haired musicians."
She blushed. "Besides, Nicole would kill me if I went after John" she said, covering
Craig just blinked at that, then he smiled and said. "I guess we should get to work."
"Right, so what's this project on anyways?"
"We have to make a webpage about ourselves, complete with scanned pictures and sound files. That's the one we got anyway. Nicole and Paige got one where they have to test different web animation pages using the same animation idea and see how it comes out."
They started to work on the project. A lot was accomplished in a lot less time than they figured on, so when Craig suggested a break, Ashley was happy to agree. Perfect timing too, because Angie came running in.
"Its Buttercup!!"
"Buttercup, Angie, her name is Ashley."
Nu-uh, it's Buttercup!"
"Buttercup it is then."
The three of them settled down to watch Angie's powerpuff girl tapes. They were still that way when Joey came home.
"I thought you were having someone over to work on schoolwork Craig," he teased.
"Angie kidnapped us and forced us to watch Powerpuff Girls'"
Joey looked at the TV where Ashley and Angie were saying "Pow!" along with the sound.
"Yeah, looks like you're all being held against your will."
"Well, I am."
"Mr. Jeremiah, he lies. He's loving it."
"Dad! Buttercup knows the lines!"
"Buttercup eh? No wonder Angie's been insisting we call her Bubbles. Looks like you've got a new friend."
"Yes! She's great!"
"Ashley, will you stay for dinner?"
"Sure, let me call Nicole." She calls her "Nicole? Mr. Jeremiah invited me for dinner."
"Wow, getting right in with the family, very good work indeed." Nicole said. "Paige and I are having the time of our lives right now." The sarcasm was way obvious.
"Is she alive?"
"Yes."
"So are you, You'll live. Plus, make her look like a bitch in front of Spinner and maybe he'll dump her."
"Good thinking. I'll work on that. Marco keeps doing that meow cat claw thing with his hand and looking over at us, I think he wants a fight."
"Marco just wants to be involved in the action. I'll see you at home."
"Maybe I won't be alone."
"Maybe not" She hangs up. "Mr. Jeremiah, its fine with my cousin and dad."
"Great, hope you like spaghetti." Joey disappeared into the kitchen. As he got dinner ready they could hear him singing "..everybody wants something..."
"What's that song?"
"Joey had a band. They had one song. That one."
"I see. Was it a good song?"
"Its..not horrible. I can say that much. Enough about Joey's pop star past. Work or Powerpuff?"
"Powerpuff!" Angie cried from the couch. Ashley laughed. "Sorry kiddo, but homework right now, maybe I'll watch more later."
"Very mature Buttercup"
"Are you going to call me that too now?"
He shrugged. "It'll be better than confusing 2 Ashley's"
"True, but the other Ashley will hate it."
"Why?"
"Craig, if you call me that without the back story, do you know what it sounds like?"
"It's just a nickname. I mean, Spinner isn't Spinners real name, but no one questions that." Being a guy, Craig didn't get it
"I'm warning you now. If you chose to call me that, you deal with the fall out."
"Its not a big deal."
"Ask Joey what he thinks."
"Ask me what?" Joey asked, "Dinner's ready guys"
"If I refer to this Ashley as Buttercup, will other Ashley get upset?"
Ashley cut in "This is with her not knowing about Angie and the Powerpuff girls thing." Joey looked back and forth from Craig to Ashley, back to Craig again. "Do you have some cutesy name for the other Ashley?" he asked. Craig shook his head. "Yeah, upsets a word for what she'll be"
"Thank you, I love to be right!" Ashley said.
"I don't get it!"
Ashley smiled, "Mr. Jeremiah, explain it to him" She was laughing to hard to get anything out.
Joey just shook his head. "Okay Craig, what would you do if Ashley started to call...I don' t know, Sean something like, Sugarpie?"
Why would she?"
"Craig, just follow me."
"I guess it would be annoying..."
"Exactly, that's what you call someone you are dating or otherwise interested in. So is Buttercup."
You could literally see the light bulb above Craig's head. "Oh!" he said, his face turning red.
Ashley and Joey just laughed.
"Can I call you Buttercup here though?"
"I don't see why not...Angie does it."
"Exactly!" They headed for the dinner table then.
Ashley just smiled to herself, seeing things were definitely well on their way.
As they were cleaning up-the doorbell rang. It was Nicole and Marco.
"Hey how's the project going?" Nicole asked, waving to Angie who was coloring.
"We're doing ok. What about yours?" Ashley said.
"Its ok, we split it so each of us does half, that helps."
Ashley nodded. "What about yours Marco?"
"Polo"
"We're all set."
"Yeah," Craig said, slinging his arm around Ashley's shoulders. "Buttercup and I here are a great team." Buttercup? Nicole mouthed to Ashley. Marco burst out laughing.
Ashley couldn't help but laugh too. Just then Angie called out "Buttercup! I have something!"
It was a picture. "Angie, how cute."
"Its you and Craig." It was of a shorter girl with glasses and a tall boy with lots of hair.
"Aww!" Marco said.
He looked around, "what? we were all thinking it"
"Yep. I drew it for you."
Just then the doorbell wrung again. It was Spinner. "I ran here, Marco, you left a notebook. In my stuff. Cute picture."
"Its Craig and Buttercup. With hearts cause I think they love each other."
Spinner looked at Nicole. "Paige said your guys project is uh--interesting."
"We split all the work, which is good."
"As long as yo don't get in trouble for it." Marco noted.
"Hey, not everyone can be a good team."
"True, some of the best teams work better apart...like...hmm..well, there have to be some," Nicole argued.
"We'll think of some."
Spinner looked at Ashley and Craig. "how's your project going?"
"you mean Craig and Buttercup's project?" Marco said, snickering.
"Dude, what's up with this Buttercup thing?" Spinner asked
"Oh, God. See what you started" Ashley said to Craig.
Nicole said innocently "What do you mean Spinner, you call Paige honeybee."
"Well, yeah, but..we're dating."
"Point proven!" Ashley said, hitting Craig in the arm
"Fine, I wont' call you that in front of Ash."
Angie handed Craig a picture the same as Ashley's, pretty much "You both have one now!"
"Lots of hearts? Wait a minute..Ashley doesn't wear glasses," Spinner began.."Oh, right. Wrong Ashley," he said, after looking at everyone else.
"No one said he was the smart one," Nicole whispered to Ashley.
"But you aren't interested in his brains." Ashley whispered back.
"Its not Ashley! Its Buttercup!"
"But where does Buttercup come from!" Spinner repeated
"you're joking, right?" Ashley asked, looking at Spinner. "Powerpuff Girls?"
"That's a kids show, I've never seen it."
"You've never seen it? We're going to remedy that now!"
"Angie! Can we borrow some of your Powerpuff tapes?" Craig asked, thinking he could move this party down to the rec room.
"Can't I watch too?"
"Nope" Joey said, "You're taking a bath. Here are the tapes. Make sure everyone's gone by 10:30"
"Thanks Joey," Craig said.
The five of them moved down to the rec room. Ashley and Craig jockeyed for a huge comfy chair.
Nicole frowned at Marco as he sat down next to Spinner on the couch. He grinned at her, whispered "just kidding" and moved to the floor in front of the couch, leaving the spot open for Nicole.
Ashley and Craig were still arguing over the chair as Nicole sat way too close to Spinner.
Marco just rolled his eyes at the silliness of the situation and focused on the TV. "Flip a coin or share the chair," he said to Craig and Ashley.
"Fine" Craig said, pulling Ashley down next to him and flipping the Tape on.
Marco looked pleased with himself. The five of them watched the show, Spinner grumbling the whole time.
"Its OK. I don't get why Ashley and Craig like it."
"Ashley loves it, Craig is just humoring her, I think."
"Why would he do that? No guy puts up with a girls stuff unless--oh no way! You think?"
"Spinner, you have eyes right? Look at them!"
Spinner looked. "But..he's got a girlfriend!" Nicole shrugged. "Its an easy thing to forget sometimes," she said, her hand touching his arm.
"True..." Nicole waited five minutes before reaching for Spinner's hand.
Spinner pulled away. "Nicole..Paige and I.."
"Too much to hope for I guess, that you'd forget?"
"I like you but...Paige is still my girlfriend."
"But are you really happy with her?"
"I was but..You're different than she is. Nicer. Everyone likes you-you're good to Marco."
"Marco's great."
"I need to think about it."
Nicole leaned over and quickly kissed his cheek. "Think fast," she said smiling.
Then she settled back on her side of the couch
"I can do that."