When they reached Manny's front door, she let go of his warm hand and
kissed him lightly on the cheek, then he watched as she disappeared into
the house.
As Manny walked inside, she was greeted by the smell of pizza.
"Mmmm," she said as she walked into the kitchen. Her brothers were sitting at the kitchen table inhaling slices and her mother sat tapping her fingers against the hard wood.
When her mother saw her come in she stood abruptly, "Manuella, where have you been, we've been worried sick about you."
"Sorry Mami," she replied "I was working on a project with J.T."
"Well why didn't you call?"
"We had to get it done really fast and I guess I just forgot."
"Well, don't ever do that again Manuella."
"I won't Mami."
"Here, you must be starving, have a slice."
"Thanks Mami."
As Manny sat in silence eating her pizza, she lost herself in thoughts of the day's previous encounters. When she finally snapped out of her trance, she finished her slice and took a sip of coke before running upstairs to privacy of her own room. Threw her hair up in a messy bun and turned on the computer, and as soon as she signed on she had 2 messages. She read the first IM message, it was from Emma.
SparkleSpaz: details!!!!!!
She giggled to herself and replied: Smileygurl: I'll call u in a few
SparkleSpaz: fine (
Then she closed Emma's box and open the other message.
tHeJoKeR: Hey you
When she saw who it was from, she couldn't help but smile
Smileygurl: Hey yourself (
Smileygurl: long time no see...a whole 10 minutes lol
tHeJoKeR: ya I kno I miss u like crazy! lol
Smileygurl: awwwww
tHeJoKeR: So..can I call u my girlfriend now?
Smileygurl: I dunno.. I'm still a little unsure..u kno?
Smileygurl: I have to go call Emma, I'll call u later k?
tHeJoKeR: whatever
Smileygurl: *hugs n kisses*
tHeJoKeR: bye
Manny could tell he was disappointed. Since they both became addicted to instant messager in 5th grade, every online conversation they ever had ended in "see u later alligator, in awhile crocodile," it was silly, but it was something they shared as best friends, something she missed when it wasn't there. She could always tell he was upset with her when he didn't say the usual goodbye. She felt bad about leaving him hanging like that but she didn't know what else to do. She wasn't ready to give him an answer. With a long sigh she picked up the phone and dialed, it rang twice and someone picked up.
Emma: Hello, Simpson and Nelson residents. Manny: *sigh* Hey Em it's me.. Emma: OMIGOSH give me details...wait a sec, what's wrong? Manny: long story, but my admirer was, surprisingly enough, J.T. Emma: *squeal* so are you 2 going out now? Manny: I don't know..I don't think so. Emma: Why not? What happened? Manny: That's where the long story comes in.. Emma: Tell me please! Manny: Fine..He wants me to be his girlfriend, but I don't want to lose him as a best friend. If we dated and broke up he would probably hate me for the rest of our lives and I couldn't bear to lose him. I mean, we've known each other since like pre-school. Emma: First of all, he wouldn't hate you; second of all, if you both really like each other, wouldn't it be even more difficult to pretend you ARE just best friends? Manny: You have a point..I'm going to call him. Emma: Ok, I'll talk to you tomorrow then. Bye! Manny: Bye *Click*
Just as she hung up the phone, Manny's mom came into her room to get her dirty laundry.
"Oh, just a sec mom, you can take these clothes too."
She ran into her bathroom and changed into the pajama pants that were lying on the ground in front of the sink, then came back out and threw on a tank top that she had grabbed out of her drawer.
"Here," she said as she handed her mom the top and jeans.
"Manuella, why does your shirt smell like cologne? Did you stay after school to meet a boy?"
"Uh..no mami, J.T. keeps his in his locker and he sprayed it on me earlier.."she answered, desperately trying to sound convincing.
Mrs. Santos chuckled and left the room, leaving Manny sitting on her bed sighing with relief. She grabbed the phone and dialed, it rang a few times and a familiar voice answered.
J.T.: Hello? Manny: hey.it's me. J.T.: (sounding upset) Oh.hi. Manny: J.T. please don't do this. J.T.: (in an angry tone) don't do what? Don't feel hurt because you can't seem to accept the fact that you like me as much as I like you. Manny: This is hard for me. It's hard to go from being best friends for like 10 years to boyfriend/girlfriend in one day. J.T.: (in a gentler tone) *sigh* I know...but obviously we have different feelings now, I mean, when you kissed me earlier, it was..wow. Manny: Yeah I know...I never wanted to leave that spot, I don't know why..I just felt so safe and..loved, and that's what scares me, I've never had feelings this strong before for anyone. J.T.: I know how you feel. Manny: You're just going to have to give me some time ok? J.T.: alright, so I'll see you tomorrow? Manny: (sounding a little happier) Of course! J.T.: (with a smile in his voice) see you later alligator.. Manny: In awhile crocodile.. *click*
Manny smiled and crawled under her covers, it was early but she was exhausted, and as soon as her head hit the pillow she was fast asleep...
The next morning, Manny woke up in a particularly good mood, she had had an incredible night's sleep and today was Friday! She got up, threw on a pair of pink cargos and a white tank top, brushed her teeth, did her hair and makeup, and ran out of the house to meet Emma, J.T., and Toby at Emma's to walk to school. When she got to Emma's she saw Emma and Toby, but no J.T., "where's J.T." "Probably just running late.as usual," Toby replied, a little annoyed. Just as Toby began ranting about how J.T. was always late for everything, J.T. walked up.
"Hey guys..sorry I'm late, my alarm didn't go off.If Emma hadn't called I'd still be asleep right now. *yawn*"
Manny couldn't help but notice how gorgeous he looked.he was wearing a gray t-shirt and jeans and his hair was lightly tousled, she could tell he hadn't been up for more than 5 minutes, and yet he still had that sparkle in his eyes that she hadn't ever noticed before yesterday.
Snapping out of her trance, she replied "Isn't that your excuse every morning? *giggle*" He caught her eye and smiled,
"No, I went to school early yesterday *wink*." Manny and Emma both laughed.
"Am I missing something here?" Toby asked, confused.
"You never told him?" Manny asked.
"Nope, but I see you told Emma."
"Duh! I tell her everything."
"Uh.I'm still confused..." Toby said.
"Basically Manny and I are dating now.." J.T. said. Manny's smile faded, she glared at J.T.
"Oh, I see, wow I never saw that coming," Toby replied.
"That's because it's not true!" Manny said angrily. Before anyone could ask what was going on she ran off.
"Ok, now I'm really confused.." Emma said, with a puzzled look on her face.
"Me t..." J.T. started to say, but he stopped abruptly. "I'm such an idiot!" He said, smacking his forehead. He ran after her and yelled "I'll explain later, to the extremely confused pair still standing on Emma's driveway.
When J.T. finally caught up with Manny she was sitting on the steps in front of Degrassi Community School.
"Manny.." He called, "I'm sorry." Her angry expression now turned to hurt.
"You are so selfish! I told you I wasn't ready to consider us as dating, but it doesn't matter what I want does it?"
"Manny I'm sorry, I...I wasn't thinking," He replied quietly.
"(calming down) I.I'm sorry too..I don't know why I got so upset..everything has just been so weird lately," She said as she stood up to hug him, not caring who saw. She wrapped her arms around his neck, but instead of hugging her back, he rested his hand on her cheek and kissed her, and she kissed him back, not even caring that there were people all around them...
When they pulled away, they saw Emma and Toby gaping at them, jaws dropped halfway to the ground.
"Uh.hi," Manny said, blushing.
"Wow, you guys were really going at it," Emma said, grinning.
"Seriously," Toby agreed.
Now, both Manny and J.T. were blushing. "Sorry, we got a bit carried away," J.T. said.
"*giggle* First kisses are so romantic!" Emma said dreamily.
"Except it wasn't our first smart one," Manny replied, giggling.
"But..I mean, I thought that...Ok now I'm really confused!" Emma said. She glanced at her watch and realized class would be starting soon, "Gotta run," she said, "C'mon Toby let's go."
"Coming," he said as he followed her into the crowded building.
"Do you still want to be my boyfriend?" Manny asked after Emma and Toby ran off.
"Maybe." he said with a smirk. She slapped him playfully on the arm.
"Kidding, kidding!" He laughed. "In the words of Manny Santos. Duh!"
"You dork," she said jokingly.
Their smiles suddenly faded when they noticed the time. "Crap! Class already started!" Manny said.
J.T. grabbed Manny's hand and they ran to homeroom.
"And where have you two been?" Ms. Hatzolakos asked.
Realizing they were still holding hands, they pulled there hands apart quickly. Mrs. Hatzolakos glared disapprovingly.
"Uhh.we were in the Media Immersion lab," Manny replied nervously. She could hear Emma and Toby laughing quietly.
"Well, please sit down, I'll let it slide this time, but don't make it a common occurrence!"
"Uh we won't Ms. Hatzolakos," J.T. assured her as they took their seats behind Emma and Toby.
"Emma, stop laughing!" Manny said, now laughing herself. Emma took a breath and stopped laughing. "The Media Immersion lab, huh?" Emma asked sarcastically, bursting out laughing again, this time uncontrollably.
"Emma, down girl, down...geez it's not that funny," J.T. said.
"Seriously," Manny laughed.
"Ok ok, sorry," Emma responded while taking a breath.
"So..are you guys dating or not?" Emma asked.
"We're dating," they said simultaneously.
"Ok...then what was..oh gosh Manny, I don't think I'll ever understand you." Emma said with a small laugh.
But Manny didn't hear her; she was too busy looking at something behind Emma. "Oh boy," she said. Emma and Toby turned around and J.T. looked up to see what she was looking at. There eyes were met bye the sight of Liberty, nearly in tears.
"Oh geez," J.T. said, "Please tell me she doesn't like me that much."
"J.T.!" Manny scolded, "You're terrible!" "I mean how would you feel if you were in love with some girl and found out she recently started going out with this other guy, even though she knew you were completely in love with her?" "Oh wait, you know exactly how you would feel, you've been in the same situation with Paige." Manny said with a hint of spitefulness in her voice.
"Geez Manny, I thought you were my girlfriend not my worst enemy," J.T. snapped back with hurt in his eyes.
"Sorry, it's just that, well we're always so mean to her and I feel so bad." Manny replied in an apologetic tone.
"And I hate making people cry."
"Ok, you have a point but do you have to make me feel like complete slime in the process of making it?"
"Sorry," she said as she kissed him on the cheek.
*The Bell Rings*
As Manny walked inside, she was greeted by the smell of pizza.
"Mmmm," she said as she walked into the kitchen. Her brothers were sitting at the kitchen table inhaling slices and her mother sat tapping her fingers against the hard wood.
When her mother saw her come in she stood abruptly, "Manuella, where have you been, we've been worried sick about you."
"Sorry Mami," she replied "I was working on a project with J.T."
"Well why didn't you call?"
"We had to get it done really fast and I guess I just forgot."
"Well, don't ever do that again Manuella."
"I won't Mami."
"Here, you must be starving, have a slice."
"Thanks Mami."
As Manny sat in silence eating her pizza, she lost herself in thoughts of the day's previous encounters. When she finally snapped out of her trance, she finished her slice and took a sip of coke before running upstairs to privacy of her own room. Threw her hair up in a messy bun and turned on the computer, and as soon as she signed on she had 2 messages. She read the first IM message, it was from Emma.
SparkleSpaz: details!!!!!!
She giggled to herself and replied: Smileygurl: I'll call u in a few
SparkleSpaz: fine (
Then she closed Emma's box and open the other message.
tHeJoKeR: Hey you
When she saw who it was from, she couldn't help but smile
Smileygurl: Hey yourself (
Smileygurl: long time no see...a whole 10 minutes lol
tHeJoKeR: ya I kno I miss u like crazy! lol
Smileygurl: awwwww
tHeJoKeR: So..can I call u my girlfriend now?
Smileygurl: I dunno.. I'm still a little unsure..u kno?
Smileygurl: I have to go call Emma, I'll call u later k?
tHeJoKeR: whatever
Smileygurl: *hugs n kisses*
tHeJoKeR: bye
Manny could tell he was disappointed. Since they both became addicted to instant messager in 5th grade, every online conversation they ever had ended in "see u later alligator, in awhile crocodile," it was silly, but it was something they shared as best friends, something she missed when it wasn't there. She could always tell he was upset with her when he didn't say the usual goodbye. She felt bad about leaving him hanging like that but she didn't know what else to do. She wasn't ready to give him an answer. With a long sigh she picked up the phone and dialed, it rang twice and someone picked up.
Emma: Hello, Simpson and Nelson residents. Manny: *sigh* Hey Em it's me.. Emma: OMIGOSH give me details...wait a sec, what's wrong? Manny: long story, but my admirer was, surprisingly enough, J.T. Emma: *squeal* so are you 2 going out now? Manny: I don't know..I don't think so. Emma: Why not? What happened? Manny: That's where the long story comes in.. Emma: Tell me please! Manny: Fine..He wants me to be his girlfriend, but I don't want to lose him as a best friend. If we dated and broke up he would probably hate me for the rest of our lives and I couldn't bear to lose him. I mean, we've known each other since like pre-school. Emma: First of all, he wouldn't hate you; second of all, if you both really like each other, wouldn't it be even more difficult to pretend you ARE just best friends? Manny: You have a point..I'm going to call him. Emma: Ok, I'll talk to you tomorrow then. Bye! Manny: Bye *Click*
Just as she hung up the phone, Manny's mom came into her room to get her dirty laundry.
"Oh, just a sec mom, you can take these clothes too."
She ran into her bathroom and changed into the pajama pants that were lying on the ground in front of the sink, then came back out and threw on a tank top that she had grabbed out of her drawer.
"Here," she said as she handed her mom the top and jeans.
"Manuella, why does your shirt smell like cologne? Did you stay after school to meet a boy?"
"Uh..no mami, J.T. keeps his in his locker and he sprayed it on me earlier.."she answered, desperately trying to sound convincing.
Mrs. Santos chuckled and left the room, leaving Manny sitting on her bed sighing with relief. She grabbed the phone and dialed, it rang a few times and a familiar voice answered.
J.T.: Hello? Manny: hey.it's me. J.T.: (sounding upset) Oh.hi. Manny: J.T. please don't do this. J.T.: (in an angry tone) don't do what? Don't feel hurt because you can't seem to accept the fact that you like me as much as I like you. Manny: This is hard for me. It's hard to go from being best friends for like 10 years to boyfriend/girlfriend in one day. J.T.: (in a gentler tone) *sigh* I know...but obviously we have different feelings now, I mean, when you kissed me earlier, it was..wow. Manny: Yeah I know...I never wanted to leave that spot, I don't know why..I just felt so safe and..loved, and that's what scares me, I've never had feelings this strong before for anyone. J.T.: I know how you feel. Manny: You're just going to have to give me some time ok? J.T.: alright, so I'll see you tomorrow? Manny: (sounding a little happier) Of course! J.T.: (with a smile in his voice) see you later alligator.. Manny: In awhile crocodile.. *click*
Manny smiled and crawled under her covers, it was early but she was exhausted, and as soon as her head hit the pillow she was fast asleep...
The next morning, Manny woke up in a particularly good mood, she had had an incredible night's sleep and today was Friday! She got up, threw on a pair of pink cargos and a white tank top, brushed her teeth, did her hair and makeup, and ran out of the house to meet Emma, J.T., and Toby at Emma's to walk to school. When she got to Emma's she saw Emma and Toby, but no J.T., "where's J.T." "Probably just running late.as usual," Toby replied, a little annoyed. Just as Toby began ranting about how J.T. was always late for everything, J.T. walked up.
"Hey guys..sorry I'm late, my alarm didn't go off.If Emma hadn't called I'd still be asleep right now. *yawn*"
Manny couldn't help but notice how gorgeous he looked.he was wearing a gray t-shirt and jeans and his hair was lightly tousled, she could tell he hadn't been up for more than 5 minutes, and yet he still had that sparkle in his eyes that she hadn't ever noticed before yesterday.
Snapping out of her trance, she replied "Isn't that your excuse every morning? *giggle*" He caught her eye and smiled,
"No, I went to school early yesterday *wink*." Manny and Emma both laughed.
"Am I missing something here?" Toby asked, confused.
"You never told him?" Manny asked.
"Nope, but I see you told Emma."
"Duh! I tell her everything."
"Uh.I'm still confused..." Toby said.
"Basically Manny and I are dating now.." J.T. said. Manny's smile faded, she glared at J.T.
"Oh, I see, wow I never saw that coming," Toby replied.
"That's because it's not true!" Manny said angrily. Before anyone could ask what was going on she ran off.
"Ok, now I'm really confused.." Emma said, with a puzzled look on her face.
"Me t..." J.T. started to say, but he stopped abruptly. "I'm such an idiot!" He said, smacking his forehead. He ran after her and yelled "I'll explain later, to the extremely confused pair still standing on Emma's driveway.
When J.T. finally caught up with Manny she was sitting on the steps in front of Degrassi Community School.
"Manny.." He called, "I'm sorry." Her angry expression now turned to hurt.
"You are so selfish! I told you I wasn't ready to consider us as dating, but it doesn't matter what I want does it?"
"Manny I'm sorry, I...I wasn't thinking," He replied quietly.
"(calming down) I.I'm sorry too..I don't know why I got so upset..everything has just been so weird lately," She said as she stood up to hug him, not caring who saw. She wrapped her arms around his neck, but instead of hugging her back, he rested his hand on her cheek and kissed her, and she kissed him back, not even caring that there were people all around them...
When they pulled away, they saw Emma and Toby gaping at them, jaws dropped halfway to the ground.
"Uh.hi," Manny said, blushing.
"Wow, you guys were really going at it," Emma said, grinning.
"Seriously," Toby agreed.
Now, both Manny and J.T. were blushing. "Sorry, we got a bit carried away," J.T. said.
"*giggle* First kisses are so romantic!" Emma said dreamily.
"Except it wasn't our first smart one," Manny replied, giggling.
"But..I mean, I thought that...Ok now I'm really confused!" Emma said. She glanced at her watch and realized class would be starting soon, "Gotta run," she said, "C'mon Toby let's go."
"Coming," he said as he followed her into the crowded building.
"Do you still want to be my boyfriend?" Manny asked after Emma and Toby ran off.
"Maybe." he said with a smirk. She slapped him playfully on the arm.
"Kidding, kidding!" He laughed. "In the words of Manny Santos. Duh!"
"You dork," she said jokingly.
Their smiles suddenly faded when they noticed the time. "Crap! Class already started!" Manny said.
J.T. grabbed Manny's hand and they ran to homeroom.
"And where have you two been?" Ms. Hatzolakos asked.
Realizing they were still holding hands, they pulled there hands apart quickly. Mrs. Hatzolakos glared disapprovingly.
"Uhh.we were in the Media Immersion lab," Manny replied nervously. She could hear Emma and Toby laughing quietly.
"Well, please sit down, I'll let it slide this time, but don't make it a common occurrence!"
"Uh we won't Ms. Hatzolakos," J.T. assured her as they took their seats behind Emma and Toby.
"Emma, stop laughing!" Manny said, now laughing herself. Emma took a breath and stopped laughing. "The Media Immersion lab, huh?" Emma asked sarcastically, bursting out laughing again, this time uncontrollably.
"Emma, down girl, down...geez it's not that funny," J.T. said.
"Seriously," Manny laughed.
"Ok ok, sorry," Emma responded while taking a breath.
"So..are you guys dating or not?" Emma asked.
"We're dating," they said simultaneously.
"Ok...then what was..oh gosh Manny, I don't think I'll ever understand you." Emma said with a small laugh.
But Manny didn't hear her; she was too busy looking at something behind Emma. "Oh boy," she said. Emma and Toby turned around and J.T. looked up to see what she was looking at. There eyes were met bye the sight of Liberty, nearly in tears.
"Oh geez," J.T. said, "Please tell me she doesn't like me that much."
"J.T.!" Manny scolded, "You're terrible!" "I mean how would you feel if you were in love with some girl and found out she recently started going out with this other guy, even though she knew you were completely in love with her?" "Oh wait, you know exactly how you would feel, you've been in the same situation with Paige." Manny said with a hint of spitefulness in her voice.
"Geez Manny, I thought you were my girlfriend not my worst enemy," J.T. snapped back with hurt in his eyes.
"Sorry, it's just that, well we're always so mean to her and I feel so bad." Manny replied in an apologetic tone.
"And I hate making people cry."
"Ok, you have a point but do you have to make me feel like complete slime in the process of making it?"
"Sorry," she said as she kissed him on the cheek.
*The Bell Rings*