Craig left Kwan's class in record time. A voice called him from behind.

"CRAIG!"

"I don't want to talk about it," Craig said quickening his pace.

"Just wait up, man," Spinner said rushing to catch up. Craig stopped in his tracks and rolled his eyes.

"What is it Spinner?" Craig questioned. "I'm not in the mood to talk right now."

"I heard what happened man. That sucks," Spin said trying his best to be supportive.

"Yeah, well. I deserved it," Craig said obviously annoyed.

"It also sucks that you're in a group with Ashley," Spinner said honestly. "Dude, that really sucks."

"Is that what you wanted to tell me? How much my life SUCKS?" Craig said angrily. "Well, news flash! I already know!"

"No. I wanted to tell you I'm sorry too....for my bad advice that is," Spin said feeling slightly responsible for Craig's loss. "I mean...it was like I was living this fantasy through you. Two girls? It's like every guy's dream," he admitted. There was a long pause after that. "Soooooo, ex-super stud what are you going to do now? I mean, with both of them hating you and all."

"Shut up Spinner," Craig said in disbelief.

"I'm just asking," Spinner said slightly offended. "Anyway, there are plenty of other fish in the tank."

"The sea," Craig said correcting his friend.

"What about the sea?" Spinner asked with a confused look on his face. "What does that have to do with anything? Anyway, we'll get you hooked up in.."

"I love Manny," Craig interrupted. "She's made it perfectly clear that she hates my guts...but I love her."

"Oh," Spinner said disappointed that he couldn't help his friend out. "Dude. Good luck man," he said patting Craig on the back while walking off to class.

"He's screwed," Spinner said casually when he knew Craig couldn't hear.

~*~*~

"Manny can we talk?" Emma asked. She had seen Manny sitting by herself.

Manny looked up. "Why does everyone want to talk today? Why not tomorrow? Why today?" Manny asked herself out loud. "What are you doing here Emma? I thought you didn't want to be seen with the school slut," Manny said icily.

"Excuse me?" Emma asked. "That's not fair. I just thought that we should start the new year off without hating each other." There was a long uncomfortable pause then Emma continued. "The truth is, you're my best friend....and you only get one of those," Emma said with a sad smile.

"Was that an apology?" Manny questioned while raising her eyebrows.

"I guess you can say that," Emma answered with the same smile. "But you do realize, it wasn't ALL my fault."

"I know," Manny said sadly.

"Was that an apology?" Emma asked.

"I guess you can say that," Manny answered.

"Then apology accepted," Emma said. She reached her hand out for a handshake.

Manny smiled and hugged her friend. "I missed you Em," she said with tears in her eyes.

"I missed you too Manny," Emma said about to cry.

"I didn't mean what I said about you being a 'Prude Princess'" Manny cried. "I just felt you didn't bother to understand me. I know you were just looking out for me, but I needed a friend not a mother. I'm so sorry I ditched you for him at the rave. I can't think straight when I'm with him! He drives me crazy Em!"

"I didn't mean what I said either," Emma said embarrassed. "I should have known you never got over Craig. The signs were there. I was too busy with my life to pay attention. I know you did what you did because you're still in love with him. I'm sorry." The two friends started bawling and laughing all at once. Their friendship had survived many trials..this being the worst of them.

"I have so much to tell you," Manny said seriously.

"I heard what happened. Details please," Emma replied.