Ashley was sitting by Ellie at lunch. She was playing with her food and staring off into the distance. She couldn't believe what Craig had done to her. Of course she had all winter break to think about it, but she was able to avoid his presence. Now, she saw him in school day in and day out. The reality of it all hit her hard.

"A bit preoccupied?" Ellie said concerned for her friend. "Don't worry about him. You know you deserve better."

"What? Huh?" Ashley said looking up.

"I said don't worry about him," Ellie repeated.

"I'm not," Ashley lied.

"Okay...sure," Ellie said. "So, being in Craig's group for Mrs. Kwan's class doesn't bother you at all? You sure fooled me."

"Maybe it bothers me a little," Ashley said looking back at her food.

"Hello ladies," Jimmy interrupted while taking a seat at their table.

"Hey Jimmy," they answered in unison.

"Ellie, do you mind if I talk to Ash alone?" Jimmy asked. "It's kinda important."

"Sure, no problem," Ellie said getting up. "I needed to talk to Marco anyway."

"Um, Ash. I know you're upset about this Kwan book report thing," Jimmy said trying to look Ash in the eyes.

"Why does everyone keep bringing it up?" Ashley questioned angrily. "I'm fine. For the hundredth time, I'm fine."

"Ash. People make mistakes. We're all human," Jimmy said sincerely.

"What are you trying to say?" Ashley questioned. "You aren't on his side are you?"

"I'm on nobody's side," Jimmy said. "I'm just trying to get you to see his side."

"What side? He cheated on me. He has no side!" Ashley was on the verge of yelling.

"Do you recall what happened with you and Sean?" Jimmy asked calmly. "Did you have a side?"

"That was different. You can't compare what Craig.."

"You cheated on me. Period," Jimmy interrupted. "I felt no less pain than what you feel right now." Ashley was stunned. She wasn't sure what to say next. "But eventually, I forgave you. We're all human. We make mistakes. And you should know first hand."

"Why are you bringing this up?" Ashley asked in near tears. "I don't understand. Did Craig put you up to this?"

"No. I just want everyone to be civil when we meet up for our presentation," Jimmy said getting ready to leave. "I know you were sorry for what you did, and I know Craig is too. Think about it." Ashley sat there motionless. She had blocked out that night from her thoughts. All she wanted was forgiveness from Jimmy, and now she wasn't willing to give any. 'Poor Jimmy,' she thought. She didn't realize she had hurt him the same way Craig hurt her. She was also devastated when Jimmy wouldn't talk to her afterwards. She didn't even get to explain her side of the story. It was a horrible feeling. She had to talk to Craig.

~*~*~

Craig was on his way to class when he saw Ashley. He braced himself for her icy stare, but she smiled softly in his direction. He looked behind him to make sure she wasn't looking at someone else.

"Hey Craig," Ashley said emotionless. Craig was taken aback.

"Um, hey Ash," he said.

"I just wanted to say that I don't completely forgive you. I don't think I ever will. But, I'm willing to talk to you when necessary and no more glares," Ashley said looking at his shoes. "I want our project to work out and I want to make it comfortable for everyone, especially Jimmy. It's not his fault for what happened between us and he shouldn't have to suffer for it."

"That's very nice of you," Craig said. "Thank you." Ash nodded and turned around. "Ash wait," Craig yelled. Ashley stopped and turned her head. "I really really am sorry for what happened. I didn't want to hurt you." Ashley nodded again. "I wish I could have treated you better.....maybe like Jimmy did." Craig walked away and left Ash to think about what he said.