Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters, they belong to Degrassi etc… etc… etc… you know the drill…

The Right Choice

Chapter Two/2: Saying No

Today has to be perfect… Craig thought as he paced back and forth in his garage as he waited in anticipation for Manny's arrival.

Suddenly the door swung open. Craig stopped in his tracks and looked to the door. He was instantly disappointed… it was Joey, "Hey Craig."

Craig gave a silent sigh and responded "Hey Joey."

"Listen Craig, Angie and I are going to Caitlin's house for a bit. You're welcome to join us but if not then don't wait up cause I'm not sure when we'll be back."

"No thanks, I'll pass."

"Ok so I'll see you later."

"Ok, bye Joey." Craig responded satisfied with himself for now he had the house to himself… no interruptions. He sat down and continued waiting for Manny.

Manny happily kicked up the snow that rested on the ground as she made her way down the street to Craig's garage. She wasn't sure if she should be happy, upset, or just plain nervous. She was so happy that she finally had Craig, but was she really ready to have him again? What if he broke her heart, for the third time? Sure she couldn't deny her feelings for him-she loved him, she always would-but after all that's happened what should she expect from Craig? Maybe he really had changed. Maybe he really did want to be with her. Whatever it was she was going to find out now. "Here goes nothing!" she said to herself as she stood in front of the door, ready to be face to face with Craig again… or so she thought.

A few moments later the door swung open again… this time it was Manny. Craig immediately stood up and said happily "Hey Manny!"

"Hey Craig." she responded apprehensively not budging from her spot at the door.

"Come in, sit down." he said walking over to her and bringing her towards the couch.

"Thanks." she said and sat down beside him feeling more nervous then she ever had in her entire life. There was a long pause before she said "So, what do you want to talk about?"

"Well, I was hoping we could talk about all that's happened. Listen, Manny, I'm so sorry for all I've put you through. I honestly never meant to hurt you…"

"But you did," she cut in.

"Yeah I know. The whole thing that happened with Ashley was all just a big mistake. I really want to be with you, not her."

"Then why didn't you break up with her like you said you did? Why weren't you honest with me?"

"Well, because I really didn't want to hurt her, especially not right before our performance. I couldn't tell you the truth because I knew you would either talk to her, or you would just hate me."

"You mean like I do now?"

"Oh come on Manny you know you don't mean that. You know you feel the same way I do. I can see it when I look at you, which is practically all the time."

"Craig don't…"

"Shh," he said pressing his finger against her lips, "Don't tell me not to say it. I have to. I love you Manny."

She looked into his eyes, getting lost in his words. He does love me. she thought as he leaned closer in to kiss her until their lips met. How she longed to kiss him again and feel his warmth. As they parted she began "I-I…" just as she was about to return his affection she pulled back "I-I have to go." she said hastily getting up and running out of the garage.

"Manny!" yelled Craig and immediately ran after her. As he caught up to her he said "Manny what happened? Everything was going great? What did I do wrong? Was it because I kissed you? I'm sorry I won't do that again until you're ready!"

"No Craig, it's just that I can't do this again… fall into you trap." she said breathlessly as she continued rushing down the street.

"Trap! What trap? This isn't a trap! I'm serious Manny! Why can't you just believe me?" Craig said upset at her accusation.

"I'm sorry I didn't mean it that way I just need some time Craig. I need to think about all this. Just let me leave, go home, I'll see you at school." she said as she began walking even faster. Disappointed, Craig stopped and turned back.

What happened? Was all Craig could think after he got back to his garage.

Authors Note: Thanks for the great review! Keep reviewing guys so I know to keep writing ok.