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

The Right Choice

Chapter Seven/7: Clothes, Make-up, And Mixed Feelings

"I dunno Paige, I'm just so confused!" Ashley said, as she threw herself on her bed, to Paige, whom was standing in front of the mirror playing with her hair.

"Ok, I don't get it. What's there to be confused about? You like Craig, he likes you, and now you are going to the dance with him. It's pretty clear cut to me." Paige responded, not seeing Ashley's point.

"That's the thing, it's not that clear cut. I mean, I do like him, I think, no I do, right?" Ashley said as she sat up.

"Yes, of coarse you do. That's why you told him you love him, that's why you kissed him, and that's why you are going to the dance with him." Paige said as she turned around.

"Paige the only reason I kissed him was because… because…" Ashley paused for a moment, "See that's what I mean! I don't even know why I kissed him! It was just a stupid spur of the moment thing! I was just so wrapped up, and… I wasn't thinking. Just like I wasn't thinking when I told him I would go to the dance with him." Ashley said as she shook her head, "I just don't know if I'm ready-or even if I want to go back out with him! After what he did… and he just broke up with Manny, and I know that he still likes her… God this was such a mistake!" She shouted as she once again threw herself back on the bed.

Paige had returned to fidgeting with her hair, "Ash will you just stop over analyzing things. You are gonna go to the dance with Craig and you are gonna have a great time because you like him and he likes you, not Manny, but you!" Paige said firmly as she spun around once again. "Now on to more important things like what you are gonna wear to the dance today!" Paige said with a smile as she walked over to the bed and pulled Ashley to her feet.

"Thanks Paige." Ashley said with a half smile.

~*~

KNOCK KNOCK

Emma jumped at the sound of the knocking. "It's just the door." she told herself. She ran to her front door and opened it. There stood Manny holding a large bag. "Hey Manny, what's that?"

"Hey, oh this is just clothes and make-up. You know, the essentials." Manny replied in a very matter-of-factly voice.

"Oh ok. Well come on in." Emma said as she stepped aside and let Manny in.

"Where are your parents?" Manny asked as she glanced around the house.

"They're not home." Emma said.

"Oh so you mean we can actually use the door this time?" Manny said laughing.

"Yup the front door is totally free tonight." Emma said smiling, "Come on lets get ready." Emma said as they walked into her room.

"I'm so nervous about tonight." Manny said as she unzipped her bag.

"You think you're nervous? I still can't get over the fact that Chris even asked me!" Emma said as she sorted through her closet.

"Why not? It's obvious he likes you. Just like it's obvious you like him." Manny said smiling.

Emma laughed to herself. "Why are you nervous? Is it because it's JT or because it's not Craig?"

"I don't even know. I guess it's a little of everything. Do you think I'm doing the right thing? Going with JT?" Manny said sitting on the bed.

"What's wrong with that? You and Craig aren't dating. You free to go out with whomever you want." Emma said as she pulled out a few clothes.

"Emma there's one thing you don't know. See the thing is, I'm kind of just going with JT to make Craig jealous. I probably wouldn't even be going to this stupid thing if it wasn't for that reason." Manny said feeling sad and ashamed.

Emma immediately looked at her, "Yup. Yeah, that pretty much makes it wrong." she said as she pressed her lips together and bobbed her head up and down. "So you mean you're not going with JT because he's a great guy, or because he really likes you, or because you are ready to forget about Craig and expand you horizons?"

"Em the only person I want to expand my horizons to is Craig! Craig, Craig, Craig!" Manny shouted as she stood up, feeling like she was five years old again, and about to cry. "I know JT is a great guy and he likes me and that's also why I'm going with him, but no one makes me feel like Craig does. I hate myself for loving him but I can't help it!" Manny said as she clapped her hands over her face.

Emma ran over to her and gave her a hug, "Manny, Manny, Manny. What am I gonna do with you?" Emma said smiling and feeling very motherly. "Listen, how about you forget about Craig for tonight. Cause tonight you are going to the dance with JT. Tonight Craig doesn't even exist."

"Oh yeah I'm sure it will be easy to do that, cause didn't I tell you?" Manny said sarcastically, "He's going to the dance, and he's going with Ash!"

"Okay, forget everything I just said. You're going to the dance with JT, cause he's a nice guy, and you're gonna have a great time… and you're gonna make Craig so jealous he's gonna want to cry." Emma said feeling surprisingly vengeful, "Even though that's totally wrong and not the right thing to do." she added quickly.

Author's Note: R&R please.