Chapter 5: October Sky
Author's Notes: Wow, I've never churned out a story this fast before. I'm having major creativity purges.
***
Manny Santos was wearing white lingerie, sitting on a satin covered bed with bubbly glasses of 7 Up in champagne glasses and a plate of homemade chocolate chip cookies.
Why don't you join me, Craig? She asked, batting her eyelashes and patting the empty spot beside. He was wearing black boxers and holding a pink rose. I've been waiting for you. Is that rose for me?
Of course it is, I know pink is your favorite color.
Oh Craig, she said breathily. You're so great. I love you. Let's have sex right now!
He jumped onto the bed excitedly.
You did bring condoms, right? Remember what everyone talked about at the club. Condoms or no sex, she smiled expectantly.
Right, of course I do, we don't want you getting pregant, right? He put his hands into his pockets before remembering he had no pockets. Um. I have them, I swear. He looked around the room. Empty. He looked on the bed, under the sheets, under the bed desperately.
Oh Craig, Manny's smile faltered.
No, I've got some, I'm sure. He kept looking under the bed.
Looking for these, kids? It was Joey Jeremiah's voice. Craig got up.
Uh, thanks Joe. Now if you don't mind, I'll take those and you can get the hell outta here. I'm sure you've got a date or something.
Yeah, I do have a date. Since you're so inadequately prepared, you're obviously not going to be very good in bed for this young lady. That's why my date for tonight is with Manny here. Or shall I call you, Emanuella?
Manny smiled dreamily and kicked Craig off the bed.
Come here and kiss me! She said passionately.
Craig yelled.
Craig woke up with cold sweat running down his face. A dream. A nightmare.
Well. No more late night binges of Playboy and 7 Up for me.
***
It was October, and the school was decorated wonderfully for Thanksgiving and Halloween. Pumpkins adorned the cafeteria and turkey posters were all over. Paige pitied the vegetarians of the school. She and Spinner were making the round of the school, inviting everyone worth inviting to Spinner's party the following weekend.
Hey Sean, she said, spotting him with his other wigger friends. party next Saturday. Spinner's house. You in? You can bring your friends. Sean nodded pensivly.
I'll think about it.
Cool. Let me know. Spinner frowned.
Why'd you have to invite them? They'll tear my place up.
Because, hon, they're highly eligible Degrassi bachelors. They're attractive, which will appeal to the older girls, whom the older guys will follow, making the party even cooler and exclusive to the masses. Get it?
I guess. Hey Regan, Craig, party next Saturday. My house, Spinner said spotting them at their lockers. Regan raised her eyebrow.
Will there be any alcoholic beverages at this party?
You bet. Manny'll be there, Craig. Craig smiled.
Then you can count me in.
Paige and Regan said in unison. They laughed and Paige pulled Spinner down another hall.
Craig is so cute. Why don't you ever say anything like that about me?
What do you mean? I do tons of stuff for you. The other day I let you eat the last french fry, did I not?
Ugh. A greasy, soggy undercooked french fry from the caf is not my idea of romantic.
Fine, but don't accuse me of not trying! Their bickering was interrupted by JT, who stepped in their path. Paige raised her eyebrows.
Word around school is your having a party.
So, can I get an invite?
JT, hon, Paige said condescendingly. The sex club raised your profile and all, but I still don't know if you're ready for a party. A real party, not a PCP party.
Pop, chips, parents.
Come on guys, give me a chance. Please? Paige and Spinner exchanged a look while JT shot them his wounded puppy look.
Fine, but you better not bring any of your little niner friends. JT jumped up in joy.
Yes! Thanks so much you guys, you won't regret this! He ran off happily. Spinner glared at Paige.
And the point of inviting him was?
I don't know. He's funny. We gotta give him something.
Paige, I love you. I don't understand you, but I love you. Paige kissed him.
I know.
***
Ok, attention everyone, Mr. Simpson said in computers, the first class of the morning. Regan has an announcement.
Hey everyone, what's up. So I'm lacking extra curricular activities, which means I have to join this gay stuff at school or something- Mr. Simpson cleared his throat, indicating she should get on with it. So I'm on the Halloween dance commitee, and we're gonna make it the best god damn dance this school has ever had. If anyone has any ideas they'd like to submit, see me because I'm the PR person or something. Ok? Silence. Everyone was still sort of asleep. I SAID OK? She yelled at the top of her voice.
Everyone said.
she said sitting down, pleased with herself.
Thank you Regan, that was very... colorful. Now, today we're going to be working on the Degrassi website and adding your own specialized pages to it. I've assigned you groups. Ellie and Jimmy, Craig and Paige, Terri and Spinner, Ashley and Regan, Hazel and Sean- Everyone got yp to get into their groups.
Hey Ashley, what's up? Regan said, sitting next to Ashley. She'd never really talked to the girl.
Craig I have a great idea for our site, said Paige excitedly across the room.
Oh yeah, already? Craig asked, impressed. Paige raised her hands as though she was seeing it in lights.
Degrassi Gossip!
Um no.
You could think about it for more than a second.
Hmm. No.
Come on! It'll have all the juicy stuff, who's hooking up, who's breaking up, who did what woth who when.
Paige, how would you feel if you broke up with Spinner and it was announced over a website for the whole school to see? In excruciating detail?
Admittedly, it wouldn't be cool, however, that's the beauty part. You and I are running it, so we decide what goes on and what doesn't.
Paige, I don't know. Seems kinda sleazy. And I don't think Mr. Simpson will go for it.
Leave Simpson to me. Trust me, it'll rock. Craig shook his head, but gave in.
Sooo Ashley. What's your deal. It didn't seem like a question.
My deal?
Yeah. What's your story? Why are you so... complicated?
I didn't think I was.
You've got the mad hots for Miller, dontcha?
Please stop talking unless it's something useful. Regan sighed. What do we want to make this site about? I was thinking music. Something music related.
Music's cool with me. What kind of music? Let me guess. Punk rock.
Yeah, you ok with that?
Sure, I like that stuff. My fave's the Sex Pistols and Millencolin. The Juliana Theory is ok too, but that's more emo than anything.
Wow. I'm surprised, I must say.
I noticed you were wearing a Ramones shirt the other day. Excellent choice.
Thanks! Craig bought it for me last- She stopped abruptly.
Ah. See, you have a story. You're just never gonna like me enough to let me hear it.
What about your story', Regan? You're still a pretty big mystery to everyone here. And I don't hate you, if that's what you're thinking. She laughed. Ellie does though.
I know! What's with that girl? I've never even had a 10 minute conversation with her and she despises me! I get such bad vibes from. But oh well, I'm okay with that. Not everyone can love me. Though many do.
You're pretty cocky, Ashley said wryly. I think it's cause you hang out so much with Sean.
Oooooh she has a thing for him. Yeah. You're disliking me more by the minute, aren't you? Ashley laughed again.
No, I'm not. Don't worry about it.
Ok. Almost-friends? Regan asked, offering her hand as a peach treaty. Ashley took it. Cool. So let's get this mutha of a website up and running.
***
Hey Manny! It was lunch time and Manny was on her way to the cafeteria when Craig called her name.
Hey Craig, she greeted, smiling sweetly.
She has the best smile, Craig couldn't help thinking as he approached her. Those dimples....
Did you get an invite to Spinner's party?
Yeah, they caught up to me today!
So you're definitely going?
I guess. Got nothing better to do Saturday night, she laughed.
Awesome. So, I was wondering if you wanted to go together. I mean I could pick you up at your house and we could... go together. He seemed to be having trouble phrasing his question. She looked at him. Or maybe you wanted to go stag-
No, no! I'd love to, Craig. Pick me up at about 9?
Yeah, for sure! No problem-o! She looked at him confusedly and laughed uncertainly, and walked into the caf to sit with Emma and Liberty. When she was out of earshot, Craig hit himself in the head. No problem-o? Smooth Craig, real smooth. He went into the caf too and found Jimmy and Spinner at a table.
What's up, Craig? Saw you talking to Manny, you studmeister you, Spinner said, taking a sip of chocolate milk.
Back with her again, huh? You ever gonna go out with someone new? Jimmy said, busting his chops.
Why would I want to? I mean come on guys, look at her. At that all three guys looked at Manny, who seemed to start moving in slow motion. She was wearing skin tight low jeans, her hair was loose and not in a ponytail for once, and a blue v-neck sweater. Also of the tight variety. Hey, actually, get your eyes off her, you jerks. She's mine. Craig said suddenly, hitting them both upside the head.
You can have her. I'm not down with those drama girls, Jimmy said, biting into his chicken fillet from McDonalds with vigor. A bit of mayo spewed out of his mouth. I need a girl with class, to match me.
Spinner said, rolling his eyes.
***
Whoa! What happened? Sean asked Regan the next day as she got to school. She had a fat lip and there was a long thin scratch on her face. She took off her cheap sunglasses which revealed another scratch at her eyebrow.
My stupid foster mother attacked me last night, the crazy bitch.
Holy shit. You alright?
I'm fine. Except I looked like I escaped from the circus.
Why'd she do that?
I have no idea. She's nuts. I think she was drinking or something, the damn alcoholic. She just burst into my room screaming and like, charged towards me. The police had to take her away and everything. I slept at the stupid police station last night.
Sounds exciting.
It sucked. A lot. A social worker is coming to live with me for the rest of the week. she laughed ruefully. But I'm over it. What's up today anyways?
Nothing at all. Don't you have a dance commitee. meeting after school?
Oh yeah. Hey so you're gonna come to the dance, right?
Um, school dances aren't really my thing.
Well make it your thing cause you're coming.
I'll go to the school dance if you go to Spinner's party on Saturday.
Wow, you hold a tough bargain. Deal. She shook his hand.
***
I have awesome news, you guys, Ashley announced at the band practice after school that day. We're gonna be performing at the school dance on the 30th, in front of the whole school! She was so excited, she actually squealed a little. Not only did she find out they would be performing, but Mr. Miller was going to be a chaperone!
Ellie asked, grinning excitedly. How did you manage that? I thought they were gonna get a DJ?
They are. But they said we could do a 5 song set, as long as it's not all slow or all fast songs. I was just talking with Jeremy Roans, you know he's in grade 12, he's the head of music for all dances, and he ok'ed it!
This is so awesome, Terri said happily. We have to plan which songs and what to wear, and what our attitude will be, and our makeup-
Slow down, Terri! Let's pick the songs first.
If they want variety, Ellie started. I say we go with Breaking Point', Push me Away' and our new version of More than the Devil You Know' for sure. The other two I'm drawing a blank.
Good choices, Terri said approvingly. Ooh, and our punk version of He Needs Me'!
Ashley said writing it down. As for the last one, no clue. We'll figure it out later. But let's practice like monkeys on those 4 so that they're perfect.
Ok, we'll start with He Needs Me', Terri said. Ashley got excited, she loved this song because she got to sing lead vocals as opposed to Ellie. Ah one, two, ah one two three!
And all at once I knew
I knew at once
I knew he needed me
Until the day I die, I wonder why
I knew he needed me
it could be fantasy oh
or maybe it's because
he needs me
As they continued their song, Regan was peeking in on them through the window. They were pretty good, for a chick band. She had just finished her dance commitee duties and was on her way out, but decided to check in on Miller and see what he was up to. Ever since their mutual advice talk in September she had been stopping by and having little conversations with him. Aside from the occasional lame advice, he was by and large a pretty cool guy.
She knocked on his door and let herself in, closing the door behind her. He was sitting at his desk, doing something on his laptop.
Hey, Miller. Hope I'm not disturbing.
Not at all, I'm just finishing up some work. Have a seat, he didn't take his eyes off his computer.
Why do you keep staring at the computer? Checking out porno on the job? He laughed.
No, just answering some emails. You really think badly of me, don't you?
I'm just playing. She sat down on his desk, as oppoed to the chair he had indicated and he finally turned his attention towards her, but did a double take.
Jesus, what happened? She hadn't had his class that day, so he hadn't seen her new appearance.
Of course pretty much everyone else in the school had, and everyone wanted to know. She'd gotten bored of the same story and as a result she'd told some dumb niners that her pimp's attack dog had done it to her when she hadn't filled her monthly prostitution quota. The look of horror on their faces had been pretty funny. Damn niners. She explained the real story to him.
Regan, that's horrible! Are you ok?
Of course I'm ok. Do you think this is the first time it's happened? She laughed bitterly, but he just looked at her.
You must have gone through a lot.
Ew, you make me sound like a starved child in Africa or something. I don't want your pity, I'm quite happy with my life. At that he smiled.
Regan, Regan, Regan.
Miller, Miller Miller, she mocked. How's it going with everyone's favorite teacher anyways? Ashley Kerwin is like in love with you by the way. Like, more so than the rest of the female population.
Ashley's a cool kid, I like her.
But you like me more. She said. It wasn't a question. He looked her in the eyes and there was silence for a moment. Not uncomfortable silence, just silence. It was then that Regan first understand the hullabaloo about The Miller Attraction. Sitting right there and looking at her the way he did, she sort of wanted him all for her own.
So I hear there's big party this Saturday, he said, changing the subject.
Yeah, you wanna come?
Not really, he said laughing. Are you going?
Are there going to be illegal substances and liquor at this party? He asked, giving her a look.
If there is I'm certainly not going to have any. Underage drinking and pot not used for medicinal purposes are wrong.
Good girl. Not that I believe a word of it. Whoa, he said suddenly, standing and examaning her face. Your mom really laid into you, didn't she? I could get you some ice for that lip, it looks like it still hurts. I should know, I got in a few fights in my day, His face was inches from hers. She smiled.
I bet you did. And I bet you're gonna tell me all about them.
We'll see.
Don't tease me with that we'll see' crap. You're got a little scar right... here. She touched his chin with her finger. Once again there was silence.
This is dangerous water we're treading on, Regan. He said finally.
What do you mean?
You know exactly what I mean. You, me. I know where it's going. It'd be me taking advantage of a 15 year old, and that's wrong. Regan looked at him evenly.
You're cute. In a stupid kind of way. And just for your information, I'm 16. Remember? You wouldn't be taking advantage of me'. He gave a small smile. She leaned in closer. Kissing's no sin, she whispered before letting their lips touch.
A/N: WOW weren't expecting that, were ya? More to come.
