"Manny, I already talked to Ash. It's okay," Craig tried to explain to her. *I have to go with her. I need to take some responsibility.*
Manny shook her head, "I can't let you come Craig. I've already ruined things between you and Ashley once. I'm not going to do it again."
Craig tried to protest. He couldn't think of anything, so he asked, "So you plan on going just with your parents?"
"Not exactly," Manny began, "J.T. said he'd go with me."
"J.T.?!"Craig was shocked, "You told J.T.?"
"You told Ashley!" Manny defended herself. She gave a frustrated sigh, "Okay, Craig, I don't want to fight about this. I'm going to the doctor tomorrow and you're not coming. It's up to whether or not you go to the dance, but you and Ashley deserve a second chance, and I'm not going to ruin it."
Manny turned on her heel and walked down the hall.
After school, Sean caught up with Ellie as she exited the building, "Hey El!"
Ellie smiled as she waited for Sean to catch up.
"Do you want me to walk you to your co-op job?" Sean asked.
Ellie's smile faded as she nodded her head, "Sean?"
"Yeah?" Sean answered as he shoved his hands further in his pockets.
"Caitlin assigned me a story," Ellie began warily, "She even wants me to report it."
"Ellie! That's great!" Sean wrapped an arm around her, "You get to be on TV!"
Ellie nodded her head slowly, "Yeah, but I don't think I'm gonna do it."
Sean looked down at her, "Why not?"
She snapped the rubber band around her wrist, "The story, well, it's supposed to be about things 'disappearing' at DCS."
She felt Sean loosen his grip, "Like I said, I'm not going to do it."
Ellie waited for him to say something, "Sean?"
"Does she know who was behind it?" Sean asked quietly. He knew he would get into serious trouble if someone found out that not only had he stolen Mr. Simpson's laptop, but it was his idea.
Ellie thought this over. *I don't think she knew. If she did, she would've told Mr. Simpson by now.* Ellie shook her head, "No, she doesn't know."
"Do you wanna do it?"
Ellie looked up at Sean whose face was grim, "I already said I wasn't going to."
"I heard you. But that's not what I asked. I asked if you *wanted* to," Sean clarified.
Ellie shrugged, "Well, if it wasn't on this topic, then yeah. I mean, I would get to be on TV, and I've always wanted to be a reporter."
Sean nodded, "Can you ask for another assignment?" Sean asked.
"I dunno."
"Maybe if you could come up with a better segment, she'd still let you report it," Sean suggested. He felt terrible for keeping Ellie from doing what she wanted, but he thought that maybe his idea would work.
"Maybe," Ellie said, "What do you think would be a better idea?"
*What would make a more interesting story than teen theft at school?* He heard a snapping sound and looked down at Ellie as she subconsciously pulled at the elastic on her wrist, "What about . . . coping methods?"
Ellie stopped and looked up at him, "So, your problems are supposed to be kept secret, but I'm supposed to broadcast mine?"
Sean quickly defended himself, "No, that's not what I meant at all. I just thought that maybe you can help other kids who are having problems. You don't even have to admit that you . . ." His voice trailed off.
*Maybe it would be a good thing to do.* Ellie sighed, "Okay."
"Okay?"
"Yeah, you're right. I don't want other people to make the same mistakes I did."
They approached the building and Sean gave Ellie a reassuring kiss before she walked in through the doors. *Okay, now I gotta go find some money!* Sean thought to himself as he watched the door close behind her.
Ellie walked down the hall, and set her backpack in her office. She took a deep breath before walking back down the hall, and knocking on Caitlin's door, "Come in."
Ellie opened the door cautiously and found Caitlin sitting at her desk going through piles of papers.
"Oh, hi Ellie," Caitlin smiled as she gestured to a chair, "Have a seat."
Ellie hesitated before sitting down, "So did you get my note? I haven't really had a chance to talk to you about it."
"Actually, that's kinda why I needed to talk to you," Ellie said slowly.
"Oh?"
"Yeah, I thought that maybe there was another topic I could report on," Ellie shrugged.
Caitlin smiled, "Do have any suggestions?"
"Well, maybe we could do a segment on the different ways teens deal with their problems."
Caitlin nodded, "If you think you would do a better job reporting on this subject, then go for it."
Ellie smiled. *Caitlin's so nice.* She stood up, "Thank you Miss Ryan."
"Anytime Ellie," Caitlin answered as Ellie closed the door behind her.
*Okay. I'll go home, drop off my backpack, and then go . . . Where am I going to go? How am I going to get $345?*
Sean opened the door to his apartment, and found Tracker sitting on the couch, "Man, shouldn't you be at work?"
"No, you should've been home an hour ago," Tracker said, "Where have you been?"
"I waited for Ellie to get out of detention, then I walked her to her co-op," Sean explained as he dropped his bag by the door, "I'll be back in a couple hours."
"Stop," Tracker demanded, "Have you done your homework?"
"No."
"Well then, you're not going anywhere."
"Listen, I have some really important things to get done. I'll do my homework when I get back."
"Fine. I'll let you go," Sean started to open the door, "Soon as you tell me what is so important."
*Crap.* Sean slammed the door shut and grabbed his backpack before walking to his room.
Tracker sighed before getting up and following him, "I still want to know."
*I might as well tell him. What is he gonna do? Yell at me?* Sean sat down on the edge of his bed, "I need to get some money."
"Why?"
"Well, there was this teacher at my school, and she . . . loaned me some cash," Sean lied.
"For what? Lunch? Here" Tracker pulled five bucks out of his pocket and handed it to Sean, "There, now do your homework."
Sean took the money and opened his bag. Tracker still didn't think Sean was telling the whole truth, so he asked, "This isn't about lunch money, is it?"
Sean sighed, "No."
"Then why do you need to leave?" Sean set his elbows on his knees as he leaned forward with his head down.
"Well, this teacher at my school, she kinda, well, her house was robbed a few days ago," Sean began. He felt Tracker sit down on the bed next to him.
"Did you have anything to do with it?"
"Why would you ask something like that? You think I'm the kind of person that would steal from a teacher?"
Sean wasn't sure why he was getting so angry, but by the way Tracker had said it, it seemed like it was the behavior he expected from Sean.
"Just answer the question Sean," Tracker stared straight ahead, "Did you have anything to do with the robbery?"
Sean looked down at the ground. He could hear Tracker sigh. *Great. At least I know I'm good at one thing. Disappointing people.*
"Okay, how much?" Sean's head snapped up as he heard Tracker reaching for his wallet.
"Umm . . ." Sean hesitated. *Is he actually planning on paying off my debt?* Sean sucked it up, "$340."
He felt Tracker stop dead. Tracker slowly closed his eyes, "Sean," he spoke slowly, "I have one question. Why?"
Sean opened his mouth, but nothing came out. *Why?* He stared intently at the carpet while he tried to think of the answer. *I know I had a reason at the time. It was a good one too.*
Tracker grew tired of waiting, and finally gave in, "Okay, I'll get the money. But that's it. Sean, I said we were starting over. I guess will wait to start over until I give you the money. But after that, I don't wanting you hanging out with that Jay guy and the rest of the thugs. Go back to having friends your own age. Like Emma. She was a good influence."
Sean rolled his head back, "Yeah, I kinda screwed that up. We haven't exactly been on speaking terms lately."
Tracker nodded, "Well, that Ellie girl, she seems to really care about you. Maybe if you don't act like a complete jackass, she'll stick around."
Tracker smiled, but his expression faded when he saw Sean's face, "Bro, it was a joke."
"But it's true," Sean shrugged, "I always screw things up. I know it. You know it. Eventually Ellie will too."
"Dude, I'm not going to feel sorry for you," Tracker smiled, "You're a 95% good guy. It's only when you let that tiny part of you take over when you act like an inconsiderate dumbass."
Sean stood up, "Yeah, well, I'm gonna go see if Ellie wants me to walk her home."
Tracker grinned and stood up too, "See, at least 95% good," they walked out of the room, and Tracker called to Sean before he walked out the front door, "You're doing your homework soon as you get back. I'll have that money for you tomorrow morning."
Sean smiled at his older brother before opening the front door, and stepping out.
Ellie put her first draft of the segment into her folder. She couldn't help but be proud of herself for getting so much done in that short period of time. Her smiled faded when she realized that it was time to leave. *Now I get to go to my warm, cozy home.*
Ellie put everything away, and walked to the door. She turned off the light, and was about to close the door when she felt arms snake around her waist.
She was startled at first, then she heard him whisper, "Guess who?"
Her fears of going home vanished, and she smiled to herself. She wanted to stay there forever. Just freeze time.
Somebody walked by, and cleared his throat as he saw them standing together. Ellie expected Sean to pull away, and was surprised when he didn't.
"Do you want me to walk you home?" He asked after the guy walked away.
Ellie nodded her head, and missed the comfort of his arms as he pulled away.
Sean grabbed her hand as they walked down the hallway together.
"So, what have you been up to?" Ellie asked as they ambled down the street hand in hand.
"Yeah, it's been so long since I last saw you," Sean remarked sarcastically, "I had an interesting conversation with Tracker."
"Really? You guys didn't seem that close."
Sean shrugged, "I didn't think we were. I just kinda . . . well, he listened. I didn't think that he would really care about my problems. I guess it's just the new and improved Tracker."
"Maybe it's not," Ellie suggested, "Maybe he was there all along, and you just never really tried to talk to him. I always wanted somebody I could talk to about serious things."
"Maybe you already do."
Ellie smirked, "I mean, I would really like it if they were related to me. We'd share a special bond."
"I know what you meant,"Sean stopped walking, and stared straight ahead, "People can surprise you."
Ellie opened the door to her house, and even though Sean had been there before, she still felt ashamed.
She saw her mom sitting on the couch, leaning against the arm, watching the evening news.
Ellie gave Sean a weak smile and he squeezed her hand in reassurance. She hadn't really tried to speak to her mom since her dad left.
Ellie realized that Sean was right. She hadn't given her a chance.
Sean gave Ellie a hug, and she nodded as he pulled away. He closed the front door behind him, and Ellie stood staring at the back of her mom's head.
"Hi Mom," Ellie said kind of loud. She wasn't sure if her mom was awake or not.
Ellie walked around to the front of the couch, and sat down next to her. She bit her lip, wondering what to say.
"I might get to be on TV," Ellie smiled.
"Eleanor, you're giving me a headache," her mom waved her hand at Ellie.
*Yeah, right, talking to her really helps.* Ellie thought to herself as she stood up and began to walk to her room.
"Eleanor give me the bottle sitting on the counter," her mom ordered.
She sighed as she walked over to the counter, and grabbed the new bottle of vodka, "Here Mom," she handed her the alcohol.
Ellie slowly walked to room, counting down the days till she would be out of the house.
A/N: Hey! Thanks to everyone who is reading this story! And a very special thanks to: JustAnotherDream, write more!, Cindy, Dark Gothic Rogue, DeathSighter, and musikchik! I wouldn't be keeping up with the story if it wasn't for you guys!
~*~Sammi~*~
Manny shook her head, "I can't let you come Craig. I've already ruined things between you and Ashley once. I'm not going to do it again."
Craig tried to protest. He couldn't think of anything, so he asked, "So you plan on going just with your parents?"
"Not exactly," Manny began, "J.T. said he'd go with me."
"J.T.?!"Craig was shocked, "You told J.T.?"
"You told Ashley!" Manny defended herself. She gave a frustrated sigh, "Okay, Craig, I don't want to fight about this. I'm going to the doctor tomorrow and you're not coming. It's up to whether or not you go to the dance, but you and Ashley deserve a second chance, and I'm not going to ruin it."
Manny turned on her heel and walked down the hall.
After school, Sean caught up with Ellie as she exited the building, "Hey El!"
Ellie smiled as she waited for Sean to catch up.
"Do you want me to walk you to your co-op job?" Sean asked.
Ellie's smile faded as she nodded her head, "Sean?"
"Yeah?" Sean answered as he shoved his hands further in his pockets.
"Caitlin assigned me a story," Ellie began warily, "She even wants me to report it."
"Ellie! That's great!" Sean wrapped an arm around her, "You get to be on TV!"
Ellie nodded her head slowly, "Yeah, but I don't think I'm gonna do it."
Sean looked down at her, "Why not?"
She snapped the rubber band around her wrist, "The story, well, it's supposed to be about things 'disappearing' at DCS."
She felt Sean loosen his grip, "Like I said, I'm not going to do it."
Ellie waited for him to say something, "Sean?"
"Does she know who was behind it?" Sean asked quietly. He knew he would get into serious trouble if someone found out that not only had he stolen Mr. Simpson's laptop, but it was his idea.
Ellie thought this over. *I don't think she knew. If she did, she would've told Mr. Simpson by now.* Ellie shook her head, "No, she doesn't know."
"Do you wanna do it?"
Ellie looked up at Sean whose face was grim, "I already said I wasn't going to."
"I heard you. But that's not what I asked. I asked if you *wanted* to," Sean clarified.
Ellie shrugged, "Well, if it wasn't on this topic, then yeah. I mean, I would get to be on TV, and I've always wanted to be a reporter."
Sean nodded, "Can you ask for another assignment?" Sean asked.
"I dunno."
"Maybe if you could come up with a better segment, she'd still let you report it," Sean suggested. He felt terrible for keeping Ellie from doing what she wanted, but he thought that maybe his idea would work.
"Maybe," Ellie said, "What do you think would be a better idea?"
*What would make a more interesting story than teen theft at school?* He heard a snapping sound and looked down at Ellie as she subconsciously pulled at the elastic on her wrist, "What about . . . coping methods?"
Ellie stopped and looked up at him, "So, your problems are supposed to be kept secret, but I'm supposed to broadcast mine?"
Sean quickly defended himself, "No, that's not what I meant at all. I just thought that maybe you can help other kids who are having problems. You don't even have to admit that you . . ." His voice trailed off.
*Maybe it would be a good thing to do.* Ellie sighed, "Okay."
"Okay?"
"Yeah, you're right. I don't want other people to make the same mistakes I did."
They approached the building and Sean gave Ellie a reassuring kiss before she walked in through the doors. *Okay, now I gotta go find some money!* Sean thought to himself as he watched the door close behind her.
Ellie walked down the hall, and set her backpack in her office. She took a deep breath before walking back down the hall, and knocking on Caitlin's door, "Come in."
Ellie opened the door cautiously and found Caitlin sitting at her desk going through piles of papers.
"Oh, hi Ellie," Caitlin smiled as she gestured to a chair, "Have a seat."
Ellie hesitated before sitting down, "So did you get my note? I haven't really had a chance to talk to you about it."
"Actually, that's kinda why I needed to talk to you," Ellie said slowly.
"Oh?"
"Yeah, I thought that maybe there was another topic I could report on," Ellie shrugged.
Caitlin smiled, "Do have any suggestions?"
"Well, maybe we could do a segment on the different ways teens deal with their problems."
Caitlin nodded, "If you think you would do a better job reporting on this subject, then go for it."
Ellie smiled. *Caitlin's so nice.* She stood up, "Thank you Miss Ryan."
"Anytime Ellie," Caitlin answered as Ellie closed the door behind her.
*Okay. I'll go home, drop off my backpack, and then go . . . Where am I going to go? How am I going to get $345?*
Sean opened the door to his apartment, and found Tracker sitting on the couch, "Man, shouldn't you be at work?"
"No, you should've been home an hour ago," Tracker said, "Where have you been?"
"I waited for Ellie to get out of detention, then I walked her to her co-op," Sean explained as he dropped his bag by the door, "I'll be back in a couple hours."
"Stop," Tracker demanded, "Have you done your homework?"
"No."
"Well then, you're not going anywhere."
"Listen, I have some really important things to get done. I'll do my homework when I get back."
"Fine. I'll let you go," Sean started to open the door, "Soon as you tell me what is so important."
*Crap.* Sean slammed the door shut and grabbed his backpack before walking to his room.
Tracker sighed before getting up and following him, "I still want to know."
*I might as well tell him. What is he gonna do? Yell at me?* Sean sat down on the edge of his bed, "I need to get some money."
"Why?"
"Well, there was this teacher at my school, and she . . . loaned me some cash," Sean lied.
"For what? Lunch? Here" Tracker pulled five bucks out of his pocket and handed it to Sean, "There, now do your homework."
Sean took the money and opened his bag. Tracker still didn't think Sean was telling the whole truth, so he asked, "This isn't about lunch money, is it?"
Sean sighed, "No."
"Then why do you need to leave?" Sean set his elbows on his knees as he leaned forward with his head down.
"Well, this teacher at my school, she kinda, well, her house was robbed a few days ago," Sean began. He felt Tracker sit down on the bed next to him.
"Did you have anything to do with it?"
"Why would you ask something like that? You think I'm the kind of person that would steal from a teacher?"
Sean wasn't sure why he was getting so angry, but by the way Tracker had said it, it seemed like it was the behavior he expected from Sean.
"Just answer the question Sean," Tracker stared straight ahead, "Did you have anything to do with the robbery?"
Sean looked down at the ground. He could hear Tracker sigh. *Great. At least I know I'm good at one thing. Disappointing people.*
"Okay, how much?" Sean's head snapped up as he heard Tracker reaching for his wallet.
"Umm . . ." Sean hesitated. *Is he actually planning on paying off my debt?* Sean sucked it up, "$340."
He felt Tracker stop dead. Tracker slowly closed his eyes, "Sean," he spoke slowly, "I have one question. Why?"
Sean opened his mouth, but nothing came out. *Why?* He stared intently at the carpet while he tried to think of the answer. *I know I had a reason at the time. It was a good one too.*
Tracker grew tired of waiting, and finally gave in, "Okay, I'll get the money. But that's it. Sean, I said we were starting over. I guess will wait to start over until I give you the money. But after that, I don't wanting you hanging out with that Jay guy and the rest of the thugs. Go back to having friends your own age. Like Emma. She was a good influence."
Sean rolled his head back, "Yeah, I kinda screwed that up. We haven't exactly been on speaking terms lately."
Tracker nodded, "Well, that Ellie girl, she seems to really care about you. Maybe if you don't act like a complete jackass, she'll stick around."
Tracker smiled, but his expression faded when he saw Sean's face, "Bro, it was a joke."
"But it's true," Sean shrugged, "I always screw things up. I know it. You know it. Eventually Ellie will too."
"Dude, I'm not going to feel sorry for you," Tracker smiled, "You're a 95% good guy. It's only when you let that tiny part of you take over when you act like an inconsiderate dumbass."
Sean stood up, "Yeah, well, I'm gonna go see if Ellie wants me to walk her home."
Tracker grinned and stood up too, "See, at least 95% good," they walked out of the room, and Tracker called to Sean before he walked out the front door, "You're doing your homework soon as you get back. I'll have that money for you tomorrow morning."
Sean smiled at his older brother before opening the front door, and stepping out.
Ellie put her first draft of the segment into her folder. She couldn't help but be proud of herself for getting so much done in that short period of time. Her smiled faded when she realized that it was time to leave. *Now I get to go to my warm, cozy home.*
Ellie put everything away, and walked to the door. She turned off the light, and was about to close the door when she felt arms snake around her waist.
She was startled at first, then she heard him whisper, "Guess who?"
Her fears of going home vanished, and she smiled to herself. She wanted to stay there forever. Just freeze time.
Somebody walked by, and cleared his throat as he saw them standing together. Ellie expected Sean to pull away, and was surprised when he didn't.
"Do you want me to walk you home?" He asked after the guy walked away.
Ellie nodded her head, and missed the comfort of his arms as he pulled away.
Sean grabbed her hand as they walked down the hallway together.
"So, what have you been up to?" Ellie asked as they ambled down the street hand in hand.
"Yeah, it's been so long since I last saw you," Sean remarked sarcastically, "I had an interesting conversation with Tracker."
"Really? You guys didn't seem that close."
Sean shrugged, "I didn't think we were. I just kinda . . . well, he listened. I didn't think that he would really care about my problems. I guess it's just the new and improved Tracker."
"Maybe it's not," Ellie suggested, "Maybe he was there all along, and you just never really tried to talk to him. I always wanted somebody I could talk to about serious things."
"Maybe you already do."
Ellie smirked, "I mean, I would really like it if they were related to me. We'd share a special bond."
"I know what you meant,"Sean stopped walking, and stared straight ahead, "People can surprise you."
Ellie opened the door to her house, and even though Sean had been there before, she still felt ashamed.
She saw her mom sitting on the couch, leaning against the arm, watching the evening news.
Ellie gave Sean a weak smile and he squeezed her hand in reassurance. She hadn't really tried to speak to her mom since her dad left.
Ellie realized that Sean was right. She hadn't given her a chance.
Sean gave Ellie a hug, and she nodded as he pulled away. He closed the front door behind him, and Ellie stood staring at the back of her mom's head.
"Hi Mom," Ellie said kind of loud. She wasn't sure if her mom was awake or not.
Ellie walked around to the front of the couch, and sat down next to her. She bit her lip, wondering what to say.
"I might get to be on TV," Ellie smiled.
"Eleanor, you're giving me a headache," her mom waved her hand at Ellie.
*Yeah, right, talking to her really helps.* Ellie thought to herself as she stood up and began to walk to her room.
"Eleanor give me the bottle sitting on the counter," her mom ordered.
She sighed as she walked over to the counter, and grabbed the new bottle of vodka, "Here Mom," she handed her the alcohol.
Ellie slowly walked to room, counting down the days till she would be out of the house.
A/N: Hey! Thanks to everyone who is reading this story! And a very special thanks to: JustAnotherDream, write more!, Cindy, Dark Gothic Rogue, DeathSighter, and musikchik! I wouldn't be keeping up with the story if it wasn't for you guys!
~*~Sammi~*~