*Crash Into You*

Chapter 9: When The Truth Comes Out

"Craig would you wait up!" Manny called to Craig as she chased him down the hallway. Suddenly Craig came to an abrupt stop causing Manny to bump into him. "Sorry," she said backing away. Craig remained silent and gave her an icy stare. "Craig I'm sorry for not telling you about Adam, but you have to understand that-"

"Understand what? That you didn't trust me enough to tell me? Oh I understand that perfectly." Craig said sharply.

"No Craig of course I trust you! There's no one that I trust more than you!" Manny said as tears filled her eyes.

"Then why didn't you tell me! You went on a date with the guy and you never even mentioned his name! And now he's asking you out and I'm sitting here thinking he's just a friend! I think that crosses the borderline for friends Manny! I can't believe I actually apologized for doubting you! I should have doubted you because you weren't being honest with me! Manny I thought we were friends… I thought we told each other stuff… but I guess I was wrong… very wrong." Craig said and turned to walk away.

"Craig we are friends! You're my best friend! I didn't tell you because… because I-I lo-" Manny tried to continue, but her mouth fell dry. She couldn't find the strength to tell him… to tell him she loved him.

Craig turned and looked at her with a weak expression, "It doesn't matter anymore." he said and slowly turned back around and continued walking down the hall.

Manny slid down to the floor and buried her face in her hands. She had hurt him. She had hurt the one person she really cared about.

"Manny what's going on?" Adam said as he approached Manny and sat down beside her.

Manny looked up at him as a tear strolled down her cheek, "I screwed up." she said softly.

"Do you wanna talk about it?" Adam asked sweetly.

"No, not really." Manny responded.

"That's cool… So, do you still wanna go out with me?" Adam asked cautiously.

Manny looked at him with a raised eyebrow. "Adam, wha-…" She stopped and let out a sigh, picked herself up and walked down the hallway.

"Manny? Is that a yes?" Adam asked as he stood up feeling more confused than ever.

~*~

Craig went home feeling completely crushed. Why was he so upset? Ok so she forgot to tell him one little thing. He shouldn't have made such a big deal about it. But then again it was kind of a big thing. She actually dated the guy and never even dropped a hint about it. But that wasn't it. That's not what got him so upset… I'm jealous… Craig thought as he rubbed his head. I'm jealous of the guy!

"I love you Manny." Craig whispered to himself as he ran his finger over a picture of Manny and himself. They had gotten so close over the past few months and he still hadn't told her how he felt. Now I lost my chance! Craig thought as he eyed his telephone. Should I call her? He wondered while he picked up the receiver. NO! I can't call her. Then he put the phone back down. Craig laid down on his bed and thought…

…What do I do now…

…Manny thought as she laid down on her bed. Is there anything I can do? Manny messed up, and she messed up big time. How was she gonna get past this one. She had lost Craig, and all for not being honest with him. God I'm so stupid! she thought as she rolled over on her bed. "Craig I love you. That's why I couldn't tell you." she whispered to the air hoping that somehow, someway, he could hear her.

I have to call him! I have to get him to understand! Manny thought as she reached for her phone and began dialing his number. Then she hung up the phone abruptly. I can't call him. He hates me… I hate me! Manny threw herself back down on her bed. Suddenly the phone rang. "Craig?!" Manny shouted as she shot up from her bed. She reached for the receiver, letting her hand hover over for a second thinking, Please be Craig, please! She picked up the phone and said "Hello," trying to suppress her anxiousness.

"Hi Manny," said a familiar voice, but it certainly wasn't Craig.

Manny stood up from her spot on her bed, and held the phone a little tighter, for fear she might drop it. She couldn't believe it, it was…

"Emma?"