CHAPTER 3: CAN'T LET YOU GO

DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN ANY OF THE DEGRASSI CHARACTERS!

"Manny?" Craig asked, surprised.

"What are you doing here?"

"I should ask you the same question," Manny replied smoothly. She wasn't about to let Craig's surprise walk-in make her lose her cool. She wanted to give him the impression that she was indeed over him, even though she really wasn't.

"Angie's at home sick; and Joey couldn't pull away from work. I'm just getting some coffee, what's your explanation?" Craig shot back.

Manny sighed heavily and replied, "Life."

Manny noticed Craig's eyes had lingered on her for quite some time, his eyes particularly focused on her cleavage. Men were so predictable. Craig caught her gaze, immediately staring at a piece of trash on the ground. She could almost feel his lusty desires seep within her, forbidden yet sweet. It was as if she had the strange ability to feel his thoughts. She knew she and Craig had a connection, but she never felt one like this before.

She glanced at her pendant, immediately realizing that it wasn't her cleavage Craig was entranced by. It was that fucking psycho rock, shaking crazier than ever. Still, she could feel his desires weave through the endless enigmas of her thoughts. He wanted her so bad, and was so blissfully unaware of Manny knowing it.

"What's with the necklace?" Craig asked; eyes fixed on the thrumming stone.

"Oh," Manny said casually.

"It's just one of those gag gifts from Spencers."

"Stop it," Manny thought, as if talking to the pulsing pendant.

Amazingly, the stone stopped shaking, lying lifeless against her chest. She tried to stifle a gasp, moved by what had just happened. She had fucking talked to a rock, and it listened! Maybe insanity was another stage of heartbreak.

An uncomfortable silence washed over them, and only the sounds of porcelain clattering and mixed conversations could be heard. It was almost as if they were both reminiscing about their past together.

"Listen," Craig started apologetically.

"I didn't mean to-----"

"You didn't mean to what, Craig?" Manny interrupted, hating the shakiness in her voice.

"You didn't mean to hurt me? You didn't mean to lie to me? You didn't mean to what, Craig? Please tell me, because I'd really like to know what you didn't mean to do."

The words seemed to fly out of Manny's mouth, as if they had waited so long to be set free from restraint. Tears brimmed Manny's eyes, and she tried hard not to let them escape. She chewed on her tongue, trying to recall a funny memory.

"Please," Craig pleaded.

"I know what you're feeling, and I'm sorry."

His words seemed to linger in the air, longing for Manny's approval. She closed her eyes for a second, imagining what life could have been like if she hadn't met Craig. She wanted desperately to say those dreaded three words of affection and make up, but she wasn't going to let her heart falter her this time.

"No Craig," Manny said, gazing out the café window.

"You don't know what I'm feeling, and you never will. Do you know why?"

Craig stared aimlessly out the window, pretending like he wasn't listening, but Manny knew he was hanging on her every word.

"Because you weren't the one who got hurt."

"Listen," Craig began solemnly.

"If I could tell you the reason why I did what I did then I would. But you're going to have to believe me when I say I'm sorry."

"Why should I?" Manny shot back, confusing emotions stirring within her.

"If it makes you feel any better, Ashley and I aren't even together." Craig said sadly.

"Whatever Craig," Manny replied, the carelessness in her voice harsh and brutal.

"I'll get over you."

The words felt like a lie. Manny turned her attention to the outside, watching cars and people pass by. She felt hot tears daring to escape her eyes and fought them back feebly for one had rolled down her cheek. She wasn't going to be able to get over someone like Craig that easily. He had played her, but he had made her feel so good in ways she couldn't describe.

Craig sighed heavily, defeated, and walked away. He ordered a steamy cup of coffee and took one last glance at Manny. The moment their eyes had met, something told her that she was making a terrible mistake. There gazes unlocked, and Craig walked out of the café, synonymous to walking out of Manny's life.

What had she done?

Sorry took so long to update, I've been busy! LoL! Pls r/r!