A/N: Ha! Thanks to whoever pointed out my error, of course Stupid Girl is by Garbage!! Oops! One of my favorite bands too, how embarrassing. I knew that didn't sound right, I just knew it was a band from back in the day. ;) Apparently I'm the stupid girl. :D Thanks!!!

Disclaimer: Don't own Degrassi, etc.

Emma sat in class, not paying one iota of attention to what the teacher was saying. Her thoughts drifted to Sean, once again. She couldn't believe that just a few weeks ago, her mind had been empty, devoid of all thoughts, hopes, anything. She still couldn't concentrate, but at least her mind was filled with something other than self-loathing. She felt like she was watching one of flashback scenes in a movie, where a random montage of a character's memories flashed across the screen. Sean laughing, Sean grabbing her hand, Sean waiting for her at her locker, the ravine… her spine tingled at that memory in particular. Her next thought was that if this montage was set to music, "Stupid Girl" by Garbage would be playing loud and clear. God, what had she been thinking, hurting Sean so badly? Well, she thought, at least if I tell him that I love him too, he'll know that much.

Emma heard the bell ring, and she slowly made her way into the crowded hallway - happily back in her daydream. Something else snapped her out of it this time – it was the mention of Sean's name, and the person saying it was Ashley Kerwin.

"So El, you think you and Sean are over for good?"

"No, I don't think we are. I know we are. Sean… he… loves someone else."

Even though Sean had told Emma felt about her, it was almost surreal to hear it from someone else. A slow smile spread across her face, but quickly faded at her next thought. That doesn't change the fact that you aren't good enough for Sean anymore, remember? Damaged goods.

Emma turned and leaned against the wall, sunk to the floor, and tried to shut out the world.

Sean was in another hallway, but for once it wasn't Emma he was looking for. He finally found the person he was looking for.

"Hey – Marco!" he ran to catch up with him.

"Sean." Marco nodded and signaled to Jimmy and Hazel to go on without him.

"Hey, so you're sure you can pull this off?" Sean handed him a copy of the CD after checking to make sure no one would see the exchange.

"Sean, man, I'm student council president, I can do whatever I want!" Marco grinned.

"Look, I know we haven't always gotten along, so I really appreciate you risking your neck to do this." Sean thanked him.

"It's cool man. Besides, I'm doing this for Jimmy. Tomorrow is going to be very interesting."

With a quick handshake, they parted. Sean took a deep breath. No turning back now.

That night, Sean sat on his couch, staring blankly at the TV. A salesman was talking about some kind of amazing Wonder Solvent that could remove red wine from white carpet, but Sean didn't hear a word of it. He had too much on his mind. He was thinking about what the next day would bring, and how many lives would be changed. He felt guilty in a way. Jay really wasn't all bad, and they had been best friends at one point. But Jay needed to realize that actions have consequences, even for him. And if he wouldn't take responsibility on his own, Sean would leave him no choice. The other thing on his mind was of course Emma. He knew she had some sort of feelings for him, otherwise she wouldn't clam up every time she saw him. But, she didn't love him. If she loved him, she would tell him. That's just how Emma worked. Well, he thought, at least she's not with Jay anymore. He tried to tell himself that the reason he was happy about that was because Jay was all wrong for her, and would only end up hurting her in the end. But in reality, he was jealous as hell, and he knew it. But what did it matter? He loved a girl who didn't love him back; it was as simple as that.

Emma stood on the familiar doorstep. She'd been standing there for five minutes, trying to get up the courage to knock. Get a grip, Emma! You announced that you had your period in front of the entire class, and you can't knock on one freaking door? She took a deep breath and knocked, and forced her feet to stay planted on the small step. When no one answered, she felt a small rush of relief, and turned to leave. As she turned, the door opened.

Sean thought he was dreaming. He almost hadn't heard the soft knock at the door, he'd been lost in thoughts of Emma, and now here she was on his doorstep.

"Hey." Sean spoke tentatively.

"Hey. I didn't think you were home." There was no mistaking the nervousness in her voice.

"Yeah, sorry.. TV was loud."

"Oh."

"Uhh.. do you want to come in?" Sean tried to calm his racing heart. For God's sake Cameron, you're not fourteen anymore!!

"Sure." Emma said, and stepped inside.

Emma walked over to the couch and sat down. As thoughts of all the times they'd spent on this exact couch ran through her mind, and thoughts of all the times he & Ellie had probably spend on it, she realized that this was probably not the ideal place to sit.

"So, can I get you something to drink? I haven't really gone shopping lately.. but.. I've got… a half empty Pepsi and… hmm.. well.. how about water?" he gave her a small smile.

Emma returned the smile "no thanks.. I'm fine."

Sean sat beside Emma on the couch and turned to her.

"So.. Emma… why are you here?" Sean knew the best way to get Emma to fess up to something was to be direct. He also knew he was still damn angry about the way she'd been treating him.

"Would you believe I had a question about history?" Emma ventured weakly

Sean shook his head "You, a school question for me? Nope." He smiled.

She took a deep breath. "Didn't think so. Well. I came to tell you.. I mean I guess what I want you to know is that I lied Sean. I lied to you."

Sean's eyes narrowed and he looked away. If there was one thing he hated, it was being lied to. "Emma, what did you lie to me about?"

Emma stood up and started pacing. Her next words came out in a rush. "Well, I mean, nothing really.. it's not like I intentionally lied to you.. I didn't say anything that was untrue, it was more of a lie by omission really. I mean, yes, I love you, but just because I didn't say that doesn't mean I lied... people do it in the movies all the time, and I was nervous, and angry, and I've never had anyone say those words, and they're pretty monumental things to hear coming from someone you thought basically hated you."

Sean's head snapped up. "Wha.. what did you just say?"

"That I thought you hated me?"

"No, the part before that". The look Sean was giving her was so intense she was sure she'd burst into flames.

"That.. that I love you?"

Sean grinned "yeah, that part". He rushed towards Emma and grabbed her. Before she knew what was happening, Sean's lips were on hers. His hands were in her hair, and she remembered that he'd always loved her hair. Emma returned his kiss wholeheartedly. They sunk back onto the couch, not leaving each other's arms. Emma couldn't remember ever feeling this alive. Ever nerve in her body was humming and she swore she saw fireworks. She was happily in the moment, until her conscience starting gnawing at her. She regretfully pulled away and stood.