Let Me Be the One

Summary-Two unexpected Degrassi students find comfort in each others arms. Meanwhile, one grade nine student is trying to sort his feelings for two Degrassi girls.

Disclaimer-Obviously, I own nothing at all. Don't own the title either. It's a song that belongs to Mandy Moore. I figured the title will fit, so there it is.

Author's Note- Another fic by me. I know, I never continue my fics, but I PROMISE I'm trying to change. Just bear with me, people! I actually have a completely planned out idea. I'll most likely be updating this story and "Me and My Big Secret" the most. This chapter might be a little slow, but it will pick up soon.

Chapter One- The Spring Fling

"I love spring," Paige Michalchuk sighed, as she grabbed her boyfriend, Spinner Mason's hand, and walked up the stairs of Degrassi Community School.

After a long and crummy winter, the flowers were beginning to blossom and the small clothes were beginning to be worn. Spinner was ecstatic.

The sickeningly cute couple waltzed down the hall, and Paige gave a death glare to somebody who had bumped into her. The figure turned to face Paige and her mouth opened to mumble an "I'm sorry", but then she realized who it was. She shut her mouth.

"Ellie, hon, long time no chat," Paige said, trying be a little friendly, considering the situation Ellie Nash had put herself in a few months back. She had a self-injury problem, and Paige came to her rescue. Ellie had gotten the help she needed, but had ignored her since.

"Whatever," she said softly.

Paige told Spinner she'd talk to him later, gave him a kiss, and then dragged Ellie over to her locker.

"What are you doing, Paige? You don't want to be seen with a socially inept vampire like me, do you?" Ellie asked sarcastically.

Paige ignored her.

"How are you doing? You're not still cutting are you? Can I see your arms? Please?" She shot all of these questions at Ellie, for once actually caring.

"I'm fine. Just leave me alone, I'm going to be late," she mumbled in response.

"Let me see your arm," Paige demanded, reaching for her arm-warmer covered wrist.

Ellie quickly pulled her arm away. "Why now, Paige?" she asked.

She stared at her, confused. "What?"

"Why now? Why not four months ago? Why start all of this again, now?" Ellie snapped.

Paige was getting upset. Her nose flared and her hand found its way on her hip. "Let me see your arm. Right. Now."

Ellie gave Paige a long stare. "No," she said firmly, and walked off.

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It's none of her damn business. It's never been her business. Why can't she just leave me the hell alone like she has been for the past few months? Like she has been since I met her.

Ellie thought about this as she headed to her homeroom.

If she would have just left me alone, I could have handled everything myself. WHY does she feel the need to interfere? WHY does she care about me? I despise her and she despises me. End of story. I am fine.

She knew she wasn't fine, though, but she wasn't going admit it. What would happen if Paige found out that she hadn't kicked the cutting habit? It was an addiction, and Ellie knew it was unhealthy, but it just felt.........good. It released her pain. It wasn't like anyone was there for her. It wasn't like anybody understood.

Ellie walked into her homeroom and Media Immersion class, and took her seat. After plopping her books on the floor, she glumly rested her head on her hand.

Only moments later Paige entered the room with her best friend, Hazel Aden, at her side. They were giggling and laughing and Paige made no eye contact with Ellie. She was invisible to her once again. Once they sat down, Spinner and Jimmy Brooks were surrounding them. Ellie had always wondered what it would be like to be 'one of them'. Popular and able to get whatever they so desired.

Then Ellie remembered the dreadful day she had had to spend with them at the beach. Marco Del Rossi, her so-called best friend, had invited her along with Paige and Posse. She wasn't sure what made her say yes, but she did, and she spent the entire afternoon isolated from their jokes and laughter. Sure, it may have partly been her fault: she didn't want to be buddy, buddy chummy with the 'cool' kids, so she moped. She knew it was mistake once Paige made the comment, "Ellie, hon, I didn't know vampires went out in the sun," or something along those lines.

She had survived though, just like she had survived every other obstacle thrown at her. Marco discovering he was gay, Paige finding out about her cutting problem, and her dad going away to Kabul. It was a miracle to her, especially since she was about ready to give up.

Suddenly, a loud slamming of books to a desk, snapped her out of her daydreaming.

"Hey, El," her friend, Ashley Kerwin greeted.

Ellie just smiled her hello. She and Ashley hadn't talked in what seemed like forever. She was still recovering from a broken heart, caused by the one-and-only Craig Manning. Ellie had assumed they were soul mates, if there was such a thing. They appeared to be joined at the hip, but people are deceiving, and Ellie knew that.

"What's up?" Ashley asked.

Ellie shook her head and straightened up. "Nothing. How are you?"

Ashley sighed. "I'm great. You don't seem to be, though. Care to share?"

"Nope. It's nothing important," Ellie replied, although it was important. She just couldn't blurt it out to Ashley, or anyone for that matter. The emotional pain she felt was excruciating. Ashley would not understand.

The bell rang and the announcements were broadcasted.

Ellie tuned out once she heard the word "dance". Great. The Degrassi "Spring Fling" was going to be held three weeks from now. She never understood why they would even bring up the topic of a dance when it was still a ways away. She just silently sighed. Dances were overrated. Why even bother?

Ellie had preferred the comfort of her own shadow over being around other people. She wasn't a complete outcast. She did her thing and just made friends along the way. She was thankful for Marco and Ashley, but being alone was how it had always been and now her friends were fading. Ashley was wrapped up in her own life and Marco seemed to be enjoying the presence of the popular crowd.

This is why Ellie didn't mind sitting by herself at lunch that day. Ashley had an environmental meeting with grade nine Emma Nelson, and Marco was off meeting Dylan Michalchuk, Paige's brother. Unfortunate for her, Paige and Posse sat within hearing distance. Every so often, she swore she saw them glancing at her, as if to say "what kind of a loser sits by herself at lunch?! Oh that's right. Ellie Nash." She got tired of the staring, so she grabbed her soda and bag and headed out of the lunchroom and into the washroom.

Momentarily, Paige came through the door. Ellie had propped herself up on the sink by then.

"Hey, Paige," she said, faking a smile. "What brings you here?"

"You," she replied. "Ellie, I'm dead serious. Let me see your arm."

"You aren't going to let this go, are you?" Ellie asked.

"Not until you show me your arm and prove to me you haven't been.........you know, doing what you're doing to yourself. Hurting yourself," Paige said.

"I don't need to show you anything. You are not my counselor!" Ellie snapped.

"Maybe not, but right now you need help!"

"I don't need anything from you," Ellie barked, slid off the sink, and marched out of the washroom.

Author's Note- So, what do you think? I know it's kinda.........blah right now, so you don't have to say that, but I promise it will get better, unless you like this chapter, then-THANK YOU! Hehe. Give me some feedback, please?