DANCING QUEEN
As she prepped for Paige's party, Manny thought of what tonight could mean. If Craig showed up, which was more than likely, what should she do? Ignore him, and her feelings for him, in hopes of staying safely in Ashley's good graces, or go after him like she wanted to? She didn't know why, but Craig always left her wanting more. They'd hooked up twice since the whole abortion thing, but he and Ashley were back together once again. It seemed that all Craig wanted Manny for was exactly what she gave him: sex. She remembered a time when Craig was not that kind of guy. When she first fell for Craig it was because he was sensitive and artistic and witty. Now she knew that he was manipulative and weak. He kept convincing her to come back to him, and she kept convincing herself that she wanted to. It was just that whenever they were together, sparks flew. They had a radiating passion that made her stomach twist in knots. She only had to think about being with him and the butterflies came back. As she dressed, choosing her traditional low slung jeans and a sheer pink lace halter, she thought about what tonight might entail. Knowing Paige, and knowing that Paige's parents were gone for the weekend, she figured there would be alcohol, and plenty of opportunities to woo Craig away from Ashley. With that in mind she rushed to her bathroom, spraying on her most enticing perfume, applying a good amount of clear lip gloss, and tugging her tight jeans down even farther on her hips. She gave herself a smile, and knew that the Manny that Craig couldn't resist was going to be the Manny she was tonight: sexy, ferocious, and impossible to say no to.
Meanwhile at Ashley's house, she and Ellie were getting dressed and acting as if they couldn't care less what they wore.
"This party is just another excuse for all of Degrassi to get wasted and degrade themselves beyond humiliation. Why are we even going?" As she spoke Ellie tugged at her black cardigan while examining her self in Ashley's full-length mirror.
"Because Paige has been my best friend since the dawn of time, and even if the party's lame, we need to be there for her. Besides, Craig really wants to go. And maybe you'll meet someone there that you like, to help you, ya know..." Ashley trailed off, not wanting to say, 'who will help you get over Sean'. She knew it was still a sensitive subject for Ellie, who had invested a lot of emotion in their relationship. In the end, though, Jay refused to take a backseat in Sean's life and pressured him until he broke it off.
Ellie sighed, knowing what Ashley was implying and said softly, "I wonder if he'll even be there?" When Ashley shrugged, she continued, "I guess not. Jay probably wouldn't want to go."
She stood up and crossed the room to the door, facing Ashley and striking a pose, "Well anyway, Ash, how do I look?" As Ashley examined Ellie's gray plaid mini skirt, black polka dotted pumps, and ivory fedora with its black flower pin, she had to admit, Ellie looked amazing. "Perfect. Every eye will be on you. And me?" she asked as she modeled her cuffed jeans, brooched gray blazer that covered a bright green cami, and turquoise pumps.
"You look great, Ash," Ellie replied with a giggle, thinking how nice it was to be able to act like a girl for once. "Craig's eyes won't be off you for a second."
Ashley looked taken aback. "Why would they?" she scoffed and Ellie began stammering out an apology. "Craig isn't interested in Manny anymore, remember? He loves me!" She seemed genuinely upset, and Ellie couldn't figure out why Ashley was getting so defensive. "God, Ash, I just meant that you look great. It had absolutely nothing to do with Manny. Just chill." At this Ashley seemed to calm down. "You're right," she told Ellie, "I was being stupid. I'm sorry." A chime sounded, signaling Craig's arrival. "Let's go," she said with an upbeat tone, and, after one last glance in the mirror, they headed down to meet Craig.