Chapter 22: The Warrior

"Here's your homework for the day." Ellie handed Ashley her homework before sitting on the edge of her bed. Ashley gave Ellie a questioning glance. Ellie knew what she was going to say on her notepad so she interrupted her. "Oh I guess Toby had a lot on his mind today, he forgot so I volunteered to bring your homework to you. So..how do you feel?" Ellie looked at Ashley who shrugged. "When are you planning on coming back to school. Too bad you had to turn down the alternate role in DD. I guess there isn't a reason for me to watch it unless you want to go and root for Craig."

Ashley smirked before writing on her notepad "I really don't want to go but it wouldn't seem right since I was the one who made Craig join in the first place."

"Yeah I guess you're right. We can go together this Friday for opening night if you want."

"Sure." Ashley wrote on her note pad. "That would be nice."

"Umm well I have to go it's my turn to cook dinner tonight." Ellie said before waving at Ashley.

Toby had spent all day in the game room and the remainder of the day at the library. Kate and his dad had to work late and Ashley was at home but she couldn't speak so that meant that she couldn't answer the phone when the school called the house to report that Toby never showed up for any of his classes. Since he had the password for the automated voice mail his parents wouldn't have the slightest idea that he ditched. He didn't want to go to school and he didn't want to deal with anyone at the moment he needed the time to think without someone interrupting his train of thought.

"Who am I the old Toby or the new Toby." He talked to himself on his way home. "Like it matters anyway," he put his key in the door and turned the knob slowly. "Good no one's in the living room." Toby said to himself until he saw Ellie heading towards downstairs. He tried to avoid her by slowly sneaking to the kitchen but she had already caught him with her eyes.

"Hey Toby, how are you feeling?" Ellie put her hand on Toby's shoulders.

"Fine." Toby brushed Ellie's hand off of him.

"Well Ms. Suave said that you didn't go to class today and you missed your appointment for counseling. Since you weren't in class you didn't pick up Ash's assignments so I decided to drop them off for her. I know Ash doesn't know that you ditched."

"What makes you think that I ditched. It's not like anyone even notices I'm around I could have been in class all the time but no one even bothered to notice."

"Look, I'm sorry if I offended you. I just assumed you decided not to show up for class." Ellie walked to the door.

"No it's my fault. I'm just cranky all this stuff that's happening. I shouldn't have snapped at you."

"Understandable even nice guys have their not so nice days." Ellie smiled before leaving.

Toby stood by the door for what seemed like an eternity. "Who am I." Toby said to himself before noticing the answering machine was beeping. Toby listened to the voice mail many of the messages were for Kate and his dad until he heard the last one. He put the phone in it's cradle before picking it back up and dialing it. "Hello, I need to talk to you it's urgent."

"Craig. Hazel. Good job you guys." Ms. H said to the them after they finished they're duet. Ms H walked over to J.T. and Liberty. "Well I don't have to see anymore. J.T. and Liberty, you did a great job. I can't wait for the premiere tomorrow if it's as good as today's dress rehearsal"

"Well we do have a couple of more scene's to do before we're actually finished." Liberty flipped through her script. "You don't want to miss the grand finale at the end."

"Sorry I wish I could." Ms. H apologized while picking up her coat and purse. "But I have a ton of stuff I have to work out with the directors tonight."

"Does that mean they're really are going to be famous directors here tomorrow night." Darcy asked while squealing with glee.

"I already said to much, guys." Ms H said before walking to the auditorium door. "Just know you won't be disappointed tonight. Ms. Kwan make sure everything is in tip top shape for tomorrow."

"Will do." Ms Kwan yelled before Ms H left. "OK guys, wow me with the rest of the show."

"Thanks for meeting me on such short notice." Toby said.

"No problem. I'm glad you could make it. It took a lot of courage to meet me here tonight. I just hope you will finally listen to what I have to say."

"This time I will." Toby replied. "I need your help."