The next morning when Hayden woke up, she was actually excited for school. She had a whole new attitude about everything since meeting Emma yesterday. Yeah, she still missed Bryan and Hayley a lot but they weren't in Toronto, so she had to stop being so depressed about it.
She got up and out of bed and got into the shower. She was so happy, she was singing! Once she got out, she got ready and went downstairs to eat breakfast.
Well Hayden, you finally look genuinely happy, which makes me happy. What brought this change of mood? asked her mom.
I don't know. I think since I made a friend,and I think I finally realized that we aren't going back. As much as I love Hayley and Bryan, I can't see them whenever I want anymore.
That's a good way to look at it honey. Do you need me to drive you today?
Nope. Me and Emma are walking to school together. Speaking of that, I better get outside. Bye mom love you.

Hayden walked outside at the right moment. She looked towards Emma's house and saw Emma walking down her front steps towards her.

You ready? Emma asked.
Yeah. I'm actually in a happy mood today. Woo hoo! I feel like dancing! Hayden said.
Join the dance team then. Emma said laughing.
Well maybe I will then! And I'll join the soccer team and a whole bunch of others too!
Go ahead then! I dare you! Emma said and both of them burst into laughter.
They didn't even know why it was funny. It just...was.

Once they got to their lockers, Hayden put up a picture of her, Bryan, and Hayley. She also had one of her and Bryan at the formal when they were dancing as king and queen together. Hayden took looked them over a few times and took a deep breath. Miss you guys. she said quietly to herself.

Hey Emma! someone called.
Emma who is that? Hayden asked about the boy walking towards them.
Craig Manning, this is Hayden Matthews. Hayden just moved here from Georgia.
Nice to meet you. Hayden said.
Right.I know you! You're in English with me first period right?
Um yeah I guess so. Kwan right?
Yeah. Well it was nice meeting you. Better head to class. See you guys there. he said.

Well he seems nice. Hayden said as they walked to class.
Yeah Craig is a sweetheart, besides the whole thing I told you last night. The Ashley/Manny thing remember?
Yeah. But I don't want to judge him until I get to know him ya know?Alright class! Settle down! Ms. Kwan said. Today we will be pairing up, no you don't get to pick them, and were going to be acting out a scene. It could be made-up, it could be something we all know. You and your partner pick.I hope we get paired together Em. The only other person I know in here is Craig and I just met him like ten seconds ago. Hayden whispered.

Hayden Matthews. said Ms.Kwan. you're with...Craig Manning.So much for that Em.
Good luck Hayden! Emma said.

Hey Craig. So I guess were together eh? Hayden said as she sat down next to him.
Yeah I guess we are. he said with a huge smile on his face.
Well I haven't done much acting, Hayden said. but I really like it. I say we do something that has to do with...heartbreak.
I like it.Craig said, still smiling. Lets do it.

Ten minutes later, Craig and Hayden had figured out their scene and practiced it a few times. When Ms.Kwan had asked if anyone was ready, they were called on first. They knew it was good so they weren't worried.

Hayden started. Ours is about heartbreak and love. There is a little bit of singing in it so you might want to plug your ears when I sing. she said with a smile. Oh yes, were using our names and this story is totally based on our imaginations. Here it goes!

Craig and Hayden started their story,the two friends became more, and then he broke her heart for another girl. After she has been destroyed and depressed over it for a few weeks, he comes asking for her back. This is where Hayden's singing comes in. She is confused about if she should get back together with the person who broke her heart. They had met up at the park and she had walked away leaving him there by himself. As she is walking away, she starts to sing The Trouble With Love Is by Kelly Clarkson.

Love can be a many splendored thing
Can't deny the joy it brings
A dozen roses, diamond rings
Dreams for sale and fairy tales
It'll make you hear a symphony
And you just want the world to see
But like a drug that makes you blind,
It'll fool ya every time
The trouble with love is
It can tear you up inside
Make your heart believe a lie
It's stronger than your pride
The trouble with love is
It doesn't care how fast you fall
And you can't refuse the call
See, you got no say at all
Now I was once a fool, it's true
I played the game by all the rules
But now my world's a deeper blue
I'm sadder, but I'm wiser too
I swore I'd never love again
I swore my heart would never mend
Said love wasn't worth the pain
But then I hear it call my name
(The trouble with) The trouble with love is
It can tear you up inside
Make your heart believe a lie
It's stronger than your pride
The trouble with love is
It doesn't care how fast you fall
And you can't refuse the call
See, you got no say at all
Every time I turn around
I think I've got it all figured out
My heart keeps callin' and I keep on fallin'
Over and over again
The sad story always ends the same
Me standin' in the pourin' rain
It seems no matter what I do
It tears my heart in two
(The trouble with love is) The trouble with love, yeah
(It can tear you up inside) It can tear you up inside
(Make your heart believe a lie) Make your heart believe a lie
It's stronger than your pride
(The trouble with love is)
It's in your heart
It's in your soul (doesn't care how fast you fall)
You won't get no control
(and you can't refuse the call)
See, you got no say at all
(The trouble with love is) Oh, yeah
(It can tear you up inside)
(Make your heart believe a lie)

Once Hayden and Craig ended their scene, the class was silent, including Craig. When they had practiced, she hadn't actually sang. She hummed it more than sang it.

Wow. Was my singing that bad? Hayden asked the class, knowing she wouldnt get an answer.
No, that wasn't it Hayden. It was amazing. We are silent because we are in awe. said someone in the class, whose name Hayden didn't remember.
Is that...is that true? she asked her class.
They all sat there and nodded silently.
I honestly don't think I was that good but thanks anyways you guys. Hayden said.
Well, I think we know who the star of the school musical is going to be. Ms. Kwan said to the class as she stood up and walked to the front of the class. Nice job Hayden and Craig. You guys get a hundred.

Just then, the bell for second period rang, and everyone got up to go to their next class.

Hayden may I speak to you for a minute? Ms. Kwan asked.
Sure Ms.Kwan. What's up? Hayden asked as she walked to her teacher's desk.
Well I am the head of the drama club, and I am the one who selects people during the auditions for the plays here. Auditions aren't for another week, but I was wondering if you wanted to play the lead because I know you will work the hardest, and be the best. We are doing the musical Grease. If you don't know, please think hard about it. I hope you accept. Oh yes, and don't tell anyone I asked you this.
Wow Ms.Kwan, I don't know what to say. Of course I will be the lead! That'd be awesome! Thank you so much! Hayden said excitedly.
No Hayden, thank you! Now go to class so you don't get into trouble!

The rest of the day, Hayden was on cloud nine. All everyone could talk about was her and Craig's scene in English class. Even if they weren't in her class, people would come up to her telling her they heard that she was amazing, wishing they heard her, and she just kept getting compliments.
When she and Emma had gone to their lockers to get their stuff, Craig came up to them for the first time since English all day.
Hey guys. Craig said. Hayden can I walk you home?
Yeah Craig that'd be nice. But if you are looking to walk with me alone, Emma walks with me too. We live right next door to each other.
No Hayden it's okay. I forgot to tell you, I'm staying after school today to help Ms. Kwan out with some stuff. Go ahead and walk with Craig. I'll call you later or talk to you tomorrow or something okay? Emma said, giving Hayden a quick wink.
Um yeah, sure. Okay Craig, looks like it's just you and me!' said Hayden as she closed her locker.
Hayden I needed to talk to you about something. Do you want to go get a milkshake at the Dot?
Yeah sure. That'd be cool.

The walked outside of Degrassi Community School in silence, and didn't speak again until they had taken their seats at a booth inside the Dot.