Chapter 4: This isn't working

Ashley's POV

A few times I've been around that track

So it's not just gonna to happen like that

Because I ain't no hollaback girl

I ain't no hollaback girl

Gwen Stefani's voice was blazing through my room as I fumbled to turn off my alarm clock. 6:00 already? It feels like I've only slept for an hour! My finger was inches away from the "snooze" button when I realized that I should get up on time since Craig is giving me a ride today. If I want that $70, I better not keep him waiting I sighed to myself. I grumpily got out of my bed and stumbled into the bathroom. I turned on the faucet, splashed some cold water on my face, and looked at my reflection in the mirror. I've changed myself so many times, It's disgusting. I went from the shoulder-length hair prep, to the short hair goth, then medium-length punk, and now, well I'm still "punk" so to speak, but I grew out my hair. I really missed having long hair, so now my dark brown hair goes past my shoulders,layered, and with some bangs on the right side of my face. It's new, and it's different but so what, I like change. I move a few wisps of hair away from my face as I brush my teeth, and quickly hop into the shower, before Toby starts banging on the door.

"Ash are you done in there?" Toby called through the door.

"Almost!" I shouted back.

"Could you hurry up in there," He whined impatiently, "I gotta get ready too!"

"Hold on, hold on, " I screamed as I turned off the shower, I wrapped my soft white towel around my freshly washed hair, and tied my equally soft blue robe around my waist.

"Here you go Toby, it's all yours." I smiled and patted him on the back. I walked into my room and right when I closed the door I heard a scream.

"ASHLEY!" Toby yelled angrily. He quickly turned off the water, got out of the bathroom, and pounded on my door.

"What?" I said as sweetly as possible as I plugged in the blow dryer. I knew exactly what he was going to say, it's not my fault he never gets into the shower before me.

"You used all the hot water...again," He seethed.

"Oops!" I grinned getting up to pull out what I was going to wear to school, "I didn't realize I did that."

"Stop lying!" He bellowed. I loved making him angry, "Kate said, you have to save some hot water for me in the mornings!"

"Right,"I sighed, then snapped my fingers, "I completely forgot,"

"Whatever," he whispered and stomped back to the bathroom. I giggled a little as I pulled out my new Happy Bunny "Cute but psycho" black T-shirt. To top it off I wore a pair of faded denim jeans with rips and holes in random places, and two big holes in the knees, and a pair of black Chuck Taylors. I put on my usual jewelry and makeup, a pair of small silver hoop earrings, a mood ring, and a black cloth wristband, then for makeup, eyeliner, mascara, and lipgloss. After getting fully dressed I straightened out my hair, I decided to just put it up in a ponytail. I glanced at myself one time, picked up my cell,my purse, and my books, and rushed downstairs to get something to eat before Craig came. Though I wasn't going to admit this to anyone, I was really nervous about what was going to happen today. I knew we weren't really dating, but it still seemed weird. The only thing that kept me going was the $70, Marco and Ellie, and the look on Manny's face when she finds out. Once I arrived downstairs, Toby was eating breakfast, reading that same AnimeDigest magazine for the third time in five days.

"Good Morning, everyone!" I smiled as I reached to get a bowl from the cupboard.

"Ashley, what did I tell you about saving hot water for Toby ?" Mom questioned. Crap! I knew that little snitch would tell on me! I swear he can be such a whimp sometimes.

"Uh.." I started trying to make the best excuse.

"so much for my happy ending.." sang Avril Lavigne through my cell phone. I only use that ringer for unlisted callers, please let it be Craig! I pleaded in my head. I didn't like him that much, but right now I needed to get out of this one.

"Who is calling you this early in the morning?" Mom asked curiously.

"Hello?" I said. Please let it be Craig!

"Hey, it Craig," He said, "I'm outside," Thank you! Thank you! I'm off the hook!

"Okay," I stated quickly and hung up the phone.

"Who was that?" Mom asked

"My ride," I said brushing past her and picking up a granola bar, "He's waiting outside, come on Toby,"

"He's waiting outside?" Mom, Jeff, and Toby asked at the same time. But I didn't answer, I had already stepped outside and was on my way towards the car. As soon as I got off the walkway, I was beginning to wish I didn't put myself in this mess. I don't have the slightest clue as to what we're going to do, and I don't even know him at all. I contemplated breaking it off as I moved the bangs away from my face, but I could tell he needed me so I decided to just go along with it.

"Hey," Craig smiled as I got into the car.

"Hey," I said, half my mouth full of granola.

"Where's uh...Tony?" He asked, he gave me the look like he hoped he got the name right.

"It's Toby," I stated, "and he's right there," We both looked over at Toby, as he walked towards the car. All of a sudden he stopped, squinted at the car, then dropped his jaw like he'd seen a ghost or a movie star. He looked back at Craig, then at me questioningly and got in the car.

"Hey Toby," Craig greeted, smiling at me. I looked at over and just rolled my eyes. What? Should I give you a doggy biscuit for finally getting my brother's name right? Yeah right.

"Hey Craig," Toby smiled. After their greeting, Craig's Mustang pulled out of my driveway, and we were off to school. Through the drive, there was a long awkward silence, Craig, focusing on the road, Toby eyeing Craig and I, and me chomping on my granola bar. "So tell me Craig, when did you and my sister become friends?" he smiled

"Uh..."Craig said, then smiled at me "Just recently," I again, rolled my eyes at his friendly gesture. Could that be anymore cheesy?

"Really," Toby inquired, inching closer, "She's never mentioned you," I turned to Toby and gave him an icy glare. He's becoming pretty nosy right about now. Is he still mad because I took all the hot water? If he is, he needs to get over it, that's old.

"Since when do I tell you anything?" I spat. Seeing that he was annoying me, he backed off. I turned around to notice that we were already at the school and in his parking space.

"Here we are," Craig sighed nervously. His face looked a little flushed as beads of sweat dripped down his face. I looked at him with pure disgust as I got my stuff and got out of the car. Toby had already got out and left, and I had no other choice but to wait so I looked inside the car. I could see him mumbling something to himself with his eyes closed, he took a deep breath and got out of the car.

"Ready?" He smiled looking like he gathered some more confidence.

"Let's just get this over with," I said and headed towards the school, Craig immediately caught up with me and soon our steps were in'sync. As we got into the school, it felt like any other day. I knew we had to do something that made us look like a couple, and he was the man with the master plan right? wrong.

"So what do we do now?" I said, not too loud but loud enough for him to hear me.

"What do you mean?" He whispered back.

"What is the next installment in this plan of yours?" I harshly whispered as we walked side-by-side down the hall.

"Oh. uh..I've haven't thought up that part yet." He whispered back. What an idiot! How can he make up this "perfect plan" and only think up part one?

"What the.. How could you... this is completely pointless!" I huffed walking a little faster. He quickly caught back up.

"Wait, I've got an idea!" He panted, "Hold my hand!" I let the statement sink in, and immediately lost the color in my face. He wants me to do what?

"What!...No I won't!" I sharply whispered. I wasn't going to touch him. He shook his head at me like I was a stupid little girl and smiled.

"$70, says you will," he smiled and held out his hand. I heaved a huge sigh, he was going to hang this over me for the rest of the time we do this I thought to myself. Knowing that I need the money, I took his hand. Immediately I took his hand, my face started to burn. I felt this sharp electric jolt go through my arms and all over my body, and my heart was beating so fast, it felt like I just ran the mile. What is happening to me? I thought to myself. I can't let him see me like this! So I did the thing I knew best. I acted. I acted like I couldn't feel a thing while he held my hand and it was working like a charm. We stopped at my locker first and I immediately let go of his hands.

"Hurry up," he said tapping his foot, "We have to go and meet my friends at my locker." I smiled at him, and began to slowly pull my stuff out of my locker one-by-one. I could feel his dark brown eyes glaring at me while I took my sweet time. I loved annoying people, especially people I dislike, or people I'm forced to associate with. After getting all my books out. He forcefully grabbed my hands and pulled me down the halls.

"Remind me next time to wear gloves when we do this," I remarked as he dragged me across the halls. Immediately he stopped and glared at me, his eyes then moved from my face to my shirt. "What are you staring at?"

"That shirt your wearing is more true than you could ever know," he spat rereading my shirt. I looked down at my shirt, reread what it said, then elbowed him in the stomach causing him to double over.

"Oops!" I cried with fake sympathy, "Did I just elbow you in the stomach?"

"Yeah," he squeezed out holding his stomach.

"Oh," I sighed, then glared at him again, "Maybe next time, I should aim for your nose!" And with that I sauntered off, halfway down the hall I stopped to realize something.D Did he just call me cute?I was deep in thought before being interrupted by the one and only.

"Ash!" Craig called catching up to me.

"I prefer Ashley," I spat.

"Whatever you call yourself," He seethed, clearing he recovered from my blow, "Where are you going? I told you, you have to meet my friends."

"Right," I sighed. He took my hand, knowing that I didn't want to, and dragged me to his locker. Once we got there we were greeted by Jimmy, Sean, and Emma. I knew who Jimmy was. Everyone knew who Jimmy was. He was captain of all the team sports, Degrassi's best and richest jock. He was our golden child, anything he did, he did well. It was as if life was a breeze for him. He could have any girl in this school, yet he stayed humble and single. He was wearing a 50cent "The Massacre Tour" black T-shirt, with a white shirt under, a pair of jeans, and a pair of white K-Swiss classics. Sean, I didn't know too well, I only knew him from his reputation. He was the "bad-boy", always getting in trouble, always getting into fights. But he had a gift with cars, if anyone had a problem with their car, all they had to do was ask him, and he'd fix it in no time. He was the type that even though he always got into trouble, he was a good kid, and people liked his great attitude, and laid-back persona. He was wearing the usual, a white T-shirt, a gray hoodie, a pair of blue jeans, sneakers, and a beanie. Lastly there was Emma, I knew her the best becuase we worked with the environment together. She was Degrassi's poster girl of perfection. She was kind, and helpful, but she knew how to stand up for what she believed in. Everyone knew that when she had a campaign going on, to not disagree with her, because if you did, you'd get a long, challenging explanation as to why she is right and why you are wrong. She had changed a lot these past couple of years also. She now had long, straight, blonde hair, with bangs on her forehead. She was wearing a light pink wifebeater with a white tank top underneath, a faded denim mini, a pair of matching pink open-toe stilettos, and a pair of pink hoop earrings. She was the type of girl that didn't wear too much makeup, all she had on was sheer pink lipgloss, and some light mascara.

"Hey Guys," Craig smiled looking at his friends.

"Hey," they all said in unison. I could feel all of them staring at me as I looked at the wall directly behind them.

"Oh right," Craig laughed playfully hitting himself in the forehead, "Guys, this is Ashley,"

"Hey Ashley," they all said together. Do they always talk in unison? I asked myself, or do they just come up with the same words at the same time.

"Hi," I beamed waving to his friends.

"Ashley this is Jimmy," he said pointing to the tall basketball star.

"Nice to meet you," Jimmy greeted politely.

"Nice to meet you too," I greeted back. Was he always this friendly? I thought. I mean I heard he was nice, but I didn't know for sure.

"This is Sean," he said pointing to the guy in the hoodie. Sean took one look at me, smiled, and I smiled back

"and this is..." Craig said pointing to the blonde but I interrupted him.

"Emma, " I smiled finishing his sentence.

"You two know each other?" he asked confused

"We're both in S.I.T.E together," Emma smiled back, "Are you gonna do it this year too, Ash?"

"Most likely," I grinned. Craig turned to me and his face dropped.

"Why can she call you Ash, and I can't?" He questioned.

"Because, that's the name people call me when we're cool," I answered as the warning bell rang.

"What, we're not cool?" he asked taken aback. I gave him a look that was self-explanatory, and headed towards our homeroom.

Craig's POV

"Emma can you do me a favor?" I asked as I stood by her locker during passing period.

"Sure," She said looking up, "What?"

"Your next class is with Paige, Hazel, and Heather Sinclair right?" I questioned.

"Yeah," Emma sighed, while closing her locker, "You would think that they would at least pass Health!"

"I know," I laughed while we headed toward her class, "But could you ask them something?"

"What?" Emma questioned looking at me.

"Since they're the eyes and ears of Degrassi," I explained, "Could you ask them if they think Ashley and Me are a couple? If they don't think so, then the school probably doesn't either."

"Okay," she shrugged and opened the door to the class, "See you at lunch,"

"Okay, and thanks, I owe you!" I called and ran to my class before I was late.

Lunch

"And where do you think you're going?" I asked as Ashley started to walk past me. I could see from her shoulders raise and drop as she sighed and turned to face me.

"I'm going to go sit with Marco and Ellie," Ashley answered.

"$70 says you're sitting right here with me," I smirked. It seemed like she loved to annoy me, so I'm going to annoy her and piss her off too. Let's see how she likes that! I laughed to myself. She turned around and looked at her friends who seemed to be laughing at her, then came back and sat down a seat away from me, directly across from Emma.

"What's that?" I asked Ashley as I tried to pull out a mysterious notebook with random quotes and magazine clips on it. Before I could pick it up though she hit my hand.

"It's a book about how much I despise you," She smirked and began eating her cookie. Jimmy and Sean gave me a curious glare, she always found a way to embarrass me or make me look stupid, I can't stand her! I thought as I blushed and ignored my questioning friends.

"Okay," I said more seriously, "Emma, what did the girls say?" She began to push around her salad right when I asked this question. From her facial expression, the answer didn't sound too good.

"Their exact words were 'As if! Craig would never do that to Manny, they're just friends I guess," Emma answered. I should have known I thought to myself. The whole day, Ashley and I argued, made fun of each other, and Ashley has found more body parts to shove her elbow in all day.

"This isn't working," I sighed and looked at her.

"What do you mean?" She asked innocently.

"No one thinks we're dating," I cried, "How am I supposed to seek revenge from Manny, when she thinks we're only friends!"

"I don't know Einstein, but it's your job to make the plan, not me!" Ashley simmered raising her voice. Don't say anything that'll make her kick you, I thought. So I did the best thing I could, I bit my lip and counted to three forwards and backwards.

"Okay," I breathed finally calmed down, "I have an idea. How about you come over tonight and we together will make this plan, so I know your limits." I looked over to Jimmy and Sean who both had their eyes literally popped out of their sockets.

"Fine," Ashley shrugged calming down also. She immediately turned and began to strike a conversation with Emma.

"Are you insane!" Sean whispered.

"What do you mean?" I whispered back confused

"What he means is, are you sure you want to invite Ashley to your house?" Jimmy added in.

"Why not?" I questioned.

"Because you two together is like World War III!" Sean hissed.

"Come on," I chuckled, "We're not that bad," Sean and Jimmy gave me the look, informing me that I was a big idiot. I had no choice though, I thought. This is the only way we can perfect this plan, and maybe even be cordial to one another.

"All I have to say is good luck," Sean sighed as we all turned to look at Ashley and Emma laughing.

After School

"Come on in," I smiled as I opened the front door for Ashley.

"Thanks," she remarked and looked around the house.

"Joey! Angie I'm home!" I called looking to see if anyone's home.

"Craig, hey!" Joey responded as he stepped out of the kitchen, "Oh, you have company."

"Yeah Joey, this is Ashley," I smiled as they shook hands, "Ashley, this is my step-dad Joey Jeremiah,"

"Nice to meet you Mr.Jeremiah," she smiled.

"Nice to meet you too," He smiled back. Watching these two meet, I couldn't help but laugh inside. If Joey only knew the Ashley that I knew, he probably wouldn't be that friendly.

"Where's Angie," I asked seeing the house was really quiet.

"She's at a friends house for a sleepover," He smiled. "I'm making some pizza, if any of you guys are interested."

"Sure," Ashley and I shrugged.

"I'll get them when they're done, "I told Joey, "We're gonna go into the garage."

"The garage," Ashley said flatly as we headed for the garage.

"Yeah, that's where I hang out." I explained to her and I opened the door to let her in. As soon as we walked in, she began looking around. I watched as she walked up to each and every poster I had in my garage. I had posters of my favorite bands in the garage, there was the oldies like Pink Floyd, the Ramones, Queen, Iron Maiden, and some new people like Death Cab for Cutie, and Queens of the Stone Age.

"Death Cab for Cutie!" Ashley wailed as she felt the poster, "They're my favorite, them and Queens of the Stone Age,"

"Really?" I asked surprised, "They're my favorite too," She turned to look at me and actually smiled, a real smile at me. I felt this weird feeling in my stomach like my stomach was just tied in a knot, the kind I felt when Manny smiled at me, but it was just a coincidence right? I don't like Ashley like I like Manny, I mean she does have a pretty smile though but...wait what am I saying! This is Ashley, aka. the Demon child, I don't like her and I never will I reassured myself as I sat down and picked up my guitar.

"I love the Ramones, too," she grinned, "I have every one of their CDs,"

"Cool," I mumbled, and began strumming my guitar. Though I didn't want her here anymore, because that feeling was still in my stomach, I had to get to know her so we could do this thing right. "So, tell me about yourself?"

"You mean like my interests?" She asked eyeing my guitar. She dragged her bookbag beside her and sat on the opposite side of the couch.

"Yeah," I said playing a couple of chords on my guitar.

"Well, I make music," Ashley responded looking straight at me. Is she being sarcastic with me? Just sees me with my guitar, realizes I make music, then wants to make it sound stupid. I knew I could never like her, I thought as the feeling in my stomach vanished.

"Yeah right," I mumbled and rolled my eyes.

"I'm not lying," she explained, "I play the piano, I've been playing it since I was nine." Now she was really getting me mad. Music is really important to me! Why is she acting like this is some joke! I know, Joey has a piano around here, I'm gonna make her look stupid.

"Okay," I smirked putting down my guitar and getting the electric piano from the shelves, "play something for me," She looked at me and gave me a confused glare. I knew she was lying, she's probably going to try and weasel her way out of this.

"What?" She asked getting up.

"I said, play for me." I snickered and showed her the piano. She looked at me, shrugged her shoulders and walked over to the piano.

"What do you want to hear? classical, jazz..what?" She asked giving me a challenging look. I need to think of something hard, classical seems the hardest of them all. I can't wait until she screws up, it's gonna be priceless.

"How about classical, and something fast," I smiled. She seemed to be trying to think of a song, then her face lit up.

"Do you know Chanson du Toreador?" She asked looking at me.

"No," I shrugged. Is she making this up? She probably is, trying to scare me, but it's not going to work I thought to myself.

"It's a fast classical song from the play "Carmen," she explained, "How about I play you that?"

"Sure," I smugly said. She smirked at me, turned on the piano and began to play. I watched as her fingers hit each ivory and black key with pure grace, though she was going very fast.Her eyes came to life as her hands glided left and right over the keyboard. I now remembered the song, it was and still is a very popular tune. I now began to feel like the biggest idiot, I didn't believe her becuase she's always saying something sarcastic to me, but this is one of the things she wasn't lying about. She played the last chord and looked straight at me beaming. I could feel that weird feeling coming again in my stomach as I tried to avoid it at all cost.

"That was remarkable," I commented while clapping my hands. She giggled a little and gave me a bow.

"I haven't played that song since I was thirteen," she sighed fingering the keys on the piano.

"Oh, you stopped playing the piano?" I asked confused. I hope she didn't I thought. I saw a completely different Ashley playing on that piano, and I liked her.

"No!" She smiled, "I just stopped doing the whole recital thing, now I make my own music or cover other artists." I gazed at her smile again, and I felt another knot being tied in my stomach. I had to get out of there fast!

"Hey, I'll go get the pizza!" I gulped and dashed for the kitchen. I quickly closed the door and leaned onto it breathing heavily. Why am I feeling this way? This is Ashley, the same girl who told you she's writing a book about how much she despises you, the same girl who elbowed you in the stomach, hit you on the back of your head, and tripped you twice at school today. The same girl you're only using to get back the love of your life Manny. That's right Manny, I love her and nobody else I smiled. I walked into the kitchen and spotted the pizza and some drinks Joey left on the table for us. I grabbed both plates and the soda and walked back into the garage. Once I walked in, I felt a third knot in my stomach beginning to form, as she strummed on my guitar and hummed a few notes. She plays guitar too?

"Sorry," she blushed and put it down, "I've been trying to teach myself to play the guitar since this summer."

"Really," I smiled trying to play it cool, I then realized her face getting redder once I smiled at her, what's going through her head?

"Yeah, my grandfather used to be in a band," she explained looking at the floor," Before he died he gave me his favorite guitar,"

"Cool, uh here's your pizza," I said passing her the plate. She smiled a thanks and began to eat. We both ate in silence for about ten minutes until I spoke.

"So do you write your own music?" I asked.

"Yeah," she smiled as she turned and began pulling something out of her bookbag, "It's nothing much though," She then handed me the notebook, that I tried looking at during lunch today.

"Isn't this the book about how much you despise me," I grinned eyeing her. She then blushed again.

"It was just a joke," she said, "I joke around a lot. It's just how I am, the types of jokes people get, depends on who they are, and if I like them or not."

"I can tell," I mumbled reading over the songs she wrote. I carefully read each page, and everytime I turned the page, each song got better and better. I was completely sucked into the book that I didn't notice her calling my name.

"Craig!" Ashley yelled looking at me confused.

"Huh, what?" I asked prying my eyes off the book.

"Do you write any music?" She asked. I guess I should show her mine, since she showed me hers, I thought took out my black notebook,and gave it to her.We continued to read for another fifteen minutes. "Wow! these are really good!"

"Really?" I asked looking up from her book of songs.

"Yeah!" she said in what sounded like awe.

"Well, there not as good as yours," I said.

"Yeah right," She laughed.

"No seriously, I especially like the last song 'Shattered Dreams," I remarked rereading the last song in the book.

"Thanks, I'm using it for the demo I plan on making," Ashley explained.

"You're going to make a demo?" I asked impressed.

"Yep," she smiled, "I want to make it big someday, I even entered this contest where,if picked, you perform in front of judges and they tell you if they think you have what it takes. Sometimes, they even recommend you to a producer!"

"That's exciting," I smiled back at her. We ended up talking some more about random things for at least two hours. I was really starting to enjoy her company as we laughed at stupid jokes, and I think she felt the same way.

"Okay, we need to work on this plan," I said still laughing at the comment she made.

"You're right," she giggled, looking at the clock, "It's getting late, so what do we do?"

"I was thinking that it would really piss her off, if I did all the stuff I used to do to her to you," I explained hoping she got what I meant.

"Okay, like?" Ashley asked wanting me to go on.

"Like, when we used to walk down the halls, I wrapped my arms around her waist, and I would whisper stuff in her ear, making her laugh." I explained. I looked at her, and could see her face turn red.

"Okay, is that all?" she asked still blushing.

"No, there's some more," I said and began to explain everything that I would do, and the response I'm supposed to get from her. "Got it!"

"Yeah," she said biting her nails, "I..need to get home, it's late."

"Right, I'll drop you off." I smiled and helped her get her stuff in the car.Most of the ride there, we said nothing, but it wasn't as awkward of a silence as we've had before.

"Thanks for the ride home," Ashley beamed as she gazed at me. I gazed into her eyes, and her genuine kindness seeped right through me. I knew that she wasn't always mean, it just took a while for people to break her shell and get to know the real her. I really started to like the Ashley that was at my house, and I wanted to get to know her better. I thought the real Ashley, inside and out was

"Beautiful," I whispered accidentally.

"What?" Ashley aked her face confused.

"Nothing," I quickly stammered blushing heavily, "See you tomorrow." She continued to give me the confused stare as she picked up her books and got out of the Mustang. Once she was safely inside I drove off, and began to foolishly hit myself in the head with my hand. You idiot! I thought, why would you say something like that! Do you think she heard me? I hope not, I don't want to have to explain to her what I said tomorrow.

Maybe becuase you like her, said a small voice in my brain.

No I don't said another, I love Manny, end of story! But it wasn't it was just the beginning...


A/N: Thank you so much for everyone that has reviewed my story! Getalife444- it is a CrAsh fic, luvdegrassi12345- this story is kinda obvious, but I still love writing it and hope you enjoy, Nicole Lo- thanks, it is very teen movie-ish! I'm still gonna update even if no one reviews but I still would like some more comments! Thanks guys.