Chapter 8: The Party of the Century

Craig's POV

As the radio blasted some of our favorite tunes, I drove steadily towards the Kerwin residence. "So, Ash excited about the party tomorrow?" I asked turning to her.

"Kinda," Ashley smiled. I looked at her like she was insane. This wasn't some regular party, this was a Jimmy Brook's party. Everybody knew about his parties, and everybody, wether they admitted it or not, wanted an invite. It not just Degrassi students who are going to be there, there are students from Bardell, Earl Grey, and Lake Park also. His parties are always voted the best parties of the school year, and usually a lot of drama happens there.I've seen people with pneumonia, or a horrible cold, suck it up and sneak out of the house just to go to his party. Getting invited to his party was the biggest compliment ever, and if you turned it down, or you weren't excited you were a fool!

"What do you mean kinda!" I exclaimed, "Don't you know his parties are..."

"The biggest parties of the year," she said finishing my sentence, "I know. I guess I am a little excited."

"What party?" Toby asked curiously.

"Jimmy's party." Ashley answered turning to her brother. Immediately his eyes widened.

"You were invited to Jimmy's party!" He cried emphasizing on the "you"

"Yeah I was," Ashley responded, "Why? You don't think I'm cool enough to be invited."

"No," Toby said bluntly. I couldn't help but laugh as Toby finished his response.

"Ha, ha very funny," Ashley smiled but glaring at her brother. We pulled up at her house and Toby bolted out of the car.

"Bye Craig!" He screamed as he ran to the door.

When he was out of eyesight I questioned, "Why does he always run off like that?"

"He doesn't want to miss any of those stupid Toonami shows," Ashley explained," He's really into anime."

"Oh," I said nodding. We sat in silence for a little while just looking straight ahead until she turned to me.

"Tomorrow, I don't need a ride home." Ashley told me. I began to wonder why she didn't want a ride from me. Does she not like hanging out with me? I thought we were getting along really well. Is she angry at me? She hasn't been talking much. The many assumptions were eating me up so I knew I had to ask her.

"Why?" I questioned looking back at her.

"I'm going somewhere after school with Emma, Ellie, and Marco." Ashley stated," and I'm getting ready for the party at Emma's house." I felt a wave of relief rush over me as she explained why she didn't need a ride.

"Oh, so does that mean I should pick you up from Emma's?" I questioned.

"Yeah," she nodded.

"So do you have a lot of homework?" I questioned trying to make conversation.

"No, not really. Tonight I'm focusing on finishing my songs for that contest." Ashley explained smiling.

"Oh yeah, when do you perform?" I said wanting to know.

"Next Saturday, at the Yorkville Theatre." She answered. She continued to explain to me what she had to do for the contest. She has to sing, one song she's written on her own, and has to cover a song from a musician. The judges then critique all the contestants and pick who they think is the best out of all of them. The person they pick is the person who they recommend to a producer.

"Cool, can friends come?" I grinned. I really wanted to see her perform, from what I remember from the Talent Show, she's really good. But I haven't heard her sing in a while, and I couldn't wait to hear what she was going to sing

"Yeah, I was gonna give you guys the information next week." She stated," That's what the $70 is for, if I don't win, I can still make a demo and send it to record producers."

"Don't worry," I beamed," I'm sure you're gonna win." We chatted some more for a little bit and then she began to gather her stuff

"Okay,well see you later," Ashley said opening the door.

"Okay, bye!" I smiled and watched her walk to her door. As I drive home, I begin to think of all the things that have happened this year. It's only a couple of months, but so much has happened in this short period of time. The split between Manny and I was like a domino affect. Us breaking up started so much drama and so many things to happen. If we didn't break up, I would have never made the plan, which would have never caused me to make the proposition with Ashley, which would have never revisited the rivalry between the two girls, which would have never made me fall in love with her, which would have never made me confused on how I feel, wether I love Ashley or Manny. I could feel my head spinning in circles as I pulled into the driveway. I turned off the car but I sat there for a little while. I just didn't know what to do anymore, all my friends are telling me that I should go for Ashley and leave Manny alone, but something inside me doesn't want to let go of what we had yet. But what I have with Ashley is something special, we have so many things in common, we can talk for hours, and we're comfortable being ourselves around each other. The two sides of my conscience had already picked sides as they argued back and forth in my head. Who was the better girl for me? Who do I love? I let the two questions reside in my head as I headed for the house.

Ashley's POV

After school on Friday (tomorrow)

I examined my look in the full-length mirror of Emma's bedroom, and had to admit that they did a good job. Today at school was nerve-wracking as I waited to get my "makeover." So many things ran through my head, but mostly it was if I was gonna end up looking like something I'm not. I wanted to look amazing, but still look like Ashley. When we got to the mall, I guess they already had an idea of what they wanted me to look like tonight because they picked out everything they needed really fast. Once we got the outfit, we rushed to Emma's house and I put the whole ensemble on to see if it was perfect. I have to say that I was a little skeptical about the things they picked out. I felt like 1) they wouldn't go that well together and 2)that I was going to look like a hooker. Luckily for me, it all came together perfectly and the outfit was a success. They picked out a very fitting, short-sleeve, white off-the-shoulder top that had a huge black-and-white faded picture of a guitar on it, to go with they picked a black pleated mini-skirt that said on the back "I luv rock stars!" in white bold lettters. The shirt came up kind of short, so it showed some bare midriff. We then picked a pair of open-toe white stilettos, and some white chandelier earrings to top it off. They wanted to get all of this make-up, but I prefer not to look to look like a clown so we just added a couple of items in. I still wore black eyeliner, and black mascara,but they added in a soft brown eyeshadow that was close to close to my tanned skin but dark enough to bring out my eyes, and I wore clear lipgloss. For the hair, they decided to put it in soft waves, but keep my bang straight.

"Ash, can we come in now!" Ellie yelled from the upstairs.

"Yeah, I'm all dressed!" I called. The door quickly opened and the three bolted down the stairs to see how I looked. After doing my hair and make-up, I made them leave so I could change, they haven't seen the full outfit, and were in great anticipation. When they were halfway down, I turned towards the stairs so they could have a good look. Once they got downstairs, Ellie gasped, Marco grinned from ear to ear, and Emma squealed in delight. I'm guessing they like how I look.

"Ash, you look fantastic!" Emma giggled and hugged me. Emma was wearing a baby blue juice tube dress, a pair of open-toe baby blue stilettos, and silver hoop earrings. Her hair was straightened to perfection, but covered with a baby blue flat cap (hat like Manny wore in "Bark at the Moon").

"Yeah, Craig's gonna be drooling once he sees you!" Marco smiled. Marco was wearing a red tee, with a pair of light jeans, and some white sneakers.

"Ash, you look amazing, I'm so excited!" Ellie beamed and gave me a hug too. Ellie was wearing a black and red plaid mini-skirt, with a black wifebeater and a red long-sleeve mesh top on the top of it. Her hair was straight down, and she wore her black combat boots with fishnet stockings. I smiled as all of my friends complimented me on how I looked, but inside I was a nervous wreck. I wanted everything to go perfect, and I knew that today was the day that I was gonna make the first move on Craig. All I needed was a little more time to build up my confidence and I could do it.

"Ding, Dong!" I heard the sound of the doorbell, and Emma's mom walking towards the door and my stomach dropped.

"You guys, there here!" Mrs. Simpson yelled as she opened the basement door.

"We're coming!" Emma yelled picking up all that she needed, "Is everyone ready?" Ellie, and Marco nodded but I kind of froze where I was. Emma saw the fear in my eyes and walked up to me. "Hey, don't be afraid, It's just Craig. You two have been talking, and getting along just great. We all think it's time that you two seal the deal and become an official couple. Now go upstairs and get your man!" She slapped me on the back, picked up her stuff and led the way as we headed up the stairs. As we walked up the stairs, I knew Emma was right. Craig and I were getting along really well and it was time I built up my confidence and go for it. When we got to the top of the stairs, Emma opened the door and we all piled out of the staircase. Standing by the doorway of the house was Sean, Scott, and Craig all in their party attire. Ellie and Marco were standing in front of me for a while so Craig could not see me at all.

"Is Ashley here?" He asked curiously looking around for me.

"She's right here," Ellie smiled and her and Marco stepped out of the way to reveal me. As soon as Craig got a full view of me, his expression was stunned. He continued to look me up and down as I stood there awkwardly.

"Hey Craig," I smiled walking up to him.

"H-Hey Ashley," Craig stammered, "You look incredible,"

"Thanks," I grinned.

"Are we ready to go?" Marco asked as Ellie walked over to Scott, and Emma to Sean. Craig continued staring at me not paying attention to anything else going on.

"Yeah," Sean said and we headed out Emma's house. We all piled into Scott's Lincoln Navigator because that was the only car any of us owned with enough room for all of us. On our way to the party, we listened to some of Scott's CD's and I could feel my confidence building as we got closer to Jimmy's house. Through the ride, I could feel Craig's gaze on me. From time to time I would catch his gaze, look back at him and smile, other times I would pretend I didn't notice. The car ride was so much fun as we laughed and talked the whole way. We arrived to Jimmy's party half-an-hour after it started, so the party was pretty livened up by now. As we exited Scott's car, Craig came and put his arm around me.

"Did I mention how incredible you look tonight?" Craig whispered into my ear.

"Yes," I giggled. This was going just the way I wanted! I thought to myself.Craig couldn't get enough of me, and keeps flirting with me.If everything goes right, by the end of the night, Craig and I will be official. We walked into Jimmy's house, and sure enough the party was in full swing. There were people everywhere; talking, dancing, eating, drinking, or just hanging out. The music was loud, and the bass shaked the house as the rented DJ spinned in a corner of the living room. We walked in a little more and found Jimmy talking to some people by the wall.

"Hey you guys made it!" Jimmy yelled over the music.

"We wouldn't miss this for the world!" Craig screamed back. We all nodded in agreement to Craig's comment.

"Ashley, you look great!" Jimmy smiled eyeing my look.

"Thanks!" I cried over the music.

"I'm going to go get something to drink!" Emma yelled.

"Me too!" Sean said and followed her towards the punch table.

"I've got to go handle some business, I'll be right back!" Jimmy exclaimed and walked away.

"Dylan told me he'd meet me here!" Marco said, "I'm going to go look for him."

"I need to go to the bathroom!" Ellie wailed.

"I know where it is, follow me!" Scott answered and led her to the bathroom. Now it was just Craig and I. I stood there and I didn't know what to do, or say. Sure, I still had that built up confidence, but I just couldn't think of anything to do. Right on time, the music changed and the DJ started playing "Move ya body," by Nina Sky. I knew exactly what I was going to do.

"Craig, do you want to dance?" I hollered looking over at him.

"Sure!" Craig screamed back. I took his hand, smiled, and led him to the dance floor which was the living room. We began to dance, and things were going great, for a while. But as things kept going I realized I needed to get his attention better, and make him think I was irresistible. The song finished and they began playing "Get busy" by Sean Paul. As the song began, I got closer and closer to him, we were so close that I could hear his heart beating, it began to get faster as he realized what I was doing. I then, turned around, and rubbed up against him, my back against his chest, and I used the best moves I knew on him. I wasn't a great dancer like Ciara or anything, but I did have rhythm.

"I didn't know you could dance like this," Craig said breathlessly in my ear.

"Then I guess there's just some things you don't know about me." I answered not moving from where I was. Though I couldn't see his reaction, I could feel his smile on my neck and that made me smile. He then gently put his arm around my waist and we continued to dance. After the song was over, we continued to dance to some more songs like "Don't phunk with my heart" by Black Eyed Peas, "Lose Control" by Missy Elliot and Ciara, and "Just a little bit" by 50 Cent. My legs began to cramp up, and the dance floor was getting crowded, but I didn't want to move from the position I was in. I could feel Craig's breath on my neck, and the hairs on it stood up, I still had his arm wrapped securely but gently around my waist and I wanted it to be like that forever, but my legs couldn't hold up forever and I was really getting thirsty.

"I'm gonna get myself a drink, do you want one?" I beamed turning to him.

"No I'm good," Craig answered," But hurry back. I was hoping we could still dance." Inside I felt like fireworks were going off in my head, my body wanted to do backflips I was so ecstatic. Now I knew, once I get him the drink, it would be the perfect time to tell him how I feel. His focus was solely on me, and all I had to do was get him somewhere alone, and we'd get together.

"Definitely, I'll be right back," I smiled trying to keep my cool. As I headed for the punch bowl, I could feel stares from people I knew and didn't know. I though, ignored them all. I was on cloud nine, and nothing was going to ruin tonight. Nothing. Once I got to the punch bowl, I turned back to him, and smiled. He smiled back and waited for me, I then began to fill my cup.

"Hey," Ellie giggled rushing over to me.

"Hey," I smiled.

"I saw you two dancing out there," Ellie beamed, "When'd you learn how to dance like that?"

"I don't know, I guess I just already knew." I answered picking up the my cup and taking a sip.

"So have you talked to him yet?" She asked curiously.

"No not yet, but I'm planning on doing it right now," I responded excitedly.

"Good luck!" She said.

"Thanks," I stated and turned towards where Craig was standing. But this time, he wasn't there. In fact I didn't see him on the dance floor at all.

"Where's Craig?" I questioned confused as I streched my neck over the crowd.

Craig's POV

I stood there watching Ashley fill her glass and talk to Ellie. I was having a great time with Ashley; she looked amazing, and she was a great dancer. As I stood and waited on the dance floor, I felt a tap on my shoulder. I turned to see none other than Manny.

"Hey Craig," Manny smiled. Manny was wearing an orange halter top, a jean mini skirt, and some orange pumps. Her hair was straight and in a ponytail, she wore a pair of orange hoops, and a matching orange gauze on her nose.

"Hey," I said back to her. "Where's Spinner?" I really didn't have much to say, I was hoping that Ashley didn't pop out of nowhere and get the wrong idea.

"Never mind Spinner, can I talk to you real quick?" Manny asked.

"Sure, go ahead." I answered.

"Could we go somewhere a little more quiet?" She begged looking up at me. I pondered her question for a little bit. I didn't want to just leave Ashley there, but on the other hand, Manny might have something really important to say.

"Uh, sure why not," I hollered over the music and she led me off the dance floor. I followed her as she took me down the hallway to Jimmy's guest room. She turned on the lights, sat on the bed, and patted the seat next to her signaling me to sit down.

"Craig, our breakup not too long ago was really rough," Manny started.

"I know," I muttered looking at the ground.

"I said a lot of things that I didn't mean," Manny continued. I had a feeling of where she was going and I could feel my palms getting sweaty.

"And I know that you've already moved on with Ashley." Manny stated spitting out the word Ashley like it was the most vulgar word on the planet. I wanted to say something, but my throat was getting really dry. I wanted this to happen, but I didn't want this to happen at the same time.

"What I'm trying to say is, I think we should get back together, I mean I really miss you," Manny smiled gazing into my eyes. I let her words hit me and I didn't know what to do or say.I was speechless. I've wanted her to say this since we broke up, but I was starting to feel something strong for Ashley, something special.

"What about Spinner, and Ashley," I asked regaining my voice.

"Who cares about Spinner," Manny said swatting her hand like he was a fly, "and I know you don't love Ashley more than me right?" Manny's question lingered in my head as I thought hard. Ashley keeps saying that it's "strictly business" between us, but she continues to flirt with me. I don't know if she feels the same way about me, as I feel about her. I know all my friends keep saying so but should I really believe them?I mean, isn't she only in this for the $70? And even though I feel something for Ashley, I still have that feeling for Manny.

"No," I answered after thinking about it a long time. Manny beamed, wrapped her arms around me, and pulled me into a passionate kiss.

Ashley's POV

"I don't see him anywhere," Ellie said looking through the crowd also.

"I'm gonna go look for him, okay?" I stated to Ellie and began pushing my way through the crowd with my full drink in my hand. I didn't understand how he suddenly disappeared. Things were going according to plan, and we were having fun, he even told me to hurry back. Maybe he found somewhere quiet for us to be alone. This is even more perfect! I smiled pushing through the mobs. If I find him in an empty room, I can tell him how I feel in quiet. Through the crowd, I could see all my friends; Marco talking to Dylan, Emma dancing with Sean, Ellie walking over to Scott, and Jimmy chatting with some of his guests. I was having so much fun at the party, it was turning out to be the best night of my life! All I needed to do was find where Craig was. I was surprised that I got through the crowd without spilling my drink. Once I got out of the crowd, I began checking rooms, I checked the dining room first but he wasn't there. I walked around some more, passing guys who continued to cat-call at me. I heard the words "Hey sexy," or "What's your name?" at least a dozen times. After walking through one part of the house I found a hallway with three rooms. I slowly walked down the hallway, afraid of barging in on something I didn't want to see. While I was walking, I saw Paige and Hazel standing and chatting by one of the doors. I knew we weren't friends, but I really needed to know where he was, so I decided to ask them.

"Have you guys seen Craig?" I questioned the two. As soon as I asked the question, there faces began to break into smirks. I didn't understand what was so funny, all I asked was a simple question.

"I think he's in this room," Paige smirked leaning against the wall.

"Yeah, I'm pretty sure he's in this room." Hazel sneered.

"Thanks," I smiled. So he did find a quiet place for us! I thought. But from the evil looks on those two, I was beginning to think something bad was going to happen. I opened the door to the room, and gasped in disgust and horror.

"Ashley!" Craig cried pushing Manny off him, "I can explain..." But I didn't want to hear it. I just walked in to Manny and Craig making out! I couldn't believe it. Now I knew why Paige and Hazel were smirking, they couldn't wait to see me walk into them. I could hear the two laughing behind me, as I pushed past them and away from what I just saw.

" Ashley! Ashley wait!" Craig screamed trying to catch up to me. I could feel the tears in my eyes threatening to pour at any moment, but I had a rage and anger that was boiling inside me. I wanted to cry, and punch him at the same time. I could hear him continuously call my name as I headed for the front door. Luckily, the dance floor was starting to clear up so I didn't have to push through millions of people. I was right in the middle of the dance floor when he grabbed my arm, and spun me around.

"Ashley, please let me explain." Craig smiled. What the heck is he smiling for? I couldn't believe that he could just look at me after that and just smile! I couldn't believe that I fell in love with him. I was so upset, I didn't know what to do. So I took my drink and threw it at him. The DJ immediately stopped the music and all eyes were focused on the engraged me, and the soaked Craig.

"Screw you!" I spat and bolted for the door before he could catch me again.Walking through all the people, I could hear them hiss and whisper about what just happened. The tears that were threatening me before, were now overtaking my face as they poured at remarkable speed. I didn't know if I was hallucinating or not, but I heard what seemed like two pairs of feet following me.

"Ashley!" one called out.

"Ash!" called the other. I continued walking not wanting to be bothered, but they caught up to me.

"What do you want?" I choked out through my tears. I just wanted to go home, I didn't want to be here, or around these people anymore.

"We saw what happened," Emma said, "Are you okay?"

"He is such an idiot," Ellie spewed.

"No, I'm the idiot. For listening to you guys tell me that he likes me, and bringing my hopes up when we all knew it was a lie!" I wailed and stormed off before they could say any more. I walked a few blocks until I spotted a cab.

"Rough night?" He asked through the rearview mirror. I nodded to answer his question and let the tears flow faster as he drove me home.

Craig's POV

I followed her as she stormed down the hallway to the front of the house. I didn't know how to explain to her the situation; what just happened between Manny and I but by the look on her face, I knew that I had to.

"Ashley! Ashley wait!" I called as I began to quicken my pace. I needed her to hear me out, becuase she looked shocked from what she saw. Is she acting? She always said she was a good actress. Maybe that's it, maybe she didn't want Manny to know that she didn't care so she made herself look angry. What a genius! I continued following her though, because we had to make it look as real as possible. Once we got in the middle of the dance floor, I was close enough to her so I spun her around.

"Ashley, let me explain," I smiled. I was trying to look as serious as possible, but her acting was really good it was making me laugh. As soon as I looked at her face though, I knew something was wrong. She looked genuinely pissed off. Her eyes were glazed, ready to cry, but they also had fire and anger spewing at me. She took her red punch and threw it at me and my shirt. I was soaked! The music immediately stopped, and everyone starting looking at us. I didn't know what to do! I was beginning to feel like she really was angry at me, and sorry that she caught Manny and I like that.

"Screw you!" Ashley spat and bolted for the door. I let her words sink in, and it felt like she just slapped me in the face. I looked around the room, not sure of what to do as everyone began whispering, and talking about what just happened. I met eye contact with Emma and Ellie who were standing by the wall. The two gave me the most dirtiest look and ran off after Ashley. Manny came behind me, wrapped her arms around me.

"Come on Craig, you don't need that loser," Manny said to me. I kept my gaze at the front door, and didn't move. I felt like I had just made my biggest mistake, and that I was the dumbest guy in the world.