Chapter 6

(Craig's perspective.)
"Why is she staring at us?"

Craig was in the crowded school library working on an assignment for Ms. Kwan's English class. The librarian was trying to get some students to whisper. It wasn't really working though. The library remained loud.

Craig had to research some famous poet. He had been paired with Ellie Nash to work on the assignment. He knew her but didn't really know her. He didn't know a lot about her. He just knew the little things like she was a cutter. Craig also knew that she was Ashley's best friend.

Craig and Ellie were discussing their views on poetry. They were actually having a great time. Craig was enjoying Ellie's company. He thought working with her would be dull. She could make him laugh. Ellie seemed like such a tough girl on the outside. Really she wasn't all that bad. He was afraid she would have said something about Ashley. So far she hadn't. Maybe she understood that was a touchy subject and to avoid it.

Craig noticed a little spy watching him. Someone kept looking at them from the hallway. Every now and then he would see a pair of eyes look directly at him. He moved closer to Ellie. She didn't seem to mind. They continued to talk.

He noticed that the eyes belonged to Emma. Emma had a surprised and angry look on her face. Craig watched as she lurched into the library and tried to use a book as a hiding place. He pretended not to see her. He whispered in Ellie's ear. Ellie began to laugh. This really seemed to bother Emma. Craig couldn't resist the temptation… the urge to get Emma back.

Craig wanted to give Emma something to stare at. He was angry at her for spying on him. I mean really… why was she worried about Ellie and him? It was just a project.

In the spur of the moment, he grabbed Ellie and kissed her forcefully. Ellie's eyes kind of popped out. Her face had such a shocked expression.

Craig watched as Emma dropped her book and ran out of the library, knocking a few students down on her way. The librarian went flying to the ground and the books she had on a cart went spewing across the floor. It was a very chaotic scene.

Craig was now the one surprised. He felt breathless.

Craig looked next to him. The chair beside him was empty. Ellie's books and purse were gone too. In all honesty, Craig hadn't expected to like the fake kiss between him and Ellie. In a way he kind of did. He enjoyed the kiss more than he would like to admit. It wasn't supposed to be something he enjoyed. Now he hated himself for liking it.

He felt badly about Emma. He started having second thoughts.Guilt seemed to fill him. So he knew he would have to find her and comfort her. He shouldn't have hurt her like that.

First, He wanted to find Ellie and explain to her why he kissed her. He stood up and pushed his chair underneath the old library table. Craig was sure that Ellie's kiss wasn't anything at all. It was just a kiss…a friendship kiss.

Ellie was no where in sight. She couldn't be far away.

The hallways were empty. Everyone must have gone to class on time for once. Usually even during class you can find a few people roaming around. Craig strolled down the hall. He was looking for any sign of Ellie.

He was about to give up on his search, when he found her. She was sitting in front of someone's locker. In a way she kind of looked like a frightened child. Craig stared at her for a minute, she hadn't noticed him.

"So… umm is this seat taken?" Craig asked looking next to her.

Ellie gave him an angry look. Then she sat her bag next to her.

"Looks like the seat is taken."

Craig sat down anyway. Ellie reluctantly moved her bag.

"Craig, I don't know what's going on between Emma and you but I don't want to be a part of it. I saw Emma staring at us…then you kissed me." Ellie said in a very nervous manner.

It was the first time Craig had ever saw her nervous. She looked kind of scared…like she was trying to hide something.

"Ellie, you're right. I kissed you because of Emma" he took a deep breath and said "but I felt something back there. When I kissed you… I wasn't thinking about Emma. I thought about you."

Ellie leaned in to kiss Craig… when a voice broke their moment.

"Craig! I can't believe you. You just told me you loved me yesterday. Now you're kissing her? See you don't know what you want." This all poured out of Emma's mouth in a very hostile manner. Emma turned away and silently walked off.

Craig stayed where he was in awkward silence.

Then the bell rang and the hallways were crowded once again. Craig headed off to class. He turned around and gave Ellie one last look. She was actually smiling. He had never seen her smile so big before. No, now he remembered. The last time Craig had saw Ellie smile like that was when she was with Sean.

Craig now felt more confused than ever.