Title: It's About Time
Chapter 1: Flying Home
Author: sileepnai

Pairing: Craig and Ashley
Teaser: Ashley never realized what really mattered to her until she had to let go.
Summary: Ashley returns from London because of a devastating loss in her family. With the choice to return to London for good or stay at Toronto for good, Ashley realizes who and what is of importance to her life. Butwill she recieve the same feelings in return?To have loved and lost... Will she have to let go or hold on this time?

A/N I will be writing this fanfic slow paced so that I can actually complete it. hehe. I hope it turns out okay! This is my first real CrAsh fanfic, so wish me luck. Comments are verrrry much appreciated. Regarding Chapter 1 -Sorry if it's short! I"m just trying to set up this scene right now . Please do R/R! Thanks a ton!

disclaimer- I do not own Degrassi or any of it's characters.

Ashley sat in her living room devastated. Her trip to London was cut short when she got that one call from her mom. It was three weeks into her trip and she was having the time of her life… she was happy for once. Nothing could ruin her stream of happiness.

(flashback)

"Ash, your phone.. it's like, lighting up and doing crazy things." A boy about Ashley's age murmured with a British accent, "I really do need to get me one of these cellular's."

Ashley laughed as she reached out for her phone, "Hello?" Her smile slowly shifted into a utterly confused look. It was a look of confusion, a little distraught, and a mix of pain. She took one hard swallow before her eyes began to tear up, "Mom, I need to come home… you, Toby. You guys need me."

The phone call lasted about 15 minutes. It was call from her mother only to find out that Jeff, Toby's father, had gotten into a driving accident. He lasted 2 days and 2 nights in ICU. He passed away that morning.

(end flashback)

Toby hid in his room and refused to speak to anyone. He was being rebellious, but he wasn't being open either. No one knew how to talk to Toby. Not this time. Two deaths in one year was far too much for him to handle. First Rick and now his dad.

"Mom… how's Toby?" Ashley's eyes were red. She had been crying. She cried for Jeff when she was in London and on the plane ride home, but now she was crying for Toby and her mother. Just seeing the pain in their eyes was enough for her to get emotional.

After a long pause Kate responded, "He's in his room. You can check on him if you want but don't bother him. He's taking it really hard."

Ashley was a little bit annoyed that since she returned from London no one was willing to talk. She came back for them yet she felt invisible. "Well of course he's taking it hard, mom, it's his dad!" She retorted.

Kate sighed as she stood up to walk over to the kitchen. Ashley had her elbow on the arm of the couch and plopped her face into her hand trying to hold back her tears. Then the doorbell rang and she got up to answer it.

"Ash?" His eyes widened at the sight of her face.

Ashley wiped her face and then closed the door behind her, "I can't be in that house anymore. It's like… too depressing."

"Well, I actually came to see Toby." Craig rubbed his neck. He didn't know whether to go in and check on Toby or free Ashley. He wanted to make her happy but he needed to be Toby's friend too, "mind if I see him for a sec? Just sit out here and wait for me… it's a nice sunny day. You can get a face tan or whatever." He laughed.

Ashley smiled, "Um… yea." She let out a small laugh. She loved his small stupidly funny comments, "he's in his room…"

He nodded and entered the Kerwin residence. Ashley sat down on the steps in front of her house.