Chapter IV: Endless Comforting

Craig walked up the steps of Ashley's house, hoping he would catch her before she left on her daily walk. So many things traveled around his head.

Images of Manny laughing haunted his way home, when he ate his dinner, when he practiced his guitar, even when he called Ashley. The way the ringing traveled through his head didn't last long, as he got her answering machine.

Her mellowed voice ran up, sounding cheerful.

"Hey, this is the Kerwin family! Sorry, we couldn't pick up the phone, just leave your message and we'll get back to you. Later!" the beep rang loudly and Craig lowered the phone slowly into the receiver.

Imagining that she didn't want to pick up her phone, having caller ID, he walked out of his house, hoping she would answer the door.

I can't have her mad at me… but…what did she mean, "I'm not Manny"… I have to talk to her… I cant have her mad at me…not now, when I need her the most…

Craig let out a deep amount of breath and then came up with courage to knock on her door.

He waited a few minutes, hoping she heard the knock.

Craig lifted his fist once again and gave another hard knock.

He waited for a moment or two, before the door opened slowly, revealing Ashley's reddened face.

As she looked up and locked eyes with Craig she gave a small sob and opened the door wider.

"Ash…" Craig began.

"Just get inside…" she interrupted, looking at the floor. "We need to talk."

Craig walked inside the cooled family room, while he heard Ashley close her front door. His footsteps echoed through the short hallway that led to the stairs.

Ashley walked behind him, her face looking down but still following him up the stairs.

As they reached her bedroom, Craig entered, still shaking from the images that traveled around his head.

Manny…Ashley… kick in the…groin… gosh, what's going on…

Ashley sat down on her bed, and Craig followed, sitting slowly but still staring at Ashley.

Ashley let out a few more sobs, before locking eyes with Craig who stared back with a puzzeled expression.

After a few moments of silence, Craig managed to speak.

"Ashley…" he gave a small gulp, nervous, yet determined. "… can you tell me now, what is the matter? Why did you give me that unexpected slap, not to mention the gift you gave to me… friend, there." he hoped that would humor her mood, but she didn't even respond.

After another moment of silence, Ashley raised her hand to her forehead and leaned on it. She sanded back in her bed and gave a short grown.

"Craig…" she muffled, still having her hand on her forehead. "I am…" she rose slowly, placing her free hand on her stomach.

"…I'm pregnant." she said, lowering her hand that rested on her head.

Craig's mouth dropped and he looked at her and the stomach continuously.

"Wha-wha--what!" he cried out, springing up from the bed and looking at her with a cheerful tone in his voice. "Oh-oh my God! Ar-Are you serious!"

Ashley nodded her head and looked up at him. Her eyes still puffy-red from her crying.

Craig noticed that his emotion towards this didn't match hers, so he quickly sat back down on her bed and waited.

Again…another chance to finally have a family for me only…

Craig waited patiently until Ashley was ready to speak. He understand her, he didn't want her to feel pressured in any way, he just didn't want her to do the same thing Manny did…

Not this time…

Suddenly, Ashley erupted into sobs, until Craig wrapped his arms around her, wanting to give all the comfort he had into her.

We will get through this…

.:Manny POV:.

Manny looked out of "Pretty Pretty" store window while Darcy tried on a few outfits in the changing room.

Manny still was thinking over what Ashley said.

Pregnant… her… why?

The sound of a curtain open distracted Manny and she turned her head to see Darcy walking out with new Cargo pants.

"Aren't these great? I think they are more my style, you know? More…" she looked at herself in the mirror. "…me."

Manny rolled her eyes and stood up to walk towards Darcy. She took her hand gently and gave Darcy a little twirl.

"Hmmm, no. No. Sorry, these pants are not for you. These "Low Riders" show so many things that you aren't about…" Darcy gave her a filthy look and Manny changed her tone, "…not that it's bad or anything!"

Manny looked at Darcy's disappointed face and looked at her reflection in the mirror.

"You should try out…" She looked around her until she saw a peach-colored shirt that was in Darcy's size.

She quickly seized it and brought it to Darcy.

Better than nothing… She thought quickly while handing it to Darcy.

Darcy gave her a quick smile and entered the dressing room, leaving Manny with a slick smile in her face.

Now…where was I?