Chapter VI: Passion Needed
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:Next Day at Degrassi:
Ashley sat in study hall, or as people called it, Media Center, next to Ellie who was looking over "Guitar Magazine" and nodding her head as Ashley informed her about what has happened between the talk with Craig at her house.
"… And he says that its totally up to me. That I can either give the baby away, or we'll raise it together…" she gave a short smile"… like a family." She looked down and tapped her finger on the stony-wooded desk waiting for Ellie's response.
Ellie looked up and closed her magazine and gave short sigh. She looked down at the desk and furrowed her eyebrows…her thinking face.
"What are you thinking?" Ashley asked as she wrote down some short notes inside her spiral notebook.
Ellie looked at her friend and rose her hand to Ash's face, caressing it carefully like a porcelain doll.
"I am just…worried that it will go wrong… and you'll regret it." Ellie muttered as she studied Ash's face. "I don't want to see you hurt again, especially after finding out about Manny…"
Ellie stood up and raised her handbag and slipped it over her shoulder.
"Just be sure of what you do, ok?" She walked away, leaving Ashley full of confused thoughts.
I want to trust Craig… but I don't want to be heartbroken… I really don't.
Ashley stood and picked her notebooks and headed out the Media Center exit.
As she passed the halls, she raised her wrist to check her watch.
"10:34... Just enough time to get a small drink in the water fountain and to catch 3rd period a little early…" she whispered as she turned the corner to the nearest water fountain.
Ashley continued to walk until she saw Hazel next to the fountain with Marco and his hand around her shoulders. As Ash got closer she could see that Hazel was crying softly.
Marco looked up and saw Ashley and he nodded his head silently.
"What happened?" Ashley asked as she touched Hazel's arm sympathetically. "What's the matter, Hazel?"
Hazel looked up and fresh tears ran down her face. She wiped them away and sniffed loudly, getting ready to speak.
"Oh Ashley… Paige… P-Paige is in the hospital!" she cried as she buried her face in her hands and cried once more.
As Hazel spoke those words, Spinner, who was around the corner, ran to her and grabbed her by the arms, pulling her away from Marco and Ashley.
"What did you say! Where's Paige!" He asked alertly.
Hazel sobbed loudly and couldn't control her tears. She hiccupped a few times and gasped.
"She's in the hospital! She is in a critical condition!" she cried angrily as if the words were cursed and revolting that she burst out crying again.
Marco rushed to her and grabbed her by the arms and waved at the rest of them and walked away with the sobs of Hazel fading out as they got farther.
Ashley glanced at Spinner who's face was blank.
'Spin…" she walked towards him and looked at him with sympathy. "…Are you okay?" Ashley stood in front of him, not knowing what to do.
She sighed deeply and looked at the ground.
Poor Paige… she thought.
At the instant, she felt arms embrace her and she looked up to see Spinner's head rest on her shoulder.
Ashley stood immobilized for a few moments before giving in and embracing back. She began rubbing his back trying to make him feel better.
It's what my mom does anyway…
She closed her eyes and began to imagine the way he's feeling right now. She let go the feelings from Craig and tried to focus on how Spinner and Hazel were feeling.
"Spin-" she began.
"…Ashley."
Craig's voice called her and she parted from Spinner and looked around to see Craig staring at her with his eyes open wide and his face turning red with anger.
"Craig…" Ashley began walking towards him. She had her hand held out, meaning to touch him. "It's not what it looked like. You see-"
Craig turned his face to Spinner who looked at him sorrowfully. Craig dropped his book bag and began storming to Spinner.
"Craig! Stop!" Ashley yelled, running in front of Craig and gripping his arms to stop.
Craig looked at bewildered and his eyes began to fill up with tears.
"How…" He began but chocked on his words.
He turned around and picked up his book bag. He gave one last glance at Ashley before departing.
"Craig!" Ashley cried but he didn't turn back… not even for her.
Ashley's hands lowered down to her stomach and started to caress it…
Craig…
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Craig turned the corner to the exit, feeling angry at what just happened.
Ashley… what were you thinking! What were you…
Craig stopped when he saw Manny's body sitting down the nearest exit.
He walked slowly towards her until she looked up and locked eyes with Craig.
Manny suddenly stood up and planted down her skirt, hoping not to have wrinkles. She looked sideways and began walking towards Craig.
As they both walked towards each other, Manny smiled, hoping that what she thought was going to happen, happens.
As they were face to face, Manny raised her hands to the back of his head and pulled him down, enough for their lips to touch.
As it started with a simple kiss, began to turn into a passion fest where their tongues collided. Craig's arms were wrapped around Manny's petite body and her arms were around his shoulders and the grips were tighter.
As it seemed like forever later, Manny parted from Craig she panted for breath and wiped the smudged lipstick from the side of her mouth.
She looked around for the nearest storage room and yanked Craig's arm as she found it.
As she closed and locked the door behind her, she ran towards Craig and pulled him close, wanting to feel what she hadn't felt for a long time.
As they continued to kiss, Manny felt Craig unbutton her blouse and yank it away from her shoulders. Manny returned the favor by pulling off his shirt over his head.
They lowered onto the newly mopped floor and began to pull off the brooms and mops that were around. Manny rested her back on the floor and Craig came on top of her, kissing her passionately.
"Craig.." she moaned happily.
I'm finally having Craig back… I'm finally having him with me!
Craig started to plant kisses on her neck and Manny gave out a few more moans.
She raised his head to her and she smiled, and Craig looked at her as if was receiving a very shocked news.
"I can't do this…" Craig announced as he stood up to put back his shirt on.
Manny's face changed and she stood up as well and grabbed Craig, trying to kiss him again but he pulled her away still reaching down to pull his shirt on right. Manny next to him panicking, not wanting to let go of the passion that just took place…
No… I cannot lose him… I cant!
