Craig's back on the market

Sophie POV

The next day I walked into school with Ashley, my newest friend, both of us fresh from a day at a spa, haircuts, and trips to the mall. Ashley ran her fingers through her newly trimmed and highlighted hair.

"Sophie, it was such a good idea to get us mini makeovers. I feel ready to talk to Craig. No, no I don't." she said.

"Ashley, you're ready. So go. There he is." I said, pointing.

Ashley took a deep breath and walked up to him. I watched until I felt someone's arms around my waist. I turned around and kissed Jimmy.

"Jimmy, you will not believe it. People are actually being nice to me today." I said.

"Hey. I'm always nice." He said defensively.

I kissed him again and took his hand as we walked to class. I was happy with Jimmy but I didn't depend on him for companionship anymore. I had some girl friends now.

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Ashley POV

In a moment of pure insanity, I had forced myself to have sex with Craig. He tried to be gentle, but I wasn't ready. And after talking to Sophie, I began to think I wasn't ready for a mature relationship either. My entire time at Degrassi was spent on an emotional roller coaster. I dated Jimmy all through grade eight, only to hook up with Sean after I was on E at the end of it. I changed my entire look, was ostracized by everyone, only to be accepted back again after dating Jimmy once more and befriending Paige. Then I almost had sex with my new boyfriend, only to find out that he was already getting some action on the side with Manny. Then she got pregnant, my heart broke, and I contemplated leaving Degrassi forever. But the next year, Craig and I reunited and all was good again. Or so I thought.

"Craig, can we talk?" I asked.

Craig nodded and followed me over to a corner in a hall. He grabbed my hand and kissed me on the cheek. I rolled my eyes.

"So... am I coming over tonight?" Craig asked.

"No." I said softly.

"What?" he asked.

"After having a talk with Sophie, and truly rethinking our relationship, I think…' I trailed off.

I looked behind me. Sophie and Jimmy were kissing each other tenderly, and I realized how much I wanted that.

"Craig, I'm sorry, but…I think we should break-up. I have to go." I said.

I ran away. I hadn't said what I had planned to, but close enough.

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Craig POV

I stormed home in a rage. Sophie was the cause of everything that went wrong in my life. My band's collapse, now Ashley dumping me. I had to have it out with her. I ran up the stairs to Angie's room and found Sophie and Jimmy cuddling on the floor, while playing a board game with Angie.

"Angie. Jimmy. Get out." I said.

Angie ran away, but Jimmy put his arm protectively around Sophie as they both stood up.

"Sophie, what is your problem?" I asked.

"What are you talking about?" she asked.

"Ashley broke up with me today. And you had something to do with it." I said.

Sophie shook her head in disgust.

"You have got to leave my life alone. You ruin everything! Ashley was the best thing in my life until you came into town. You destroyed my band, my love life, what next, Sophie? You want to kick me out of my house?" I yelled.

Sophie stepped up closer to me.

"Craig, my comment about your band was dumb, I admit that. As for Ashley, I spent four hours trying to convince her NOT to break up with you. So face it Craig: you're the one who messes everything up. Not me." She said.

She slapped me on the cheek and left the room. Jimmy crossed his arms and glared at me.

"Never talk to my girl like that." He said stiffly.

He shoved me against a wall. I shoved myself free and punched him in the eye. He returned the favor, and we both started beating each other up. Joey came in and tore us apart a few seconds later. He kicked Jimmy out, leaving me alone with my thoughts and my black eye.

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Sophie POV

I was walking down the street alone when Jimmy came up behind me. His eye had a thick bruise formed around it.

"Jimmy! You fought Craig for me? You are so sweet." I said.

I stood on my tiptoes to kiss him. He stood back and winced in pain.

"Soph, I really want to kiss you, but my eye is killing me." He said.

'Right." I said.

I took him home to ice his eye. As I applied the coldpack to his face, I remembered an idea I had.

"Jimmy I had an idea. About what we did yesterday. I really don't want your first time to be in a car. So why don't we get a hotel room? I won't tell anyone where we are, and I won't bring my phone." I said.

Jimmy grinned and put an arm around my waist.

"Sounds good." He said.

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Emma POV

Jay was picking me up tonight for our first real date. He brought flowers to my door, and was polite to my parents. I couldn't get over this change in Jay. I didn't really understand why he liked me so much, but I really enjoyed the feeling. Jay drove us to the movies, and even let me see a movie that I picked. As we were watching, I saw Jay stretch awkwardly, trying to get his arm around me. I laid my head on his chest and he put an arm around my shoulder. We walked outside to the lobby, but I was walking on air. We were just about to leave when I felt an arm on my shoulder. I turned around.

"Jay? What are you doing here with... Emma?"

Jay and I looked at each other.

"Oh no." I said.