I Speak Not To Ash
Chapter 2: Homeroom

I walk into homeroom, and sit next to Spin... Just as I do most everyday. I stare off at the front of the room, as he talks to Paige. God, they're mushy. But I don't let it bother me. It can't bother me. Not now. I'm too busy thinking.

She just looked at me, when I had unbuttoned her shirt. That's all. Nothing more. ...Did she even want sex? Or did she just want me to be happy? Did I subconciously force her into this?

The bell rings.

Sadly, it doesn't take me out of my misery, like I was hoping it would. Ms. Hatzilakos approaches the front of the room, and begins reading off announcements.

I have no clue why everyone around me begins clapping. Suddenly, I feel Spin's hand clamp down on my shoulder.

"Oh my God! Dude that's so awesome!"

Wha?

"Wha?"

"Dude! Didn't you just hear? You and Ash were voted the cutest couple!"

"Oh... Cool."

I look back at Ash, who's smiling slightly. She waves a little wave at me. I wave back. She mouths the words "I love you." Awkwardly, I mouth the words back, then turn forward again.

I feel like such a horrible person. I'm telling her I love her, when I'm doubting that it's the truth. I mean... When you're in love with somebody, you're not supposed to be thinking about the girl you did the night before. Hell, she should've been the girl you did the night before...

"Craig?"

Spin is like two inches from my face. That just freaks me out.

"Oh! What?"

"It's time to go..."

I look around the room, there are Grade 11's coming in, for their class.

"Oh..."

I gather my stuff, and follow Spinner out. Manny's still on my mind. Even though it should be Ash.

She walks up to me out in the hall, and kisses me on the cheek. i haven't seen her look so happy before, have I?

"Isn't this wonderful? They actually think we're the cutest couple? I always thought everyone would choose those seniors, Zachary and Mona!"

"Guess we're just that cute, huh?"

I force a playful emotion behind that. But when I look at Ash's face, I imagine Manny's sweet smile. I bet she'll be famous for her smile.