Okay, so I haven't really been getting that many reviews for this story, yet I've gotten a ton of hits. Do people not like this story?

AN: Wow! Two updates in the same week...it's a record. Things are going to get kind of angsty, as this is drama, but I promise you I won't make you hate the ending when I get there. Just trust me:D

This was written before "Venus" and season five. I have not copied anything, though some stuff is canon. It takes place during the very end of summer.

If you read it, please leave me feedback (anything at all.) It takes two seconds and makes me very, very happy... :D

This chappie is dedicated to my friend, and co-writer of the DR Drifters' scary story, Bekka, even if this one is kind of a sad one. Feel better:D

Chapter Eight: No Sleep Tonight

"Matt!" Paige squealed with delight as she finally spotted her boyfriend. "How was your trip?"

"Great," he answered distractedly, giving her a quick kiss.

"Aren't you going to ask me about my summer?" she teased. Paige's smile faded a bit at his unenthusiastic response. "What's wrong?"

"Huh? Oh, look, can we talk inside," he gestured wildly toward the inside of the cute little cafe he had invited her to.

She crossed her arms in defiance. "Just tell me."

"I don't think we should be doing this," he indicated the two of them and looked away.

"Are you breaking up with me?" she inquired, upset.

"You're still in high school."

"And why is that a problem? In case you didn't notice, we just went through that. I don't care how old you are."

"I can't think straight around you. Paige, I'm leaving. It's better that way. I'm sorry."

"I am too," she angrily retorted before turning and stalking down the street. She didn't really care which way she was going as long as it was far away from him. Paige could not believe what had just happened: how dare he treat her like that after everything that had happened. She rubbed her forehead in frustration, but she refused to break down. Paige Michalchuk did not cry over boys. Despite how effectively they broke her heart.

---

"Hi, Craig," Manny smiled as she sidled up to him. He smiled back. She took a double take as she saw the girl, who came to a stop at his side, put her arm possessively around him and glared at her. "Ellie? What are you doing here?" Manny asked in a sneering voice. The two girls sized each other up while Craig looked between them, unsure of what was happening.

"Manny, why are you acting like that?" He asked her, confused about her bad behavior toward Ellie. Both girls threw him a contemptuous glance. Guys could be so clueless. "I thought we're friends."

"Yeah, friends with benefits," Ellie muttered under her breath.

"Stay out of this Ellie," Manny growled.

"Or you'll what," she challenged. Manny didn't answer.

"She's jealous," Ellie explained to Craig, matter-of-factly. Manny hated the fact that she was right.

"Of the school physco and schizo finding true love together? Please."

"I would think you of all people would have learned not to judge by reputation," Ellie retorted, a bit hurt.

"What are you talking about?" she asked quietly.

"You're known as the school slut, Manny. Didn't you know?" Manny blinked back a few tears and turned to Craig.

"You're better off without a bitch like her, Craig." Manny couldn't help it. She was supposed to be the one that he looked at and held, not the punk-rock princess. What did he see in her anyway?

"Craig's here on a date with me, not you," Ellie informed her.

"Does Ashley know about you stealing her boyfriend?"

"Since when have you cared about Ash?"

"She's your best friend. I think she might want to know that her boyfriend has cheated on her."

"She already knows about you."

There was a beat of silence as the two girls glared at each other, ignoring everyone else who had gathered to watch the show. Then Manny tried to slap her but Ellie deftly caught her wrist before she made contact.

For a beat they continued to stare as Manny tried to get her hand out of Ellie's tight grip. Then Ellie nodded imperceptibly and let go. "You don't know me. You have no idea." With that Ellie angrily stormed out and Craig helplessly followed.

"El, don't listen to her. I still don't understand why, but she was trying to hurt you."
"Well, guess what Craig? It worked. I told you that we were wrong in doing this. I'm not the most stable, but even I know that it's wrong to start a relationship with you after everything that's happened. There's Ash and Manny and your history and to be honest, I don't think I can handle anyone else breaking my heart. I had a great time with you today but it's better off this way. I...I've got to go. I'll see you around."

Ellie couldn't stay a minute longer. Of course she just had to fall for him. If only he hadn't felt the same way and pursued her. Craig, the one person she could never be with, just had to be the one person who actually saw the real her. She wanted to trust him more than anything, but she just couldn't. She had to be realistic.

In the course of one summer with him, he had managed to break through her walls and into her heart. That scared her more than anything. She couldn't stop the tears from flowing down her face, but she discreetly covered them with her hair. Now, it was too late to stop the pain, but at least it was the controllable kind. It was better that she hurt herself before he did.

Craig stood there, frozen, as she left him, hoping she would come back to him. But she didn't turn around.

TBC