(Craig finds his way to Ellie again, and they are talking and laughing and catching up. he starts to tickle her like he always does. and she is fighting him off as usual when Manny walks up looking pissed yet again.)
Manny: Craig, can I talk to you?
Craig: Sure Manny.
(they go off)
Craig: what's up?
Manny: Craig, I can't do this anymore.
Craig: Do...what?
Manny: THIS...us.
Craig: Manny...
Manny: This whole love-triangle thing. I'm done.
Craig: Manny what...
Manny: I won't do it. not again. You obviously would rather be with Ellie...and i'm not just gonna...wait around until you figure that out.
Craig: Manny, I had a choice, okay?...and i chose you!
Manny: Did you?...and why? cuz it was the right thing to do? because i was having a crappy year? cuz you felt bad for me?...
Craig: It has ALWAYS been you!
Manny: ...because i'm easy? because i was pregnant with your child? Come on Craig. pick one.
Craig: that's not fair!
Manny: The truth is that you have never chosen me because you love me. you choose me, to make yourself feel better!
Craig: Manny, i'm here. I'm doing this. i'm this, trying to make it work. What the hell do you want from me?
Manny: Nothing, anymore.
(Starts to walk away)
Craig: (grabs her arm) Manny...
Manny: Craig I love you...but this isn't about me...or Ellie...or anything in the past...This is because i want you to be happy for real. and i need to be able to be happy. So just go. You are obviously not in love with me, and you may be with Ellie, so just go figure it out. If you and me is the right thing...we'll get another chance...but for now...i just can't be what you settled for. not anymore.
Craig: Manny...
(She just walks away. leaves the party looking very upset. Craig is just standing there. can't figure out why he isn't going after her.)
(Ellie walks up)
Ellie: More Manny drama?
Craig: you could definately say that.
Ellie: another ride on the Santos emotional rollercoaster, eh?
Craig: actually she dumped me.
Ellie: What? Manuela Santos...breaking up with you! gotta say i didn't see that coming.
Craig: I guess everyone else did.
Ellie: what do you mean? what ass-hat move did you pull this time?
Craig: I'll have you know this time it's your fault...veryone thinks there's something between us.
Ellie: you and me? Do you want me to talk to her?
Craig: As much as i'm sure you'd both enjoy that...nah... it's for the best right now.
Ellie: that still sucks. I'm so sorry.
Craig: thanks, but i'm really okay.
Ellie: She was way off base. You and I are just friends.
Craig: yeah...
(they look into each other's eyes for a sec. then Ellie breaks the eye contact and Craig kisses her)
(Ellie kinda looks awkward about it)
Craig: i'm sorry. i just...
(Ellie kisses him...PASSIONATELY. they are both into it)
(Manny is across the street. thinking she made a mistake, she turns around to go back to the party and sees craig and ellie kissing. she starts to cry and turns and leaves)
(ellie and craig break. awkward moment)
Ellie: uh...i have to go...
(she walks away)
(craig looks a little puzzled and goes back into the dot.)
Ash: Where's El?
Craig: ummm...ellie wasn't feeling well...she went home i think...i'm...actually gonna go too. way too much party for me for one nite.
Ashley: uh...later craig.
Craig: bye guys.
( Craig exits and ashley looks a little puzzled.)
:outside ellies's house:
(ellie is walking toward her front steps and someone is there waiting or her.)
(she strains to try and see who it is and then realizes and walks up toward him.)
Ellie: What are you doing here?
(he kisses her)
Ellie: Sean?...
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Sean: Ellie, I...
Ellie: What do you want Sean? i told you we're through. you can't just come here and kiss me and think that changes it. I've moved on.
Sean: You did kiss me back.
Ellie: force of habit. it won't happen again. because you won't kiss me again...because we are done.
Sean: Ellie I'm sorry.
Ellie: Great, thanks. That makes me feel a LOT better.
Sean: I love you Ellie
Ellie: Really? Cuz you have a pretty funny way of showing it. I didn't get the memo that bailing was the new halmark card. my bad.
Sean: I'm trying. I'm here now...and i came back for you...nothing else.
Ellie: Well forgive me for not just sitting around moping over you this whole year! Is that what you expected? Is that what you wanted? Sean, you left me. intstead of being here with me and dealing...together, you just bolted.
Sean: (sounding really sincere) and I'm so sorry for that. it was a mistake.
Ellie: A mistake? I loved you so much. Did you even think about me at all?
Sean: Of course i did. every day.
Ellie: Really? Sean I was devastated when you left. Did you think about what i was gonna do?...how i was gonna pay for the apartment...if i was gonna start cutting again?
Sean: you didn't...
Ellie: No Sean...but not thanks to you! without friends like Marco, and Craig, and even Alex...
Sean: Craig? are you...
Ellie: Not you concern. Not since you walked out on me.
Sean: Gimme a break Ellie...
Ellie: You need a break! what do you call the last year sean? You didn't enjoy your little vacation from me. you need a break? here. enjoy.
(she goes in and slams the door)
(Sean stares at it for a sec. then flails his arms in a pissed off motion and walks away)
(Ellie is inside the door looking like she REALLY doesn't know what to do now. she still has feelings for Sean of course, but what did her kiss with Craig mean? she sinks to the floor.)