Chapter 4: No More Words
Okay, this chapter is going to be a bit different in terms of POV. Even though Craig was last chapter's pov he's going to start out this one, and then Ash will take over at the end. This song might imply that Craig has told Manny he loves her, but for the record, he has not, ever. The lyrics fit nevertheless.
Two words: Cranny. Trouble.
Song credit: "No More Words" by Berlin
Crap. That is the only word echoing through my head right now. Manny looks really pissed and I know exactly why. Ok, wait. I have one more thought. Why is she outside of Ashley's house and how the hell did she know I was here? Joey? No way, he's not that stupid. Well, I guess it's now or never. "Hey…what's up?" Did I really just say that? Alright, here it comes. "What's up? What's up, Craig? Are you kidding me. That's all you have to say." Wow, I've never heard Manny's voice this loud. It kind of hurts. "Ok, step back a second, why are you so mad? If it's because I was hanging out with Ash, that's all we were doing. Hanging out." Now she's smiling, but I know it's one of those fake smiles that girls do when actually they want to bash your head in. "Right, and that's all we were doing a couple years ago, right? Hanging out? I knew this would come back to me. I knew it." "Whoa, Manny slow down I'm telling you nothing happened. How did you even know I was here?" Oops, shouldn't ask that, that makes me look suspicious. Wow I'm really hitting them all out of the park here huh? "Toby told me." Toby? That little…I am going kill him. "…Emma was hanging out with him, Peter, Jt, and Liberty and when I told them I was going to go see you, he said you were here." Does that boy have a brain at all? Man, I'm gonna have to have a talk with him. "Look, Manny I can understand why you are mad but you have to believe me and trust me here…" "Trust you? And what would make me do that? The fact that I never catch you in compromising positions with other girls?..." "If your talking about Ellie…" "Did I say I was finished?" Man, girls can be so mean. "Uh, sorry, continue." "Gee, thanks for your permission. Anyway, the fact that you ever called me from Vancouver, oh no wait that's right I was always calling you. And you want to know the number one reason why I don't trust you Craig?" Do I have to ask why? Yeah, I think that's what she wants me to do. "Why?" "Because in all the time I've been with you, back then and now…have you ever told me you loved me?"
You're talking it all sounds fair
You promise your love how much you care
I'm still listening and still unsure
Your actions are lacking, nothing is clear
What? What is she talking about, of course I…oh, no I never have, have I? "Yeah, that's what I thought. And you know why you've never told me that Craig? Because you don't love me." This is so…so…true. Oh my God, Manny is right. I don't love her. I never have. I mean, of course I care about her. And I've tried to convince myself that that was enough but…she's right. I don't love her. I start to speak but she cuts me off. "Don't bother…just let me talk. I might not be able to do this if you start trying to prove me wrong. So don't."
No more words
You're telling me you love me while you're looking away
No more words, no more words
And no more promises of love
"I've tried to convince myself that you'll come around. I've thought of saying it to you so many times but I knew if you said it back it would just be so I didn't feel stupid." Yeah, either that or I would've unintentionally made her feel stupid by not knowing what to say…like I did with Ash that first time around, except I really did love her. "And you know what I've decided now? I deserve more than that. I deserve someone that will tell me they love and will mean it."
I'm looking for a long romance
Not a picture of passion or one time chance
Wow. As much as it sucks that she's breaking up with me right now, I'm actually kind of proud of Manny for finally putting her foot down and not standing for my crap. I never meant to be a bad boyfriend, but I know my heart really hasn't been in it.
Don't fool your self
Your empty passion won't satisfy me
I know, so don't pretend that you want me
You don't want me, no!
Don't promise we can work it out
You can leave right now if you're feeling doubt
"So this is it then, okay? We're over. I can't wait around for you, and I just don't want to anymore. Whether or not you were with Ashley today, it doesn't matter anymore. You've always been with her every time we're together, maybe not physically, but in your heart. Even I could see that." When did Manny gain so much wisdom? She makes a really good point and it kind of scares me. "Manny, I'm so sorry…I don't even know what to say." "Don't say anything, okay, Craig? It's fine, I'll be fine. Goodbye, Craig." And with this, she turns around and walks away. I'm still kind of shocked, but also a little relieved. Well, that sucks, I guess I'm single now.
Ashley's point of view
Okay, is it wrong that I just listened to their entire breakup? I mean, they were right in front of my house so it's technically not my fault that I heard it. Besides the fact that Manny was yelling so loud at one point the entire neighborhood probably knows that Craig and Manny broke up. I can't believe she actually had the guts to do it. Is it also wrong that I'm a little happy to hear her saying that his heart has been with me? Who am I kidding, I'm ecstatic. At this point, I have no idea where Craig and I stand. I'm not even totally sure what I want anymore. At graduation the shock of seeing him again and the guilt from leaving him made me feel like I wanted to get back together. But I just don't know right now. Everything is so confusing. I thought I had moved on in London, but when I got here I knew I didn't. And now Manny basically dumped him, there is no way I'm going to be a rebound from her. And you know what, I don't even know what Craig wants. I guess we'll just stick with this friends thing for now.