Chapter 1: How?

Changes aren't always for the better, she reminded herself, looking in the mirror with tears in her eyes. How did this happen? Everything was going so well. Then it happened. I remember… it started on the worst day of my life.

She ran up the stairs to the school, looking at no one. She was too angry to do anything. She had to get to him. She needed to tell him. In her fit of rage, she bumped into someone: him.

"Hey, Ash. Going somewhere?"

"I have something to say to you, Craig," Ashley said, in fury.

"Whoa! Someone woke up on the wrong side of the world today," Craig joked.

"Not really. So, when were you thinking of telling me that you fucked her?"

"How- how- who told you?"

"Who do you think? Who is the biggest gossip in the world?"

"Paige. But, she wouldn't confess. She's smarter than that. Did she want to ruin your friendship?"

"No, but she wanted to ruin our relationship."

"Did she?"

"What the hell do you think?"

"Uh…"

"You fucking cheated on me again! What the fuck is your problem? And with my best friend! You fucked my best friend! And after you fucked me! You fucking idiot!"

"I take it you like the word, 'fuck'?"

"Do you not understand? You're such a dick-head!"

"Sounds fun. When do you want to do it?"

"Ugh! I hate you!"

"Are you breaking up with me?"

"YES! You fucking dip-shit! I hate you! I never want to see your scummy cheating face again! I can't believe you would stoop this low! I thought you were better than this! I guess I was wrong…"

"Wait! I am different. Just give me another chance."

"Why in the hell would I do that? I'm not on drugs!"

"It was the bi-polar. It wasn't me."

"No. I can prove it. I watched you take your meds that morning. And I made sure you took them right."

"Fine! I screwed up! I'm sorry!"

"When did I hear this before? Oh, yeah! When you cheated on me with Paige's skank cheerleader friend, Manny!"

Craig's jaw drops. He is utterly speechless. Ash turns around and walks into school. Tears are rolling down her cheeks and her mascara is running. She looks like a total mess. Ellie comes up to her.

"What's wrong," Ellie asked, sincerely.

"Stupid man whore." Favorite line in this entire fanfic

"What did Craig do this time?"

"Fucked Paige."

"Paige? As in Paige Mikalchuk, your best friend?"

"Ex-best friend. Damn skank."

"Why would she do that? How do you know she did it?"

"Because she's a skanky whore and she told me herself."

"Aw, you need some time off."

Ellie hugs Ash. Both of them are crying.

"I'll tell you what, I'll drive you home and you promise me you'll get over that bastard. He doesn't deserve you."

"'Kay," Ash said, sniffling.

They leave the school. On their way out, Ash spots Paige. She gives her an evil stare as she walks past. Ellie and Ash get into her car. Ellie turns on the ignition.

"It'll be fine."