A Few Notes: The original story, "I'll Stand By You" was started right after Voices Carry aired. So basically any events that happened afterward that don't fit my plots, didn't happen in my stories. Also, you don't have to have read the other one in order to understand this one as I will briefly recap it in some way throughout the story. But if you want, you can read it:-)

Sorry it took so long for this sequel but I've been super busy with school and stuff and haven't got a chance to write. Hopefully my updates won't be too few and far between.

O and also, I don't know if there is an actual University of Toronto, but this is just one I made up for story purposes.


The weight was too heavy and Ellie knew she couldn't manage it. She had struggled and tried her best but she just wasn't strong enough. She was falling and she knew it.

"Whoa." Strong hands pressed against her back, keeping her from falling head over heels down the stairs. Then they came around her to take the heavy box from her arms.

"What were you trying to do, join the box gymnastics team?" Craig asked Ellie with a teasing grin on his face, a hint of amusement in his blue eyes.

"As a matter of fact, I was," Ellie replied breathlessly. "You ruined my perfect dismount."

Craig squeezed past her to continue up the stairs and paused to brush her cheek with his lips. "Maybe next time."

Ellie watched him go up the stairs with a small smile on her lips then headed back down to the first floor.

They were moving into an apartment together, just a few minutes away from the University of Toronto. They had been talking about it since sophomore year of college and now a year later,Ellie was excited that it was actually happening. She was pretty much excited about every aspect of their relationship. She still couldn't believe that their four year anniversary was today. Certainly when they started dating back at the beginning of their senior year of high school, she had had high hopes for the relationship, but it was still overwhelming that they had lasted this long. Sure they had their difficulties here and there—while Craig's bipolar was pretty much under control, there were some days where Ellie had a hard time dealing with his mood swings. But overall, everything was just about as close to perfect as she had imagined it could be. It almost made her a little nervous, as if something could go wrong at any moment.

"Hello Mrs. Manning—oh I mean Miss Nash," a familiar voice called out to her. Ellie smiled upon seeing Marco strolling across the the lobby. He also attended the university with them and the three of them spent time together often.

"Hey," she said. "Come to help us move in? Or just to make fun of us?"

"Can't I do both?" He came over and gave her a quick hug.

"How was you fabulous summer in New York?" Ellie asked.

"Amazing of course. That internship was unbelievable. I never realized how much there was to advertising." Marco grinned. "Not to mention—tons of cute guys in that city."

"Hey don't tell her that, you'll put ideas in her head," Craig said, coming down the stairs. He gave Marco a pat on the back. "Glad you've come to help us out what with all the moving Ellie isn't doing."

"Hey," Ellie said indignantly. "Aren't you supposed to be the macho man?" She playfully squeezed his bicep. "Then again…"

Craig wrapped his arm around her, pulling her close. "I'll show you how strong I can be…" He leaned in close with a pseudo angry look on his face then planted a gentle kiss on her nose.

Marco rolled his eyes. "You guys do realize that if I vomit on this carpet your landlord will probably evict you guys."

Just then Mr. Nash walked in with the last box followed closely by Mrs. Nash carrying a small potted plant.

"Just a little housewarming gift I picked up down the street," Mrs. Nash said with a smile.

"Thanks," Craig said cheerfully as he took it from her hands. "I love plants!"

Ellie rolled her eyes at him then walked over to her parents. "Thanks for helping us move in. I think the three of us can handle these last few boxes."

"Are you sure?" Mrs. Nash persisted. "It wouldn't really be any trouble for us to help with these…"

"Mom," Ellie said firmly. "Thanks but we got it."

Mr. Nash smiled down at his daughter. "Your mother got a little teary when she was picking out the plant."

"Well it's just that…I feel like we're moving you into college all over again. I mean, getting your own apartment is a huge next step in your life." She stroked Ellie's hair with a smile. "Hard to let go." She took a deep breath. "But I know I have to."

Ellie reached up to give her mother a hug. "I'm not that far away. You can visit whenver you want." She paused. "Just, um, not too often okay?"

"I didn't hear that last part," her mother replied.

Ellie smiled and felt an unusual surge of affection for the woman. She was certaintly proud of her mother that was for sure. She had been sober for over four years now and showed no signs of going back to the person she had been.

"Love you Mom," Ellie murmured before pulling away.

"You too, honey."

After exchanging goodbyes with her father, they finally left.

"Okay, why don't you two head on up," Marco said. "I'll get this last box."

"That's silly we can all go up together," Ellie replied, confused.

Marco widened his eyes at her then nodded his head towards something behind her. She turned slowly to see a handsome young man standing by the mailboxes. Ellie turned back to Marco and he wiggled his eyebrows.

Craig grinned knowingly. "We'll see you up there." He grabbed Ellie's hand and pulled her away. They walked up the stairs hand in hand until they reached the room. Ellie started to go in but Craig grabbed her shoulders.

"Wait." He bent down then hoisted her up into his arms. "Let's do it right."

Ellie smiled as he carried her across the threshold. He stood there for a moment and they both looked around taking everything in. The place was a small one bedroom apartment with a tiny bathroom and kitchen but it was clean and Ellie thought it was absolutely perfect. After a minute, Craig set her down gently. She looked up at him but he was still staring at some point on the wall. She saw glinting in his eyes but he blinked quickly and looked down at her.

"Are you okay?" she asked worriedly.

Craig nodded quickly, flashing a quick smile. "Yeah, of course." He kissed the top of her head. "Everything's perfect."

"Are you sure?" she pressed.

He nodded. "Yeah. I'm just nervous about tonight."

"What's to be nervous about tonight? I thought we were just going out to dinner."

Craig nodded quickly. "Yeah we are. I just meant nervous about moving in and everything."

Marco came into the room just then. He held up a piece of paper with a phone number scrawled on it. "Success!"

Craig moved over to congratulate his friend. He sent a grin in Ellie's direction then relieved Marco of the box he had been holding.

Ellie smiled back at him but she couldn't help but feel as though a dark cloud had settled into the blue sky the day had been.


Kinda short, but I'll hopefullyupdate soon! Leave reviews!