XXII. Loving You Is Sweeter Than Ever
Loving You Is Sweeter Than Ever is the property of Stevie Wonder and Ivy Hunter.
I remember yet before we met
When every night and day
I had to live the life of a lonely one.
And I remember meeting you,
Discovering love could be so true
When shared by two, 'stead of only one.
When you said you loved me
And we could not be parted.
Said, I built my world around you
And I'm truly glad I found you
Because loving you has made my life sweeter than ever.
I never felt so good before.
Loving you has made my life sweeter than ever.
Yes it has, you know it has.
Each night I pray we'll never part
Because the love within my heart
Grows stronger from day to day.
Best I try, hard I try
To reassure and satisfy.
You know I'd be lost if you went away.
Because loving you has made my life sweeter than ever.
Yes it has, I know it has.
Loving you has made my life sweeter than ever.
Because loving you has made my life sweeter than ever.
I never felt so good before.
Loving you has made my life sweeter than ever.
Yes it has, you know it has.
Loving you has made my life sweeter than ever.
Don't you know my baby there.
Loving you has made my life sweeter than ever.
Darkness surrounds Ashley's eyes, as the car lurches forward, finally coming to a stop. Her window down, she can smell light perfumed air, the fragrance of summer blossoms. Though her eyes are shut, she can tell it's dusk, soft breezes caressing her skin. The ignition is turned off, and first she hears Craig's door open then hers, feels him take her hand. There's a slight jingle of keys, which makes Ashley twist her lips in confusion. He leads her down a path to somewhere.
"Everything isn't done yet, but we did as much as we could," he says.
"What are you talking about?" asks Ashley.
"Before we go in, two rules. One, we can't talk about the case. I want you to relax. I mean, total relaxation. Two, if you don't like anything, blame Marco," says Craig, putting the key in the lock.
"Marco?" says Ashley.
Craig pulls Ashley inside, locks the door.
"Can I take this off now?" asks Ashley.
"No...just a sec," answers Craig.
She feels Craig go past her, and suddenly a song starts to play. Ashley grins.
As sure as night is dark and day is light
I keep you on my mind both day and night
And happiness I've known proves that it's right
Because you're mine,
I walk the line.
"Johnny Cash," states Ashley. "Why am I listening to Johnny Cash?"
Craig shushes her, and Ashley picks up a trace of something that smells like smoke.
"Is something burning?" asks Ashley as the song continues.
You've got a way to keep me on your side
You give me cause for love that I can't hide
For you I know I'd even try to turn the tideBecause you're mine, I walk the line.
Craig maneuvers Ashley into what she guesses is the center of wherever she is. He unties the blindfold, allows her to look around. Ashley can't stop smiling, her heart beating fast, her hands rising to her face in astonishment. Candles were everywhere, on a mantelpiece that held pictures of them, some from their London trip, some from high school and college; they were near the radio that blasted the tune; they were near a window where the sun is setting. A couple vases of red roses were on a coffee table, with a white card attached to the stem of one rose.
"Read it," says Craig, grinning.
Ashley picks up the card, reads it. "717 Carter Avenue."
"It's our address," says Craig.
"Address?" breathes Ashley. "You mean?"
Craig nods excitedly. "This is our house. All of it."
Ashley covers her mouth, then jumps into his arms, while Craig swirls her around. She laughs happily, grabs his hand, and starts searching the rooms. With each room, Craig explains what he and Marco did, and Ashley is impressed. They did so much in so little time. The furniture was there, three of the rooms were painted, and Craig informs her that Sydney had actually given him a good deal. After making the rounds, they return to the main room, both their faces framed by candlelight.
"I'm...I'm speechless," says Ashley. "A house!"
"That's a first," teases Craig.
Ashley slaps him lightly. "You're sneaky...in the best way."
She strokes his cheek, kisses him. To her surprise, Craig pulls away, wipes his lips.
"Take off your heels," says Craig, disappearing into another room.
"Umm, why, do you want to wear them?" yells Ashley behind him.
"Just take them off, squish your feet against the carpet!" he yells back.
Ashley shrugs, chucks off her heels. The carpet really is soft and squishy, she thinks, smiling slightly. Craig comes back in, his arms loaded with boxes. Ashley arches an eyebrow, watches him set them on the floor. She starts reading the names on the boxes, giggling.
"Awww," she gushes.
"I've got Trivial Pursuit, which I know you could kill me in. Scrabble, which you could also kill me in. And Monopoly," says Craig, sliding off his suit jacket.
Ashley claps, sit on the floor.
"I want you to have a fair chance, so Monopoly," says Ashley.
Craig starts setting up, Ashley gazing happily at him. How was it possible to have a person know you so well, and not only that, no what you needed? She had felt like running out of the courtroom so many times during her testimony, the level of stress at its maximum, just like when she ran to England, ran out of the studio, but Craig was always there, waiting.
"I want the dog," says Ashley, plucking the small, metal moving piece that resembled a dog.
"Angie almost swallowed the dog once," says Craig. "Not pretty. I guess I'll be manly and choose the racing car."
"Oh yeah, guys always choose the car," says Ashley. "Guys and their rides."
"Only this one doesn't have a backseat," says Craig, examining the little car closely.
"You would notice that!" exclaims Ashley, moving her hair out of her eye.
They play as the candles start to die down, music lightly playing in the background. Ashley didn't think about the case, about Jimmy, about what would ultimately happen. It was nice not to think, to have five million different things whirling around inside her head. Craig seemed to be on the same page, finishing off a piece of pizza they ordered, groaning when he lands on Boardwalk.
"Why does that keep happening?" he moans, shaking his head.
"Cough up the cash, Craig," says Ashley, grinning widely.
"Who taught you to buy up all the railroads? You're killing me," says Craig.
"Putting hotels on Boardwalk is what's really killing you. That's two thousand dollars."
"Which I don't have. Come on, cut me a break."
Ashley shakes her head. "Nope. Pay up."
"Ugh, let me count again."
As Craig counts his fake money, Ashley has a sudden thought that makes her heart skip a beat.
"This is kind of our first big date," announces Ashley. "I mean, since we've been back."
Craig smiles at her, rifling through his hundreds. "Yeah...yeah, it is."
"Remember our first date?" asks Ashley, blushing.
"The luau!" answers Craig, enthusiastically. "We were young."
"And I was goth...," starts Ashley.
"And I was cute," finishes Craig.
Ashley throws a little green house at him, and he laughs. They'd had so many firsts. She thinks back to the first time they met at Degrassi. She was writing song lyrics for Kwan's class, running a hand over her short, black hair, staring off into space. Craig came into view immediately, wearing a dark sweatshirt, a camera resting around his neck.
"Writer's block?" he asked.
Ashley had noticed him a few times, mainly in class or him hanging out with Sean in the lunchroom. She ran the pen tip over her lips, shrugging.
"It's just not coming out right," she complained. "Sometimes you want to say something, but the words.."
"They need to find you," finished Craig.
Ashley nodded enthusiastically. "Exactly."
"I write music too...not really good music."
"I'm sure it's good," said Ashley, smiling encouragingly. "I could...maybe read it sometime. Be an extra eye."
Craig grinned. "Yeah. Just go easy on me, okay? I'm new to this whole music thing."
"I won't be cruel," replied Ashley.
Craig extended his hand to her. "I'm Craig. We've never been properly introduced."
"Ashley," said Ashley, taking his hand, feeling a warm surge shoot up her arm.
Craig looked at her, staring right into her eyes. "It's nice...nice to know you."
"Same here," said Ashley, staring back.
Ashley smiles at the memory, watches Craig wipe his mouth with a napkin.
"Do you remember...our first time?" asks Ashley, picking up a little hotel. "In one of these?"
Craig's face reddens. "I definitely remember that."
Ashley slides next to him, beaming. She rubs his thigh, while Craig does his best to look around the room aimlessly.
"How about we do what we did then, finish what we started in the tent, and I'll forget what you owe me?" whispers Ashley.
Craig shyly looks down, then pulls Ashley to his chest, kissing her deeply. Ashley stops, stares into his eyes.
"Let's make love in our house," whispers Ashley, tracing his chin with her thumb. "Let's pretend it's us tonight and there's no one else."
"Ever since I bought the bed, I've been wanting to test it out," concedes Craig, rubbing his nose with hers.
Craig leans her back, and Ashley yelps as something small pokes her back. She reaches behind, rolls her eyes at the small red hotel. Craig takes it, throws her away, helps her to stand. He kisses her neck, lightly licking the nape of it. Ashley moans, drawing him to her. They both back up towards the bedroom, still in each other's arms, still attached. Ashley's back hits a door, and Craig stops kissing her, his breath coming in short gasps.
"It's been so long, Ash," he whispers. "So long without you."
"Eight years, but who's counting?" says Ashley, fumbling with the doorknob, getting it open.
She flips on the light, resumes kissing him, enjoying Craig's lips. He starts unbuttoning her blouse, as they both sit on the bed.
"We can be loud as we want," says Craig, reaching to unfasten her bra. "It's our place."
"You're the one that's loud," says Ashley, taking off his tie.
"No, I remember. You're the loud one," says Craig, chuckling, as he kisses the top of her chest.
Ashley moans, lets him kiss anywhere he wants. So many things had remained dormant within her, stiff, chilled. But now, so much warmth, a returning heat. She closes her eyes, hears the belt of her skirt, then her skirt fall to the floor. Craig unbuttons his dress shirt, fingers flying down fast, getting it open, and it joins the pile on the floor. He lays on top of her, his mouth inches from hers.
"You sure, Ash?" he says, gazing into her eyes.
"I love you. What's to be sure about?" she says, reaching down to unbutton his slacks.
The slacks, his boxers, her underwear, also banished to the floor.
Craig moans, kisses her forehead, her nose, her lips.
With each movement, she comes more undone. Gorgeously undone. Each touch leads to a better one. Each heartbeat leads to a quicker beat, a new, sweet rhythm. There has never been this type of music, and it's something they want to last forever. It's jazz, sweaty, intense, dizzying. It's classical, beautiful, graceful. It's rock, passionate and timeless. There's so much to it. And yes, it's theirs.
Ashley sighs into the pillow, breathing in the fresh scent. Everything looks new to her, possible to her. Craig puts an arm around her body, swathed in the silk sheets, laces his fingers through hers, smiles into her hair.
"I love you," he whispers, squeezing her hand.
She takes his hand, kisses it. "Will you say it every morning?"
"Yes," says Craig, finding her lips again.
II.
The alarm flashes seven o' clock with red, large number as Craig wakes up.
"Mmm," he mutters, turning his head.
As he turns, he's pleasantly startled by the body sleeping next to him. He didn't have any dreams the night before. He didn't have to. The one he wants is right here, her red-brown hair trailing down the blanket, a mix of perfume and sweat reaching up to his nose. He hopes this is the first of many mornings like this, being next to her, satisfied in every way. She opens her eyes, stares happily at him.
"I love you," says Craig, pinching her thigh through the sheet.
"You remembered," says Ashley, running a hand over his curls.
"Yep, even though you wore me out last night," says Craig.
"We were getting reacquainted," says Ashley, shyly.
Craig pulls her to him, so she's on top, looking into his face.
"We reacquainted three times," says Craig, sliding his hands down her back.
Ashley blushes, rolls to the side, and grabs her bra and underwear. Craig sits up, gleefully smiles as she dresses. But to his disappointment, Ashley is frowning as she clips her bra.
"We have court today," she says, patting down her hair.
Craig nods. "Yeah, with me on the witness stand."
She heads for the bathroom. Craig finds a fresh pair of boxers, gets them on, and joins her. He's surprised to find her pacing the room, her head down.
"I need to stop by my mom's and change. I should probably call Liberty. I have to...," begins Ashley.
Craig stops her from pacing anymore. "You have to calm down. It'll be fine."
Ashley shakes herself, smiles. "Yeah, you're right. Are you ready?"
Craig sits on the toilet, putting toothpaste onto his toothbrush.
"To defend your honor? Always," says Craig, confidently.
"Thank you," says Ashley, wrapping her arms around his head. "But you're not ready."
"I'm not?"
"Yeah, you need a shave."
Ashley takes his toiletry bag, finds some shaving cream, and a razor. Craig gives her a puzzled look as she puts some shaving cream near his mouth.
"I stink at answering questions, though," says Craig. "When Mickey's friends stole all my money, I got all frazzled. I may have said poop in one of my answers."
Ashley laughs, starts guiding the razor down his left cheek.
"I'll question you," says Ashley.
"So what do you want to know?" asks Craig, wrapping his arms around her waist.
"Mr. Craig Manning, did you know that a certain Miss Ashley Kerwin is amazingly grateful to you? For everything?" asks Ashley, grinning as she finishes his left cheek.
"No, but it's nice to hear," says Craig, smiling as Ashley completes her task.
"Did you also know that she's amazingly attracted to you?"
"Hmmm, yeah, I think she made that pretty obvious last night," laughs Craig.
"And what if, just a possible scenario, this certain Miss Ashley Kerwin were to ask you to marry her?" says Ashley, avoiding his eyes.
Craig's mouth drops, and he can hear water running through the pipes, rattling in the toilet.
"Really?" says Craig, gulping.
"Well, she wouldn't ask you when you're sitting on a toilet. But maybe someday. When things are better."
Craig flushes scarlet. "Then I'd say I'd be looking forward to it. And she already knows my answer."
"That's what I thought," says Ashley, beaming. "Let's get dressed."
The two of them dress in a hurry, Ashley calling Kate ahead of time so they'd be expecting them. As they exit the house, Ashley gets her first full view of the house. Craig watches her face light up, enthused because he hadn't seen that face in awhile. All his effort has paid off. They get into the car, Ashley still smiling.
"What?" prompts Craig.
"We have a mailbox," says Ashley, looking at the blue mailbox with its flag up. "We have a home."
III.
The crowd had grown more intense from yesterday, so much so that police offers now joined the midst of the throng. There is constant yelling, car horns honking, cameras flashing. At least, thinks Craig, I know more of the people milling around. It includes Derek and Darcy, standing at the entrance, waving as Craig and Ashley approach the entrance.
"Dude, you're like John Lennon and Yoko Ono, man!" says Derek, patting him on the back.
"She's no Yono," says Craig, nodding towards Ashley. "What are you two doing here?"
"WJTV stuff," replies Derek. "Your story's getting bigger and bigger. Someone's gotta cover it. Emma went AWOL, you're here, Ash, so we have this temporary boss."
"And she's wack. But if you guys need any judicial terms, I watch Judge Judy all the time," says Darcy. "I can help Liberty out if she's ever stuck."
Craig rolls his eyes, while Ashley gives her a sweet smile.
"Thanks, Darcy," she says, heading into the courthouse.
Craig, about to go in, is stopped by Derek, who eyes him smugly.
"What?" says Craig.
"You look really, really...I don't know. Don't you see it, Dar?" says Derek.
"Mhmmm," says Darcy, grinning at Derek.
"Just say it," says Craig, a puzzled look on his face.
"Afterglow-y," says Darcy.
"You got some!" whispers Derek, proudly. "It's so freakin' apparent, guy."
"Seven years of pent up passion," whispers Darcy. "Finally released."
"I don't know what...I don't know what you guys are talking about," stammers Craig. "I gotta go...like now."
He brushes past them, his cheeks burning. Only Darcy and Derek, thinks Craig. Only them. But yes, he is happy. He can't control what others see. He had Ash, a house, and soon, this would all be over. Before walking into the courtroom, he feels a tap on his shoulder. Joey, Caitlin, and Angie, her hair trailing to her waist, stood before him.
"Hey," says Joey, hugging Craig. "We finally made it here."
Craig returns the hug, grins. "You guys didn't tell me we were coming."
"I got called to testify," explains Joey. "On your behalf, I assume."
"And of course, Ang and I wanted to be here for moral support," says Caitlin.
"Still dating that delinquent, Ang?" asks Craig, hugging her gently.
"His name is Viper," says Angie. "And yes, we're happy. But I'm just hoping you're okay? All this stuff is scary, Craig."
Craig glances around at each of their faces. It's clear Angie isn't the only one concerned.
"Don't worry, guys," soothes Craig. "This is going to work out fine. Paige's testimony, your testimony, Joey, and my testimony is totally going to turn this in our favor. It'll be good. Okay?"
Joey nods, reassuringly, though Craig can see worry lines etched near the top of his head.
They all enter the court room, Craig taking a seat behind Ashley and Liberty, his family seated in the same row as him. Ashley chats with them happily, as Craig's eyes drift across the room. First, he sees Ellie, talking to Spinner in a row at the opposite end of the room. Paige is missing today. Then, he sees Jimmy, his parents, and Carla bending over a piece of paper until Judge Winton calls the case to order.
"Sincerest apologies for the brief recess. Miss Van Zandt, it was agreed that you would start us off today. Would you like to call your first witness?"
Liberty nods. "Yes, your honor. I call Joseph Jeremiah to the stand."
Joey straightens his tie, approaching the bench, is sworn in, and sits. Craig feels a bit more at ease. Joey had done so much for him in the past, and there isn't reason to believe he would fail him or Ashley now.
"Mr. Jeremiah, if your stepson, Craig Manning, were to become the stepfather of Leslie, Ashley's daughter, do you think he'd fare well?" asks Liberty.
"Absolutely," says Joey, smiling at Craig. "He's caring, understanding, one of the most compassionate people I've ever met. He was fantastic with my daughter Angie, his stepsister. Very attentive. And he's had a hard life, but he just keeps going. He's strong."
"How would you describe his courtship with Miss Kerwin?" questions Liberty.
"Oh, wow," says Joey. "Well, they've had their share of problems, but they love each other, or else I guarantee they wouldn't be here. They both give of their hearts completely, which sometimes gets them in trouble, but they've seen each other through things most adults couldn't get through. Craig loves her intensely. I don't think I've ever seen anything quite like it. And Ashley, Miss Kerwin, she's helped him, helped our family, been there for a lot. Just as committed. That's why I believe in them, why I'm here today."
"Thank you, Mr. Jeremiah," says Liberty. "Your witness, Miss Arrow."
Carla smiles coldly. "Mr. Jeremiah, do you know a Miss Eleanor Nash?"
"Ellie...yes," says Joey.
"Aaah, so you know that this woman, not Miss Kerwin, was dating Mr. Manning about a month ago?"
"Sure, yeah."
"Mr. Jeremiah, would you consider Eleanor a good girlfriend? More importantly, a faithful girlfriend?"
"Yes."
"Yet, Mr. Manning cheated on her. This woman has also stuck by your stepson during hard times. In fact, when Miss Kerwin went to England, she helped him along with a support group. When Ashley cheated on him, Miss Nash was there."
"A support group which Ashley suggested," adds Joey. "Ashley does care about Craig. "
"How did she treat Craig when she found out he was bipolar?" asks Carla. "Well?"
Craig holds his breath, feels like his tie is cutting off his circulation.
"She was concerned, maybe a little too much."
"She pitied him, then left, like she did with Jimmy for the past five years?"
"No!" yells Joey. "Look, she got scared, she was sixteen. They were teenagers."
"And Craig, of course, being a normal teenager, tries to follow her half way across the world, and he was medicated at the time."
"He was heartbroken!"
"Heartbroken? Heartbroken? Why not sit at home like most teenagers do? No, instead he jeopardizes his health and acts irresponsibly, because of the undependable nature of Miss Kerwin, who abandons those she supposedly cares most about?"
"I'm not defending Ashley in that instance, but...," begins Joey.
"Mr. Jeremiah, there's no need. Actions speak louder than words. Thank you."
Carla takes a seat, smiles at Mr. Brooks, begins taking notes.
"I have to say something, your honor," says Joey, facing Judge Winton. "Just a little bit."
Judge Winton slides down her glasses, puts them back on. "Very well."
"Craig, he's made some bad choices. But I am so proud of him, and I admire him. He follows his heart. He takes chances. And yeah, it gets you in trouble, but maybe the reward is worth it."
Joey casts a look in Caitlin's direction. She smiles back at him.
"You may be seated, Mr. Jeremiah," says Judge Winton.
Joey returns to the row, shaking Craig's hand as he sits.
"Your witness, Miss Arrow," says Judge Winton.
"Your honor, I call Craig Manning to the stand," says Carla.
Craig swallows the lump in his throat. It can't get much worse, he thinks, though Joey's comment may've made a difference. He felt like he was putting his head under a guillotine. Still, he has to put on a brave front for Ashley. He had to be the braver out of the two, and he wouldn't let her crumble.
"Do you promise to tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth, so help you God?" says the bailiff, Craig's hand on the Bible.
"I do," says Craig, then sitting down.
Craig strokes his chin, puts his hands in his lap. Ashley gives him a weak grin, which he returns. Out of the corner of his eye, he catches Jimmy staring at him intensely.
"Morning, Mr. Manning," says Carla.
"Morning," replies Craig, shifting in his seat.
"Mr. Manning, can you tell us about the night of July eighth, approximately five years ago?" asks Carla.
"What?" says Craig, arching his eyebrows.
Carla walks to a table, pulls a piece of paper from her folder.
"Police report filed on that exact day, your honor," she says, handing it to the judge. "Mr. Manning damaged property in a bar in a drunken outrage. He escaped jail time based on some wrangling from his manager. You don't recall breaking a mirror, Mr. Manning, or were you too drunk to notice?"
"I remember...being there," says Craig, his foot shaking a bit.
"So you were intoxicated at the time?"
"Yes."
"And on this same night, we have eyewitnesses who saw you push Ms. Nash."
Craig throws Ellie a look, and she bites her lip.
"I...I didn't mean to hurt her. I didn't hurt her!"
"But you pushed her. He pushed a woman, ladies and gentleman of the jury. Whose to say he won't hurt a child after a drunken stupor? Mr. Brooks has a clean record in comparison."
Craig hears the scratch of a chair, and sees Ashley shoot up, glaring at Carla.
"Craig has never laid a hand on Leslie!" she protests. "He'd never hurt my daughter!"
"That's ludicrous!" adds Joey. "My son's harmless!"
"Miss Kerwin, Mr. Jeremiah, settle down or I will be forced to hold you in contempt," says Judge Winton. "These police reports are legitimate. Council, you may proceed."
"Thank you," says Carla, flashing Ashley a triumphant smile. "Mr. Manning, who controls your funds?"
Paralyzed, Craig blinks back tears. He would never hurt Leslie or any other child.
"Mr. Manning, please answer the question," says Carla.
"Umm, my manager controls most of my funds," says Craig. "I control some assets, though they're smaller."
"Your honor, we also have documentation that shows that Craig Manning had a period of debt five years ago, presumably because his manager's associate stole his primary funds, including part of his inheritance," says Carla, fetching the document and handing it to the judge.
"I see," says Judge Winton.
"Therefore, ladies and gentlemen, his finances are less secure than one would think. Jimmy Brooks continually pays for Leslie's needs, and has a spotless financial record. We need to think of financial security, and even though Mr. Manning makes more than enough, it has not always been consistent. Keep in mind, this is the man Miss Kerwin could potentially start a home with."
Craig watches Ashley shoot Carla a cold look, as if she's about to pounce on the lawyer.
"Not to be taken lightly, Mr. Manning, are some recent, extravagant purchases?"
Craig shrugs.
"A house? You bought a house, did you not?"
"Yes."
"Did you think very hard about buying it, or was it one of your spontaneous ventures, like trying to follow Miss Kerwin to England?"
"I...um..."
"You're under oath, Mr. Manning."
"I made the decision and bought the house...the same day."
He looks at the jury, who look bewildered. Ellie and Jimmy also appear taken aback. Ashley rubs her neck, nervously.
"Doesn't seem very stable to me," says Carla.
"I want us to be stable!" argues Craig. "That's why I bought it. I want Leslie to have a home with us! With me and Ash."
"You're already making plans and you don't know the outcome of this case? Very impetuous, and it shows very little respect for the child's wishes. Perhaps she doesn't want to live with you. How close are you to Leslie?"
"Okay, so we're not real close, but..."
"Just as I thought. You show total disregard for her feelings, the feelings of Mr. Brooks. That's why you crashed the wedding between Mr. Brooks and Ms. Kerwin. And years later, you knowingly put yourself back in the mix to disrupt their home."
"That's not true!" exclaims Craig.
"So Miss Kerwin told you to come to this camping trip?"
"No...I invited myself...along," stammers Craig.
"There you have it, ladies and gentlemen. Knowingly went after another's man wife, cheating on Miss Nash. Do you and Miss Kerwin have a sexual relationship?"
"We didn't sleep together that night," says Craig.
"That's not what I asked. Are you sleeping together presently?"
"We...we slept together last night. But that's it."
Craig feels sweat pouring down every part of his face.
"And the divorce papers haven't even been signed yet," says Carla, shaking her head.
"They were sent, but Jimmy keeps acting like an idiot and...," shouts Craig.
Jimmy pounds the table, drawing attention to him.
"Who's the real idiot, Craig? You come into my life, ruin my marriage, make my kid depressed. I'm just trying to hold onto what I have!"
"You never had it!" yells Craig. "You never had Ash!"
"Gentlemen!" shouts Judge Winton over the many murmurs in the room. "Stop. I'd like a brief recess and suggest that you all get a hold of yourselves. Mr. Manning, please step down and control yourself."
Craig leaves the stand, walks straight out of the room, even though he can feel Ashley's eyes on his back. Everyone files out, and he sits on a bench outside an office, wiping tears. Ashley sits next to him.
"Craig, you need to know that this doesn't change anything, alright? I still...," starts Ashley.
"It's no use, Ash," says Craig. "You can't get Leslie if I'm around."
"Yes...yes we can."
"No, no we can't! They made me sound...sound horrible! I wouldn't trust me either."
He stands, walks away, but Ashley makes him halt.
"You're always the optimist," says Ashley, tears filling her eyes. "Why are you giving up? You can't!"
"Maybe you shouldn't be with me," says Craig, holding her back as she tries to hug him.
"No...Craig! Craig! I need you to be here. Let's just talk to Liberty first."
"Ash, I won't be the one that stops you from being with Leslie. I can't..."
"Craig...you left before. Don't leave again. You said...you said you'd stay! You can't leave like last time. You can't."
Craig shakes his head. "If I stay, it's over. Don't you see? You're a good mom and Jimmy doesn't want me around."
Ashley tries to grab him again, but he pins her hands to her sides.
"Don't make this harder for me, Ash," he whispers, kissing her cheek.
Ashley sobs, pushes him away. "I hate you! I hate you so much right now!" she whispers.
She runs away. Craig wishes someone would shoot him right now, end this horrible pain.
"Ashley!" he screams behind her. "Ashley!"