Author Note:

Hello All! I do really appreciate the continued support. Degrassi: The New Era premiered in 2015. This is the 5th year doing this FanFic. With that said I do appreciate any feedback that you provide. I want this story to continue and hope that you too are enjoying it.

Thank you for being on this journey!

Degrassi: The New Era

Season Five

Episode 7

"Crying Out For Me"

Scene 1: Degrassi (Athletic Field). Afternoon

Students are bear crawling across the field. Some guys were sprinting to the 40-yard line. It's football season as Degrassi! The team was preparing for a great season. Jack takes his helmet off to catch his breath. Red approaches beside him.

Red: Come on, Simpson. Don't tell me you can't keep up. The Gauntlet is next.

Jack begrudgingly puts his helmet on. Jaylin signals the team to huddle around him.

Mr. Wright: This moment will define if this team will make it all the championships.

The team forms two lines. Jaylin passes Jack the ball. Jack takes a deep breath as he positions himself to maneuver through his teammates. He charges through but quickly is knocked out of the gauntlet and slams to the ground.

The team starts to disperse. Decker approaches Jack and helps him from the ground.

Decker: They killed you out there.

Jack: I was that bad?

Decker stifles his laughter. Jack gives him a playful push but starts to laugh along with him.

OPENING CREDITS

Scene 2: The Dot. Afternoon

The football boisterously enters the Dot. Jordan steps from behind the counter. Jack notices approach him with a smile.

Jack: It's our first practice of the season. I promised them some free smoothies.

Jordan: Spin is going to kill you, Jack.

Jack and Jordan share a kiss. Decker enters the Dot and witnesses their kiss. He tries to force a smile as he joins the other members of the team. Jack takes a seat at the booth. Alicia arrives with a smile. She takes a seat on Red's lap.

Alicia: I need to interview a few members of the team for the Degrassi Grapevine. I hope I can count on you two for that.

Jack: Of course.

Red: Anything for my number one fan.

Red and Alicia start to kiss. Jack rolls his eyes not wanting to bear witness to the couple. He takes his leave. Decker is sitting alone but is joined by Jack.

Decker: These guys have a lot of energy. I think we have a good chance of winning this season.

Jack: I'm happy that we found a way to be friends again.

Jordan approaches their table. He places a drink in front of both of them. Decker becomes uncomfortable at Jordan's glare.

Decker: I should probably head home. I'll see you around, Jack.

Jack smiles as Decker proceeds to walk off. He turns to Jordan disappointed in his behavior. K.C rises from the table holding his drink in the air.

K.C.: This is to a winning season!

The team starts to cheer.

Scene 3: Degrassi (Main Foyer). Morning

Carina and Isaiah enter Degrassi's hand and hand. They make their way down the hall when Kenzie joins them frowning.

Carina: More boy drama, Kenz?

Kenzie: They're everywhere!

Isaiah looks at Carina confused.

Carina: Isabella and K.C.

Marcel sprint towards them.

Marcel: I just heard that you know who is now officially off the market. They are social media official.

Marcel shows the group his phone. Kenzie becomes outraged and storms off.

Marcel: Another K.T.

Isaiah turns back to Carina hoping for answers.

Isaiah: what is a K.T?

Carina: It means a Kenzie tantrum. I probably should go calm her down.

Marcel: The last one lasted for three days.

Carina kisses Isaiah on the cheek. She and Marcel take off behind Kenzie.

Scene 4: Degrassi (Student Council Office). Morning

Harriet enters the student council office seemingly ignoring Lily who is trailing behind her.

Lily: The Power Squad needs more funding.

Harriet: I do agree, but a dating auction is not the way to do it. Galatians 5:19. You should look it up, Lily. Promiscuity leads to sin.

Lily: The auction is not promoting people to have sex. It's a way for people to connect. I'm sure you have a crush at Degrassi.

Harriet becomes quiet. She faces Lily.

Harriet: If I get approval for this then will you leave me alone?

Lily nods in excitement. She hugs Harriet and quickly leaves out the office.

Scene 5: Degrassi (Gymnasium). Afternoon

The Power Squad are performing their stretches. Lily burst into the gym leading members of the Degrassi sports team. Kenzie notices that K.C. is apart of the group.

Lily: Listen up.

Shay: What's going on, Lily?

Lily: The Power Squad is hosting a bachelor auction. Some of Degrassi's finest athletes have agreed to help us out, so do not embarrass me.

Kenzie approaches K.C.

Kenzie: Hey.

K.C.: Are you going to make a bid?

Kenzie: Yeah. I might see something that I like.

Lily makes her way over to Brandon and Xavier who are talking.

Xavier: Bran and I were just comparing notes about you as a girlfriend.

Brandon: You do not have a good track record, Lil.

Lily: Don't remind me that I dated both of you. I need this to be perfect. Can I count on you two to make sure these guys are up to par?

Xavier: Of course, but you have to place a bid on one of us.

Lily: I liked it better when you two hated each other.

Brandon and Xavier burst into laughter. Lily storms off annoyed with the two boys.

Scene 6: Degrassi (Cafeteria). Afternoon

Kenzie, Isaiah, Marcel, and Carina are eating their lunches. Isabella approaches the table and joins them. Kenzie is confused and gives Carina and Marcel a look.

Isabella: Are you going to the auction tonight, Rinibini?

Kenzie (mouthing to Marcel): Rinibini?

Marcel shrugs his should and continues to eat his food.

Carina: I think it might be fun.

Isabella: I was thinking of bidding on K.C. He is my boyfriend and is going to be captain of the football team one day.

Carina sees the smoke coming from Kenzie. Isabella gives her a taunting smile.

Isabella: I'll see you in class.

Isabella makes her exit.

Kenzie: I really hate that girl.

Kenzie turns around to see that Isabella and K.C kissing.

Scene 7. The Dot. Afternoon

Jack enters the Dot to see Decker at one of the booths doing homework. He makes his way over to the table and takes a seat. Decker is pleasantly surprised.

Jack: Are you not going to the Auction Party? The whole team is pretty much going.

Decker: Social events aren't really my thing.

Jack starts to laugh.

Jack: I remember. I had to drag you to Manny Santos's party.

Decker looks at Jack and smiles. He knew the exact moment.

Decker: You didn't drag me, Jack. I choose to go inside because I thought it would be fun and it was better than getting high at the Ravine.

Jack: It was fun.

Decker: I guess you would say that since you were drunk.

Jack: I was so messed up, but you were drunker than I was.

Decker and Jack continue to laugh. Decker remembers something else that happened that night.

Decker: It was the night we first kissed too.

Jack smiles awkwardly.

Jack: I probably should head to Degrassi.

Jack proceeds to exit the Dot. Decker notices a group of boys exiting behind Jack. He is suspicious but goes back to studying.

Scene 8: Degrassi (Gymnasium). Late Evening

The gym starts to become full of students dressed in formalwear. A DJ is on the stage trying to get the crowd moving. Carina and Isaiah enter holding hands. They're both clearly nervous.

Isaiah (nervously): Can I get you something to drink?

Carina smiles and nods as Isaiah takes off towards the beverage table. Kenzie proceeds to enter with Marcel by her side. She scans the room looking for K.C.

Kenzie: I don't see him. Do you think he's not coming?

Marcel: I just checked his Hastygram page. He posted pictures of him and Isabella together.

Kenzie storms off upset. Marcel rolls his eyes and follows behind. Brandon is pacing back and forth. Ke'Anna approaches him. She hands him a drink.

Ke'Anna: You look nervous. Thought you could use a little pick-me-up.

Brandon tastes the drink and notices its spike. He hands the cup back to Ke'Anna and storms off.

Brandon: I'm an addict. I can't be around alcohol.

Ke'Anna: From what I hear, you're a drug user, not an alcoholic.

Brandon stops and turns to Ke'Anna. She holds the cup out once again. Brandon hesitates for a moment, but takes the cup and begins to drink. Ke'Anna smiles and takes a sip from her cup.

Scene 9: Park. Late Evening

Jack cuts through the park. A group of guys is trailing behind. One of the guys starts to whistle. Jack looks over his shoulder to notices the guys are following him. He tries to play it cool. He didn't want any problems so he continued to walk.

Thug #1: Hey, Fairy!

Jack ignores them. One of the guys sprints towards Jack and shoves him to the ground. Jack tumbles and rolls across the lawn. The group starts to kick and punch Jack while he is down. Jack curls into a ball trying to protect his body.

Jack (tearfully pleading): LEAVE ME ALONE!

They didn't stop.

Decker: Jack!

Decker races towards Jack. He punches one of the attackers. He pulls another away from Jack. They start to disperse. Jack was bloody and unconscious. Decker falls to the ground to hold Jack. Decker's eyes start to tear up. He didn't know what to do.

Decker: HELP! I need some HELP!

Decker pulls Jack's unconscious body closer.

Decker: It's going to be alright, Jack. You are going to be all right.

Decker breakdown into tears.

Scene 10: Degrassi (Gymnasium). Night

Students are dancing, socializing, and having fun. Kenzie, Marcel, Isaiah, and Carina sit on the bleachers watching the other students. Isaiah sighs in boredom. Kenzie has her attention locked on Isabella entering the gym with K.C on her arms.

Kenzie: They're here. I should go down there, right?

Isaiah: I think just sitting here is boring.

Isaiah rises up. He faces Carina and holds his hands out for her.

Isaiah: Would you care to dance with me, Carina?

Carina takes his hand. Isaiah escorts her to the dance floor where the two start to dance.

Marcel: You need to stop worrying about a guy who does not seem interested. It's a dance, Ken. Let's dance!

Marcel runs off the bleachers and joins Carina and Isaiah. The music slowly fades as Lily takes the stage.

Lily: Good Evening Degrassi! Tonight is about raising money for the Power Squad. We have some of Degrassi's most eligible singles.

Scene 11: Degrassi (Gymnasium). Night

K.C approaches the beverage table. Carina gives him a scowl and tries to walk off, but he takes a hold of her arm.

K.C.: I have this feeling that you don't like me too much.

She snatches her arm from his grip.

Carina: I thought I was making it obvious.

K.C chuckles. He tries to lie on his charm and charisma, but Carina was not falling for his façade.

Carina: You know that Kenzie has a huge crush on you, but you're flaunting around with Isabella.

K.C.: Isabella is my girlfriend. I like Kenzie too, but she didn't make a move.

K.C walks off. Alicia and Red are dancing. Alicia receives a notification on her phone. Her smile disappears and her face becomes grim.

Red: Alicia?

Alicia: Jack is in the hospital. They said he was attacked.

Red nods as he escorts Alicia out of the gym.

Scene 12: Degrassi (Gymnasium Backstage). Night

Xavier notices Brandon stumbling.

Xavier: Are you drunk? I thought you were sober, Brandon.

Brandon (slurring): I'm a drug addict, not an alcoholic.

Lily approaches the two boys. She was fuming.

Lily: Are you serious? Is he high?

Xavier: He's drunk.

Lily looks around to make sure no one is around.

Lily: You need to get him out of here. If anyone sees him, they might assume he has relapsed.

Xavier supports Brandon and leads him away. Amina appears alongside Harriet.

Amina: I just got a text from have to end the event.

Harriet: A student has been hospitalized.

Lily becomes upset because her event was ruined.

Scene 13: Hospital. Night

Jack lies on his bed resting. Decker appears at the door's threshold. He takes a moment to see the state of Jack. Jack turns to notices Decker. He tries to smile, but it was too much pain. He faces covered with bandage cuts. Decker enters the room slowly unable to bear the sight of Jack.

Jack: Hey. What are you doing here?

Decker: I just wanted to check on you. I'm sorry that this happened to you.

Jack: It's okay. This might sound weird, but I'm actually starting to get used to hospitals.

Jack tries to laugh but is hit by sharp pain. He looks to Decker and realizes his words.

Jack: I'm sorry. I didn't mean it like that.

Decker: I get that I hurt you, Jack. I regret that I let my anger and jealously get the best of me.

Jack: I know. I forgive you. If you did not come to my rescue, I could possibly be dead right now.

Decker runs his finger across Jack's face. Jack takes his hand. Their eyes meet and at that moment, things became clear. Jack saw Decker in a new light. Unsure if it was due Decker saving his life or if it was their history together. Either way, Jack knew that he had feelings.

Jordan clears his throat alerting the two of his presence.

Jordan: I came as soon as I heard what happened. Are you okay?

Jordan races to Jack's bedside. He kisses him then looks at Decker. Jordan subconsciously wanted to make Decker jealous.

Jack: I'm fine. It's just a few scrapes and bruises.

Jordan becomes concerned with Jack's nonchalant attitude.

Decker: I should leave. Take care of yourself, Jack.

Decker exits out of the room. He sneaks a looks over his shoulder to see Jack and Jordan talking. Jack's attention gravitates to the door as Decker leaves.

Scene 14: Outside of the Hospital. Night

Emma exits the hospital with Spinner by her side. Tears are in her eyes. As they walk down the steps, Spinner taps her as he notices something in the distance. Students are marching towards the hospital. They are holding candles, pictures of Jack, and signs displaying "NO HATE."

Emma: Is this all for Jack?

Amina: This is for all the queer people afraid to be themselves due to intolerance, Principal Nelson. Jack is apart of our community. What happened to him is unacceptable.

Harriet takes hold of Amina's hand. The gesture takes Amina by surprise. Decker approaches in the background. He watches as everyone gathers. Spinner appears beside him.

Spinner: Thank you for what you did for Jack.

Decker: I just did what anyone would do in that situation.

Spinner: I know you still care about him.

Decker: We are just friends, Mr. Mason. I hurt the one person who has been there for me.

Spinner: One of my best friends was bashed because he's gay. It was my fault. I couldn't accept the fact he was gay. I didn't realize….I mean I didn't think about the pain or hurt he must have felt. Jack is more than a brother to me. He's like a son.

Spinner wipes the tears from his eyes.

Scene 15: Hospital. Night

Alicia appears at the door. She knocks getting the attention of Jack and Jordan.

Alicia: I think there is something you should see.

Alicia moves over to the window and opens the curtains. Jordan assists Jack as they start to move towards the window. Jack looks out the window to see his friends and classmates. A smile comes across his face, as he feels loved.

CLOSING CREDITS

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