Ellie's not a main character, but she's significant enough to be a secondary, fyi.

3 days Later

Toby's POV

This was strange to say the least. Getting into my first class, I wasn't expecting anything different to happen today. Besides probably some glares from Spinner for what I told him after he had tried to drive while drunk, I was expecting a normal day in school. It looked so even until the moment I entered class.

But telling from the environment and how people were communicating, I knew that wasn't the case. I knew from the moment I walked into Degrassi, sweating yet again from an 8-kilometer run. Walking in, everything felt tense, from how everyone was structured to the sounds of whispers, it was hard not to ignore it. So much so, that I struggled to continue my regular schedule, wanting to know what the commotion was about.

I knew it wasn't me for two reasons. One, I simply haven't done anything worth being on the morning news, and two, I wasn't at the receiving end of the stares. While I was tempted to, thus, not care as it had nothing to do with me, I found myself intrigued in the first place. Was it about Craig? Jimmy? Or maybe how Spinner crashed our party? I was interested, even if I pretended not to be.

Sitting down in the class, yet again with Craig, we were talking about what is making the atmosphere in Degrassi thick. Much to my dismay, Craig had no idea, though he did give me some hints.

"Marco told me he heard it was about Spinner, but doesn't know exactly,"

Immediately my mind went back to the party, and how he crashed it, before attempting to drive while intoxicated. I saw Craig's hand, wrapped in bandages and clothes, due to Spinner slamming the door on his hand, which only made me angrier at him.

"Is your hand okay?" I asked.

He shrugged, "A bit sore, but healing, it'll get better,"

I nodded in relief; thankful it wasn't anything serious. My mind shifted to when I got to finally berate Spinner for everything he's done, not just to Jimmy, but to myself. Maybe I was being a bit selfish, but it was more I just wanted Spinner to finally see what kind of person he's been.

It wasn't until later in next class when I found out what truly happened. Due to all of the commotion I couldn't get my mind off of school for once. But when I heard the words from the whisper of a student, I knew everything had changed.

"Can't believe Spinner and Jay got expelled,"

"They kind of had it coming,"

Once I heard that, my whole demeanor for this school changed. They actually did it. They expelled the two people I wanted out of this school since Grade 7.

But now what?

Now that they were gone, how did I feel? I should feel great! I mean, the people who made Degrassi intolerable to me were finally gone, but why don't I feel pleased?

If anything, finding out that Spinner and Jay were expelled only garnished more questions than answers. I mean sure, what they did was inexcusable, they caused the death of a student, and the permanent paralysis of another, all for the pleasure of seeing a student suffer for their actions in the past.

Now here we were. Was this whole change worth it in the end? Was working out worth it?

I shook my head, "Of course it was, it served as a great distraction, and allowed me to stand up to them! I should be glad they are gone!"

Regardless, I couldn't seem to get the thought of them out of my mind. For the longest time, I thought that Degrassi didn't have what it takes to expel anyone. At worst, they'd be suspended and everyone would forget. But no, an actual expulsion, with almost everyone hating.

I was so lost in my thoughts that I didn't realize the bell had rang, snapping out to the sounds of a, "Are you okay, Toby?"

I shook my head, turning to the voice, "Uhh, yeah, I'm going to go now,"

I swiftly left. That was mildly embarrassing, this event was really getting to me.

At least I had lunch to talk to Craig and them. Grabbing my lunch, I made my way to the cafeteria, seeing all of them sitting down.

Marco was the first to greet me, "Toby,"

I nodded back, before taking my seat with them. Looking back, I saw Ellie looking at Craig's bruised hand in sadness, while Marco looked over at me.

"Thanks for the help getting rid of Spinner,"

I nodded, "It was nothing, I really didn't care for him,"

Craig replied, "Yeah, after what he did to my hand, I don't think he'll be in the band anymore,"

We remained silent for a while, before I spoke up, "So, have you guys heard what happened to them?"

They turned to me, confusion and obliviousness in their eyes. I was mildly shocked that I was the first one in the group to find out what happened, as normally I was the last.

Sighing, I spoke, "I heard from students that Spinner and Jay got expelled, they're gone,"

They looked shocked, Craig speaking first, "You're serious?"

I nodded seriously, before Ellie spoke up, "Well that explains Alex's loneliness,"

Seeing her turned away, I followed her gaze to see Alex standing at the cafeteria, without Jay and Spinner which was unusual. Perhaps they really got expelled.

I turned to glare at her. She was also a part of the prank, I know it. If Jay and Spinner were part of it, there was no doubt that Alex would be as well. She was one of the others who regularly tormented him and I.

I took a breather, telling myself I'll deal with her a different time. I didn't want to create another scene in the cafeteria.

With the bell ringing, I said my goodbyes to Ellie, Marco and Craig before heading towards the locker to a certain loner with black hair now.

Right now, she was seemingly distracted by the contents of my locker, which allowed me to approach her silently.

Staring down at her, she eventually turned around.

"Ah!" She jumped, seeing me stare her down, my full height seemingly catching her by surprise.

"Toby," She started to which I interrupted her.

I scoffed, "No Dexter or four eyes? That's a first,"

She seemed pissed off, but sighed, "I'm just trying to be a bit nicer these days, with all the events going on,"

I laughed, "guilt tripping you up?"

"How do you even know I was a part of the prank?"

I was actually having a good time talking to her, knowing I was finally screwing her up, after years of torment, it was nice to return the favour.

"Please, anything Jay and Spinner do, you're always a part of. Now that they're expelled, I see a certain loner,"

She got up in my face, trying to threaten me, "you're not going to push me down for your gain,"

I got closer, my nose touching hers, but I didn't care, "A student is dead and another is permanently paralyzed because of your silliness!"

"I just wanted him gone like everyone else! I didn't know Rick would spaz out like that!"

My fist tightened as soon as he mentioned his name, as I back away.

"Is that it? Do you have any remorse!" I yelled at her.

When she didn't say anything, I raised my voice even louder, with some turning their heads, "Answer me damnit!" I could see some tears threatening to come out of her eyes, which I wanted to see.

The bad girl crying would definitely make her pay for her actions.

Which was surprising when I felt a tug from my sleeves, I looked back to see Jt, out of all people pulling me away from her, "Come on Toby, don't try with her,"

I pulled away, "not until she feels as bad and angry as I do!"

He pulled me again, "Look at me," to which I did, "She's not going to feel anything, she clearly doesn't have the humanity and consciousness to," he said nastily.

Sighing, he had a point, "you're right, let's go,"

Walking back with Jt, there was an awkward silence.

"Sorry about tugging you," I heard Jt tell me.

"It's fine, it's finally satisfying to see her pay for her actions,"

He chuckled lightly, "That's true, just let her suffer alone," before he walked away.

It was then I realized by looking at my surroundings that he lured me back to my locker.

"Damnit Jt, you're too likable to hate," I thought, shrugging my head.

Getting the rest of my stuff, I was mildly surprised to see Alex approach me. I tightened my myself, was she really going to pick a fight?

So is was to my surprise when she held out a chocolate shake.

"I have a peace treaty, this chocolate shake,"

I scoffed, "What do I gain from this?"

She shrugged, "A good tasting drink," she held her hands up her shoulders.

"How can I know it's not drugged?"

She replied by laughing at me, before composing herself, "I haven't really been nice to you before,"

"You think?"

She looked at me before continuing, "I need you to meet me in the same grounds, instead of tormenting you, we give each other high fives,"

I was definitely interested. If she was willing to put this behind us, then maybe I could do the same. While I wanted her to suffer the pain she caused, I could tell she was learning from her mistakes.

Sighing, "I'd definitely prefer that," I told her.

Handing me the shake, I took a small sip, in case there was anything bad. When nothing happened in minutes, I continued to drink it.

She moved uncomfortably, "So, we cool?"

I looked back at her, "Yeah, I guess we are,"

"No more fighting or torments from me,"

I nodded, "I hope so,"

Deciding to let her redeem herself and maybe get into the cool group I decided to try and be sneaky in my approach.

"How about friends?"

She laughed, "I don't know about that Toby, but we're pretty different,"

I shrugged, moving my head towards the gym, "You like to steal, I like exercise equipment, my punching bag is getting beaten up, and I saw a new one on sale,"

She got a real laugh out of that, implying of a crossover between our hobbies.

"How about this, two coupons for Starbucks, I'll take you out,"

I was surprised, maybe she was really trying to be nice, but I didn't want to take this the wrong way.

"I don't know, how can I know you're not setting me much to get beaten up by your bad boyfriend?"

Again, she laughed, "You're a lot funnier than I thought, but don't worry about him, I won't let him, besides,"

She got closer to my ear, "I see the muscle underneath there,"

I took a gulp, "alright, then, as long as I don't get set up for execution, that's fine by me,"

She smiled at me, handing me the coupons, before saying, "Alright, give me your phone, so I can text you whenever you want to go,"

Giving her my phone, she typed a few things before giving it back to me, I saw her contact on my phone.

Watching her walk away, I pondered on what happened. Was she really attempting to give me a peace deal that she'll eventually break off, or was she actually serious?

Shrugging the thought off my head, the only thing I could tell myself was to be prepared for the worst-case scenario. I mean, if I go to one, and I don't like it I can reject the other one.

Putting the coupons in my bag, I went ahead towards my next class, not letting the school environment tire me out.


Craig's POV

My mind was racing, even though I'm currently in therapy, alongside Ellie, my mind was racing. Realizing that Spinner was expelled, and that he was off the band, we no longer had a drummer. We needed a drummer to fulfil the band, but unfortunately with Spinner being kicked off, we were one man short.

There was no way I could get him to come back, that would be seen as betrayal to many people within the Degrassi, so I panicked internally. I lost reality with the real world as I felt myself entering my mind, which was like a burning building. I was desperately trying to get out, but I was failing, as my mind continued to burn, I failed to notice the calls from other people around me.

"Craig!" I snapped out once I heard Ellie's voice of concern.

"Yes?"

"Are you okay? You've been unresponsive for most of the counseling?"

I sighed, "Yeah, there's just a lot on my mind,"

"You know, trying to box everything in is a bad way to keep your thoughts at bay," I heard the counselor tell me, "tell us what's going on,"

Not wanting to tell them about the falling out with Spinner, I decided to tell some lies, but some truths.

"I'm just going through everything I've went through, with my singles, the band, everything,"

I looked around to everyone, including Ellie, before the counselor replied, "there seems to be more to talk about if you were that distracted,"

I looked at him, "no sir, there's nothing else,"

With that, I remained silent, not speaking on any matters whatsoever.

I didn't want to talk about my band or my thoughts as the moment, trying to find a new bandmate may be harder than I thought.

Once the counseling was over, I ran over to my car, before realizing I had to drop Ellie by to check up on her mom.

Waiting for her to appear, she looked concerned for me.

"Are you okay?" she asked, to which I nodded

"Yeah, I'm fine,"

She shook her head, "Your performance in counseling says otherwise,"

She gave me that stern look, which always made me fail to hold in anything I had.

"I'll tell you later, let's just visit your mom,"

She looked at me, but eventually went in the passenger seat of my car.

Driving to her mom's house, we reflected on everything that had happened.

"Do you think she's doing better?" I heard Ellie ask.

"Well, she was doing better when we visited her last,"

"Your right, but I'm just scared she's going to relapse,"

I sighed, "Ellie, whatever happens with your mom, you'll always have Marco and I. I can't guarantee your mom may heal fully, but what I can do is help you cope with what's happening,"

"I know I can't fix her now, but I'm just scared,"

"That's normal, Ellie, it's normal to be scared, but overcoming it is what makes it satisfying,"

As we approached their house, I couldn't help but take in the surroundings. It was a decent house, with 4 bedrooms. The interior looked plain, but that's from its recovery from a housefire.

I watched as Ellie sat down, watching her mom from the opposite side of her, drinking some water.

"Hey mom," I heard Ellie start.

"Hey sweaty, how've you been?"

"I've been alright, Craig's been taking good care of me,"

Ellie's mom looked back at me smiling, "I'm glad, when I talked to him, I knew you were in safe hands,"

She nodded, giving me a smile. I nodded back to her.

Ellie started, "How's AA?"

Her mom shifted but responded, "It was very different, but it's helped, I think I'm going to spend another 30 days to continue the progress,"

"How long have you been sober for?"

"About a month now, but it's still painful just to reject it,"

I looked at the two, the conversation being very similar to what could've been with my biological father and I. In a way, I was jealous with Ellie that her mom was doing so well with her issues, whereas mine perished due to that issue. But whereas I found someone else who cared for me, Ellie probably couldn't which maybe was why.

Ellie's mom also seemed a lot more determined, seeing the pure terror on her face when she ran to Ellie with a knife, showing remorse for her actions, whereas my own didn't and instead tried to pay me back with money.

I shook my head, as I watched the two talked lightly, checking up on each other.

"Ellie, can you get me another cup of water?" I heard her mom ask.

"Mom, you've already drank a lot," she told me.

"It's better than the alcohol, plus I want to talk to Craig,"

She looked at me before nodding to her mom.

"Your daughter's doing great Mrs. Nash, I've been doing what I can to make her feel comfortable," I started to which she interrupted me.

"I'm not worried about that, I know very well you've taken care of her well, whenever she calls me, she always talks about you and how great of a friend you've been to her,"

I scratched my head, confused as to why Ellie was praising me so much, when she saved me from my imbalance.

"She's saved me before, so I felt obligated to return the favour,"

"That's nice of you, but is there something going on between you two that I don't know of?"

I blinked surprisingly, "Oh no! No, we're just friends,"

She raised an eyebrow, "Are you sure? Strictly just friends aren't a good enough label to render her moving in with you,"

I shrugged, "Maybe that's true, but like I said I felt like I owed her,"

She looked down, but smile after, "Well thank you for being there for her and taking care of her,"

I nodded in acknowledgement, "I'm going to go check up on Ellie,"

I left, but not before hearing her murmur, "They'd make a good couple,"

Shaking the thoughts out, I almost bumped into Ellie.

"Whoops! Sorry!"

"It's alright, the water didn't spill,"

We laughed before approaching her mom again.

Not too long after that, we left. While driving back to Joey's we had another conversation.

"So, when do you think you'll move back in with your mom again?"

"Soonest is a month, she surprised me with this,"

"I'm glad she's getting better,"

She nodded, before giving me the stern eye, to which I gulped.

"Okay Manning, now it's your turn,"

I laughed, "What?"

"You were completely silent throughout counseling, what happened?"

I sighed, "With Spinner kicked out of the band, we're short of drummers, and I've kind of been freaking out ever since,"

She looked at me, before laughing. I was confused.

"What?" I asked, to which she playfully hit me.

"You do know I can play the drums alright,"

"I know,"

We remained silent, before she spoke up, "Don't you think I would like to join?"

I looked at her, thinking she probably doesn't, I mean, wasn't she in Hell Hath No Fury?

"Probably not,"

She laughed again, "Of course I do, Craig! I've gotten back into the drums; I'd be willing to replace Spinner!"

I looked at her. I was kind of dumb I realized, maybe I should've asked her. I just assumed that she didn't want to join. I scratched my head.

"Well, how about we get back to Joey's and see what you can dish out,"

"Let's," She finished before we went silent. Minutes later we pulled up to Joey's.

Ellie and I headed straight to the garage, where the drums were located. Ellie took a spot on and began playing some beats.

While it wasn't amazing, there definitely was room to improve, and with some touches, she could be a good drummer.

"Not bad," I commented.

To which she replied with a grin, "Maybe if I have a great teacher, it could change,"

I smirked back, "Is that a challenge, Nash?"

"Of course, it is,"

"Well, I hope you're ready to stay up."


Ellie's POV

It was nice. We stayed up until midnight, where we eventually got tired and called it a night.

I remember my mom asking me, "Is he your boyfriend?" To which I immediately shut down. While I would be lying if I said I wanted Craig, he clearly didn't back.

But regardless, he had been a nice companion throughout my mom's struggles. He took me in, and even gave me his bedroom, whereas he slept on the couch.

He only a couple of times came back in his room with me inside, whether it was to talk, or to get something, but it was never a time when I felt uncomfortable.

Hearing and eavesdropping earlier today, the conversation between my mom and Craig, I was saddened to hear that we were strictly just friends.

As I walked up, I called for him, "Craig, don't you want to come back in your room?"

He shook his head, "It's fine Ellie, the couch is fine for me,"

I looked as he went to sleep, but even if he didn't want to, I could at least bond with him.

"Why don't we talk a bit more in your bedroom?"

He looked at me funny, before shrugging.

He got up, and we made our way to his bedroom. He sat on his bed, whereas I laid down.

"So, what did you want to talk about?"

I chuckled, "To be honest, I didn't think I'd get this far,"

He chuckled alongside me, looking down at my frame.

"Should we prank call someone?" I laughed at suggestion, and I knew we'd have a fun night.

"Who should we call first?" I asked.

"Either Marco or Ashley, I could call Toby or Jimmy," He replied.

"Marco, this is Dylan, are you there?" I struggled to hold in my laugh as Craig did his best Marco interaction.

"Uhh, no I'm busy getting my beauty sleep,"

"But I want to talk to you,"

"Well, I don't"

"It's important,"

"Fine, what?"

"Nothing, it's actually Craig,"

"Oh, screw you Craig, you really gotta ruin my sleep like that?"

"Yes,"

Marco ended the call afterwards, and Ellie and I continued to laugh out loud, though not loud enough to wake up Joey or Caitlin.

"Who's next?" Craig asked.

"I'll call Alex," I replied.

"Hey Alex, it's Toby, I hope your feeling happy, because we're going to Starbucks tomorrow?"

"Aight, and why do you gotta tell me in the middle of the night?" I heard her groan.

"Because I'm actually Ellie prank calling you," I laughed, hearing her silence.

"You actually sounded like him, what the he-" as she cut off.

Craig, who was now laughing on the bed right next to me, also laughing.

I could feel the warmth from our proximity, even though we weren't touching.

Through all the laughter, that was rather tiring, I unexpectedly fell asleep.

I hadn't realized that I had fallen asleep, until I woke up to see Craig next to me.

"Oh, well this is awkward," I said, waking Craig up, as he looked around, confused, and seeing me next to him.

"Uhh, did we-"

"No, we didn't we just fell asleep after prank calling people,"

He dropped his confused look, "Oh right, I forgot, I was more concerned with you,"

I raised my eyebrow, "What do you mean?"

"Once I saw you fall asleep, I was going to go down and sleep on the couch, but then you suddenly were making noises in your sleep, and you kind of held onto me throughout the night,"

I could see him blushing when he was telling me the story. I didn't even realize I was having a nightmare.

He continued, "You wouldn't let go, so I just laid down,"

While it was rather embarrassing, I decided to ultimately move past it, not trying to make it feel any more awkward than it was.

"Okay, Im going to go prepare for school," I told him.

He replied, "Okay, tell me when you're out the shower, and don't use too much of the soap please! My hair's longer than you think!"

I laughed, "My hair's still longer!"