Fyi, I've actually never been to a party, cause I'm a big introvert, so sorry if it isn't accurate.

Toby's POV

Today was Friday, not interesting in terms of a school day, but in terms of a social day, it was very interesting. My anxiety has been noticeable as I was shaking a bit at the thought of hanging out old friends again.

While I wasn't scared of any sort of fights going on, I was scared of how this party would go. I'm going to be stuck in the same room as Emma, Manny, Liberty and Jt, all at one. This was something that made me comfortable, and while I didn't understand why, I now know it's because of how long it's been since I've been in a room filled with people who acknowledge me.

While the classrooms were examples of areas where I'm stuck with a group of people, half of them rarely notice me, while the other leave me alone. Aside from Craig, I was in classes where people didn't notice me. In this party, I will be stuck with people who will no doubt ask me to interact with them, and that was scary.

I haven't really interacted with them in over three months, or had a party like this in three years. It was clear that differences in academics and social studies were what mainly drifted us apart, especially Jt and I recently. With him hanging more around Danny and Liberty, I had find comfort alongside Craig, Marco and Ellie. Emma and Manny had drifted apart from us earlier, but had never had a dramatic scene like us.

Regardless, I was waiting patiently for the school bell to ring for the last time this week. After that I would have the party, and then the weekend away from Degrassi. It may have been better without Spinner and Jay, but the overall environment was still rather dark.

The brightness of Jimmy's return had faded, though everyone was glad he was still alive. Us in particular. Craig had enjoyed his time with him as they were in their band, which I always forgot. Speaking of Craig, I realized he had texted me.

Opening my phone, I saw his text.

Craig: Hey Tobes, what are you doing tonight?

Toby: I'm going to a party, why?

Craig: Alright, I kind of need your help.

Toby: What did you do?

I shook my head, this kid always got himself in trouble in the funniest ways.

Craig: You have to promise not to tell anyone, not even Marco.

At this text I rose my eyebrow. Most of his troubles were jokes that were easily fixable, but telling me to keep it secret definitely meant this one was more serious.

Toby: Alright, I'll keep it secret, but what did you do?

Craig: I kind of kissed Ellie.

I was interested, but I knew how cautious Craig was, and there was the chance it was a misunderstanding on my part.

Toby: Like on her cheek, forehead?

Craig: Really? No

Craig: I kissed her on her lips!

Toby: Oh

At that I was intrigued. I always knew Craig and Ellie were close and held a bond, and that a relationship between the two may be good. So I was glad when Craig told me he had kissed her. However, going back to this being a problem, I began to frown.

Toby: How is this a problem? Did she not kiss back?

Craig: No she did, it's just I didn't mean to!

Toby: Huh?

Craig: Toby, I've told you how scared I am to enter a relationship with Ellie, you know with my pass.

At that I shook my head again. Craig was being too careful with Ellie, and with the way he was acting, I knew he wouldn't realize what he's missing until it's too late.

If the two kissing didn't change Craig's mind, then it'll take Ellie getting a different boyfriend for him to realize his feelings for her.

Toby: Are you really scared you'll break Ellie?

Craig: Yes, I don't want to hurt her

Toby: You do what you think is right.

With that I put my phone down, telling myself internally on what Craig was doing. I knew he would reject Ellie. If that kiss he told me hadn't changed his mind, then Ellie may have to move on for Craig to realize his mistakes. Either way they both would be hurt in the process.

My mind was cut off from the bell ringing, as I shot up and went straight to the bus stop. Deciding I deserved a break from the daily workouts, I skipped my afternoon workouts for the first time since I started. While I was surprised at how excited I was for this party, to catch up old friends, I had hoped any changes wouldn't make everything awkward.

Looking at myself through the mirror, my frame looked good. 5'9", muscular but lean, all from the hardships and determination of vigorous workouts, I had looked completed different to how I did before the incident. Tag on that I was no longer wearing glasses, and instead had a headband and hand wraps on my head and hands respectively, I would definitely garnish some attention from them.

I spent the hour talking to Craig, trying to get him to realize his feelings for Ellie, but despite this, he never had gained the courage to tell her. While he did admit he liked Ellie, he was still unsure about asking her out. Eventually I just gave up and told him to do what he thought was right.

Looking at the time, it was 4:15, definitely late, but they planned on the party lasting a while. So I didn't feel too bad being late. It was a relatively far walk, but I managed to call Craig, who gave me a ride, which in total took 15 minutes. With this I was able to bring my gym clothes, maybe run back home.

4:30, in front of Manny's house. I hadn't been here since Grade 7, as memories of a young me coming her to play alongside our friends. While it was awkward, it was my childhood. Taking a breath, I knocked on her door, which revealed a Manny, hair down, wearing causal clothing.

She smiled, "Toby! I thought you weren't coming!"

I scratched my head, trying to think of an excuse, "Better late than never?"

She shook her sarcastically, before laughing, "Get in, we were going to watch a movie, maybe listen to music,"

I walked in slowly, trying to remember the structure of her house. There was a long hallways, that seemed to separate the front door to the kitchen to the living room. It was there where I saw Jt, Liberty, and Emma all chilling on the couch, watching the contents on the television.

Emma was the first to glance at me, "Hey Toby!"

I smiled at her tone, which seemed good that she was having a good time, especially after everything

I saw Jt and Liberty follow after, them glancing at me without saying anything.

"Take a seat Toby, I'll get you some crackers,"

"Uhh, actually I'm good, I had something to eat,"

She gave me a look before nodding.

As I took a seat on a separate couch, I saw Manny sit right next to Emma, as we watched the show on television.

Aside from a few murmurs from Jt and Liberty, I haven't heard anything from them, which I was kind of happy about.

"Hey Toby," I turned my head to see Emma looking at me, indicating that she had called me.

"Yes?" She looked at me curiously.

"You want to talk away from them?"

I was rather curious at what she was getting at, but I shrugged, "alright,"

We went towards the front of the door, where she looked at me sternly. A stone face that almost made me gulp. Almost.

"Alright, what did you call me here for?" I started, hoping this party wouldn't be just people critiquing me.

"Take off you hoodies and sweatpants,"

I blinked, "Uh, excuse me?" I was on the verge of blushing. Imagine a girl asking you to take off your clothes. You won't take that the wrong way.

"You must be sweating, how can you wear such a thick clothing over you?

I shrugged, "I just can,"

She gave me a look again, "Do you have anything underneath?"

I showed her my gym bag, "I have some shorts in here,"

"Put them on,"

"Why are you telling me this?"

"You clearly look uncomfortable in those clothing, not to mention your sweating,"

I sighed, "Fine, but don't tell me the same for my headband and hand wraps, they stay on,"

"Fine by me,"

As I went in the nearby washroom, I took of my baggy hoodie, replacing it with a blue causal shirt. My white t shirt had gotten smelly, and this needed a wash. Taking off my sweatpants, switching it for a short pants, one commonly used while working out, I also fixed my headband and hand wraps, making sure they covered my scars and palm respectively.

I took a look at myself, looking at the clear show of muscle on my arms, and the six pack of my abs. My legs also showed a lot of muscle, which I was nervous, specifically for their reaction. This would be the first time I show anyone besides Craig my muscle mass, the result of three months of hardworking vigorous exercise. While it wasn't a bodybuilder frame, as I looked leaner, I couldn't help but worry whether or not they would tell the school.

Shaking the thought of out my head, I took one last look at myself before heading out. It felt weird, the cooling sensation of the conditioner and wind. While I would wear these clothes during the spring during a run, they're had almost never been a cold windy morning during this time, and the times it was cold I would wear thicker clothes.

My skin was also a lot more darker than I thought, or redder, also from the fact that I mostly wore these light clothes during hot and humid days. As I approached the area where Manny, Emma, Jt and Liberty resided in, I approached through the area of the kitchen, the sound of my footsteps earning the attention of those in the room.

The wide eyes from everyone once they realized what had happened to my body made me incredibly nervous. This was the first time since Craig I had openly showed my body drama to, and it felt weird, especially with a reaction like this.

Manny was the first to speak, "Toby, what?"

"I told you he was hiding something," I heard Emma respond.

Manny stared in disbelief, "I knew you were growing muscle, but I never expected this, what the heck have you been doing?"

I was stuck in my spot, trying to think of a way to explain, without any awkward stops, but I couldn't think of a viable option, so I resorted to silence before sitting back down in the couch.

"Damn, someone's becoming a mammoth," I heard Jt send my way, me fuming at what he described me, as I remembered exactly what he would call me.

"At least I'm not a stick," I shot back.

I was hoping not to escalate the argument, but Jt saw it as a more playful one, and therefore ended it after my retaliation.

Liberty was silent, which didn't surprise me, she was usually quiet whenever we were together.

We continued watching the show for what felt like an hour, before we began to actual interact with each other.

"Okay, so I got some cards, board games, cards for truth or dare, a bottle," I heard Manny began.

But I knew no one was into that anymore.

"How about we talk for each other about what we've been doing in life?" I heard Liberty simply state, to which most of us thought wasn't a bad idea. I chose to remain silent, however.

"Okay, I guess Emma can go first, she seems to have the most to talk about," Manny said, letting Emma get up.

She looked scared to talk, but went along, I didn't actually listen as I was too caught up in my own world. I was able to hear a few key sentences like how she had learned from her mistakes she made in the aftermath of the shooting. In a way, I kind of felt guilty for shaming Emma for hooking with Jay, though whether it was something she wanted to do, or something I wasn't for because she had hooked up with the enemy in my eyes, I wasn't sure.

When she clearly ended her rant, everyone gave her the looks of concern, which made it easy to notice the bond everyone had. I was pretty sure I was giving her the exact same face, though I tried to hide it, instead hiding my face with my hair, which was just below my chin, but not as low as my shoulder.

"I'm glad your able to tell us all of this, is must be hard," I heard Liberty say after some silence. Emma responded with a simple nod before sitting down, clearing relieved to get the huge weight off her chest.

As I pondered to myself, I knew I owed Emma an apology. While I had apologized to Manny, I don't think Emma got the message from Manny, but even if she got one from Manny, I knew she deserved in from me in person.

"What about you, Toby?" I heard Manny ask me, after helping Emma calm down.

I looked at the eyes staring at me, me mixing up my words, "Uhh, nothing new I guess?"

I was met with some looks of doubt, some faces of them about to laugh, mainly from Jt, and some looks of concern.

"Really Toby?" I heard Emma remark.

I shrugged, "What is there to talk about?"

"Tobes muscles," I heard Jt whisper loud enough for everyone to hear, but was a whisper.

I glared at him, "It's Tobias damnit!"

I felt a hand from Emma on me, in an attempt to calm me down, "We're all just worried about you,"

I chuckled lightly, "What about me is there to worry about?"

They stared at me blankly, as if I was so oblivious to the obvious.

Manny started, "Jt's right, I mean look at all your muscle! It's clear you've been working out,"

I rolled my eyes, "It's just a few trips to the gym here and there, it's not really that much,"

I was surprised to hear Liberty speak, "Not really that much? You've literally lost all your chubbiness in your face, we can see your jawline!"

Emma continued for her, "Your much taller than you were, your glasses are gone, and you look like you work out daily!"

Jt was next to speak, "It's fine to work out every once in a while, I can understand, wanting to look different, it looks like you're obsessed with it!"

"Not to mention your headband and hand wraps," Manny finished.

I started after they finished, "What's wrong with the head wear?"

"Its just unlike you," Manny replied.

I continued to keep quiet, hoping they would give up, but the looks from everyone, the pressure of everyone sending their glances at you was very unnerving.

"Toby, talk to us," I heard Emma pleas.

I was not in the mood to talk to everyone in a room about my problems

"What you see is that you get,"

Shaking her head, Manny told me, "There's clearly something behind all of this, not to mention your fight with Jay,"

I saw Emma flinch upon hearing his name.

Jt, remembering something decided to add in, "he also picked a fight with Alex,"

This only garnished more strange looks my way.

Emma spoke up, "Is this something to do with the shooting? Or Rick?"

I flinched when she spoke of his name. Unfortunately, it was noticed by them.

Uh oh

"I just needed a way to distract myself from everything,"

Manny questioned, "From everything, you disappeared, even when Emma needed help,"

I glared at her, "Oh, I'm sorry I wasn't there for Emma, in case you didn't realize, I was there when the gun was pointed at Emma! I lost my friend, and you!" I pointed my hand to Jt, "Laughed at my face when I tried to ask for help!

I heard Jt sigh, "look Toby, I already told you how wrong I was to do that,"

I glared at him further, "Well why didn't you reach out earlier?"

He stayed silent, "why didn't any of you reach out earlier? I know it's a bit selfish, but I was there watching everything as well,"

Emma took a sigh, "I know you were, but I just needed time for myself,"

"I'm not blaming or critiquing you from taking care of yourself, nobody is, so why am I getting critiqued and blamed for taking care of myself?"

They remained silent, looking down as they were clearly ashamed of themselves.

Sighing, "you guys deserve an apology from me though,"

They looked up in question.

I continued, "I should've asked one of you for help when I was going through this,"

Liberty sighed, "you didn't have to suffer alone,"

"Well I did, and now I hope we can just move on from this,"

With that said, I picked up the cards, "who wants to play?

Two hours in and thankfully we put everything beside us. While there was the look of concern, indicating that the issue had not been put aside us, but I had hoped for now that I could catch a break. While I was surprised at how normal and fresh everything went smooth. No real arguments, just laughs and casual talk.

While the talk was still fresh on my mind, it was a nice break, even if they would mention it again. I had hoped that it would eventually be forgotten, but I knew they wouldn't let go.

All I could've hoped for is a simple alright from them, but for now, enjoyment from games and interactions were nice enough.

From simple truth or dares, with the funniest by far being Manny tripping on her carpet, which prompted us all to laugh. It was kind of fun to see everyone smile, especially months of separation. Looking at the time, it was 6:00 PM, not too late, though I wanted to get home relatively soon.

Eventually, we calmed down to the point where there was nothing left to do. Manny bought some alcohol which I kindly denied. In fact, Manny and Jt were the only one's who actually took a sip. I never drank and never planned to.

Eventually however, a knock shook us off. We weren't expecting anyone new , so it surprised me when I saw Danny enter the room.

Liberty, seeing her brother was the first to answer, "Danny? What are you doing here?"

He shrugged at her before turning to Jt, grinning at him, "Jt called me over."

The two gave off a little handshake. The small act making me fume. Seeing Danny hear, especially during when he was there, laughing at me when I tried to befriend Jt. He was among those who laughed in my face.

Speaking of Danny, he turned to look at me, grinning before sizing me up, from top to bottom, his grin turned to a look of shock.

"uhh, wow Toby, since when did the nerd turn to a wannabe wrestler?" He chucked as he talked. This expression made me confused as to whether or not he was scared of me. It actually would've been nice to get people who used to laugh at me to be threatened by me. It isn't the right idea, I knew, but right now I didn't care.

Now that Danny was here, laughing alongside Jt, my mind immediately turned to betrayal. Did he not consider us his friend? Why did he have to bring him? It didn't make sense.

Eventually I stood up and went to the hallway. I needed a break seeing those two laughing like they're two kids who never see each other, but when they do they are inseparable.

Taking a deep breath, I continued thinking. Is Jt trying to stir me up? He know I hate him, and he's yet to even apologize for laughing at me like I was the scum of the earth.

"Toby?"

I raised my head to see Emma look at me.

"Yeah?"

She approached me closely, "Are you okay?"

I nodded my head rather erratically, "Yeah I'm fine, don't worry,"

She didn't look convinced in the slightest, "are you sure Toby?"

I sighed, I seriously needed some alone time, "Yes, I'm just getting a headache from those two yelling, I need some quiet space, that's all,"

"You're jealous,"

I looked towards her, as if I didn't even know what she said.

"What?"

She gave me that stern look, "Your jealous of him Toby."

I shook my head, "Of course not! I'm just sick of seeing those two! Especially Danny."

"Because you're jealous,"

I fumed, "I'm not jealous!"

She looked at Jt, before back to me, "Your jealous those two are best friends, it's clear Danny and Jt have gotten close."

"I'm not jealous, I have my own best friend!"

She looked amused, as if she was taunting me.

"You do? Not trying to be mean, but I almost never see you with anyone."

I rolled my eyes at her remark, but I wanted to show Jt that I was fine without him. I didn't need Jt to be a person.

"Well maybe it's because you don't see me," I replied

Emma simply gave up with me and went on her way back to the couches. Grabbing my phone, I texted Craig if he was available and wanted to come to the party I was at.

Craig: Of course, I'm always down!

I laughed at his reply. Putting my phone down, I knew that this party would get better, at least for me. This would show Jt that I didn't rely on him for an image. I could find my own friends, and that Jt wasn't the major role.

Eventually a heard a knock on the front door. Opening the door, I smiled when I saw Craig through the door.

He smiled, "Hey Toby!" He exclaimed as we gave a handshake.

"Sup man,"

I watched as he took his shoes off, but before we could talk, a certain female's voice came to our attention.

"Toby who was at the door?" I heard Manny call, before stopping in her tracks, looking on my direction, clearly pissed.

It was then I realized she was glaring at Craig.

I looked back to see him looking at her, uncomfortably. Eventually he spoke, "Hey Manny, Toby invited me here, I hope you don't mind?"

But Manny swung her arms and shook her head, "Oh, of course I do mind," she pointed to me, "and why did you invite him?"

I shrugged trying to calm the situation down, "He's my best friend, and with Jt inviting best friends I though my he'd be fine."

She clearly got angrier, "well your best friend is my ex-boyfriend!"

I looked at Craig, who gave a rebuttal back, "you were not!"

She put her hands on her head, "Oh I'm sorry, you were busy making out with me while you were dating Ashley!"

I was shocked. While I knew Craig had cheated on Ashley, I never knew until now that Manny was the fling, "It was you?" I asked her

Manny scoffed at both of us, "Yes it was, and when she broke up with you!" She again looked at Craig with anger, who looked drained.

"I rejected you because it was wrong! I should've never done that."

She seemed to only get more ticked off, which made me uncomfortable, "Well that was after she broke up with you!"

The argument was escalating exponentially, the anger in both parties eyes present. Thankfully Emma came through.

"Manny, what's with all the yelling?" She asked before she saw Craig. Whereas her silence was from shock, she quickly turned a neutral glance.

"Hey Craig," she said, "Toby invited you?"

He looked towards Emma, "Uhh, yeah, what's going on?"

"Well we we-" Emma was cut off from Manny who clearly had let everything loose.

"Get out of my house!" She stared at Craig.

He looked surprised, "What?

"Get out!" She screamed until he ran out. But she wasn't done.

"You too." I looked to see her staring at me, as if I betrayed her.

"Huh?"

"Get out Toby, I thought you were my friend, but you're nothing but a back stabber!"

That sentence struck me like a spear, as I put my shoes on and left. Craig was still in his car. As I called his name, which he thankfully replied and saw me, and jumped in his car, I couldn't help at the sudden hostility Manny showed.

"What happened between you and Manny?"

He sighed, "Long story short, she was my fling."

I looked at him, waiting for him to continue.

"It started at a party, where we danced and flirted with me, even though I was dating Ashley. We had our flings ever since then, until Ashley caught us and we broke up."

I was curious now. "So why is Manny mad at you?"

He sighed, "after Ashley and I broke up, Manny wanted me to be her boyfriend, but I rejected. I realized what I had done, and in the end, I broke both of their hearts like an idiot."

I looked at him. While I was mad that he had hurt Manny and Ashley, both being my friend and step-sister respectively, I knew he moved past all of the drama.

First Kate, now Manny? Who else hates Craig?