Sorry for the month long update, school is becoming a hassle, and I have left time to relax. Just so you all know; the lyrics are having some influence off of Purple Rain by Prince. I personally suck at creating lyrics for a song, so don't expect anything new or good. You might actually find some cringy stuff, so I deeply apologize. Also, I did say Manny would not get pregnant in this, but I changed my mind, mainly for progress in a friendship and character development.
...
Toby's POV
"Dude, how are you going to explain that to Jay?" I heard Craig tell me, a smirk present on his face.
I rolled my eyes at his reaction of Alex and I going out to the movies, "She is not into me, not that I would care though."
I heard Ellie's voice snap back in her usually sarcastic sense, "How can you be so sure?"
I was mildly surprised that Ellie didn't know Alex was a lesbian, knowing the two were pretty close together, however, I knew it wasn't me who would have to tell them, it was Alex's choice.
"She's just not into my type." I said smoothly, trying to give them a message.
Then I saw Craig smirk again and I knew they wouldn't.
"What, nerdy? Or bulky?" Followed by a laugh from Marco and Ellie. I myself couldn't resist to crack a smile at Craig's retort.
"Whatever the hell I really am." I finished before joining in on the laughter.
That laughter slowly faded once I felt a chill through my back. I only felt that whenever someone was staring at me. I quickly turned around to see Manny glaring at Craig and I, and I already knew why.
She clearly was upset at Craig's choices, just using her as a fling, rather than an actual girlfriend, even though he was with Ashley. It was certain that when Ashley and Craig broke up, he straight up rejected Manny afterwards, seeing the damage he had done. I had known a bit due to Ashley and Kate discussing their anger, but learned more in depth once Craig told me the story.
I noticed Craig looking at me in sympathy once I had turned back to face him, Marco and Ellie.
"I'm sorry about that." He started.
I was confused at his apology, "It's not your fault Craig, Manny's just dramatic."
"Manny?" I heard Ellie reply with slight disgust in her voice.
"Yeah," was all Craig said.
We stayed there in silence before Marco spoke up, "So, do you like her Craig?"
His eyes clearly went up and he immediately shook his head, "What? No, I don't like Manny, at least not anymore."
"Then why do you care about her opinion?" Marco replied, with a stern voice, that kind of voice that reminded me of a parent.
He simply shrugged in response, "She may not be someone I care about, but she's Toby's friend and our interaction has put a strain on them."
It made sense, if you befriend an enemy, you're pretty much a traitor, but Craig was a good person, misguided and a bit erratic, but fun to hang around.
Craig continued however, "I should probably apologize to her as well as Ashley."
Marco raised his eyebrow, "Didn't you already apologize through that song?"
He nodded, "Yeah, but I hurt both of them, and I want to at least let them know I understood what I did."
Ellie spoke up, after remaining a bit quiet, "You apologized to Ashley, and she got back with you."
He nodded, "Yes, but I didn't apologize to Manny."
I saw Marco roll his eyes, "How do you know you're not interested in Manny?"
I saw Craig look at Ellie briefly before speaking up, "I had enough girl drama for high school, the single life is the best life!"
I laughed at his response, but I couldn't help but notice the difficulty and hesitation in his voice. Him looking at Ellie before speaking also made me more skeptical.
"Craig Manning, without a girl? Who are you?" I heard Marco remark before we fell in laughter again.
"Well, if you're going to apologize, how are you going to execute it?" I said seriously once our laughter had died down.
I saw Craig, with his usual smirk, "the typical Craig way, by song!"
I knew he would say that, and knowing his writing skills, I knew he could execute it well. It was just a matter of time.
"Actually, I do have a question for you Isaacs," Craig continued, to which I raised my eyebrows.
"How are we in the same class? Aren't you a year younger than me?"
I laughed, "I got ahead, and was put into the seniors." It was blunt, but that was the truth.
"Alright, well this Rockstar has to make a record!" Craig then said, to which we all laughed at again.
It was nice to hang around other people again. To think I went from completely despising Degrassi, due to the torment of Jay and Spinner, to enjoying it made me happy. I had truly felt like I was in elementary school again, and even though it was with different people, they made me feel valuable, rather than Jt and Danny.
Despite my grudge against Jt, we still got along, we just playfully threw jabs at each other a lot more. It was more of a friendly rivalry we had going on, which was fine by me. While I still was not too keen on Danny, he didn't seem to care for me at all, so I couldn't care as well.
The sound of the lunch bell got us on our feats as we all went back to our lockers. I had decided to follow Craig as he requested help for his song.
"So, are you serious about the single life?" I teased Craig, to which he flinched to.
I heard him take a sigh, "Yes, I mean it."
That surprised me. Sure, Craig was always a sort of funny person who didn't mean stuff literally, his voice showed a serious tone for once, as if he was honest.
"What about Ellie?" I whispered.
He pulled me to whispering length, "I don't know."
"Come on, you guys should really try."
"And risk us ending up like Ashley? Hell no."
I sighed; it was too hopeless.
"Fine, but I hope you realize how great of a girl Ellie is for you."
He clearly looked sad at that, but he continued.
"I'll see you later," he said gloomily before heading off.
For once I was curious, did I upset him?
Taking my mind off as I watched him walk across the hallways, my mind soon shifted to see Manny walking alongside Emma and Liberty. For once, Liberty wasn't around Jt, that's kind of surprising.
Sighing, I made my way over to them, and immediately I felt the cold shoulder Manny was giving me. Emma and Liberty seemed to not notice, or didn't care and smiled at me.
"Hey Toby, are you alright?" Emma started.
I scratched the back of my head, as I tried to find my words, "Yeah, I'm fine, how's Jt?" I looked towards Liberty.
She basically rolled her eyes, "Hanging out with Danny again, I swear it feels like I'm babysitting two children."
We all had a laugh at that, except for Manny who clearly was trying her hardest not to laugh.
I made a noise with my throat before I took my eyes onto Manny.
"Could I talk to you alone, Manny?"
She looked me straight in my eyes, with no emotion, which surprised me, "Fine."
We walked away from the group, their eyes clearly not leaving us until the wall blocked their view.
"What do you want Toby?" I heard her start, clearly not wanting to talk.
I took a sigh, "I'm sorry about everything."
"What do you mean?"
"About the fact that you kind of hate me now that I'm hanging out with Craig."
While I was expecting her to be typical, still angry with me, she did soften her glare towards me. It wasn't a lot, but it was slightly noticeable.
"Do you know what Craig did to me?"
I turned to look at her, "Cheated on Ashley with you?"
She made a noise of disgust before raising her voice, "He got me pregnant!"
I wasn't sure whether or not I had heard that right. Pregnant? What the hell? Why hadn't Craig told me that?"
"What?"
"He wanted to keep it, but I insisted on getting an abortion. He was pissed and pretty much ghosted me."
To say I was shocked was an understatement. Was I mad at Craig? Yes, but not to the extent where I would yell at him and destroy any of our friendship. Did this explain Manny's hostility, it made more sense.
"So, because you didn't keep a child, he ghosted you?"
"Yes, I still loved him after all of this, and he got back with Ashley after playing that stupid song for her."
I was mildly shocked at how raw her tone was when she mentioned Ashley, sure she was my step-sister, but we pretty much felt as we were just acquaintances rather than family.
I took a breather. This made a bit more sense.
"I understand what he did to you was wrong, maybe even scarring, but he was there for me when I was going through my isolation period,"
She looked understanding, and nodded for me to continue.
"After the shooting, everyone was more focused on Sean and Emma more than me, and I know it sounds selfish, but I was there watching everything unfold, the gun was right there. Just one movement and everything could've changed. Yet, nobody came to ask how I was doing, instead they condemned me for associating with him."
I shuddered at the thought of his name, but I continued.
"I had Jay and Spinner torment me, bully me and beat me just for being around a school shooter, and everyone thought that I deserved it. None of you even asked me how I was doing, I get that you had to focus on Emma, but a simple call asking me if I was alright was all I needed. Instead I got verbal insults, blows and stares thrown at me, like I was about to become a school shooter as well. My friends, didn't care to check in on me, Jt, laughed at my face, found a replacement friend, and everyone shunned me."
I heard Manny take a sigh, "Like Emma said, you didn't have to go through this alone, I mean look at what happened to you, with your muscle built, you've even gotten taller, why did you do this, and why did you have to disappear?"
"Sure, I didn't have to, but the environment didn't care for me, so I felt like I needed to. I had to get out of Degrassi and find something to do, to keep my mind off of this, because if I didn't find that health club sooner, I would've probably broken the house down like how I broke my room, like how I broke my glasses, like how I broke myself."
She continued to stare at me, and off topically I wondered how in the world the bell for class didn't ring yet.
Nonetheless I continued, "And then Craig approached me, stood up for me, and asked me how I was doing, he understood me, and was the first person I pretty much talked to after the shooting. Manny, I understand he was a terrible person to you, but he's been a great friend to me."
She sighed, "I don't have a problem with you hanging out with him, I was more that I was upset you brought him over to my house when it was supposed to be an elementary school party."
"But Danny was there."
"Danny is Liberty's brother."
Fair enough. I thought about everything and how Craig was really a bad person to Manny, and even though he admitted and owned up to it, it was still unbelievable. As I pondered on Craig's hopeless stare at the mention of Ellie, I now understood better why he was cautious. He really did screw everything up, and if Manny still loved him, it could cause trouble. If Craig didn't like Manny anymore, maybe I could talk to the other party about it.
"Maybe Craig isn't the guy for you Manny."
She smiled softly, "Maybe he isn't, your right, I'm sorry about the hostility, don't think we're back to where we were, but I'm fine with you."
"Yeah, that's fine, I just want all the negativity to end, between us."
She nodded, before leaving, waving me goodbye.
I smiled content at the outcome, now with Manny feeling more uplifted, maybe everything could work out, and the cycle of negativity could end. That's Toby
Craig's POV
I wasn't upset, in an angry way, but I was upset in a hopeless way. Ellie and I wouldn't work out without me hurting her, just like how I hurt two people at once.
Sighing as I entered my next class, I opened my notebook for music and began pondering on some lyrics. They usually took me a night to run through a solid eight sentence verse, but with the stuff going around, it was really hard to focus. I'd probably have to wait until I get to Joey's. The group had band practice today, as we were trying to perfect another instrumental. However, whereas Marco, Ellie and Jimmy didn't know what the song was for, I found myself wanting to use it for the song.
Afterall, I was the guy who got his fling pregnant, cheated on his girlfriend, and almost forced his fling to suffer through a pregnancy at teen. Besides relationship issues, I had more issues that could be deemed a bad track record. Being abused by his father? Check. Beating his step-father and then being diagnosed as bipolar, check, I had it all.
There were times where I would just say fuck my life, as looking back at all of this, I don't know how I had managed the way I did.
As I pondered on my thoughts, I once again, something I've recently been doing, failed to realize my teacher calling me.
I snapped out of my thoughts to see the class watching me, sighing I told the teacher that I was just out of it, before returning to my usual banter.
As class ended, the overall process of school seemed to feel like a dream, or a sort of image you don't really take seriously, and just glance.
It wasn't until I reached home at Joey's once, I felt myself back, fully conscious. Marco, Jimmy and Ellie were all going to arrive a little later, so I had time to think of lyrics for this song.
However, before I could, I found myself thinking about Ellie, and how lonely I've felt in the house without her. It felt weird knowing that Ellie was no longer living here.
I really missed her, but I was happy that she felt safe enough to move back in with her sober mom, it was nice. As for her absence, it did feel weird and lonely without her.
What if she thinks the song is about her? That would be great, I always felt more comfortable writing on my emotions and feelings, rather than explain them. I was terrible socially speaking, oddly enough, especially when it came to Ellie.
But then an awful thought came to mind.
"What if she thinks it's for Manny?"
Yes, it was for Manny, but the song is more meant as an apology, rather than a let's get back together kind of song.
My thoughts were interrupted when I heard a knock. Somewhat surprised but not, it was Ellie.
"Hey Ellie, come in, make yourself at home." I started with a small tease, to which she laughed.
"Well then, I'll be in your bedroom if you need me,"
I laughed at her silliness, before leading her to the garage, where she immediately went for the drum set.
"Where's Jimmy and Marco?"
"They should be here soon."
Grabbing my guitar case, and pulling out my guitar, I started tuning, before playing a small melody, which Ellie picked up.
"Nice melody, how'd you do it so quick?"
I smiled back at her, "Started as a hum in my thoughts."
She laughed, "Of course, so does the rest, huh?"
I nodded before hearing the sounds of Marco and Jimmy enter the house, and before I knew it, another band practice was underway.
Starting as the melody on the guitar, Jimmy, Marco and Ellie all managed to find a harmonic way to compliment the main melody.
Soon we had a pretty nice instrumental, backed with what Jimmy called, "Nice vibes."
We all had a great laugh, before we continued, producing more instrumentals with what he had. You'd be surprised with how much music you can make with four instruments and amazing people.
Throughout many of the instrumentals, I would hum to myself or say small words to get an idea on what I would like to do with them. I knew the other three wouldn't care, but what I did know was these songs would put me out. Jimmy and Marco themselves have already told me about how they are not going to be in this garage forever.
They were right. Eventually I would either stay in school or be out touring. I was hoping for the latter, but also the former. I wanted to at least get a grip on stuff like producing so I could expand my horizon, maybe someday though.
For now, making songs were my passion and I wanted to go big, and go big was what I was going to do.
After what was about an hour and a half, everyone left, with Ellie leaving half an hour later. As much as she was joking, she actually wanted to go back in my bed and relax, which was fine by me. I accompanied her up there, and we talked about life and the future for a bit before her mom called her home.
We gave each other a big hug before we parted, the both of us upset that we were increasing the distance between us. It was times like those that made me hopeful, before I realized the burden in my life, the issues that prevented me from getting her. Maybe someday I can overcome these issues and be the strong person she needs.
Going back in the basement to hear the recording, I pulled out my mic, a new one that I hadn't shown anyone. Plugging it and setting it down, I started.
Pain and sorrow, unhappiness is my enemy,
I only wanted to see all of you laughing,
Instead this the burden, I live dreadfully,
And now I got two hurt girls, the pain lasting,
I never wanted to be your weekend lover,
Just wanted to be the person to show you hope,
So dumb of me to keep the cover,
One girl I got pregnant, the other I wanted to elope,
I only wanted to see you laughing in the purple rain,
I only wanted to see you dancing in the purple rain,
I only wanted to see you laughing in the purple rain,
I only wanted to see you dancing in the purple rain,
It's such a shame everything we did came to an end,
It's such a shame our relationship had to end,
It's such a shame everything we did came to an end,
It's such a shame our relationship had to end,
Purple rain, purple rain, see you in the purple rain,
Purple rain, purple rain, let me guide you,
Purple rain, purple rain, who will show me, the
Purple rain, purple rain, I need some advice,
I know that time are changing,
The time that we all reach to something new,
Couldn't made up my mind on my emotions,
The action I committed are atrocious,
I know everything we had come to abrupt halt,
But it was necessary take me with a grain of salt,
Nobody deserves criticism but the man who fooled you,
So much changed, I don't think that I suit you,
I only wanted to see you laughing in the purple rain,
I only wanted to see you dancing in the purple rain,
I only wanted to see you laughing in the purple rain,
I only wanted to see you dancing in the purple rain,
It's such a shame everything we did came to an end,
It's such a shame our relationship had to end,
It's such a shame everything we did came to an end,
It's such a shame our relationship had to end,
Purple rain, purple rain, see you in the purple rain,
Purple rain, purple rain, let me guide you,
Purple rain, purple rain, who will show me, the
Purple rain, purple rain, I need some advice,
Don't want to see no tears in the purple rain,
I promise no more affairs causing substantiable pain,
Who will show me the purple rain I need advice,
Taking years of torture, that's the price
I only wanted to see you laughing in the purple rain,
I only wanted to see you dancing in the purple rain,
I only wanted to see you laughing in the purple rain,
I only wanted to see you dancing in the purple rain,
It's such a shame everything we did came to an end,
It's such a shame our relationship had to end,
It's such a shame everything we did came to an end,
It's such a shame our relationship had to end,
To my surprise, the song was actually good, especially the quality of my voice and recording of the song. Must've been the new mic. With some tinkering, this song could actually be released as soon as tonight!
With excitement and pure adrenaline, I was unaware of Joey and Angela calling my name, because I was so determined to get this track right. Our last track was a small banger, but this could be the song that will break through.
After all, the sooner I released it, the more interested the listeners will be, right?
I had earned over $10,000 in copies of royalties and very small visits, but I wouldn't perform. Now, with all the melodies and harmonies, with some work, I could finally create the song that could make a huge difference for me, maybe even catch the eyes of a record producer or something. The sooner the better, at least I hoped.
Eventually, around 4 AM, I finally finished and was content with what I had. I don't know whether or not it was mania, or I was genuinely excited, but the moment I finished, I collapsed in exhaustion, the dire to sleep overtaking me.
…
When I woke up, I realized I was it was 10 minutes before class started. Whatever I had to do, I quickly had to take care of it, which I did.
Heading to the local studio to submit my record, I waved them off goodbye before rushing to school. I was 15 minutes late and I knew I would get a bit of trouble with my teachers, but I could care less. I knew what I wanted.
Sure enough, that's exactly what happened.
"Sorry," was all I mumbled back before taking my seat. Turning behind to see Toby, I grinned in satisfaction.
He clearly looked confused at my absence earlier, "What was that about?"
I grinned back at him, "Oh, just had to send a record out."
"Already?"
"I've been saving up and making it."
He looked pleased, but confused.
I sighed before telling him, "I released the song, with the apology."
He seemed to get it.
After what seemed to feel like two hours, I finally made it out of that class. Heading towards my locker, I was mildly shocked to see Manny approach me.
"Craig?"
I spun my head around to see Manny looking at me with an uneven face. I gulped, knowing she heard the song. I wondered if Ashley had as well.
"Yes?"
Her gaze softened a bit, "I heard the song, nice lyrics."
I scratched the back of my head, clearly this was very uncomfortable, "I'm sorry for everything I put you through, you know, trying to make you keep the baby."
"It's fine."
"My head wasn't thinking straight, with my father's death and everything, but that doesn't excuse my actions then."
She gave me a small smile, "It's fine now, I'm just glad we got closure."
"I'm glad all this negativity has ended, anyways I have my next class, take care Manny."
"Goodbye Craig."
As I walked away from Manny, it was hard. Not because I still liked her, but walking away from someone you had history with was always tugging in a sense.
While Manny and I had gotten closure and have gotten on a better note, I knew that we would never get back together, nor see each other as friends again, and I was honestly fine with that.
I had just hoped she and Toby would be on better terms now.
