I know the last few chapters have been lackluster in terms of actions, but think of those chapters as the interlude towards the next part of the story. Enjoy! Also, I know some of these songs are not Rock by any means, but I don't listen to a lot of rock, I'm more into RnB and dancehall music.
…
Craig's POV
To say I was shocked was an understatement. The track, Purple Rain, was actually popping around here, and I had actual proof in person.
The first instance was on the local radio, when Joey and I were in the car after my therapy.
"Isn't that your song?" I remember Joey asking, to which I realized it was.
If it wasn't for Joey, I wouldn't have realized that moment, but I was happy that it had happened.
The second time occurred during a walk past a club, which I could hear my song play in the distance.
Then the amount of times I've heard the song being played outside Degrassi was so much I lost count. It seemed that my song had become a hit, at least here.
Right now, I was chilling at the local studio where I had submitted my CD. I had on a black leather hoodie and jeans, mainly to cover my head. I also brought a face mask with me to cover parts of my face. That way, just in case I get in the limelight about the song, they wouldn't know my features.
When I was ready to reveal myself I would, but right now I wanted the track to continue to flourish, which it definitely did.
While the majority of the people outside of Degrassi was unaware of the creator of the song, many within the school knew better, but out of respect kept it a secret whenever they were outside.
Even Ellie, Marco and Jimmy all liked the song, and appreciated the contents. Despite some stern looks from Marco, I assured him everything was going great now.
Many within Degrassi knew very well what the song was about, apologizing to both parties affected by his actions, cheating on Ashley and getting Manny pregnant was not easily forgivable, and while they both were on decent terms with him again, maybe not Manny so much, but the least they could say was that they got closure and didn't see each other as scummy.
Speaking of Manny though, it seemed that she could not have gotten out of the public eye for just a second, whether it be for the right or wrong reasons. Why am I saying that? Because three days later after my song was released, a video of a topless Manny began surfacing, starting out as a video from an anonymous user.
I was mostly shocked and grossed out, more at the fact that Manny let someone do this to her. But I digressed, what Manny did was for her and she would face her consequences, just like how I faced mine.
She definitely was being shunned in school, and as much as I wanted to help her through this tough time, I knew I wasn't the person to help her. She had Emma, Liberty, Jt and even Toby to back her up.
I shook my head, trying to forget the picture of Manny's boobs, I just didn't want to see that anymore.
Taking my thoughts away from school drama, I continued to ponder on my music. I told myself the single life was the best for a reason. I had seriously caused enough relationship drama for an entire school year, and I was committed to focus on my passion.
However, everything changed when the local studio asked me for something.
"Would you like to perform your song onstage?"
I was shocked at how soon everyone wanted to know the creator, but I was excited.
"Of course!"
I remember the smile the manager of the studio gave me, before giving me a piece of paper, with an address, time stamp and the date of the upcoming show. Holy crap, this was amazing. I couldn't wait to tell Marco, Ellie and Jimmy.
Was what I had said, but now was regretting.
Marco was the first to say something, "Craig, that's amazing-"
But Jimmy interrupted him, "But I think it's just for you."
I looked at him confused, "What do you mean? This is a band!"
"Sure, but who's the one who made all the lyrics, who's the one who been getting all the credit?"
Were they getting jealous? "What? I mean yeah I'm getting credit, and you all deserve it, but this is the chance!"
I heard a sigh from Ellie, "Craig, we're not jealous, we just think you should do this alone, I mean we all have our own things we want to do; we're just helping you with yours."
Silence for a minute before I spoke up, "Are you sure?"
Marco patted me on the back, "We're sure, besides everyone thinks it was just you who did it."
Jimmy added on, "Including those managers, so they'll probably set everything up for you."
I was still so unsure about all of this.
"I don't know, until now I feel as if we did this all together."
Ellie soothed me with her words, which felt closer to my ear, which made me heat up slightly, "We were all helping you with your passion, you have the chance to turn it into a career, we'll go to support you, but the music stuff isn't for us."
I looked up, mainly in the hazel coloured eyes of Ellie.
"You will all be there?"
Ellie spoke softly to me, "Of course, we want our friends to succeed."
Friends. I wished Ellie and I could be more, and every time I heard the word friends, I resisted the urge to correct them, saying I wanted more, every time becoming more difficult. I smiled instead, giving them a thank you.
That was three days ago, and now I was at the back of the stage, preparing for the show of my life. I had managed to peak outside the stage, and to my shock and horror, I saw a lot of people, way more than I had initially thought.
"How much tickets were sold?" I asked meekly to the manager.
"About 3,000," He replied nonchalantly, which made me make a slight noise of fear.
In that crowd of 3000 people I knew Ellie, Marco and Jimmy were here. I also knew that Toby and his group of friends minus Manny also showed up. Apparently, Manny was so scarred from the video she had refused to leave Emma's basement.
Regardless, I was well aware of my anxiety topping the roof, the urge to run was so close, but throughout it I told myself I wouldn't.
"I'm scared."
I heard him laugh, "That's normal, the first couple of shows are always the hardest man, but it's the adaptation that'll make you love it."
"I know,"
"Hey, I got one sort of advice for you."
I looked at him with confusion, "What's that?"
"Stay away from the drugs, Craig, especially as a Rockstar, you'll come across it, no matter the instances, don't do them."
I was confused at what he meant, but I understood where he was going, I nodded to him, and he left for the stage.
I had some songs planned out, and with the instrumentals down from speakers, I was as ready as I could be. I even had my guitar, so I could maybe play a guitar solo.
Eventually, I heard the sound of the manager, right on time, as I was as ready as ever. Guitar in hand, I was ready to charge onstage.
"Alright everyone! Step right up for your recent local Rockstar, Craig Manning!"
The sentence was followed by screaming, which only got louder as I approached the stage, guitar on my back, heading towards the mic. Through this I could have sworn I saw Spinner and Jay as well, alongside some other Degrassi students.
Shrugging it off, I had a show to perform, "What's going on, everyone!"
I heard some screaming, but I knew there could've been more.
"I want to hear some louder screams, for Toronto!"
The screams were much louder, and as the instrumentals began for my first song, I knew everything would be fun.
The first song, called Don't Play With Me, was more of an atmospheric rock style song with some RnB influence, which I thought would be a nice opening.
"Girl put in work, work, work,
All you gotta do is smirk,
I'm giving you all I got,
(For this love) For this love I've fought,
I don't know what's happening with you,
But you're the only one that I look to,
Alone, now I'm all alone,
Don't Play with me,
Oooohhh girl, don't play, don't play (Oooohhh girl, you did again)
Oooohhh girl, don't play, don't play (Oooohhh girl, you left me alone)
I've been rollin' on my own, all night long, that's when I knew
I been wasting all this time to get to you, to get to you
I been blowing all up your phone, I just wanna talk to you
I been wasting all this time to get to you, to get to you
You and I know what you do when you try to cut through my scene
And I know that you said you'll make it up to me
I could stop doin' work if you don't want me babe
Only if you don't want me babe, and now I'm all alone
Oooohhh girl, don't play, don't play (Oooohhh girl, you did again)
Oooohhh girl, don't play, don't play (Oooohhh girl, you left me alone)
Alone, now I'm alone
Alone, now I'm alone
Alone, now I'm all alone, alone, alone, alone,
Now I'm alone, again."
Song: Don't Play by Ozzie, THEMXXNLIGHT
The applause from the end of the song gave me hope, as I hadn't actually played the song everyone probably wanted, but if they thought that track was good, then I had hope.
The next track was another RnB influenced rock track, with a slower more mellow atmospheric production. With the keyboard and a acoustic guitar in the background, it created a sort of track that was made to run away with your lover.
"Love me, I don't even know you but I love you
Don't leave‚ girl I really wanna get to know you
Can we‚ run away to somewhere they won't find us
Just be mine‚ till the sunrise, let me give it to you
She turned around, looked at me‚ grabbed my hand
And now she's walking me out
Won't let me know where we're going
But she told me not to worry about it
Now my vision's getting blurry
I could swear that she's drugging me out
But I don't mind it 'cause I know that we all never die
I don't need to know where we headed
Long as I'm with you I don't feel alone
You could kill me in the middle of this
And I won't care 'cause I'm so in love
Let me know if you wanna get it, girl I know I won't let you down
If I do we could turn around
But for now let me hear the sound of you saying
Love me, I don't even know you but I love you
Don't leave‚ girl I really wanna get to know you
Can we, run away to somewhere they won't find us
Just be mine, till the sunrise, let me give it to you
'Cause there ain't no one like you there's no body
Girl I know you like it when I touch your body
And even if I try looking for someone
I never seem to find another girl like you, oh no
You're a dime, and you know so you own it
Girl I love it when I'm with you in the moment
Take it easy on my pride 'cause I know you're perfect
I don't even know you but I think you're worth it
'Cause I'm alive, when you near, got me focused
If I die when you near, would you notice
I don't even wanna lose you, I don't like you farther
Everyday I'm with you I've been falling harder
Love me, I don't even know you but I love you
Don't leave, girl I really wanna get to know you
Can we, run away to somewhere they won't find us
Just be mine, till the sunrise, let me give it to you"
Song: Nowhere by Shaker ft. Gervs
There were many songs that I played soon after, but it was the final song, Purple Rain, everyone here probably heard, so I wanted to tease them a bit for the last song, it was a last minute idea that I think would work and hype everything up more.
"I need all of your help! What was the name of that song everyone wants to hear?"
"Purple Rain!"
I chuckled as I heard nothing but the chants of Purple Rain, I looked to see all my school peers and friends smiling at me. The show had been successful so far, and I was about to secure it with this show.
Letting the instrumental kick in, the crowd cheered once they realized the song began. As I sang the lyrics to the song, I began playing the guitar that had been on my back, improvising to create a guitar solo, that clearly got the crowd in a daze. I could see the smiles of many, including my friends as I worked my fingers through the strings of the guitar, the sound it was making fitting perfectly with the song I was singing.
Eventually, as quickly as it started, it ended, and after a moment of silence, I bid the crowd farewell until the next time.
"Farewell everyone!"
As I went to the backstage, I took a much-needed seat down. In a matter of 30 minutes, I had completely wiped everyone into a crowd of screams, which was good.
"Good job man! You killed it!"
I looked towards the source of the noise to see the manager of the studio, who made all of this possible, with a content look on his face.
"It felt good, I thought I'd have a much worse time."
He scoffed, "Seriously? You were amazing, probably one of the better newcomers I've seen!"
I smiled at that, to know I was one of the best around made me feel like something amazing was bound to come.
As soon as he left, I saw the faces of Ellie, Marco, Jimmy, Toby and Emma, who I had given them backstage passes for.
Jimmy was the first to say something, "First off, wow, you really killed it out there-"
Marco interrupted him by giving me a hug, a bit giddy at my performance, "Rockstar Manning, what a name!"
I got him off before giving him a chuckle at his clever nickname.
I saw Toby and Emma giving me a smile, while everyone was talking. Even in the aftermath of something big, everything felt normal.
Once the commotion was done, everyone was gone, except for Ellie.
Instead, she walked slowly towards me, sitting in the seat next to me.
She smiled at me, "That was seriously amazing, Craig, I know you've heard it many times, but I want to emphasize that."
I chuckled as I wrapped my arms over her shoulders. She responded by moving her head closer to my chest. At that move, I could've sworn my heart began racing.
"Well it feels better when I'm told by you Nash,"
We laughed again, before letting the silence consume us.
"So, Craig," I looked down towards Ellie's direction.
"Yes?"
"What are you going to do after?"
I sighed, knowing where this was going, "I don't know, but once I get a record dealer or something, I plan to make it big."
She responded with a chuckle, "So, the same plan."
"Yes."
The silence was once again filled with laughter, and as Ellie and I continued to repeat this process of silence, then laughter, I couldn't help but feel everything was going right. Everything was perfect.
I looked down, to see Ellie's beautiful face, covered in freckles, her small frame in my arms. I wished for this more, but knew this was an in the moment thing, and knew we would return to the just friend moniker. I sighed, knowing at this point, the chances of me being with Ellie were dimming, due to the possibility of moving away, in the case of a record deal.
Well, everything was almost perfect.
I had almost everything I truly wanted.
Toby's POV
Was I seeing things? What the hell!
My face of pure disgust was present when I noticed the face of Spinner and Jay back in the Degrassi.
What the hell were they doing here on the school grounds, weren't they expelled?!
My mind continued to race in fury, but none more than the face of pure hatred Jimmy was giving them when he saw them.
Simply in his wheelchair, he moved himself to get as far away from them as possible. He knew the best thing was to simply ignore them, they were already hated enough, so he wouldn't waste his time.
But I wouldn't. Seeing them after everything they've done made me sick.
In that instance, my hope for this school has plummeted back to post-shooting levels. I was beyond furious.
"What are you doing back here?" Was all I heard from Paige, who didn't follow Jimmy back like the rest of the gang. The only reason I stood back was because of my thoughts. I wasn't staring at him, rather just gazing off.
"I had a chance to return." Was all Spinner replied before walking away from Paige. I shook my head, as I also spotted Jay giving Spinner a look before walking out of the school.
Maybe Jay wasn't allowed back in because he genuinely looked flushed to be back.
So, it was just Spinner who had gotten back, not as good as I thought.
Shaking my head off to whatever I was doing, I went back to my classes, I did not want to focus on him. Unless he was back to cause a scene, then I would worry about him.
For now, though, I would just continue on what I wanted. I had no desire to.
My main focus was to make sure Jimmy was okay.
I saw Craig at his seat in the class, looking pretty upbeat, and it was easy to know why. It was clear that his show a couple of days ago was a huge hit, especially for a newcomer. While I was unsure at how much he made, he was content with how he had managed himself up there.
"How'd your show go Rockstar?"
He smirked, "Amazing, everything went so well, my only concern is a band."
"What happened with Ellie, Marco and Jimmy?"
He shrugged, "They insisted I do this alone, they were just doing this to help me with my music."
I nodded in acknowledgement, it was clear those three had other passions rather than music, "You'll probably find some as you go on, it'll come naturally."
"Yeah you're right, for now I'm just waiting."
I smiled at Craig, he was close to achieving his dreams as a musician, and was about to reach what he always wanted.
While this would definitely mean I would most likely lose contact with him, I was happy he was going. A similar way I was happy Kendra left. While I was upset, I ultimately told myself she was happy with her choices. Come to think of it, I hadn't seen Kendra since she left, prior to the shooting. I bet she wouldn't even recognize me if she ever were to visit by any chance, I couldn't even recognize myself.
I was mildly surprised that I suddenly started to think of Kendra out of all people, I mean sure we have a relationship going on, but it wasn't as meaningful as the other notable ones, like Jt and Liberty. Regardless, it was the closest thing to a relationship I've ever gotten, and I kind of wished I had taken it more seriously all those times.
But it didn't matter anymore, a week after our "break-up" I saw her already flirting with another guy who clearly looked more like a typical bad boy every girl fell in love with, and judging from her riding in the passenger seat of a car that was probably her new boyfriend's dad, I knew it was a lost cause.
But I wasn't that chubby nerdy geek anymore who was easy to pick on, I was instead a muscular, lean teen who wasn't afraid to pound assholes who brought others down, and if I ever had to fight a group of bullies to protect either the people I care about, or those who are vulnerable, I would do it in a heartbeat.
If Spinner lays one finger on anyone, I would not hesitate to give him a taste of my opinion with my fists. All those years of him pushing me in a wall, threatening me and laughing at me for being the person I was gone, and now the tables had turned. I would not be the tyrant he was, instead be seen as a protector of some sorts.
So, what if he calls Jay, what's he going to do, throw another glass bottle at me, pretty pathetic if you ask me.
I wasn't scared to give Spinner or Jay a piece of my opinion. I wouldn't forgive them for what they did to Jimmy, what they did to me, and what they did to him. Not until either Jimmy forgives them or I lay on my deathbed.
I was tempted to ask Craig about his opinions them being back, but I didn't want to ruin the positive outlook he had; besides, he probably just didn't care for them at all, which was fine by me.
I knew exactly from the look Jimmy sent to Spinner how he felt, and I couldn't blame him at all.
When the bell rang, I knew exactly what I wanted to do.
Approaching Spinner, I had no desire to pick a fight with him, but let him know exactly how he is viewed.
"What are you doing back here?" I asked him.
He clearly did not look amused, but did show a face of shock when he saw me.
"Toby?"
I rolled my eyes, "Who else, your favourite nerd," I said in a sarcastic sense.
He clearly was trying to suppress a comeback, which did surprise me a bit.
"You look different," was all he said.
"I've been working out,"
He eyed me up, "I can tell, what do you want?"
"What are you doing back here?" I asked blatantly.
He looked at me, annoyed, "Just like Paige, I had a chance to come back."
"I thought when you got expelled that was it, how are you back?"
He shrugged, "sure, but it's called a second chance."
"You've been given too many chances."
He looked, "I know,"
"You left your best friend paralyzed! How can people forgive you?"
"Because people can change, look at yourself Toby."
I was mildly surprised at him calling me by my name, "No Dexter? Four eyes, that's a first."
He looked at me, "Just thought I'd try and at least be nicer."
"Guilt tripping you up?"
He looked furious, "I have a chance to redeem myself, okay. I worked my ass to get back into this school, one small fight, I'm gone, everything I worked for, gone! I'm not wasting my chances because you can't move on!"
I looked up at him, shocked at his outburst, "You say I can't move on, yes I can't because what you did to everyone was unforgivable!"
"Maybe you think that, but give me a few years to redeem myself, maybe you'll see me as a different person then."
With that being said, he walked away, his back against me. To say I was shocked, or even surprised, I don't know. I was just confused.
But, if he was true to his words, maybe I could give him a second chance.
"Nah I'll give him a month."
We'll see if Spinner can actually keep his words true, and maybe I could ask him to call Kendra, to see how she's doing.
"Am I really trying this?!"
I was just confused at his unexpected return.
