This is the graduation episode for Marco, Ellie, Alex, Paige, Hazel, and just like the show, the characters in Season 6 will still attend. The only exception here is Craig's return. I will explain next chapter what's happening with him, but trust me, I have plans for the next couple of chapters. I would count this as the start of the next major part of the story. Anyways, enough rambling, enjoy!


Toby's POV

Ever since Jt had been rushed to the hospital after the overdose, a lot had happened between us. For one, they ultimately decided to give the infant up for adoption. Despite their sad reactions, I reassured them that it was the right decision. They simply were not ready for a child yet.

Emma and Manny were upset with the decision, but decided for the wellbeing of both Jt and Liberty, to accept it. They were still looking forward to seeing a little kid grow up, and I admit I was curious about that as well. This is kind of ironic if we are considering Manny's decisions during her pregnancy, but whatever.

Right now, it was a week away from the last day of school. The summer atmosphere was tranquil and bright, and everyone was happy.

Marco and Ellie were all happy to be graduating soon, and Jimmy was hopeful he would join them as well.

As for the long-distance connection between Craig and us, it was pretty hard. Craig's manager was impressed by his musical talent that they gave him more deals and more offers for a show, even getting a chance to head to LA.

While I was happy for him, I was rather upset, thinking he wasn't going to return after all.

However, with one simple phone call to check on everyone, Craig said he was still keen on finishing his education. He had asked about the whereabouts of Joey and Angela, to which I replied they were planning on moving to Calgary.

When he asked about when, I told them around summer, to which he cursed.

"Crap, alright well I can probably get a nearby apartment room, right?"

I laughed, "Craig, you can visit everyone, I'm pretty sure they'll still want to be around you."

He sighed in the phone, "It's alright, I've been touring, doing shows, recording for my album, actually got more songs than I anticipated, I'll have plenty of money, including the royalties and everything."

He did seem so sure about returning, so when he fought to defend his decisions, I couldn't force him to change his mind.

What made me anticipate Craig's return the most, however, was for Ellie.

"So, how's it going with Ellie?"

The sigh he made after gave me the vibes he was feeling regretful, his statement only cementing my theory, "I miss her so much."

I grinned happily, glad that Craig finally realized his feelings, "So, why do you miss her?"

I could hear him breathing erratically on the phone, "I regret dismissing the chances I had with her, so much,"

He pretty much went on a whole rant about how the time away from Degrassi made him realize what he truly wanted, and all the wrong decisions he's made. Ironically, getting away from the school, and finding a better physiatrist did wonders in treating his bipolar disorder, and allowed him to think thoroughly.

"Well, I'm glad you've realized what you wanted."

He laughed and cursed at me with no venom, "Well we got to find a girlfriend for you, Isaacs."

I rolled my eyes, somewhat sad at that, "I just haven't had the interest ever since Kendra."

"Well, look at yourself now, I'm pretty sure a lot of people find you hot."

Again, I rolled my eyes. It wasn't a lie; I was aware of the looks of lust some girls would give me. I would tell myself that they didn't see me like that before, so I wouldn't care about them.

Regardless, I had still gotten to talk to Craig and catch up with everything he was up to.

However, it wasn't just his phone calls that gave me updates on Craig, some music that would play in Degrassi or on the radio were from Manning himself.

"Mistakes I'm still paying for,

Now what do I have to lose anymore?

I'm still alive

I'm still alive, oh"

Walking towards the hallways, it was the last day for Marco and Ellie, and I noticed that they clearly seemed a bit tense. Fair enough, graduation is always a huge event that was both appealing and stressful.

Approaching them, they noticed my presence.

"What up?"

Marco shrugged, "Just nervous, I just can't believe how much everything progressed."

I nodded in acknowledgment, Ellie breaking the silence, "It's unbelievable that everyone I know is about to go our separate ways."

I sighed, "It's a shame Craig isn't here."

Ellie and Marco nodded solemnly, the former looking noticeably sadder than the latter, and while I did want to tell Ellie of Craig's interest in her now, I knew ultimately that it was Craig who had to take the step.

Marco broke the silence that I accidentally brought again, "Well, he's living his life on the west coast, so when he wants to come, he'll come."

We nodded in agreement, but before we could go further, I heard a message notification. Looking at my phone, I noticed Jimmy's messages, but before I could read it, I noticed him in his wheelchair.

"Take a look at this!" He exclaimed before pulling out a CD, which had a picture of Craig sitting down. The title in bright "Of Two Minds."

"What is this?"

"This," Jimmy held out, "Is his new album, he texted me that he released the album."

Taking a look further, I noticed the contents within the album, and the track list, and I immediately knew what was going on.

I smirked at Ellie once I saw the title, "Red-Headed for Trouble." To which she rolled her eyes, but clearly looked interested that she had a song for her.

"Who's Kissing in the Stairwell for?"

Marco raised his hand jokingly, "Me, I accidentally kissed him when I was going through shit with Dylan."

Ellie punched him, "How come I've never heard that story?"

Jimmy and I laughed at their friendly fight, and judging from the very limited time, we wanted to make the most of it.

The more we hung out, the better and more content we would be with spending time with everyone.

Looking out, I noticed that the radio was indeed playing one of Craig's new song, and I grinned but also knew I was going to yell at him for the lack of warning.

Class for once was strange. Because it was the end of the school year, there wasn't really anything to do, the teachers all just said to enjoy the last day, I myself, academically had done relatively well, I was always know for getting good grades, and while this wasn't different, I did suffer a noticeable drop, but I was still excelling, so I didn't care.

I was getting 85-90 averages, so there was no need to worry in my opinion.

In the other class, I could see the shamed resting face Jt had, which obviously came from his almost fatal decision. Roughly a month and a half after the child was born, it was given to adoption. While the decision was hard for both sides, I knew it was the best one.

The worried expressions Emma and Manny gave away only made the situation seem more depressing. Despite the fact that I had one group of friends who were happy to graduate, there was the other who were sad over a near death experience and the loss of their child.

It felt weird, but I knew I had to be there for them.

Making my way up to Jt, he failed to notice me approaching him. His head down, hiding his expressions that I noticed across the classroom, I motioned for Emma and Manny to come over, as they noticed me getting up. Something I barely did.

Once the three of us were all around Jt, we got his attention.

He clearly looked like a mix of uncomfortable and sad, "What's going on?"

I sighed, "I know it's hard Jt, but you need to get over this."

"Yeah," Emma added, "It's been over a month."

"It's not that, "Jt replied, "It's Liberty."

I looked at him with a weird confused expression, "What happened?"

"We just stopped talking after everything, we pretty much stopped all connection."

I sighed at this confession, thinking of Kendra, "Maybe it's time to get over her, then."

"How?" He asked.

Thinking of my response, I looked towards Manny, watching her give me a stare, before I spoke, "You find someone else to move onto."

He looked at me, suspiciously, "What do you mean?"

"Craig," I said, looking towards Manny, "He was upset when he and Manny fell off, and then his break-up with Ashley, but he eventually found someone."

Manny gave me a playful look, "Ellie, right?" To which I nodded in response. It was nice to know that Manny had gotten over Craig and was not mad at him for moving on. Or mad at Ellie for taking Craig.

He looked at me, "But who would I move onto?"

I shrugged, "I don't know, but maybe take a break from relationships for a while, enjoy the summer as a free man." I ended giving him a playful shove.

"Oh god, you boys." I heard Emma groan to which I laughed slightly.

Jt seemed to be more relaxed, and I finally told him, "Unless you and Liberty are not on speaking terms, then that is how you know it's over."

He gave me a look, "How do you know? You haven't had a girlfriend since Kendra."

I sighed, thinking back to the last time I saw her, moving onto a much more stereotypical bad and better man than I was. "I don't play, I sit back and give the strategies like a coach."

He laughed at my attempt of a joke. It was weird, usually Jt was the joker and the one who would lighten the mood. Seeing the joker in a sad state was weird for most of us, as we thought those who were always happy and uplifting were the least likely to be sad.

Nonetheless, that was friends for, and despite any lows we may go through, that was friendship. You were bound to get into arguments, it was going to be a rollercoaster of highs and lows, but you would get through it and excel.

With not much to say after that, I proceeded to go back and sit in the corner in silence.

I was going head back, but a hand gripping my arm stopped me, and I turned back to see Emma looking at me.

"Why don't we hang out together again?" She asked, it mainly directed at me. I knew exactly what she meant. There was always the occasion that all of us would hang out during the summer.

However, with my alienation and sort of drifting away from them, it seemed that this may have been the first summer I would have hung out without them, which I definitely didn't want.

"Won't you all have someone else to hang out with during then?" I asked, not trying to get too hopeful.

Jt shook his head, "Danny and I have been a bit off ever since Liberty's pregnancy, and with her ignoring me, you can probably get what's happening."

I nodded in acknowledgement, "Yeah sure, you can call me when you guys are planning stuff."

Manny looked unconvinced, "You sure you're not doing anything with anyone else?"

I laughed at her response, "Nah, I was probably just going to work out and text Kendra for over 2 months."

She gave me a stare, "I can't tell if you are exaggerating or not, so we'll call you and see if you're free."

I nodded, "Sounds good."

I walked back to my seat and gathered my belongings, making extra sure I didn't leave anything behind. Soon afterwards, the bell rang, and I walked out of the classroom and made my way towards the cafeteria, for the last time for the next 2 months.

Sitting down, I was immediately greeted by Marco and Ellie.

I smiled at them, "Hey guys what's up?"

Marco sat down, putting a hand on his head, "Aside from having to break up a fight between Jimmy and Spinner, I'm alright."

Upon hearing Spinner's name, I already fumed, "where is he?" I almost demanded.

He seemed to notice, to which he tried to downplay the situation, "It's over Toby, let's just move past it."

I sighed, still mad but for Marco's request, I did.

Ellie decided to speak up after a bit of silence, "So guess who's back in Degrassi for graduation?" She seemed an overly happy, which wasn't a problem, but unusual.

Marco asked, "Who?"

"Ashley!" She beamed, and I had mixed feelings about that. While she was Ellie's best friend and my step-sister, I also wasn't that excited to see her return.

So, I stayed silent, letting my mind ponder, which definitely got the attention of the two soon to be graduates in front of me.

"Aren't you excited?"

I shrugged, honestly unsure, "I don't know, even though we were step-siblings, we never really cared for each other."

They looked at me, letting me continue, "We just let each other do our own thing, that's all."

They nodded, "So why aren't you happy to see her?"

"It may be because of her biological mom, who's my step mom, we just haven't gotten along well."

Marco seemed confused, "Why?"

"Craig." Was all I said, and they immediately knew why.

Marco decided to change the topic relatively quickly, "So speaking of Craig, how was that record?"

I laughed as I saw Marco turn to Ellie, her face reddening from blushing.

She spoke up, "It was good, the style I expected from him."

"So, what about Red-Headed for trouble?"

She rolled her eyes, her sarcastic wall put on to hide her true feelings, "He's just being Craig, it was a nice song I'll give him that."

I smiled at her response, before giving a response, "My favourite is my window, easily."

"You know Ashley wrote that song."

I raised my eyebrows, "She did?"

They nodded, and I shrugged in apathy, I guess that makes sense.

Then a thought came to my mind, "Hey, where's Jimmy?"

And immediately just like that, the atmosphere on the table turned, and Ellie looked uncomfortable.

Noticing this change of tone, I asked up, "What happened? Did I say anything wrong?"

Ellie quickly shook his head, "No, it's not that, it's just Jimmy asked me out, and I rejected him for you know who."

"Ohh." Was all I said, "Didn't he know you liked Craig?

She nodded, "He knew, but he had someone pressuring him to ask me out."

"Who?"

"Ashley, and once I rejected him, he got called to the office."

A lot really has happened in the short time I was away from them. Damn.

"Well, where is he now?"

Ellie spoke up, "Like I said, probably still in the office talking to the principal."

Deciding to go see him, I got up, "Thanks, I'll go check up on him."

Making my way down, I was about to turn the corner, when I heard Jimmy talking to a girl whose voice, I knew all too well.

"Look Ashley it's fine." I heard Jimmy's voice.

His voice was interrupted by Ashley's voice, "No, Jimmy, Jimmy, no it's not. You're an amazing guy, you just have to be with someone who adores you."

An awkward silence approached before Jimmy spoke up again, "Look, I'm going to let you in on a secret: girls don't date guys in wheelchairs."

Hearing the sound of wheels moving, I turned to run back when I heard someone's hand hit another. When there wasn't any voice, I peeked the corner to see Ashley and Jimmy kissing each other.

Too caught up in the scene, I failed to realize them splitting up, and Jimmy's voice made me quickly duck back, but I had already known they had spotted me.

"Toby?" I heard Jimmy ask. Besides trying to sprint down the hallway, which would make a bunch of noise, I knew there wasn't anything I could do, so I walked forward, and Ashley gasped in shock.

She looked at me with wide eyes, "Toby, what the hell?"

I scratched my head nervously, even though we hadn't really cared for each other, when we got to see each other, it was surprisingly nice.

Hugging each other tightly, I could hear Ashley, "You've gotten so much bigger, where did you get all this muscle?" I laughed after that.

"Just some days to the gym, that's all."

Once we broke apart, however, the silence became dominant, and the awkwardness followed.

"Some days at the gym? Toby I know better your dad told me about your little gym at home in the garage!"

I chuckled softly, before letting us get caught in the silent atmosphere.

"So..." I heard Ashley say.

Making a noise I spoke, "So, you two are back together now, huh?"

Ashley put a hand on Jimmy's shoulder, "Yes." She let go and used that hand to playfully punch me in the shoulder.

"Yeah, too much muscle."

Another laugh between the three of us erupted, it was weird, I hadn't remembered a time where I had actually enjoyed spending time with her.

Regardless, I remembered what I had come here for, so I asked Jimmy, "Why were you in the office?"

I noticed Ashley's hand firmly on Jimmy's shoulder again, and the saddened look Jimmy was giving me, "I don't have enough credits to graduate this year, I'll have to repeat the twelfth grade."

Immediately I felt sorry for Jimmy, but I decided to cheer him up, "Well, you'll clearly have Ashley with you, and me, plus Craig's coming back to finish his senior year as well."

Ashley spoke up, semi interrupted me, "Craig's coming back?" I nodded in response.

She seemed to smirk, "Since when did you and Craig get close?"

I shrugged, "Weird things happen, huh? But don't worry about things being awkward between the three of you, Craig's got a huge crush." To which I grinned at Jimmy.

I saw Jimmy grin back before looking at Ashley, who seemed confused, "Who's his crush?"

"You're not going to like this, but it's Ellie."

She seemed shocked, "What?"

I laughed, "Don't worry, he likes her so much he rejected Manny, so there's that."

While she seemed shocked, she eventually got it, "So when Ellie mentioned the guy she was crushing on-"

Jimmy interrupted, "It was Craig."

"Ohh." Ashley said, getting the pieces figured out.

I laughed, "You not jealous?"

She laughed, "Jealous? Craig and I are over, and I clearly have a boyfriend, so it shouldn't be. I just felt bad because I thought she was crushing on Jimmy"

I gave them a look of understanding, "well, I see you two have some catching up to do, I'll leave you two to that." I finished, and began walking across the hall I came from.

Senior year was definitely going to be interesting, maybe even better. I mean, hopefully, right? It's not like we won't see each other ever again, we'll all graduate together.

While the thought of having Ashley back was weird, maybe it would be good, especially if it means her mom would treat me a bit better.

Regardless, next year would be interesting, and I was unsure how to feel, but I was hopeful. Sure, it's Degrassi, but maybe it would all be alright.

Watching all of the graduates there in one big crowed really looked interesting. Watching Marco deliver his speech, it was powerful and right to the point.

Watching all of them gave me vibes of inevitability, I knew exactly that would be all of us, Jt, Manny, Emma and Liberty next year. Next year, we would be gone, split apart from this horrible school where our friendships evolved.

It was crazy, how my image from this school change dramatically over the months. From oblivious hope to pure resentment to a more neutral stance, the one thing I can say is that this school taught me that the world is unpredictable, and your pretty much a punching bag.

You'll take some blows here and there, but you'll get some days off, or just be forgotten for a while.

While I still held onto the smallest bit of hope, I ultimately told myself not to get too comfortable.

Watching them, I noticed from the back of my eyes a figure, a dirty blonde figure approaching Jimmy.

"Spinner." I seethed in disgust. Was he really going to make a scene at this time?

Growling lowly, I began to make my way over to them, the intent on giving Spinner a piece of my mind.

Just because many others gave him a softer tone after some time, I was not willing. The flashback to Spinner attempting to hand me a latte in an attempt for reconciliation. The flashback to me slapping the drink and walking out immediately after played.

His relationship with Darcy was interesting, and maybe she was a good influence on him, because he did look changed, but I was not having it. I was not falling for the tricks. At the end of the day he was the same old Spinner who was responsible for my best friend's permanent injury.

Before I could make my way over, a few footsteps away from Spinner and Jimmy, the applause came to celebrate the graduates. Stopping for a bit, I noticed the two weren't fighting, or even looking at each other with daggers in their eyes.

Instead it was them simply looking in the same direction that made me stop.

"So, there they go." Jimmy started. "Our class onto a brighter future."

I noticed Spinner nodding slightly before looking towards Jimmy, "You should've been up there, man."

That statement made me cease any attempt of feeling to pull Spinner away as I just watched as the two conversed.

"It'll be our time next year, right?" Jimmy said, a small smile on his face as he turned back to look at Spinner.

"Sorry, are we actually having a conversation?"

Jimmy looked up to Spinner's face, "Look, I spent a lot of time this year blaming people, you especially, and that was wrong, and I'm sorry."

This was mildly surprising, but I decided to stay quiet, as I didn't want to ruin the one time of reconciliation, while I still disliked Spinner, I wasn't going to bring him down and make his life miserable. I would've been like them.

"Jimmy, I-" Spinner said, but was interrupted.

"It's cool," was all Jimmy replied, giving him a reassuring smile, "I know."

I watched as Spinner gave Jimmy a strong but solid tap on Jimmy's shoulder before pointing behind. "Look, I got to go, alright?"

Jimmy nodded before I saw Spinner walk off.

Before running back and giving Jimmy a strong hug, them both laughing like two brothers.

I smiled at that interaction.

Despite my dislike for Spinner, I knew he was at least trying to be a better person, and making amends with Jimmy was the first step towards forgiveness.

While I had rejected his attempts before, it was more that I knew it wasn't me who deserved the pity from him, but rather Jimmy.

After all, that incident pretty much ruined him mentally, and I knew how hard it was to be the subject to something negative.

Perhaps I was waiting for Jimmy to forgive Spinner first, as I didn't want to betray Jimmy's trust.

Sighing in relief, I knew that next year would have one less thing to worry about hopefully.

Maybe, just maybe, this could all work out.