Part 13: Heal Me, I'm Heartsick

A/N: OKAY, PEOPLE! WHAT'S UP? Had a crap day today...but let's not worry about that.

NOTES TO REVIEWERS:

KIKI: You're totally right. That stupid cow had no right to say what she said about this story. It's better than anything she could write... God, what a total bitch...I was kind of confused when I first read your message on MySpace. It was really...I don't know. But I understood it. Yes...I should sue her for harassment...

READ THE CHAPTER!

DO IT NOW!

Craig almost broke down in the middle of class. He stared at the note in shock.

'Craig,

I'm sorry for any pain I've caused you in the last few years. But please understand that you're not the only one that got hurt. I've tried to forget about it, but somehow...I can't. That's why I'm going back to London on Saturday. That way, maybe I'll forget about everything and start a new life.

Love Always, Ashley.'

Craig closed his eyes and breathed. He opened his eyes again and looked around. Ashley was looking at him and was obviously looking for a reaction. Craig couldn't even give her one. He stared back down at the note and then folded it back up and put it in his pocket.

After school, Craig slowly went to his locker. He leaned up against it and sighed. That was when Sean came up to him and looked at him. "What's goin' on?" Sean asked. Craig looked at him. He reached into his pocket and pulled the note out. He handed it to Sean, who promptly read it.

"She's leaving? On Saturday? That's...tomorrow." said Sean. Craig nodded quietly. "Well...you're...not over her." Craig shook his head.

"I'm gonna go get Ellie. I'll be right back." Sean left, still holding the note. He returned a minute later with Ellie. "We're leaving. Come on." Craig looked at Sean hesitantly and then followed him out of the school.

"She didn't even tell me about this," Ellie said as they walked out of the building. Craig didn't say anything. Ellie put her hand on his shoulder. "Craig..." she whispered.

"Don't," Craig said quickly. Everyone was quiet the entire way to the apartment.

"So..." said Sean.

"So..." Ellie answered. Craig said nothing. He was leaning on the side of the couch, staring at the wall. "Craig!" she said. Craig looked over at her.

"What?" he asked. Ellie looked at him expectantly.

"Don't space out on us. We're trying to help you."

"How? Nobody can help me. Just...face it, Ellie. Joey should've left me in the hospital," Craig said flatly.

"What?" Sean said blankly.

"Remember? The psych ward? He shouldn't have let me leave. I wasn't cutting myself, but he's not even able to deal with me right now. Maybe...when I'm stable."

"Craig, you are stable," Ellie said.

"Really? I didn't notice."

"You haven't freaked out at all. You're fine."
"Ellie! I'm off my meds! I took them a few times, and that's it! I can't even get used to taking them for a short period of time!" Ellie could tell that Craig was upset. It was obvious. How could he not be? If Sean told her that he wasn't in love with her anymore, and then hooked up with Paige, and then she found out that Sean was using Paige to make her jealous, and then he upped and left for another country...that would break her heart, too. Sean didn't say anything. Craig was silent. Nobody said anything. It was an uncomfortable silence. Finally, Sean spoke.

"This is weird," he said.

"Everything's weird," Craig replied. "But if everything's weird, then it makes everything equally normal."
"Huh?" Sean said. He turned and looked over at Craig, who shrugged.

"It's a weird-person-logic," Craig said simply. "I should probably get going."

"Okay. I'll...talk to you later, I guess," said Sean.

"Bye, Craig," Ellie muttered. She leaned over on Sean's shoulder and sadly watched as Craig stood up and left.

Craig walked home slowly. There was a thin layer of snow in the lawns that he walked by. He finally got home. No one was there. He wondered where they had gone because they'd usually be home by now. He sat down on the stairs in front of the door. Smoky the cat, reference Part 10: Wake Me Up When December Ends came up to him and rubbed its head against his leg. Craig ignored him.

He leaned up against the wall and sighed. The cat curled up next to him and fell asleep. Craig thought about a lot of things; Ashley, Jay, his life, his medications, and...just everything.

"Craig!"

Craig looked up. He had been shaken from his light sleep by Joey, who was sitting next to him on the stairs.

"You okay?" Joey asked. Craig looked at him tiredly.

"Yeah, I'm fine," he whispered. "I'm a little tired and my head kind of hurts, but yeah, I'm fine."

"Okay. It's almost time to go to the therapist," said Joey. Craig moaned.

"I hate going! Why do I even go? I tell you more than I tell her!" he cried.

"Craig. Calm down. You're going."

"This is just what I told Ellie," Craig muttered. He stood up from the stairs and walked into the kitchen. He pulled a glass out of the cupboard and filled it with water. Joey stood up and followed him to the kitchen.

"What did you tell Ellie?" Joey inquired.

"I told Ellie that no matter how much I think being bipolar sucks, I am. And I can't change it. And...if being bipolar means going to a shrink, then it doesn't matter if I think that sucks, either. Because I still can't change it. Nobody cares about how I feel or what I think about things. They always make my decisions for me."

"Okay," Joey said, sighing. "If you go to this one, and you absolutely hate it, then you don't have to go back. I promise." Craig looked up at Joey and smiled.

"Okay, then. I think we have a deal," he said coolly. '

At the Shrink's!

"Craig, do you know why you were trying to commit suicide?" the shrink asked.

"No," Craig answered. "Because I wasn't trying to commit suicide."

"Denial is common." Craig looked up at her. He was about ready to slap her, but decided against it.

"I'm not in denial of anything! I wasn't trying to kill myself! I only tried once! And that was years ago!" he shouted.

"Craig, I'm not going to force it out of you. I was simply asking. How is your home life?"

"What're you talking about?" Craig mumbled, leaning back onto the couch.

"Your life at home. Are you happy?"

"Happy. Happy is a state of mind. My mind is messed up. Therefore, I do not know if I am happy or not. But, you're the licensed therapist! You should know all about people's minds, especially mine, seeing as you keep telling me that I'm in denial, which I'm not!"

"Craig, please, calm down," she said.

"Don't tell me what to do!"

"Okay, let me rephrase the first question—Do you like your life at home?"

"I don't even have a home anymore. But, yes, I like the house in which I live. Joey and Caitlin are cool, and Angie's the only thing keeping me sane. Why do you care?"

"Because I just do. I know about your past, Craig."
"Really? Which part?" Craig asked coldly.

"All of it. About your parents, about your relationships, and...about everything."

"No! You don't! You don't know anything about my past that everyone else doesn't! Don't feel special! I'm the only one that knows about my past, okay? Stop trying to act like you know me! Because you don't! Nobody knows me! I don't even know me! Just—stop talking to me! I hate you! You're a psychotic wench! Stay away from me!" Craig stood up and ran out of the room. He went outside and called Joey.

About ten minutes later, Joey showed up in front of the building. Craig quietly got into the car and closed the door. He put his seatbelt on and leaned up against the door.

"What happened?" Joey asked calmly.

"Nothing. I'm not going back," Craig answered firmly.

"Okay," Joey said. "I'm not gonna make you." After a minute of silence, Craig said,

"You know, I wasn't cutting myself. That whole time, I wasn't."

"I believe you," said Joey.

"What?" Craig cried. "Then why did you put me in the—"

"Because it took me until the other day to figure it out."

"I spent Christmas alone. Sure, Ellie and Jimmy and Sean visited, but I was alone. I had to think about how happy you and Caitlin and Angie were. Without me."

"I'm sorry," Joey whispered. They reached home a few minutes later and Craig got out of the car and went inside. It was warm in there. A little too warm. He took his jacket off, but he was still hot. He went up to his room and put the jacket in the closet. He closed the door and opened the window. He went back to his bed and took his shirt off. He stretched out on the cool blankets and sighed contently.

"Ahhh," he said. He wrapped his arms around his pillow and plopped his head on it. This was the best feeling he'd had all day.

He heard a knock on the door. "Come in!" he called. Someone had ruined his moment of peace and tranquility. Joey walked in and handed him the phone. Craig thanked him and Joey turned and left, closing the door behind him.

"Hello?" he said.

"Craig, it's me." Craig turned onto his back and sighed. It was Ashley.

"What are you calling for?" Craig said quietly.

"I just wanted to say...that if you didn't accept the apology in the note...I'm sorry for everything I've done to you."

"Well, either way, the 'apology' isn't accepted. Stop calling me," said Craig.

"Craig! I'm trying to make amends here! Would you just...help me?" Ashley begged.

"No! I'm sick of helping you do things! You never help me with things! Ever! You just make them worse!"

"And I'm trying to make it better. But obviously I can't."

"Oh, finally you say something right!"

"Craig, I don't know what I was thinking! I'm going to London because...the life I have here is overwhelming, and...I don't know. But I'll call you when I get there."

"Why? I told you to stop calling me! It's over!" Craig shouted.

"I don't want it to be!"

"Screw you! You did this to us! I never told you to go off and be with Spinner! If you didn't have this horrible problem, maybe things would've changed at the party!"

"Like what?" Ashley demanded.

"Maybe...maybe I wouldn't have almost drowned! I could've been farther away from the pool and maybe I would've just fell onto the concrete or something! But, no! Everything was different because you were with Spinner! And I don't even care anymore. Have a nice new life." Craig hung up the phone and tossed it to the floor.

He rolled back over onto his side and stretched out again. Joey came back into the room a few minutes later.

"Craig? Who was that?" he asked. He picked the phone up from the floor and looked up at Craig.

"It was Ashley," Craig responded. "She was being stupid again. I don't want her to call again, so...if she does, just tell her I'm not here or I'm asleep or dead or something."

Joey smiled and nodded. "I'll make sure to tell her that you're no longer living," he said. He left the room again and Craig got up from the bed. Taking his time, he put a clean shirt and a sweatshirt on and went downstairs. Angie was sitting on the couch with the cat when he got down to the living room.

"Hi, Craig," Angie said, stroking the cat's head.

"Hi," Craig muttered. "Where's Caitlin?"

"She...forgot something at work. She went back to go get it," Joey said.

"Oh." Craig sat down on the couch next to Angie and leaned up against the side. "My stomach hurts."

"What'd you eat today?" Joey asked.

"I had a Pepsi. Woo," Craig answered.

"You're probably hungry." Craig shrugged.

"I didn't know that hunger made you have headaches."

"You have a headache?" said Joey. He walked into the living room and put his hand on Craig's forehead. "And you have a fever."

"Sorry," Craig said quietly.

"For what? Being sick? There's really nothing you can do." Joey walked off and came back with a pillow. He put it on Craig's lap and then also sat down.

"You shouldn't have to put up with me being sick. I'll still go to school, but..." He put the pillow behind him and looked at Joey.

"Well, you should be better by then," Joey said. Craig shrugged and leaned back on the pillow.

"If that's the way you're gonna be, then thanks," he said simply.

"What?" said Joey blankly.

"For not complaining about me being sick."

"No problem." They watched TV for a while. Angie fell asleep, and Craig was starting to get tired. A feeling in his stomach made him sit up. He held his stomach and jogged to the bathroom.

"Craig, are you okay?" Joey called. He followed Craig to the bathroom and listened to him vomit. Finally, it stopped, and Joey walked in and put his hand on Craig's shoulder.

"You okay?" he repeated.

"I feel sick," Craig moaned. "I think I have food poisoning."

"From what?"

"From...whatever they were serving in the cafeteria today."

"I thought you only had a Pepsi for lunch today."

"I did. But then Marco gave me part of something that they had in the cafeteria. I should probably call him and see if he's sick, too." Craig stood up and walked to the phone. He called Marco's house. Sure enough, he was sick.

"It's food poisoning, man. I tell you, that school is cursed. It's trying to kill everyone." This made Marco laugh.

"That makes all the glass and stairs a little more sensible," said Marco. Craig laughed and they talked for a few more minutes before hanging up.

"Yep. He's sick," Craig said. "Probably even more so than I am." Joey nodded.

"Makes sense."

"I'm...I'm gonna go lay down, okay? If you need anything, or...something, then just come get me or something."

"Okay," Joey said calmly.

Craig went upstairs and stretched out on the mattress. He put his hands on his stomach and slowly dozed off. That was when it happened; the reoccurring dream...not a dream—a nightmare—had come back. It was the same one—Craig would be sleeping and out of nowhere his father would burst into the room and start beating him. All the while, all of his friends and Joey are watching. Joey turns around and walks away, while everyone else just watches. They don't do anything. They don't say anything or try to move. They just watch.

"CRAIG!"

Craig was quickly pulled back into reality. He opened his eyes and sat up straight. Joey and Caitlin were sitting on his bed, looking at him, concerned. "Are you alright?" Craig ran his hand through his hair and found that he was covered in icy sweat.

You know, I always wondered why in books and stuff people who have nightmares are covered in cold sweat. Seriously. Why isn't it hot? Or at least warm? I mean, what makes their sweat cold? Surely they're not ALL in cold environments! Whatever. It sounds good.

His shirt was soaked in it, too. He was quiet for a minute before he looked up at them.

"Yeah. I think...I think I'll be fine. Just...just another weird dream," he whispered. He didn't notice that he was shaking until Caitlin put her hand on his arm.

"You're not fine," she said.

"Well...maybe not now, but I will be," Craig said. "I need to see a...doctor or...something."

"Craig, you were going to a therapist, and you told me that you didn't want to go," Joey replied.

"Yeah, well, maybe I should go back. Just not now. Now, I have to...go take a shower. I have to put on different clothes and...call people."

"Okay." Craig turned and got off the bed. The dream kept playing back in his head, only he was conscious so it wasn't as bad. After gathering some dry clothes, he went into the bathroom and started running the hot water. His headache returned and he quickly stepped out of the shower. He got dressed and leaned up against the door. He held his head and moaned.

"Why me? Why?" he said to himself. He waited until the headache faded and then stood up. He left the bathroom and took his other clothes into his room. As he opened the door, he found Joey and Caitlin kissing on his bed.

"Hey! Off my bed, you perverts!" he yelled. Joey and Caitlin instantly separated and blushed. "Just for that you can clean my blankets. Sickos." Craig shook his head in mock shame and dumped his clothes next to the closet in the large pile that had been formed since last week. Caitlin ran out of the room, embarrassed, leaving Joey and Craig alone.

"So what's goin' on?" Joey asked casually.

"Nothing. I just found my stepparents trying to reproduce on my bed, but, uh...nothing." Joey laughed. "What's so funny? I don't find this funny at all. I'm thoroughly disgusted with you two. Why? On my bed? Why? I sleep on this, you know. You've probably done this before...on my bed...that's probably why I've been having weird thoughts!" Craig smiled. He really did find it humorous that Joey and Caitlin were doing that on his bed. Thankfully, they weren't really trying to 'reproduce'. They were just kissing.

"Okay, other than that."

"Oh, other than my stepparents ready to make little Joeys and Caitlins...okay, absolutely nothing. Seriously. I've been doing fine, and...I'm doing good in school, and there's really nothing special about life."

"Well. Why don't you come by the lot tomorrow?" Joey asked.

"Why?" said Craig suspiciously. "So that you and Caitlin can have children in my bed?"

"No," Joey said. He laughed again. "Because I want you to see something."

"Fine," Craig said. "I'll come see it. But if there's any nastiness between you and Caitlin...I'm leaving."

"Okay," Joey said. "Agreeing."

"Thank you. You can go now." Joey nodded and left the room. He could've left whenever he wanted, but he decided to wait until Craig was done with his monologue.

Craig got back onto his bed. He was afraid to fall asleep, but he did at last. He could hear the noises coming from outside, and it was enough to keep the nightmare away...for now.

The next day, Craig and Joey went to the car lot. Craig followed Joey to the back and that was when he saw it—a black convertible. It was shiny, and it looked like it was in pretty good condition. And, although it was small, he was amazed by the way it looked. "It's yours," Joey said. Craig's jaw dropped.

"Mine? But...how did you get the money...?" he said.

"Well, so, so long ago, when you were in jail, I talked to the attorney, and he had gone through all of the stuff in your dad's apartment and he found a bunch of money. He told me to give it to you, but I knew that you wanted a car, so...I was kind of waiting for the right one. This one's okay, though, right? I mean, you like it?"

"Hell, yes, I like it," Craig said quickly. "Where are the keys?" Joey reached into his pocket and pulled out a small pair of keys and dangled them in front of Craig. Craig reached for them, but Joey quickly pulled them back. "No drinking. No speeding, and no drugs. Got it?" Craig nodded. Joey handed him the keys and Craig grinned. He got into the car and started it.

"Hahaha!" he said happily. "I'm gonna go over to Sean's, okay?" Joey nodded. Finally. Craig's driver's ed had paid off. He knew that he'd taken it when he was younger, but he just didn't want to get him the car because he didn't have the money. But, now, Craig had his own car and he was able to go wherever he wanted. No more having to drive him around.

"Man, this is an awesome car," Sean said in awe.

"Yeah, I know."

"A BMW. Damn."

"Craig, this is a really, really nice car," said Ellie.

"You guys wanna go for a ride?" Craig asked. Sean and Ellie nodded and got into the car. He started the car and they drove off. They had been driving for about ten minutes when they saw a familiar person walking on the side of the road. Craig slowed down and rolled down the window.

"Alex! Where are you going?" he asked.

"Nowhere in particular," Alex answered.

"Well, why don't you get in and we'll go...nowhere in particular." Alex shrugged and waited for Sean to get out of the passenger seat so that she could get in the back with Ellie.

"Where'd you get this car?" Alex asked.

"From...my dad," Craig said. "I mean, it was his money, but Joey took care of all of it and found it and stuff, but..." They drove around a little while more, listening to music.

That was when they saw her. Ashley. Sean said that he wanted to say something to her, so out of courtesy, Craig stopped in front of her house and Ashley approached the car.

"See, Ashley? You could've had all this...and more." Sean stroked the leather interior. Ashley stared at him. Toby walked up to them and looked at the car.

"Nice car. Whose is it?" said Toby.

"It's Craig's," Sean answered. "It's almost brand-new and to think...you could've been given a chance to ride in it, had it not been for your oh-so brilliant sister." Sean glanced over at Ashley.

"Ash! Stop dumping him! I like that car!" Toby cried. "Why do you do stupid things like that?" Toby smacked her arm and pushed past her. Ashley turned around and walked away. Craig laughed maniacally, along with Sean and Alex. Ellie didn't think it was funny, but the other three did.

"You guys, that was really harsh," Ellie said quietly.

"Ellie, that was really something to kill the happy mood," Alex said scoldingly. Ellie sighed and looked back at Ashley, who was talking to Kate on the porch. Kate glared over at Sean.

"Later, Kerwin!" Sean called. Craig hit the gas and they drove off. Craig was finally free. Free of Ashley. No more worrying about being perfect for her or anything. He was just free.

A week later, another life-changing event happened.

It was about 6:30 at night, and it was Monday. Craig was playing guitar in the garage, because Angie was sick and resting upstairs. He was sitting on the couch, playing random music. The door behind him opened. He kept playing, expecting it to just be Joey. But the person who stood in front of him wasn't Joey.

"Hey, what's up, Ellie?" Craig said. He put the guitar on the stand and Ellie sat down next to him.

"Nothing much. I just came by to see how you were doing," Ellie responded.

"Oh. Well...I'm doing okay."

"That's good," Ellie said, nodding. "Me and Sean just had a fight. He's mad because I had a headache earlier and I said I wanted to go lay down, but him and his friends wanted to party everywhere, including in our room. He's so careless sometimes!"

"I'm sorry," Craig said sadly. "You guys shouldn't have to fight."
"Nope. But...things like that happen."

"Sort of like me and Ash..." Craig trailed off and looked at the ground. "But you're nicer than Ash." They looked at each other, and without any warning whatsoever, the small gap between them closed and they found themselves kissing. In less than a minute, Ellie was laying on the couch with Craig on top of her, and they were still kissing. She wasn't sure how this was happening, and neither was Craig.

Ellie had her arms wrapped around Craig's neck and they kissed for what didn't seem like long, but in reality, it was.

"Ellie?" The two pulled apart immediately and Craig rolled off onto the floor. He sat up and got back on the couch. Jimmy had just come in. Craig wondered what he was doing in there. "You and Ellie?"

"Jimmy, what're you doing here?" Craig asked.
"Well, I came here to give you that CD you wanted..." Jimmy answered.

"Oh, right. The CD..." Craig muttered. Jimmy handed Craig a CD. Craig examined it. "Thanks, man."

"No problem. Uh...I guess I'll see you at school tomorrow, and uh...I promise not to tell...later."

"Later," Craig said. Jimmy left and Craig and Ellie were alone again. "Ellie..."

Ellie stood up. "Where're you going?" Craig said.

"I'm leaving. Craig...you're a great person and everything...but I have a home. And it's with Sean. Not with you." Ellie looked at Craig and then ran out of the garage.

Craig sat on the couch for a few minutes, thinking about what Ellie said. Then, he got up and went inside. He was about to go up the stairs when he saw Joey about to come down. Craig jogged up the stairs and pushed past Joey. He ran into his room and slammed the door shut.

"Is he okay?" Caitlin asked. She turned from the couch and looked at Joey.

"I have no idea," Joey said. "I should probably give him a little time to cool off from whatever he was pissed off at."

Meanwhile, up in Craig's room, Craig was doing the best he could not to break something. Thankfully, he had taken his medications, otherwise he would've. He laid down on the bed and fell asleep. Thankfully, tonight, he didn't have any nightmares. He had a dreamless sleep, which gave him the impression that he hadn't slept as long as he actually had.

The next morning, Craig awoke and stretched. He'd slept for...what? Twelve hours? He'd slept longer. He got up and went downstairs. Craig refused to tell Joey what had happened last night.

"Okay, I'm leaving now," Craig said. Craig jingled the keys to his car on his finger.

"Bye," everyone said. Craig waved goodbye and walked out the front door. Joey listened to Craig start his car and drive off.

Craig drove to Sean and Ellie's apartment. Ellie and Sean were waiting outside. Ellie wordlessly got into the backseat and Sean got in the front. Craig made a last-minute decision to go get Alex, wherever she may be. They found her, a few blocks away from the school. She got in the car and Craig gave her a ride to school. Everyone standing outside the school stared at Craig's shiny black car. This was the first day Craig had decided to drive it to school. He hadn't really wanted to risk leaving outside the school...alone. But, now, he decided to. He was willing to take the risk. Craig and Sean got out of the car, with Alex and Ellie following. They walked into the school together and then went their separate ways to their lockers. Paige approached Craig.

"Where'd you get the car?" she asked.

"My dad. I mean, his money."

"Oh. It's pretty nice."

"Yeah, it is."

"So...how've you been?" said Paige.

"I've been...okay. I mean, after what happened last night, life really, really sucks. But...that's different."

"What happened last night?"

"It...nothing."

"No, tell me!" Paige begged.

"Fine, but you have to promise not to tell," Craig said. Paige nodded. Craig went into detail about what happened between he and Ellie the night before. He wasn't sure why he was comfortable talking to Paige at all. They used to not like each other. People change when you're both students of the most cursed school in all of Canada, right?

The entire day, Craig avoided anyone touching him. He wasn't entirely sure why he was doing this, but it was like an instinct. He wasn't going to let anyone else get close to him or give him false hope.

After school, Jay was waiting for Craig by his car, leaning up against the door.

"What do you want?" Craig asked, pulling the keys out of his pocket.

"Whoa, you might want to be a little nicer to the guy who saved your life," Jay said defensively.

"Yeah, well...fine. What's up, Jay?"

"Nothin'. Um...my car's getting some customs on it, and...I kinda need a ride."

Craig looked at him hesitantly. He looked around. "Where to?" he said.

"To The Dot," Jay answered.

"Okay. Fine. Spinner just got me a job there, so...okay. I needed to be there anyway. Let's go." Craig waited for Jay to head to the other side of the car before unlocking the doors and letting Jay in. He leaned up against the car for a second. He looked at Alex, who saw Jay get into the car. They looked at each other for a moment before Alex walked up to him.

"Not friends with Jay? Really? Because, uh...that's kind of what it looks like," Alex said. Craig could tell she was pissed.

"Alex, I'm just giving him a ride to the café. I got a job there and I have to go anyway, so...it's not wasting any of my gas."

"Don't even try to make excuses. I knew you were lying to me. But why? Why, Craig? I thought I could trust you!" Alex slapped him across the face before turning and running away. Craig was irritated enough that day. He didn't need Alex telling him who he could be friends with. He got in the car and started it. He drove off quickly. He was glad that Spinner had gotten him the job just two days before.

Jay didn't say anything. The drive to The Dot was quiet. When they pulled up to the café, Jay looked over at Craig. "Dude, what's wrong?" Jay asked. Craig wiped the side of his face with the sleeve of his sweatshirt.

"Nothing, man," Craig said quickly. He got out of the car and the two went into The Dot.

"Craig, come on!" Spinner called. Craig wondered how he had gotten there so fast. "You're washing dishes!" Craig rolled his eyes and reluctantly took the apron off of the hook and began washing the plates with mysterious foods stuck to the porcelain.

He finally finished all of the dishes and stretched his arms. He looked over to the doorway. Spinner was holding another large stack of dishes. Craig sighed as he watched Spinner set the dishes on the counter. Craig spent the next hour-and-a-half washing all of the dishes that Spinner brought him. At last, the plates and bowls and cups stopped coming and Craig looked at Spinner.

"We're all finished here. For tonight, anyway. The next shift should be coming in soon," Spinner said.

"Haha! I've gotten through this day!" Craig said triumphantly.

"Yep. Now just get through the next seven months of it!" Spinner said.

"Seven?" Craig said blankly.

"Yeah. I figure you'll probably be working here during the summer...you know, just because that's how it tends to work, and...yep. Seven more months. Get used to it. But, you'll probably get a higher rank than dishwasher. I was once a you. And now I am a me—a waiter for people. You will be soon, too, Craig. Don't be too jealous." Spinner grinned and Craig did the same mockingly and took the apron off. He set it back on the hook.

"So..." Craig muttered.

"So..." Spinner repeated.

"So, now what?" Craig asked.

"Now...we leave. We go home and be with our wonderful families," Spinner responded.

"Thank God," Craig said. "I'm gonna get in my pretty BMW and go to my 'home', and occupy the couch whilst being unconscious. See you tomorrow, Spin."

"Later," Spinner called. They got into their cars and drove off. Craig still wondered how Spinner had gotten there first.

Craig got home and locked up his car and then went in the house. He put his keys next to the stairs and looked around. He noticed nobody was on the couch, so he did as he said he would and stretched out on the couch. Craig let out a long yawn and closed his eyes.

"Craig, could you help me out and do some of the dishes?" Joey asked. Craig moaned and rolled over onto his stomach.

"I just finished washing four-hundred plates and cups and bowls from people I don't know! Why would you even think that I'd want to wash more? I have to do this every day until I get a 'promotion'!" Craig cried. "Can I just...wait until tomorrow morning? My arms are tired from lifting the stupid plates."

"Okay. Fine. Tomorrow. Dishes. Do them."

"Thank you."

"Craig, you're going to the doctor's tomorrow," Joey said suddenly. Craig sat up straight and looked at Joey.

"What? Why?" he demanded.

"Because the doctor has some information about your medications," Joey said.

"Maybe I don't want him messing with my medications. Maybe he doesn't need to," Craig said quickly.

"That's for the doctor to decide. You're going. About this time tomorrow. And I'll make sure of that."

"How?" Craig asked. Joey walked over to the stairs. He picked up the keys to the BMW.

"Because I'm taking you there," Joey answered. He twirled the keys on his finger.

"No, Joey, come on. I'll go," Craig said pleadingly. "Not my car. Don't take my keys..."

"Craig, I'm not taking your car away. I'm going to be with you in your precious baby car and make sure that you actually go."

"Oh, thank God," Craig sighed. "Now...put the keys back...good, Joey." Joey set the keys carefully down on the stairwell again. "I'm going to bed."

"Craig, it's 7:00," Joey said.

"Yeah, I know. Don't you know it's important for people to get enough sleep?" Joey shrugged.

Craig ran up to his room and pushed the door behind him, not closing it all the way. It was hot in the room, so Craig went to the window and opened it. As he had the week before, Craig removed his shirt and threw it to the floor.

He felt the very cold breeze from outside, but when he got under the blankets, he felt content. He felt peaceful. But somehow...Craig wasn't happy. At all. In fact, he wasn't even able to fall asleep that night. Well, he finally did, after six hours of deep thought about everything. He thought mostly about Ashley and Ellie. His eyes began hurting, but at last, he fell asleep.

It was Craig's third day of working at The Dot, and he was doing great. He was getting the dishes washed faster and more efficiently. Every time Spinner carried in another load, Craig would just smirk and wash them. Spinner was amazed. He couldn't even do that when he started working here.

That is, until a sharp pain stabbed in the back of Craig's skull, making him drop the plate he was holding. The plate shattered to the floor, and he grabbed the back of his head. Spinner came rushing in.

"Dude, is everything okay in here?" Spinner asked. "What's wrong with your head?"

"It's called a headache," Craig answered. "Ever have one?" Spinner shrugged.

"I'll get you some ice," he said simply. Spinner went to the freezer and got a small bag of ice. He handed it to Craig.

"You'd better get back to work. And don't worry about the plate. I'll take the blame." Craig nodded and sat down in a chair that was against the wall. He leaned forward and buried his face in his hands. He let out a loud moan as another wave of pain came through. This pain was unbearable.

"Spinner! I have to go home and talk to Joey about these meds. They're messing up my head even more," Craig shouted.

"Okay," Spinner said. "I'll tell him you're sick. But you owe me for washing the dishes, man!"

"Yes, Spinner! I'll pay you back! I just...I have to go," said Craig. He put his dishwashing apron on the hook and then jogged out to his car. While he was driving, he was careful not to get in an accident, which he feared he might because of his headache.

"Joey, these new medications are screwing me up," Craig said sadly. "Why would you just let them do that?"

"The doctor said that usually after you change your medications, you might have some minor side effects, but—"

"But nothing, Joey! I liked the old medications! The ones that didn't make me have headaches! Just...call the doctor and tell him to switch me back to my old ones!"

"Craig, you barely even took the old ones," Joey said.

"I would if they were better than this!" Craig moaned as another pain swept through his head.

"Just keep using these ones for another week, and if the headaches keep coming, then I'll take you to the doctor have him switch them back."

"Oh, don't worry about me!" Craig said sarcastically. "By then I'll only have no job and my car will be in a junkyard because I couldn't control it while having one of these headaches! But, oh, no, one week of headaches will do no harm!" Craig kicked the chair and stood up. He ran outside, and Joey was almost afraid of where he'd go. However, he'd probably just go to the garage.

He waited for a minute and then went outside to the garage. The light inside of the garage was on, and that told him that Craig was, in fact, in there. He opened the door, and sure enough, Craig was in there, lying on the couch. Craig was facing into the couch, and he was holding the back of his head. Joey went over to the couch and knelt down next to Craig.

"You okay?" Joey asked quietly. Craig didn't say anything. "Craig?"

"Stay away from me," Craig muttered.

"Craig, I'm sorry...I know that these headaches hurt, okay? I'll take you to the doctor next week. You can't just call in and say that you have a prescription emergency and that you need them to be changed right this instant."

"I never asked you to. I want them changed. I like working with Spinner. I'll lose my job if I drop anything else. And if you like me having the headaches, then that just shows you how much you give a crap about me."

"Craig, I do care about you. And, no, I don't like you having the headaches. But other people have waited weeks to have appointments. I can't just ask him to push all the other people away and let you in because you need a prescription change."

"Then don't. Just stay away from me and don't act like you're trying to help me anymore. I don't need help." Joey put his hand on Craig's shoulder. Craig flinched and got closer to the corner of the couch. Joey watched him sadly.

"Okay. I'm gonna go back inside now, and...you can come in whenever you want." Joey stood up and left the garage. Craig had actually become cold-hearted. Okay, that's a little harsh. Empty-hearted. He was numb to everything now. He wouldn't talk to anyone after that, and he wouldn't allow himself to be touched by anyone, even Angela. Joey still had no idea what made him like this; it couldn't have been the fact that he wouldn't take him to the doctor. It was more serious to Craig than that.

Sean had called a few times, and Joey realized that Craig would talk to Sean. He always would. Sean was pretty much Craig's best friend. He'd sit up in his room for hours on end talking to Sean about everything. Joey had been tempted to eavesdrop, but that just wasn't his style.

One day, after school, probably on one of Craig's days off, Craig and Sean went somewhere downtown. Joey wasn't sure where it was, but it was obviously another part of Craig's life that he wanted to keep away from everyone else. There wasn't really a reason why, but days after this mysterious visit downtown, Joey went to Craig's therapist. He had lied to Craig, and still made him go to this woman, even after everything that she'd put Craig through.

This therapist, or shrink, as Craig had called her, seemed like she knew everything about Craig. But Joey didn't even know everything about Craig. He hated talking about his old life with his father, and on the off occasion that he did, it was just about how mad he was at his mother for leaving him there alone. Craig also hated talking about his medications, and about Ashley. Joey hadn't heard anything about Ashley for a long time.

Anyway, the shrink was telling Joey how to break Craig of this odd, empty-hearted, reclusive state that he was in. "Be sensitive to his past. I've worked with a lot of teens, and from what I've heard, teens that have been abused in the past shouldn't be dealt with in a harsh manner."

Joey nodded. He left the building about ten minutes later and drove home. But he wasn't prepared for what he found when he got there. Angela. Alone. Craig was supposed to be watching her.

"Angela, where's Craig?" Joey said loudly.

"I don't know."

"Did he say when he was going to be back?"

"He isn't." The words sank into Joey's mind. What had Craig told this innocent little girl? Panic struck him and he picked up the phone and called Sean.

"Sean, do you know where Craig is?" Joey asked.

"No, I haven't talked to him today," Sean replied. "Why? What's wrong?"

"Craig left Angela here alone and she said that he told her he's not coming back." Sean's eyes widened.

Craig , Alex and Sean were on top of a business building about twenty stories high. They were overlooking the edge of it. "I wish we had some marshmallows," Alex said out of nowhere.

Craig looked over at Sean. "Why?" he asked.

"Because if you drop a marshmallow off of a building this high, it could kill someone." Craig shrugged. "If someone was unlucky enough to fall off of this thing, they'd probably die before they got down there."

"Unlucky? Anyone standing on the edge would be ready to fall off. They'd enjoy it," Alex said.

"Yeah. But like, if I fell off now, then I'd probably die, and that's not what I would've wanted. Leaving Ellie again. Nope. Wouldn't do it."

"Hm."

"I know where he is," said Sean. "He's on a building. Downtown."

Joey dropped the phone and went out to his car. He drove to Sean's as fast as he legally could and picked him up. Then, Sean said that he needed to pick up Alex, because she was the one that found the building in the first place. Sean knew that Alex was still pissed off at Craig because he was friends with Jay, but being mad at him wouldn't mean letting him fall off of a building.

Alex led them to the building downtown, and they went up to the roof. Sure enough, they saw Craig sitting on the very edge of the building, holding onto a long, metal pole on one of the corners. He was looking down at the street below.

"Craig!" Sean shouted. Craig didn't turn around. But he did, however, stand up and start walking along the edge. "Craig! Get down!"

"Why? What's gonna happen if I do? Are you gonna put me back in the psych ward at the hospital? I'm sick of you people!"

"Craig, come on! We can talk about this!" Sean yelled.

"I don't want to talk about this!"

Suddenly, Craig lost his balance and his foot slipped. Alex screamed and Sean ran over to the edge. He was almost afraid to look and see if Craig had fallen, but fortunately, he was still hanging on to the building. Sean grabbed his arm and pulled him up.

"You okay?" he asked. Craig nodded silently. He sat down on the other side of the edge. He rested his head on his knees and Sean sat down next to him. "God, that was scary," Sean muttered. Craig still didn't say anything. He looked over at Alex and Joey, who were talking quietly on the other side of the roof.

He decided to talk to Sean, and they did, for about an hour, until they ran out of things to talk about and Craig said that he'd go home now. Everyone left, and Craig got into his own car. He said that he'd take Alex home, and Alex hesitantly agreed. She got into the black BMW, and Craig started the car. When he pulled up in front of Alex's small house that she shared with her mom and her mom's flavor-of-the-week, they sat in the car for a minute.

"Thanks for driving me here. You didn't have to," Alex said quietly.

"No, it's fine. I needed the time to think," Craig said.

"Oh. Well...thanks. And, just to let you know, I'm not mad at you anymore. That's a stupid thing to be mad at you for. I mean, I shouldn't control who you're friends with."

"Alex, it's okay. Really."

"Well, thanks for the ride. Um...I should probably go." Another unexpected occurrence happened then. Alex leaned over and kissed Craig quickly. Then, she got out of the car and ran up to the front door.

Then, Craig drove home slowly, dreading the moment he would walk in the door and have to face Joey.

When he did, it was almost worse than he'd expected. Joey had made Angela leave the room, which kind of predicted a huge eruption. Joey told Craig to sit down. Craig did as Joey told him and sat down in the chair. Then, Joey started yelling at him like crazy. Craig looked at his hands while Joey was doing this. He'd never experienced Joey being this upset at him. "Look at me when I'm talking to you!" Joey shouted.

Craig hesitated for a second, and then slowly looked up at Joey. Joey's heart sank when he saw Craig's face for the first time in hours. His dark eyes looked up at him sadly and he reminded Joey of a puppy with no home that was in an animal shelter. It was then that Joey knew he had done something wrong. Joey was immediately regretful of everything he'd just said. He walked over to the couch and sat down, and Craig stood and ran up to his room. Things in the house were tense for a few more hours. Caitlin got home and noticed everything was quiet. "Joey...is everything okay?" she asked.

"No," Joey answered. "Craig's upset right now. Angie won't come out of her room, and...I feel like shit."

"What happened?" Caitlin said, sitting down on the couch next to Joey.

"Well, when I got home from talking to Craig's therapist, he wasn't here, and Angie was all alone. I asked her where he was and she said she didn't know, but he wasn't coming back. So I called Sean, and then he called Alex, and we went downtown. Craig was sitting on the edge of a building, and then he slipped and fell. Finally, he came home, and I don't know why, but I started yelling at him. And then he looked up at me, and that made me feel terrible for yelling at him. Afterward, he went upstairs and hasn't been out since."

"Okay, I'm gonna take Angela, and we're gonna go over to Spike's until you and Craig can smooth things over. I don't want her here when you two argue, 'cause you two...you're very bad about being nice to each other lately." Caitlin went up to Angela's room and retrieved her. She saw Craig's door was open a little bit, so she pushed it open a little more and peered inside. Craig was laying on his bed, facing away from the door. His whole body was shaking. Caitlin wasn't sure what Joey had said, but it must have really upset Craig if he was crying now. But the scene broke her heart too much, and she wasn't brave enough to go into the room and find out what Joey might have said to him. So, she led Angela downstairs and took her to Spike's, leaving Craig and Joey alone.

Joey sat on the couch in silence, the words that he had said to Craig still burning through him. But the way Craig had just sat there and tolerated it was even more unbearable. It would've made him feel a little better if Craig had stood up and hit him or retorted or reacted in some way other than just sitting there and taking it. And when Craig had looked up at him, he thought his heart was going to implode. Craig didn't have to say anything to break Joey's heart, because Joey had broken his own. He was mad at himself now, and there was nothing he could do to fix it. Craig would probably never forgive him as he had so many times in the past. Because usually, Joey would yell at Craig, Craig would either yell back or hit him, and then they'd both keep arguing for a few more minutes and Craig would either retreat to his room or to the garage. This time was different. There was no Craig yelling back. It was just silence. And that was worse than anything Craig had ever done to him.

"What have I ever done to deserve a stepson as reckless and stupid as you?" The words ran through his head. "I don't know why I even try to take care of you! You're useless!" Maybe Craig didn't say anything because he had nothing to say at all. Joey probably made him believe that this was true. He didn't really mean any of it. He loved Craig and he wanted to take care of him. He was smart and funny, but, yes, sometimes he could be a little bit of dingbat. But, nonetheless, Joey would rather have Craig in his possession than in his real father's. There wasn't really much excuse for what he said to Craig, but he wanted to fix it.

He sat on the couch for another hour or so, until he worked up the courage to go upstairs to Craig's room. He pushed the door open and saw that Craig was asleep on his bed. He stood in the doorway, as still as he could, and watched as Craig turned over onto his side. Joey walked over to the side of Craig's bed. He looked at Craig's face, and saw that his skin was pale. Craig shivered and Joey put his hand on Craig's skin. It was cold. Joey looked over at the window, which was wide open. He walked over and closed it. He went back to Craig's bedside. Joey ran his hand through Craig's hair. Craig sighed and opened his eyes a little. He saw Joey and turned over onto his other side.

"Craig..." Joey said. Craig said nothing. Joey sat down on the bed. "I know I'm probably the last person you want to see right now, and this is probably the last thing that you're going to believe, but...I'm sorry. What I said wasn't fair to you, and...it was stupid."

"Just like me," Craig muttered. The words tore at Joey's heart. "It was a stupid, reckless, useless thing to say. Just like me, right?"

"No, Craig. You're not stupid or reckless or useless. You mean a lot to me." Craig didn't say anything. He refused to even talk to Joey now. Joey decided to give Craig some more time and went back to his own room.

The phone rang and Joey answered it. It was Caitlin. "Have you talked to him yet?"

"Yeah, for about a minute. I can't even talk to him anymore. He makes me feel like crap."

"He makes you feel like crap? Excuse me, I believe it was you that was yelling at him."

"I know. But...you should've seen the way he looked at me. It was like...I felt like his father."

"Joey, you haven't hit him in...a really long time. I mean, it was months ago, and he forgave you for that. You didn't actually beat him. Don't feel like that."

"It's kind of hard to resist. Listen, I'm gonna go see if I can talk to him again. This probably isn't gonna be over tonight, so..."

"I'll just stay here with Angela. Okay?"

"Okay." Caitlin hung up. Joey went back into Craig's room.

"Craig?" Joey said quietly. Craig was not in his bed. Joey turned and looked inside the closet. No Craig.

"Craig?" he shouted. He ran downstairs and sighed with relief. Craig was standing at the bottom of the stairs, holding the cat. Craig looked at the floor and cleared his throat. Joey walked past him and Craig went slowly up the stairs.

He watched as Craig descended into his bedroom and closed the door quietly behind him. Joey went over to the couch again and sat down. So much for talking to Craig. "I hate myself," Joey whispered. He slowly fell asleep on the couch and slept peacefully for a long while.

About three hours later, Joey opened his eyes. He looked at the clock. 8:04. Standing up from the couch, Joey went over to the kitchen and got some water.

For the last time that night, Joey was about to attempt to talk to Craig. He walked the long stairway to Craig's room and opened the door. Craig was lying on the bed, and whether or not he was asleep was a mystery to Joey. The cat was curled up on the small of Craig's back. Joey sat down on the bed and stroked the cat's fur. Craig moaned and Joey looked at him pityingly. Craig moved his hand to his head. Joey regretted not taking him to the doctor, but he was going to see if the headaches would go away.

Craig didn't even seem to acknowledge Joey's presence. He must've been sleeping. Joey picked the cat up and set him on the floor. He turned Craig over onto his back and looked down at him. With the light from the hall, Joey could tell that Craig hadn't exactly been happy for the last few hours. Joey must've really broken his heart. Everything that Joey had tried to convince Craig of was gone now. Every word of encouragement and caring that he'd ever put into him was gone.

Craig coughed weakly and opened his eyes a little bit. He saw Joey, but this time, he didn't move. He sat right there and gave another powerless cough. His eyes closed slowly, and he looked as though he were dead.

"I'm sorry," Joey whispered. "I really am. If you would've actually fallen...I would've jumped, too."

"Joey..." Craig droned. His voice was dry and raspy. He closed his eyes again.

"Craig?" Joey said.

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have even been up there. I'm sorry."

"No, Craig. I shouldn't have yelled at you." Craig's eyes opened a little more.

"I'm trying. Really. I am. I'm trying in school, and I'm trying to take my meds...for you. And I'm taking the headaches so that you'll be happy, but..."

"It's okay. It's okay. We're gonna get the meds switched."

"Please. They hurt so bad, and..." Craig gave another loud moan. Joey put his hand on Craig's head.

"Craig, you don't have to take the meds if they're gonna give you headaches. We still have some of the old ones, so...you can take those until we get this sorted out with the doctor, okay?" Craig nodded.

He sighed in relief as the pain passed. He leaned up and wrapped his arms around Joey. Joey was surprised Craig would forgive him at all. After everything he'd done to him—hitting him, yelling at him, putting him in a psychiatric ward for three-and-a-half weeks, lying to him—Craig was the most forgiving person in the world. But really, what else could he do? He wouldn't live in the house with Joey after all the nice things he'd done for him. He got him out of his father's house, let him move in, bought back his guitar, got him help for his illness, and paid for his meds. He'd done a lot of things for him, and Craig understood that. But when they fought, Craig thought about the bad things...only. And he used it against him.

Somehow, right now, Joey knew that everything would be right for a little while. Even if it were just a few days.

Joey pulled away softly and looked into Craig's eyes. "I promise you. I'll never yell at you again," he said firmly. Craig looked back at Joey and smiled sadly.

"Okay," Craig said quietly. He sat against the back of the bed, and Joey sat up on the bed.

"Sean told me about Ashley," Joey said. "Why didn't you tell me?"

"Well...because...we've been over for almost two months, now. And, to me, that's...over. And, honestly, I didn't want her to go. But it's not really something I could prevent. She doesn't love me, and there's nothing I can do about that."

"Sean also told me that Ellie got an e-mail from Ashley that said that she regrets everything she ever said to you and she's sorry for hurting you."

"She's not sorry. She just wants Ellie to pick her over me."

"So you're fighting over Ellie now?"

"Maybe." Craig looked up and Joey and smiled mischievously.

"Isn't that someone you and Sean should be fighting over?" Joey asked.

"Yes. But Ellie's kind of mad at Ashley right now. She doesn't agree with anything she does."

"Jimmy called. Him, Spinner, Ellie, Sean, Marco and Paige are going to the movies and they want to know if you wanted to go."

"Movies...fine. I suppose. I should probably get up now." Craig rolled off of the bed and put his jacket on. He found his shoes and put them on. Rummaging around on the floor for a minute, he found his cell phone and put it in his pocket. "Um...I'm gonna go now. I'll be home around eleven or something...okay?" Joey nodded.

"Bye, Joey." Craig picked up his keys and left the room. He went to his car and left for the movie theatre. About halfway there, he called Jimmy's cell.

"Hello?" Jimmy said.

"Jimmy. It's Craig."

"Oh, hey, man. What's up? You coming?"

"Yeah, I'm...almost there."

"Okay, we're all outside. The movie doesn't start for another half-hour, so..."

"Okay, I'll be there. Later." Craig hung up and turned a few more corners. He saw a familiar group of people sitting outside the movie theatre. He stopped the car and got out.

"Craig!" Marco and Paige said happily as Craig walked toward them.

"What's up?" said Craig.

"Nothing much," said Marco. "We've all just been sitting here talking about random things."

"Like what?"

"Anything that pops into anyone's head," Sean answered. "Like, two minutes ago, Spinner said, 'I wonder how they make plastic.' The entire time, we were talking about MI. I mean.."

"That's pretty random, Spin," Craig said. Spinner laughed.

"So...how're things at home?" Ellie asked. Craig looked at her and thought for a second.

"Not that great. I actually spent the last...four hours in my room. Alone. And, it was pretty boring."

"What were you doing?" Jimmy inquired.

"Half-sleeping. Nothing else to do."

"Well...why didn't you go do something downstairs or something?" said Marco.

"Because Joey was pissed off at me, and I was pissed off at him. And Caitlin and Angie left, so..."

"Why were you both pissed off?" Paige said.

"Because...Joey likes yelling at me, and...I don't know."

"You do know. Why was he yelling at you?"

"I was somewhere I wasn't supposed to be, and...he found out and I almost fell off."

"Was it like...a bridge or a building or something?" asked Marco.

"Yeah, a building. And...Joey was really, really, really mad, and he yelled at me for about five minutes. I didn't say anything back, and that really irritated him. Then he was like, 'Look at me when I am talking to you!' and then I looked up and I must've looked pretty pathetic because he stopped talking and sat down. Then, I went up to my room and didn't come out until he told me that Jimmy called."

"How did you look at him?" Craig bowed his head and slowly brought it up, looking up at them the same way that he looked at Joey.

"Aww!" everyone said at the same time. Craig laughed, but inside, it hurt to have to think about what had happened earlier that day. But he didn't want to act like anything was wrong; he hated people worrying about him.

They talked for twenty more minutes, and then went inside. Halfway through the movie, Craig felt his cell phone vibrate. He looked at the lit up screen. The name 'Jay' shown brightly across the plastic. He waited for a minute before getting up and saying, "I'll be right back." Nobody looked up, so he kept going. He hurried out and dialed Jay's number back.

"Jay. What did you want?" he asked.

"Where are you?" said Jay quickly.

"I'm at the movie theater...why?"

"I need to show you something."

"Okay..."

"Remember that old house that we went to that one day? When you got the cat?"

"Yeah."

"Meet me there in ten minutes." Jay hung up and Craig put his cell phone back in his pocket. Could he really just ditch his friends in a movie theater? Leave them behind? Go against their trust? Of course he could. Craig walked out of the theater casually and went to his car. He had a little trouble remembering where the old house was, but he finally found it. Jay was parked outside the house in his car. He got out when he saw Craig pull up and Craig got out.

"So," Craig said, leaning up against the door. "What did you want to show me?"

Jay led Craig inside the house. It didn't smell as bad anymore, but the bathroom sink was still filled with dark brown water.

There was actually a light in one of the bedrooms. Craig followed Jay into the room, where there were four others sitting on the floor. An odd smell filled the air. They were smoking pot. Not that it was illegal or anything, but Joey told him not to smoke it. A young, blonde girl handed Jay a joint. After a hit off of it, he handed it to Craig, who stared at it, contemplating whether or not to smoke it. A second later, he put it up to his lips and inhaled.

A/N: WAAAAAAAAHA! I HAVE FINISHED! THIS CHAPTER, ANYWAY...IT TOOK ME FREAKIN' FOREVER! TOTALLY THANKS TO KIKI, WHO GAVE ME...WHAT...THE IDEAS FOR THE FIRST 9,000 WORDS FOR THIS ONE? DON'T WORRY, I'VE BEEN COMING UP WITH A FEW IDEAS OF MY OWN...LALALA. HOLY CRAP! CRAIG'S DOING DRUGS! I KNOW, RIGHT? JUST HORRIBLE...DON'T WORRY, CRASH-LOVERS...SHE'LL BE BACK...OR WILL SHE:GASP:. YOU KNOW THE DRILL: READ, REVIEW, GET ON WITH YOUR LIFE.