GOOD THINGS COME TO THOSE WHO WAIT

CHAPTER 2: WHAT I MEANT TO SAY PT.1

"You were saying?", Ashley whispered shyly as she backed away from Jimmy.

Jimmy smiled and blushed. "Wow…Ashley, I….".

"Yeah", she giggled, her cheeks turning a little red, as well. They looked into each others eyes, but the moment was interrupted by someone running down the hall.

"Jimmy wait", Ellie called out. Jimmy turned to face her. "I am so, so sorry. I never meant to lead you on, I…I….you know how much you mean to me…and I…".

"Whoa, calm down El", Jimmy said, pulling on her hands a little, she knelt down beside him. "It's okay Ellie, I understand", he added, looking down at his chair.

She shook her head. "No, it's not like that.…because I do like you.…a lot. I just have….I mean, I-I'm in love with someone else…and that wouldn't be fair to you", she replied, hot tears springing to her eyes. "I just don't want to lose you as a friend, I couldn't handle that.….please tell me I haven't".

"What?", Jimmy gasped and shook his head. "El, you could never lose me as a friend. I'll always be here for you". He pulled her closer and tightened his grip on her hands for emphasis. Jimmy cocked his head to the side and sighed lightly. "Okay, I admit, I am a little hurt, but I'm a big boy El…I'll be fine", he reassured Ellie, then looked up at Ashley, who smiled back.

"I never wanted to hurt you", Ellie whispered and hugged Jimmy tightly. "It's okay", he said as he brushed away a single tear that had made its way down her cheek.

"Thank you", she whispered, rising to her feet. Jimmy smiled and squeezed her hands again. Ashley came over and put her arm around Ellie's shoulder, just as a cell phone started ringing. Ellie fumbled through her bag and answered.

"Oh God, I forgot…I'm so sorry.…I'll be right there", Ellie said frantically. "Guys, I gotta go. I was supposed to help Marco, Paige and Hazel set up for graduation, tomorrow", she groaned, hugging them both then running back down the hall.

Ashley placed a hand on Jimmy's shoulder. "I'm sorry Jimmy, I really thought it was you", she stated somberly. "But I'm glad you two got a chance to talk it out...you know, clear the air", she added quickly.

Jimmy looked up at her and bit his lip. "Yeah, about talking Ash…I really think we should catch up a little more, maybe talk about…."

Ashley felt her stomach flutter, the hall started to fill with people, making it a not so good place to talk. "I have to clean up my work station back stage and drive Toby home. I can meet you in about an hour…you name the place", she offered.

Jimmy thought for a second and rubbed his temple. "Yeah that sounds good, umm…meet me at my place say….four?", he asked, wheeling over to a table and writing his address and directions down on a piece of paper.

Ashley smiled. "I think I can remember how to get to your place, it hasn't been that long since.…"

"Ah, we moved", Jimmy interrupted, handing her the paper.

"Moved?", she asked, reading the directions.

"Yeah, late last summer. It was hard to get around the condo…too small", he stated, tapping at his wheels.

Ashley nodded. "Okay, I'll see you at four then", she smiled, hurrying back into the gym.

Jimmy sat alone for a few minutes, trying to process everything that had happened. He felt bad for Ellie, she seemed so torn up about this. But the scene that was playing over and over in his head was that kiss.

A single kiss hadn't had such an impact on Jimmy, in a very long time…then again, it had been a very long time since anyone had kissed him like that. He closed his eyes and immediately saw Ashley's face…that was definitely some kiss….or maybe something else?

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A message from me.….I know, this chapter is short, but it will be continued in the next chapter…when Ashley and Jimmy talk.…really talk, loooootttttttt's of talking. I was a little sad that the last chapter didn't get any reviews(pouty lip), but that's okay, as long as the story is being read. So please, even if your not a JimAsh fan, and you are reading, drop me line and tell me what you think. Thanks!

A little disclaimer.…I don't own Degrassi, 'Hard Habit to Break', by Chicago or 'What I Meant to Say, by The Bangles.