My note….the last chapter, and I got it all done before the actual episode aired (still don't know exactly which episode it is, though).

ONE SMALL STEP

CHAPTER 8: …ONE GIANT LEAP

It was Saturday June 2, 2007. A day filled with celebration, relief and hope for the future. Graduation day for the Degrassi Community school seniors as well as probably the most bittersweet day in the life of Jimmy Brooks.

He hadn't sleep well the night before, his calls to Ashley and Spinner's cell phones, as well as the Del Rossi, Nash, Michalchuk abode, went unanswered. The situation became even curiouser when Jimmy called the Kerwin-Isaac's home and Toby told him that Ashley was spending the night at Ellie's. He brushed it off though, figuring nothing of it because of the supposed gas leak at the university house, and he didn't have the telephone number for Ellie's mom's house...little did Jimmy know that a teary-eyed Ashley was standing right next to her brother at the time. Toby didn't have to ask Ashley what happened between her and Jimmy, he could tell by her puffy red eyes, the tear streaks on her cheeks...and the fact that she swore him to secrecy about the whole phone ordeal, that is was something major.

The foyer of Degrassi was starting to fill with students, family and friends. Marco, Ellie and Paige were huddled near the gym entrance. "When I talked to him this morning he sounded...preoccupied", Marco told the girls as they waited for their friends.

"Yeah, Spinner said he made up some lame excuse about not being able to meet us here", Ellie added sharply. "And never even bothered to mention last night at all".

Paige felt a flush rise up her neck...she never thought that she could be mad at Jimmy Brooks for anything...but then again, she'd never thought he'd be cheating on one of her best friends. "Speak of the...", she trailed off as she caught a glimpse of Ashley and her family walking through the doors. "Over here Hun", she called out and waved.

"Hi guys", Kate greeted the group of familiar young faces, as she walked up to them. "Ash honey, we're going to go find our seats", she said cheerfully, giving Ashley a small peck on the cheek, before entering the gym.

Ashley nodded, acknowledging her mother, then turned back to her friends. "Spinner said they're lining up in Simpson's class room", Ellie blurted, after not being able to come up with anything else.

Ashley looked over her shoulder to scan the hall. "He went to look for Jimmy", Marco stated, as if reading her mind. She visibly stiffened at the mention of her boyfriends name and Marco immediately felt guilty. "But nobody's seen him or his family yet".

"Oh he'll be here", Ashley spat bitterly. "Sent me at text this morning...", she snickered and flipped her phone open to show them the screen. "Ash, Today's the big day. C U soon. Luv Ya, Jim".

Paige let out an indignant sort, Marco sighed painfully and Ellie cringed. Ashley tossed her phone back into her bag and shrugged. "I need to go sign in", she muttered softly as she walked in the direction of the Media Immersion lab.

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Jimmy waited anxiously at the far end of the hall, near the coaches office, for Anya to give him the okay. She slipped out of the room and over to Jimmy. "I don't think I can go through with this", he stated pleadingly.

Spinner had just rounded the corner when he heard the familiar voice of his best friend, but stopped just short of the next corner, when an unexpected voice answered. "Jimmy, we didn't come this far for you to back out now".

"I'm just not sure...", he hessitated. "...it doesn't feel right".

Spinner couldn't believe what he was hearing, he peeked around the corner, just in time to see this Anya girl put her hand on Jimmy's shoulder. "That's just because we've been hiding it for so long", she assured him. "You're just nervous. Once you get it over with, you'll feel so much better".

Jimmy reached up to clasp Anya's hand. "Anya, I don't know what I would have done without you", he admitted sincerely, causing the young girl to blush fiercely. "You've been so amazing these past few months...".

"Jimmy", she gasped, iterrupting him mid-sentence. Anya took this declaration to mean more than Jimmy intended and leant down to gently kiss his lips. Spinner, now furious, stalked back down the same hall he just come from.

Jimmy immediately pushed Anya away. "What're you doing?", he asked incredulously.

"J-Jimmy...I'm sorry. I just thought...", she stammered, then trailed off as embarrassment kicked in.

"Thought what?", he asked, realizing as the words left his mouth. "Anya, I'm sorry if I mislead you in any way, but...".

"No Jimmy, it was me...I shouldn't have...", she replied, tripping over her words. "I just really, really like you and we were in this moment...and I...".

"It's okay Anya", Jimmy blushed at the compliment and took hold of her hand again. "You're a really great girl...and I'm flattered, honestly. It's just...I love Ashley. I'm in love with Ashley...she's my everything", he admitted sincerely.

"I know and I'm sorry", she replied awkwardly.

"Jimmy", Lana whispered as she cracked the door open and peeked out. She waved for him to come in.

"I've gotta go get into my braces", he sighed reluctantly, not wanting to leave things the way they currently were. Anya nodded and let go of his hand. Jimmy pushed forward a few feet, before pivoting quickly and turning to face Anya. "This doesn't change anything for me...", he stated endearingly. "...your still a part of the team and I'd like you to be up there when...".

"Of course", Anya cut in before he could finish. "...I'll be right behind you".

Spinner was racing back to the MI lab so quickly, he didn't even see Ashley until he bumped shoulders with her. "Spin, did you find Jimmy?", she asked, trying to sound indifferent, but failing miserably.

"Ah no...I didn't see him", he lied and put his arm aroud Ashley, to guide her away from the direction she was headed in.

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Jimmy took in a deep breath and smoothed his gown over his knees, hoping to hide the outline of his braces. He pushed forcefully into the gym, from the other door that led out of the coaches office. "You guys ready to blow this place for good", he teased as he rolled up between Ashley and Spinner. Ashley turned her back and folded her arms across her chest, while Spinner stood there, glarring at Jimmy.

Jimmy reached out for Ashley's hand, but she pulled it away. "Ash, what's wrong?", he asked, baffled.

"Like you don't know...", she replied, keeping her voice to a low growl as to not attract too much attention. Jimmy looked at her incredulously. "Last night...dinner, the campus house...".

"Cancelled...because of a gas leak", he defended.

"No, was actually cancelled after you blew us off to take your little art project out for ice cream", she seethed in reply.

"Oh God...Ash...", Jimmy's heart sank.

"Don't deny it Jimmy...I saw the two of you holding hands at Palmer's last night", Ashley ground out, using all the self control she had not to scream at him.

Jimmy sighed and inched closer, "Listen Ash, I can explain...".

"Just don't Jimmy", Ashley waved him off and walked away.

"Dude, listen...", Jimmy paused to look up at Spinner.

"You gonna explain away the two of you kissin' in the hall a few minutes ago, too?", Spinner spat angrily, just as Ms. Kwan called the students to line up.

Jimmy tried to explain, "Man, you don't understand...".

"Jimmy...we need you up front", Kwan called out.

Jimmy looked from the teacher to his fumming best friend. "Jimmy, we really need to begin", she pressed, motioning impatiently with her hand. He reluctantly pushed forward and took his place at the head of the line, just as the procession music started.

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Jimmy tried in vain, to get the attention of Ashley and Spinner throughout the ceremony. He did however, manage to catch Ms. H's attention, and that earned him a stern warning look. "Thank you Liberty", she commented, thankful that the thirty-nine minute rambling of the schools valedictorian, was finally over. "And now, without further ado, I'd like to welcome to the stage, Degrassi's graduating class of 2007".

Jimmy glanced over his shoulder at Ashley as he pushed for the stage. He wanted desperately, to stop time and just talk to her...tell her everything, but there wasn't time. Ms. Hatzilakos made sure the first row was lined up before she started calling the names...Jimmy was third.

His name was called and there was a burst of applause from the audience, Ashley included. She tried to look away, but her interest was piqued as he pushed forward, then stopped about halfway across the stage. Ashley felt her stomach flop when she saw Anya walk up behind him and a pang of jealously hit her when Jimmy beaconed Anya and whispered something into her ear, as she leaned over his shoulder . Anya's face blanced and she looked guiltily over at Ashley. Ash glanced pleadingly over at Spinner, who, without a word, placed a comforting hand on her knee.

Ashley could feel tears pooling in her eyes as more movement from the stage caught her attention. She looked up and audibly gasped when Lana and Boris stepped on either side of Jimmy, his therapist holding a set of forearm crutches. Jimmy and Lana both glanced from the Brooks', over to Ashley...Lana appearing much more confident than Jimmy as she shot Ashley a hopeful smile. It all became obvious to her, that very moment.

The room fell silent as the 'team' jumped into action.

Mrs. Brooks grabbed onto her husbands hand as she watched Jimmy snap on his brakes, place his feet on the floor and grab the crutches he was offered. "Ash, is he gonna...?", Spinner trailed off, his voice cracking slightly. Ashley nodded affirmitively and slowly stood up to get a better view. Paige grabbed a pack of tissues from her purse, passed it to Marco, who took a bunch, then offered them to a trembling Ellie.

Jimmy locked eyes with Ashley and grinned tentatively, the look on his face melted any lingering feelings of anger in her. He took in a deep breath, then focused on his task...he scooted forward and when ready, stood up shakily. Jeff, Kate and Mr. and Mrs. Brooks followed Ashley's lead and stood up to watch Jimmy. He gazed back at Ashley for some sort of assurance, her teary smile said it all. With all his effort, Jimmy concentrated on taking the four steps to Ms. H...Boris, Lana and Anya following as instructed.

A choked up Ms. Hatzilakos held out the rolled paper for Jimmy. He smiled, face to face with her and shifted his left hand to grab his diploma. Daphne noticed his hesitation to release the grip on his right, in order to shake her hand, so she moved in for a small, modest hug. "Congratulations Jimmy", she stated genuinely, reaching up to move the tassel on his cap to the right...not bothering to wipe away her happy tears. Jimmy nodded and took four more steps forward, to the other side of the stage so he could get back into his chair without holding up the rest of the ceremony.

Jimmy wheeled down the side ramp where he was met by his parents and a growing group of friends. "This was your big secret project?", Ashley cried, kneeling down beside him.

He smiled softly and nodded sheepishly. "I tried to tell you Ash...", he paused to look from Ashley to Anya. "Anya's an aide at Ryan...".

"I'm Anya Chekofsky, Boris' daughter. I was helping Jimmy with his therapy...and that's all", she cut in officially, just as Ms. H called Toby up for his diploma.

"Oh my God...you're Ani?", Ashley gasped in surprise and stood up. Anya playfully rolled her eyes and nodded in reply. "I sorry Jimmy...", she sighed, feeling very foolish for ever doubting him. "I was so ready to break up with you, you dumb jerk", she scolded playfully and lightly smacked him across the chest.

"Ashley Kerwin", the speakers boomed.

"I'm sorry for any confusion this may have caused", Anya apologized to Ashley, but indirectly at Jimmy too, for the misunderstanding from before.

Ashley smiled. "That's okay...I just get super jealous when it comes to Jimmy", she admitted bashfully. Anya nodded shyly. "Thank you for helping him..."

"Ash", Jimmy called, nudging his head toward the stage.

Ashley turned to see an expectant Ms. Hatzilakos waiting patiently for the student in question. "Ashley...Kerwin", she repeated jovily and a slightly embarrassed Ashley hurried up the steps to the stage. Spinner knew he was up next, so he quickly wipped away his tears and gave Jimmy a congratulatory hug, then took his place at the steps.

"Man that was awesome", Ashley heard Marco say as soon as she stepped off the stage. Jimmy smiled and shook his hand firmly.

"We took like a zillion pictures", Ellie sniffled and she and Paige both gave Jimmy huge hugs.

"And I got it all on tape", Jeff stated pointedly as he continued to record the event. Kate leaned down for a proud hug and kiss.

Jimmy smiled appreciatively to everyone, then turned to pull Ashley onto his lap. "I wanted to tell you Ash, I really did...but I couldn't, not until I was sure I could do it", he explained honestly, and softly kissed her lips.

"You mean you did this for me?", she swallowed the lump forming in her throat.

Jimmy smiled shyly. "Yeah, you were my inspiration...but I did it for a lot of reasons", he paused to glance between his parents, friends and therapists. "I did it for all of you, but I also did it for me...", he paused momentarily to look over at Anya. She nodded for him to continue. "...because I wanted my last steps at this school to be up there on that stage, getting my diploma...not that day in that hallway with Rick".

"Oh sweetie", Mrs. Brooks cried, moving through the huddle so she could wrap her arms around both Ashley and Jimmy.

"I'm proud of you son", Mr. Brooks waivered slightly as he placed a hand on Jimmy's shoulder.

Jimmy nodded. "This doesn't change anything Dad...", he hesitated self-consciously. "...I'll still never be able to walk...".

"Is that only reason why you'd think I'd be proud of you...because you were walking?", Mr. Brooks interrupted questionably. Jimmy just shrugged. "Sure son, that was truly amazing. But, because you've graduated with honors, because you had the courage and determination to try something nobody ever thought you'd be able to do...and because you are my son...that is why I'm so proud of you today".

Jimmy accepted hugs from both of his parents, just as the ceremony was closing. Ms. Hatzilakos motioned for the students to stand in their places for the presentation. Jimmy wheeled back to his spot, this time with Ashley and Spinner standing on either side of him. Ashley and Lana exchanged words, and a hug, then she handed Jimmy's crutches to Ashley and whispered some last minute instructions into her ear.

The crowd waited as Jimmy once again, stood up...and they applauded. Ashley whispered something into Jimmy's ear that made him smile and nod. She directed Spinner to help support Jimmy too as they all took the caps from their heads, and tossed them high into the air...together.

Ashley waited until Jimmy was done repositioning his crutches, before wrapping her arms around his neck. She stepped up on her tip-toes to declare with all of her heart, "I love you Jimmy Brooks".

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That's it...yes another one of my cheeseball endings, but I thought it was kinda sweet. I want to thank all of my loyal readers and all those who were kind enough to review...lilfiftyfour, havocmangawip, Sunshyne08, Raina-Bess, SammyWammy, NickiHartistheName422 and Alyssa G. And a special shout out to Heather for all of her wonderful help.

It's coming up to a busy time for me, so I'm not sure when the next chapter story will be up...but I'll most likely do a Spimmy friendship oneshot after Death or Glory airs...stayed tuned!

Degrassi is not mine.