Hope this chapter lives up to the last one! I'm not sure what Jimmy's dad's name is so for now its Darius. Enjoy...and Degrassi isn't mine btw.

Jimmy was pushing ahead full speed. Ashley ran for two blocks before she caught up with him. "Jimmy stop."

He kept going until Ashley stood in front of him with her hand on his chest, blocking his path. Jimmy glanced up at Ashley and cleared his throat. She was heartbroken by the look in his eyes.

"Ashley, I'm going home. I can't do that when you're standing in my way. Besides, I think today fulfills the last of your community service requirement."

Ashley stepped back, surprised that Jimmy would lash out at her of all people. "Jimmy, I'm hanging out with you because I want to. That woman was ignorant and rude, and

you didn't deserve that. Just like I didn't deserve that last comment you made."

Jimmy looked down at his lap and played with his shirt nervously before speaking again. "Ashley, you like hanging out with me, I get that. You've always been a sweet girl; so

I'm sure having a friend in a wheelchair doesn't bother you. What happens when I want to be more than your friend? Can you still ignore the chair then?"

Ashley smiled and grabbed Jimmy's hands. "James, I've never even pretended to ignore that chair, it's too bright for one. Seriously, though, I see the wheelchair, but the person

in it is way more important. Jimmy, you're sweet, funny, talented, athletic, and not to mention gorgeous. When I look at you, I see all of those qualities. As far as wanting to be

more than friends...I think I'd like that. Of course, you'll have to do better than an ice cream date if you ever really ask me to be your girl." Jimmy held his head up high for the

first time since they left the ice cream parlor. He gave Ashley a small, appreciative smile before playfully pulling her onto his lap for a kiss on the cheek. She giggled and returned

the gesture. Ashley said, "Since we kissed and made up, can we go to Casa de Brooks and study for our chem exam?"

"That would be nice."


Ashley and Jimmy spent most of the evening in spurts of faltering normalcy, neither completely able to forget their earlier ordeal. When Mrs. Brooks came home with dinner, she

was unusually chipper. "Hi kids! How was school today? Are you guys studying or just hanging out? I brought you guys some Thai food. Hope you two didn't eat already?"

Jimmy laughed as he transferred from the couch to his chair. "Mom, pretend that you're in court, one question at a time."

Ashley giggled and Mrs. Brooks smiled self-consciously. "Sorry guys, I'm just a little excited. Jimmy's favorite aunt is engaged! My baby sister, I never thought I'd see the day."

Jimmy looked up at his mother in shock. "Jackie, my Aunt Jackie, is getting married?"

Ashley piped in, "Aww, that's so nice, have you met the guy?"

Jimmy groaned inwardly at the thought of the ensuing girl talk. Mrs. Brooks had already sat down to give Ashley all of the details. Jimmy was a little jealous, but couldn't stay

that way for long because he loved that his two favorite women in the world got along so well. He picked up the bags of Thai food and headed for the kitchen. Mrs. Brooks

called out, "Jim, hurry and put the food on the table. It's a little hot sweetie." She mumbled to no one in particular, "I shouldn't have let him take it in the first place." Ashley

looked worried. Mrs. Brooks noticed her concern. "He's fine; I just have to remind him to be careful."

Mr. Brooks walked in on their conversation and asked, "What is my son up to now?"

Jimmy came out of the kitchen and said "I was being a daredevil and carrying hot food on my lap. Getting burnt beats out listening to girl talk any day." Ashley and Mrs. Brooks

both gave him warning looks while Mr. Brooks chuckled. Mrs. Brooks scolded her husband. "Darius don't encourage him."

"What? It was funny?"

Ashley looked at her watch and stood up. "I'm gonna head home. See you later Mr. and Mrs. Brooks. Bye Jimmy."

Jimmy grabbed her wrist, "I risked life and limb taking that food in the kitchen, the least you can do is eat it." He looked up pitifully and gave Ashley his trademarked sad puppy face. Ashley rolled her eyes.

"I appreciate the effort Jimmy but I promised my mom I'd be home by eight, and I still have to pick Toby up from JT's."

Mrs. Brooks interrupted, "Ashley don't pay him any attention. You'd better get going if your mother wants you home. Take some food with you and tell your Mom I said hi."

Once Ashley left, the Brooks family ate dinner together, which was a rare occasion. Mrs. Brooks repeated the news about her sister's engagement and made an announcement. "I think we should go to Tennessee so that I can help Jackie get started with planning this wedding. Her engagement party is in two weeks, I'd really like for us to be there."

Mr. Brooks was less than excited about seeing his in-laws but he could see how happy his wife was. "That's a great idea honey. I'll request, what, a week off and Jimmy will be out of school by then."

Jimmy was silent.

"Honey, aren't you excited about seeing your Aunt Jackie and the rest of the family? They're all crazy about you, you know."

Jimmy mumbled, "Yeah, of course Mom. I'm just tired." With that, he pushed himself away from the table and went to his room. Mr. Brooks was lost.

"What was that all about?"

Mrs. Brooks sighed heavily and started to go follow Jimmy before her husband stopped her. "Sweetheart, let him be. Whatever it is will come out on its own. No use in pressing the issue. For all we know, he could just be in another one of his moods." She sat down dejectedly.


Thanks to TwinkleToesToo, degrassichick08, lilfiftyfour, and havocmangawip for the reviews!!!! To everyone else...please review so I can have an idea of whether you like it, love it or hate it!