Chapter One

A Public Affair

Sean opened the door to his old apartment building, his humble abode which looked exactly as he left it so it seemed. A few remnants of Ellie's were left behind such as an album here, and a poster on the bedroom wall of some rock band but here was his fresh start and the first things he sees are memories of the recent past. He unpacked his things, he had around 4 to 6 boxes of clothing and another household miscellaneous kitchen, living area, and bits of decor his parents sent with him.

Sean had a therapist, Naomi in Wasaga and he was half tempted to call her considering he feels hopeless and he had walked in the door. This is what he wanted though, a fresh start in the place he truly calls home and already he was willing to walk away again.

Naomi would likely tell him that he mustn't give up before he even starts and that he needs to ground himself and speak positively to himself rather than his typical schtick. He has an appointment set with a new therapist in town after school and despite the hiccup though he feels ready to embark on this new journey.

He knew had screwed up his relationship with Ellie when he left her and the relationship behind. Long distance turned into a split and as much as he'd like to rekindle the flame he feels like maybe she's been too burned to want to try again but he doesn't want to give up on that just yet. He still has hope. He knows she's single at this time and living with her mom according to Facerange. Today he will at least talk to her, after all, it's the first day of school Sean fortunately, didn't lose his year, he pulled decent grades at Wasaga High and Principal Hatzilacos accepted his paperwork for the transfer back to good old Degrassi.

In the MI lab, "Manny and Emma happened to see Sean in homeroom and Manny gasped with excitement, "Look who's back."

"I have eyes." Emma remarked back looking elsewhere sidetracked, fawning at her latest crush, "do you think I should strike up a conversation with Peter?"

Emma and Sean spoke through occasional IMs and e-mails over the summer. She knew he was planning on a possible return so she wasn't surprised. Manny laments, "Why bother? He hasn't noticed you at the pool all summer long and yet you're still hauling your cookies to him?"

"It's a new year, first guy since well you know who and I want to make the best impression."

Sean casually walked up to Emma and Manny after homeroom", Hi, it's been a while. How was your summer?"

Emma answered, "Sean, hey, it was pretty good, it's nice seeing you, so you're back at Degrassi?"

"Here to stay, of course. I even scored my old place. Landlord jacked up the rent a bit but it's not a big deal."

"You look good, see you got a little suntan." Sean had longer hair, he was tanner, he was dressed pretty nicely for the first day of school and he was pretty upbeat.

"So where's Jay?"

"Expelled," Emma replied awkwardly, "don't know the details. I heard it from the grapevine, not the paper."

He snickered, "I figured, and not surprising even though I saw Jay the other day at The Dot but he told me Spin was expelled and they've been hanging out. I see not a whole lot has changed since I've been back, what's been new with you since we last chatted?"

Emma was uncomfortable but didn't let it show. After all, this was awkward, his being uber pleasant despite their weird history was a little strange but they're not strangers. She also is glad they can be civil and cool following the events of last year and their summer chats she just assumed he like her went to therapy or simply buried their past trauma like a hatchet. She didn't want to tell her about the ravine trips but she instead told Sean with a grin to match his, "Same old stuff, pool club with Manny over the summer and not much else."

The whole topic of Jay was pretty much to Emma unspeakable, especially to Sean. He can never know, even if all that's left for them is friendship. Besides, it's a new year, a new leaf and she's found herself someone new to fancy even if he hasn't noticed her. Emma's not used to that though, she's used to that instant gratification and mutual feelings which Peter is not even sure Emma exists. When the bell rang Emma's next class wasn't where Sean's was but Manny shared that class, "So what was with the Sean and Emma convention? He was chatting you up."

Emma shrugged it off and said, "Sean and I are ancient history, prehistoric, please. Guys and girls can be friends, right?"

They moved on to English class with Kwan and Manny was more excited about Sean's return than Emma. She was insinuating something nonexistent, the spark has been extinguished and the crush eroded into civil friendship but Manny loves juicy gossip so she's all for it.

"After saving your life from certain danger, and all your ups and downs you've had as a couple."

"I am not a damsel in distress, I've decompressed, it's been over two years. I'm over it and if he's not that's his problem. Plus, I'm crushing on Peter."

"So you're saying, you aren't interested in tall dark, brooding, and handsome?"

A part of her wondered what exactly was going on with him and why he's come back but she figured it was time for him and none of her business. He's said in the past that Wasaga Beach isn't a picnic and the school has a low ranking in the country so he's better off learning here but what does she know? Sean doesn't and hasn't ever aside from finals time given a damn about school or he's never shown it to be something he's passionate about. Just when she thought she knew him, he poofed and disappeared. She was not angry or upset with him, she understood why he finally confronted his issues with his parents and so on but she hesitated.

"Don't worry, I won't tell," Manny smirked.

"To answer your question, Manny it's been so long maybe he's not even the same guy he was."

As they took their seats and continued their chat they were interrupted by their teacher, big surprise. They were always getting in trouble for chatting. "Ms. Santos and Ms. Nelson, care to share what your conversation has to do with The Great Gatsby and the American Dream?" Emma and Manny exchanged looks and decided at least till then on, they'd keep quiet and pay attention. They shook their heads no and Ms. Kwan cracked a smile, "I see some things haven't changed. Now Nick Carraway represents -"

xxxxx

Later, Sean exited the shop classroom and saw Ellie walking the halls alone, emotions and impulse took over as he instantly recognized. "Ellie." Ellie saw Sean, glared at him, and then started to walk off in a different direction causing him to follow her around like some lost puppy. "C'mon El just need a few seconds."

"What do you want from me? I know you tried calling yesterday but I guess hung up on me."

Sean pulled a CD out of his jacket pocket which belonged to her. He changed the subject instead returning her disc to her, "This I believe is yours. I just moved back. I didn't know what to say."

"Thanks, I guess," She accepted the CD, she smiled softly, "I've been looking for this. Well welcome back." She muttered sarcastically. She almost wanted to question how he got it when he beat her to it. So she decided to sting him with, "How long will it be before you run off?"

"Not funny."

"Wasn't trying to be."

"I'm sorry, honest. I could've handled it all better. I know that. You know El, I'm not gonna apologize for leaving town staying in Wasaga, but how I treated you? I need to. I deserved that part."

"I'm listening." Crossing her arms, she informed him, "I have a few seconds before I'm late to class."

"I just want you to know I'm really sorry for how I pretty much ghosted. Being away, I had a lot of time to think and sit and think some more. I'm in therapy and to tell you the truth, it's helping. I know you recommended it to me and I flew off the handle but honestly, it's keeping me from doing that sort of thing again as silly as it sounds." Sean paused for amoment before being personal about it, and most importantly honest. "And there's something else, I've missed you."

Taken back Ellie stood still and took it in before confessing, "I missed you too."

"You do?" He asked somewhat hopeful, maybe he has a chance.

"Of course I do. You were my boyfriend, one of my first serious relationships that just so happened to end. Nothing lasts forever, everything has an end or a fade out. Sean, we lived together but you and I didn't work out and the more I think about it? The less I think we would've worked out if you stuck around or that long-distance stuff never works out in the long run. I gotta go." She started to walk but Sean walked beside her causing her to stop.

"What will it take to get you to not hate me?"

She stopped in her tracks and turned to face him, "I don't hate you Sean it's just, over and done with. It was done when I sent you the box with the rest of your stuff. How are you so fine about this? So calm and all? You know, it hurt me when you decided to stay there. I was hurt and whatever forget what I felt, just let me move on. I can't do that with you standing here."

Sean didn't realize how hard it was for Ellie on her end after the split. He presumed she was upset but not like this. After their relationship ended, she was filled with hurt and uncertainty. She had a feeling he was there to stay, they were each other's found family. He went off and lived with his parents who he had nothing but terrible things to say about them in the past. Now she's gonna be alright someday independently.

Before, when together with Bueller and at ease and home they were happy. He'd give anything to have it back and deep down she probably wouldn't mind the company. What they got instead was something else entirely. She lost Bueller about a month after he left when he ate some electrical wiring, she had to rely on a handout from mom to get by on rent and Sean barely called her for the remaining months of their relationship. All the while was in a house with reminders and memories of Sean for the months before their relationship finally ended and Ellie packed away and sent Sean the remnants of his possessions, "You try sitting in that house and remembering how everything went to shit. I gotta go."

"Wait, please. I wasn't done."

"Funny because I am, and that's what I told you, but you left anyway and stayed there. Do us both a favor and stay away from me you shouldn't be here," Ellie finally walked past him and down another hall. Sean forcefully kicked the locker beside him angrily, he thought he had left that type of kneejerk reaction in the past. Then it dawned on him, he had to find another way to get her back. Talking, an apology and simply standing by are not going to help. At least she had shown him she still cares because otherwise, she wouldn't be upset. He'll give her all the space she needs for this time, the ball is in her court now but he's not going to go down silently.

When he arrived at lunch outside in the courtyard, it was sunny and overall warm and nice. Sean saw Emma writing something down in her notebook with an open textbook he presumed she was taking notes, "Can I sit here?"

She looked up and waved and was pleasant, "Hey um sure Manny's at an audition for the school play so it's free to sit." She seemed sidetracked. He knew he couldn't ask this of Liberty or Manny, for some reason he figured Emma would be perfect for his plan. The ship sailed on their romance, and even though she means a lot to him she knows that's mutual for her.

On his way from the courtyard after his spat with Ellie, he saw a picture of Emma leading the school play in Dracula in the trophy case and couldn't help but remark, "I heard you act."

She snickered shaking her head no, "Acted, once past tense besides, Manny's the real actress, she's got herself a meeting with an agent sometime this week. So what's up?"

"Well, you've got the talent wasn't Mina a major role?" Emma shrugged uncomfortably wanting to get off the topic and she was visibly busy until Sean added, "what if I told you, I can get Peter interested in you."

"How do you know I'm interested in him?" Her eyes widened gaining some hope as she put down her pencil when Sean sat across from her, "I have a cool idea, you can say no but what do we have to lose?"

"I'm listening." Emma's interest was piqued.

"So uh what if we fake dated?"

"Hard pass."

"Why?"

"Uh why would I do that? It's too complicated and weird."

"Weird how? C'mon, it might make him jealous or at least put you on his radar. I can help you."

"There are a million reasons it'll be weird. For starters, we dated for real before. How could you possibly help me? I honestly need to know the whats and the reasons why? Who are you after then?"

"Honestly? You've always been nice to me and helped me when my grades sucked. You kind of owe me a favor but that's beside the point from all those detentions last year. Think of it as me returning the favor for what you did for me in the past and getting you something you want. We'll be square I'll never ask you for anything. Honest! Anyway, to answer your question, I want Ellie to take me back, and I think this might be the only way."

"Of course, it's about Ellie. What about typical gifts, flowers, and chocolates? Tickets to a rock show? I don't know her that well but something says she'd appreciate that. This seems morally bankrupt." She sighed before asking, "Well, have you tried simply talking and apologizing to her, Sean?"

"Of course, she won't hear it. Doesn't take my calls and besides, we are friends you and me so it won't be weird, right? I heard from Manny you two haven't spoken to Peter, so what does that say? Talking is irrelevant, you want action you got to take action first."

"Right. So you're the one with the plan, so I'll start with a question such as um when will it end? What's the goal?"

"Once we get what we want, me and Ellie you and Peter the jig will be up and we can all be friends and everyone will just find another couple to look at. Don't you help friends in need?"

"I guess so."

"Great, so it's a date?"

"Hold it, so how long do we keep the rouse? We need to at least establish a timetable."

"As long as it takes, and whatever it takes."

"Stop being vague."

"I don't know it could be a few days or weeks and it could be the Spring Fling dance. I know it matters to you. Wouldn't it be nice if the guy of your dreams is your date? At the very least at least you'll have me but if by the end of the dance, we end it."

"Months?! Sean since when have you ever cared about duping people? O-or what people think?"

"Why are you not looking at it like this? The big picture is Peter will be jealous and soon be wanting you around him and Ellie will at least not hate me anymore maybe the space will get her to be more into me and everything will be great. I'm a guy I know these things. Trust me."

"I like this new, optimistic version of you Sean, but this doesn't sound like you at all."

"I'm turning over a new leaf." Sean answered plainly, "as my therapist said, people, can change."

"So how do we do this?" Emma asked, still unsure and unprepared. "I mean, how do we make it look like we're a couple when we're not?"

"You've been my girlfriend before, I don't know maybe we'll hold hands and kiss between classes. Listen to music by the lockers, house double cheese pizza whatever we want. Make it believable." Emma smiled at the thought, having this fake relationship could have its advantages such as a busy social schedule or spending time with Sean, someone she feels irrationally close to even if they're faking it. "You've played a role, in a play so you know how to act, so what do you say? Be my fake girlfriend?"

"Of course, I know how to act."

"So you admit it."

"But acting on stage is different from this. We're not six playing outside and pretending stuff but if it's to get Peter's attention I'm open-minded."

"It'll be something to get used to but I know you're the girl for the job. We both have something we both want. Okay? Is that a yes?"

"Yes," a little bothered in her tone she decides what else she has to lose, since talking only will lead her to verbal diarrhea where Peter's concerned she knows this might just be her only shot at him giving her the time of day, "So since we're now 'together' well, what about the talking stage?"

He was caught off guard, "Huh? What do you mean, Em?"

"I thought you were expert level on this kind of thing. We can't just begin our fake relationship, it has to be rooted. We can't half-ass this." She looked over her shoulder and then back to Sean, "We got to spend time together before we go and make it all official and all, or else Ellie will think you simply rebounded quickly with your ex?"

"So you do know more than you let on."

"Well I do watch a lot of romantic comedies, I need you to help me get Peter for this to work, you need me to make it real, and honestly I'm telling you to let's put on a real show." Emma told him, still mentally talking herself into this crazy scheme, "so while we're fake dating, you have to help me be the girl Peter would want. After all, it takes two to tango with something like this. You have to pull your weight, I have to pull my weight."

"You have a deal."

"Perfect. So tonight at 8 we'll go on our first fake date. We also need some real ground rules."

"Yes. Such as, If someone gets hurt, we stop this and come clean and honest with that person. We need a story, something spicy to get people thinking."

"No one can know about our arrangement is less than genuine, no spur-of-the-moment shit but a grand gesture would be nice to get people talking. We have to be on the same page, that's very important. We're friends first and friends till the end. Pretend but look convincing, but yeah."

"A-and What if, what if oh never mind it's stupid. You got another rule?"

"How about no secrets between you and me?"

"Yes and what about we super overact the breakup? I mean yelling, arguing a total scene."

"Public break up? Yes!"

Without thinking twice, she commented, "Perfect, and lastly if someone falls for the other person? It's done. We must disengage. We can't fall for each other it's rule number one. And just to be clear I don't like you like that anymore. No offense."

"None was taken, so that won't be a problem then." Sean answered, "where should we meet?"

"Well, we got to figure out logistics. Meet me at Bennett Park at eight." He made a brow-raised face knowing the ravine is simply a stone's throw from there, so she added gently and jokingly bopping him upside the head, "Getcha head out of the gutter. It's not gonna be like that ew."

"Ew? Okay, sounds good."

The bell rang to dismiss lunch she tossed her trash onto her tray to throw away and moved her books to t her messenger bag, "Great, see you at eight, and don't be late. Be a dear and toss out my trash?"

"Sure." Sean lifted the trash tray somewhat begrudgingly, she was already like it or not playing the role to be his faux girlfriend, and he happened to see under the tray sat a tiny light blue notebook. It had to be Emma's. She had already left the area, he attempted to call her back over but she didn't hear him so he stuffed it in his bag to give to her on their so-called date later.