I felt awkward walking next to Craig. This Craig. Emma's Craig. A Craig who had a girlfriend. But, as I kept telling myself, I didn't care, because, I didn't like him. He was helping me out of a tight spot. He was a friend, nothing more, and certainly nothing less.

"So uh, this is my house." I said, looking around warily for my mother.

Craig grinned. "This is your house." He looked at it, admiring it I guessed.

I felt wierd. I had just been...raped, and I was standing here, with Craig. Craig Manning. A guy I didn't even know was alive until half an hour ago. Besides feeling wierd, I felt, comfortable, and safe. Craig seemed to be the kind of guy I could see myself with. But no, I couldn't think about dating. Why was my mind on that track? I realized that Craig had been talking the whole time I was thinking.

"...So if you want, you can. I mean, it's up to you." He said.

"Huh? Oh, I'm sorry, I really wasn't listening." I replied, feeling ashamed.

"Uh, yeah, that's kinda why I said it." He remarked laughing slightly. "I'm having this party, for Jimmy, and I was wondering if you wanted to come. Emma will be there, and Marco, I know you and him are pretty close. You can bring someone if you want."

"Yeah like who? Spinner?" I said sarcastically. I instantly regretted it when I realized Craig looked embarassed.

"I didn't mean it like that. I meant, well, I don't really know what I meant. I know you and Paige are good friends too--"

"Oh so you didn't hear about our squabble?" I retorted.

"Squabble? Eh..no. Oh, the Mr. O thing!" He laughed. "I heard you called him a pedophile."

I felt my cheeks turn red. "He's dating someone who was watching 'Sesame Street' when he was in 5th grade. Total pedophile."

"He's only 4 years older than her. 3 maybe. That's not that bad." Craig replied shrugging.

I rolled my eyes. Paige was the least of my concerns. Spinner had been trying, without much luck, to befriend Jimmy again. I was worried he might show up, causing more than a little catfight to erupt.

"I-I, don't think--" I was interrupted by the sound of my mother's voice, calling me from inside the house.

"Um, I should go. I guess, I'll see you tomorrow?" I said before flouncing off. I liked leaving people amazed, and with Craig, I had done just that.