[At a hospital...]

(Alex is sitting in a waiting room.  She is tapping her foot nervously.  A nurse walks over to her...)

Nurse-  Alex Nunez?  (Alex nods.)  We have your results.  Come with me.  (Alex stands up and walks away.)

[Credits.]

[J.T. and Spinner walk up to a hospital...]

Spinner-  You think he's okay?

J.T.-  We’re about to find out.  (They walk in.)

[At Ellie's house...]

(Ellie and Marco are in the living room as Ellie's mom is staring at her...)

Ellie's mom-  Pregnant?

Ellie-  Mom...It's not...It's not like I planned it.  I messed up.  I made a mistake.  I made a mistake, and I'm trying to fix it.

Ellie's mom-  And you think you're in a position to fix it?

Ellie-  I'm just trying to do the right thing.

Ellie's mom-  You think you can do the right thing?

Ellie-  Yeah.  I'm almost 18.  I can make my own decisions.

Ellie's mom-  You can make your own decisions?  (Ellie nods.)  Can you make the decision to abstain?  Can you make the decision to go on birth control?  Can you make the decision to use a condom?

Ellie-  The condom broke mom!  It broke.  Or it didn't get put on right or something.  I don't know.  It doesn't matter, I got pregnant.  (She starts to tear up.)  I'm pregnant.  (Ellie starts to walk away.)

Ellie's mom-  So what?  That's it?  You're just done.

Ellie-  What do you mean done?  I'm doing the right thing.

Ellie's mom-  You’re having the kid?

Ellie-  Yes.  (She's crying.)

Ellie's mom-  This is unbelievable.

Ellie-  Why is it unbelievable?  You know how I feel about abortion.

Ellie's mom-  So what?  You're going to raise it?  You're going to be an 18 year old mom?

Ellie-  I...I...(She's silent for a moment.)

Ellie's mom-  So, who's the father?  Some male whore?  Some one night stand?  You don't have a boyfriend, so it can't be like it was a serious relationship.  (Ellie tries to say something, but nothing comes out.)

Marco-  It's me, Mrs. Nash.

Ellie's mom-  You?  (Marco nods.)  You.  (She starts to laugh a little.)  Ellie, who is it really?

Marco-  It's me.

Ellie's mom-  You're gay.

Marco-  Yeah.

Ellie's mom-  And you got my daughter pregnant?

Marco-  It's not like we planned it.  It just happened.

Ellie's mom-  But you're gay.

Marco-  I know.

Ellie's mom-  But you got my daughter pregnant.

Ellie-  Mom.  He's gay, but we had sex.  It happens.  He was confused.  Get over it.  I have.  Now we're having a kid.  Deal with it.

Ellie's mom-  So you used my daughter for some sexual experiment because you didn't know who you were?  My daughter's pregnant because you got confused?

Ellie-  It was a mutual decision okay?  We both wanted to have sex.  Get over it.

Ellie's mom-  Get out of my house.

Ellie-  Don't talk to Marco like that.  He's the father of your grandchild.

Ellie's mom-  I'm not just talking to Marco.

Ellie-  What?

Ellie's mom-  I can't deal with you anymore.  You lie.  You sneak around.

Ellie-  Everything's out in the open now though.

Ellie's mom-  I can't support your decisions.  I just can't.  Go deal with them yourself.

Marco-  Mrs. Nash, you can't do that to Ellie...

Ellie-  Marco don't.

Marco-  Ellie...

Ellie-  Let's go.  (She grabs Marco's hand.  She looks him in the eye.)  Let's go.  (They head to the door.  Ellie glares at her mom.  They exit.  Ellie's mom breaks down.)

[In Craig's garage...]

(Manny is on top of Craig, kissing him.  Craig stops...)

Manny-  What?  Something wrong?

Craig-  Yeah.  (Manny gets off of him and sits down on the couch.)

Manny-  What's wrong?

Craig-  I can't do this.

Manny-  What?

Craig-  This.  Me.  You.  I can't cheat on another girlfriend with you.

Manny-  I don't want you to cheat anymore either.  Dump Paige.  It's that simple.

Craig-  Manny...I like you, a lot...

Manny-  Listen, you don't have to decide right now.  Think about it for a little bit.

Craig-  But Manny...

Manny-  (She stands up and heads to the door.)  Listen, I know you like Paige too.  I get it.  But, you gotta remember, she's going off to British Columbia for school next year.  You're staying in Ontario.  Here.  Near me.  (She leaves.  Craig lies down on the couch and puts his hands on his head.  Angie walks in the garage.)

Angie-  Craig?

Craig-  What?  Dinner's not ready for another four hours at least.  (Angie doesn't say anything.)  What?  (Angie shakes her head and leaves.)

[At the hospital...]

(J.T. and Spinner walk into the hospital.  They walk over to Mr. Issacs and Ms. Kerwin...)

J.T.-  How is he?

Ms. Kerwin-  He's in intensive care.

Spinner-  What happened?

Ms. Kerwin-  They found him in the woods unconscious.  He took some drugs and the police think he might have overdosed.  They're still running some tests.

J.T.-  Is he going to be okay?

Ms. Kerwin-  They think so.

Spinner-  I...I feel terrible.

Mr. Issacs-  It's not your fault.  You told us.  You did what you could.

J.T.-  When can we see him?

Ms. Kerwin-  It'll be a bit.  (Ms. Kerwin and Mr. Issacs walk off.  J.T. starts to follow, but he notices Spinner isn't behind him.  He stops.  He turns around.)

J.T.-  You going to come?

Spinner-  I need to get back to work.  Double shift.

J.T.-  I thought you told them what was going on?  I thought that's why they let you leave?

Spinner-  I told them I'd be back as soon as I could and take the night shift too.  I gotta go.  (He leaves.  J.T. looks concerned.)

[Outside...]

(Ellie is walking down the street.  Marco is a few feet behind her.  Ellie is quickly walking and crying.  Marco is struggling to keep up...)

Marco-  I'm not sure walking this fast is good for the baby.

Ellie-  I don't care about the baby right now.  I care about where I'm going to sleep.

Marco-  Ellie.  (He runs up to her.)  You can stay with me and Dylan at his parent's house.

Ellie-  What about the next night?  And the night after that?  I can't live in my baby daddy's boyfriend's house.

Marco- Ellie, come on.  Don't be all negative.

Ellie-  Marco, you've known me for like four years, have I ever been positive?

Marco-  El, calm down.

Ellie-  Calm down?  Calm down?  Marco!  I'm pregnant!  I'm homeless!  All before I turned 18!  How am I supposed to calm down?  (She starts crying.  She sits down on the curb and Marco sits down next to her.  He hugs her.  Ellie hugs him.)  What...(Softly.)  What am I going to do?

Marco-  I don't know.  But I'll be here with you the entire way.  (Ellie puts her head on Marco's shoulder.)

[At the Dot...]

(Spinner is waiting on tables when he sees Jimmy and Emma sitting together.  He walks over to them...)

Spinner-  Can I take your order?

Jimmy-  You can get us another waiter.

Spinner-  I'm assigned to this table.

Jimmy-  I don't want you as our waiter.  So go.

Spinner-  Listen, I'm just trying to do my job.  I know you hate me...

Jimmy-  That's an understatement.

Spinner-  I'm having a really rough day...

Jimmy-  Oh.  I'm sorry.  I guess I wouldn't know anything about that.  I guess my worst day wouldn't compare to yours.

Spinner-  Jimmy...

Jimmy-  Yeah.  I got shot and almost died on the worst day of my life.  But I'm sure whatever you're going through is so much worse.

Spinner-  (Yells)  I get it!  I ruined your life!  If I could go back in time I would make sure it didn't happen!

Jimmy-  Yeah.  Sure.  I'm sure you would have took the bullet for me.

Spinner-  I don't know what you want from me.  I've apologized.  I told you I didn't want that to happen.    I told you I made a mistake.  (He shrugs his shoulders.)  You win Jimmy.  I did all I could do, and I give up.  You win.  (He walks away.)

[The next day...]

(Students are sitting in the gym and Mrs. H walks in...)

Mrs. H-  Sorry I'm late everyone.  Official principal duties, I promise you.  (She walks onto the stage.)  Marco, still haven't gotten your speech.  Care to explain?

Marco-  I had some personal issues that came up last night.

Mrs. H-  This speech had to be done a week ago.

Marco-  I know.  Can I be excused from rehearsal so I can go finish it?

Mrs. H-  You think that a few hours will be enough time to finish it since it's taken you almost three weeks to start it?

Marco-  I'm sure.  I'm almost done.

Mrs. H-  Fine.  I want it brought to me as soon as you finish so I can approve it.

Marco-  Sure.  (Marco leaves the gym, smiling at Ellie while he leaves.)

Jimmy-  Personal stuff?  (He turns to Hazel.)  You think something happened with his dad?

Hazel-  I think something happened with his pregnant best friend Ellie.  (Hazel covers her mouth.)

Jimmy-  What?  Ellie's pregnant?

Hazel-  Oh no.

Jimmy-  Who's the father?

Hazel-  The one person you would never think.  (Jimmy looks shocked.  Some people are starting to whisper.  In the back of the gym, Paige is sitting next to Craig and she has her head on his shoulder...)

Paige-  This is so lame.

Craig-  You're going to school in B.C. aren't you?

Paige-  You knew that.  (She looks at him.)  Why?

Craig-  What's going to happen to us?

Paige-  Well...You could transfer out to B.C., or after my grades improve, I could transfer back here.  We'll work something out.  (Pauses.)  You're worried about us?  (Craig nods.)  We still have three months of summer to figure things out.  (She kisses him.  In a row behind them, Ellie is sitting and people are starting to stare at her.  Alex walks in and sits down next to her...)

Ellie-  Is it just me or are people staring at me?

Alex-  It's just you.

Ellie-  You're late again.  Everything okay?

Alex-  Peachy.

Ellie-  Peachy?  Twice in one week?

Alex-  That's exactly how things are.  Just peachy.

[At the park...]

(Manny is jogging down the street and Liberty is sitting on a bench.  Liberty sees Manny and she walks towards her.  Manny takes her headphones off and stops jogging...)

Liberty-  Hi.

Manny-  What?  No chastising me for ignoring your advice?  No yelling at me for dating Peter in the first place?

Liberty-  Emma told me what happened.

Manny-  She did?

Liberty-  Yeah.  (Pauses.)  I had no idea.

Manny-  Yeah.  You didn't.

Liberty-  Why didn't you tell me?

Manny-  Cause then I would have just been proving you right.  And you're not fun to deal with when you're gloating.

Liberty-  But I'm your friend.

Manny-  You haven't been acting like it lately.

Liberty-  I'm sorry.

Manny-  It's okay.  You were right.  I should have listened.

Liberty-  Yeah.  Well, I should have listened to you about J.T.

Manny-  What did I say about J.T.?

Liberty-  It might have been a mistake to sleep with him.

Manny-  Why?  (She pauses.)  You're not...

Liberty-  No.  I thought I was.  I wasn't.  Thank God.  But, he found out that I thought I was and he freaked out because I didn't tell him about it.

Manny-  He did?

Liberty-  He said he didn't want me to suffer in silence.

Manny-  He said that?

Liberty-  Yeah.

Manny-  Wow.

Liberty-  What?

Manny-  He must really care about you.

Liberty-  What?

Manny-  He wants to be involved in every part of your life.  When you're worried.  When you're upset.  He must really love you.

Liberty-  If he loves me, then why did he break up with me?

Manny-  He broke up with you?

Liberty-  Yeah.

Manny-  He must not think you love him as much as he loves you.

Liberty-  That's ridiculous.  Of course I love him as much as he loves me.

Manny-  Does he know that?

[Outside Degrassi...]

(Marco is sitting at a picnic table when Ellie walks out to him...)

Ellie-  How's the speech coming along?

Marco-  What?  You guys are already done with rehearsal?

Ellie-  Yeah.

Marco-  I'm nowhere near done.

Ellie-  Just turn in what you've done.

Marco-  But it doesn't have a conclusion.

Ellie-  So?  Make up something later.

Marco-  I can't do that.

Ellie-  Why not?  (People walk past them and are point and whispering.)  Okay, am I paranoid or are people pointing and laughing.

Marco-  I didn't hear any laughing.  But I did see some pointing.  (Jimmy comes over to them.  He pats Marco on the back.)

Jimmy-  I heard man.  Just want you to know I got your back.

Marco-  About what?  (Jimmy leaves.)  What was that about?  (Ellie shrugs her shoulders.  Paige walks over to them.)

Paige-  Okay.  Even though Heather Sinclair is telling everyone, she didn't hear it from me.

Marco-  She didn't hear what from you?

Ellie-  Oh no.

Marco-  Oh no?

Ellie-  How did they find out then Paige?

Paige-  I don't know.  The only other person I told was Craig.

Ellie-  Just Craig?

Paige-  And Hazel.

Marco-  Oh no.

Ellie-  Great.  This is a great ending to my senior year.  First my parents get divorced.  Then I start cutting again.  I fall in love with my gay best friend and somehow, after some weird twist of fate, I get knocked up by him.  Then my mom finds out, kicks me out, and now the whole school knows.  So thanks Paige, for helping me end a particularly great senior year.  (She gets up and leaves.)

Marco-  You told Hazel?

Paige-  Not on purpose.  She told me that she thought she still loved Jimmy and I told her your tale as a tale of caution.

Marco-  Not cool.  (He leaves.)

[Meanwhile...]

(J.T. is sitting in the hospital when Liberty walks in.  She walks towards him...)

J.T.-  What are you doing here?

Liberty-  I called your house and your mom said that you were here.

J.T.-  Been here all day.

Liberty-  Toby's okay?

J.T.-  Nah.  Not really.

Liberty-  What happened?

J.T.-  They're not really telling me anything.  Toby's dad told me that he's in a coma.  That's all I know.

Liberty-  J.T.  I don't know what to say.

J.T.-  (Starts to tear up.)  Its...Toby...He's my best friend.  I'm not a good friend.  He told me...He told me that he was thinking about it...I didn't know what he meant...I didn't believe he could do that...I didn't believe he would do that...I...

Liberty-  J.T. don't blame yourself.  It's not your fault.  (She hugs him.)  It's not your fault.

[Back at school...]

(Marco is walking down the hall when Mrs. H walks up to him...)

Mrs. H-  Coming to turn in your speech?

Marco-  Sort of.  (He looks around.)  Walking down the halls one last time to soak everything in.

Mrs. H-  So, will you be giving a speech?

Marco-  Yeah.  (He hands her some papers.)  Here.  Hope you enjoy it.

Mrs. H-  I would have expected better time management skills from our class valedictorian.

Marco-  It's this last week of school.  Lots of personal things on my plate.

Mrs. H-  Alright.  I'll give this a once over and I expect you to be here no later than 5 to talk with me about any last minute changes you want to make.  (Marco nods and Mrs. H walks away.  Marco just stares off into the distance.)

[At Craig's...]

(Craig is playing guitar when Paige knocks on the door...)

Paige-  Knock, knock knock.  (She smiles and walks in.)

Craig-  Hey.  (Paige walks over to him and kisses him.)

Paige-  I just had to do some serious damage control.  (She sits down on the couch next to him.)  Heather Sinclair is telling everyone about Ellie.  I had to get her to shut up and get her to tell everyone she doesn't know what she's talking about.

Craig-  Heather Sinclair shutting up?

Paige-  I know.  But I'm a master of negotiation.

Craig-  You should go into Law.

Paige-  If my grades were good enough.  (They are silent for a moment.)  You've been kind of quiet lately.  Everything okay?

Craig-  What?  Yeah.  Things are fine.  Just fine.

Paige-  Are you freaking out about graduating?

Craig-  Nah...

Paige-  You're freaking out about what's going to happen with us after graduation, aren't you?

Craig-  Well...

Paige-  I'm not Ash.  I'm not going to just abandon you.

Craig-  I know you won't.  But, what happens if you go off to school and you meet someone there?

Paige-  Why are you worried about what might or might not happen light-years into the future?  Shouldn't we just be worried about now?  (She kisses him.)  Shouldn't we just be worrying about not falling tonight when we go up to accept our diplomas?  (She smiles.  Craig kisses her.  They start to make out.  Paige starts to unbutton her shirt.  The door opens and Angie walks in.)

Craig-  Angie!!

Paige-  What?  (She turns and sees Angie in the doorway and falls off the couch.)  Ow.

Angie-  Um...

Craig-  Didn't you ever hear of knocking?

Angie-  Sorry.  Caitlin and daddy wanted to see you.

Craig-  Tell them to wait.

Paige-  It's okay.  I'm sufficiently mortified.  (She stands up and finishes buttoning up her shirt.)  I'll see you tonight.  (She goes to kiss him, but sees that Angie is looking at them.  She puts her hand out to be shaken.  Craig shakes it.)  See ya later Craig.  (She leaves.)

Craig-  You have the worst timing ever.  (Angie doesn't say anything.  Craig looks at her.)  Was there something else?  (Angie shakes her head and leaves.)

[Joey's house...]

(Joey and Caitlin are sitting on a couch, kissing, when Craig walks in...)

Craig-  I don't need to see any PDAs.

Joey-  Oh.  Hey.  Craig.  Sit down.

Craig-  Why?

Caitlin-  Because we don't want you to faint.  (Craig sits down.)

Craig-  You guys are getting married aren't you?

Joey-  Craig...

Craig-  She broke your heart Joey!  She left you for L.A.!  You're just going to forget that?

Caitlin-  I know you aren't to keen on the idea...

Craig-  Keen?  No.  (Stands up.)  He's your lapdog!

Joey-  This isn't your decision to make Craig.

Craig-  Yeah.  I know.  But I don't think you can make this decision either.

Joey-  What's that supposed to mean?

Craig-  I need to go get ready for graduation.  (He leaves the room.)

Joey-  He'll get used to the idea.

Caitlin-  Let's hope so.

[Students are walking into Degrassi...]

[In the gym...]

(Liberty is walking in with Emma and Manny...)

Liberty- J.T.'s just so worried about Toby.  I feel so bad for him.

Emma-  I'm sure everything'll work out.

Liberty-  Trying convincing that to J.T.

Manny-  Where is he now?

Liberty-  Still there.  Toby's dad has been trying to convince him that he should leave.  Go home and get some rest.  He won't do it though.

Manny-  How are you two doing?

Liberty-  Better I think.  (She smiles.  Emma and Liberty sit down.  Manny stays standing.  She is looking out the door and sees Craig standing in the hallway.)

Emma-  You going to sit down?

Manny-  In a sec.  I'll be right back.  (She walks away.)

Liberty-  What do you think that's about?  (Emma shrugs her shoulders.)

[In the hallway...]

(Craig is looking out the door when Manny walks up behind him...)

Manny-  Shouldn't you be in the back with everyone else getting ready?  (Craig turns around.  Manny smiles.)

Craig-  What are you doing out here?

Manny-  Checking on you.  Seeing what's going on.

Craig-  Really?

Manny-  Yeah.  I haven't really talked to you since the other day.  I wanted to make sure you were okay.

Craig-  You wanted to make sure I was okay?  (Manny nods.)  Do you have any idea what you're doing to me?

Manny-  Craig, you're my friend.

Craig-  Really?  Cause friends are happy for each other when they find someone, they don't try to break them up.  You're trying to break me and Paige up Manny and it's killing me.  Because I like you.  I've never stopped liking you.

Manny-  So what's stopping you from making a decision?

Craig-  What kind of sick question is that?

Manny-  One to help speed up the process.

Craig-  You can't rush this Manny.

Manny-  Do you love her?

Craig-  What?

Manny-  Do you love her?

Craig-  I'm not sure.

Manny-  Do you love me?

Craig-  We're not even together.

Manny-  Do you?

Craig-  I don't know.  (They are silent for a moment.)  I don't know.  (She kisses him.)

Manny-  I know that I really care about you.  I know that I miss you.  I know that I regret ever giving you up.  I'm laying everything out on the table for you.  I'm willing to do whatever it is to get you back.  Is Paige doing whatever it takes to keep you?

Craig-  She doesn't even know anything.

Manny-  If she did...(They are silent for a moment.)  Are you willing to do whatever it takes to keep her?

Craig-  I'm about to go graduate.  I need to go get ready.  (He walks away.)

[Outside the school...]

(Jimmy is outside when Spinner walks up to him.  Jimmy heads the other way...)

Spinner-  Come on man.  Don't be like that.

Jimmy-  You're going to tell me what to do?

Spinner-  (Tears up.)  You were my best friend man.  My best friend.

Jimmy-  Yeah, then you got me shot.

Spinner-  I know.  I know.  And nothing I can do to change that.

Jimmy-  We done here?  Some of us have to graduate.  (He heads in...)

Spinner-  I might have AIDS.  (Jimmy stops.)

Jimmy-  You wouldn't joke about that would you?  Don't play with my emotions.

Spinner-  I'm trying to make everything right just in case I do.

Jimmy-  (He smiles.)  You'll get whatever you deserve.  I hope you rot.  (He leaves.  Spinner stands there, stunned.)

[Inside the school...]

(Students are standing outside the gym, when we see Ellie walk in.  Everyone stops talking and stares at her.  She looks at everyone and her eyes tear up...)

Girl #1-  I heard she's pregnant.  (Ellie leaves.)

[In the hallway...]

(Ellie is sitting on the ground crying when Marco walks over to her.  He sits down next to her...)

Marco-  What happened?

Ellie-  Everyone knows.  (She starts crying.)   Everyone knows and I'm a laughing stock.  It's my graduation day.  What's supposed to be one of the happiest days of my life is slowly turning out to be one of the worst.  This year is the worst.  Everything is horrible.  I hate my life.  (Marco hugs her.)

Marco-  It's going to be okay Ellie.  The worst is over.  So what if everyone knows?  Big deal.  It happens.

Ellie-  It happens?  That's your advice?  You're not the one who's going to balloon up.

Marco-  Your mom was always saying how you needed to gain a little weight.  (Ellie chuckles a little.)

Ellie-  That's not funny.

Marco-  I know.  (He grabs her hand.)  I know.  (Ellie looks at Marco, she leans in and kisses him.  They passionately kiss...)

[Outside...]

(Spinner is sitting outside when Alex walks up to Degrassi.  Spinner tries to stop her...)

Spinner-  Alex!  Alex!  (He runs over to her.)

Alex-  I'm running late.  (She continues to walk up the stairs.)

Spinner-  You have to tell me if you have it.  You have to.

Alex-  (She stops walking and turns around.)  I don't have to do anything.

Spinner-  Come on Alex.  I need to know.

Alex-  Go take your own test then.  (She leaves.)

[Back in the hallway...]

(Ellie is kissing Marco.  They stop.)

Ellie-  Did it do anything for you?

Marco-  Nope.  (They smile at each other.  They laugh.)

Ellie-  My life's a mess.  Nothing is going right.

Marco-  It could be worse.

Ellie-  Really?  I'd like to know how?

Marco-  You could be me.  (Ellie looks at him.)  Look at what happened to me this year.  My dad finds out I'm gay.  He kicks me out of the house after my ex-boyfriend accidentally blurts it out.  I find out my best friend is hiding things from me.  Then I almost ruin the most important relationship of my life.

Ellie-  My year has still been way worse.  (Marco puts his arm around Ellie.)

Marco-  I'll do whatever I can to make it better.  (They sit still for a moment.)

Ellie-  I'm not sure there's much you can do.  (They are silent.  Ellie stands up.)  We better go get ready to graduate.

Marco-  Then let me make you an honest woman.

Ellie-  What?

Marco-  (He kneels on one knee and grabs Ellie's hand.)  Marry me.

[Backstage...]

(Mrs. H gets up in front of the students...)

Mrs. H-  This is it graduates.  Get into line and you'll head into the auditorium for the last time as students of Degrassi Community School.  (She walks off.  We see Hazel standing near Jimmy.  Hazel looks at him.)

Hazel-  Jimmy...

Jimmy-  Yeah?

Hazel-  I have to be honest with you.

Jimmy-  About?  (Hazel opens her mouth and doesn't say anything.)  Everything okay?

Hazel-  Me and...I'm not dating anyone.  I just said that to try and make you jealous.

Jimmy-  Jealous?

Hazel-  Yeah.  Truth is...(Hazel sees Paige in the background.  Paige glares at her.)  I was jealous of what you and Emma have.  You guys are really great together.  I didn't want to be the ex without anyone.

Jimmy-  You'll find someone.  (He grabs Hazel's hand.  He looks her in the eye.)  You're a catch.

Hazel-  Thanks.  (She smiles.  She tears up.)  That means a lot.  (Towards the end of the line, Paige is standing when Craig walks over to her.)

Paige-  I was afraid you weren't going to make it.  (She kisses him, but Craig pulls away.)  Something wrong?

Craig-  Yeah.  I have to be honest with you.

Paige-  About what?  (Craig doesn't say anything.  Paige grabs his hand.  She looks him in the eye.)  Whatever you have to say, I can take it.  I promise.

Mrs. H-  Has anyone seen our valedictorian?

[Back in the hallway...]

(Ellie is still standing and Marco is still on one knee...)

Ellie-  Marry you?

Marco-  Yeah.  (Mrs. H walks out into the hallway.)

Mrs. H-  Marco, Ellie.  (Marco stands up.)  Graduation is about to start.  Whatever you're doing can wait.  (She leaves.  Marco walks towards the door.  Ellie is still standing still.)

Marco-  You coming Ellie?

Ellie-  You just asked me to marry you.

Marco-  Yeah.  (He pauses.)  We have to go graduate though.

Ellie-  You don't like girls.

Marco-  I know.

Ellie-  How am I supposed to marry you?

Marco-  I'm just trying to do the right thing.  You deserve to have someone with you along the way.

Ellie-  Even if we don't get married, you're not going anywhere, are you?

Marco-  Of course not.  But you're so concerned about the looks you're getting, I figured why not make everything easier on you.

Ellie-  That's sweet Marco.  And I appreciate it.  But, you know we wouldn't be happy.

Marco-  I know.  But, from what I've heard about straight relationships, the sex dies down after the first three years of marriage, and it turns into a long lasting friendship.  I figured we have the friendship down.  Worth a shot.  (Ellie smiles.  She puts her arm around him.)

Ellie-  Thanks.

[In the auditorium...]

(Emma and Liberty are sitting down when Manny walks back in...)

Emma-  Where did you go?

Manny-  I had to go check on something.  (They are silent for a minute.  Emma sees Joey and Caitlin on the other side of the auditorium, and she waves at them.  Liberty looks around the auditorium.  She looks at the door and sees J.T. walk in.  Liberty gets up and walks over to him...)

Liberty-  What are you doing here?  What about Toby?

J.T.-  That's why I'm here.  (Liberty looks concerned.)  He came out of the coma.  He's a little disoriented.  We talked for a bit, and he told me to come here, and support you.

Liberty-  He did.

J.T.-  He side despite what we've been through, I'm never going to find anyone better than you.  (Liberty hugs J.T.)

Liberty-  I'm sorry about everything.

J.T.-  It's okay.  I get why you did it.  I'm sorry too.  (They hug again.)

[Backstage...]

(Students are standing in line.  We hear Mrs. H in the background giving an introduction.  Alex is standing in line when Spinner walks over to her...)

Spinner-  You can't ignore me forever.

Alex-  I can't?  Watch me try.

Spinner-  Come on.  You have to tell me.  You have to.

Alex-  We've been through this.  I don't have to tell you anything.  (The line starts moving.)  Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to graduate.  (She starts to walk, but Spinner grabs her arm and pulls her out of the line.  They step outside for a moment.)

Spinner-  You’re not this cruel.  Come on.  We had some good times together.

Alex-  You called me a disease carrying whore.

Spinner-  I was scared.  I didn't want to blame any of it on me.

Alex-  That's the lamest excuse I've ever heard.

Spinner-  You were the one who cheated on me, remember?

Alex-  Yeah.  I remember.

Spinner-  Alex, I thought I might have loved you.

Alex-  Might?

Spinner-  Yeah.  You were my first.  I'll always remember that.  You'll always have a place in my heart.

Alex-  Yeah?

Spinner-  Yeah.

Alex-  (She tears up.)  Even if I gave you AIDS?

Spinner-  Yeah.  (He nods and starts to tear up.)

Alex-  (She starts crying.)  I gave you AIDS Spinner.  (Spinner nods.  He fights back the tears.)  I'm killing you and I don't want to be.  You were the first guy that ever cared about me.  And what do I do to repay you?  I kill you.  I hurt you by cheating, and I gave you a fatal disease.  (Spinner nods.  He starts to cry.  Alex hugs him.)  We'll beat it though.  Me and you.

Spinner-  Together.  (Alex nods.)

[In the auditorium...]

(Alex sneaks in and sits down near Ellie...)

Ellie-  (Whispers.)  Where were you?

Alex-  (Whispers.)  Fixing something. 

Ellie-  (Whispers.)  Were you crying?  (Alex doesn't respond.)

Mrs. H-  Now, our class valedictorian, Marco Del Rossi.  (Marco stands up and walks to the podium to a loud applause.)

Marco-  Thanks.  (He pauses.)  I wrote a speech.  It took me a little more than three weeks, but I wrote it.  And it's terrible.  It's a bunch of redundant metaphors and stupid clichés.  None of that represents this class of graduates.

Mrs. H-  Marco, that's not what we agreed on.

Marco-  (He looks at Mrs. H.)  I won't let you down.  (He looks back at the audience.)  You see, we've been through a lot.  Heartache, disease, failed tests, fights, relationships, shootings, identity crisis.  You name it, someone at this school has probably been through it.  And, I know for me, it's only made me stronger.  Some people say this class is cursed.  I don't look at it that way.  I think we were all meant to be here, because we were blessed.  The friendships and relationships that we've formed at Degrassi helped us persevere through all of those hardships.  And they will continue to lead us in the future.  We've all made mistakes here, but we've learned from those mistakes, and we build on those mistakes.  And we make everything alright again.  Because to be a Degrassi student, you have to take the good with the bad, and even though there is usually bad, you make it the best situation you can, the best way you know how.  So, to this class of 2006, I tip my hat, and I congratulate all of you on making mistakes, because without those mistakes and bumps in the road, it would have been a very boring four years.  (There is applause.  Marco sits down.  Ellie smiles at him.)

[Later...]

(People are exiting the auditorium.  People are walking away from Marco.  Ellie walks over to him...)

Ellie-  That was some speech kid.

Marco-  Off the top of my head.

Ellie-  Very nice.

Marco-  Thanks.

Ellie-  It was a sweet offer, but you know I can't accept.

Marco-  I thought as much.

Ellie-  I do love you though.

Marco-  I love you too.  (They hug.)

Ellie-  I'm keeping it.

Marco-  I know.

Ellie-  I want you to do what ever you want to do.

Marco-  I know.  (Ellie starts to walk away, but she turns around.)

Ellie-  You might want to listen to what you said.  (Marco looks confused.)  Hazel told me about a certain someone who wants to make a more permanent place in your life.  Don't use me as an excuse to hold yourself back.  (Marco smiles.  Ellie walks away.  Mr. Del Rossi walks over.)

Mr. Del Rossi-  That was a great speech.

Marco-  Pa.  What are you doing here?

Mr. Del Rossi-  I wasn't going to miss my son give the valedictorian speech.

Marco-  I didn't think you had a son.

Mr. Del Rossi-  I know.  I didn't think so either.  And I still don't approve.  But, I did raise you, and despite the one thing, I'm very proud of you.

Marco-  Thanks pa.  (They hug.)

[Outside the school...]

(Craig is sitting on the steps when Manny sits down next to him...)

Manny-  Cool summer night.

Craig-  Yeah.

Manny-  I didn't mean to do what I did.  Love just makes you do crazy things, you know?  (Craig doesn't respond.)  I'm sorry.

Craig-  It's okay.  I forgive you.  (They are silent.)  And I do care about you, for the record.  (Pauses.)  I just care about Paige too.  And I'm not going to throw that away.  She may move away to school, but I'm not worried about that right now.  I'm more concerned about being with her.

Manny-  You like her more?

Craig-  Don't be like that.  I care about you too.  It’s just, I don't think it's smart to start our messed up relationship again.  I would rather continue with the clean slate me and Paige have.  I really do care about her.  I may even love her.  (Manny nods.  She stands up.)

Manny-  I'm sorry Craig.

Craig-  About what?

Manny-  Putting you through this.  I really am sorry.  (Craig nods.  Manny leaves.) 

[Back inside the auditorium...]

(Dylan walks over to Marco...)

Dylan-  Heck of a speech Mr. Valedictorian.

Marco-  Thanks.  (They are silent for a minute.)

Dylan-  There's something I wanted to ask you.

Marco-  I want to ask you something too.

Dylan-  You do?  (Marco nods.)

Marco-  Will you marry me?

Dylan-  You knew that's what I was going to ask.

Marco-  I love you Dylan.  Always have.  I don't want to lose you again.

Dylan-  What about Ellie?

Marco-  She'll be a major part of our lives.  But, I want to be married to you.

Dylan-  I would be honored to be your husband.  (They smile and kiss.)

[Back outside...]

(Angie walks out of the school and sits down next to Craig.)

Craig- Hey Angie.  How'd I do?

Angie-  You didn't do anything.

Craig-  I graduated.

Angie-  I know.  I saw you do that.  (They laugh.)  Craig...

Craig-  Yeah Ang?  (Angie doesn't say anything.)  You've been doing that all week.  What's going on?

Angie-  I'm going to be going to Degrassi in the sixth grade.

Craig-  Yeah.

Angie-  Is it really cursed?  (Craig laughs.)

Craig-  Cursed?

Angie-  I always hear that.  Everyone at my school says so.

Craig-  It's not cursed.  Didn't you hear Marco's speech?

Angie-  I did.  I don't believe him though.

Craig-  It's not cursed.  It's brought me some of the greatest days of my life.

Angie-  But two people got shot here.

Craig-  Yeah.

Angie-  So how is it not cursed?

Craig-  Because I just know it's not.  We all went here for a reason.  Everyone figured out who they were here.  I've got a lot of good memories here.  It's not cursed.  (Paige walks outside and sits down next to Craig.)

Paige-  What are you two talking about?

Angie-  Is Degrassi cursed?

Paige-  No way.  No.  (Angie looks at them.)

Angie-  I'm going to go ask Daddy.  (She gets up and leaves.)

Paige-  Do you think Degrassi's cursed?

Craig-  No.

Paige-  Why not?

Craig-  I met you here, didn't I?

Paige-  The sweet talk isn't going to get you off the hook.  (She stands up.)  You kissed Manny Santos.

Craig-  She kissed me.  (He stands up.)  And it was a one time thing.  You're the one I care about.

Paige-  How am I supposed to trust you?

Craig-  Because I told you about it.  Because you're the one I'm sitting outside with.  Because you're the one I love.

Paige-  How do I know that you won't have sex with her?

Craig-  Because I learned my lesson the first time.

Paige-  Did you?

Craig-  That's why I don't think Degrassi is cursed.  I learned so much stuff that had nothing to do with school.  You don't cheat on the woman you love.  (They kiss.)