"EPISODE 1.23 - Freshman Year Is Done"

Written and produced By Alex Gregg. Copyrighted 2003-04.
Originally Aired May 10th 2004

Ashley Voice Over:   Previously On Chestaville High.

Rick:  So, from now on, you'll do what I say, when I say, or I'll make sure you don't make it home in time for supper, *understand*?

Ashley:   (bravely) I've got homework.

Rick:   (picks up her book and throws it across the room with out taking his eyes off Ashley, it almost hits diesel, slowly and dangerously) Do. It. later. (he points to the door) Dishes, now. (Ashley doesn't move) Ashley, (he roughly grabs her arm and pulls her off the bed to stand up) I'm not going to stand for this in my house!

Ashley:   Well, then I guess it's a good thing I'm not * in* your house!

The furious look on Rick's face shows Ashley that she went too far. He slaps her across the face, Ashley yelps and puts her hand to her cheek.

Dylan:   Ash, if you do wanna talk... just come and find me, yeah?

She carefully pulls up the sleeve, which reveals purple/blue bruises from the middle of her forearm going up past her elbow to her upper arm.

Ashley:   (still crying) I'm so sacred Dylan. I don't wanna go home. I can't sleep at night. I don't know what he's gonna do next...

She lets him pull her into a hug. The camera pans across the room and up to the windows of the Student lounge. Abby is looking in at the two of them. A smile comes over her face. The camera switches to her point of view. Ashley has her back to the window, Dylan is facing it, but he doesn't see Abby. Sill smiling Abby walks away down the hall.

Abby:   (gets up and leans down on the table) It's just... do you know where your boyfriend is right now?

Zak:   (to Ashley) Oh, uh, hey, what are you dong tomorrow night?

Maria:   You realize that was Zak trying to ask you on a date, right?

Mrs Ross:   You know you can talk to us about any problems your having.

Rick:   That's right. We're both here to help, just.. say the word. Alright?

Ashley:   I'm really sacred.

Dylan:   (put his hands on her shoulders) Hey, its okay, it okay. (hugs her).

Cut to Maria, walking down the hall, rounds the corner and sees Ashley and Dylan and stops. From her point of view the situation looks intimate.

Maria:   ... and they looked, really intimate...

Ling:   Maria, you've got it wrong. I know Ashley. She'd never do that to her best friend. Never. Aa-and Dylan, you know? He'd loves you. 

Maria:   I know what's going on with you and Ashley.

Dylan:   Maria, me and Ashley are *not* seeing each other!

Maria:   Then explain why Ashley's been acting so weird lately. Explain why, when you said you where in the library do math homework you were with Ashley in the student Lounge, when you *both* should have been in PE! (Dylan looked shocked) Yeah, that's right you where seen.

Dylan:   The only person I'm seeing is you! The only person I love is you! The only person I want to be with is *you*!

Maria:   (slowly shakes her head) I can't believe you. I'm sorry I just... can't. I'm sorry Dylan, I can't be with some who I can't trust. Its over...

Dylan:   Maria, wait, please...

Shane:   Uhm, I don't really know how to say this with out just, you know, saying it, but uh... is anyone taking you to the dance Saturday night?

Ling:   I'll let you know. 

Dylan:   Maria I love you! 

Maria:   Then tell me what's going on!

Dylan:   I told you that I can't. 

Maria:   Then I stand by what I said. It's over.  

Dylan:   Okay! Okay, I'll tell you! Maria, I'll tell you what's going on. It's Rick. He's... he's been hitting Ashley. (Ling and Maria are wide mouthed in shock) And, I'm the only person she's told. You wanted me to find out what was up with her, and I did. (sighs) She's got he reasons, but she made me swear to not tell anyone, even you guys.

Ashley puts down the remote and gets up. She opens the door to see Ling, Maria, Dylan and Zak. They all stare at her. 

Ashley:   Uh, what's going on? (gets it, to Dylan, upset) Y-you told them.

Dylan:   (slowly nods, quietly) Yeah... I did...
 
 
Episode opens where "Truth Will Out" left off. Ashley is standing at the door looking at her friends who are standing on the other side of it.

Ashley:   (to Dylan) I-I can't believe you! You promised!

Maria:   And we can't believe you!

Ling:   (softly) How could you not tell us?

Ashley:   I just... I just couldn't... (to Dylan) How much did you tell them?

Dylan:   All of it. Ashley, they're your friends, they deserve to know.

Ashley:   Yeah, when I was ready to tell them!

Dylan:   And when would that have been, huh? The way you where going-- 

Zak:   (interrupts) Hey, uh, guys? Do you think we could do this inside?

Ashley just looks at him, then walks further inside and sits on the sofa. The gang follow her and also sit on various chairs in her living room. There's along silence between them all. Maria brakes it.

Maria:   So, why didn't you tell us, then?

Ashley:   I had my reasons.

Ling:   Which were?

Ashley:   (sighs) Does it matter? You all know now. (sighs) Do you realize what he'll do to me, if he finds out that you guys know about it?

Zak:   So, don't let him. Tell somebody.

Ashley:   (gets up) You just don't get it, do you?! (looks around) Any of you?! I can't! My mom loves him, she's getting married, I can't wreck that. (sits down, quietly) And, even if I did say something.. I not sure she'd believe me..

Dylan:   So, why don't you find out? 

Ashley:   Because, then she'd say something to him, and it'd be worse! (gets upset) A-and I can't handle that. (Diesel comes over to her, she strokes him) I just... guys, please. Let me handle this, okay?

Dylan:   Right. Because you've done such a great job so far! 

Zak:   Dylan's right, Ash, you need help with this.

Ling:   Yeah, you *need* to tell someone. 

Maria:   You know there right..

Ashley:   (gets up again) God! What is this?! "Ashley Intervention?! (with that she walks out of the room and into the kitchen).

Maria:   (to Dylan and Zak) You guys should go.

Ling:   Yeah.. I think, Ashley needs her friends, right now.

Dylan/Zak:   And, what are we? 

Ling:   I mean, in the girl sense...

Cut to the kitchen, Ashley is sitting at the island table. Ling and Maria walk in and each sit next to her, they wait it for their friend to speak.

Ashley:   I'm sorry I didn't tell you.... It's just... I was scared that, if too many people knew.... (sigh) I know don't... guess I was an idiot, huh?

Maria:   Yeah, you was... (Ling gives her a look) No, you weren't, Ash. You where scared, we get that. We just wanna help, that's all.

Ling:   Yeah. So, what can we do?

Ashley:   (sighs) Just... don't tell anyone? (Maria and Ling just give her a look) Just, until I can figure this out. Please?
 
 

The Credits

Special Guest Stars: Dylan Matthews, Zak Williams, Abby Tumbridge
Guest Staring: Mrs. Ross, Rick, Shane Nash, Mrs Harris

 
The next day. Fade into of one the halls at Chestaville High. Abby and her friends are at their lockers. Maria walks by and Abby and her friends see her. The laugh amongst themselves, Maria hears them, but keeps walking.

Friend #1:  So, now she's split with Dylan, are you gonna get in there? 

Abby:  Hell yeah! I'm gonna ask him to the dance tomorrow night.

Friend #1:  Oh, sweet!

Friend #2:  Hey, Abby, you know why Maria broke up with him, right? I mean, you know what's going around school?

Abby:  Yeah, so? 

Friend #2:  So... Well, he was caught cheating on her. I mean, I know he's a hottie and all... but, I mean, well, Abby, do you really wanna go out with someone like that? I mean, what if he cheats on you?

Abby:  Hey, I've been after Dylan Matthews for, like, well, ever, okay? Now, I've got the chance to be with him, there's no way I'm not going to take it.

Cut to the quad. Maria, Ling and Ashley are sitting at one of the tables.

Ashley:  So, I hear Shane Nash asked you to the dance...

Ling:  Yeah... but, I'm gonna say no...

Ashley/Maria:  What?! 

Ling:  What, what? I mean, neither of you are going, so why should I?

Maria:  Because a guy asked you?

Ling:  (sighs) Look, I don't really wanna go if you two aren't going... I mean, its our first end of year high school dance right? It's not the same if we don't all together. Besides, we've got three more... so, it's no biggy... 

Maria:  Ling, you have to go! I mean, the only reason I'm not going is because, well I don't have boyfriend anymore...

Ashley:  So, you and Dylan haven't patched things up yet, then?

Maria:  Nope. So, anyway, what about you, why aren't you going?

Ashley:  Nobody to go with. Zak hasn't asked... and, even if he did, I'm not sure I want too. Now he knows about Rick, I don't know if I can face him...

Ling:  Ash, that's crazy!

Just then Dylan comes over to then and sits down.

Dylan:  (to all) Hey. (to Maria) Can we talk?

Cut to the bleachers on the deserted football field. Maria and Dylan are sitting about two-thirds of the way up. 

Maria:  Okay, so here's the thing. I hate that you lied to me--

Dylan:  (interrupts) Maria, I--

Maria:  (interrupts) No, let me finish. I hate that you lied to me. I get *why* you did it, but, that doesn't change the fact that you did. Ashley's one of my best friends, and she was in trouble, real trouble, and as my boyfriend, I thought that meant you could trust me, and tell me *anything*.

Dylan:  It does, I-I can.

Maria:  Then, why did we have a problem?

Dylan:  Maria, your right. I should have told you, and Ling, I mean the whole situation got out of hand ages ago and I'm really sorry I didn't.. but I thought I was doing the right thing by Ashley, by respecting her whishes. I mean, there were so many times when you asked about her, that I just wanted to tell you everything. But I didn't, and I know I should of.  (sighs) And, now, by not telling you, and not convincing Ashley to speak up about it, maybe I've made the whole thing ten times worse... I was an idiot... 

Maria:  (sighs) No, you weren't. I was. You where being a good friend in a tricky situation. I probably would have done the same... I just, well I just, as my boyfriend, hate that you lied to me.

Dylan:  I know. And I'm *so* sorry, It'll never happened again.

Maria:  Never is along time... 

Dylan:  I love you, Maria. And I don't want to lose you...

Maria:  Dylan... I don't know if I can...

Dylan:  No, you can, we can... (she doesn't look at him) Maria... Maria look at me (she does). Look me in the eye and tell me you don't love me... that you don't want us to get back together...

Maria:  Its not about loving you.

Dylan:  Then, what? 

Maria:  *Trust*, Dylan! I need to know that I can trust you! I need to know that I won't get hurt again. I need to know that you won't lie to me!

Dylan:  I won't! I swear. Maria, we only broke up two days ago, and I miss you so much! I need you... Maria... I know we're ment to be together... 

Maria:  (close to tears) I've missed you too... (Dylan smiles a little), like, every second... it's like, although you lied to me... and it hurt *so* bad... (getting teary) Us not being together... hurts even worse, you know?

Dylan:  (getting slightly emotional) Yeah, I do...

Maria:  (almost crying) So, I think, I'd be willing to... 

Dylan:  (still slightly emotional) Yeah?

Maria:  (still almost crying, nods) Yeah...

Dylan:  (still slightly emotional) So, do you want us to... to hug now?

Maria:  (crying, nods) Yeah, Yeah, that would be good...

They both get up, step closer to each other and hug as tightly as they possibly can, Maria enfolding Dylan in her arms. The Camera slowly pans back to show them standing in the middle of the bleachers.

Cut to the halls. Dylan is at his locker. Abby comes over.

Abby:  Hey Dylan.

Dylan:  Oh, Hi, Abby.

Abby:  Hey, I know a lot has gone for you over last couple of days... And, I just wanted to say, that.. well, I'm sorry about you and Maria.

Dylan:  Well, actually--

Abby:  (interrupts) I mean, you two where great together, you know? And, I know that you're probably still hurting right now, but maybe I could help? I was thinking we could go to the dance together, take your mind off Maria?

Dylan:  Uhm, well... Abby, I kind of am going to the dance. With Maria. See, we've just got back together... we sorted it all out. But, uh, Thanks. It was a nice offer. (closes his locker) So, uh, I'll see you around?

He heads down the hall leaving Abby standing there open mouthed in shock.

Cut to after school. Cut to Ashley's room, she's sitting on her bed with Diesel and she's on the phone to Maria. 

Ashley:  Wow, that's great. Good for you guys, you deserve to be together. 

Cut to Maria, she's sitting in her kitchen.

Maria:  Yeah. Thanks.

Ashley:  Listen, I'm sorry about all the trouble I've caused you guys... 

Cut back to Ashley.

Maria:  Hey, it's forgotten. You've got bigger problems to worry about. 

Ashley:  Yeah, don't remind me... (there's a knock at her door) Listen, I've gotta go, See you tomorrow (she hangs up as the door opens, it's Rick).

Rick:  Your mom's gonna be home soon. We should get the dishes done.

Ashley:  By "we" you mean "me".

Rick:  Just get down stairs, okay? I'm not gonna argue with you.

Ashley:  No. (angrily) You can't make me.

Rick:  Oh, I wouldn't be too sure about that.

Rick grabs Ashley by her wrist and pull her towards the door and out in the hall, Diesel growls when Ashley yelps, and the German Shepherd goes to follow, but Rick slams Ashley's bedroom door in time to the the dog in.  He then pulls Ashley down the hall way and down the staris.

Ashley:  Let go of me!

Cut to the kitchen. Ashley comes in followed by Rick.

Rick:  Dishes, now.

Ashley:  (bravely) No.

Rick:  (angrily) What?!

Ashley:  (bravely) No. I'm not gonna take this form you anymore, Rick. 

Rick:  (angrily, advances closer) Do I have to remind you of the convocation we had about your attitude towards me and anyone is this house?

Ashley:  Your not gonna bully me around anymore. I've decided, I'm gonna tell mom what's bee going on. 

Rick:  (laughs) And she'll believe you? (laughs) Ashley, sweetie, come on...

Ashley:  (bravely) Well, you know, I could always try. And, I'm betting, maybe she will believe me. What do you think?

Rick:  (dangerously) What I think, is that you won't be telling her anything. (walks towards her) Not one word. Your mother never finds out. (is right us close, Ashley backs away) She and I get married and you cause us no trouble. Understand?

Ashley:  (bravely) You know what, Rick? Bite me! 

Rick is absolutely livid at that reaction. He slaps her hard and throws her across the kitchen. Ashley slams into the island table and falls to the ground. She looks back up at him in fear, not believing that he's just done that. 

Mrs Ross:  (in shock and angry) What the *hell* is going on?!

She quickly moves over to Ashley and helps her daughter up. She then pulls her into her arms and looks over at Rick.

Rick:  Rach--

Mrs Ross:  (interrupts, livid) How *dare* you! How *dare* you!

Rick:  (moves a little closer) Rach, I.. she was--

Mrs Ross:  (interrupts) I don't want to hear it. Get out! (shouting) Get out! (points to the back door). Get out, get out, get out! 

Rick walks out of the kitchen door. Mrs Ross turns to her daughter

Mrs Ross:  Oh, Ashley... 

Ashley bursts into tears and her mom hugs her tightly. Cut to the front room. Ashley and her mom are sitting on the sofa, Diesel is at Ashley's feet.

Mrs Ross:  Ashley, I can't believe you didn't tell me what's was going on. 

Ashley:  I wanted to. But I was scared... And I know you loved him and you where happy, and that he's one of the few guys that you've been out with since dad left us... I didn't want to wreck it for you.

Mrs Ross:  Ashley, I could *never* be happy with someone who'd hit, threaten or even shout at you. (softly) Hey, look at me... (she does) You are the most *important* person in the world to me, alright? And that will *never* change. I want you to be able to tell me *anything*. Ashley, promise me, if anything like this happens again, anything, you'll tell me.

Ashley:  (nods, teary) Yeah... I will...

They hug each other tightly as we, cut to the next day, the Ashley, Ling, Maria, Dylan and Zak are sitting on the sand down at the beach. 

Ashley:  And we talked... practically all night... I told her everything.

Ling:  How did she take it?

Ashley:  She was good about it all. I mean, it was hard for me to you know, get, the words out sometimes... but she didn't rush me or anything... (laughs) she wanted to go to the cops about him. But I said no.

Zak:  Why?

Ashley:  Because I want to forget about it?

Maria:  Yeah, but Ash, what he did to you--

Ashley:  Look, guys, I just want to forget about it. And, maybe I never will completely, but, right now... I'm just dealing it with finally being over. And with all that's happened this year, finding out that I'm adopted and all, Right now, I just to get back to normal, okay? 

Dylan:  Right. No, then you should!

Maria:  Yup, like.. the dance? I mean, come on, we should all go.

Ling:  Well, I guess it's not to late to call Shane...

Maria:  Yeah. Come on, it'll be great. (to Ashley) Back to normal, right?

Dylan:  (clears his throat and looks art Zak) Yeah, that's right. We can *all* go. Together. (clears his throat again) All of us (looks at Zak) *Together*.

Maria:  (gets it) That's right (looks at Ashley) *Together*. (clears her throat).

Ashley:  Are you two okay?

Zak:  Yeah, have you both swallowed some sand or something?

Maria and Dylan roll their eyes and both sigh.

Ashley/Zak:  What?

Ling:  Oh for god sake! (to Ashley and Zak) Are you two completely dumb?! Ashley, you like Zak! And Zak you like Ashley! So, do us all a favor, stop torturing yourselves, admit how you guys feel... (to Zak, spoken quickly) And ask her to the dance already! (looks at them both, sweetly) - Alright?

The whole group just stares at Ling after her out burst.

Zak:  (looks at Ashley, awkwardly) Uhm so, do you wanna come to the dance?

Ashley:  (smiles at him, awkwardly) Yeah, that'd be great.

They both smile at each other although a little embarrassed.

Maria:  (smiles) Finally! 

Ling:  (gets up) Well, I've gotta go! Got a guy to call. 

Maria:  Yup, and we (looks at Dylan) have a thing... 

Dylan:  (looks from Maria, to Zak and Ashley) Yes, we do! So, see you.

They all get up and leave Ashley and Zak alone on the beach.

Ashley:  (calls after them) Bye! (to Zak) So...

Zak:  (laughs) Yeah...

Ashley:  (laughs) Only took us practically all year, right?

Zak:  (laughs) Oh Yeah. Stupid us, huh?

Ashley:  Yup, stupid us... 

Ashley Voice Over:  Wow. It's over, It's finally over. Mom called Rick and told him that he can pick up his stuff and then she never wants to see him again. I think she's really hurting about the whole thing... she really loved him... talking about love... Zak asked me to the dance! Which is so cool.. I mean, I've been pushing him away - for no good reason, ever since he came to Chestaville... I really thought he'd have given up by now, I'm so glad he didn't. And Maria and Dylan are back together as well, that's how it should be with them, you know? Everything's coming together again - Awesome!

Cut to later, cut Maria's kitchen. She and her dad are eating dinner, the phone rings. Mr Harris gets up to answer it.

Mr Harris:  Hello? (listens) Oh, hi. Yeah, she is, hold on. (hands to the phone to his daughter). Its your mom. (Maria takes it).

Maria:  (into the phone) Hi. (listens) oh, right. Yeah, I guess that would be okay. (listens) Yeah, okay. Bye... (she hangs up). (to her dad) Well, it's set up. I have to go in to give a blood sample next week.

Mr Harris:  Right. So, do you want me to come with you?

Maria:  Sure. (picks up her plate, goes over to the sink and put in it). Uh I should decide what I'm wearing to the dance..

Mr Harris:  Okay. (Maria heads to the kitchen door) Maria, are you okay about this? I mean, we can talk about it if you like?

Maria:  Dad, I'm fine.

Mr Harris:  If your sure... 

Maria:  Yup. (she gives him a smile and walks out of the kitchen).

Cut to Ashley's house. Rick is carrying his suitcase down the stairs. Ashley and her mom are standing by the front door. Rick reaches the door.

Mrs Ross:  (points) That box is yours as well.

Rick:  (indicates the suitcase) I'll take this out to the truck and come back.

He does so. Ashley just looks at her mom as they wait it for him to come back for the box. After a few moments he comes back in.

Rick:  (picks up the box) Rach, is there any way we can work this out? 

Mrs Ross:  (angrily) You hit my daughter. I don't think so, Rick. Oh, and you can take this as well. (she takes off her engagement ring and puts it in the box he's carrying) Now get out.

Rick:  (angrily) You know, that's one little brat you've got there. 

With that he leaves and Mrs Ross angrily slams the door behind him. 

Ashley:  Mom? Are you okay?

Mrs Ross:  Yeah honey, I'm fine. Hey, shouldn't you get getting ready for the dance? It starts in a few hours, right? (she gives her daughter a smile and heads up stairs leaving Ashley to watch her go).

Cut to later. Ashley now ready for the dance, she's in smart jeans and a short top, she knocks on her moms bedroom door, opens it and goes in.

Ashley:  Hey, I'm off in a few minutes...

Mrs Ross:  Okay, honey.

Ashley:  (sees he mom's been crying) Mom, are you okay?

Mrs Ross:  (wipes her eyes) Yeah, I'm fine.

Ashley walks over to the bed and sits down.

Ashley:  Mom, I'm so sorry for everything...

Mrs Ross:  Hey, it's not your fault, okay?

Ashley:  But, I know that you loved him, a lot...

Mrs Ross:  (sighs) I did. Yes. But Ashley  I love you a whole lot more, okay.

They hug. 

Ashley:  Okay. But, you know, I could stay here with you tonight? I mean, if you need me. We could watch a movie and... eat ice cream.

Mrs Ross:  No, Ashley... no, you go to your dance, okay? I'll be okay.

Ashley:  Okay. (the door bells rings) Well, that'll be Zak...

Cut to the sports hall of Chestaville High. There's lot of flashy lights, music and and dancing. Ashley and Zak walk in though the double doors. "Wherever You will go", by The Calling, is the song playing at the moment.

Zak:  So, we made it.

Lyrics:  If I could, then I would / I'll go wherever you will go

Ashley:  Yup. Shall we find the others?

They walk into the crowd and soon find Dylan and Maria.

Lyrics:  Way up high, or down low / I'll go wherever you will go

Maria:  Hey, glad you made it.

Ashley:  Yup.

Dylan:  So, everything's good?

Ashley:  Yup (looks at Zak) Everything's great.

Lyrics:  And maybe, I'll fine out / A way to make it back someday

At that moment Ling finds them and comes over with Shane.

Ling:  Hey guys.

Ashley/Maria:  Hey.

Ling:  For those that don't know, this is Shane.

Shane:  (a little awkwardly) Hey...

Ashley/Maria/Zak:  Hey.

Dylan:  Hey, man.

Ling:  (to Shane) Uh, (points) Zak, Ashley, Maria and well you know Dylan.

Lyrics:  To watch you, to guide you / through the darkest of your days

Cut to later. "I can't Take My Eyes Off You" By Melanie Doane is playing now. The three couples are slow dancing to the song. Cut to Dylan and Maria.

Lyrics:  So dear to me / Always keep me company / Who needs to go outside

Maria:  I'm glad we got though this...

Dylan:  Me too. I love you know that, right?

Maria:  (smiles) Hm.. you've told me once or twice...

Lyrics:  I will be your silent bride / I can't take my eyes off you

Dylan:  So, do you think, after the dance, we could go somewhere, quieter?

Maria:  (smiles) How about the beach?

Dylan:  Sounds good to me..

They continue to dance closely as we pan over Abby who's standing with her friends watching Maria and Dylan.

Lyrics:  Nothing ever needs to be said / You send your message / right into my head

Abby:  God! What does he see in her?! It's just ridicules!

Friend #1:  Yup. Hey, you know, Carl Evens it over there? Why don't you try with him? (Abby just looks at her) Look, it's obvious that Dylan's not goanna go out with you. 

Abby:  Yeah... maybe your right. - But I still don't like it.

Lyrics:  You fill me up when I'm alone / So soothing is your monotone

The Camera pans over to Ling and Shane, who are also slow dicing.

Shane:  So, I'm glad you called me. 

Ling:  Yeah... Me too.

Shane:  Hey, I was thinking, maybe next weekend we could, go to the movies or something? I'd be up for any kind of movie..

Ling:  Yeah, yeah I'd be up for that. (smiles at him).

Shane:  (smiles also) Okay, cool.

Lyrics:  I can't take my eyes off you / I can't take my eyes off you

They continue to slow dance as the camera pans round to Zak and Ashley.

Zak:  I'm glad you said yes to this.

Ashley:  (smiles) Yeah.. listen, Zak.. I'm sorry about the you know, pushing you away, I mean, I've liked you for a while now...

Zak:  Well, that's good to know...

Ashley:  With Rick and everything... I mean.. it's all been pretty heavy.. 

Lyrics:  I can't take my eyes off you / I can't take my eyes off you

Zak:  Hey, you don't have to explain, okay?

Ashley:  Thanks... 

Zak:  (takes a deep breath) Okay, I'm going for it. (Ashley just looks at him, confused) Ashley, will you go out with me?

Ashley:  (smiles) Yeah. Thought you'd never ask.

They look at each for moment, then Ashley lays her head on Zak's shoulder, and they dance slowly. For the first time in a long while Ashley looks happy. The camera pans to an over view of the hall and we see Zak and Ashley, Maria and Dylan and Ling and Shane all dancing to the slow music.

Ashley Voice Over:  Well, I can't believe everything worked out for us all this year. I think mom's dealing with the whole leaving Rick, now. Maria news that she's got to go for the teats to see if she can help her brother is kind of freaking her out a little, but Dylan said he'd go with her, and with her dad there I'm sure she'll be okay. Speaking of Dylan and Maria, they're beginning to get close and again, and that's awesome, because if anyone deserves to have the "big love" its them two. And on the love is issue, wow, I have a boyfriend! Zak is so sweet. And Ling is now going out with Shane, so we all have a guy, it's cool. So, yeah, life's pretty good at the moment. For all of us.

Cut to a sunny day on the beach. "The Good Life" by Cracker plays over the scene. The gang, Ashley and Zak, Maria and Dylan, and Ling and Shane are sitting on the sand and all having a good time.

Lyrics:  So I don’t mind saying / This is how the good life’s supposed to be / The good life for you, for me / Well I don’t mind saying / This is how the good life’s supposed to be

The Camera pulls back slowly as we watch the gang joke around  and as it pans up to the blue sky it slowly fades to black.

Lyrics:  The good life for you, for me...