Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters or lyrics used.

Lyrics are Starting Today by Natalie Imbruglia

It had been over a month since Darcy had told Ms Suave everything. She had felt like a weight was lifted over her shoulder. She was far from right and could never fell like the girl before it happened, but she was finding a way to deal with it. Ms Suave had been a big help in focusing Darcy's emotional outbursts into something positive and finding other ways to express herself. This is not to say that she stopped hitting out altogether especially at her mother. Mrs Edwards was the only one to feel the force of Darcy's outburst but they were few and far between.

Alex and Manny had been a tower of strength for her. She was finding herself smile a lot more and her friends were the light of a very long tunnel. Darcy and Peter had broken up, as she couldn't bring herself to be in a relationship at the moment. Peter, though her was upset, understood Darcy's reasons and they remained friends.

Darcy was sitting in The Dot with Alex, Manny and Jay. They had been laughing and joking about inane things. "I'm just gonna hit the girls room." Darcy spoke while getting up from her seat.

A familiar voice sent a shiver through Alex but not in a good way "Alex." She didn't want to look round as she could tell who's voice it was from a mile off. Jay looked at Alex and shook his head in disapproval before Alex turned her head to speak.

"Paige." There was a hint of coldness in her voice.

"I thought you were going to Ajax. How have you been?" Paige was still a bit shocked by seeing her ex and tried to hide her surprise.

"Stayed instead and I'm doing great." Alex didn't want to get into a conversation and also didn't want to soften her tone towards the blonde. She just wanted to continue sitting with her friends. Manny and Jay looked uncomfortable and didn't know if they should stay put or leave them to it.

Darcy walks back to the table and instantly senses the tension radiating from the two girls. She dismisses her initial thought, as she didn't think it would be believed. She decides upon a different idea that she hopes will have the desired effect. "Manny before I forget, you need to pick up the stuff you left at Alex's the other night."

The other four looked at Darcy with equal confusion. "Darcy" was all that Manny could muster out of her mouth.

"Sorry, was it a secret?" A smile crept over Darcy's face. Paige and Jay looked at Manny, whose mouth was wide open. Alex made eye contact with Darcy and she winked at the older girl.

"Erm, have I interrupted some weird double date here." Paige looked at Alex, who was scratching her head, wondering what to do next.

"That wouldn't be your business anymore." Darcy replied even though the question wasn't aimed at her. "Alex has moved on."

"What, are you Manny's spokeswoman or something? You should watch you're words."

"Don't be all Queen bee with me. You're not at Degrassi anymore. You're just a college dropout who got out-bitched by a Sinclair." Darcy said with venom, stepping closer to Paige.

Alex was processing what was going on and taken aback by Darcy's protectiveness. She pulled Darcy back and whispered in her ear "Don't worry about it, she's not worth it. Keep it all in check." She didn't want Darcy hitting out as she had been good in controlling her outbursts.

Paige's eyes borrowed in confusion and her eyes darted from Alex to Darcy and then to Manny, who was still sitting down. "Alex, could we talk in private please."

"There's nothing left to talk about. We've said all we needed to say before. Like you heard, I've moved on and so should you. I'm not trying to be rude but it won't do anyone any good bringing up the past when it's done with."

"Alex, please just a couple of minutes." Paige pleaded sounding slightly desperate.

"I want to finish eating with my friends, which you kind of interrupted." Alex directed Darcy to sit down. "Bye Paige." Alex simply said as she sat back down.

After a moment, Paige took the hint and walked out. "This is why coming to The Dot is always a bad idea." Alex looked at Manny in particular when she spoke.

"Darcy what was all that about?" Manny questioned.

"I didn't think she would believe me if I implied there was something going on between Alex and I." Darcy answered.

"So you make it seem like I'm sleeping with Alex." Many said a little loudly.

"Well yes. In her eyes, you're the school slut." Manny's eyes widened in shock. "Don't worry we still love you." Darcy, Alex and Jay laughed.

"You didn't have to do that at all, but I appreciate it anyway." Alex told Darcy while wrapping her arm around the younger girl's shoulder. "Totally changing the subject but I'm gonna be applying to college's and Mrs H is gonna help me."

"That's great. Maybe we'll all end up at the same place." Darcy said with a smile on her face.

"Here's some news that might make you both laugh. Manny told her parents that we're engaged." Jay said.

Darcy and Alex looked at the other two and busted into a laughing fit.

"It's not funny." Manny piped in.

"Oh yes it is" Alex spoke in between laughing.

Chips started to fly in between the four of them. For the first time in ages Darcy felt like everything was going to be ok, as she continued to enjoy the rest of the afternoon with her friends.

Starting today I'm not gonna waste another moment
Even if I had the chance before I would have blown it
But you took me by surprise
And you caught me just in time

Everyday you give me reason not to walk away
I stop believing that the world's gone crazy
And if it is you'll save me
Starting today I'm not gonna worry about tomorrow
I'll wash away all this fear that's left me feeling hollow

A/N: There's the end of the story. I've taken as far as I can and I was suffering from a serious case of writer's block when it came to this. It was originally intended to deal with both girls emotions but it ended up being more about Darcy. Thanks for all the reviews throughout the story, it was well appreciated.