Disclaimer: I don't, nor have I ever, owned Degrassi. If I did, I wouldn't be writing fan fiction.

Hi guys! This is my first attempt at an Eclare fic and to be honest, I have mixed feelings about this one. So I'm just going to try to have fun with this one and hope that I don't get any flames. Hope you guys like it.


Broken

Chapter 1

Eli Goldsworthy and Clare Edwards walked hand in hand through the halls of Degrassi. Eli hated the new uniforms but he applauded Clare for wearing it with dignity. She had told him she used to wear a uniform to Degrassi by choice, so this wasn't such a change to her. He could feel himself falling more in love with her with every day that passed.

"Clare!" Eli felt the resistance of his girlfriend stopping in mid step. He turned to see Mr. Simpson looking at Clare.

"Do you mind helping the new student around school?" He asked.

"Of course," she said with a smile. Eli smiled himself. Clare was so willing to be helpful, spreading her sunshine everywhere she went. Also, this would help redeem them in Simpson's eyes.

He grinned in return. He turned and made a gesture with his arm. "Great! Just help Miss Devlin get situated please."

Eli's stomach dropped and he fought a cold sweat. Please, no. Not her, anyone but her.

The girl came from around their principal. She was short and thin and pale as a porcelain doll. Her dark hair was pulled back in messy pigtails. Her eye makeup was smoky and her lips were a rich red color. She wore a black lace choker with roses on it. There were a couple silver rings on her hands. Her nails were long but unpolished. There were fishnet stockings and knee high boots below her skirt. She was holding a large, tattered grey messenger bag. She seemed nervous. Her eyes lit up when she saw him.

"Oh my god, Eli!" She squealed, quickly closing the space between them. She threw her arms around his neck and pulled him against her in a tight hug. "So this is where you ran off to!"

Clare let go of his hand. Eli felt sick, but her weight against him was familiar and though he hated to admit it, he missed it. He sighed and hugged her back. Memories flooded back and he felt tears creep up. He felt her tremble slightly and he knew she was fighting back tears of her own. What killed him was knowing these feelings were his fault. He had done this to her.

Clare looked at him expectantly and he let go. He gestured to her. "This is my girlfriend Clare. Clare, this is my friend Beth."

Beth stuck her hand out. She smiled sweetly. "Like the Kiss song."

Clare smiled in a way to let the girl know she had no idea what she was talking about. "Nice to meet you Beth. Well, guess we better start the tour."

"I'll catch you guys later," Eli said. He swooped in, quickly kissing Clare. He turned to the other girl. "Good to see you again Beth."

"Bye Eli," she said softly, but he was gone before she spoke. Eli moved like there was somewhere he desperately needed to be. He almost bowled over Adam in his haste, who also watched Eli's hasty retreat into the crowded halls.

"So, you guys know each other?" It came out a question but Clare knew the answer.

"Yeah." Beth's voice was distant as she watched the retreating figure. Adam joined the girls, smiling widely at Beth.

"Hey, Clare," he said, not looking at her. "Who's this?"

"This is Beth Devlin," Clare said. "Beth this is Adam. He's a friend of mine and Eli."

"Pleased to meet you," Adam bowed low, making both girls laugh. Beth took his hand and curtsied.

"The pleasure is all mine, sir." She giggled. She turned to Clare. "Where to, boss?"

Eli stood at his locker and watched the group leave together. He felt bad for chickening out, but Beth Devlin was the single last person he wanted to see right now, not when things were going so well with Clare. He would have rather tangoed with Fitz. She was a sweet girl, and if she turned her charm on Clare and Adam he knew they'd end up being friends. This caused a wave of nausea and he held onto his locker for support. Things needed to be sorted out that he just couldn't deal with now and never had. But one thing was certain: they would have to be dealt with soon, or this year was going to be a Hell Elijah Goldsworthy couldn't survive.


What did you guys think? I know it's short, but I promise there will be more. I know this is a strange introduction but I swear, all will be revealed in time.