First Fanfiction ever! This is kind of a prologue, but not really. It just sort of sets everything up. Feedback is totally appreciated! And I need to thank Kristine (only_here_in_your_arms) for helping me edit some of it! 3

"Keep it together, don't fuck this up," Eli thought to himself, looking at the computer screen. He was growing more and more frustrated by the moment. It was like he had all of the ideas in his head, but the second he tried to write it down it came out wrong. Too sappy, too dark, not realistic enough, too fluffy, or just plain bad. Writing was always an escape for Eli. He was a writer, after all. Usually when he was writing other things disappeared, the anxiety and the pain faded away. He craved the feeling of being immersed into the story and not in his own life. Not being able to write felt like the one thing that was keeping him sane had been ripped away from him. He got up quickly from the computer and hobbled to his locker. Everything was a reminder of how painful the last few weeks had been for him, he couldn't even walk without having to remember what he had done and lost in the weeks prior. Suddenly Eli was pulled out of his consuming thoughts when he bumped into someone, "Oh, I'm sorry," He mumbled.

"It's absolutely fine, Eli Goldsworthy," She said with a smile. Eli looked at her; she had dark hair, pulled away from her face into two buns. She had what almost seemed like a permanent smile. She looked vaguely familiar to Eli, but he couldn't place a name on her. He was a little surprised at the use of his full name and couldn't help but be curious as to how she knew it.

"Do I know you?" He asked curiously.

"Imogen Moreno! I'm in your drama class. You're in grade 11 too, you used to date Clare Edwards, but she dumped you before spring break, so you crashed your vintage hearse. Where did you even acquire a vintage hearse?" She talked at a mile a minute. Eli was taken back to say the least at the bluntness in the girl's voice.

"It...It was a present from my parents...How do you know all that?"

"Oh you know, Degrassi Rumor Mill, common sense, all that good stuff!" The bell signaling to go to class rang, "Oh look at that, we better get to class! I'll see you in Drama Class, Eli Goldsworthy!" She walked off to class quickly, almost skipping. Eli was somewhat mystified by the girl, but mostly just confused. He had barely seen her before and it seemed like she knew more about him then he did.

He walked into English and couldn't shake the feeling that there was something at least a little strange about Imogen. The way she carried herself, and the way she knew everything about him was just a little strange to Eli. She was different and he couldn't figure out if that was a good thing or a bad thing. Then he felt a light tap at his shoulder, "Mr. Goldsworthy, a moment please?" Ms. Dawes asked. "I just read your first draft of the play, and I must say, it's really not your best."

Eli let out a heavy sigh, "I'm trying, okay? I just can't get it to sound like I want it to. I'll make it better, I promise."

"Have you considered looking for outside opinions? I know that Clare isn't an option anymore...but have you considered finding a new 'muse'?" She scanned the classroom and thought about it, "What about Imogen Moreno? You know her, right? She's in Drama with you? She's quite enamored with your writing. Maybe you could brainstorm with her?"

"I...Yeah, I'll think about," He said, trying to comprehend the idea of asking for outside help with his writing. Usually Clare was always his editor, and really the only person other then Adam that he was okay with sharing his ideas with. Now it seemed like he just needed to keep his thoughts and ideas to himself. Ms. Dawes nodded at Eli and walked back to her desk. Her idea of talking to Imogen was still in the front of Eli's mind. She did seem different; maybe she could understand some of the dark thoughts that went through his mind. He still wasn't ready to trust anyone new just yet.

English came to a close quickly and soon he was off to Drama Class where he would once again encounter Imogen. He took his seat next to Fiona, who smiled at him and asked eagerly about the script, "So how is it coming along? New ideas? When do you think it'll be ready by?"

"Soon, okay Fiona?" Eli snapped.

"Yeah, sorry, I'm just excited to see what you can come up with,"

"It's okay... Umm... We can start casting whenever you want, I think we have good enough grasp on the characters."

"Why not today?" Fiona asked eagerly.

"Okay...if anyone is actually ready to audition,"

Within seconds Imogen shot out of her seat, raising her hand, "I can audition!" Eli nodded for her to go ahead. She sashayed her way to the stage and quickly a dramatic look came onto her face, she recited a dramatic monologue and by the end managed to have a single tear in her eye. Eli and Fiona were impressed at the almost overly dramatic show.

"That was great, Imogen," Eli said, standing. Imogen walked back to her seat while a few other prepared children went up to audition. Soon enough class let out, and Imogen went to talk to Eli.

"So did you really like it?" She asked eagerly.

"Yeah, I did...You did one of my favorite pieces,"

"I know! That's why I chose it!" Imogen smiled, a little two happy.

"How did you-" He cut himself of, "Where did you come from?"

Imogen smirked, "Oh you know, here, there. Either way, I guarantee that you'll never meet anyone else like me." Once again she waltzed away and left Eli there confused.

"Hey man," Adam said, walking up and smacking Eli's back, "You look confused. Who was the girl?"

"Imogen Moreno," Eli stated, matter-of-factly, "She's…strange." Eli was still slightly mystified by the girl. Part of him wanted to like her, but the other part was confused, and a little annoyed by her. He was unsure of how to react to most of the things she said. She seemed almost dangerous. Something about made Eli uneasy, like she was just keeping up an illusion.

"Well she certainly looks like it. So videogames at my house tonight?"

"Rain check? I've got to finish the script," Eli said, frustrated once more.

"Dude, you've been working on that script non stop for three days, I think it's time for a break," Adam said, taking the printed copy of the script from his hand.

"I have to Adam!" Eli yelled. Adam looked startled, and Eli immediately felt guilty for snapping at him, "I'm sorry, I'm just stressed. I really need to finish it, that's all."

"It's okay… Just be careful, okay? You seem really edgy and I can't have you doing anymore stupid stuff on my watch," Adam replied with a chuckle. They walked to class together, joking along the way.

Eventually they day, which felt like an eternity, came to an end, and in the back of Eli's very crowded mind, he was thinking about Imogen.