CLARE'S POV

I sat staring at my English assignment with hatred. I just couldn't get it right. I couldn't focus. My parents must really be getting to me! I love to write, what is wrong with me? I wonder, irritated. Suddenly Ms. Dawes enters the room and asks the class for their attention. It takes a few minutes for everyone to quiet down. I didn't even bother to look up; I just kept staring at the blank piece of paper in front of me with pure hatred. Finally an idea clicks into my head, but I forget in when Ms. Dawes says "Excuse me, but you'll all quiet down unless you want detention with me. I have an announcement to make" Damn you, Ms. Dawes .I had it. I grit my teeth and she makes a small cough, finally gaining everyone's attention. "A new student will be joining us this semester." The class erupts into curious whispers. "Young man, you can come in the room now." You can tell by Ms. Dawes voice that she is smiling.

A can feel a shift in the energy when the new boy walks in. I still don't look up. My idea was starting to form back in my head and I started writing furiously. "Sit anywhere you like." Ms. Dawes is still smiling. I roll my eyes. It's just a new kid, what's the deal? The class's whispering had kicked into high-gear the second the boy had walked into the room

"He looks creepy," A redheaded girl mutters to her friend, a blond cheerleader with the brain the size of a squirrel's.

"I thinks he's kind of hawt! But deff creep-ay!" the blond exclaims in a whisper. I never did bother to find out there names. Why would I socialize with people like that? All I need is to get through High school, and then maybe focus on friends. I do NOT need the drama of relationships in my life right now, and I DEFINATLEY don't need a romantic relationship right now. Especially with how my parents are. I swallow past the lump in my throat, recalling the fights that are beginning to become physical in her house, and continue to write my essay. KC had taught me that, and it was a lesson I wouldn't soon forget.

KC. The liar who had cheated on me with one of my best friends. The reason why I rarely trusted anyone. I couldn't help my self but think. The new boy plops down in the seat right in front of me. That's strange. I note, why would he sit there? There are other available seats, and one is sitting next to Mary Hopkins and it's clear that she likes him. I shrug it off and continued writing. Guys are weird. Maybe He just liked to sit near the front?

"Excuse me, young man. Would you like to introduce yourself to the class?" Ms. Dawes questions him.

"Sure." He says, and by the way his voice sounds, its easy for me to guess that's he is rolling his eyes. He stands up and faces the class. "My name is Eli Goldsworthy." My eyes shoot up. I couldn't help myself. There was something about his voice, so mysterious but gentle, that made me look up. He had very dark hair, and was wearing all black clothing. To be specific, black skinny jeans and a black button up shirt with a black blazer. My heart began to flutter. I recognized him. He drives a hearse. He killed my glasses earlier in the day. I gulp down a shaky breathe.

He sits back down in his chair and takes a deep breathe. He is, indeed, very attractive. I suddenly find myself hating the blonde girl who is batting her eyes at him flirtatiously. He completely ignores her, which makes me giggle.

"What's so funny, Blue-eyes?" He turned around. Blue-eyes? I've only talked to him once before, and he already gave me a nickname? I have to admit that when he said it, my stomach turned into knots. And NOT In a bad way. But in a foreign way, that left me a little queasy after it.

"Oh, come on! Like you haven't noticed!" I laugh in a whisper.

"I'm afraid I don't. Care to elaborate?" He smirks. His mouth is perfectly lopsided, making me stomach go crazy. His lips look soft and pink and I have to bite down and my lower lip to restrain my sudden urge to lean forward and touch my lips to his. Bad thoughts, Clare. That would go against everything you stand for. I tell my self confidently. But thinking is much easier than actually listening to your thoughts. I giggle and point towards the blond and her redhead friend who were giggling like mad and batting there eyes at him, the cheeks flushed.

"Umm, look to your left" I giggle. He raises his eyebrow suggestively, but follows my finger and looks at the girls, who are giggling even louder and they begin to wave at him. His eyes go wide-which, if I hadn't mentioned, are the most beautiful shade of green I think I've ever seen in my life- and he turns his head back to me, looking officially 'creeped out'.

"Freakin' creepy preps." He mutters under his breathe. I giggle, my cheeks, turn a rosy color, though I'm not sure why. He looks at me and gave me another heart-stopping smirk.

"Ms. Edwards, could you stop talking to Mr. Goldsworthy for just a minute and answer my question?" Ms. Dawes said irritably. My eyes shoot up. I wasn't even aware she had said anything.

"Uh, Yes, Ms. Dawes. Would you mind repeating the question?" I say nervously. This was not like Clare Edwards. Clare Edwards pays attention. She listens during class. She was good. What's happening to me? Eli smirked again. I'm still good-but for how much longer? I challenged my self. This was the first time I have even met the boy, and I'm already starting to stop paying attention in class. What is happening to innocent little St. Clare Edwards?