Author's note- I've been inspired! This story will be taking place in the season 10 time frame but not exactly because technically Clare will meet Eli when she's in grade nine so when it starts she will have known him for a while. It will not be following the storyline of the show but will have some elements/moments thrown in. It will also have occ and AU qualities. Just give it a chance guys:)
It's a beautiful spring morning the flowers are blooming and the gentle breeze in the air feels wonderful as it blows through my hair. I walk into to doors of degrassi like any other day making my way to my locker. I pass by many familiar faces but none that stand out. I open my locker and get my books out before shutting it. I jump at the face of my best friend behind it catching me off guard.
"Eli, don't do that you scared me half to death I say calming my racing heart.
"sorry Clare, I didn't expect you to be so jumpy" he jokes.
"yes you did, we've been friends for how long?" I say accusingly cocking an eyebrow at him.
"okay, maybe you're right." he smirks leaning against a locker.
The butterflies flutter around in my stomach. I can't help but wonder if he can see through me and just chooses to ignore it or if he is actually oblivious to my true feelings. The way I hide my feelings for him is like a master of disguise the outside completely opposite of the inside. My heart skips a beat every time our eyes meet when he smiles at me it's like I can't breath but somehow I hide the storm of emotion filling my body behind small talk and witty banter and I've done it smoothly ever since the day we met a year ago. I can still smell the fresh rain and hear the sound of the roaring thunder outside.
Flashback:
I'm sitting beside a tree at degrassi on a chilly fall afternoon, tears are streaming down my rosy colored cheeks as I try to calm my breathing only getting more worked up by the passing minutes. I feel my body start to quiver. My boyfriend just broke up with me for another girl jenna; a girl who's more fun than me, prettier than me and probably the most important thing more sexual than me. I mess with my purity ring pulling it off my finger considering throwing it far away all it is, is a burden a reminder that this will keep happening to me.
"Are you okay?" A mysterious boy with dark hair and matching clothes asks.
"I-I" I try to answer but my voice cracks and I begin to cry even harder hugging myself tightly. Suddenly I feel another pair of arms around me
"hey, it's okay you don't need to tell me. Everything will work out okay?" the mysterious boy says holding me tightly.
"my boyfriend broke up with me for someone else all because of this stupid ring" I say throwing it not bothering to fight the stranger off me.
"ring?" he asks
"purity ring, no sex until marriage it's a curse" I sob resting my head on his chest as if I know him.
"if he can't accept that, you don't want him I promise" he says sincerely lifting my face up.
And that's when everything changed our eyes met and I got lost in the most captivating green Hugh I've ever seen. I felt my heart speed up and my breath hitch this boy was the most mesmerizing person I've ever laid eyes on.
"you have pretty eyes" he said staring into them with an intrigued look.
"th-thanks" I stutter our moment was short lived when freezing cold rain came pouring down.
He grabbed my hand and pulling me toward the parking lot we came to a hearse he opened the door and I go in without hesitation something about him made me trust him even though I didn't even know his name. He closed the door and ran to the drivers side. When he gets in we look at each other and start hysterically laughing at the top of our lungs for no reason it was like we were connecting on a level I've never experienced.. When we finally calmed down he put his jacket over my shoulders.
"you were shivering" he says with a smirk that was all consuming.
"thanks?" I reply questioningly considering I don't know his name hoping he'd get the hint.
"Eli Goldsworthy and I'd love to know the name of the lovely lady gracing me with her wet presence, oh shit I didn't mean it like that" he quickly catches his accidental wordplay. We both fall into another laughing fit.
"Clare Edwards" I smile breathlessly from laughing so much. I can't remember the last time I felt so carefree.
"well nice to meet you Clare Edwards" he smirks again and it's power on me is just as consuming as the first time causing my heart to flutter.
End flashback
The next day he brought me my purity ring. I couldn't believe he went back and found it. After that we were inseparable we just connected in an effortless way that was easy unlike most things in life it felt nice
We walk through the hallways towards class like we do everyday, today's choice topic isn't anything I want to hear. Eli I telling me all about this new girl he met a few weeks ago, Julia. I shake my head when he isn't looking. I fake as smile as he goes on and on about this unbelievable girl. I've yet to meet. She just moved here and hasn't started degrassi yet but, the way Eli talks about her I'll bet she's beautiful. She seems to be the girl who has it all from what he has to say good looks nice body with the personality to match; sweet but sassy, calm yet free spirited and fun, confident in herself without being cocky. The kind of girl that draws you in without trying or realizing, the girl that is everything I could never be. She certainly has the one thing or should I say person I want; he would never feel the same way. Eli like Julia is the kind of guy that catches your eye and hooks you like a fish reeling you in vigorously, I'm just plain Clare; saint Clare the Christian virgin saving herself, nothing special or not in a good way. Sure I'm smart and driven but that doesn't seem to be what people look for in a significant other not in high school at least.
"Earth to Clare?" Eli says stopping my steps and waving his hands in front of my face.
"huh? what?" I answer looking up at him.
"you zoned out and were about to walk right past our class, something on your mind?" he asks raising an eyebrow questionably.
"oh yeah sorry I have a test I forgot to study for its stressing me out" I lie shocking myself how believable it was I'm a horrible liar over everything except my feelings for my best friend.
"relax, you're basically a genius, you'll get an A worse case A-" he smirks taking my breath away before putting his hand on my lower back and using the other gesturing me to walk into the classroom.
We walk into the room taking our usual seats in the back of the room. Eli sits in front of me while our friend Adam sits beside me. We talking amongst ourselves until the bell rings signaling class is starting. Our English teacher begins telling us about our latest project when she mentions groups of three Eli Adam and I give each other knowing looks as our teacher continues to explain. We are going to be doing a scene from Shakespeare I'm kind of excited it sounds fun. Eli gets up to find out what our theme will be leaving Adam and I to talk.
"Are you ever going to tell him or are you always going to pine over him like a lovesick puppy?" Adam asks.
Adam has known about my feelings for Eli for about a year now I trust him enough to know he'd never tell but if I knew he'd constantly push the subject I probably wouldn't have told him.
"shhh, it's complicated Adam besides he doesn't like me and now he's head over heals for this Julia girl" I sigh in displeasure at the end.
"funny Clare. He likes you perhaps he's just moving on because you won't give him the slightest hint you like him. You're basically pushing him into her arms you guys drive me insane."
As I was about to reply Eli walks back over and his intoxicating smell of pine and mint fill the air, I fight the urge to breath it in like an addict inhaling a cigarette. He gives us a confused look furrowing his eyebrows before shaking his head.
"we get to act out romeo and Juliet, how cool is that?" Eli says with a smile.
Adam and I exchange a look knowing this could be my chance. I could make a move without actually making one, it is a romantic play if we kiss maybe he'll feel a spark and the connection between us will be something he can't deny. Yeah right get a hold of yourself Clare, that's most likely not going to happen but the possibility of kissing Eli like I've dreamed about more times then I care to admit is most definitely a pleasure of its own. We agreed to work on the project after school today and I'm anxious and excited all at once.
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It's the end of the day and I'm counting down the minutes until it's over. Of course so I can see Eli and maybe even kiss him but also I'm exhausted from the day. The bell rings and I rush out of the classroom not paying much attention to my surroundings, halfway to my locker I run straight into something hard I fall to the ground books flying. I look up and much to my dismay it's no other than my ex boyfriend KC. Our eyes meet and I want to die of embarrassment mixed with discomfort.
"s-sorry I wasn't looking" I stutter.
"well that's pretty obvious?" he says bluntly.
I begin picking my books up when I notice him staring.
"wait, Clare; Is that you? wow you've changed it's been a while you look great" he says leaning down to help me with me books.
"yeah it has" I avoid conversation with him as much as possible.
Can we talk? He asks his hand slightly brushing mine.
"I have somewhere to be" I answer quickly
"come on Clare it'll only take a minute" he smiles looking hopfull. against everything telling me not to I agree to talk.
We walk out to the JT York memorial sitting down, him sitting to close to me for comfort. I don't know why he picked here it's basically a fish bowl everyone staring in but I'm happy he did I'd rather people see us that not.
"Look Clare I'm sorry about what happened in grade nine I was immature and stupid. I'd really like to talk about us and see where things could go" unable to speak I sit there staring at him bewildered like he's a purple flying turtle.
"well what do you think? You remember how we talked about being each others first? It's a little late for me but I could be yours?" he says flirtatiously brushing my hair from my face.
"KC no I don't think so-" I was cut off by his lips being slammed powerfully upon mine the feeling was nothing like it used to be. I try to pull away only the more I do the more pressure he applies I'm not sure if he's doing it on purpose or not but finally my instincts kick in and I slap him hard across the face I'm shocked by my own actions possibly more than he is; I'm against physical violence I can't believe I actually hit him. I pull back noticing a huge red mark in the shape of my hand and his rage filled expression is terrifying.
"Wtf" he yells balling today his hands into intimidating fits I prepare myself for whatever happens completely unsure of where this is headed. KC has never been violent but I've never seen him this mad.
"I suggest you put your hand down, men don't treat girls like what you're doing now you're clearly scaring her but, I guess I shouldn't expect much more from a cheating Neanderthal like yourself go before this gets out of hand because your are not going to disrespect her in front of me" I look over and see Eli standing in the doorway glaring at KC viciously his jaw clenched tightly.
"Protective? Did she stop being so stuck up so now you're getting in her pants or something?" KC asks laughing dryly
"Don't think that's your business if I am but it be better than anything she would get from a needle dick like you" Eli says with a smirk.
They stare each other down for elongated period of time neither daring to break the intense stare finally KC gives a sarcastic grin before muttering "whatever take the slut" walking away.
I notice Eli's whole body tense, his hands ball into white fists a low menacing growl escaping his lips. I quickly run over to him I know if I don't this is going to get way worse than it needs to Eli tends to let his anger get the best of him especially over people he cares about. I manage to convince him to relax by telling him I'm fine and that KC isn't worth it.
"ever the gentleman" I smile taking his hand and walking trying to calm him down the rest of the way.
"did you expect anything less from me I am pretty incredible" he says with an intoxicating smirk.
"so smug" I smile trying not to be to flirtatious "thanks for that you didn't have to defend me really" I thank him sincerely.
"Any time, no one messes with my best friends Edwards especially not that low life jock" He replies letting go of my hand and putting his arm around my neck continuing down the hallway.
I walk with him silently the rest of the way to his car, every time he refers to me as "best friend" it's like a long sharp knife plunging into my chest forcefully without remorse. I recover from my emotional wound once we reach his car and ask Eli what the plan is for our project. After talking we decide the park would be the best place to film; we wait for Adam outside Morty for about five minutes before he shows up and we drive to the park.
We arrive at the park today couldn't be more perfect outside the wind is blowing perfectly through the green trees and the air smells like the freshly blooming flowers. It's not too warm or too cold. We walk over to a picnic table on the way there we decide I'll be Juliet and Eli offers to be Romeo. Momentarily I'm shocked by his eagerness to portray my love interest but after giving myself a quick reality check I'm sure it has nothing to do with me; he simply loves the play, he has Julia.
While discussing how to act out the particular scene we have chosen; it happens to be the famous final scene, in which Romeo and Juliet suffer a tragic death. We talk over our opinions and make a few changes; changes that allow the lovers to share a final kiss before their untimely demise. When Eli suggested it I couldn't stop my insides from spinning. I'm unsure how I'm containing my eagerness and not being completely obvious. This is it I'm actually going to kiss Eli the boy I've been secretly in love with for so long, even if it is just for an assignment the thought of his flawless lips on mine make me shiver fiercely chills forming all over me.
We write a short script and start filming immediately. I lay across the top of the table as Juliet nervously listening to Eli recite the script waiting for my que to "awaken" and share in a final kiss with Romeo. I hear the last word letting me know it's time; it came faster than what I expected it would or maybe my nerves just made it seem that way not that any amount of time would prepare me for this. I force my nervous body to move willing it not to shake like the leaves on the trees, my Insides feel like lava melting me from the inside out I'm sure my skin is hot to the touch, all the while my heart is racing at a panicking rate if it went any faster I would probably have a heart attack the pounding is loud enough to to hear. Somehow to my surprise even with everything I'm feeling I hold composure; I lean up my eyes meeting with Eli's instantly they lock together as I say my lines. Then it happens the moment I've been waiting and hoping to experience for such a long time.
I intently watch as he leans in. He's looking at me in such a lovingly way it makes this moment seem sincere; so much I have to remind myself he's only acting. My eyes close just before I feel his lips lightly brush over mine, I can smell the mint on his breath; our lips resting together he moves his head up and down ever so slowly letting his lightly smooth over mine tingling them and sending an unfamiliar feeling through my entire body. We breath in each others air for a short second then I feel his hand grip my waist his hold firm but gentle the other wraps around my body lightly holding me in a comfortable embrace his hand resting on the small of my back. Finally after what seems like an eternity he presses his lips fully against mine and I get the most electrifying feeling I've ever felt it's too intense to be described as a spark this is a bolt. Everything moves in slow motion. I feel his tongue glide through my lips deepen the kiss more than I had anticipated. As our tongues dance together massaging and exploring each other I feel dizzy from all the feelings flowing through me. I wrap my fingers in his hair to pull him against me harder daring to bite his lips gently heating things up just a bit. The only way to describe the kiss is hot sensual and passion filled.
Remembering we're filming we break apart sharing a look of awe I bite my lip as Eli hurries back into character falling back "dead" I finish my lines and Adam yells cut. After the camera stops rolling I can't help the blush covering my cheeks when I look over at my "best friend" pure shock on his face I think maybe he felt the same thing I did during our kiss, feelings friends don't feel for each other.
"should we do another take? I ask running my hand through my curls glancing at Eli.
"I think we got it" Eli smirks.
I hear Adam say something along the lines you more than got it, followed by Eli throwing a bottle at him and telling him to shut up all the while I can't stop thinking about the kiss I'm in my own world.
Suddenly it starts raining heavily soaking us within seconds. My thoughts go back to the first time I met Eli as the rain pours down on us. We race to morty laughing the whole way; Eli being the gentleman he is gives me his hoodie he had inside before we drive off.
We arrive at my house first and say our goodbyes as usual. I watch as the car pulls away from my front door. When I get inside I go straight to my room tossing my soaking wet body down on my bed and screaming into my pillow kicking my feet like an overexcited child I can't think of any other way to let out all the emotion I'm feeling inside that kiss was beyond amazing I keep replaying it over and over. All that comes to mind every time is wow. I can still taste his lips on mine he tastes like mint mixed with spring water I know it sounds weird but it's true. I Bury my face into Eli hoodie inhaling his scent that I adore so much smiling to myself still memorized by what took place.
All I can see in the back of my mind is green eyes and that smirk, making me want to feel his lips on mine forever.