Tick, Tock, Tick, Tock

Alli couldn't help but look at clock, waiting for the lunchbell to ring. Unbeknownst to her, her best friend was looking at her with an expression of worry on her face.

After the whole Johnny ordeal, the prom, and the Drew incident, Clare was concerned. Alli had given up so much of herself to be with guys who didn't really appreciate her. She wish she knew how to help her friend move on than by quoting something cliché like "time heals all wounds."

Alli noticed the looks of sadness, compassion, and concern on her best friend's face. She couldn't look at her because she didn't want to be pitied. Even though Johnny and Drew had hurt her, she realized that she put herself in both predicaments. She had to escape and clear her mind someway. She couldn't do it at home because it was "Sav and Anya dramarama." She needed to go somewhere private and relaxing…. The Zen Garden.

"Of course," she said aloud. It was a little too loud because the whole class turned around and looked at her, including Mr. Armstrong. Luckily, for her, he thought she was talking about the math lesson.

Ring, Ring

"Ok class, homework is due tomorrow on my desk first thing in the morning." With that said by Armstrong, all the students left for their lunch break. Alli finished packing her books and walked in the hallway where her best friend was waiting for her.

"So what was that little outburst in class about? You couldn't have been that happy over uniform motion," Clare laughed.

It is amazing how both girls had matured over time. They were more confident of themselves. Perhaps it was Clare's new haircut that gave her an edge, with Ali it was experience.

"No Red. I just have so much on my mind. I just need to be free to relax and clear my head a little bit."

"Well you got 50 minutes to spare. Go to Zen Garden. I'll eat with Eli. You need the break, Onyx." Alli was so thankful that their friendship had grown as well. They could tell each other anything and everything. Of course the silly nicknames was Clare's idea.

And with that, the two teens went their separate ways.

The Cafeteria

"So how is Alli doing?"

"She's doing fine Eli. I'm still worried about her though. It's like sometimes she's so distant. One thing is for sure. Dave always brings her back to reality. It's amazing how two people can't be around each other, and then the next moment there good friends.

"Yeah, I know what you mean. It's like us except less dysfunctional." Eli said staring into her pure blue eyes. It didn't take long for them to both blush.

"Am I interrupting a moment?" Dave couldn't help but smile at the two. Eli has liked Clare since day 1. Dave envied them both. It must be easy to like someone with no obstacles in the way. He wished that were him.

"No man, we are just friends." Eli and Clare sat down and began eating.

"Sure. Just so you know, even Connor can tell there is something between you both."

Clare couldn't help but hold her head down. She also couldn't hide her blush. She was as red as a tomato.

"Is there a reason why you are here now?"Eli said. It was obvious he was upset, but not at Dave. He was mad at himself. Maybe he should make a move and tell Clare how he feels. I mean, its obvious she's over K.C.

"I was wondering where Alli was. She was still upset about Drew. I just…I don't know."

It was obvious, over the course of their friendship, Dave grew feelings for Alli. Even though he saw her as beautiful, that's not what pulled him towards her. Her maturity and intellect attracted him to her. At times, he could tell Alli was attracted to him too but she just wouldn't let down her guard.

"Shes at the Zen Garden, Dave. Honestly, I think she needs you. You have a way of always making her smile and helping her stay grounded. She definitely needs that."

"Thanks Clare. I'm going to go to her now."

"That was good what you did Clare. They need to be together but they're not the only ones," Eli said smiling. With that he grabbed her hand and kissed it. Clare couldn't help but smile at the gesture. She didn't know what to do. Fortunately, she didn't have to do anything because Eli kissed her.