Welcome to the new Clew story!
I want to thank everyone that voted in the poll.
Legal: I own nothing but the idea.
Important information to know before reading:
*Drew & Katie broke up over winter break and Drew got back together with Bianca.
*Fiona did not lose her money and her mom is not under house arrest.
*Uniforms were never enforced.
*Cam does not exist in this story and thus is not a part of the hockey team.
*Caitlin married Joey and still has her show.
That should do it, the rest is in the chapter.
Hope you all enjoy!
Ch. 1 Ain't Got Nothing but this Roll of the Die
(CLARE)
"I should talk to Eli, no I should let him come to me," I comment as I walk into the Torres basement.
"You should relax Clare," Alli advises from my side.
"It's Eli, he'll come to you," Jenna remarks from my other side.
Today was our first day back at school after winter break. We had an assembly to announce our new hockey team, which I already knew about due to one of them being billeted with Adam. To welcome the new hockey team, and because the Torres parents were away for the night, there was a party at the Torres house tonight. Alli, Jenna and I had just arrived. Mom let me borrow the car to come tonight, and I was more anxious than I probably should be for a party at Adam's.
I wasn't nervous about the party itself. I wasn't nervous about the hockey team or anything like that. My nervous feeling was because Eli and I had kissed before break. I hadn't talked to him since, we hadn't even talked today at school. Homeroom had been cancelled due to the assembly, but I didn't even see Eli after the assembly. Alli and I had co-op all morning, so we didn't have class after the assembly, but Eli did. He was busy at lunch, meeting with Simpson I heard, and not having any afternoon classes with him I hadn't seen him all day. Thus we had not talked about the kiss, although I hadn't been nervous about it all day, not until after school.
I hadn't talked to Eli about the kiss (or at all), however while Alli, Jenna and I were getting ready for the party at my house we did talk about the kiss. We talked about the kiss, the implications, and what it might mean for Eli and I. If I truly wanted to get back together with him? What I thought he thought about the kiss? What I thought he thought I thought about the kiss? The three of us talked about it so much I was nervous to see Eli now. I wanted to know what he thought, and if he thought was what I was thinking. If he wanted to get back together, because I was now sure that I did.
"You're right," I nod forcing myself to breathe, "let's enjoy the party."
We enter the party and are greeted by a wolf-whistle from Dallas. "Good evening beautiful, sexy ladies. Would any of you like a beer? Or maybe a kiss?"
"Dallas, no hitting on my best friend," Adam says taking my arm.
"But she's hot, their all hot," Dallas grins.
"No dating my best friend," Adam reiterates.
"Why not? You planning to date her?" Drew questions making Adam's cheeks go red.
"I'm just not letting Dallas date her," Adam replies.
"That's fine, there's still these two sexy ladies," Dallas smiles at them. It reminds me of a cartoon wolf smiling at a lamb he wants to eat.
"Yes, well this sexy lady is taken," Dave comments pulling Alli to him and giving her a long kiss. Dallas doesn't even blink, just turns his sights on Jenna.
"Not happening," Jenna says pushing past him to go to the food. The rest of us laugh at Dallas getting shot down, although he doesn't really look disappointed. I'm sure he's just waiting for the next girl to come through the door.
"These three are just too high class for you," Drew chuckles.
"Who's too high class for Dallas?" Bianca questions coming in.
"Clare, Alli and Jenna," Adam replies.
"Yep, waaaaay too high class for Dallas," Bianca laughs. Dallas grimaces at her, Drew takes Bianca in his arms and greets her with a kiss.
I link my arm with Adam and walk off with him. Adam and I go to the fireplace and start talking, Jenna joins us after a few minutes, and then Connor. I don't realize I've been talking to them so long until I realize how full the basement has gotten.
"I'm going to get a drink," I tell them as I stand up. Adam nods, I start walking to the kitchenette where the food is, but then I see Eli. I stop walking, watching him talk to Fiona and Imogen, wondering if I should go over there. Before I can make a decision, I get bumped into from behind and it sends me knocking into Owen.
"Whoa," Owen says catching me. At least, the hockey player has fast reflexes. "You're not going to get girls by trying to run them over Baker," Owen says with a laugh as he helps me to stand.
"Sorry, didn't see her, she's so short," the boy shrugs.
"You alright Clare?" Eli questions appearing suddenly.
"Yeah, I'm fine," I smile stepping away from Owen.
"You want to go get some air?" Eli asks. I nod, he takes my hand and we go outside. "So, enjoying the party?" He asks sort of awkwardly.
"Yeah, it's alright. The new hockey team is rather loud and kind of rowdy though."
"Yeah, I've only met a couple, but I think the school could have done without a new hockey team."
"Eli," I venture deciding I'll have to be the one to broach the subject, "about the kiss…I've been thinking about it all during break."
"So, have I."
"Then why didn't you say anything?"
"You were worried about us even being friends again. When we were together things got intense and they didn't end well. If we do this again I want us both to be all in."
"Eli, I am all in."
Eli grins, his hand combs into my hair and he brings our lips together for a happy fervent kiss. We break from the kiss when we hear people whistling.
"Guess DeGrassi's hottest couple is back," Bianca comments.
"I thought we were DeGrassi's hottest couple," Drew says with his boyish grin and wiggling his eyebrows.
"Damn right we are," Bianca grins smashing her lips to his. They start sucking face, it's rapidly getting hot, hotter than I want to see and I look back at Eli.
"You want a ride home? Dave is taking Alli and Jenna home, I have my mom's car."
"Yeah, thanks I've definitely had enough of this party," Eli replies.
He never did let go of my hand, so we walk to the car with our fingers still intertwined and he kisses me before I get into the car. I take him home, he kisses me again before he leaves the car and I drive home with a smile. Our parents are in bed, Jake didn't go tonight, so he covered for me in case I was out late.
"How was the party?" Jake asks coming out of his room.
"Great," I grin.
"I take it the smile means you and Eli got back together?"
"Yep."
"I knew it," he smirks.
I say goodnight to Jake and start getting ready for bed. Eli calls while I'm getting ready for bed, we talk the rest of the night, and fall asleep still on the phone. I wake to his gentle rhythmic breathing and it makes me smile. I wake Eli up by calling his name through the phone, and tell him I'll see him at school before hanging up. I get ready for bed, tell Mom Eli and I are back together at breakfast, and then go to school with Jake. While I'm at my locker putting in books Eli comes over, kissing my cheek.
"I've been thinking," Eli says leaning against the locker next to mine.
"A dangerous prospect when it comes to you," I tease him. He twists his mouth at me, tickling my side a little.
"We should go on a first date, like a re-first date."
"I like the idea of re-first date," I grin.
"Good, how about tonight?" Eli asks.
"Tonight, is perfect," I smile. Eli spins me around, flashes me his smirk and then captures my lips.
"It warms my heart to see you two kissing again," Adam speaks up breaking us from our kiss, "of course this means I'm the third wheel again."
"Adam, you are not a third wheel!" I contest.
"She's right Adam," Eli says putting his arm around Adam's shoulders, "you are a not a third wheel at all. We just need to find you the right girl and then we can double."
"Yeah, good luck with that. My one and only relationship with a girl was very short, and she only wanted to be with me because she was a closeted lesbian."
"There's a girl for you Adam, have some faith," I tell him. He gives me a doubting look but doesn't say anything.
"I need to get to my locker before chemistry," Eli comments. He kisses my cheek and waves to Adam before disappearing down the hall.
"So, the happy couple is reunited finally," Adam smiles opening his locker.
"Yeah, after last spring I didn't think Eli and I would even be friends again. After this summer and winter break it feels right," I grin putting my English and physics book in my locker.
Adam smiles and asks how it happened last night, I tell him everything as he walks me to class. He leaves me at my classroom with a wave before walking off to his math class. I tell Alli about getting back together with Eli before class starts.
"I'm happy to announce that we have our first placement. Let's all congratulate Clare on her placement at The Interpreter where she'll be working with one of my favorite journalists; Asher Shostak," Miss Oh announces. The class applauds, and I smile wide, very excited because I got my first choice! "Clare you and I will meet to talk about what you can expect, go over some things including the schedule they sent over. The rest of you, please work on your introduction letters, or if you have not made all your selections please do so now. If you have any questions come to my desk. Clare why don't come over to my desk?"
I get up and follow Miss Oh to her desk. We go over basic office conduct which I already knew. Then she tells me the schedule they expect me to keep to. I work every morning during co-op, which is standard of course. What I wasn't expecting was they also want me to come most of the afternoons after school. Mornings will be easy, I can take the truck once we're at school, but after school I'm not sure, I'll have to talk to Jake about taking the truck after school. Miss Oh informs me that my first shift is in fact today after school. Since, I don't need second period as I've already been placed, and it's not enough time to go to co-op I have a free period. At lunch I go to my locker, finding Adam at his locker and Eli finds us.
"I got my co-op placement," I tell them with a delighted tone.
"Already, that was fast. Does your level of excitement mean you got your first choice?" Eli questions.
"I did! Working at the Interpreter with Asher Shostak," I practically squeal.
"Congratulations Clare! So, is your first shift tomorrow?" Adam inquires while Eli is hugging me. Adam hugs me when Eli releases me.
"Actually, my first shift is after school. I need to go find Jake and ask if I can take the truck after school."
"Don't bother Jake. I'll borrow Dad's car, take you to co-op and pick you up after your shift for our re-first date," Eli tells me.
"Thanks Eli, but how are you going to get your dad's car?"
"I'll call him right now, I'm sure he can drive it over and I can run him home and be back in time for third period. I'll meet you two in the memorial garden for lunch?"
He smirks and walks off; Adam and I get our lunches then go to the memorial garden. Eli joins us after a couple minutes and tells us his dad is bringing the car. He eats with us for about ten minutes before his dad calls and Eli tells us he'll be back before lunch is over before going out to meet his dad. Adam and I finish lunch, tossing our trash and returning to our lockers. I only see Eli long enough for him to give me a quick kiss he goes off to class. English and physics, both classes I generally enjoy, seem to drag on today. It's probably because I'm anxious and excited to get to co-op. When school finally does let out Adam and Alli wish me luck at co-op, I say goodbye to them and meet Eli on the steps. He takes me to co-op, wishes me luck and kisses me before I get out of the car. He says he'll pick me up at six, I wave to him before going inside. I press the button for the elevator and when it dings I'm surprised to see someone I know in it.
"Clare!" Drew exclaims just as surprised to see me.
"Hi Drew," I smile stepping in.
"What floor?" He asks as the doors begin to close.
"Nine."
"You're going to the Interpreter too?" Drew asks.
"Yeah, it's my co-op placement with Asher Shostak. Why are you going to the Interpreter?"
"I don't know who Asher Shostak is, but the advertising exec Martin Christiansen went to college with my dad. He got me a job here, my parents thought it would be good for me to have an after-school job," Drew explains. The elevator has reached our floor and we step off.
"Guess we'll be working together then, or at least on the same floor. Asher is one of the reporters here," I tell Drew and he grins. "Clare Edwards for Asher Shostak," I tell the young man at the front desk.
"And Drew Torres for Martin Christiansen."
"Yes, our high school help. We've been expecting you both. One moment while I let them know you're here," the guy replies. He picks up the phone and I turn to Drew.
"Adam didn't tell me you had a job at The Interpreter."
"He didn't tell me you would be working here either. We could have come together," Drew replies.
"Eli gave me a ride today, but since they do expect me after school most days it would be great if I could ride with you instead of taking Jake's truck."
"Yeah, no problem," Drew says just as I see Asher coming.
(DREW)
A man comes around the corner, a man I know isn't Martin so I assume he's Asher. He's also looking right at Clare, and totally ignoring me.
"Clare, it's a pleasure to meet you. Come with me, I'll show you to your desk and get you situated," Asher smiles putting a hand at her back. She waves to me and follows him back then I see Martin coming.
"Welcome Drew, good to have you here. To get started I need you to fill out some paperwork, and then I'll show you around," Martin tells me.
"Cool."
I follow him to his office, he shows me where I'll be working and I fill out some paperwork on the computer. Standard employment forms he tells me, though I've never had to fill them out before as I've never had a job before, and I ask a few questions. Once I'm done with that I go to HR and get my picture taken for my employee ID. After that Martin shows me around, we pass by Clare, but she's working hard and doesn't even look up. I know where her desk is anyway, we also pass by Asher's office, his office and a few others have no walls, or rather all the walls are made of glass so you can see everything, it's kind of odd.
After giving me the tour we return to Martin's office, his walls are not made of glass, and he goes over my responsibilities and work schedule. My very first task is to scan in a whole lot of documents and then file them. After I get everything scanned I take a short break to use the washroom and get some water. On my way back to my desk I see Asher with Clare, he has his hand on her shoulder and he's leaning over her, I suppose to look at what's on her screen. From my view however, it looks like he's looking down her dress. I walk just past them and linger at the wall pretending to look at all the awards on it, a lot of them are for Asher.
"Excellent work Newsie, truly excellent you're going to be a huge asset. I need to go cover a protest at Stell Labs, why don't you come along?" Asher offers.
"Really? You want me to come with you?" Clare asks excitedly.
"Yeah, it would be great experience for you and I could use an assistant. I have to leave in five minutes though," Asher replies.
"I'll come. I just need to make a phone call first," Clare tells him. Asher walks back to his office and Clare gets out her phone. I stick around to hear her side of the conversation. "Hi Eli, I hate to cancel our re-first date, but they need me at work…you sure you'll be okay?...Eli!...I knew that you know, but don't joke like that…me too I'll see you tomorrow Eli."
"You coming Newsie?" Asher asks walking past her desk.
"Yeah," she says grabbing her purse and coat from her desk. She starts to run after Asher and turns to look back at me, "See you tomorrow Drew."
I wave to her and return to my desk. I finish my shift, but I keep thinking about Asher with Clare earlier. Maybe he wasn't looking down her dress, but it sure looked like it to me. Not just that, there was something about the way he touched her, even when he first met her, that thinking back on it gives me an uneasy feeling. Not to mention his nickname for her, that doesn't sit well with me either. I decide to keep my eye on Asher, especially around Clare, but with everyone else too. It is possible he's just that way with everyone, instinct tells me no, but I'll watch him. I finish my work, tell Martin I'm done and he says he'll see me tomorrow. I clock out, go down to the parking garage and drive home.
"I'm home," I call as I enter. I lock the door, hang up my jacket and walk into the living room where I find my parents watching the news on the sofa.
"How was work Honey?" Mom asks pausing the TV.
"Good, I like working with Martin. I didn't meet too many other people though, they were all busy."
"Did you see Clare? Adam told us her co-op placement is there with Asher Shostak," Mom comments.
"Yeah, I did. We ran into each other in the elevator. I told her she could ride with me when she had to work after school."
"That was nice of you Son, I'm sure Clare and your brother will appreciate that you're looking out for her," Dad says.
"I'm sure Clare's parents will too," Mom adds. "If you're hungry I left a plate for you in the stove."
"Thanks Mom, I'm going to take my dinner downstairs. I've still got homework."
They start watching the news again while I get my dinner out of the oven. I put it on another plate and go down to the basement. Adam is down here, watching TV and still doing homework. He must have been doing something after school, because it never takes him this long to do his homework.
"How was work?" Adam asks when he sees me coming down the stairs.
"Good, why didn't you tell Clare I had a job at The Interpreter?"
"Oddly, you don't come up very often in my conversations with her," Adam replies in a snarky tone.
"Fine. Why didn't you tell me she had her co-op placement there?"
"I didn't know until lunch, and I didn't see you all afternoon. I was going to tell her you worked there after I found out about her placement, but she was excited and talking about it so much I never got a chance. Then Eli joined us and they were talking, I kind of forgot to mention it at all. Guess you saw her there?"
"Yeah, in the elevator. We talked a few minutes before her co-op mentor came to get her. Then I saw her before she left with him," I reply before taking a bite of my dinner.
"Wait, she left with Asher? I thought she had her re-first date with Eli?"
"She broke it to cover a protest with Asher."
"How do you know this and I don't?"
"I overheard Asher ask her to come, then overheard her phone call to Eli. So, what did you do after school? Because I know it doesn't take you this long to do your homework." I'm not telling him about my worries over Asher's behavior for two reasons. First, I only saw them for a few minutes, I'm not even sure there's something to be worried about. Secondly, he's her best friend, if there is nothing to worry about Adam will worry anyway and needlessly. He'll probably say something to Eli and he overreacts to like everything! Or Adam could say something to Clare, which could lead her to being paranoid and overthinking, and I know she does that. Worse, she could get mad at me for being worried over nothing.
"Tried out for a band Mo is putting together. He said he'd let me know tomorrow. I didn't get home until just before dinner."
"Cool, being in a band could be good for you."
I finish my dinner and then start on my homework. As usual Adam helps me with my math and nutrition and health homework. Adam goes to take a shower when he's done, and I start on my geography homework. I'm reading the assigned chapter when my cell rings, and smile when I see my girlfriend's beautiful face on my phone. She asks about work and I tell her, she tells me about Bright Sparks, and she saw Adam trying out for the band. I tell her about Clare also working at The Interpreter, and then we talk about classes, she even helps me with the geography homework since she already did it. I'm still talking to her when Dallas comes in, he had Ice Hounds practice and then was doing homework at Owen's, so we knew he'd be home late. I wave to Dallas, but I'm still on the phone with Bianca. Dallas goes into his room and I start gathering my stuff to take upstairs. I stay on the phone with Bianca through all of it, talking to her until I start getting ready for bed.
It's not until I'm in bed and starting to fall asleep that I start thinking about Asher with Clare. The moment Asher first greeted her plays over in my head, I didn't think about it at the time, but watching it replay I don't like where he put his hand when they first met. He really shouldn't have been touching her at all, but he put his hand at the small of her back and left it there as they walked away. What really gives me a sinking feeling from my chest to a pit at the bottom of my stomach is what happened later. Watching Asher with his hand on Clare's shoulder, leaning over her and (from what I saw) looking at her chest, brought up that protective instinct in me. I can't quite explain it, but when I saw them I got the same feeling I get when I'm worried about Adam. Even the nickname Asher calls her gives me that feeling. Okay, so Newsie isn't as bad as calling her Baby or something. Still, it gave me an uneasy feeling, it just sounds like a pet name and your boss should not have a pet name for you.
I could be wrong, maybe there's nothing to worry about. Maybe it's all perfectly innocent, still my gut is telling me there is something to worry about. I'm determined to keep my eye on them and pay close attention to Asher's behavior and interactions with everyone.
(CLARE)
"Good morning Blue Eyes," Eli greets me at my locker Thursday morning, "I guess there was a lot for you to do at work for your first day?"
"Sorry I had to cancel our re-first date, but Asher was covering the protest at Stell Labs and wanted me to go with him. It was an opportunity I just couldn't pass up."
"It's okay, I understand. Your boss must be really impressed with you to take you on an assignment on your first day."
"I hope so, Asher is amazing! He knows so much, I learned a lot just watching him. I have co-op again after school today, no shift tomorrow after school though. Can we do our re-first date then?"
"Tomorrow night it is," Eli grins and gives me a quick kiss. "I can't take you to co-op after school I'm going to talk to Simpson about doing a play this semester. I was thinking Death of a Salesman, a modern re-telling."
"Sounds great Eli, I can't wait to see it. Just promise me no more plays about us," I tease him.
"No more plays about us," Eli smirks. "Jake will let you take the truck after school right?"
"I don't need to borrow the truck, Drew will take me."
"Uh, Drew? Did I miss when Drew became your personal chauffer?"
"No, he's working at the Interpreter too. He said I could ride with him whenever I needed to."
"Oh cool. Wait, he's not in co-op this year."
"No," I laugh, "it's a paid job. He's working in the marketing department, but it's every day after school."
"Good, Drew needs a job, keep him out of trouble," Eli smirks. When I twist my mouth at him for the snarky comment he kisses me.
"Hey guys," Adam greets us.
"Morning Adam, why didn't you tell us Drew has a job at The Interpreter?" I question.
"I kind of forgot in your excitement, you and Eli were talking about you re-first date, it just slipped my mind. Wasn't even sure you'd see each other there."
"It was a surprise, but at least I have a ride after school when I need it. Jake was happy to know that I wouldn't need to borrow the truck as much. I need to get to my locker and stash my books before I leave for co-op."
They come with me, Adam visits his locker as well. I stash my books, say goodbye to the boys and go out to the truck. I got a parking pass yesterday along with an ID that says I'm a student intern. I go straight to Asher's office to let him know that I'm here, only he isn't in his office. I do see a large stack of fact checking on my desk however. I get to work on fact checking, I'm deep into it and concentrating hard when I feel a hand on my shoulder. I look up to see Asher smiling at me.
"Looks like you've already gotten through most of the fact checking I left you, excellent work. I knew you'd be intelligent enough to know what you needed to do without me having to leave instructions. I undeniably made the right choice for my student intern," Asher says.
His compliment makes me smile, "Thank you Asher. That means a lot, and I'm very excited to be working with you. I know I'm going to learn a lot from you."
"Yes you will Newsie," Asher smiles. "You should finish up the fact checking, you have to be back at school soon don't you?"
I look at the clock on the computer, "I do. If I'm going to be back in time for lunch."
"You need to eat lunch Newsie, it's important. You'll be back after school for your shift right?"
"Yes, I'll be here, I'll get a ride with Drew."
"Drew, yes he goes to your school as well. I hear he got a job in the marketing department. It's good that you two can carpool. I have to get back to work, but I'll see you this afternoon Newsie."
Asher goes to his office and I go back to fact checking. When I finish I let Asher know I'm returning to school and I've finished the fact checking. I get back to school just before lunch, grabbing my lunch from my locker, and take it to the memorial garden. The halls begin to fill even before the bell rings. Adam, Eli, Alli, Jenna and Dave join me with their lunches after the bell rings. I find out Alli got her placement with a research hospital, she tells us she didn't do much today, but her mentor is nice. Adam tells us about the band tryouts and that he made it, first rehearsal is after school today. He says Imogen made the band too, but he doesn't know who else did. Eli asks how my co-op was and I tell them it was all fact checking. When the bell rings Eli gives me a quick kiss before Adam and I walk off to English class.
"Hey Adam, do you know what class Drew has now? Or can you text him for me and let him know I need a ride to co-op please?" I request as we leave last period.
"Why would Drew give you a ride?" Connor inquires.
"Because he's working at The Interpreter too," Adam explains while he fidgets with his phone. "There, now you have Drew's number you can ask him for a ride yourself."
"Thanks Adam," I grin just as my phone alerts me to a text. I save the contact in my phone as I tell Adam to have a good time at rehearsal. I tell everyone else I'll see them tomorrow and text Drew while walking towards the front.
Clare: It's Clare, hope you don't mind that Adam gave me your number. I need a ride to co-op.
Drew: I don't mind at all. I'll meet you on the steps in a minute.
Just as he said Drew comes out a moment later. He grins and I follow him to his car.
"How was your shift this morning?" Drew asks as he begins driving.
"Fine, Asher wasn't there for most of it and all I did was fact checking."
"That's good," he says sounding strangely relieved and then quickly adds, "uh I mean you're learning the ropes and stuff."
"Yeah, you are too I'm sure."
"Yep, I learned how to scan and where to file things yesterday. What about last night? You went to the protest with him?" Drew asks.
"That was great! I learned a lot just by watching him, Asher is amazing he knows just the right questions to ask and who to talk to. I'm eager to let him teach me anything he can, I want to be an investigative journalist just like him."
"Clare, I have to ask; you're super smart, from what Adam tells me brilliant. You were in advanced classes and everything, so why do you want to be a journalist?"
Update soon picking up from right here and Drew's trepidation about Asher growing. Hope you all enjoyed this first chapter. Next to be updated is Alone on a School Night.