Soo my first story wasn't too popular. I'm starting a new one. :D I think my first story was too.. realistic? Boring, even. So this one's way darker. An entirely new take on clare. And possibly eli. Get ready (:

"We need to tell her tonight, Helen. She knows something's wrong."

"Okay, fine. But we're not going to tell her all of it, Randall. I wouldn't make her listen to that nauseating story of your co-worker and yourself,"

Uncomfortable silence.

"Okay. We'll make it very simple, then."

I backed away from the railing I was hiding behind, preparing myself for the invitation downstairs. It was all I could do to keep myself from breaking down and crying. At last, after what seemed like hours, my mother said in a very fakely sweet voice, "Clare, honey? Can you come downstairs for a minute?"

Deep breaths, Clare.

I slowly made my way down the stairs, purposely prolonging the few moments I had left before I could no longer claim ignorance to my parents' failing marriage.

My parents took their seats in the living room- my mom on the couch, and my dad on a chair on the opposite end of the room. My mom motioned for me to sit next to her.

"What's going on, guys?" God, I sounded so fake. How could I not? It was so obvious what they were going to tell me.

"Clare, dear…" My mom started, "your father and I, well, haven't been getting along too well for a while now." I almost rolled my eyes. If I was Eli, I would have said oh, really? Hadn't noticed! I reigned myself in.

My mom looked at my dad very pointedly. She was going to make him say it. He cleared his throat.

"Sweetie. Your mother and I think it'll be easier for us, and you, if we…separate."

They were trying to sugar coat it. Make it sound nicer than it really was. I wouldn't have it.

"You're getting a divorce."

They looked very awkward at the blunt truth of it. How could they? It was their decision. Their fault.

"Well, yes." My mom finally spoke.

Even though I knew this was what they were going to tell me, it still hurt. My eyes stung with tears. I couldn't believe this was happening to my family. The good Christian family. We always went to church, always served our duty to God. And look where it got us. Suddenly, I was pissed. Not sad. I didn't deserve this. What was the point in being a loyal, good kid if I was punished anyway?

"Well, I'm so glad you guys finally got the courage to tell me. You don't need to lie to me, though, dad." I turned to him and narrowed my eyes. But I kept smiling. It was either that or cry. "I would have thought my own father would at least tell me the truth. But, hey, maybe now I can meet this co-worker you've been cheating on mom with? I'm sure she's a very nice lady." My parents' eyes both widened. Did they really think they were doing a good job keeping this a secret? I scoffed, getting up from my spot and half-running up the stairs. I shouted behind me, "Bastard!" and I hope it really hurt.

Upstairs, I allowed myself to let loose the tears I'd kept away from my parents. I lay curled up in a ball, crying and cursing all night. It was the first of many sleepless nights.

Bwahaha. I'm quite excited to see where clare ends up in this tale. Are you? Have suggestions? Comments? Questions? Review!