Disclaimer: I do not own Degrassi or any of it's characters.
Well it's my first time using fan and writing Degrassi fanfic. I've mostly written banfics but lately it's mostly been original fiction. But I've been craving to write some fanfic so I may be a bit rusty, but hopefully this will give some justice.
The wind picked up once more, a chilly blast through Toronto. It was especially cold near Degrassi High where, to be frank, a pissed off Clare Edwards stood. Her arms crossed her chest, trying to keep warm but it wasn't helping. The school uniform which consisted of a pair of khakis, a polo shirt, and a very thin cardigan helped not one bit against the winter air.
It was the second time this week her mother had forgotten to pick her up from school. I bet she's off gallivanting with another guy, Clare thought to herself. Lately her mother had been coming home in the early hours of the morning and sleeping till the afternoon. Clare didn't even know if her mother was going to work anymore. It was getting really bad and she couldn't do a thing about it.
Clare cursed at herself for not accepting Jake's invitation for a ride home.
"Oh my mother will be here in no time. Really don't worry about me. I know you have to go work with your dad today," she said with a genuine smile.
She regretted it now though as the wind picked up once more. She looked down the road, trying to spot her mother's car but there was nothing to be seen. Suddenly, a car drove around the corner, and drove right to the school entrance, stopping right in front of Clare. She grabbed her cell phone tightly in her pocket, her heart beating faster. She had no clue who's car it was and it was quite strange for them to park right in front of Clare.
The window rolled down and to Clare's relief (well not exactly) she saw Eli's face. He gave her a smile and said, "What are you doing out in this weather? It's freezing!"
"Oh my mom's just a little late that's all," she said awkwardly. Even though Eli and Clare had amended their relationship, being able to be at least civil with each other now, things were still a bit tense. The only time Clare really interacted with Eli is when she hung out with Imogen at school. Surpringly both girls turned out be good friends. Even Eli and Jake got along well. But things were still a bit rocky with Clare and Eli although nobody else really noticed.
"You need a ride home?" He asked.
She shook her head and shrugged. "She'll be coming sooner or later. It's okay, really."
Eli gave her a smug look. "Come on. Stop being modest. You're right around the block from where I'm going. It's no trouble at all."
"Really it's fine Eli," Clare said, starring down at her shoes.
"I'm not leaving until you get into this car," Eli said, putting the car into park and crossing his arms.
"Well you'll be waiting there for another ten minutes until my mother comes," Clare said defiantly.
"And what happens when she doesn't come in ten minutes and three of your fingers are frozen solid?" Eli said with a lop sided grin.
"Well I guess we'll never find out because my mother is coming."
"Tick tock, Clare. Tick tock. You know I'm not gonna leave. When do I ever turn down a challenge."
Clare rolled her eyes. It was as if they were an old married couple, the way they were bickering. It was almost like they were dating again. She shook her head at the thought.
"Fine! I'll get into the darn car," Clare said defeated.
Eli had a cocky look of victory on his face as he leaned over and opened the passenger door. Clare climbed instead, sitting as close to the heater as possible. The car felt ten times better than it did outside but she wasn't going to admit that.
Eli put the car in drive and drove away from Degrassi. They drove in silence for the first five minutes, until they stopped at a stop light. An awkward silence passed until Eli spoke.
"So uhm, was there a newspaper meeting today? I mean is that why you were still there after school?" Eli asked, running a hand through his hair.
"Oh no. I've just been waiting for my mom." Clare said, looking down at her lap.
"ALL THIS TIME?"
"She was late on Monday too. Although last time she was only a half hour late. I just assumed she was running an hour or so late this time."
"Why didn't you just call somebody? I'm sure Jake could of given you a ride home," Eli said, shaking his head.
"He was working today so I didn't want to bother him. Really it's not a big deal. It wasn't that cold."
"And I'm the queen of England. Come on Clare, it's so cold it could start snowing any minute," he said rolling his eyes.
Clare gave a chuckle at that and as if it were out of a movie, a single snowflake fell onto the windshield. A few more flurries fell, melting onto the car.
"Holy-" Eli started, but stopped when Clare shot him a look for swearing.
"You may not be the queen of England but apparently you're a weather man now," Clare said with a laugh. Eli chuckled too, the light turning green.
They continued their way, only a few blocks from Clare's house. The awkward silence had suddenly vanished, and Clare actually felt somewhat comfortable.
"So who's car is this?" she asked.
"Oh it's my dad's. He starting to trust me now so he's letting me use it to go pick up a few comics down at the comic store."
Clare cringed as she thought of Eli smashing his hearse through a wall. She shook away the thought.
Eli pulled up to Clare's house, and Clare said, "Well thanks for the ride. Although I don't want to admit it, it was a lot better than standing in the cold," she smiled.
"Well it's good to know I'm not that repulsive," Eli laughed.
"Psssh," Clare chuckled, lightly punching him on the shoulder. She looked down at her hand, realizing the action was a bit too friendly and put her hands in her lap.
"Well if you ever need a ride, don't hesitate to call. I don't mind," Eli said, breaking the silence."
"Thanks." With that Clare gathered her bag, opened the door, and made her way towards her house. Once she was inside, Eli drove away, not realizing the small smile on his face. Clare didn't even realize the smile on her face either.