Hey guys! So, I'm starting a new story… and I'm a little rusty, I haven't written in a while! I even had to go back and read my other story I Don't Mind to remember what is was about… not sure if I'm going to continue that one, unless I get some requests to? This is going to be a pretty easy going story… I miss the old Eclare! I'm not sure how I'm going to take it yet… Leave a review and tell me what you think! I'm just going to dive in and get the hang of writing and publishing again! I consider myself kind of a newbie to fan fiction still, considering I only have one other story! The title might change, but for now, I'm naming this story Love vs. In Love. Enjoy! Review and help me out?

Clare's POV

I look at myself in the mirror, conflicted with my own image. I had just got done with my hair and thrown on my new outfit for the first day of my sophomore year. My auburn locks perfectly curled, my makeup done with care, looking as natural as ever… but I still wasn't satisfied. I look over my outfit, consisting of dark wash skinny jeans, a black fitted tank, my favorite lacey, red long sleeved cardigan, and my black studded sandals. I guess I look presentable… but something felt off and I couldn't put my finger on it. I decide to ignore it and make my way to the kitchen, every creak in the floor audible as I saunter down the wooden stairs. I immediately spot the familiar yellow lined paper on the counter. Figures… I open it up, it reads:

Clare,

Will be gone for a few days on business- pshh business my ass- No guests while I'm gone. Make sure to feed Lilly and clean up after yourself.

-Randal

I crumple up the pointless note and throw it in the trash; at least he even left a note this time. Not that it matters, we never talk anyways. I don't even know why he bothers trying to lie to me. Does he think I'm stupid? Does he think I don't know the real reason him and my mom split up? Screw "we just fell out of love", more like "I've been screwing my secretary". How does someone just fall out of love anyways? I never understood that (maybe because I've never experienced love, but still). How can you claim to love someone and then all the sudden you just aren't "feeling it" anymore? I shake my head at the thought and open the fridge. No food… again. I guess I'll skip breakfast… Grabbing my bag and my keys, I start making my way to Degrassi, unsure of what kind of day lies ahead. As I near the school, I spot my best friend, Adam. He's seriously the sweetest and funniest guy you will ever come across. He's been there for me through do much, whether it is family problems or my self- loathing, I know I can always count on him to brighten my day. He greets me with a huge bear hug, practically squeezing the life out of me.

"What up? How's your morning been Edwards? Ready for our sophomore year?"

"Ready as I'll ever be… what are your classes?" I ask, grabbing for his schedule paper. I read over the list of classes and am excited to see that we share two classes "We share English 10XL and Math!" I beam at Adam, knowing that with him by my side, this day couldn't be that bad… hopefully.

RIIIIINNNNGGG RING RING

The bell chimes loudly, signaling the swarming crowd to get to their first class. I head to English with Adam and we find seats in the back of the half-full classroom. I look around to see many unfamiliar faces. As far as I saw, I only knew Adam. He seemed to be pretty well acquainted with a few people though, making conversation and fist bumping all the way to his seat. The final bell rings, quickly bringing my attention to the front of the room, before I start doodling in my journal.

I listen to the teacher as she makes the cliché first day of school speech "Hello students! My name is Mrs. Dawes. Welcome to English 10XL. I want to start off by saying—" The classroom door slams, cutting her sentence short. "Well. How nice of you to join us Mr. Goldsworthy." I look up from my journal to see a boy dressed in black from head to toe. His hair was even black, long and messy. I look him over again, sweeping my eyes over his tall, lean body, to his defined face and his pale skin.

"Oh, it's my pleasure Mrs. Dawes." My thoughts are cut short when I hear his smooth, velvety voice. I hear the sarcasm drip from his lips like honey, which makes me snicker a bit in my head. I feel Adam nudge me but all I can do is focus on him.

Mrs. Dawes rolls her eyes "ill cut you some slack since it is your first day here at Degrassi, but try not to be late to my class from now on. Oh, and I am an English teacher Mr. Goldsworthy, I do know sarcasm when I hear it. You can take a seat behind Ms. Edwards." my head snaps in her direction as she points to me. My eyes flicker back to him and I realize he is looking at me. I feel the heat rise to my face, surely making my cheeks noticeably pink. Without a word, he slowly makes his way to the seat behind me, holding eye contact with me the whole way there. I realize now how captivating his eyes are. Two pools of deep jade green. I finally find the power to pull my gaze away from his, hearing Adam snicker in the background. I glare at him before he whispers "Smooth Clare, smooth." My thoughts drift back to the boy now sitting behind me, feeling him shuffle into his seat. There's something so mesmerizing about him, the way he carried himself with such confidence, the way he looked into my eyes, unreadable. One side of me makes me want to get to know this mysterious looking boy, yet the other side wants to run and hide.

Eli's POV

The teacher finally points me to my seat after pointlessly trying to scold me for my tardiness. I follow her finger and my eyes immediately catch them. Two blue orbs, my curiosity sparks. I take in the sight of a petite looking girl in the desk in front of mine. She is looking at me, wide eyed and face flushed. I can't help but stare into her eyes as I walk to my seat, taking in the pure beauty. She isn't just another one of those 'hot' girls in school, she's got an innocent beauty to her. It's interesting and I wonder what it is about her… is it her pink, plump lips? Her fair skin? Those vivid blue eyes? She breaks eyes contact, clearly flustered, which gives me a bit of an ego boost. I zone out the rest of the class period, all I can think about are those blue eyes looking up at me.

Okay! I realize this is a really, really rough start… but I told you guys I haven't written in a while! And I'm just going with the flow right now. I'm sorry if this was boring guys. My introductions are usually pretty rocky… and it's short. Ugh! The next chapters will definitely be longer and hopefully more developed. I hope it was semi-enjoyable! Tell me in a review! And check out my other story I Don't Mind... I might start that again once I get into writing like I used to. xoxo

-LuvD98-