I was putting books in my locker when someone attacked me from behind. Eli was always like that, surprising me with romantic gestures.

"Missed me?" He whispered in my ear. His voice was horse, I didn't notice anything different this morning.

"Are you ok? Your voice seems different. Do you have a cold or something?" I said as I finished putting the last of my books away.

"Why I'm fine Clare, what ever makes you think I would have a cold?"

That really didn't sound like Eli but I had heard the voice before. I turned around.

"FITZ?" I screeched.

Was it really Fitz, back at degrassi? I thought he was in Juvy. He was even wearing the degrassi uniform! Did simpson let him come back to degrassi?

"What are you doing here? You are supposed to be in Jail!"

He laughed then put his hand on my shoulder.

"Clare, o Clare. You know I'm a very persuasive person, I got along quite well with the gaurds there. I got let out for good behavior. And you are probably wondering why simpson let me back too, right?"

I stared at his hand. I wanted to push it off but I was worried about his response.

"Yeah, I am wondering why!" I shifted my position but he just moved closer, his hand still on my shoulder.

"You look worried Clare, are you scared of me or something? Your little boyfriend did start all the trouble you know. I rea-"

I stopped him. "ELI DIDN'T DO ANYTHING WORNG! This is all your fault fitz, did Eli go to jail, no! This is your problem so don't bring me or Eli into it! Please just go live or life!" I finished and pushed his hand of my shoulder, amazed with my courage.

"Saint Clare's become a rebel! I didn't think I was gone that long!" He laughed which made me tighten my fists with anger. "Anyway, Simpson let me back into school because he knows I didn't do anything wrong. Now I just need to follow these new rules at school and I'm off the hook everywhere else." He gave me the most devious smile.

"We had a deal you wouldn't hurt Eli, do anything and I'll make sure Simpson finds out!" I threatened him.

"That will just cause you and Eli more pain, not a good idea Clare."

He knew exactly how to stump me. It was horrible.

"Well, I got to go to meet up with Owen! See you later Clare Bear!" He said walking away, then he laughed.

I watched him turn the corner. Something made me want to chase him and tell him what was on my mind but I knew that was only going to cause trouble. I wonder how much of this I should tell Eli. I'll defiantly tell him that Fitz is back but should I mention anything else? I don't want them to get back to war. I'll just keep quiet for now. I'll tell Eli tonight on our date about Fitz, I just hope he doesn't over react.

Buzz, buzz ,BUZZ "New text message for Eli Goldsworthy" Hey Clare, ready for out date? I'll be there in 10!

I replied with a simple "see you then" and finished my makeup. We were going to eat dinner at the Steak House! I hadn't really liked steak until Eli took me there. Then I heard the doorbell and ran downstairs, slipping my shoes on as I walked. Right before I opened the door I smoothed my dress, fixed my hair breathed. I opened the door.

"Hey Eli, I didn't see you in the afternoon! I'm excited for tonight! Ohhh, what are you going to order? Steak maybe? Do you want to walk, its not that far! I was wondering if you wa-"

"Calm down Clare, we can talk in the car!"

He grabbed my hand, which at this point was sweaty, and we sat down in Morty. He started the engine.

"Hey, Morty looks nice, it's really pretty, well in a hearse-y way! And did you kn-" I was blabbing like a fool! He knows something is wrong, it's just all I can think about is Fitz, His tall, slender structure towering over my 5'2 and his devious smile.

"Woah Clare, are you high or something? Haha, kidding! You do seem a little off, well too on I guess! Everything ok?" He smirked then looked at me.

"Elijah, please look at the road! Haha! And what, I'm fine! Why would you even think something is wrong? I'm offended!" I laughed, awkwardly then looked out the window.

"OK Clare, you don't have to tell me but remember I'm a good listener." He laughed. I knew he was implying me to tell him, I'm just not sure If while he was driving was the best time.

"I'll tell you at the steak house, ok?" I asked, scared for his response.

"Fine with me."

He drove, shooting me a glance every couple minutes. We finally arrived and after we sat down he gave me this "go ahead, I'm waiting" look.

"Ok, Fitz is back." I said, shaking. I looked him.

"Yeah, I know Clare." He smirked then grabbed my hand. " Don't worry, I'll keep my distance from him. You won't have to worry about anything! This won't be a repeat of last time!" He smiled and looked at me.

"Thanks, that's all I need to hear." I said, so glad he wasn't going to cause trouble. Of course I remembered what Fitz said but I was just happy Eli was going to do his part in ending the war.

"Now Ms. Edwards, we have a meal to enjoy." He pointed to the two plates our waiter had just brought. He stole a fry and we began acting like little kids, getting all mad when someone steals your food, of course were joking. I was just happy we were having fun! Maybe this war would be over, maybe Eli and I could be together, happily without Fitz to bother us. Maybe Fitz will go back to jail, well one can only hope.

Eli dropped me off and I skipped inside, happy as could be. Eli was gonna avoid Fitz so no matter what Fitz did, Eli wouldn't care! This was just great! My mom was with me this week but she had a book club sleepover movie night! I grabbed some ice cream then changed into my PJs.

Buzz, BUZZ, BUUUUZZZZZZ "New Text message from Unknown Number" Hey Clare, It's Fitz. Listen, I'm really sorry about today. I was wondering if we were cool? I'll IM you too!

What, did Fitz just text me an apology? That was awfully sweet. Maybe he did have a good side! I went to my computer and saw 3 new IMs.

Eligold-49: Hey Clare! Are you there?

Alli_xoxo: OMG CLARE! I was at the dot and this REALLY hot guy winked at me! Get on for deats.

Fitz_mark: Hey Clare, it's Fitz, you there?

Alli and eli weren't on so I decided I'll email Alli and just talk to Eli tomorrow. Then I decide to reply to Fitz.

Clare_E12: Hi Fitz

Fitz_Mark: Hey Clare, did you get my text? I'm really sorry.

Clare_E12: Yeah and I forgive you for this afternoon but idk about everything else.

Fitz_Mark: I get if you hate me but I think we could be good friends, now Eli…. That's an entirely different story.

Clare_E12: Yeah, you did make his life living hell. I don't think you'll get much out of him. I'm all for giving 2nd chances so here you go, we can be friends. But not around Eli, he will get mad. Sounds like a plan?

Fitz_Mark: Yeah, sounds great! Oh, I gtg. My turn on the computer is over! I'll talk to you later. Bye Clare

Fitz_Mark signed off

I shut my computer. Did I just agree to be friends with Fitz…. Mark Fitzgerald? The same guy who tortured my boyfriend and best friend, yeah him. I guess he was right, he is very persuasive.