"She's keeping something from me. I just know it!" Eli exclaimed slamming his locker shut with a loud bang not caring about the looks that he earned.

"Didn't you go through this same thing with Imogen and we all know how well that turned out" Adam recalled leaning against the locker next to Eli.

Eli sighed, remembering how his paranoia and insecurity ruined his relationship with Imogen after it had barely started. Even though he knew that it was for the best that they had broken up, it was still disappointing that he couldn't seem to make their relationship last and that's why he was determined to do things right this time with Clare. He gave her space, made sure to have his hobbies to keep him occupied while she was busy with the newspaper and her internship, and when he felt like he wasn't in control of a situation, he didn't let his anger get the best of him instead he talked it out and reacted in a rational way. So far it seemed to be working out perfectly; he hadn't felt better or more relaxed in a long time and his relationship with Clare seemed to be going better than ever. So why did he have this nagging feeling that there was something wrong?

"And I was right about Imogen." Eli replied pointing at Adam as they walked down the hall. "Well, kind of right. She wasn't cheating on me with Jake but she was developing feelings for Fiona and was lying to me."

"You do have a point."

"Exactly and you haven't seen the way Clare's been acting lately. Every time I see her, it's like she's just finished crying or has the weight of the world on her shoulders. I'm telling there's something wrong with her that she's not telling me" Eli stated pushing through the Degrassi doors.

"Well, she did just stop her internship. Maybe it has something to do with that" Adam offered not really knowing what to say.

"Yeah, and that's weird too. She gets to share a byline with this awesome journalist that she was in complete awe of and then her internship ends like the next day? That doesn't make any sense" Eli commented turning to briefly look at Adam.

Adam shrugged his shoulders "Well, what did she tell you when you asked?"

"She's been kind of vague about it. She just said that it didn't work out and that it was for the best cause now she has more time for the paper. She's just been weird lately"

"Well, maybe this party of yours will be just what she needs" Adam smiled. "I still can't believe that you of all people managed to organize a surprise party."

"When will you learn not to underestimate me, grasshopper?" Eli smirked as they crossed the street and entered The Dot. "It is Clare's 16th birthday after all and I just wanted to do something special for her especially after everything that's happened lately" Eli stated with a shrug. "It helps that I have a friend with plenty of space and no adult supervision even though I'll probably have to do Fiona's bidding for awhile" Eli quipped as they gave their orders.

"I'm sure Clare will love it" Adam insisted giving his friend a playful nudge.

"Love what?" Clare asked standing behind them causing both boys to jump in surprise and turn to face her.

"Uh.. um" both Adam and Eli stammered in unison, looking at each other nervously then at Clare before Eli cleared his throat and said they were talking about her birthday present. Adam laughed nervously and nodded his head, "yeah, he was scared you might not like it. Anyway, I should be getting home before my mom kills me. See you later" Adam said quickly making his exit. Clare looked after him, shaking her head and laughing softly before turning back to Eli.

"Uh okay" she said slowly before smiling at her boyfriend.

"It's nice to see you smiling again" Eli acknowledged softly picking up his drink and walking over to a table with Clare following him.

"What do you mean? I always smile when I'm around you" she quipped cheekily before leaning over to give him a quick peck on the lips.

Eli smiled and sat down, "I just meant since your internship, you've seemed kind of down lately. I know that I've been focused on the play and trying to set up my NYU application but I have noticed that you haven't seemed like yourself lately" he admitted looking at her with concern etched on his face. Clare looked down at the table, fiddling with the loose threads of her scarf unable to maintain eye contact with him.

"I don't know what you want me to say"

"Just tell me the truth" Eli pleaded lowering his head, trying to get her to look at him. "I know there is something going on with you. Whatever it is, I can help you if you just let me" he said taking her hand and holding it gently. Clare looked up at Eli, sighing sadly as she did. She knew that she would have to tell him and he was looking at her with such patience and caring that she figured this was as good as any a time. Clare took a deep breath and released it slowly as she locked eyes with Eli.

"It's about Asher".

** Reviews, comments, and critiques are all welcomed, wanted, and appreciated. That's how I know what you guys are thinking or if you're interested.