AN: As Promised.

Chapter 2- Perks of Being a Wallflower

"Eli, would you please stop eating like that? You look like a caveman."

I grunted at Adam, taking another vicious bite out of my bun. Yes, I was aware of the fact that I looked like a Neanderthal, Adam, and thank you so much for pointing it out, again. I let him have his fun. It's not often that I completely lose it. Well, that was what I was thinking before he shoved a knife and fork under my nose. That kinda pissed me off.

"You see this, Eli? It's called a 'fork'; FORRRR-KA. And this is a 'knife'; NYYYY-FA. We use them to eat things in civilized communities, instead of our teeth." He laughed with delight at treating me like a two year old. He was so going to pay…as soon as I can stop focusing on Clare. Look at them, laughing away. Gross. And she's blushing? Only I make her blush! Not fair! My Clare was blushing at something some other guy said! What is this, an alternate universe? Am I dreaming? Is this one of those crazy episodes where I get sucked into one of my comic books and I'm forced to watch the villain get away with my girl? I ripped another piece off my bun; chew, chew, chew, swallow.

"What could she possibly see in that guy, anyways?" I muttered.

"Who? Logan? Are you crazy? He's hot!" I stilled in mid-chew to glare at Adam questionably. "What? Just because I'm a guy doesn't mean I can't admire another man's physical appearance in a completely non-homosexual way!" I rolled my eyes and returned to staring at Clare and eating my lunch. Chew, chew, chew, swallow. "Can you really blame Clare, Eli? Logan's good-looking, he's funny, and he seems like a great guy. But I think the main reason Clare likes him right now is that, well, he's not you, Eli."

I stopped again, slamming the remainder of the bun down on the table. "And what the hell is that supposed to mean?"

Adam blinked a few times in confusion, as if the answer was obvious. "It means Clare's moving on."

"My Clare, moving on, right," I scoffed.

Adam's expression grew sad, "Well, you can't really call her your Clare anymore, can you? You broke up with her, Eli! What do you expect her to do? Stay hanging off you forever? Maybe it's time you moved on, too."

I narrowed my eyes, "I can't move on. What a ridiculous proposition."

"You broke up with her!"

"You know why!" I was failing miserably at keeping my anger contained.

Adam shook his head, "Yeah, like you told me the truth. That was the lamest excuse I've ever heard! Why don't you tell me why you really broke up with her?" I simply glared holes in his head. "Fine. You know what, Eli? You're being completely unreasonable. You broke up with her; you have no explanation, get over it, Eli. You lost your chance to be with her."

He started getting up, but I grasped his arm. He looked at me with wide eyes, probably because he was viewing the pained look on my face. "But I love her," I whispered.

Adam's eyes softened, "Then get her back. You can't keep moping around because now you have competition. Don't lose hope; Clare only met him today. But if you keep playing the martyr, he's going to take her away from you. I don't understand why you left her in the first place, but if you really want her, you have to fight back."

And this is why Adam's my best friend. "But what if she doesn't want me back?"

"Well that's just a chance you'll have to take. Weren't you the one that taught Clare about taking risks? Besides, I know for a fact that, thanks to my fantastic friend services to her, Clare cried herself to sleep for weeks after you broke up with her. I didn't want to tell you that, man, but you don't get over that kind of hurt fast. I would bet my allowance that Clare still cares about you."

A pang of guilt shot through me. I never wanted Clare to go through so much pain. I'm an idiot. But selfish hope shone through the guilt. She still cared about me! I felt the grin grow on my face, "so what's the plan?"

Adam narrowed his eyes and pursed his lips, like he always did when he was in deep thought. "Well," he started, "I have an idea but it could use some refining. In the meantime, just remind her why she fell for you in the first place; be subtle about it, and for the love of God, do not go after Logan. Being an ass to him is not a desirable trait. But if you feel the need to be hostile towards him in any way, make sure Clare's not around. Don't beat him up; just let him know that you're going to fight for Clare."

I took another look at Logan and Clare. This should be fun. Logan won't know what hit him.

"That's awful! Did he say why?" Logan said with disbelief, his blue eyes wide with caring.

I looked down at my fiddling fingers, picking at the pink nail polish. "Nope, not a word," I mumbled.

Logan leaned back in his seat, thoughtful. "Hmm, that's why Eli was so weird when I ran into you today. And that's probably why he's been glaring at us for the past half hour." He stealthily pointed in Eli's direction. I managed to stifle my giggle but I couldn't reign in my blush.

"Well, he's just going to have to get over it, won't he?"

He smirked at me, "Guess he will." I blushed even brighter.

I giggled, "Why have I been babbling on about myself? Tell me about you!"

Logan pouted, "But I was having so much fun learning about you! You have a very exciting life, Miss. Clare. From near stabbings to flipping out at Jesus Club; you're more interesting than a movie." I smirked at his exaggeration.

He rolled his eyes. "Fine," He started, "I moved here from California. My mom's a publisher and she got re-located to the Toronto offices. I thought moving to Canada would be the worst thing that ever happened to me, but then I encountered…." He leaned forward and I held my breath in anticipation. "Canadian bacon! I mean have you tried that stuff! Best food of my life! I even tried it smothered in maple syrup…"

I burst out laughing and so did he. "I'm kidding!" He laughed, "Although the bacon is, indeed, spectacular, the truth is I thought moving to Canada would be like moving to my personal, icy hell…until I met you."

His gaze was steady and kind. I bit my lip and looked down, "You're kidding again," I murmured.

"No, I'm not." When I looked up, his face was completely serious. "Clare, you're the nicest person I've met and I'm lucky to have gotten a chance to know you better."

I smiled, "Thanks. Umm, do you want to hang out after school today? I could show you around…"

He grinned too, "I'd like that, but I have a soccer game. You could come watch, if you want, and you could show me around after?"

I pretended to think about it for a moment before saying, "Sounds good."

"Really? I've always wanted my personal cheerleader," He chuckled.

"I'll bring the pom-poms," I said smirking.