A/N: Sorry for the late update, I wanted to get it perfect, but I didn't really get it to where I wanted to. I'll make the next chapter a lot longer, I promise [:

"Eli, I can't believe you keep getting better marks than me on our english assignments! It's been two weeks! I can't keep my mind off of my parents and their divorce." Clare was whining to Eli again. She couldn't keep her mind focused on school lately. Her thoughts were completely on the fact that her perfect family was falling apart. She didn't know what to do. The only closure she felt was when Eli was around. He always seemed to calm her down always. "It seems like everytime they try to work things out it gets worse. If only they knew how bad this has effected my life, and my grades!" She was now staring at her graded paper that contained many red marks and a B- on it.

"I'm sorry Clare, Ms. Dawes is just in love with me. Accept it and love it!" Eli's comebacks were always snarky and sarcastic. It was probably what Clare loved most about Eli. He was always himself, no matter what the situation.

"Well then, I guess I'm going to need more time with my English partner, to elaborate on my work ethics," Clare closed the gap of space that separated her from Eli and breathed against his lips. They kissed softly for a moment before realizing they were in school. It was a rebellious and dangerous thing to do; if Clare recieves anymore detentions than she's already had, her parents will be become furious.

"I believe we'll have to do that then. Partner." Eli gave Clare one more peck before stopping himself from kissing her anymore. Eli's lips were attracted to Clare's, it seemed that if his lips weren't planted on hers than he wasn't complete.

"Is that Elijah Goldsworthy?" the voice was very familiar and all Eli could think of was the person whom matched the voice. He turned away from Clare looking for the girl that matched that perculiar voice. His eyes scanned the hallway and a smirk approached his face as he saw the petite figure approaching him.

"Alice?", Eli's tone was in denial . He had not seen Alice since his previous school. After what had happened to Julia, Eli left without a trace and never returned. She was the peanut butter to his jelly, the ying to his yang, his best friend, his companion. When Alice and Eli were together they were unstoppable.

Alice flew into Eli's arms and he wrapped his arms around her welcoming her. "I missed these Eli," Alice's voice was soft and gentle. Clare's expression was priceless. Her only thought was that Alice was a blast from Eli's past and Clare pretended not to have a problem with it. Clare scanned Alice's figure; she was petite and beautiful in her eyes. She was othing Clare had everseen before. Her eyes were so piercing. They were the color of the sea and Clare found herself lost in them.

Alice let go of Eli and grabbed a hold of his wrists swinging them in the distance between them. "I've missed you so much it's crazy!" Alice's tone was filled with joy. She flashed her teeth at him smiling her biggest. She looked over his shoulder to see Clare standing there speechless with a lost look."And who is this fine little specimen," alice asked Eli winking at Clare. Eli turned his attention to Clare, he had forgotten that she was there. All his attention was turned to Alice."This is," Eli paused for a moment thinking of what he was going to say next. "This is my friend Clare. We have English together." he told Alice introducing the two girls. Clare gave Eli a stern look, they were dating. Not just friends; something was wrong with this girl. Why didn't he want her to know about their relationship? Eli turned to Clare and said, "this is Alice Rivers, my best- well my best friend at my previous school."

"We were more than friends Gold! We're a terror team, a dynamic duo!" Alice interrupted Eli's explanation to Clare of how they knew each other. Alice could sense the tension and resistance that Clare was giving her. Were they together? Did Alice just ruin something? The last thing that Alice intended was the destroy something that Eli worked so hard for. She stopped herself from talking anymore.

"I'm sorry, Clara. That was rude of me, can we start over? I'm Alice." she said to Clare extended her arm towards her. Clare looked at Alice in confusion. She didn't know how to deal with meeting new people. Everyone just kind of knew each other at Degrassi, but ever since last year tons of new students have enrolled into the school.

"It's Clare," Clare extended her hand and paused noticing that Alice hadn't remembered her name. It was going to be a rocky friendship. Were they going to have to compete for Eli's attention? Or would Eli just leave Clare for his old friend. Clare was shaking Alice's hand for a few moments before coming back into reality. The two girls with piercing blue eyes met. Clare felt as if she were in a trance.

"Oh my, are you serious? I'm so sorry Clare! I honestly thought it was Clara. I have horrible hearing! I don't know how I can apologize any more than I already am," Alice sighed feeling bad for not remembering Clare's name. It was one letter that she was off, one letter that changed her whole aspect of Alice.

"Wow. Well, Alice," Clare paused trying to find a topic of interest to strike a conversation up with her, "how do you know Eli?"

"Well, isn't that a story! But uhm, I don't exactly feel very comforable saying it at this exact moment because I have class. Though, if you don't mind we could hang out after school?" Alice asked looking back at Eli who was staring at Clare, hoping that would get the hint and not take the invite. Only two things were floating through Clare's mind: how did Alice know Eli, and why didn't Eli mention that they were dating.

"What class do you have next Alice?" Clare asked her anticipating an answer. "Oh, French 3." she replied eagerly. "Do you want to see my schedule?" Alice asked Clare. Clare took her schedule eagerly and scanned through the classes ferociously. She was desperate for information.

From what Clare had learned from Alice's schedule was that she was a junior. Also, that alot of her classes were advanced. She must be smart. There are still many blanks that Clare wanted to fill before the day was over. She didn't want to wait.

"I can show you where the class is, if you don't mind." Clare offered. This was due to clare's kindness. No matter how much something interfered with her thoughts or actions, she could always depend on her kindness to work most things out.

Alice was glad that Clare decided to give her another chance. It's not like she gave her a bad impression or anything, but Alice got one of those vibes. The two girls walked to French, and the rest of the day flew by pretty quick.