Once again, I do not own Degrassi and that makes me sad. Thanks for the reviews. Enjoy!

2.

Clare's thoughts wandered to Peter often over the next day. She could still picture, quite clearly, the pain on his face when she had given him that earful on Darcy. She loved her without a doubt, but sometimes a girl – especially a fifteen-year-old girl – needed her sister. She was so angry at Darcy for being gone, and she had thought, for a second, that Peter would understand. Wrong again.

"You've been moping all day," Eli pointed out as they walked across the parking lot after school. "You plan on telling me what's wrong?" He laced his fingers with hers, swinging their joined hands gently.

Before she could reply, someone shouted her name. Clare and Eli turned simultaneously toward the tall blonde ambling over to them. "Clare," Peter said again as he approached, "can I talk to you for a minute?"

Ignoring Eli's questioning look, Clare nodded. Peter shot a glance at Eli, and then at her before saying, "I owe you an apology. That whole thing last night…"

"Whoa, last night?" Eli turned to Clare. "I thought you stayed home last night. You lied to me?" Eli dropped her hand and took a step back.

Clare covered her face with her hands, sighing heavily. "It wasn't like that, Eli. I got bored sitting home by myself, so I went to the Dot and did homework. Peter gave me a ride home at closing time. We got into a little argument, that's all. No big deal." Lowering her hands, she gestured for Peter to continue.

Peter grimaced. "Anyway, I was just going to tell you that I'm sorry about last night. I know I lost it when we were talking about Darcy, and I'm really sorry. I didn't mean it when I called you Saint Clare. And the, um, other stuff I said…" He tilted his head toward Eli to be sure she caught his meaning. "That was out of line too. I don't think Darcy is better than you. You're beautiful and smart and kind and caring just like she is. So anyway, that's it. I just wanted to tell you that." He rocked back on his heels, hands in pockets, looking awkward. "Okay. Bye then." He turned and walked away.

Clare slowly turned her head to meet Eli's gaze. He was looking at her as if she had three heads. "Since when do you hang out with the Dot dude and ride around in his car, Clare?"

"Eli, he is Darcy's boyfriend. Or was. I'm not really sure what's going on there." Clare bit her lower lip. "The point is, you were busy and I was bored, and Peter was nice enough to give me a ride home so I was safe, just like you always want me to be. The whole argument about Darcy was just stupid. He's still in love with her and I don't get it."

Eli smirked. "Sounds like he's more interested in you now."

Clare rolled her eyes. "Whatever."

Eli fell to his knees and spoke in a high-pitched voice. "Dearest Saint Clare, you are beautiful and kind and wonderful and amazing. And I have absolutely no problem professing my undying love while your boyfriend is standing next to you. For thou art the fairest of the Edwards sisters!" He clasped his hands against his chest and faked a swoon.

"You know what, Eli? You're being an ass." Clare put her hands on her hips and stared down at his surprised face. "Peter didn't have to apologize to me. I'm the one that started the fight. So I'm pretty impressed that Peter had the guts to come and say he was sorry. Besides that, it's nice to be told that you're beautiful once in awhile. Maybe if you said it more often, I wouldn't enjoy hearing it from random guys so much."

She stomped off toward home with Eli trailing after her, calling her name. She pretended not to hear him and he eventually stopped chasing her. Instead, he sent her a text message.

Eli: What is your problem?

Clare: You! You act like I should be thankful you're with me. Get over yourself.

Eli: I do not. I love you.

Clare: I'll talk to you tomorrow. I've got stuff to do.

Eli sat in the driver's seat of his hearse, Morty, and stared at the screen on his phone. Clare had never blown him off like that before. He took a couple of deep breaths before starting the car and driving away.