"Til I Hear It From You" – Part 2

Summary and notes in part 1.

Disclaimer: I do NOT own Degrassi.

-oOo-

Adam sighed as he threw his book bag on his shoulder. He found getting through English tedious today. He tried to focus on Mrs. Dawes' lecture, but all he could think about was Fiona talking to that meathead, David.

After meeting in the Zen Garden one day after school, Fiona and Adam became fast friends. He made her laugh. She made him feel important. They both made each other feel welcomed. Together, they watched movies at her condo. Argued the finer points of Sudoku versus crosswords. Played endless rounds of Karaoke Superstar. And together they had sampled nearly every Downtown Toronto takeout restaurant in delivery distance.

He used to feel like the third wheel around his friends Eli Goldsworthy and Clare Edwards, but Fiona balanced them out. She and Adam had such a strong rapport that sometimes Eli felt left out on days that Clare couldn't join them for lunch. He was certain that was all bound to change now.

"Hey, why the long face?" Eli asked after noticing how one sided the conversation had been for the past few minutes.

Adam looked up startled. He must have zoned out of their conversation.

"What? I'm fine," he brushed off the question.

Eli gave him a questioning look. "Really? Then what 3 new comics are coming out this week?"

"The Ultimates, FreakAngels, and X-Men," Adam answered without much thought.

Eli frowned. "That's correct, but it still doesn't change that you zoned out on me," he countered.

"Fine. Sorry man," Adam relented.

Eli smirked. "What were you daydreaming about?"

"Nothing in particular," Adam responded.

"Right," his friend said raising an eyebrow, but gratefully decided to drop the subject. He closed his locker. "Let's head to lunch!"

Adam felt a pang in his chest. That meant eating with Eli, Clare, and Fiona. He couldn't face her. Not yet. He wasn't ready to fake being happy for her.

"Um, can't make lunch today," Adam declared suddenly. "I have work to do in the media lab," he added.

"What? Come on! Clare and Fiona will be disappointed," Eli attempted to guilt him. Hanging with all his friends was his favorite part of the day. He knew it was Adam's too – especially because it meant spending time with Fiona.

Adam briefly cringed. "I doubt Fiona will. Anyway, catch you later!"

Eli frowned at his friend's cryptic statement as he watched him walk away.

-oOo-

"Okay, I'm not sure that this is even edible!" Clare complained. She and Fiona laughed.

"I'm glad I didn't pick mush #1," Fiona stated. How could anyone butcher mashed potatoes?

"Well, let me know if the orangey gruel tastes any better," Clare joked. She didn't think the sweet potatoes would be an improvement.

School lunches. This was one of top drawbacks of the lock down. In the past students were able to bring in their own lunches or head to the Dot. Now only kids with doctor's notes for special diets were allowed to bring in their own food. The first week wasn't so bad. It actually was recognizable. As time went on it seemed like the quality had steadily decreased. At this point, Fiona wasn't above faking a gastrointestinal illness!

She cautiously brought a spoonful of the orange colored puree to her mouth. Clare watched as she squinted while chewing. After a moment she commented, "You know what? It's not bad."

Clare looked at her skeptically. "Here, try some!" Fiona urged her.

"No thanks. Once bitten, twice shy," she quipped. Her eyes shone with amusement.

"Suit yourself then," Fiona said as she took another bite.

"Good afternoon ladies," Eli said as he reached their table. He plopped down his tray next to Clare and gave her a quick kiss. Instantly he frowned. "That doesn't look good, girlfriend."

Fiona burst out in laughter, and Eli joined her.

"Laugh now, but remember this could be you soon!" Clare mock scolded them.

Eli and Fiona shared a look. "I think she's mad because we wisely chose mush #2," he said.

"It's a skill, you know," Fiona joked. After a moment she added, "I wonder what Adam chose. Eli, where is he?"

Eli shrugged. "At the media lab," he told her. "Says he has work to catch up on."

"Oh," she said disappointed.

Fiona listened as Eli and Clare chatted about their day, but her mind was preoccupied. Earlier in the day her lab partner asked her out. She was flattered, of course, but ultimately turned him down. She was uneasy as to why.

After transferring to Degrassi dating had been the furthest thing on her mind. She wanted to escape her problems and build a new life. Trouble was she didn't exactly have a clean slate. Last year she thought this school and its students were beneath her – and she wasn't afraid to express that. Upon her return, her peers still viewed her as standoffish at best, arrogant and haughty at worst. It didn't bother her initially because it meant few people would ask her why she came back. Fiona was content to fill her days with school, shopping, and hanging out with Holly J.

As the weeks went on and Holly J grew busy she realized perhaps it was time to get to know new people. Problem was making new friends was never her skill. Declan was the social twin. He always had lots of friends and girlfriends. She usually tagged along. Without Declan this year was much more challenging. She wasn't sure how to connect with other girls at Degrassi. Most seemed to dislike her or were indifferent towards her. Guys were much friendlier, but she knew why. They always had an agenda.

Meeting Adam was the best thing that happened to her. He was so genuine that she felt comfortable around him right away. There was no pretense with him. It felt good to have someone in her corner that she could count on. He went out of his way to make her laugh or cheer her up when she was down. She adored his friends as well. Just like that she went from alone to finally settled and content here in Toronto. Things were going so well, why shouldn't she continue to move forward with her life?

David Talbot was a fellow senior. He played on the soccer team. He was tall, lean, and attractive. He was a decent guy and she generally liked him as a person. If she was to start dating again, he was perfect for her on paper. But he had one major flaw. He wasn't Adam.

.

tbc

Author's Note #2: Thanks for the reviews! I appreciate it.