Clare sat at the kitchen table eating her cereal staring at Eli. He stood against the kitchen counter with his arms crossed. He hadn't told her about the phone call and it was killing her. She naturally wanted to know, but understood she shouldn't push him.
Eli finally looked up at her and she smiled, trying to break the icy cage he seemed to be in. He tried to smile back, but it was obvious his mind was far from happiness.
Clare:: Eli, I know you don't want to talk about it, but you know I'm concerned and I just want to help. We've always been there for each other, and this isn't an exception I just—
Eli, cutting her off:: Can we not go to school today.
Clare:: well, we have that test in—
Clare looked at Eli's expression and knew this was her opportunity to help him out.
Clare:: yeah ya know what, sure. Where did you want to go?
Eli:: Um…I was thinking we could just drive.
Eli stopped his car in an old parking lot of what used to be a convenience store. He parked under one of the trees growing in the center of the parking lot. The sun was close to setting and the breeze was blowing softly. The grabbed a blanket from the back and set it up on the ground outside the car. Clare sat down and wrapped her arms around her knees.
Clare:: This is nice.
Eli stood looking down on her for a second and smiled with his eyes.
Eli:: Clare?
Clare:: Yes Eli?
Eli:: That phone call…
Clare:: yeah?
Eli:: I can't tell you about it. Not yet.
Clare:: But why? I don't understand…Is everything alright?
Eli:: I wish I could explain. Really, I do.
Clare:: ok…it's ok, I can wait.
Eli finally got down on the blanket and laid down on his side facing Clare.
Eli:: You're the greatest you know.
Clare:: Only because I have you.