A/N: Thank you so much for the reviews, you guys are fantastic! I am so happy to hear that you like it. And to answer some of your questions: Yes, I will mention other characters from the show, but I will NOT focus on them too much. Sorry. I do not own Degrassi.

-15 pages I wrote in two days...I give myself a pat on the back, hopefully so do you ;)
- I hope their first encounter is somewhat original, not romantic, but hey! I randomly thought of the scenario...review after!


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How I Wish

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In the south of Musoka, a small yellow house was settled in a humble neighborhood. It was early in the morning, the sun had risen and various birds were faintly chirping. A lush green of trees, shrubs, and grasses were surrounding the house. It was simple, but sufficient for the three people that lived inside. And if you would peek through the window above their kitchen sink, you would find a beautiful young woman sitting down eating her breakfast and her aunt walking around.

"I don't know. Those people aren't the kind we associate with, Clare-bear." A middle-aged woman settled a plate of eggs and toast on the table. She took off her apron and took a seat.

"I know. But, you and my father have met Jake. You both know he's good to me." Clare replied.

Her aunt Margaret smiled, "Yes; that much is true. But, I don't want you to feel uncomfortable there. There will be people who spend in a week what we make in a year. It's a different world from ours." She took a bite of her food.

Clare laughed, "And that matters? Like my father always says-"

"There are people who have money and people who are rich; I know, sweetie." Margaret took a sip of her milk and paused, thinking.

"Well? I'll come home next weekend. And if my dad needs anything, you can call me and I'll be back in an instant." Clare begged.

The clock hanging on the wall ticked, and finally her aunt spoke, "Fine." Margaret heaved a sigh, but rushed into something else, "But, but! You have to call me when you get there…as well as every day to tell me how you are doing. And Clare, remember…nothing is ever free in this life. If they offer you something, do not take it. They always expect something in return, no matter what."

"I'll have to tell Reverend Duncan that I can't volunteer this week then." Clare squealed and rushed to her aunt's side giving her multiple kisses on the cheek repeatedly, "Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Muah!" Clare laughed and reached over to the back of the kitchen, searching for another plate.

"Your breakfast sweetie, finish it." Margaret remarked.

Clare clutched a plate and tray to her chest, and turned around, "No thanks; I'm full. I'll just take the rest over to my dad. He probably woke up already."

Her aunt neatly folded her hands and nodded at her. Clare grabbed a plate of food and a tall glass of milk; she put it all on the tray, and walked upstairs.

She then entered a room and saw her father in bed, reading the daily newspaper, "Clare-bear." He coughed, wheezing a smile.

"Dad, I brought you breakfast. Are you hungry?" She asked carefully, and walked over to his side.

"Are you kidding? I've been starving, kiddo." He shifted in his bed a bit.

"Okay then, but first we need to check your blood sugar." Clare smiled and reached over to his nightstand to pull out a diabetic blood-glucose meter.

"Well, we are doing great. Maybe the diabetes will get much better, sooner or later." Clare replied and set the food in front of him, he began to eat and Clare informed, "Dad? You remember Jake, right?"

"Of course." He grinned.

"Well, his family is having a formal dinner at his house tomorrow night. And he's invited me to it, but he also wants me to meet his family…I asked aunt Maggie if she could watch over you this week, she said yes, I just thought I should let you know." Clare fiddled with her thumbs.

Randall frowned and pushed his tray away from him, "Things are getting serious with that boy, aren't they"

Clare smiled, "Not like that, dad. This is my first real relationship; I just don't even have a clue as to what I am doing."

He nodded, and traveled his gaze to Clare's eyes, "You know, I was already married to your mother at this age." He replied.

Clare paused and distanced herself a bit, "I-I know…I'm sorry, that I ruined everything."

Randall grasped her hand tightly, "It's not your fault. It was God's will, and I'm just glad you are safe and sound. I don't know what I'd do without you."

Clare's eyes peered at the window and she smiled anxiously. However, her guilt was still consuming her everyday life, feeling that she had killed her mother. Because, it was during childbirth that Helen Edwards had passed away. After that, Randall was lost and petrified of how to raise his only daughter, all alone. That was when his sister, Margaret stepped in the picture and helped him raise Clare to be the woman she is today.

"So, you're okay with me being gone for a week? If it bothers you, I could always tell Jake I can't stay." She spoke.

Randall shook his finger, "Not at all. I just hope you remember your priorities and morals when you are with him. Some men can be deceiving, and if anyone dares to make you feel uncomfortable, you know how to handle it. Your aunt and I taught you from right and wrong; don't forget that."

"I won't," Clare laughed, "I just hope-"

"Clare!" Her aunt's shrill voice yelled from downstairs.

"Go see what she wants, that sister of mine can be pretty impatient." Randall chuckled.

Clare nodded and walked downstairs quickly, "Aunt Maggie…what is that?" Clare pointed to a huge white box, covered in a red bow.

Her aunt glared at her, "The mailman just came by, what is this? A dress? I thought I told you to not accept any gifts."

Clare walked over and opened the box, finding a one of a kind emerald-satin dress, she gaped at the view. Jake.

"This, I-…it's for the dinner tomorrow night, Jake bought it," Clare looked at her aunt, who was giving her a cold stare, "But it's not what you think! I'll return it to him, after. I promise. I just can't show up to his party wearing something of mine, he'll look bad." Clare offered a timid smile.

"It better go back. Am I clear? Boys like Jake buy you a dress and maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, but one day they'll come up to you and ask for something you can't give in return." Her aunt scolded, and Clare's face grew with a distressing emotion.

Her aunt sighed sadly looking at Clare's disappointed face, "I just want to look out for you, okay?" Margaret surrendered and walked over to give her a hug.

Clare forced a better expression of tenderness, "I know. But don't worry, I'll be fine."


One day had passed, and the next one came,

"George, I want three tables by those trees!"

"Move the sculpture to the side…a little bit to the left…perfect!"

"Miriam, did Mrs. Martin say she wanted eggshell or pearl-shaded napkins? I forgot."

"Eggshell!"

The morning was a chaotic mess in the Martin residence. The maids and butlers were scurrying around, making sure that this event would go perfectly fine. Cece and Ted were already having breakfast at their dining room with Jake, who kept mentioning how excited he was for Clare to arrive at the party later on. Eli was still asleep in bed, having to pull an all-nighter before, in order to work on his 50-page research paper. He breathed and snored repeatedly in his warm bed, trying his best to ignore the noise coming from the backyard.

There were gardeners trimming the hedges and mowing the grass. There were women polishing the windows. There were men moving chairs and tables, and there were others screaming at each other to get a move on.

"Shut up, please." Eli growled through his pillow.

.

From the other side of town, Clare was wearing a dark coat over her dress. She had styled her hair into a messy, yet neat bun. Her aunt helped her with her make-up and she decided to wear the silver, diamond-studded earrings Jake had bought her two weeks ago, when he first said he loved her. She said her goodbye's moments ago to both her aunt and father, who wished her well. It was hard enough for the both of them to admit it, but Clare was no longer a little girl. She would never cry if she fell of her bike with training wheels, nor would she have tea-parties with her stuffed animals, or play Candyland with Margaret on summer days. She was now a woman physically, who was beginning to discover the emotional side of it bit by bit.

Clare boarded the train with a small suitcase and took her seat in the back, which was empty, considering there were only eight people inside including herself. She prayed silently to God that everything would go well, and that her father and aunt would be fine. She then took out a book and read momentarily, the trip would take the entire day for her to arrive at night.


Hours had passed and it was six in the afternoon. Jake and Eli began to get ready, as well as Cece and Ted who were already dressed and making sure everything was set for the dinner.

Jake stepped out of the shower and dressed into a grey tuxedo, he combed his some-what long hair and brushed his teeth. Eli wasn't putting any effort to get ready, he just dressed into a black suit, and didn't bother to style his darks locks.

After, Jake barged into Eli's room, rummaging through his drawers.

"What are you doing?" Eli snapped.

"I need gel." Jake grumbled hastily.

"Does it look like I would have any?" Eli spat, "What? Clare loves it when your hair is all nice and sharp?" He mocked.

"Shut up." Jake glared at him, "Don't talk to her tonight. Don't look at her; don't breathe the same air she does…just stay away from her. She doesn't need to know I have any relation to you."

"As if I want to meet your little girlfriend." Eli scoffed.

Jake muttered incoherent words under his breath and left soon after. Eli began to think about Clare, and he wondered if she was as beautiful as her voice that he heard on the phone a week ago.

"I'm turning crazy, I haven't even met her. Get it together, Eli." He whispered to himself.

.

There were multiple men and women wearing fancy suits and dresses. They sat in their reserved tables eating several dishes of food. Elegant music played in the background, and everyone was showering their attention to both Cece and Ted, who were charming others with their humble personalities and conversations.

Jake was speaking with a couple of beautiful girls in cocktail dresses, whom also attempted to get Eli's attention moments ago.

"So Jake, want to save me the last dance later?" Chelsea, a red head smiled at him coquettishly.

"I'm saving it for my girlfriend; she will arrive any minute now." Jake laughed, who was anxiously waiting.

Eli stood near the edge of the lake with a couple of Ted's clients' sons. There were the Torres boys: Adam and Drew, as well as Declan Coyne.

They were all sipping a beer, trying to make time fly by at the most tedious party of their lives.

"Kill me now." Drew groaned, "I had a date tonight, and I had to cancel for this uptight dinner. No offense, Eli."

"None taken." Eli laughed, "I told them to invite a couple of show-girls to this event, but they didn't listen." He joked.

"Wow. Now, that would be fantastic. Or maybe, if some of the girls here decided to let loose for a while. That wouldn't be so bad either." Adam chimed in.

"Nah." Declan replied, "Jakey-boy over there, might steal them away from us, again."

"Doubt it. The imbecile says he's got himself a new girl." Eli shook his head.

"Have you seen her?" Adam asked.

"No. But she's arriving later on." Eli answered, "I think he's being whipped by this one."

"Whoa. Am I sensing an apocalyptic mayhem going on here? Jake, whipped?" Drew laughed.

Eli intervened, "He really seems to like her. But I hear she's a virgin, I guess he's just putting extra effort to nail her. Such a shame."

"He has done distasteful stuff to other girls in the past…I second that, good sir!" Declan stated,

"Hm, Declan. If you call me sir one more time, your diplomatic-ass will end up in my lake here, clear?" Eli chuckled, and they joined him as well.

They continued to converse about the most random subjects. And after each word, a swig of beer was swallowed into their throats. Moments later, Eli had one too many alcoholic beverages, and he was suddenly necking a random girl in an orange dress from behind a large tree, he didn't remember how he managed to get away from her, but he was glad he did. His mind began to feel dizzy and his stomach churned nauseously.

.

Jake was speaking with others, while he did take other girls to dance. Clare didn't have to know about that.

Soon enough, Ted came up to him, "Has that girl of yours arrived yet?" He patted his head.

Jake smiled, "I just sent the chauffeur to wait for her at the train station. I would go myself, but I can't leave these guests unattended."

"Well, when she arrives be sure to tell me. I want to meet the girl who has my boy singing songs in the shower." He laughed and walked away.

Jake turned around and took a bite of an appetizer he grabbed earlier; he was standing around looking at other people, when- "Jakey! Great dinner! I love your tux!" A blonde girl walked up to him and gave him a formal kiss on the cheek,

"Hey, Britney. I was won-"

"J-dot! Jah-Jake, my man. My brotha from anotha motha!" Drew slurred and interrupted Jake's conversation.

"Hey." Jake grimaced, "Drew, are you drunk?"

"Shh! I am not-hiccup-wasted!" Drew chuckled and turned to face Britney. He eyed her with an unflattering stare, and spoke, "Hey beautiful, want to go somewhere and…talk?" Drew winked at her and she giggled in response.

They began to walk away, when Jake called out, "Drew! Where's Eli?"

Drew laughed and slung his arm on Britney, "He's got it bad…maybe he flew to the moon; my boy was feeling like a star earlier!"

"Idiot." Jake muttered and walked to his bedroom, to fix his hair before Clare would arrive.


When Clare stepped out of the train she walked around the station, until she found a gangly man holding a sign that spelled her name. She walked over to him and tugged on his shoulder.

"Excuse me? Did Jake send you here?" She asked nervously.

The chauffeur smiled, "Miss Edwards, I work for him. He sent me to pick you up."

Clare frowned a bit, finding that her hopes were let down since Jake wasn't the one to receive her, nonetheless she understood. Her thoughts were interrupted once the chauffeur grabbed her suitcase out of her hand, "Here, let me get that for you, miss."

Clare chuckled, "I'm not that old or the queen of England, in order for you to call me miss. You can call me Clare, and your name is?"

The chauffeur grinned, "Tony…thanks. You know, I thought Mr. Martin would be dating a pompous, stuck-up princess. Glad to see he's not…oops! Don't tell him I said that, please."

Clare laughed heartily, "You have my secrecy." she answered, and walked inside the most lavish car she had seen up-close in her entire life. She knew she was entering a different world, once she sat inside the automobile.

.

Everything was spinning. The trees looked like they were going to fall and crush him; he felt his eyes being buzzed by the fresh air stinging at his pupils. Muffled noises were heard in the back, and his stomach felt like it was rising and crashing down, all at once. That was when he fell to the ground. He looked around and saw that he was alone, but then everything was sending chills down his spine. And all hell broke loose.

Eli hurled out all of his lunch and dinner into a big pot of flowers right beside him.

"Fuck." He gasped out of air, as he upchucked mercilessly. There were too many things racing through Eli's mind at the mind at the moment. One, he was never going to drink again. Two, he was never going to eat mashed potatoes and gravy together, ever. And three, he sure wishes he could dress out of the stupid tuxedo he was in and-

"Bleh!" Eli threw up another round. Then all of a sudden, he felt a graceful hand on his back. He sucked in low breaths of oxygen air and his stomach couldn't take it.

"Just let it all out." A familiar voice said against him, "You probably got food poisoning, didn't you?"

Eli threw up until his stomach was sore from secreting those gastric juices; he calmed down a bit and rested his head against the pottery, his eyes traveled to meet a pair of vibrant blue eyes, filled with concern.

Those eyes made his heart feel dizzy again, but he was sure it wasn't the alcohol this time. He looked at a complete woman with a green dress, exactly the same shade as his eyes. Her lips were parted, but they were two plump pieces of skin that were rose-tainted. And she had an adorable button nose. Her hair flowed into curls, tied into a neat bun. Her long eyelashes fluttered as she asked again, "Are you alright?"

He couldn't speak. He was at loss for words, that and the fact that he felt sick, literally.

Clare looked at him, and bore her eyes into his. They were glistening with the moonlight. His jaw line was firm and his hair was a mess, but that didn't bother Clare one bit. She felt her heart warm at the sight.

"Here," She reached her hand to grab his; he took it cautiously and stood up, "You need some ginger ale. That'll do. It helps my father when he gets this sick." She smiled,

Once he stood up, he got a better view. He ogled her flawless figure, enveloped in a creamy layer of porcelain skin. It looked too inviting and smooth. He wanted to touch her to see if she was real. Or find out if he was dreaming and he needed to wake up, in order for him to return to reality.

And he then paused taking it all in. The great rack, the cute ass, the big blue eyes, and that exquisite voice. This was the Clare Edwards, the infamous lover of Jake.

Boy, he wasn't bragging.

"I'm fine, really." Eli replied.

She gave a tender smile and answered, "I can't leave you like that. Maybe I can find my boyfriend here, and ask him if he has any medicine or something to make you feel better."

"Uh, I- actually, I'm feeling excellent." Eli began to walk away, but the alcohol fooled his posture and he almost fell down.

"Ah. You didn't get food poisoning, but drank too much beer? That makes much more sense." She laughed, and it was like an alleluia hearing her vocal chords form a stunning noise as that.

"What are you doing around here?" Eli gestured to the back of the yard.

She held a confused look and scratched her forehead lightly, "I didn't know where to enter through…Tony told me to go through the back, and I guess I went the wrong way. This house is so big…"

"Tony? The chauffeur?" Eli furrowed his eyebrows, "And yeah, you did get the wrong door, it's the one to the right. Not the left."

"O-oh, I'm sorry. I thought my boyfriend would pick me up from the station, but I guess he was busy. Do you know him, by any chance? Do you know where he is? His name is Jake Martin." She looked at him, so misplaced and nervous. And Eli couldn't help but feel sorry for her, but at the same time he didn't want her to know where Jake was, so she could stay with him.

He smiled at her and placed a hand on her bare shoulder, "If you're lost, I can help you around-"

"Clare! You finally came!" Jake popped out of nowhere and grinned, walking towards her.

He pulled her away from Eli's touch and pecked her lips, she replied to the action and they smiled at each other after. Eli stood there, not knowing how to react to the sudden loss.

"Oh baby, I've been waiting for you to arrive," Jake laughed and pulled away to look at her, "You look…gorgeous; I knew that dress would look great on you. You're so beautiful,"

Clare blushed and pulled away to look back at Eli, "Jake, this man here, he-"

"Eli? What are you doing around here…Clare, what did he say to you?" Jake fiercely glanced at both.

"Nothing bad. You know him?" Clare cautiously replied.

"He's my brother." Jake grimaced.

Eli scowled at him and began to walk away, "I'm his step-brother." He spat and ignored both Jake and Clare, heading inside the house.

Clare frowned at leaving Eli like that, but she shook her thoughts away once she entered the mansion and Jake dragged her in a certain direction. She looked around and was astounded that she dated, let alone knew someone with this wealth. She never dreamed or desired being surrounded by a prosperous environment, but here she was. Girls around her age glared at Clare, and she began to wonder if they were jealous of her and most importantly if it had to do with her dating Jake.

"Jake, where are you taking me?"

He ignored her question but led her to a place that seemed to be the living room. At the center of the room there were a middle-aged man and woman laughing with other people.

"Dad, mom, this is Clare." Jake announced and she was greeted by two huge smiles.

The woman ran up to her and gave her a tight hug, "Aw! So this is Clare? My goodness Jake, she's beautiful."

"I'll say," Ted laughed and walked up to shake her hand, "I'm Jake's father, but you can call me Mr. Martin. This is my wife Cece; she loves to be called by her first name."

Clare softly smiled at both, "It's a pleasure to meet you. Thank you for inviting me to your dinner."

Both Ted and Cece began sharing their attention to Clare. Meanwhile, Eli stood at the other side of the room staring at her attentively. It was impossible to look away; he saw the way Jake's hand snaked around her waist, and observed her laughing, smiling, and talking. He felt abnormal doing so, but he couldn't take his attention away from her. He forgot about his stomach that was still feeling unsettled, and ignored everything. Girls came up to Eli, and he denied his focus on them, but rather put it towards Clare.

Because, there was something he knew he wanted to do, but he tried to deny it.

An hour passed and the party was still in action, except this time a band started playing jazz and classical tunes. Drew, Adam, and Declan managed to sober up as well and danced with other girls. Surprisingly, Jake had friends that were speaking to him and he took no notice of Clare. Isn't he SO in love with her? Eli thought, later he saw Jake introducing her to various girls from the party. They all took Clare outside, leaving Jake to speak with his friends.

Eli recalled that these girls tended to be social-piranhas and were probably going to torture a naïve Clare. He walked outside and saw them huddled around her, bombarding her with questions.

Clare sat in great displeasure; she shifted in her seat while one girl, named Tiffany spoke.

"Darling, I love your dress! How much?"

Clare stuttered, "I-I don't know." The girls snickered at her, and Clare was hoping Jake would come back and find her.

These girls were beautiful. They were all wearing necklaces and earrings with gems the size of a grapefruit. They flipped their hair obnoxiously, and texted on their cell phones with the most bored expressions etched on their faces.

"What's your name? Huh," One with a violet gown arched an eyebrow at her.

"Clare, Edwards." She answered, and the others paused as if they were thinking among themselves.

"Edwards? As in the bank owner. I think my father knows yours." Another girl replied.

And Clare mumbled, "I don't think so. My father doesn't own a bank."

Another random one asked hastily, "Then what does he work as? Finance, business, stock-market, construction, what?"

"My father used to be a lawyer. But he's retired now." Clare smiled at them.

"Retired? Oh, I see. You're not one of us, are you?" Another laughed, "No wonder…that explains everything."

Clare attempted to find an escape from these horrible people, "I should…uh…go back inside. I'm feeling a bit thirsty,"

"Here, have one. Some champs will do the trick." A girl by the name of Fiona Coyne handed her a glass of what seemed to be champagne.

Clare shook her curls, "No thank you. I don't drink."

"Prude." One muttered against them and burst into malicious amusement. Clare fidgeted in her seat and was beginning to regret coming to this party.

They all whispered among themselves until one blurted, "So, is Jake good in bed, as they all say he is?"

Clare blushed furiously and coughed, "I wouldn't know, I'm planning to save myself for marriage."

Everyone stayed quiet, until their cackles broke loose, "Oh my goodness! I bet Jake will be done with you by tonight." Someone snorted.

Clare felt like walking away, but they surrounded her at her every corner. She didn't know how to get out of this one. It was suffocating her. From their intimidating faces to their scoffs heard every once in a while. Some glared at her viciously, while others rolled their eyes at her, for what seemed the fun out of it. She couldn't handle having her palms sweat, and her feet tap continuously with her nerves jolting every bit of her body.

"Hey, ladies." Eli came between them all and sat next to Clare.

The girls turned quiet. Some twirled their hair, others bit their lips, and some grinned seductively at Eli's sudden presence.

"Eli, we haven't seen you all night. Well, Emily has." One smugly replied, referring to the girl Eli was making out with moments ago.

"I do not remember the horrible disadvantage," Eli answered, and they laughed along, "How are all you beautiful women tonight?" He brushed his bangs aside from his face.

"Fantastic, Eli." They all blushed in unison.

"Mind, if you leave me and Jake's girl alone, I need to speak with her." Eli smirked at them.

And with that smirk alone, they all obliged and walked away gossiping of how handsome Eli was, and his alluring personality.

Clare glanced at Eli, and he did the same. He burst into a fit of chuckles, "Jake is such an idiot. He should know better not to leave you alone with those girls. They torture one another for the fun of it."

Clare smiled, "Thank you. You really did save me out there; I'm just not used to this type of crowd."

"What? Fake and plastic?" He smirked,

Clare replied, "No. Just that…I am from, how do I put this nicely…Let's just say, I never go to dinner parties that serve champagne and have everyone wearing outfits that cost more than my salary."

"Oh." Eli said and he shrugged carelessly, "Don't let it bother you. Not all of us rich people are as rude and obnoxious like the ones you just met. It's a part of life…as corny as that sounds."

"You remind me of my father," Clare said and Eli bulged his eyes, "Not like that! Just in the same opinions you two have." Clare laughed, "But thank you, really. I was dying out there."

Eli nodded, "Think of it as me repaying you for actually caring about my barfing extravaganza. I didn't introduce myself to you properly."

Clare giggled and covered her face, "Don't mention it. On the bright side, that was a memorable entrance in my book."

Eli smirked, "So, allow me start over…My name is Eli. And I already know yours,"

"Eli," Clare echoed, "You're voice sounds familiar, have we met before? Besides the fact that you are Jake's brother."

"Step- brother. And yes, I believe we had one brief conversation on the phone last week."

"That was you? Oh dear lord, no wonder you are so patient and kind."

Eli gave a bewildered expression, "Patient and kind…well that's a new one. I'm used to adjectives with negative connotations, regarding my personality."

"You don't say?" Clare giggled.

And for a split-second, Eli was staring at her and so was she. They smiled at each other and both were having a tingly feeling inside of them. It wasn't noticeable to the both of them, but from our points of view we could almost feel it. Even though they couldn't.

"Clare? Clare!" Jake's voice was heard and both Eli and Clare stood up, only to find Jake searching for her. But Jake soon found them and walked to them uneasily.

Jake first viciously glared at Eli, but then looked at Clare, "I was looking for you; sorry I left you with those girls. The party is almost over. Come on, I'll show you where you will be staying. The maids already put your suitcase in the guest bedroom."

Clare arched an eyebrow at him worriedly, "Are you sure? I could sleep on the couch or something."

Jake barked an obnoxious laugh, "You, sleeping on a couch? Don't be silly. This place of mine shall offer you the best. Now run along babe, and I'll catch up with you."

Clare waved Eli goodbye before nodding and walking inside the house.

You could hear tension arising, crackling like the sounds emerging from the crickets outside. Jake walked over to Eli with a dirty look for him, "What the fuck?" He shoved Eli.

Eli gained posture and gawked at him, "What's your problem now?"

Jake reproached, "Oh, don't play dumb with me; I've seen the way you've looked at her. Keep it in your damn pants, she's mine. If I catch you talking to her one more time, you'll be sorry."

Eli laughed mockingly, "I have no idea what you are talking about. I just walked up to her because you left her with those stuck-up brats. If anything, you should be thanking me your ordinary girlfriend isn't in tears by now." Clare was no near ordinary, but Eli had to convince Jake otherwise.

Jake stood quiet, at loss for words, "Whatever." He silenced and walked inside the house.

Eli headed to stand by the lake and threw a couple of rocks into it, frustratingly. He sighed heavily and he thought of Jake, life in general, and Clare.

He liked Clare.

So, maybe for once in his life, Eli could finally get back at Jake for dying his clothes pink in the ninth grade, for setting his history project on fire, for beating him up in front of the entire school, for stealing away Julia and other girls away from him; for also taking Cece's love and Ted's respect. And for making his life a living hell ever since he met him. There was more to it, but, it would take a year to list all the horrible things Jake did to Eli.

Eli wanted revenge, he needed revenge.

And Clare was the answer; he was going to take her away from him. And maybe leave her in the end, just to prove to Jake for once that he is better at something. Kill two birds with one stone.

Maybe.


A/N: Isn't Jake such a cockblock? He ruined all THE EClare moments! lol, more of these shall come along...(wink-wink)

Please review and tell me what you think of this chapter. Good, Bad? Reviews motivate me to update faster...Thank you, beautiful/wonderful people.