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Disclaimer: I do not own Degrassi.

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Chapter 2.

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First Impressions.

"Alright, Clare. How are these?"

I hopped off the chair and looked in the mirror beside the door in the office. I looked the same, I guess. They were only glasses and I'll be able to get used to them in time. I pushed the bridge over my nose to keep them from slipping before turning to my dad and the optometrist.

"They're good, but keep falling down my nose a little."

"Ah, yes," Dr. Rods frowned before slipping them off my eyes. "I'll have them resized and your father here can pick them up. I think they should be ready by tomorrow."

"Thanks, Dr. Rods," my dad shook his hand before we left his office.

"Dad, I don't see how I really need glasses," I said as we walked out of the clinic, on our way to the car. "I can see perfectly fine."

"Sweetie, you know how you were having trouble seeing the board," he argued softly.

"That's because Mrs. Kennedy always placed me in the back!" I frowned, remembering the grudge my 8th grade teacher had for me ever since I corrected a lesson she taught once.

"Not in all of your classes," he tried to convince, a warm smile on his face that won me over every time.

"Fine," I stuck my tongue out and he pulled me into his side, kissing the top of my head.

I really loved my dad. I loved my whole family, but every time I wanted to talk, my instincts always went to him first. Maybe it was because of how he handled things. He always tried to find the light of a situation. Mom was a good person to talk to also, but she gets a little more frustrated when things go haywire. Dad probably balanced out that frustration with his calmness.

"So how did you like dinner last night?" he asked cautiously, eyes on the road but I knew he was waiting for my response.

"It was great!" even I knew my voice was a tad over enthusiastic.

"You don't have to lie to me," he chuckled. "I know that might've been a little startling. I did want to tell you girls before they came, but you know your mother. All about surprises."

It was a little weird at first. The dinner wasn't awkward at all for my parents. Them and The Goldsworthys' seemed to be quite comfortable with each other, as if they were best friend for years. Oh wait, they were. But I still don't know how I was friends with Eli. He stayed quiet throughout the whole dinner, give the few occasional glances he gave to my sister and the annoying smirks he would give me that made my eyes roll.

"Maybe you should tell mom to hold back on the surprises next time," I suggested, a hint of a smile on my face.

He chuckled. "I guess so."

I squirmed in my seat and twiddled with my thumbs, a little nervous on how to approach this topic that has been nagging my conscience since last night.

"Dad… was I really friends with Eli?"

"You two were inseparable," he said knowingly, voice coloured with warmth. "I remember… you used to always go to Eli's house after school, or he would come to ours."

I looked up at him and he was smiling. Am I the only one in the dark here?

"I just don't remember anything," I shook my head as if that would make me remember something.

"You'll remember," he said with confidence. "Just let it come to you."

I held onto that thought but I didn't think I would be remembering anytime soon.

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"Mom, we're home!"

Dad and I entered inside and mom emerged from the kitchen.

"I thought you were getting glasses," my mom accused. "Where are they?"

"They have to get resized. Kept falling down Clare's nose," dad explained before giving my mom a peck on the lips.

Alli's definition of love suddenly went through my mind and I wonder is my parents felt the same way as she described. They have been married for almost 20 years but I'm pretty sure my parents were more experienced on love and had a different perspective then my 14-year-old best friend.

"Clare, honey, Eli is coming over today," my mom said after releasing herself from dad's embrace.

Before I could say anything, Darcy came tumbling down the stairs.

"Mom, dad, I'm going to Mannys'," she announced, not really paying attention to anyone.

"Okay, but be back before dinner," mom instructed. "Oh and don't forget you have community service to do tomorrow."

"Mom," I interjected before I lost my train of thought. "Why is Eli coming over?"

"I have a few things I need to give to Cece that I didn't have time to last night. Besides, you can also hangout with him."

Was my own mother trying to revive my childhood friendship? It sure seemed like it but I hoped it wasn't. Because when my mom wanted something done, she gets it done. No matter how long it takes, things go her way. Whether someone likes it or not.

"Mom I really don't-"

The door opened and there he was. He was giving Darcy that weird look again but she didn't notice since she was already leaving the house.

"See you later guys," she said. "Hey, Eli."

He came inside the house and looked a little awkward. I couldn't help but narrow my eyes at the sight of him. I did not want to spend my day like this.

"Well I'm going to go to my room," I started to walk away when mom stopped me.

"Don't be silly, Clare," she gave me a warning look. "We have a guest over."

I grimaced and looked at dad for help but he only gave a pointed look. I was helpless.

"I don't mind, Mrs. Edwards," Eli softly spoken up and I almost didn't recognize his voice.

Of course he'd sound polite in front of my parents.

"Nonsense, Clare would be delighted to help, and I told you Eli. Call me Helen," she insisted.

I was a little shocked she was allowing him to call her by her name but was more annoyed at the fact I had to unwillingly hang out with Eli Goldsworthy for the day. I could be spending my time a little more valuable at the moment, like reading a book.

"I'll be right back," she said. "You two stay here."

Mom left upstairs while dad went outside. Probably going to the tool shed. He spent most of his time out there. Especially in the summer.

I sighed and took a seat on the couch, crossing my arms.

"So… I see you're still the same," Eli observed and I looked at him in confusion.

"What do you mean?"

"Feel annoyed and upset when you don't get what you want," he stated nonchalantly.

My mouth dropped. "Excuse me?"

"It's true. Even when we were kids. Every time you wanted something or wanted to do something, you would always go silent and put on a pouting face. Have to admit, didn't think you still did it."

"You don't know anything about me," I deadpanned. "So don't act like you do based on fuzzy memories."

"They aren't fuzzy to me. And I know you better then anyone. You know me better then anyone too, you just don't remember," he sat down beside me and I scooted as far away as I could.

"Oh yeah," I challenged. "Tell me something then. Name one time I was acting like this when we were younger."

He looked thoughtful for a moment and I resisted the urge to roll my eyes.

"There was that time when you wanted to go to the circus with me," he smirked at the air, as if remembering the memory clearly. "Your mom thought it was too dangerous so you stayed in your room for the rest of the day."

"I… I don't remember," I said quietly.

I felt a little heavy with not remembering anything. It wasn't fair; being in the dark when everyone else around me knew everything.

"Don't worry about it," he said, suddenly in a different voice. "We had our good times but childhood friendships don't last."

"Are you implying if you never moved, we wouldn't be friends at the moment either?" I spared him a look, suddenly feeling nervous for his answer.

"Probably not. You'd realize how much of a dope I am," he chuckled.

"Kind of already do," I teased, smiling when he gasped.

"Ouch, lady. That hurt me right here," he placed his hand over his heart.

"I'll say one thing though. Even though all first impressions of you have been annoying so far, I don't think I have the right to judge you when I hardly know you… Well, you know what I mean."

"I do," he nodded. "And thanks. Coming from you, I'm glad."

He smirked and I smiled.

"Okay kids, I need help!" mom hollered as she came down the stairs, making me jump from my spot. Her face lit up when she saw us. "I'm not interrupting anything, are I?"

My face turned scarlet. "Mom!"

She gave me an apologetic smile before leaving up the stairs again with Eli following.

"Great. Fun day ahead." I groaned before following.