A/N: Okay, here is a short chapter. I'm having a bit of difficulty keeping the points of view straight when Eli and Clare are together. New chapter will be up much sooner than usual.

Thanks to all who reviewed, especially Ashley-every chapter! =)

Clare

Clare turned her body in the back seat of a cab to face her best friend. "I'm incredibly glad you came to Grams' this week, Alli. And thanks, you know…for the advice."

"No, Clare, thank YOU!" Alli's pearly whites flashed. "I needed to get away from here for a little while."

"Are you feeling better?" Clare asked with concern.

"A bit."

"Just a bit?" The wrinkle in Clare's forehead made Alli giggle.

"I'll be okay. I think this is just going to take time." Alli opened the door to get out.

"Hey!" yelled Clare. Alli turned around.

"What?"

"Give me a hug!" The two girls embraced. "Will you be by Monday so we can walk to school together?"

Alli released herself from the hug. "Of course!" She responded, getting out of the cab; Clare followed suit. "Bye Clare!" Alli set off down the street.

"Bye Alli!" Clare waved as she paid the cab driver through the window and headed for her door. "Huh, Dad's car isn't here. Wonder why." Suddenly, the front door opened before Clare could get her key in; her mother stood in its frame.

"Oh thank God you're home!" Helen Edwards exclaimed. Clare took note of her mother's appearance: hair out of place (that never happened), red stain on her wrinkled yellow blouse (was it wine?), and what appeared to be last night's mascara. Something was definitely wrong.

"Mom?" Clare asked cautiously as she stepped into the entry hall. "Are you…alright?" She inwardly groaned at the question; it obviously wasn't necessary to ask, which became more apparent as she caught the smell on her breath (definitely alcohol).

"Clare, Clare-eee, I have never been better!" Helen hiccupped. "Do you want to know why, Sweetie?" She was suddenly very serious.

"Why, Mom?" asked Clare despite the fact she wasn't sure she did, in fact, want to know.

"Because your father is GONE."

Gone?

Like, for the weekend?

"Oh, is he on a business trip or something?" Inquired Clare as she ignored the sinking feeling in her stomach.

"NO!" Bellowed Helen. "We are getting a divorce Honey! It's just us girls from here on out!" Another hiccup.

Divorce?

Gone.

Permanently.

"Mom…why?" Clare struggled to keep herself together.

"Now don't you worry your pretty little head over that." Helen ruffled her daughter's hair. "Have I mentioned how much I love your new look? Seriously, you're almost as pretty as Darcy now!"

That stung. "You know what, Mom," said Clare through clenched teeth. "I think you need a nap, don't you?"

"Actually, that sounds…fabulous…" yawned Helen as she stumbled towards the living room couch. "I'll just lie down for a bit…" She was out like a light the moment her head hit the pillow. Fitting expression, thought Clare, considering how lit she is.

"This isn't happening…" muttered Clare. "I need to get out of here…" She grabbed her purse and reached for her purple Blackberry. Speed Dial 4.

Ring.

Pick up, pick up, pick UP.

Ring.

"Hello?"

Yes.

"Eli? It's Clare. I know we aren't supposed to hang out for a few hours, but would it be okay with you if I came over now?" She sounded nervous. Oh goodness, he's going to think I'm clingy.

Eli thought no such thought; he grinned in delight. He couldn't WAIT to see his blue eyed beauty. "That's perfectly alright, Edwards. Do you need me to pick you up?"

"No, I think I'd like to walk. It's nice out today." Clare had made her way to her room and was looking for a shirt to change into. She settled on the turquoise get up she wore the day Eli told her about Julia. "See you in twenty?"

"Sure! See you then."

Eli

Eli smiled ear to ear upon hanging up with Clare. He'd never tell his girlfriend this, or anyone for that matter, but he sat up two nights in a row trying to think of what they could do. He wanted to show her that he was more than just a boy with a troubled past. Finally, he and his mom decided they would bake cookies with her. While the cookies were in the oven, Eli planned to take Clare to his room and play a song for her on his keyboard. He was into classical piano-something not many people knew about him.

"Mom!" Eli yelled down the hall from his room. "What, Eli?" asked Leah as she came out of her bedroom, yellow sundress on and pencil stuck in the bun in her hair.

"I just wanted to make sure you were up! Clare's coming over in like…" he looked at his watch, "…ten minutes."

"I thought she wasn't coming over until noon?" Leah asked, confused.

"She asked if she could come earlier," shrugged Eli.

"Is everything okay?"

"I think so, why?"

"Just wondering. Go downstairs and wait for her son, I'll be down in a minute." Leah returned to her bedroom.

Eli rushed into his room to check his appearance. When did he become so lame? His red Dead Hand shirt and guitar pick necklace were in check; his dark wash skinny jeans were comfortable. He threw on a black zip-up hoodie to complete his look. By the time he finished man-primping, the doorbell rang. He flew down the stairs and flew open the door.

Clare was wearing turquoise and a shy expression on her face. "Hi," she said.

"Hi," breathed Eli as he closed the door behind him, joining Clare on his front steps.

"What, aren't you going to invite me in?" Teased Clare.

"Yes, but in a minute," smirked Eli.

"Why in a-?" But she was cut off by Eli's lips colliding with hers. The kiss was gentle and seemed to say what both of them thought.

I missed you.

After reluctantly pulling away, Eli opened the door into his home and held it open for Clare. "After you, Dear."

Clare giggled. "So, are we just hanging out here today?"

"I thought that might be nice. You know, low-key, drama-free." He raised an eyebrow when Clare laughed. "What?"

"Nothing, you're just cute when you rhyme." Clare was surprised the blood didn't rush to her cheeks with her boldness.

"I'm ALWAYS cute, Edwards."

"Could you BE anymore smug?" They both knew the answer.

Absolutely.