I Do Not Own DeGrassi

Ch.4 The Game, the Celebration and the Mall Again

(CLARE)

The day had gone by so fast, I had whizzed through my pop quiz in science class. Eli, Adam and I had eaten lunch at the Dot and they had chided me again for coming to the hockey game tonight. Even co-op had gone by fast, Asher had only been there for the first little while, he'd left to go cover a political event but when he'd left his hand had lingered on my shoulder a bit which was slightly uncomfortable.

But none of that mattered right now, because right now I was at the Ice Hounds hockey arena, fighting my way through the throngs of people, trying to find my seat. It was pretty crowded and I recognized a few faces from school but no one that I knew, well enough to want to ask them how to locate my seat. People were pushing and shoving to get past me and I got bumped into the boy in front of me pretty hard.

"I'm so sorry," I apologized, "everyone keeps shoving me and I don't know where my seat is." The boy turned around and I smiled when I saw it was Tristan.

"Hey Clare," He said, "It's okay."

The girl in front of him turned around as well and I saw it was Maya. "Hi Clare." She smiled.

"Hey, you guys here to watch Campbell?" I asked and Maya nodded.

"And my Brother." Tristan added.

"Your Brother who's your…" and suddenly it occurred to me what Tristan's last name was, "Owen! Owen is your Brother!"

"That's the one." Tristan said as we got shoved forward by a few more people.

"Let me see your ticket." Maya requested and I handed it to her. "Oh your sitting with us, Tris will push his way through everyone just stay behind him." She said and held out her hand.

I took it so I wouldn't get lost, and she took Tristan's hand and he made his way through the crowd. Our seats were right upfront just behind the glass, well plastic barrier. It made sense to me that my seat was right next to Tristan knowing that Owen was his Brother and he'd been the one to give me the ticket. But the fact that Owen was Tristan's Brother was still sinking in.

"But he was so mean to Riley and Zane last year, and he threw Adam into a door!" I exclaimed as we took our seats.

"I know," Tristan said apologetically, "but I came out at the beginning of last year and I think he was transferring some of his anger toward me onto them. He really is a good big Brother though, I mean he's never beat on me and he's calmed down since then. He hasn't been suspended this year at all."

I thought about it and it was true, Owen really had been better this year. As far as I knew he hadn't bullied anyone, he'd certainly left Adam alone. And he had been the one to give me the ticket to the hockey game. "Yeah I guess he has been better this year. He even gave me my ticket; he said he thought it would mean a lot to someone if I was here."

"Who?" Maya questioned.

"I don't know he didn't say." I said just as some music started.

"Oh here comes the team," Maya said excitedly.

The Ice hounds came out, the announcer introducing each player and their position. I turned to Tristan and Maya. "Ummm I know nothing about hockey, what do the positions mean?" They kindly explained to me as each person came out.

After the Ice Hounds were introduced they went in a little box area, Tristan told me was the bench just like football, then the opposing team came out and was introduced, I was watching them until Maya said, "Oooh Clare Dallas is looking right at you!"

I looked over to Ice Hounds bench and sure enough Owen was smiling and nudging Dallas who was looking straight at me, I smiled at him and he smiled back. Owen looked very pleased with himself. "So he had invited me for Dallas."

After the national anthem the game began and it was actually pretty exciting! I hate to admit it because I usually detest violence but I have to say watching the opposing team get body checked was one of the best parts. I swear when Owen finally did get some time on the ice, he body checked someone just for our benefit; he slammed them into the wall right where we were sitting at winked at us before skating away.

By half time I was completely into the game, jumping up with Maya and Tristan every time the Ice Hounds scored and by the end of the game I could name the positions and even knew a few hockey terms thanks to Maya and Tristan, who were very patient in explaining things to me. Maya understood as she told me that before she started dating Cam she had no interest in hockey. But Tristan had been dragged to all of Owen's sports things his whole life. In the end Cam and Luke had each scored one goal and Dallas had scored two and the Ice Hounds won by two points, which according to my hockey tutors was a lot for a hockey game.

"The team always goes to Little Miss Steaks after a game and Tris and I always get a table of our own. Cam will sit with us for a bit but the rest of the team usually ignores us, but it's still fun if you want to join us?" Maya offered as we began filing out of the arena.

"Oh no I wouldn't want to intrude on your thing." I said feeling slightly out of place again.

"Don't be silly you wouldn't be intruding, we can always use someone else at our table and besides I bet Dallas would want to see you there." Tristan said nudging me and moving his eyebrows up and down.

"Well if you're sure." I said slowly.

"We're sure," they said in unison as they linked they're arms with mine.

We walked the few blocks to Little Miss Steaks, talking about the game, school, the play, Whisper Hug ect. When we reached the restaurant Marisol sat us at a booth near the corner where the hockey team usually sat. I could tell this had become Maya & Tristan's routine as Marisol called it their usual table. We had just given our drink order when the Ice Hounds came in with a lot of loud celebration. They pushed together two tables in the corner and sat down. Cam looked our way and smiled and waved, mostly at Maya but we all waved back. Owen looked our way, smiled and nodded. Dallas looked right in my eyes and smiled and as much as I hate to admit possibly liking a jock, I'm pretty sure my heart skipped a beat.

I must have blushed because Tristan said, "Oh someone is crushing."

I looked at them but I couldn't deny it. "Okay so maybe I do like Mike Dallas but could he really be crushing on me too or was he just being nice after what happened at the mall?" I shook off the thought as Marisol took our food order, we all ordered dessert since we'd eaten at the game. This also seemed to be a tradition for Tristan and Maya.

Once our dessert came Campbell came over and sat next to Maya, he put an arm around her and she kissed his cheek. It was cute really and vaguely reminded me of my relationship with K.C. which seemed a life time ago.

"Hi Tristan, Clare." Campbell greeted us and he bumped fists with Tristan.

"Hi Campbell, good game." I smiled.

"Thanks, you guys need anything? I can have them put it on the team's bill." Campbell offered.

"I'll take another milkshake." Tristan said.

Campbell nodded and looked at Maya and I but we shook our heads, he got up and walked to the counter.

"I'm gonna change the music on the juke box." I said grabbing some change from my purse and getting up from the table.

I walked over to the juke box and began browsing through the selection; while I was trying to make a decision I absentmindedly bit my lower lip, a habit of mine. Suddenly a man stumbled up to the juke box and I began to feel uncomfortable.

"Your pretty and pretty hot," he said slurring his words a bit, he was quite drunk. All I could do was stare at him like a deer in the headlights. "I'll give you shommmething bigger to put in your mouth." He added grabbing his crotch to get his point across.

My cheeks went red and my eyes wide. "Excuse ME!" I demanded. He leaned in closer and grabbed my arm, and I gasped a little getting scared. "Let go of me!"

He opened his mouth to say something but before his drunk mind could the words to his mouth a sharp synchronized yell stopped him.

"HEY!" It was Dallas and Owen. They were so loud that everything stopped, well not the music but the whole restaurant suddenly got quiet, everyone stopped talking and moving and anyone who could see was looking at me and the drunk guy.

"Let go of her NOW!" Dallas demanded.

The drunk blinked, looked at me and back to Dallas but he didn't let go of my arm. Seeing this Dallas and Owen both started to get up, a ferocious look on both their faces. This finally seemed to register with the drunk because he let go of my arm. He didn't move away from me however. Dallas took my hand and pulled me behind him and he and Owen got in the guys face. I was beginning to think they were going to start a fight when Marisol appeared.

"You get out NOW! You've had way too many, you should have been cut off a long time ago. This is a family establishment and you need to leave!" Marisol demanded to the drunk but when he just stared at her she added, "Or I can have the hockey team throw you out."

The drunk looked back to Dallas to and Owen and then ran out. Marisol walked away and Dallas and Owen turned to me.

"You okay Clare?" Dallas asked.

"Yeah I'm fine."

"Maybe you guys should come sit with us." Campbell said coming next to Maya and handing Tristan his milkshake.

"That's okay he's gone now I'm sure we'll be fine." I said not wanting to be trouble or intrude.

"Cam's right we can keep a better eye on you if you sit with us and he may come back." Owen said.

Owen and Dallas walked to a nearby table, grabbing three chairs and putting them at their table. One next to Campbell's chair for Maya, and two between their chairs for me and Tristan. I grabbed my purse, and drink, Tristan and Maya grabbed their stuff and we walked to their table. There was no use in arguing, they'd made up their minds, I sat down next to Dallas and Tristan sat down next to me.

"You guys know Cam's girlfriend Maya, and Tristan and Clare." Owen introduced us to the rest of the team, they all nodded or waved.

"I am so sorry Clare!" Marisol said coming to our table, "I don't know how he got that drunk. The manager is talking to the bartender right now and we'll take care of your dessert and drink."

"Okay thanks." I said although I really didn't think it was necessary.

The team began talking and scarfing down pizza again, and I began to feel out of place once more. Maya was holding Cam's hand and they were lost in their own conversation. I looked at Tristan and he looked about as uncomfortable as me. "Well at least I'm not the only one, maybe Tristan and I should start our own conversation. Let's see the only thing I can think of that we have in common is Eli."

"So Tristan is Eli being a good director this time around? Last year he was a little ummm eccentric. But he hadn't been diagnosed as Bipolar either, so it wasn't really his fault."

Tristan smiled at me obviously glad to have a conversation to take part in. "Yeah he's been great! He's really good at it. You two used to date right?"

"Yeah, last year." I said and suddenly felt something behind me. I looked behind me just slightly to see that Dallas' arm was on the back of my chair.

We stayed until eleven when the restaurant closed and we were kicked out.

"You need a ride home Clare?" Owen asked when we all got outside.

"No that's okay I'll call Jake to pick me up."

"Mmmm Jake's on a date with Katie and she never comes home until her curfew at 12:30" Maya spoke up.

"Come on it's no trouble, I told Maya and Cam I'd give them a ride and I gotta get Tristan home." Owen insisted.

"Okay thanks Owen."

He nodded and then looked behind me, "Dallas you said you needed a lift right?"

"Uh yeah thanks." Dallas said.

Luke began snickering and Dallas shoved him playfully. We walked to Owen's car, a black SUV, somehow I was not surprised.

"Tris you sit up front, the rest of you sit in back. Oh there's only three seats and seat belts, you don't mind sitting on Dallas' lap right Clare?" Owen asked.

I could feel myself blush a little. "Ummm no that's fine." I said quietly.

Everyone got in; Maya sat in the middle between Dallas and Campbell, everyone buckled up. I got in and sat on Dallas' lap and he put his arms around my waist holding me tight. I looked at him.

"I'm your seat belt." He explained quietly and I smiled at him.

Owen started the car and began driving just over the speed limit down the street. Dallas held me a little tighter forcing me to lean against his chest and I couldn't help but smile. We came to the Matlin house first. Campbell and Maya got out she said goodbye to all of us, he walked her to her door and they shared a small goodnight kiss. Dallas could have let me go as there was a free seat belt now but he didn't and I didn't say anything as I was kind of enjoying being with Dallas at the moment. Campbell's house was next, he hopped out and waved goodbye thanking Owen for the ride.

"Well I guess you can sit in the seat now." Dallas said.

I nodded and regretfully slid from his lap to the empty window seat. I told Owen where I lived and we arrived a few minutes later.

"Thanks for the ride Owen, and the ticket to the game it was really fun. Bye Tristan."

"Sure thing Clare." Owen nodded.

"Thanks for the company Clare I hope you come to more games." Tristan said.

"Maybe I will. Goodnight Dallas."

"Goodnight Clare, sleep well." Dallas smiled.

And then I did something that surprised even me, I leaned over and kissed Dallas' cheek. It only lasted a couple of seconds because I quickly got embarrassed. I grabbed my purse and leapt from the SUV all but running to my door. I unlocked the door quickly, turned to give them one last wave and then entered my house closing the door behind me and leaning against it.

"I can't believe I just kissed his cheek! He must think I'm crazy!"

(DALLAS)

It was Sunday afternoon and I was at the mall to get new shoes. I was kinda mindlessly walking through while thinking about the one thing that had been on my mind since Friday night, Clare had kissed me! It was only a quick peck on the cheek but her perfectly pink soft lips had felt so nice on my skin, I just had not been able to get the kiss off my mind. Suddenly I saw her; she was talking to Drew at his work. I began walking over, watching her carefully; she was wearing flat black shoes, a dark blue skirt that came to just above her knee and a white top. She was leaning on the counter, riding her skirt up pretty high and I felt a little guilty for looking.

"Hey Drew, hey Clare." I greeted reaching the kiosk.

"Hey Dallas." Drew smiled and we bumped fists.

Clare looked up at me quickly then blushed a little and looked away. "Hi Dallas." She said quietly.

"What are you guys up to?" I asked leaning on the counter. Clare was still leaning on the counter and it was pushing up her already large breasts, forcing her cleavage out of her top a little. Drew, I could tell, was carefully avoiding looking. I couldn't seem to tear my eyes from her cleavage until Drew slapped my arm really hard.

Clare gave us a curious look, her obliviousness was adorable. "I dropped my cell at church and broke the case; Drew was just showing me all the new glitzy girly ones they got in." She said. I nodded and Drew handed her a purple case with a blue rose on the back. "I like this one, how much Drew?" Clare asked finally straightening up.

"$25.99 plus tax." Drew told her.

"Okay I'll take it."

Drew rung it up and slipped it into a bag, Clare opened her purse to get out her wallet to pay. I put my hand on her arm and she looked at me. "I got this." I said taking my wallet from my pocket.

"Oh no that's okay I can…"

She began to argue but I cut her off, "I insist, after all I really should have given you a ticket to the game and not Owen."

Clare smiled sweetly, her face lighting up and she somehow became even more beautiful. "Thanks Dallas that's really sweet of you." I handed Drew the money and noticed he was giving me an odd look. He took the money, gave me my change and handed Clare her bag. "Well thanks again I'll see you tomorrow at school. Bye Drew." Clare said.

"See ya Clare." Drew smiled at her.

"See you tomorrow." I smiled and Clare walked off.

Drew suddenly hit me upside the head and I looked at him. "You like Clare!" He stated.

"So what if I do?"

"So she's Adam's best friend and you might want to tell him." Drew informed me.

"Yeah yeah I will."

(CLARE)

"That actually just happened. I can't believe how sweet Dallas is, buying my case and…" My blissful musings were suddenly interrupted by two familiar faces I could have happily never seen again. I took out my keychain clutching the mace and looked behind me, glad to see Dallas still talking to Drew. I made my way back to them and hid behind Dallas. I must have looked scared because they both eyed me closely.

"You alright Clare?" Drew asked.

"They're here, near the elevators." I said looking in the direction I'd just come from.

"Who?" Dallas queried.

"The guys, the one from last week that…" before I could finish Dallas' face changed instantly becoming murderously angry and he began walking in their direction. I grabbed his hand and tried to pull him back. "Where are you going?"

"To kill them." He stated.

"Dallas they haven't done anything to me this time, I just didn't want to be near them alone, even with the mace you got for me after last time." I said and he stopped advancing.

"One of you want to fill me in?" Drew requested and we both looked at him.

"Fine but don't tell Adam." I warned.

He cocked a curious eyebrow, "Okay." He said slowly.

"Last week when I was here shopping for Jake's birthday present these two guys came and sat down next to me while I was eating. After saying some vile things and grabbing my hand I told them to leave me alone and got up and left the mall, they followed me out pulled me into one of the back alleys. One of them pinned me to the wall, they were going to…" I looked at Drew he nodded in understanding. "Well Dallas and Luke were apparently here and saw them follow me out and so they followed them and chased them off. And I just saw them again."

Drew was just kinda staring at me. "Shit Clare I'm glad your okay." He looked at Dallas, "Good thing you guys were here."

"Yeah I know. Hey I'm gonna take Clare home make sure she gets there safe." Dallas said.

"Yeah good idea." Drew nodded.

"Bye Drew and remember don't tell Adam." I reminded.

"I won't." He promised.

I turned back to Dallas and we began walking toward the parking lot. He suddenly looked down between us and I realized I still had hold of his hand. "Sorry." I apologized dropping his hand.

He smiled taking my hand again and interlacing our fingers, "Don't be."

I felt butterflies in my stomach all the way to the car, and they stayed even after he let go of my hand to get in the car. The drive home was silent but when we got to my house he kissed my cheek. I blushed and smiled until my front door opened and Jake stood in the doorway glaring at Dallas ever so slightly.

"Bringing my sister home again Dallas?" Jake said a distinct hard edge to his voice. I shot him a look as I got out of the car but he ignored it.

"Mike Dallas taxi at your service." He quipped back.

I smiled and waved at him and he drove off. Jake looked at me, awaiting an explanation. "We ran into each other at the mall again and he offered me a ride home that's all."

Jake watched me as I walked past him, the look on his face said he thought something more was going on. I chose to ignore him and go up to my room. Even though I had told Jake there was nothing going on, I couldn't help but wonder as I lay on my bed, just where this thing with Dallas was going and just what was this thing anyway?

Update soon.