Clare paced back and forth, her index cards shaking in her grasp. Eli ran up and jumped onto ht estage, jolting Clare out of her thoughts. "What are you doing here?" she asked.

He smirked, "Well a good afternoon to you, sunshine."

Clare smacked him on the arm with her cards, a bemused expression on her face. "I don't know what I'm going to do." Clare said honestly. Eli grabbed her hands.

"You're going to go out there and give them hell, Edwards!"

Clare smiled lightly.

"Eli!" Fitz said in a sarcastic, sickly sweet tone.

Eli turned, "Two syllables? Good . . . Good for you."

Fitz shook his head, "You just don't know how to keep your mouth shut do you?" he paused when he noticed Clare. "This your little girlfriend, Goldsworthy?"

"Sure is . . ." Clare piped up. Eli gave her a questioning look but she just smiled and took his hand with ease.

Fitz laughed, "Whatever. I gotta go anyway."

When he was gone, Clare dropped Eli's hand. "I wish you two didn't fight so much."

Eli scoffed, "You afraid I'll get hurt or something?"

Clare didn't answer.

"Oh my god, you are!" he smiled. "Clare, you like me."

"I enjoy your company." She admitted.

He got closer. "No . . . you like me." This time he drew out the like in a silly chime. Clare passed hime the cards. "Stop."

He pushed himself closer to her, there lips so close, they brushed lightly as he spoke, "You do."

Their eyes connected and suddenly Clare jutted forward, crushing their lips together. Eli responded quickly. Eli was surprised by how quickly Clare got into the kiss. Who knew she had it in her?

Later

"Oh, Clare honey, I'm so happy for you! I'll make sure Agnes can take over the table while I listen to your essay."

"Mom, don't worry about it!" Clare pushed. "Really . . ." she murmured, heading to the stage. Just then Eli stepped out, "You ready?" he smiled.

Clare smiled, "I had some help earlier getting up some courage"

"Well I'm sure whoever helped you was not put out in the slightest."

"Maybe he could help me again? Like after this reading we could collaborate at The Dot?"

Eli smiled, "I'm sure he would be very interested."

"Good." Clare smiled, "Well I have an essay to read."

Everyone came to a quiet as Clare stepped up to the podium.

"The name of this paper is Hard of Hearing by Clare Edwards." Mr. Simpson announced. Clare cleared her throat and began.

"There are many words teenagers fear. But 'We Need To Talk' are probably the scariest. But even worse is the waiting. Waiting for what you know is coming . . ."

She locked eyes with her mother, who had a solemn and understanding look on her face.

". . . So please . . . don't make me wait any longer. Because I can handle it. Even if you think I can't."

There were some more sentences, but Clare received a large applaud. Eli walked up to Clare and smiled, "Ready for that collaboration?"

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