A/N: So… I saw the new Degrassi promo… I really don't know what to say. I'm scared, excited, nervous, jittery, etc. I just want to know what happens. How about all of you?
Anyway, back to this story.

Clare snuggled into the couch, reading a book. She had the apartment to herself since Alli decided to spend time with her family this weekend. Their fridge was slightly empty so she figured she would go out and get lunch later. Time was going by faster than she expected and an hour later, she heard her phone ring. She couldn't help but smile when she saw Eli's name appear.

"Hi," she answered.

"Hey Clare," Eli replied, "Do you have anything planned for today?"

She looked down at her book, "No, I was probably just going to read."

He laughed, "Some things never change."

Clare broke out into another smile.

"Do you think you would be able to tear yourself away from that book for a bit?" he asked, "Maybe grab some lunch with me?"

She only smiled further, "I think I can fit you in my schedule."

"Good," Eli replied, "I'll pick you up in an hour."

Sure enough, Eli was at Clare's apartment in an hour. They drove to a nearby restaurant and took a seat. They sat outside and waited to order their food. There was a moment of awkward silence as they watched all the people pass by. Eli suddenly smirked.

"Do you remember when we used to go to the park to people watch?" he asked.

Clare looked at him, "Of course. We came up with some crazy stories."

Eli saw a man walk by, talking on his phone, "I think this guy is running late for a business meeting."

"And he is talking to who his boss, who is freaking out," she added.

"Because they are about to make a deal of a lifetime," he continued.

She continued to watch him, "He's worried about the deal but he's also worried about his girlfriend."

"Who thinks he works too much," Eli said, "Which they got into a fight about last night."

"And once this meeting is over, he is going to buy her a roses to make it up to her," Clare concluded.

They watched as the man found a taxi and drove off to his destination. Eli and Clare looked at each other and laughed. People watching was something they did after they finished their English assignments. It started off as an exercise routine to inspire Clare and her writing. It paid off when Ms. Dawes gave her an 'A' in the class and the two of them continued it, even after the school year was over.

"Wow, I haven't done that in a long time," she reminisced.

Eli's laughter died down, "It has been great hanging out with you the past few weeks."

"You too," she said.

He looked at Clare, "I'm glad we could be friends again. We were great together… as friends."

The words seemed to get to her more than it should have. Clare laughed awkwardly, "Yep, friends."

The rest of the lunch was filled with silence.

"Are you kidding me?" Adam almost yelled.

Eli stared at him blankly, "What?"

"You and Clare tiptoed around each other for years with nothing ever happening," he groaned, "Now that you two meet again, you tell her you just want to be friends?"

"Well, I do want to be friends with her again…" the older boy smirked.

His best friend just glared at him. Jeremy watched as the two went back and forth.

"So why didn't you ask her out?" Jeremy asked.

Adam answered first, "Because Eli likes to be tortured slowly."

Eli just rolled his eyes, "Clare and I are friends. We have always been friends and we will continue to be friends. I loved hanging out with her then and I love hanging out with her now."

"You're in denial," Adam mumbled.

He sighed, "Ok. Sure, I had a crush on her before and seeing her again may have brought it back, but you know I don't have the best of luck with relationships. I'm a mess when it comes to those."

"And the only girl who could handle you is Clare," the younger boy said.

"How about she and I just stay friends for now," Eli proposed, "And see what happens in a bit."

Adam narrowed his eyes, "Fine, but don't miss your chance again."

Just then, a familiar head of hair caught Jeremy's attention. He kept his eye on the girl and realized who she was when she turned around. The girl turned around and smiled when a guy made his way over to her. They exchanged in a long hug.

"Uh, guys," Jeremy spoke up, "Is that Clare?"

The boys immediately turned their attention to where Jeremy was looking and watched the scene unfold in front of them. Clare continued to smile even after the mystery guy let her go. He also had a smile on his face – he had short, dark brown hair, a slightly muscular built, and seemed slightly shy to be around Clare. Eli narrowed his eyes at the pair. The mystery guy led her into the coffee shop where they were lost in the crowd. It shouldn't have, but Eli felt a slight pang of jealousy and sadness hit him.

A/N: I'm sorry if that last paragraph was a bit confusing. The mystery guy that Clare was with is Nick. They were just catching up again, completely innocent. However, Eli doesn't know that. So how is he going to react? Please review and you shall see! =D