Ch.5 You're Going Down Part 1

The next day I walked into Degrassi with a little extra pep in my step. Eli and I were on good terms, the Fitz drama was over, and I'm pretty sure I made a new friend in Adam. After first period where I made myself comfy in my new seat next to Eli as his lab partner, I walked into the hall and met up with Clare at her locker. Eli joined us soon after. It was all fine till I noticed Fitz coming our way. Clare held her breath while I smiled at Eli. "Sup my brotha! And sistas!" Fitz said while punching Eli's shoulder lightly.

"Looks like you made peace with your tormentor."

"So he thinks." What?

"Right. Mission accomplished." Clare said with uncertainty.

"My mission is just getting started. That Neanderthal started something, and I'm gonna end it."

"What are you going to do?" I asked.

"Show him that my reputation is more than just a rumor." And with that he walked away. Clare looked at me to explain but I just shook my head. Then we saw Adam at the locker near us. Maybe he has some answers.

"If Eli is going to do something bad, someone needs to stop him."

"Maybe you guys should stay out of it. He has a surprise for Fitz and it's gonna be big." Clare and I looked at each other and I knew neither of us liked where this was going. All day Clare and I attempted to get info out of Eli and Adam but it was pointless. Neither of them would budge. At home that night I sat im-ing Clare.

So u have no idea either? None at all?

No, I told you everything I knew already. I followed Eli to The Dot where he talked to Adam and then Fitz. They seemed to be on good terms, then he left. He also showed Fitz something I think but…I couldn't see what it was.

Ok. Well maybe we should just play things by ear tomorrow?

Yeah, we're gonna have to.

Alright, I gotta go. See you tomorrow.

Yeah, bye Clare.

Bye.

What is he planning? Sometimes I think if Clare and I weren't there to pull back the reigns Eli would be a criminal mastermind. I turned behind me to see my mom doing her Pilates. Crap. The pep rally is tomorrow. Hooray for public embarrassment. I stood up and stretched.

"Mom, I'm gonna get to bed early tonight."

"Oh? Okay sweetie big day tomorrow?"

"Yeah, sorta. There's a pep rally and…other things may be happening too. It's kinda confusing."

"Oh, okay. Goodnight!"

"Night mom." If only she and I knew how big tomorrow was going to be. I woke up the next morning doing my same routine to get ready for school. I walked into the kitchen and read a not from my mom on the fridge. She left for work at about four a.m. and was probably going to work a double which means she's gonna be home late too. I grabbed a pop-tart on my way out and began the trek to school. I had only walked a block before I head a honk right next to me.

"Need a ride?" I turned to see Eli creeping along next to me in Morty.

"Sure, but you have to tell me what you're planning with Fitz."

"Not a chance. You'll try to stop me."

"So it is bad."

"Look, I've got it under control."

"I don't think you do."

"Well that's too bad then," he said speeding up and turning the corner. I looked down at my watch. I'm going to be late. I walked into first period five minutes late.

"Ms. McDaniel your grace period for tardiness has ended."

"I know, sorry sir." He sighed.

"Just sit down. I'm not going to give a detention on pep rally day."

"Thank you Mr. Wilson." I took my seat next to Eli and let out a breath. We sat in silence for a few minutes until I wrote a note to him and flicked it his way.

This is stupid. He read it quickly than wrote something back.

I know, let's just forget this morning.

I'll forget this morning but I'm not forgetting this whole Fitz thing.

Deal. I looked over at him and smiled. I sighed then scribbled down a new message.

You're going to the pep rally today right? I flicked the note. He raised a brow at it and shook his head. Soon the paper landed back on my desk.

Nah, not my scene. I frowned and quickly replied.

Eli, could you please come? I'm gonna tell the entire student body about my lie and I'll need some support. I tossed it back at him and waited for a reaction. He smirked at me and leaned across the aisle then whispered in my ear "I'll be there. I promise."

"Uh!" I leaned away from him almost falling out of my seat.

"Ms. McDaniel! Is there a problem?"

"No sir! Sorry!" I shrunk further into my seat now positive I was redder than a tomato not only for causing a scene in class but because Eli had been so close. At lunch Eli disappeared with Adam who I found out I had ballroom dancing with. The class was lame but at least I had someone to talk to. "I know it seems silly Clare but I'm not scared anymore. I know that Eli's going to be there so everything will be okay," I smiled.

"Eli's going to be there? So what, Adam and I don't have to come anymore?"

"No! No, come! I'm sorry. You all will be there for me."

"You like Eli don't you?"

"What?" I shrieked.

"You do! You like Eli!"

"Clare!" I reached across the table and covered her mouth. She shook her head and I released her. "I don't like him; I just don't want a rumor like that spreading around."

"It's not a rumor if it's true," she mumbled.

"What?"

"Nothing!"

"Anyway, I just hope there no school spirit here, you know? Maybe no one will show for the rally?"

"Attention Degrassi! We all turned o see Chantay and the rest of the power squad in the middle of the cafeteria. Remember we want to see all of you at the rally today right after school! We're even getting a special performance from our newest Degrassi student Harper McDaniel!" Everyone turned to look at me. Oh god. "So show some Degrassi spirit!" Then the room erupted in cheers.

"Clare, I think I'm gonna be sick."

"Hm, maybe Eli can make you feel better," she suggested smugly.

"Shut it!" Soon it was the end of the day and everyone was already buzzing about the rally. I met Clare at her locker. "Okay Clare, seriously, I'm going to be sick."

"Look, just relax and breathe." I took a deep breath.

"Hey, where's Eli?"

"I don't know. I haven't seen him since English."

"Same."

"He's usually here waiting for us."

"I guess we can wait."

"How long till the rally?"

"Ten minutes." We hung by the locker waiting but there was still no sign of him. Just then Jenna came by.

"There you are! We're just about to start! Come on!"

"Wait! Ugh! Clare, when Eli comes hit him for me!" She laughed.

"Will do!" Jenna basically dragged me to the locker room where I was shoved into a power squad outfit. Well, better live it up now Harper. This is the last time you'll ever wear one of these. I looked at myself in the mirror.

"Ready?" Chantay asked with an eager face.

"Uh, yep!"

"Great." She led me out to the field and I couldn't help feeling like a pig being led to the slaughter house.