Clare

Christmas time in the Edwards household…. It's not the same. Grandma's here, and so are my aunts and uncles. We have to pick Darcy up from the airport in an hour, but now the weight of the divorce and my dad being absent are really affecting me. I thought if I pretended he was dead things would be better, but I somehow always remember the truth… He left me here without so much as a goodbye… He left us without a dime to keep our heads afloat, so for the first time in my life… We are celebrating Christmas in another house. At least I can go next door to see Eli whenever I want…

I sat on the front porch while I waited for my mom to get her things before we headed to the airport. I happened to look over to the Goldsworthy's and I saw a Volkswagen hippie van pulling up into the driveway. Suddenly Eliza shot out of the house like a bottle rocket shooting into the sky. She hugged the guy and then checked his pockets pulling out a piece of candy. This must be their older brother….

She happened to spot me and she motioned for me to come over. I walked over cautiously, careful not to slip on the little puddle of ice that formed between out lawns. When I made it over she started the introduction.

"Clare, this is our older brother Tommy, Tommy this is Eli's girlfriend Clare… I think he wanted to introduce you two but Clare was already sitting here and it would have been rude…Well…just act surprised later..."

"Sure thing Eliza… Clare nice to meet you. I um, presume you have only good intentions for my brother?"

"Oh nothing but the best intentions… But you ought to ask him his intentions of me."

"Touché Clare…"

My mother called me and I had to go. On the way to the airport I texted Eli just to find out his location. He was out Christmas shopping… the big news to me was that he was actually going to wrap the gifts himself. Eli is many things, but it doesn't seem like a gift wrapper would be one of them... But who knows, Elijah Goldsworthy never ceases to amaze me… Him and all his shenanigans.

We got to the airport and my stomach started to ball up in a knot. Mom would have to tell Darcy the news now, before we got back to the house full of guests… That way she would have time to calm down. I wonder how this would go? One thing's for sure…. If Darcy was expecting a good old family Christmas she'd be let down…. Even more so than me.

We sat in the airport for ten minutes before we saw her walk through the gates. She cut her hair… Darcy cut her hair. It was shorter than mine. It was shorter than Eli's… It was shorter than most of the guys I know. Almost to the scalp. My mom gasped and put her hands over her mouth. She looked at Darcy's head as she went to hug her… Darcy just giggled as my mother checked out her new look.

I was next to get a hug. She felt warm… and I can say that this is one instance where I've missed her… It's been a long time since I've physically seen my sister and I never knew how much I missed her until now…. Once all hugs and greetings were out of the way my mother spoke her mind.

"Darcy honey… What the heck did you do with your beautiful hair?"

"Mom, don't freak out. There was just a little lice incident at the orphanage and the easiest thing to do was to chop it all off. It'll grow back."

"Let's pray so dear."

We helped her carry her luggage to the car and then load it in. Once we got away from the airport traffic I noticed my mom taking the long way home… Darcy was telling about her flight and her friends and all these other things. It's like she couldn't sense to tension. Then it happened, Darcy bought up dad.

"Where is dad? I'm surprised he wasn't here at the airport…"

"Darcy, that is something I have to talk to you about dear…."

"What is it mom?"

"Well darling… Daddy and I started having problems a while ago and so a few months ago we divorced and he moved to the states."

"What?"

"Dear, we figured it was too trivial to tell you about while you were off with your work. It's nothing really."
"So because I'm away you think it's suitable to hide things like this from me? Gosh mom!"

"See this is why I didn't want to tell you honey, you're upset now stop crying."

"She sold the house too Darcy. Dad left us broke."

"Clare thanks for saying it with cushion for Darcy."

"I don't need cushioning! I'm fine… Where is the new house?"

"Honey, it's a few blocks down… Smaller and easier to afford."

"Merry freaking Christmas."

Darcy sniffled in the backseat, but by the time she made it home she was done crying. She looked angry, but not at me, or mom… just angry period. We helped her get her bags into the house and everyone cascaded her with hugs and greetings. Good, while they catch up I can maybe get some holiday time with Eli… if he's home.

I went up to my room and dialed his number he picked on the second ring. It sounded quiet where he was, but I heard paper rattling and tape tearing so I knew he must be busy wrapping…

"You've reached your smart handsome boyfriend. What can I do for you?"

"In the mood for company?"

"Sure, why not… It is pretty lonely. Eliza took Tommy to meet Fitz… Hurl…"

"It's Christmas, so be nice…. I'll be right over."

"No need to be nice when I'm permanently etched on the naughty list."

"Whatever smart ass… Open the door."

I heard him coming down the stairs. He opened the door quickly and I walked in. He greeted me with a sudden, intense kiss. He almost took my lips off my face… I looked at him, breath taken away and he just chuckled before pointing up... Ah, mistletoe.

"I'm glad you're here Clare. I have something I want to give you before our big party tonight… Maybe you could wear it then or something… You don't have to its stupid really."

"Eli just give me the damn gift. It could never be stupid."

"Okay… Here goes."

He handed me a present that looked like it'd survived a plane crash. Yeah, like I thought… He's not much of a wrapper but it's the thought that counts. I opened the present hastily, almost paper cutting myself several times. Underneath the wrapper there was a box, and inside that box was a velvet box… I opened it and saw a locket with a tiny key attached. I opened it and there was a picture of us goofing around, and on the other side there was the sweetest and most Eli-esque quote "Twist my rubber arm again… I love you Clare."… Good thing I had my eyes fixed because it was in tiny italicized writing. Once I read the message I smiled.

"Eli, this is the most not stupid thing I've ever seen. It's perfect. Thank you and I love you too."

"I'm glad you like it."

"Put it on me?"

"Sure…"

He stood close behind me while he hooked the clasp on the necklace. Once it was on I realize how it complimented my cross necklace. Now I won't have to take turns wearing either… I'll just wear them both everyday… Once the necklace was hooked I turned around to face Eli. He was smiling smugly like always so I decided this time to take his breath away. I kissed him as aggressively as I could …without ripping out a clump of his hair.

He grabbed my hips and I wrapped my arms around his neck. He backed me into the wall and we stood there kissing. His hands we constantly roaming back and forth from my hips to the small of my back. Suddenly he made up his mind and put his hands in my back pockets. I done the same and so that's the way we stood… Under mistletoe until his dad walked in.

We broke apart quickly with the exception of one quick kiss… I looked at Eli's face and remember that I had in fact worn pink lipstick that day and it was smeared all over his face. He didn't have time to wipe it off. Mr. Goldsworthy walked into the living room and spotted us.

"Eli, taking advantage of Clare under the mistletoe?"

"You know me so well."

"Clare, how are you? Holidays going well?"

"Yes Mr. Goldsworthy… I was just coming over to get a gift from Eli... I actually should get going… Gotta get ready for your party tonight."

"Oh, well we won't hold you. Bring a friend!"

"Yes sir. Bye Eli."

"Bye Clare."

Eli told me goodbye, but he was really telling me to open my window. I rushed over to my house and past grandparents, aunts and uncles who were playing yahtzee. This could go on for hours!

I went to my room only to see Darcy sitting on my bed. She still looked sad, but she looked more… I don't know… like she'd accepted it. I didn't have time to call Eli or tell him to abort the mission, and I certainly couldn't kick Darcy out of my room. So I closed to door and told her not to freak. Eli knocked on my window and I opened it. He climbed through my window and Darcy's jaw dropped.

"Little sister sneaking boys into your room? Tisk tisk… Who is this?"

"Darcy, this is my boyfriend Eli. Eli, this is my sister Darcy."

"Nice you meet you Eli. You are adorable!"

"Uh… Thanks Darcy. It's nice to meet you too…."

"Well, you two probably want a moment alone. So I will just…"

"No, actually Clare. I was just coming over to see if you would be drinking sparkling soda with the toast? I need to know how many one dollar wine glasses to buy."

"Oh definitely."

"Oh hey Darcy, you should come too. It's a party next door that my family throws every year. It'll be fun."

"I'd love to but um I have plans…"

"With Peter?"

"Nosy Saint- Clare yes... If you must know."

"Peter, the guy from the dot? You two…"

"Yeah."

"Cool. Well Clare see you in a couple hours. Darcy see you around."

"Bye Eli…"

"Goodbye Eli."

Eli climbed back out the window and I shut it. Darcy stood there looking at me with a grin on her face and her arms crossed. I knew I had some explaining to do, and I didn't mind telling her the entire story… This took about an hour. By the time I was done she was speechless.

"Wow Clare… That is….geez. And it seems like you guys are pretty serious. Have you two… you know?"

"Yeah, we have. Only like four times though."

"Oh that's all Clare? That's major! I hope you guys are being safe."

"As safe as safe can be…"

"Good, just… be careful."

"I will Darc, don't worry."

She pinched my cheeks and shook my head from side to side. When he released my jaws they stung a little. My face was probably red because she pinched hem.

"My baby sister is all grown up. Oh, I've missed you!"

"I've missed you too Darc."

"How are you doing with all this dad stuff?"

"He didn't say goodbye… He left while I was at grandmas for break."

"That sucks… I wonder how dad just changed that way."

"No clue… But at least you're home for Christmas. Now let's get ready for our plans tonight."

"Well actually, I'm already dressed... I'm gonna head to the dot. Catch you later?"
"For sure."

"Okay."

Darcy left my room… That left me alone with my closet. Hmmm, now what to wear tonight? I couldn't make up my mind about what to put on. Who could I call? Alli, no… She was out of town with her family. Jenna? She's spending time with her dad…I made a call to the Goldsworthy household.

"Hello?"

"Hi... Eliza?"

"Hey Clare. What's up?"

"I was actually calling for you. I can't decide what to wear tonight an…"

"Shut up Clare Edwards! I'll be right there!"

Before I could hang up the phone and get downstairs the doorbell chimed. My mother answered the door and introduced Eliza to my family. They all greeted her cheerfully like they greet everyone. Such pleasant people…

She came up the steps and walked into my room. I closed the door behind me. I didn't say anything as she rummaged through my closet, my drawers and my under-bed storage containers. I couldn't fuss because I called for her help.

She finally pulled out a pair of black pleather leggings I'd gotten out of impulse and a red asymmetrical crop top that had a black tank top underneath. She even dug up a pair of black knee length boots I'd never worn. The outfit was sexy, yet not revealing if that is even possible.

"Clare, you are going to look great! I'm glad you called… I was bored over there because they are all watching gore movies and gore makes me wig out a little. So I was just upstairs… Alone and bored… Fitz is helping his mom cook so no Fitz."

"Eliza, you could have just come over. Gosh, I'm your brother's girlfriend but that doesn't mean we can't hang out."

"Thanks Clare… Since we're friends I need some advice..."

"What kind of advice?"

"Clare….. serious advice. I need to get things cooking…If you know what I mean…"

"Eliza shouldn't you…"

"Clare come on! I know you do it! You just seem like that type!"

"Excuse me?"

"Clare…don't play coy. You're probably a pro at it."
"Well I wouldn't go that far."

"I bet you've tried everything!"

"Okay, I'm really not hat experienced as you think. It might burn your ears but Eli does all the work. I mean of course I do my share but most of the time I just lay back and enjoy the services."

"What? Wait what are you talking about?"

"You're asking me sex advice right?"

"No! Gosh no Clare! My ears are burning! Ew! You and Eli have sex! I didn't need to know that!"

"Sorry… Well what did you want to know?"

"How to cook or bake! You seem like you'd know how to because you're… Well you're bubbly Clare. Bubbly girls always bake. I need to know what you know so that I can keep my man."

"Right… I don't know anything about baking Eliza. I'm sorry."

"Crap… Now I'll have to ask my grandma. She'll kill me."

"Be strong."

She left after I thanked her for helping with the outfit. I laughed to myself about the huge misunderstanding we had. I guess that is what happens when communication isn't as strong as it should be.

I jumped in the shower and put on the outfit. I looked smoking hot! But I wasn't showing any skin. I am going to have to give Eliza a big old smooch the next time I see her. I curled my hair and put on a little black eye shadow… It goes with the outfit.

When I got back into my room Eli was sitting on my bed. He was wearing a red shirt with a black vest… We kind of match. He smiled when he saw me and I grinned back. I wish we could just have to party with the two of us… Well that's not a party but still fun.

"You look so hot Clare. You've been shopping?"

"No, while you were watching movies with your dad and brother Eliza snuck over here, rummaged through my things to find this outfit and snuck back after she and I had an embarrassing miscommunication."

"What do you mean?"

"She was asking me about cooking but I thought she was talking about sex. I kind of let her know that we do it and that you are usually the leader."

"Oh… No wonder she shook her head at me."

"Yeah, she seemed traumatized."

"She'll live. We have five minutes until party time? Wanna deck the halls?..."

"Yeah… but later tonight. Then um maybe we'll both end up on Santa's naughty list."

Reviews please...Comments, concerns... All of that good . Love ya!