From Cut

"I am sorry I didn't feel anything." Clare felt as if someone had punched her repeatedly in the gut.

"What?"
"I am sorry but I didn't." Clare was about to cry

"So you didn't feel anything? At all?" Clare then thought, if he didn't feel anything then "So our whole relationship has been a lie?" she didn't want to believe it

"Yes. I am sorry."

"But you love me, I know you do." Clare was trying not to cry. "Please Eli, I love you."

"I am sorry but I don't. I love Julia." he looked down

"Cause I love her more than anything."
"Well what are you waiting for." Adam said with mischief in his eyes "Get better and get the girl back." Eli smiled. He knew Clare may not forgive him but he owed her the truth. He was gonna make sure he gave it to her.

6 months had gone by pretty fast. Clare barley kept contact with anyone back home. It was too painful to be reminded of the life she had left behind. She spent most of her time frustrated in the park writing. Pairs was beautiful and all but Clare couldn't bring her self to be truly happy. She missed Eli even he didn't remember her. She needed him. She hated that feeling. The way he got her all twisted up inside.

"Come on Clare." Bonnie said "We have to get home."

"Fine. I am coming." Clare smiled. Bonnie was the girl she was staying with. And the only thing keeping her sane in Paris. She was tall blonde and a total sweetheart.

"You still writing?"
"Its the only thing that is keeping me from loosing my mind." Clare said getting up "Today would be our 1 year anniversary."

"Oh sorry. Well don't worry, cause we have a massive goodbye party for you." Bonnie grabbed Clare's hand to help her up

"You know you don't have to." Clare told her

"I know. I want to." Bonnie put her arm around Clare "I am just gonna miss you so much" She hugged Clare"

"I am gonna miss you too. You will have to come to Toronto."

"Sounds like a plan." they were walking home. Once they arrived they saw a boy standing on the front steps. He wasn't very tall but he was very good looking. Clare almost passed out upon seeing the boy

"Hi." was all he said

"Hello." he was dressed in all black and had long shaggy hair. But most of all Clare noticed his green eyes.

"Wow you two don't say much." Bonnie said "Well if I start the introductions can I meet this guy?" she smiled "I am Bonnie" she held her out to the boy

"Right Bonnie this is Eli. Someone I knew back in Toronto." she said looking sad as she said "Eli this is Bonnie."

"Wow its nice to finally to meet someone from Clare's past. She doesn't talk about it much. Well except for this ex who hurt her." Bonnie

"Bonnie!" Clare said

"What?"

"Never mind." Clare was horrified

"Well you shouldn't have just waited until till tomorrow." Bonnie said "Clare is leaving tomorrow."

"Yeah I just wanted to see her before she came home." Eli said

"Well why don't you come back at about 8 ish. We are having a big party to say goodbye to Clare."

"Sounds great."

"Where are you staying?" Bonnie went on to ask, while Clare kept quiet

"With friends of our."

"Who?" Clare finally spoke

"Fiona and Adam came with me." Eli hadn't taken his eyes off of Clare and Bonnie noticed

"Well invite them too. More the merrier."

"Well that is if Clare wants us there."

"Of course she does. Right Clare?" Bonnie asked

"Sure." Clare said

"Ok see you then." Eli said and before he left "You look really good Clare."

"You too. Back on your feet."

"Yeah." and he smiled his signature side ways smile, and walked away.

"Ok who the hell was that?" Bonnie asked as they went inside and headed to their room

"No one."

"Oh come there is a story there."

"Fine, you know my ex, the one who got in the accident?"

"Yeah."

"That was him."
"OH My God!" Bonnie exclaimed once they went up to there room "No wonder you were head over heals for him. He is hot!"

"Bonnie!" Clare said

"Oh trust me. He isn't my type." Bonnie assured her. "i thought he said your whole relationship was a lie."

"He did."

"I wonder why he is here."

"I don't know and I don't care."

"Oh lie. Your words say you don't care but your eyes are screaming. You still love him."

"Whatever. The only thing Elijah Goldsworthy brings is heart break."

"Say what you will, you still love him and he loves you. I can tell."

"You are just crazy." Clare said even though part of her wished it was true.
…...

"Ok so this one or the the last one?" Eli asked Adam at the hotel room. He was trying on clothes to wear to the party

"Um that one."

"Wow and I am supposed to be the chick." Fiona teased Eli.
"Shut up." Eli told her "I am just trying to look good

"So Clare will fall back in love with you and take you back?" Fiona said

"So what if that is the plan?" Eli said "I knew I still cared about her, but seeing her again made me realize how much I loved her. How much I need her in my life."

"Well come Ellie, lets get going then" Fiona joked. And Eli took a deep breathe. He had to get her back. He needed her back.

…...

Eli and Clare pretty much ignored each other the whole night. Eli wanted to talk to her but every time he did he got cold feet. Clare sat on the front steps. Eli noticed and followed her.

"I thought you could use some company."

"Sure." Clare looked down and Eli sat next to her. The smell of his musky cologne made her sad with memories.

"How have you been?" he asked

"Do you really care? I am not your precious Julia." Clare snapped

"Clare that isn't fair." Eli said wounded

"You know what isn't fair Eli? Being your second choice. Face it you were only with me because you couldn't be with Julia. I will always be your second choice."
"That isn't true." Eli told her "I have been wanting to say something since I got here."

"Screw you Eli. I don't care what you have to say. I just wish I never met you." Clare said and she fought back tears "Please leave me. Let me let you go." Clare begged

"Fine." Eli could see how hurt she was and walked away. Clare sat on the steps and cried. Bonnie opened the door and saw Clare crying and she hugged her and let her cry.

Eli hated himself more than he did 6 months ago. Why did he think he deserved a second chance form Clare? He didn't deserve anything much less someone as great as her. Now he would have to spend the rest of his life without her.