Chapter 10…
Two months later, Clare was still very much the same. Her deepest regrets about Randall still haunted her, though not quite as often, and Eli was with her every step of the way. Eli visited Clare's house quite often to help Clare with homework, as well as to assist with a very pregnant Helen. Helen was towards the end of the sixth month of her pregnancy, and Eli had come to the Edwards-Martin household to help as much as he could whenever Glen was out of town on contracting trips.
May 18th, however, was a different day. Eli's graduation was scheduled for 8:00PM by the Degrassi front steps. It was…monumental.
"Clare, where is Jake?" Helen asked, stressing out as she walked briskly down the hallway, getting ready for Eli's graduation. Her temples throbbed, and she was beyond stressed that her stepson's whereabouts were unknown. Glen was out of town once again, and having Eli coming over earlier in the day to help her was beyond sweet. She ran a hand through her brunette hair and checked her watch, which read 7:15PM.
Clare quickly dropped the book she had been reading while propped up in bed and jumped up. Running over to her mother, she gently placed a hand on Helen's shoulder and guided her into her and Glen's bedroom. Once Helen was firmly seated on the bed, Clare stood in front of her and smiled. "Mom, take it easy, okay? Jake won't be coming with us tonight. He's got plans with Jenna." She rolled her eyes to herself, but having matured very much since her and Jake's relationship, she had grown minimally happy for the couple. Jenna and Jake had been dating for a considerable amount of time, ever since he had cheated on Clare with her. Jake seemed happy with Jenna, and even though their "sibling" relationship was indefinitely strained and uncomfortable at the moment, Clare and Jake had been truly trying to improve things in the household they shared.
"I wish he had let me know that. Goodness, I can't stand rushing around and worrying like this. I've been stressed ever since…Randall's death, and I miss Glen, and I feel so guilty making Eli do all of those nice things for me. That boy really is a sweetheart, Clare. He's a keeper, and he really loves you." Helen gently placed her hand on Clare's and motioned for her to sit beside her on the king sized bed.
Slowly sinking down onto the sheets, Clare crossed her legs and leaned her chin on her elbow to face her mother. "Before you say anything mom, you should know that you didn't make Eli do anything for you. He saw that you were struggling with cleaning and the dishes and moving around, and he wanted to help. That's…what Eli does, mom. He…he helps people, even people who don't deserve it. You deserve it, mom." She laughed softly and glanced down at her hand still entwined with Helen's.
Helen sighed and finally looked up from her protruding belly and lifted her gaze to meet her daughter's beautiful blue eyes. Gently untangling her hand from Clare's and using it to run her hand through the gorgeous, soft, bouncy curls, she began her monologue. "Clare, there are…different types of boys in the world. Many, many different types." Clare nodded at the establishment of this fact, signaling that she indeed understood that now. "There aren't many boys like Eli in the world. You won't find many Eli-type boys, but you can find about a million Jake-type boys. Of course I love Jake; he is m stepson. Regardless, he is not the type of boy you need right now."
"Mom, I know tha-," Clare began, but her mother put her hand up to stop her. She nodded and closed her mouth, fixing her gaze on her mother's tired brown eyes.
"Honey, you don't know. I married your father, and little did I know that several years later, when our eldest daughter was all grown up, and our youngest daughter was in the midst of growing up, that I would find out he was not the man for me at all." She fixed her gaze on her daughter piercingly, seriously scanning her innocent face. She frowned and brought her hand up to cup and stroke Clare's soft cheek. "Sweetheart, you don't see what's right in front of you. I know Eli has been here for you for so long…but you need to be here for him, too. Relationships are about give and take, to care for and be cared for. Learn from my mistake, Clare. Your father wasn't who I thought he was, just as Jake was not what you believed he was." She gently slid some curls behind Clare's left ear before kissing her forehead softly.
Clare frowned, tears pricking at her eyes. "Mommy," she sighed, hanging her head low, her shoulders shaking lightly.
"Clare," Helen gently leaned Clare's head on her shoulder and stroked her hair. "I am not angry with you for having sex with Jake. You were very confused and lonely at the time. It kills me that I didn't look out for you better."
Clare turned her cheek into the crook of her mother's shoulder, inhaling the floral perfume she loved so much. A single tear made its way out of the corner of her eye. "I know you're disappointed in me, mom. I'm disappointed in me, too. I wish I could just take it back. Mom…I know how much Eli cares for me. It's become pretty blatant to me; Mom, I-I…I wish he could've been my first," she whimpered, feeling Helen's fold in between hers once again. Suddenly, she felt her hand being laid on Helen's stomach. She gasped when she felt a light kick against her stomach. "Mom?"
Helen giggled lightly, trying to lighten the mood. "That's your baby brother or sister in there, Clare. I want you to be the best big sister you can be. If it's a girl…I want you to look after her. Teach her, guide her, and be a good sister so she will not make the same mistake you did. You can do it, Clare. You'll be a wonderful big sister." She smiled gently and moved Clare's hand off her stomach.
"I will, mom," Clare promised, wiping her lagging tears away and laughing gingerly. "I guess we should get ready, it's 7:30! Eli's graduation is at 8!" With that, she blushed at just the mention of Eli's name and hopped off to her room.
Helen giggled at Clare's giddiness to see Eli. Honestly, she thought leaning over to grab her shoes and dress, this boy is perfect for my little girl.
8:00PM, Degrassi Community School front steps.
The warm, slightly humid May air floated around Clare, who was perched on one of the many folding chairs next to her mother. Helen smiled up at the stage, where Eli was seated a few seats away from Imogen. Fiona smiled and waved at Clare, and Clare returned the friendly wave. The atmosphere was peaceful; everything was in place. Eli's parents sat next to Clare, and though she had met with them about a month ago when she and Eli had finally told them about their relationship, Clare blushed and tentatively sat beside CeCe. CeCe smiled and patted Clare's hand, whispering, "It's okay, baby girl. We're happy you're here."
On stage, Eli searched the crowd for Clare. When his eyes finally found her, he gasped and gripped his shiny blue graduation gown due to Clare's…beauty. The small girl was clad in a white sundress with a pink sash at the waist, gold sandals, and a few bangles on her left wrist from Helen and a light pink headband in her gorgeously wild curls. He gently waved at her and flashed an adorable loving, toothy smile. Clare blushed madly and waved, smiling widely back at him. Helen bumped her arm at the same time as CeCe and both ladies giggled. Bullfrog rolled his eyes, snickering to himself.
"Good evening, parents, family, and friends of the 2012 Degrassi Community School graduates. Firstly, I would like to thank you all for attending this important event." Mr. Simpson began speaking at the podium at the center of the stage. Bees buzzed and the gentle stars shined down upon the 2012 class. A few parents were already crying, and CeCe was tearing up a bit, earning a side hug from Clare. Mr. Simpson cleared his throat and continued, "Our seniors have worked incredibly hard this school year, and I could not be more proud and honored to announce Degrassi's Class Of 2012!" The crowd burst into applause immediately, and the graduates sat proudly on the stage, smiling down upon their parents, siblings, family, and friends. The principal waited for order to be restored before leaning back down to the microphone. "I would like to begin with our 2012 Valedictorian, Katie Matlin," On stage about five seats down from Marisol, Katie blushed as her mother, father, and Maya screamed, "We love you, Katie!" Mr. Simpson smiled and gestured Katie over to the podium as the audience exploded into applause.
After about thirty seconds, the applause finally began to die down. Katie smiled around at the crowd, this being the moment she had dreamed of since she was a little girl. She had worked so hard over the years, and now it was finally paying off. Her long, light red hair swayed in the breeze slightly as she began her speech. "Today is the day that most students eagerly await; today is also the day some students dread. Graduation means growing up, and going out into the world. It's exciting, but it's also really scary. You're leaving everything you've ever known." Katie took a breath, trying to calm her slightly buzzing nerves as the sun shone down on her delicately.
Meanwhile, Eli gazed at Clare, her presence being the only thing calming his nerves. He was going to be awarded an Honors diploma, a rather big achievement that he was certain a lot of people would have liked to have gained. Eli also did not particularly enjoy being on stage in front of many people ever since his breakdown during Love Roulette. However, his fears vanished as soon as he saw Clare's aqua blue eyes staring lovingly straight up at him.
"When I first came to Degrassi my Grade 11 year, I wasn't sure of what kind of school it would be. I was nervous, afraid, and full of self-doubt. I wasn't really sure how I would succeed at my new school. What I've come to learn, though, is that you have to be fearless. You have to let go of your inhibitions and just go for it." Katie smiled and looked directly at her parents. "I would like to thank my parents, as well as my little sister, Maya." Her family waved at her and smiled wide. Turning her gaze to Mr. Simpson, Katie grinned, stating, "On behalf of the Class Of 2012, I would also like to thank Mr. Simpson, a truly knowledgeable and fair principal." Mr. Simpson blushed madly. Katie redirected her stare into the crowd. "The key truly is to be fearless, and work hard, because giving up won't get you anywhere. Thank you, Degrassi Class Of twenty-twelve!" Nodding her head at her applauding audience, Katie gently stepped down from the podium and received the diploma Mr. Simpson had been holding out for her. He slipped her tassel over her cap and motioned her down the stage and to the front steps.
Mr. Simpson regained his position at the podium. "Lauren Adams," he began calling names, and one by one, the graduates were handed their diplomas and their tassels were flipped. By now, the front steps were about halfway filled with students in bright blue gowns. Pictures snapped and tears were shed.
Eli realized his name was coming up and immediately tensed up. CeCe and Bullfrog held one another's hands tightly and Clare sat on the very edge of her seat, earning an extremely amused look from Helen.
"Eli Goldsworthy," Mr. Simpson called, and Eli slowly stood up to the sound of many people's applause.
Clare cheered for Eli, tears streaming down her face. It was a good thing she wore water-proof mascara! CeCe burst into tears of joy and threw her arms around Bullfrog, who yelled, "Yeah, way to go, brat!" Clare giggled and screamed for Eli happily, and her mother applauded gently. Helen smiled and pulled Clare into her arms, settling her daughter's frazzled head onto her shoulder. Clare giggled, hysterically happy for Eli. He had made it so far.
On stage, Eli smiled genuinely as he accepted his Honors diploma and made his way towards the steps. The hysterical tears of joy Clare and his mother shed brought tears to his own eyes: never in his life had he loved people so much.
About fifteen minutes later, the remaining graduates were called, and most of the students had shuffled off with their parents for the dinner part of the celebration. They had thrown their tassels into the air and cheered for the hard work they had done to get to where they were. Almost immediately, Clare ran to Eli after jumping up from her chair.
Eli saw Clare darting towards him in the grass, looking rather funny as she slightly stumbled in her heels. Eli's eyes widened as she clumsily tripped and fell right into his arms. Swinging her upwards, urgently asked, "Are you oka-?" …but he was cut off by Clare smashing her lips to his. He smirked into the kiss, bringing his hands around her waist and gently massaging her lower back while her arms were tightly snaked around his neck. They only broke apart when the three parents approached them and Bullfrog coughed, "PDA alert,"
Clare blushed but remained in her boyfriend's arms, feeling the folded diploma brushing against her side. Eli murmured, "You look so beautiful." into her ear, earning a blood red blush from Clare. He gently grasped Clare's hand, not intertwining their fingers, but just to help lead her to the table. He didn't want any sly remarks from his dad, though they were bound to come.
Bullfrog punched Eli on the shoulder as they were walking through the freshly cut grass of the edge of the football field. "So," he gruffly remarked into his son's ear, "You finally made it, you little brat."
Eli smirked as Clare giggled at the not-so-endearing nickname. "Well, dad, it wasn't easy. At least I'm graduating with a girlfriend." He shot back, referring to the time his dad explained to him that he had been single throughout most of high school, and that he hadn't met CeCe until college.
"Oh, you'll pay for that one, boy," Bullfrog muttered as CeCe and Helen chatted happily, having already sat down at their reserved table. "Looks like CeCe and Helen are hitting it off," he joked.
Eli rolled his eyes and pulled out Clare's chair for her, seating her between him and his dad. As the sweet spring breeze swirled around them, Eli looked at Clare from the corner of his eyes, seeing her tiny hand reaching for his under the table. Trying to be sly about it, Eli kept his eyes on his chatting mother and Clare's mom, as he gently slipped his fingers in between Clare's. Their fingers folded together perfectly, but Bullfrog spotted this move and chuckled to himself, earning a glare from Eli.
Clare smiled, feeling the happiest she had been in weeks. As the two families ate and talked throughout the night, she occasionally played with Eli's fingers which were locked in her own. She would slowly place her fork down as she listened to the sound of her mother's gentle, pleasant voice and move her hand under the table. Eli wouldn't even know it, but Clare would tenderly curl her fingers around his, stroke his wrist, and caress the back of his hand with her thumb. She was just so proud…so honored…so lucky…to have this boy.
Eli, however, paid his own attention to Clare. He played with the flowy edge of Clare's sundress, squeezed her hand, and gave her endearing side looks, which she blushed crimson at.
"Well, Clare, we should probably head out." Helen smiled, not even wanting to part from CeCe, who she had made instant friends with. Though the two women were practically opposites, they bonded and they gushed and giggled over Helen's growing baby belly. It was nice to have a new friend in her life, Helen decided.
Clare and Eli broke apart from their quiet conversation, and frowned immediately. "Do we have to?" Clare whined, refusing to let go of Eli's hand.
Helen sighed. "Glen and Jake are back home, and I need to get back to them. Come on, Clare," she sighed deeply, exhausted from the long night. It was almost 10:30PM, but since everyone was having such an amazing time, no one noticed it.
"O-Okay," Clare accepted, defeated and not wanting to upset her mom. She slowly let go of Eli's hand and stood up. Giving him one last kiss on the cheek, she bid the Goldsworthy's a goodbye and made her way out of the area after Helen and CeCe had a long goodbye hug.
Eli frowned as he watched her go, and about ten minutes later, he left as well.
One Hour Later…
Clare's cell phone lay by her hand as she fidgeted with her blanket. Having said goodnight to her mother and gone straight to bed after showering, Clare realized it was almost midnight. She already missed Eli.
Her phone was grabbed by her hand instantly. She slowly composed a text message to Eli:
Eli, I need to see you. –Clare
Exactly thirty seconds later, Clare's phone buzzed with a new message:
I'll meet you at the street corner in ten minutes. How does a camp-out sound?
Squealing, Clare immediately ran to the bathroom, primping a few more minutes before slowly creeping downstairs. At the bottom of the steps, she slowly peered around at the living room…no one was there, good. She slowly and quietly slipped out the front door, drawing her white sweater around her, clad in purple silk pajama shorts and a matching long-sleeved top and a white lace headband. Light blue flip flops clashed with the outfit, but she didn't care. The warm night air folded in around her, securing her body from cold.
Making her way to the corner, she saw Eli standing right there, and she could see his house from where they were standing. It would be about a twenty minute walk, but she didn't mind. If it meant more time with Eli…
He turned to her, having changed out of his gown and into khaki shorts, a light gray band shirt, and black converse. Offering his hand, he was surprised when she hugged him tightly, squeezing him. "Hey," he choked out, causing her to loosen her grip on him and wrap only her arms around his neck. He rested his arms lazily around her waist, worried if she'd notice the slight lump in his pocket.
Thankfully, Clare did not. She only frantically reached up to kiss his lips, tangling her fingers in his black hair. Feeling his arms tighten around her waist and back her into the streetlight that was overlooking them, Clare gasped and felt her desire only increase. She was speechless as he kissed her in ways he never had before, passion melting on his tongue and lips. His soft lips met with hers over and over again, and she found that her lips fit perfectly between his. "Oh, Eli," Clare moaned, burying her hands into his hair, twisting and slightly pulling, causing Eli to moan against her lips. The chilled metal of the pole stung her back through her shirt, but she didn't mind one bit. She pulled him closer to her so that their bodies were now completely pressed together.
"I love you," He murmured between kisses. Their lips molded together as he brought his hands to her own and entwined their shaking fingers. "Let's go to my yard," he suggested after he leaned out of the kiss.
Clare sighed shakily and almost fell to the ground from the effect the kiss had left on her. Eli smiled and scooped her up into his strong arms, carrying her bridal style for the rest of the journey.
Eventually, the two had made it into Eli's backyard, where a burning fire and a tent were set up. A single log was rolled near the fire, and the tent was stocked with blankets, pillows, and a sleeping bag that could fit the two of them.
"E-Eli," Clare gasped as he gently put her down on the soft grass. "Did you plan this?"
"Yeah," he smirked, bringing her over to the fire. She settled herself onto his lap and leaned her head into the crook of his neck. The heat from the fire radiated into their skin, warming their hearts, along with the adrenaline from this foreign rush of love they were both experiencing. "I wanted to do something special with you." He kissed her forehead and loved the way the fire cast a gentle orange slow on Clare's pale skin.
Clare giggled, still in shock of how perfect this night had been. She felt his warm neck pressed against her cheek and his lips were pressed against her head. Basking in the glow of the fire, the sweet smell of the nearby cherry trees, Clare sighed contentedly. "You know, Eli, sometimes I can't help but feel like I don't deserve all of the wonderful things you do for me."
"You deserve everything, Clare. You deserve the world. I love you so much," he whispered, lightly stroking her back.
Clare smiled at his kindness, and she leaned further into his loose embrace. "Eli?" she asked gently.
"Yes, Clare?" he answered just as gently, not wanting to disturb the peace of the night.
Clare lifted her head off his shoulder and looked directly into his eyes. "You're amazing."
"As are you," he murmured, gazing into her pretty blue's before kissing her lips softly. He pulled away to Clare's disappointment, but her face immediately lit up as he pulled a soft, velvet case out of his pocket.
"W-What is that?" Clare stuttered, not knowing what to expect. It couldn't be…?
Eli slowly handed the box to Clare. "I-It's not an e-engagement ring, but it's a promise ring…I just want you to know that, to me, you will always be pure. No matter what has happened in your past, you are pure, beautiful, and amazing to me. You're my angel, and I really mean that."
"Eli, it's so…pretty," Clare gasped, slipping the silver ring onto her hand. "I-Is that a…a real diamond?" She gestured to the tiny diamond embedded in the sterling silver of the ring.
Eli nodded, leaning his forehead against hers and running his fingers softly over the ring and Clare's entire hand. "It's pretty, like you. Diamonds can't compare to what I feel for you."
Shaking from the amazing, looked-after feeling she was getting, Clare lifted her gaze from the ring, which was sparkling in the moonlight, to Eli's gentle green eyes. She slowly leaned her nose onto his, feeling him begin to lean in as well. Eli gently lifted his hands from her waist and straight to her cheeks, pressing his soft lips to hers softly.
Clare, filled to the brim with passion, slowly kissed him back, wanting to savor the night. Feeling her walls slowly crash to the ground, she finally let go and kissed him with everything in her. She felt Eli stand up and she wrapped her legs around his waist, giggling madly. He giggled with her as they crawled into the tent, kissing fast now with Eli hovering over Clare. She smiled against his lips, bringing her arms fully around his torso, dragging him to her. "I-I need you," she gasped, as his lips slowly kissed down from her cheek to her jaw.
Eli pulled back slowly, earning a whine from a very lovesick Clare. "I-I don't know what you mean."
Clare smiled, bringing him back to her and running a hand through his messy black hair. "I don't mean sex, Eli…but can we take things a bit…further?"
"Oh," Eli sighed relieved, worried Clare was making a mistake. He gently kissed her jaw down to her neck, caring for her skin with his magical lips. She moaned and gasped at the amazing feeling, her arms falling limp at her sides. "As long as the night is about you," he promised into her ear. He slowly unbuttoned her silk pajamas top and slid the material away from her shoulders.
Left in her tank top, Clare moved her hands to the bottom of his T shirt and pulled it off his body, feeling his warm chest press against her stomach. They kissed frantically at this point, absorbed in one another's pure love. "I love you," she exclaimed as his lips kissed up her shoulder to her neck, moving her curls out of the way. "Oh my god," she gasped as he kissed behind her ear.
"I love you," Eli breathed, feeling her hands go to his shoulders. His smooth, warm skin heated her shaking fingertips, calming her.
Clare smiled and pulled his lips back to her own for a moment. "Take it off, Eli," she sighed, moving his hands to her tank top.
"Are you sure?" he murmured against her sternum which he was kissing repeatedly.
Clare arched her back into him. "Yes," she moaned desperately, clawing at his back gently.
Eli groaned and slowly slid off her tank top, leaving her bra-less chest exposed. He gently kissed her chest, stroking her sides slowly, before pressing their chests together.
Clare slowly slid off her own shorts and moved her hands to the button of Eli's shorts.
"Wait, Clare," Eli moaned, his skin heating up quickly.
"Yeah?" Clare sighed, impatient.
"I just want you to know that…this means everything to me. I love you so much, and I won't hurt you."
"I know that, Eli. I know. I've always known," Clare reassured him, before dragging his lips back to hers and flipping him over. "We're not going to have sex, but I want to be with you." She moaned, and immediately, that love was shone.
As they kissed and expressed their love in the tent, the fire blazing on, the stars shone above them. What they did not know, however, was that "…they were all yellow…"