It's Happening Again
Author's Note:
I do not own Degrassi nor any other pop culture or literary references in this story. Also, after I post this chapter, I'm going to post a link on my profile with a picture of the dress that I used as inspiration for Clare's black and white dance dress. If you didn't notice in the last chapter, the pepper spray was what I wish would have happened in All Falls Down part 1, instead of him being stupid and trying to give her the puking stuff.
Chapter 10 – Separation
Clare stepped into a pair of black patent peep-toe heels. She walked to the bathroom mirror to finish her hair. Placing a sparkly black barrette to pin her hair behind her ear on one side, Clare took one last second to appraise herself.
Her dress was strapless, with a soft sweetheart neckline. The bodice of the dress was covered in black sequins and beading, catching the light with every slight movement. The beading draped down the white chiffon skirt of the dress, tapering to points. It fell just above her knee, and with the medium height of her shoes, Clare was surprised at how long her legs looked. Her jewelry was minimal; just some black tear drop earrings and her dainty silver cross necklace.
The doorbell rang, and Clare grabbed her black satin clutch, leaving her abstinence ring lying on her bedside table. For some reason tonight, it had felt heavy on her hand, and she decided that while she didn't intend to act on anything tonight, she might someday, and just that possibility made her feel like going without it.
Clare opened the door and smiled. Eli was in all black as usual, but his black suit was classic, with a black button down underneath. A skinny white tie hung loosely around his neck, complemented with a white belt.
Eli stumbled backwards, clutching his hand to his chest dramatically. He flashed Clare a crooked smile and motioned for her to spin around so he could get the full effect of her. As she spun to face him, she felt his arms wrap around her waist as he crushed his lips to hers. Once their lips parted, she spoke.
"I take it you like my dress then?" she asked playfully.
"It'll do," he teased, smirking. "I have something for you."
"It's not a taser, is it?" she said as she raised an eyebrow.
"Nope, something much more traditional," he said, walking back to the hearse and taking out a small clear box. Inside was a small wrist corsage. It was a beautiful black rose, with small pieces of baby's breath framing the sides. He placed it gingerly on her wrist, and once it was in place, he raised her hand up to kiss it lightly.
Clare pretended to appraise it, eyeing him slyly, "It'll do."
With that, he took her hand and led her to the car. Once they arrived at Degrassi, Eli offered Clare his arm, and she took it, as they made their way to the dance. Inside, Alli immediately ran up to them and starting gushing over Clare's dress. Alli had chosen a tightly fitted white satin dress, strapless with an extremely short hemline. She'd accented it with a patent black belt just under the bust, and chunky black jewelry. After Alli returned to Drew across the dance floor, Clare turned to Eli, wondering what he wanted to do. She wasn't sure if he was the dancing type. As a slower song started to play, Eli took her hand and led her to the dance floor.
He took her waist with one hand, as she placed one of hers gently on his shoulder. He took her free hand and pulled her close, holding her hand against his chest. They gently swayed to the music, having eyes only for each other. As the song ended, Eli gave Clare a light kiss on her temple.
The rest of the night flew by. They talked to friends, danced to a few songs, and had a great time. As Clare took a seat at one of the tables set up bordering the dance floor, Eli excused himself to the restroom. After about ten minutes, Clare starting looking around to see if Eli had stopped to talk to someone. Before she could spot him, K.C. sat down beside her.
"What happened? Your little emo boyfriend ditch you?" he asked.
"No, he just went to the bathroom," she answered, not even looking at him.
"Well, I just saw him, and he wasn't anywhere near there, so are you sure about that?"
Clare turned to face him. "What are you talking about? Where did you see him?"
"I heard him and that Adam kid in the hallway talking about setting Fitz up tonight," he answered.
"What do you mean, 'setting him up'?" she asked.
"Something involving Fitz's car. It sounded like they were gonna hot-wire it and take it somewhere."
"They wouldn't. You must have heard wrong," she said.
"I can't make you believe me, but I bet if you walked out into the parking lot, you'd find them heading for Fitz's car," he said, standing up and walking out of sight.
She felt her phone vibrate in her clutch, so she pulled it out.
Eli: Drew's car won't start, so I'm gonna go jump him off. Be back shortly.
Clare stood up and practically ran outside. Sure enough, Adam and Eli were walking out into the lot from the other side of the building. She watched as they walked first to Eli's car to get a toolbox out of the back, then walked across the lot and behind a row of cars, where Clare could no longer see them.
How could he? The feud had been cold for weeks now.
Clare stormed off down the sidewalk, intending to walk home. Tears began steaming down her face. She got about a block away from the school, when she heard footsteps behind her. Their pace was much faster than hers. As she felt her shoulders tense, a voice spoke from behind her.
"Clare what are you doing? It's too dark to walk home by yourself," it called.
She turned around to see K.C. jogging up to her. "I'm fine! Leave me alone!" she almost yelled back.
"Come on, Clare, I know I'm not your favorite person, but at least let me walk you home," he said as he slowed his pace, approaching her.
After looking back at the school, and ahead down the road, she reluctantly agreed. Another block later, she felt her phone vibrate again. She pulled it out, and before she could read the message, K.C. yanked it out of her hand.
"I don't think we need to hear anything else from him tonight."