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Eli

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Fitz's purple bruises have faded into this orange-ish yellow color. He always bruised that easily as long as I could remember. The sight of them makes my fists involuntarily tighten. We don't talk about that night where Jake's group jumped him. I could imagine his skinny tall frame being pushed down by these much bigger athletic jocks. Don't get me wrong Fitz is by far one of the best fighters I have seen. He's no match for a surprise ambush of about 3 or 4 strong guys.

Where was I while this was going on? Oh yeah with a silly naïve girl who isn't so naïve as I thought, she played me. Now one of my good friends is hurt because I fell for her. She probably is laughing with Jake about everything I opened up with her. My eyebrows crease in anger.

Adam's eyes flickered to me. I can hear the voices of Owen, Fitz, and Adam talk. They are used to my sudden quietness or when my eyes suddenly shut off and I look like I am off in my own little world. They have witnessed one of my bi-polar outbreaks before; we never talk about that either. My disorder is a white elephant in the room. The music that played loudly essentially would make my mind more chaotic startlingly clears my wild thoughts in my mind.

My mind flickers to Clare. I wonder what dress she is wearing tonight to the masquerade. I shunned that thought as quickly as it came. It's starting to get easier getting over Clare. Who am I kidding? Some moments I feel like I want nothing to do with that manipulator, that liar, and when I see her all I could think about is getting her to kiss me. I discreetly shake my head like that would erase my thoughts of…Clare. My eyes caught onto a shiny black plain masks from my old Zorro costume when I was little. The mask as a child was way too big for my face. My mom thought it was adorable while my Dad made a smartass comment that would make laugh.

An idea pops into my head…I'm going to get my revenge on Jake.

"Boys, do we have any masks?" my voice chimed through the loud screaming metallic music.

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Clare

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We finally arrived at Degrassi. My mask was white with black rhinestones embodied on the edges of it, as I fixed it in the corner of my eye I could see Jake, KC, and Drew figuring out how they are going to sneak in the alcohol.

They are so idiotic.

My dress was black and it hugged the top part of my body and by the time it hit my hips the dress would sway out like a short mermaid dress. On the bottom part of my dress were matching black rhinestones that matched my mask. My lips were bright red. I was drawn to this dress….because of Eli. I never wear dark colors and this past week I have been clinging onto everything Eli. I re-read his favorite Chuck book 3 times since we last…talked.

Alli and Jenna started to squeal about how excited they are. I joined in. Alli and Jenna's dresses fit them perfectly. They tried to convince me to wear a red boa to match their boas but I refused making up excuses as best as I could. Thank God I won that battle.

I am so idiotic.

I have nothing to be excited for. I felt the cold hands of Jake snake its way around my waist, I shuddered as I tried to give my best smile but nothing seemed to form but a pathetic excuse of a grin.

We all started to walk into the gym.

The gym was transformed into this completely new place. I heard the Coyne's funded most of the dance. Midnight blue curtains were wrapped around the gym, it looked like the ocean. The only light was from the ceiling where there were dim lanterns hanging from the roof. There was a photo booth in the corner and cotton candy machines. The dancing floor was covered with hormonal teenagers while in the corner were arcade games. I honestly did not think the gym was this big. It seriously was night and day that's how different the school looked. Degrassi was wearing a mask also.

Jake and I made our way to dance floor…well it was against my free will. Of course a slow song came up. Jake rested his arms on my waist as my arms reached around his shoulders I rested my head on his chest. I could not look into his brown eyes because I know my mind and body would ache for them to be a stunning dark emerald green.

"Clare?" Jake whispered into my ear. I pretended he was Eli. Shame on you Clare Edwards!

"Mhmm?" at least I made an audible sound.

"I hope our Eli problem has finally gone away?"

I took my head out of his chest to look straight at him.

Ironically In that second I turned my head to find…

Eli and his friend are all dressed up arriving through the entrance. Eli's outfit matched mine. He wore a black dress shirt with his black skinny jeans his black converse with a red blazer. He had his mask around his neck. I mean I did copy his style with wearing black. Instantly our eyes meant. I could still make out his emerald eyes but barely. I could feel Eli staring us down. I could sense his confusion in me even looking at him, I'm supposed to be ignoring him. Jake's eyes followed my gaze.

"I will not let that Goth boy take you away from Me." his voice sounded so menacing. I couldn't help but feel this sudden chill run up and down my spine. My thoughts began to become unclear.

I broke my gaze from Eli. Eli's eyes were vacant and cold. Why am I so surprised?

Jake gripped me harder and gave me a shook….everyone was too occupied with their own self to notice Jake's abusive grip on my body. I felt a sudden courage sweep over my body.

Who the hell cares what Jake or anyone by that matter thinks of me? I won't talk to these ignorant people after high school.

I am only doing this to protect Eli….I remind myself.

I am going to suffer either way, he might not even feel the same way anymore.

I take a huge breathe making sure I fill up every inch of my lungs. I exhale before yanking myself off of Jake.

"Jake, I am done being your little puppet! I am in love with Eli." I had to speak louder because the next song was a lot faster. I felt another person come up to us my heartbeat sped up as I was about to turn to look at who it was-

Jake grabbed onto me again in that second I felt him get ripped off of me once again but not by my force I am too delicate for that.

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"Get your filthy hands off of her!"

I wanted to gash his head in with my fists. I completely forgot all about my ipecac plan and all I could think about were Clare's words.

I am in love with Eli.

Jake got right up to my face and he gave me a nudge.

"Who the fuck, do you think you are? He scoffed.

"Don't ever…ever touch her like that again." My voice was harder this time and louder.

I could see past Jake…His friends were coming as were mine. I could hear the gentle tears from Clare beside us. I felt her warm touch on my hand I clung to it as I smoothly pulled her next to me. I couldn't control my actions. I knew I wanted to stay mad at her and never forgive her for lying to me but all I could think was…

I need to protect her.

Jake was about to swing a punch me, I was prepared to push Clare behind me. Suddenly someone else grabbed his elbow back…it was Drew. I glanced at Adam who was on my right side.

Drew spoke as Jake turned to give him a quizzical look.

"Jake…this constant fighting needs to stop." Drew eyes locked onto Jake who seemed to be fuming. I looked around at the small group starting to form around us.

Jenna and Alli stood beside Clare who was on my left side.

"Drew, you have one second to let me go."

"JAKE! We're tired of this stupid feud."

Drew looked like his old self…the one I remember in my childhood. He has always had that protective instinct that Adam and I also have picked up over the years.

I looked over to my right to find Adam smiling. My friends Owen and Fitz looked so confused at Clare and I holding hands and I don't blame them

I am shocked myself. They go with the flow and it seemed to have blown over their heads and they focused on Jake again.

"Jake….Drew is right." KC chimed in. disbelief filled me. I was shocked that KC would say that…maybe this simple but complicated proposition has been thought of more than I thought it would be. I could tell everyone felt the same way as KC and Drew because of the facial expressions. The only two people who seemed to oppose against this thought was me and Jake.

Ahaha this is the only thing we could agree on apart from our parent's marriage situation.

I am tired of this feud. I just want my Clare and my mom and my friends.

This feud though does cut a lot more deeper then everyone thinks it does. I couldn't honestly say I would never fully forgive and forget with Jake.

I guess I could give in to peace…for the sake of Clare. I felt the delicate hand of Clare give my rough hand a reassuring squeeze.

I swallowed my pride and bit my mouth shut as I raised the hand that was not being held by a stunning angel for Jake to shake it.

"Ahaha fuck no." Jake said as he slapped my hand down.

Clare clung to me probably trying to hold me back from taking Jake down. I saw that everyone looked like they were walking on eggshells. Yet, I felt this sudden calmness or serenity….maybe it was because I had Clare.

Maybe that is all I need? That is all I need. I care so much about her that it covers my hatred for Jake.

I looked down to this beautiful girl. Her blue eyes were startlingly even more crystal blue. Her curls were more bouncy and she looked great in black…my smirk began to cover my face. Clare returned the smirk with her breathe-taking smile.

"Well Martin, I am done for the night." With that note I started to walk away with Clare in my arms.

"Where do you think you're going Goldsworthy?" I kept walking but I heard screams from Jenna and Alli so I turned around to find Drew and KC were holding back Jake. I could sense the fear from Clare and I held on tighter. We turned to watch Drew, KC, Adam, Fitz, and Owen pull him outside. The tiny crowd made the "awhhhh" noise, I laughed at their stupidity. Slowly the crowd dispersed back into their own lives. Such a funny thought how people are so obsessed with drama around here in Degrassi.

Did that honestly just happen?

I feel like this a dream I look at Clare….

I must be dreaming. No one can be that beautiful. The song began to turn into a slow song. My eyes followed the chaperone that started to go and follow those obviously suspicious boys dragging Jake out. Minutes late the boys were back without Jake. I wanted to go and find out what happened but I felt Clare twirl me around to face her.

"Dance with me" She commanded me. I smirked at her new found confidence; it was kind of...sexy.

I started to hold her against me and our feet shifted back and forth. I hate dancing but I didn't care it gave me an excuse to hold her against me.

"Eli Goldsworthy I would never take you as the dancing type." She seemed to have laughed into her smile.

"I am not" I kissed her cheek and held my lips to her. How could I forgive her this easily? I guess I am just so happy that I can't help myself.

As I pulled away to confront her about everything because I deserve an explanation, I heard her sigh.

"Eli, I am so sorry….Jake threatened me…I could not let him hurt you. You don't know Jake the way I know him…. what Jake is capable of scares me and I couldn't risk you because …" she gave a slight pause.

"I love you."

My heart fluttered. How could she love me?

"I understand if you never want to talk to me again…."

I cut her off with my lips, I felt her pull me closer as our lips moved together. Everything was right.

I am in love with this silly girl.

I pulled away relentlessly but I knew this girl deserved a reply that has been long due

"I love you Clare Edwards."

She gave me that golden smile that is known to make my knees become weak.

I held her close to me again.

I don't know where I will be a year from now…but I do know I will have my friends by my side and the girl who is in my English class and sits by the window and watches the lilies.

I bent down to get another kiss from Clare.

I felt her smile into the kiss.

This girl will be the death of me I swear.

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FINISHED.

I apologize for the wait…. I have been so busy lately.

I wish I could have ended it better and I am sooooo sorry the ending was so rushed :/ I just had to finish it to make more room for more stories.

I have some new eclare stories coming up!