Update for my readers! Thank you for the reviews. Sorry for being AWOL but I'll try to update frequently. Enjoy the chapter!
Disclaimer: I do not own Degrassi.
Blossomed Flower
"KC stop!"
I didn't want to surrender but it was starting to become harder to breathe. His tickling was ferocious and relentless and it was hard to get out of it.
"Surrender then!" he laughed, not loosening his grip.
"Never!" I said, trying to get away but his hold on my waist was too tight.
"Are you sure?" I could hear the smile in his voice.
I was pretty sure my face was scarlet and my laughing was loud but this was too fun to care about how silly I looked.
"Okay, okay, I surrender!" I sighed in relief when his hands were gone and I had a chance to breath. "You just love winning, don't you?"
"Definitely," he grinned and I stuck my tongue out.
We collapsed against the lockers and slid to the floor, both of us laughing and breathing heavily.
"What was the reason why you attacked me again?" I asked.
He had a thoughtful expression on his face. "You know, I don't remember. Probably something about work."
"Oh well," I shrugged. "If Alli were here, she would've remembered."
I never thought I could feel so at ease and relaxed with KC. But after being friends with him for a couple of months now, I feel like I could talk to him about anything. Well… almost anything. He tells me about some stuff. One day he admitted he was living in a group home because his parents were both drug addicts. He thought he would lose me as a friend, but it was the exact opposite. I was happy that he could trust me.
"Clare," he cleared his throat and he suddenly looked nervous.
"Are you okay?" I asked in concern, scooting closer to him.
"Yeah, yeah," he said quickly, eyes fixed on his hands. "I was wondering… Will you go out with me?"
My heart sped up and he cautiously lifted his head to look at me. I was sure my face was full of shock but I couldn't get over how nervous and scared he looked. KC was never an overly confident guy but he wasn't shy like others. But seeing him like this… it felt like I was seeing another side of him.
"You mean like on a date?" I asked, wondering if I heard correct.
"Yeah," he nodded. "I like you. I've wanted to ask you for awhile, actually."
I didn't know what to think exactly. Maybe KC did hint before that he liked me more then a friend, and there was times when I thought about him in a different light. But I wasn't in the right state of mind to answer that question at the moment.
"I don't know if I can respond to you right now," I said, feeling a little guilty for not having an exact answer. "I need some time."
"Sure. Take all the time you need," he smiled but there was slight disappointment in his eyes.
"I'm going to go to the library," I stood up hastily, the tension in the air starting to suffocate me. "Have to finish an assignment."
I walked away and suddenly wished Alli was here today.
.
.
"Dark forces, shady lights…. I like it."
I smiled as Eli scribbled down many ideas to help with his story. It was another day in the music room, working aimlessly through this catastrophe Eli calls a story. He had amazing ideas and awesome characters, but it was a little hard for him to start it, so he put it. However, I didn't mind if his brain was too scattered to form a proper introduction at the moment. It meant spending more time with him.
I loved spending time with him and I still crushed on him… a lot. But KC was now in the picture. At least I think he was. I knew I didn't like KC as much as I liked Eli. But there were sometimes that KC would make my heart race or keep me smiling for hours. He put a nice feeling inside me.
But what about Eli? What about Eli? He. Has. A. Girlfriend. Jenna Middleton. She was still occupying his mouth most of the time, and probably not leaving him anytime soon. It wasn't like I wanted them to break up, but there were times I wished I were in her position…
"Did you have any idea yet how you will start the story?" I asked, amused.
"You ask me the same thing everyday," he groaned. "I think I'm stuck in a rut forever."
He looked defeated as he threw his papers on the piano and banged his head on the instrument. I softly caressed his shoulder and felt a spark fly through me. I quickly retreated my hand away and looked away.
"Yeah, you're in a rut but maybe you just need something to get over this writers block," I suggested. "I don't know exactly what you'll do… But I'm still here."
He lifted his head and gave me a smirk, his face inches from mine. "I'm glad you're here, Edwards."
"Oh what would you do without me?" I teased.
"I don't know," he said in a serious voice that confirmed he was telling the truth.
Ugh, why does he do this? "Umm… I won't be able to hang out tomorrow."
"Why?" he asked.
"I have a date," I said, without thinking. "With KC."
I didn't know what to expect. A part of me wanted him to tell me he actually liked me and not to go on a date with KC. Another part of me wanted to run away.
But he looked a little startled. "You are?"
"Yeah. He asked me out and I said yes. I like him," I said confidently but wasn't feeling confident at all.
"Great," he said. "I'm happy for you… two? I guess."
The room suddenly turned awkward and I knew it was my fault, but for some strange reason, I thought Eli liked me too. After weeks of spending time together, I thought I felt some sort of connection. I know better now. He has a girlfriend and I have to move on.
I can do that.
.
.
"Hey, KC," I said, walking to his locker.
He looked a little uncomfortable. "Clare, how are you doing?"
"Good. Listen I wanted to talk you about yesterday."
"I'm sorry for asking. I shouldn't have put you on the spot and should've known you wouldn't feel the same way. And I don't want you to feel guilty for saying no because I completely-"
"Stop!" I laughed at his babbling. "Calm down, let me explain."
He looked relaxed after taking a few breaths and he nodded for me to continue.
"After a lot of thinking, I've decided to let you take me out on that date."
"Really?" he asked, a huge smile on his face.
"Yes," I smiled back. "I was thinking tonight, because that's when I'm free."
"Perfect. Awesome. That's great. I'll pick you up at your place around 7:00? Then I'll take you out for dinner and maybe see a movie. Or maybe it'll be a surprise?" he said to no one in particular, probably planning in his head.
I smiled at his excitement and sincerity but turned sour when Eli walked down the hall, his eyes staring at mine. Things didn't go so well after I told him I was going out with KC. It was more awkward now and less fun hanging around him. But maybe it was for the best.
"Whatever you have planned sounds amazing," I chimed, looking away from Eli and focusing my attention on him.
"I hope you'll like it," he said, suddenly shy.
He tentatively held onto my hand and I looked at him curiously. He smiled at me and I felt a little tingly inside. I gently squeezed his hand and smiled in return.
"Do you want to walk me to class?" I asked, pushing my glasses over he bridge of my nose.
"Of course," he closed his locker and we walked down the hallway, his hand still in mine.