Hello! Thank you guys for reading my story and for all the amazing reviews! You didn't think I would build up all this hype for Saturday and not tell you what happens, did you? This is the final chapter of the story, but I hope that you guys ENJOY =)
I slowly and groggily open my eyes and flinch back at the sunlight coming in through my window. I blink rapidly trying to adjust to the new light. I stretch my arms over my head. It's Saturday. No school. I can sleep in. You gotta love the weekends…
Suddenly, my eyes widen in realization. It's Saturday! I immediately sit up and pull off my covers. I freeze. Four months. We've been dating for four months. Four stressful, yet blissful months. Against my will, my mind goes into overdrive. "You have pretty eyes. Sylvia Plath killed herself. Or you could take off? You care too much about what people think. AAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! Or maybe you're scared? Hi Eli, how are you? Fine, Clare. Thanks for asking. Who says I'm trying to impress you? Conflict resolution. So much for nonviolence. Don't worry about it, I got this one. Romeo you drank the high-fructose cola beverage, NO! There's something between us Eli and you know it. I'm sorry I led you on. This is where I killed my girlfriend. Your idea for that new ending, I like it. I have a French exam. I think you just passed it. Twist my rubber arm, girlfriend. Whose side are you on? Having fun on your date Judas? Bet Fitzy's a real dreamy kisser. Eli, he has a knife! Three weeks and I'm still in the doghouse? Could I convince you to stay out for some contraband kissing? Who are you? Because I'm scared, Eli! You tried to hurt them, but I'm the one that got burned. We're really different aren't we? Opposites attract. I'm losing everything I love. Not me. I'm not going anywhere. I want to spend the night with you. You have beliefs. This isn't who you are. I don't know who I am! I don't really need a locker stalker right now. What did you do? It started after Julia died; the not throwing stuff out. You're the only thing that makes me feel like I could ever get better. Then I guess you're stuck with me. Just like you said I was stuck with you. You could work hard enough to earn a year's free stay at the Hotel Eli. This is where I deflowered Clare. How cheesy would it be if I said that mine already has?" And then the more recent memories. "Fitz is back. I'm going to church and Youth Group with you from now on. I trust you. Eli hit you? For someone who's always telling me she trusts me, you have an odd way of showing it. Fear is kind of my enemy. I trust you with my life Eli. Clare, you're trying to fix something that can't be fixed right now. You need to hear it Eli. I love you. Now please get-get off the bike. I forgive you Eli. Clare? Yes? I love you."
I take a deep breath. Eli and I have been through a lot these past couple of months. And yet, through all our struggles and conflicts, we've managed to stay together. And I thank God everyday for bringing Eli to me. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't take a moment to just look at Eli and smile. I appreciate everything he has done for me. And I've tried to return the favor as much as I can.
I get up and walk over to my bathroom. I stare at my reflection and am amazed at just how much I have changed since I began my education at Degrassi. I smile to myself, proud of everything that I have accomplished.
"Clare?" I hear my dad calling my name from downstairs. It's his turn to spend the week with me. I walk over to the railing at the top of the stairs.
"Yes, Dad?" He looks up at me. I register a bouquet of blue tulips in his hands. My favorite flower. My eyes widen in disbelief and I immediately smile.
I run down the stairs taking two steps at a time.
"Where did you get those?" I ask.
"There was a knock at the door and when I opened it, these were lying there." He hands me the flowers and I happily take them. "I'm pretty sure they're not for me." I laugh as I stare down at the delicate petals. "There is a note." He points to the middle of the bouquet where sure enough a small white envelope sits.
I look up at my dad. "What are you waiting for? Open it." I grin as I slowly pick up the envelope. I open it as delicately as I can, trying to savor it as much as possible. I take out the card inside and immediately notice the handwriting. "Good Morning, Blue Eyes. Happy Four Month Anniversary! I've planned a day for you that could possibly be as amazing as I am, although you know how impossible that is." I laugh to myself. Eli as smug as always. "So go get dressed and head over to where you and I first met. Love Always, Eli."
I stand there blushing and staring at the note and the flowers. I can't believe Eli did this. And there's more. I shake my head in disbelief.
My dad's voice brings me out of my trance. "From Eli I assume." I look up at him and blush a deeper red as I nod my head.
"Yeah, um, it's our four month anniversary." I say in response.
My dad nods his head. "Well, that's good." I look up at him confused. "Your mother told me about how Eli helped you through everything. We'd both really like to meet him again whenever he has time."
I eagerly nod my head. "That sounds great Dad. Thank you." I say as I gently give him a quick hug. "I'm going to go get ready. It says here that he has this whole amazing day planned out for me." I laugh.
"Go ahead." I run back up the stairs and set the tulips on my bed. I walk over to my closet and ponder over what to wear. As I'm searching through the hangers, my eyes fall upon a red silk dress that my mother and I bought a couple of weeks ago. It has long sleeves and drapes down to the mid-back showing off a little more skin than I normally do. To balance it, the front of the dress covers up to my collarbone and it rests just above my knee. There was no occasion for it, but once I tried it on, we both knew that I had to have it. I take the hanger and hold the dress up to me in front of the mirror. I grin to my reflection. This is the dress. I change into it and apply my always subtle makeup, but add a bit of shimmer on my eyes. I curl my ginger hair a bit more than usual. Next, I grab my black heels and put all I need in my little black clutch. I take a step back and am pleased with how I look. I can't stop smiling as I glance back at the tulips. I walk over to my drawer and grab Eli's present. As romantic as Adam's party for Fiona was, I can't help but think that Eli has something much more romantic planned.
I walk down the stairs and it's like prom. My dad is sitting down on the couch in front of the television and he twists his head back to look at me. He looks at me with that whole "my little girl is all grown up" look on his face. I smile and look down.
"You look beautiful Clarebear."
"Thanks Dad."
"Is Eli picking you up?"
I shake my head. "He told me to go to where we first met. I guess he's waiting there for me."
"Be safe and don't be back too late." He gently kisses my forehead.
"See you later Dad." I turn towards the door and walk out.
I start walking towards the front of Degrassi where Eli ran over my glasses. I laugh at the memory. He made me nervous the first moment I saw him. Stupid Eli, always making me blush. I wonder what he has planned. Why does he want to meet me there? What else could he have planned? As I ponder over all these questions, I recognize someone standing in the exact spot where Morty shattered my glasses.
Only it's not Eli. I could have sworn the last time I saw Eli he didn't have blond hair and a baby bump. "Jenna!" I exclaim as I run over to her and give her a hug.
"Hey Clare!" She laughs as she returns my embrace. "You look amazing!"
I pull back and look at her in disbelief. "Where's Eli?" I ask her.
"I can't tell you that. But Clare, it's so cute what he has planned!"
"Tell me!" I laugh.
"No can do Clarebear. But, I have been told to give you this." She hands me another small white envelope. I gently take it from her and glance at her before I open it. She smiles urging me to read the note. I open it as delicately as the first one and read the note in silence. "I guess every great love story starts somewhere. And this is where our story began. All because I ran over your glasses. But what I said to you still stands true. Clare Edwards, you have pretty eyes. Now, go to where we first ditched class. I can't wait to see you. Love Always, Eli."
I blush and look up at Jenna. "I can't believe he's doing all this."
She shakes her head at me. "You deserve it Clare."
I smile at her in gratitude. My eyes wander to her belly. "How are you feeling?" I ask her.
She laughs. "Clare, for once, please stop caring about everyone else and just focus on yourself. And Eli of course."
I laugh in response and give her another hug. "Thank you Jenna. I'll see you soon."
"Definitely. Now go!" I smile and turn towards the bench where Eli and I ditched class.
Eli got me, Saint Clare, to ditch class. I laugh under my breath. And that was when my attraction to him actually became real, honest feelings. Our relationship was so much more simple back then. But like I said, we've survived everything that has been thrown at us and everything that could possibly have gone wrong. From bullies to a divorce to distrust. We've been through it all and still came out strong.
I look down and read the note again. He can't wait to see me. Does that mean he'll be waiting for me at the bench? I quicken my pace and as I turn the corner I look up and again, no Eli. It's Drew waiting for me at the bench.
I walk up to him. "Drew?" I ask in disbelief. I don't exactly like him. He really hurt my best friend.
"Hi Clare." A silence ensues. Glad this isn't awkward or anything. "I know that you and I haven't really gotten along. What I did to Alli was wrong, I know that." I nod my head. "I want to apologize again for what I did. It was a stupid mistake." He shakes his head. "Anyways, this isn't about me. Adam asked me to help Eli with this, so here." He hands me another white envelope.
I give him a small smile. "Thank you." I say as I gently open the envelope. I look at the note. "I bet you're going crazy wanting to see me. But good things come to those who wait so be patient. This is where we ditched class and where I realized for the first time that I genuinely liked you. I never thought that my little feelings for you then would transform to what they are now. I love you, Clare." I pause and take a breath. "Now, make your way back to Degrassi where we had a little…encounter with Fitz. Do the words, 'don't touch anything' ring a bell? Love Always, Eli."
I laugh at the memory. I look up at Drew who is smiling at me. "Thanks for helping Eli with this Drew."
"It's the least I can do. Just letting you know, he's done a lot to make this happen. I admire him."
I laugh. "Well, I have to keep going through this little scavenger hunt I guess. See you later."
He nods. "Bye Clare."
I turn around and make my way back towards Degrassi. I can't stop smiling. Eli didn't have to do all this. A simple dinner would have been enough. But no, this is Eli we're talking about and any chance he has to be amazing he takes.
I eventually reach Degrassi and I see Sav standing there where Fitz kicked Eli in the area where guys don't want to be kicked. I smile as I walk up to him. "Hi Sav." I say as I give him a quick hug. He's been like a brother to me since Alli and I are practically inseparable.
"Hey Clare. Eli told me to give you this." And of course he hands me another envelope. I grasp it and gently open it. I pull out the note. "This isn't exactly my favorite memory, the reasons you already know. But, you accused me of trying to impress you. I know I tried to deny and shrug it off. You should know that I am always trying to impress you. Next, head over to the picnic table where Romeo kissed his Juliet. Love Always, Eli." I can't stop shaking my head in disbelief. Eli has planned so much for me.
"Thank you Sav."
"Don't mention it. Anything for Eli. He saved me from the wrath of my parents. Dude's amazing with cars."
I laugh. "See you soon Sav."
"For sure." I turn around and quickly make my way to the nearby park where Eli and I shared our first kiss. I can't even tell you how important that memory is to me. Granted, the repercussions of that kiss weren't exactly what I expected, but Eli eventually told me about Julia. All that matters is that we worked it out and moved on.
If I had known that I would be sent to all these places, I would not have worn these heels. I laugh to myself. Beauty from pain I guess.
I spot the bench in the distance and notice someone. When I get closer I realize it's Fiona. I quickly rush towards her and give her a hug. "Clare, you look fabulous! You look straight out of New York Fashion Week."
I laugh. "Thank you so much. I assume you have an envelope for me?" I ask her.
"Yup." She hands me another envelope. "This whole plan of Eli's requires me to have an intervention with Adam. He is definitely behind in the romance department." I laugh as I open the envelope. "This is one of the best memories I have ever had Clare. We shared our first kiss here and even though it was for a school project, it still means a lot to me. I'm sorry about how I acted afterwards. I know it must have hurt a good amount. But this memory isn't just about our kiss. It's also about how I opened up to you about Julia. It was when I realized that I trust you enough to begin letting you in. And now you know everything. Thank you for respecting the fact that I needed a little more time to get over Julia. Thank you for always being there. I can't tell you how much it means to me. Now, don't get mad, but you have to go back to Degrassi again. I'll see you soon. Love Always, Eli."
I laugh. "I have to go all the way back to Degrassi. Again. And in these heels."
"You look hot Clare. It's worth the pain."
I give her another hug. "Thank you Fiona. I'll see you later!"
"Bye Clare."
And I make my way back towards Degrassi. It must have taken Eli so much time to plan all this and to get all these people to help him. I still can't believe he is doing all this for me. Eli has every right to be smug. He truly is amazing.
Eventually, I reach the front steps in front of the school. My eyes widen as I realize Declan is standing there. "Declan!" I exclaim as I run to him and give him a hug.
"Propmaster Clare." I pull away from him. "I was visiting Fiona and she asked me to help with this. I believe this is yours." He hands me an envelope. I open it and read the note within. "This refers to Vegas Night. We became an official couple after I very successfully passed my French exam. What happened at the dance I won't discuss, but on these steps you told me that you couldn't be with me if I kept up the violence. You don't understand how much those words tortured me for the three weeks you and I did not talk. I didn't want to think about not being with you after we finally got together. Anyways, I want to thank you for taking me back. I know that being with me can be an emotional rollercoaster, but you're one of the strongest people I know. You've handled everything better than I have. And I love you for it. Now, make your way to where we had our first official date. Love Always, Eli."
It's like he's trying to make me cry. I blink back the tears as I look up at Declan. "Thank you."
"It's nothing Clare. I approve by the way. This whole thing sounds like something I would do." We both laugh.
I give him another quick hug. "Bye Declan."
He nods and I turn toward the Dot where Eli and I had our first date. We listened to Chuck Palahniuk, got matching piercings, and had a late dinner. Best first date a girl could ask for. What I did to him afterwards is not something I am proud of, but Eli forgave me. It's almost impossible for us to stay mad at each other.
I practically scream when I realize Alli is waiting for me. I run as fast as I can in my heels and cling to her. "Alli!"
"Clare! You look gorgeous! I love your dress! And your hair! Hell, I love you!"
"I love you too Alli!"
She hands me a white envelope. "It's pretty amazing, what he's doing. He's kind of perfect for you Clare. I'm so happy you got your happy ending." She looks up at me. "Clare, don't cry please. You'll ruin your makeup."
I laugh. "I'll try not to."
"Open it!" I follow her directions and take out the note. "This is where we had our first date. And where I fell in love with First Date Clare. She kind of led me on the path to falling in love with you. Then, afterwards with the disastrous dinner with your parents and you're wardrobe at school, I was afraid that the Clare I was falling in love with was gone. But you never cease to amaze me Blue Eyes. You stayed strong through the divorce. Even though you broke down a couple of times and you lost yourself a little, I'm very proud of you for making it through. I am always here for you. I will always be your rock. I love you Clare. Now, go ahead and walk to my house. I think you know what that is about. Love Always, Eli."
"Alli, remind me to buy waterproof mascara next time we go shopping." I say as I look up at her with watery eyes.
She wraps her arms around me. "Sure thing Clare. I love you. And I am so happy you found Eli."
"Thank you for everything Alli."
She pulls away from me. "Now stop hugging me and go!"
I laugh as I give her another quick hug and walk as fast as possible to Eli's house.
I look down at all the envelopes in my hand. I still cannot believe Eli did all this. This is the perfect gift.
When I turn the corner onto Eli's street, I immediately spot Adam waiting for me on the steps. I sprint over to him and give him a huge hug. "Clare, I need to breathe."
I pull away. "Sorry." I laugh. "Is Eli here?"
Adam shakes his head. I look up at him in disbelief. "Don't worry Clare. This note explains it all." He hands me another envelope and I quickly open it. "Clare, I don't know how to put what I'm feeling into words. When I told you about my hoarding, I was terrified. You had every right to be scared away. But you weren't. And you immediately offered to help me with my room. I could never have made as much progress as I did without you. What this all comes down to is that I need you Clare. You…you saved me. You've put me back in control of my own life. Thank you so much. I know everyone calls you a saint, but I think the proper word here is angel. I love you Clare Edwards. Go to the abandoned church we found on one of our urban adventures. And yes, I will be waiting for you there. Love Always, Eli."
I give up trying to fight back my tears. That is the kindest and most sincere message I have ever received. I look up at Adam. "Sorry." I say as I wipe my tears away.
He shakes his head. "Don't be. Now just go to the abandoned church. Eli's waiting for you there. I helped with the decorations!"
We both laugh as I give him another hug before departing towards the church. Elijah Goldsworthy is something else. I can't even express my gratitude in words. Thank you for bringing Eli into my life God. He's exactly what I want and what I need.
I walk in silence and in these thoughts towards the church. And when I get there, I stop and just stare. It looks like how it did for the party, but a lot more mellow. I notice a picnic made ready just like before. He went through all this for me.
And there he is. The object of my affections. He's standing in the middle of the abandoned church wearing his signature Eli clothing. Black jeans, black boots, untucked black dress shirt. I notice he is wearing a red tie that matches my dress as well. A smirk is very evident on his face. I continue to stand there in disbelief at all this.
"I was expecting you to run up to me like in those chick flicks you always make me watch." His voice states.
I sprint up to him and jump into his arms. He laughs. "I take it you are very excited to see me?" I pull back a little.
"Very." I admit as I blush. I look around. Eli, thank you for everything." I look at all the envelopes in my hand. "I will treasure these. You don't know how much every word you wrote means to me. And thank you so much for the flowers. They're beautiful."
"I was inspired by a certain someone." He responds. I smile up at him. "You look stunning Clare."
"Thanks. The tie?" I ask.
"I asked Jenna to text me since she would be the first person who saw you. Pretty slick, huh?"
I nod my head. "This is all too perfect." I murmur. "Thank you." I look up at him. He pulls me closer towards him and lifts my lips up to his. He pulls away.
"I love you Clare."
"I love you more Eli."
He shakes his head. "That's not possible."
I blush. "Before I forget…" I trail off as I open up my purse. I put the envelopes inside and grab a large envelope out. "This is for you." I hand it over to him.
He takes it and grabs my hand, lowering me down onto the picnic blanket along with him. We sit much like we always do. His arm around my shoulder, our fingers intertwined. "Thank you." He states.
"You don't even know what it is yet." I laugh.
"Doesn't matter." He gently kisses my temple before opening the envelope. I sit there watching him. I blush as my heart beats quickly.
He takes out the letter inside. I won't go into detail about what the letter says. But it's very much like what all of Eli's little notes to me were. It's all about how thankful I am for him and how much I appreciate him in my life. About how I need him, want him, and love him. I watch as he reads the letter, his smile growing as he continues through.
When he finished he looks over at me. I blush even more. "I..This means so much to me Clare. I can't even express to you what I'm feeling. Thank you." He gives me a gentle kiss and I relish every second of it.
"That isn't all." He looks at me confused. I reach back into my purse and grab a small box. "This too." He gently grabs it out of my hand. Slowly, he pops the lid open and pulls the ring out.
"I was wondering where this was." He states as he looks at his skull ring.
"Yeah, I got your mom to steal it for me on Tuesday after all that with Fitz happened. I hope you don't mind." He shakes his head. A small silence befalls our conversation. "Look at the inside."
He glances at me before he looks more closely at the inside of the ring. "You're my rock. Love, Clare" He reads out loud. He shakes his head. "This is amazing. Thank you Clare."
"It's so much less than what you-"
"No. Don't even say that. This means everything to me. Thank you."
I wrap my arms around his waist. "I got something for you too." I look up at him in disbelief.
"There's more?" I ask him.
He nods his head and reaches into his pocket. "I guess we both had the same idea." He hands me a small box. I slowly grab the box from him and gently open it.
In the box was a necklace with a small star made out of little diamonds as the charm. My jaw drops. "Eli…" I trail off.
"Flip it over." I follow his directions and notice he also got an engraving.
"You're my wish come true. I love you. –Eli." I read aloud. My mind wanders back to the night at the party. "The stars are out. What's your wish? If I say it out loud it won't come true. How cheesy would it be if I said that mine already has?"
"Eli…" I repeat, but nothing else comes out. I look up at him and give him a quick kiss on the cheek. "This whole day has been incredible. And this necklace. It's gorgeous. Thank you so much." I shake my head trying to comprehend how Eli managed to do all this.
"You're welcome." He grabs the necklace and I turn around as he puts it on my neck. I look down at it and smile.
He wraps his arm around my shoulder again and I snuggle into his side. "Eli?"
"Yeah?"
"I trust you."
"I trust you too."
"Eli?"
"Yeah?"
"I need you."
"I need you too."
"Eli?"
"Yeah?" He laughs.
"I love you."
"I love you too."
Thank you for reading! :) I hope you liked the story. And its official: February 11th Degrassi Returns! I can't wait. Reviews are very much appreciated. Thank you! 3
