Author's Note: Uh... hey? :)
*blocking- the movement on stage from the actors/actresses.
Eli's P.O.V
I breathed shakily and slowly shook my head.
"No, of course not!" I lied. She seemed unconvinced.
"Eli..." she whispered. I could see the look in her eyes, and I knew it was time to fess up. I took a deep breath and sat up.
"I didn't really write it about you... you were just my inspiration." I confessed.
"So... you think that... I was just some broken chick... you didn't even know me... how could you-" she struggled trying to find her words.
I got up from the bed and walked over to her. I could tell that she was eagerly trying not to cry.
"No, not at all." I began. "When I first met you, I knew that you were amazing. I also had a feeling that you were going through some things, and I wanted to be the person to help you."
Imogen sniffed and pulled a loose strand of her hair behind her ear.
"In your play, what happened to the girl?" she asked quietly. I smiled a bit and wrapped my arms around her, thinking of what I could possibly say without ruining the ending.
"She was happy." I said after a minute. Imogen rested her head on my shoulder.
"She was happy? She... she had a happy ending?" Imogen asked. I could hear the words from her spirit, how delicately fragile her words felt. I smoothed Imogen's hair and nodded.
"She had a happy ending." I said. Imogen pulled away slowly and frowned sadly.
"Just because the girl in your play got the chance to have a happy ending, it doesn't mean I will." she whispered.
I shook my head and bent down, capturing her lips in soft kisses. Before I could deepen it, she pulled away. I frowned.
"Eli, I'm serious."
"I know, I know. Imogen, you have to stop looking for negative outcomes. Stop looking so far into the future and focus on the now. And right now, you have me. And I'm not going anywhere." I told her; the seriousness of my words echoing the room.
Imogen smiled softly.
"I don't know what I'd do without you." she said sadly. I kissed her forehead and grabbed her hand, walking her to the bed.
She slowly plopped down on the bed and nuzzled her head deep into the pillow, closing her eyes.
I lay down next to her and smiled as she quickly doze off. Truthfully, I didn't know what was going to happen in the future, but I did know I was going to be there every step of the way.
…
We pulled into the Degrassi parking lot and picked a spot close to the outdoor tables.
Imogen quickly exited the truck and tugged at her blue sweater.
I intertwined my fingers with hers and started to walk slowly to the front steps. A few seconds later, Fiona started to walk over to us. She stopped in front of Imogen and frowned.
"Imogen, what's going on? You've basically been MIA for the past week, and Mrs. Hyser is debating on replacing you!" Fiona said angrily.
"Fiona, not now." I warned. She rolled her eyes.
"Well, Imogen? Are you going to explain why-
"Look, bitch." Imogen snapped, releasing her hand from mine. "I really don't give a fuck if you replace me. Kick me out of the fucking play if I'm such an issue! In case you even thought to care, I'm going through a lot and I don't your stupid, fucking attitude in my face right now!"
Fiona's eyes widened and her mouth dropped. I stood completely still, scared to make a move.
"I...I'm sorry, Imogen..." Fiona said quietly.
"Sure you are." Imogen mumbled, brushing past her and entering the building.
Fiona looked after her, shaking her head regretfully.
"I didn't know." she admitted. I sighed and looked down at Fiona.
"She really is going through a lot." I said after a minute. Fiona folded her arms.
"I understand that now, which is why... maybe she shouldn't be in the play." Fiona said slowly.
"Fiona." I argued. She groaned.
"Eli, we go on stage in just a few weeks! We can't fool around with this... we gotta keep moving." Fiona said, and sadly I agreed.
"Just... let me talk to her, okay?" I begged. Fiona nodded slowly and bit her lip.
"We have an important rehearsal after school. If Imogen isn't ready to be the role of Maria Delgado by then, we'll need to pick a replacement." Fiona said firmly. I nodded.
"Okay. I'll talk to her."
Fiona frowned a bit and walked off into the building. I clutched my shoulder bag and started for the door. I felt a finger tap on my shoulder, and I turned around to see Clare.
She smiled slightly and looked back and forth between my eyes.
"Hey, Eli." she said softly.
"Hello, Clare." I said coldly. She sighed and looked down.
"I can't believe you're still mad at me." she whispered.
I looked down at her and suddenly, I didn't feel so upset anymore.
"I'm not mad at you. I'm just... tired." I told her. She looked back up at me and her smile came back.
"Okay, that's good." she said happily. I nodded and forced the realist smile I could give.
"So, after you're done dealing with all of the play stuff after school, I was wondering if you'd like to...go to The Dot for some coffees?" she asked nervously.
My stomach took a sharp turn, and I could feel my face turning many shades of red. I didn't respond and she frowned a bit.
"You don't have to... it was just a thought." she said sadly. I cleared my throat and smiled.
"The Dot sounds great." I said. She smiled and nodded cheerfully.
"See you then!" she exclaimed before walking off into the building.
I took a deep breath and felt my chest. I didn't even realize how fast my heart was beating.
There was no reason why Clare and I couldn't be friends. It's not like we were going on some date; she has a boyfriend and I have a girlfriend. I don't know how, but my feelings for Clare were completely irrelevant at the moment.
I walked into the building and headed for my locker. I noticed Imogen standing in front of it, so I stopped in front of her. She looked scared shitless.
"Eli, can you please tell Fiona that I am so sorry? I just kinda snapped and I didn't mean to take it out on her." Imogen said regretfully.
I laughed quietly and opened my locker.
"She kinda deserved it, don't ya think?" I asked, pulling some books out. She leaned up against the locker beside mine and sighed.
"No, she didn't. She was just concerned about her-, your play. Which... I'm probably getting kicked out of." she said, huffing at the end.
"You're not going anywhere. It's my play remember?" I said, a smirk on my face. She squeezed my cheek and pecked it lightly.
"I know, but it still doesn't mean that I had the right to bitch out the director." she said while continuing to tug at her sweater.
"Why do you keep pulling at your shirt?" I asked. She sighed and folded her arms.
"I do that when I'm nervous, now will you please stop changing the subject and listen to me?" she asked. I could tell she was getting irritated. I nodded.
"Fine, I'll tell her. But she wanted me to tell you that... that you have to start showing up to rehearsals and focus so that we won't have to find a replacement." I told her while trying to sound as nice as possible.
She swallowed and took a deep breath. Her eyes wandered off and she rested her head against the locker next to mine.
"Okay." she retorted.
"Okay?" I asked, bending my head down to make eye contact with her.
"I said okay." she said back.
"Which means you're going to get focused, right?" I asked. She huffed and rolled her eyes.
"Yes, Elijah." she said, and I couldn't help but smile at her. She pushed me playfully and started to walk off.
"Just making sure!" I called after her, still smiling.
"Yeah, yeah." she mocked, continuing to walk. I laughed and took the rest of my books out of my locker, heading to class.
…
The annoying sounds of Mrs. Hyser's shoes tapped around the Drama Room as the Drama Club continued to file in. The bell signaling the end of the school day had sounded over ten minutes ago, and most of the club were still yet to arrive. Mrs. Hyser was getting impatient, as was I.
Fiona sat next to me at the desk as I clutched my script in hand. She had an extra copy in her hands, going through the stage blocking.
"Eli, when Maria leans in to kiss Michael, won't the lighting dim a little?" Fiona asked. I turned to her and nodded.
"Uh, yeah. The lights will dim and the violin music will start to play." I told her. She scrunched her face. I narrowed my eyes.
"Is there a problem?" I asked. She shrugged.
"I just think that's ugly." she said simply.
"...ugly? How is it...ugly?" I asked, completely confused.
"Violin music?" she asked, stretching out the words. "That's the most terrible way to emphasize the meaning of this kiss. There should be something soft, something subtle, something like... a piano."
"Just because you're the director doesn't mean you can go around changing things."
"Yes, it does."
"No it doesn't!"
"Eli, I don't want to talk about this anymore. We're taking the violin music out and adding in the piano music."
"You're the worst person to work with."
"Gee, thanks."
I clenched my jaw and looked toward the door. The last bit of students had finally shown up.
Mrs. Hyser walked up to the stage and whistled, getting everyone's attention.
"Today is the day that we can finally start working on our scenes on stage!" Mrs. Hyser said, smiling. The club clapped for a moment and then the room remained quiet again.
"Can I please have Imogen Moreno and Liam Berish to the stage?" she asked. Liam and Imogen walked onto the stage, the light shining on them.
"Our very own Maria Delgado, and Michael Ceaser." she said, pointing out there names for the production. Liam waved and Imogen just stood there, her face turned from everyone else.
Mrs. Hyser handed them each a script and quickly exited the stage.
Fiona walked up in front of the stage and flipped to a section of the play.
"Scene Three, Act One!" she called.
Liam and Imogen flipped around on their scripts and took their places on the stage.
"Ready?" Fiona asked. They both nodded. "Action!"
"Where are you from?" Liam asked, looking into Imogen's eyes.
"Oh, I'm not from here. I'm actually completely confused as to how to get around here." Imogen said, her newly learned Spanish accent flowing perfectly for her role.
Liam grabbed her hand and took two steps forward. "Let me show you around. I know exactly where everything is."
"Stop!" Fiona called. Imogen and Liam looked at her.
"What's the problem?" Liam asked.
"Try to sound more romantic, and less pedophile...ish." Fiona said. The Drama Club snickered and Mrs. Hyser shushed them.
Liam nodded and returned back to character.
"Let me show you around. I know exactlywhere everything is." Liam said, his voice sounding more pure. Fiona nodded in approval.
"What makes you think I trust you. We just met..." Imogen said, releasing her hand from his and walking down to the center of the stage.
Liam followed after her and twisted her around. "Because, I really like you. You seem like an amazing person, and I'd be happy to guide you through this town, which you seem to be completely unsure of."
Imogen smiled lightly and nodded. "And I'd be happy to accompany you, Michael."
Liam and Imogen linked hands and walked off into the back, disappearing off stage. Seconds later, they returned through the stage door.
The Drama Club clapped for them and they both smiled. Mrs. Hyser called three other kids to the stage as Fiona stayed at the front to direct. Imogen walked over to me and smiled.
"How did I do?" she asked, taking Fiona's spot.
"You did amazing. And... you seemed really focused." I smirked. "Fiona's impressed."
"Speaking of Fi, did you tell her that I was sorry?" Imogen asked. I groaned.
"Man, I completely forgot. I'll tell her when she comes back over here." I told Imogen. She shook her head.
"No, it's okay. I'll do it." Imogen said.
"I'm sorry."
"It's okay, I should probably do it anyway." Imogen said, giggling slightly. I smiled and wrapped my arm around her.
"Sleeping with the boss?" a voice screamed from behind us. Imogen and I turned around to see KC standing behind us.
"KC, what the hell are you talking about?" I asked, irritated.
"I saw this in a movie on Lifetime. The girl was sleeping her way to the top! That's how you made the lead over me, I knew I was better than all of you bitches!" KC said, his face red. Imogen huffed and stood up.
"I think you have some serious mental issues." Imogen told him. I snickered under my breath.
"I'm suing you guys!" KC said, pouting.
"With what lawyer?" I asked smugly. KC pondered the thought.
"I'll get my dad to do it! He owns his own hotdog stand!" KC said, smiling. I sighed annoyingly and turned away from KC's irritation.
"I'll see you in court! Ha!" KC said, walking off to join the rest of the Drama Club.
Imogen sat back down and we both burst into harmonies of laughs. What would we do without KC?
"What are you doing after school?" Imogen asked, leaning back in her seat. I cleared my throat and started smoothing out my hair.
"Just going out for coffees with Clare." I said casusally. Imogen looked up at me.
"Oh... isn't that your ex girlfriend?" Imogen asked, swallowing.
"Yeah, but we're just going to... do an interview. She writes for the school newspaper." I lied. Imogen seemed to have calmed down and smiled.
"Okay... tell her I say hi." Imogen said, looking at the actors on stage.
I could already feel my throat going dry.
…
The rehearsals ended on a good note and I was feeling pretty confident about the play.
I looked over and noticed Fiona and Imogen talking and laughing, which was a good sign. They noticed me staring and walked over to me.
"Hey Eli, Imogen's coming to my house to hang out." Fiona said, smiling. I looked over at Imogen who was nodding in agreement.
"Okay, I'll be at The Dot... have fun." I told them. They both walked off as if they were best friends.
I looked after them and sighed, grabbing my bag. I took out my phone to send Clare a text.
To: Clare
I'll be at the Dot in a sec.
I put my phone in my pocket and walked out of the Drama room. As I was walking out of the building into the cool air, my phone buzzed. I took it out and read the text from Clare.
To: Eli
I'm already here, I'll see you soon :) xoxo
Xoxo? Huh? What in the...?
I climbed in the truck and quickly drove to The Dot. I exited the car and walked through the glass door, searching for Clare. She was seated at a table by the window, and I slowly walked over to meet her. She smiled when she saw me.
"Hey, Eli. Glad you could make it." Clare said as I took a seat. I nodded and cleared my throat.
"Yeah, me too." I said. I looked around, the awkwardness overbearing.
"So, Eli... I've noticed that you and Imogen have been together a lot lately." Clare said, forcing a smile.
"Yeah, she's-
"Jake and I broke up." Clare interrupted. I tilted my head.
"Really? Why?" I asked, leaning forward in confusion. Clare looked down sadly and gulped.
"Our parents are... our parents are getting married." Clare said, her eyes turning glassy. My mouth dropped.
"That's... terrible, Clare. I'm really sorry." I told her sincerely. She sniffed and nodded her head, forcing another smile.
"It's fine, really. Anyway, I've really missed you." she said, staring into my eyes. My palms started to sweat.
"I've uh, missed you too Clare." I mumbled. She slowly grabbed my hand and held on to it, caressing it. I looked down at our hands and my breathing hitched.
"I've really missed you." she said softly. I swallowed repeatedly, my face burning hot.
"Clare, I-
"I think that we should... try it out again." she interrupted. I narrowed my eyes.
"Try what out?" I asked.
"Us, silly." she said, smiling.
That was it.
I snatched my hand back and shook my head. Clare's face twisted in confusion. I could feel my lungs closing in.
"I have a girlfriend. Imogen, Imogen is my girlfriend." I told her, my heart beat going 1000 miles per seconds.
She looked down and nodded slowly.
"Oh, that's great. I'm happy for you, Eli." she said sadly. I stared at Clare, sadness and pain mixed into my expression.
"I'm really sorry, Clare." I told her quietly. She sniffed and continued to nod, not daring to look at me.
After a minute of awkward silence, Clare grabbed her bag and forced a smile to me.
"I better get going. Gotta study!" she told me, standing up from the table.
"Should I drive you?" I asked. She quickly shook her head.
"I'll be fine... I'll see you around." she mumbled before darting out of The Dot.
I remained in my seat, many emotions going through me. I loved Clare, but... I wasn't in love with her anymore. She knew it, and I knew it. But it doesn't mean that closure doesn't still hurt...closure...
Author's Note: Leave reviews? :) sorry if the clare/eli seemed a little rushed, but this is an Imogeli fic so.. yeah.. :P
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