Chapter 14 is here.

Wow, for once that is all I have to say.

Well, besides that I don't own Degrassi. Or The Titanic, but I think

that was a given! =P

Love Always,

~Pho:)

Chapter 14

Clare's POV

"So what was that about?" Eli asked as I walked down the front steps of my house and towards his beloved hearse, Morty. Of course, Eli would pick the eeriest name for the eeriest car possible, but it just fit.

"Sudden inspiration." I sighed in a sing song voice.

"So you finished the essay?" He asked surprised.

"Well, look who has confidence in their English Partner…" I said, sarcasm dripping from my tone, "Yes, I finished. And I think it's good." I said confidently, literally lifting my chin up.

"Where'd the inspiration come from?"

"Well the song and…" Yeah, the song helped, but most of the story was in my actual point of view on Eli. Katy Perry's ideas were just a space-filler.

"And…?" He asked pulling out of my driveway headed towards the Dot.

"Never mind, it was really mostly the song…" I said sighing and looking out the window. It really was a beautiful day out, I hadn't noticed. All day its felt like I've been carrying fifty pound weights on my shoulders and the whole load has just been released, letting me have at least a few carefree moments.

"So do I get to read it?" He asked sparing a glance in my direction.

"Not unless you want to kill us." I said referring to the fact that he was driving.

"I'm not stupid, when we get to the Dot!" He pretended to be hurt as if I were considering him dumb.

"Well, it still needs to be reviewed and edited so I guess you have no choice." I laughed.

He shot me a "well duh," look and turned back to the road. We pulled up to the Dot and as I was about to open the door, he was already on my side opening it for me.

"So chivalry isn't dead…" I mused.

"Nah, you just haven't met many decent guys." That was true… He again opened the door to the Dot and ushered me in. We got a two-seater by the window and I was pleasantly surprised when Peter was our waiter.

"BABY EDWARDS!" Peter exclaimed. "look at you, you look more like your sister everyday! Come here and give me a hug!"

I got up giddy as could be and embraced Peter who was like my older brother, him and Spinner. "I don't know about that Peter, but I definitely look different." I laughed. "How's Spinner, have you talked to him lately?" I asked.

"Yeah actually, he's visiting with Jane next weekend, stop by so you can see them."

"Sure will!" I said sitting back in my seat.

"So what can I get you and your…friend?" He asked.

"Oh, Peter, this is Eli. He's my English Partner and friend." I said introducing them. Peter went into over-protective mode and eyed Eli kind of funny.

"Mhmm, so what can I get you?" he asked.

"Umm, I'll get a vanilla milkshake, Eli?" I said looking over at him. He was staring at me with a mixture of awe and confusion on his face.

"Oh! uh, just a coke for me." He said looking at Peter.

"Okay, I'll be back in just a few minutes with your orders." He said winking at me before he turned away.

"So, how do you know the waiter?" Eli asked curiously.

"Oh, he dated my older sister Darcy, he's like my older brother."

"Good to know…" Eli muttered.

"Well someone looks intimidated…" I laughed.

"Psh, please. Me? Are we forgetting who we're talking about here?" He asked leaning closer to me on the table as did I.

"No. We're talking about Elijah Goldsworthy: The sarcastic, egotistical, hearse driving know-it-all." I snarked.

"Ouch. I think you forgot to mention, funny, charming, and drop dead gorgeous." He remarked.

"Which again brings me to egotistical and big headed." I said.

"Ooh, those are fighting words Edwards, do you really want to go there?" He asked raising an eyebrow.

"You're just afraid I may be the one who can actually beat you in a battle of wits." I stated.

"So you're admitting I have master skills?"

"You wish Goldsworthy."

Just then Peter came back with our drinks. "And here are your orders…Clare Bear, I have a present I want to send to Darcy but I need your opinion. It's

in the back room, could you come check it out with me?" He said tossing his head towards the back door.

"Uhhh, sure? Be right back." I said looking towards Eli.

I followed Peter to the back not sure we were actually going there for the reason he said. When we walked through the door he turned to me. "Who is that?" He asked in protective mode.

"I told you, he's a friend from school."

"The way you too look at each other doesn't seem very friend like. He's into, and you're into him. He looks at you the same way I'd look at your sister." He said smiling half heartedly at me. I knew when Darcy left it broke his heart, but she needed that get away so she could find herself again.

"Well nothing is going on between us." I said sadly.

"But you want there to be." He stated surely. I could confide in Peter, trust him with anything.

"Maybe. But he's just…I don't know. One minute he seems interested, and the next he treats me like he would Adam. He's caring and protective, considerate, sarcastic. He makes me a whole new person, a better one. Not the bible hugging little girl I once was. He…I don't know." I said.

"Sounds like you love him."

"I don't want to get hurt again."

"If he hurts you, me and Spin will be all over that!" He laughed and so did I.

"Where were you when K.C. cheated on me?" I asked sarcastically.

"High on meth. Just do me a favor?" He asked.

"Anything." I said.

"He's seems like a nice enough guy and he makes you happy. Go for it. But know, I will be watching him." He said making me chuckle. I hugged Peter and he returned the embrace patting my head.

"Thanks Peter. You really are like my older brother." I said.

"Same here Clare Bear, the best thing is it gives me free permission to tease you." He said giving me a nuggy and pushing us through the door with his arm around my shoulder. He gives me a small peck on the cheek before going back to his duties behind the counter. I sit down and Eli's staring at me oddly.

"Everything alright?" I asked sipping my milkshake.

"Huh? Oh, yeah everything's fine. So what took you so long, I thought all he needed was sisterly approval?" He asked. Crap.

"Oh yeah, I just needed some advice that's all." I said. I wasn't technically lying, just not telling the whole truth.

"What about?" He asks.

"Nothing you need to worry about," I said with a meek smile. A heart stopping smirk made its way a crossed his face and something flashed in his eyes.

"Is that so?" He questioned and I could feel the heat rise in my face. "Then why are you blushing like crazy?" He asked.

"I-I…It's just warm in here, that's all. Now can we start on those assignments."

"Sure," He said chuckling, "Read mine first." He said even more amused than he was moments ago. He tossed it up to me from the table. I read the first paragraph and my mouth fell open. I didn't even finish before I slammed it to the table.

"Change it." I seethed through my teeth.

"What's the problem, Clare Bear?" He asked mocking innocence.

"This Clara Edwin, she's a floozy!"

"She's an ingénue." He stated.

I scoffed. "Are you kidding! She's a floozy! She follows around her boss like a puppy dog, what woman would degrade herself to this?"

"It's a classic love story, Clare. I'm not changing the characters. I mean if you think about it, it is pretty realistic. Clara, the secretary, pawning over a forbidden love with her employer, Eliot…" I wasn't sure what he was talking about anymore so I ended it was a 'hmph'. "You've got to admit, it's at least good."

"Uh-uh. No. Not a chance. I will not submit myself to agree with anything in that paper! Now just, read mine."

Eli eyed my paper, "Kind of short for you huh Clare? Are you sure you got enough inspiration?" He asked and he wasn't wrong. Where his essay was three pages long, mine was only about one and a half.

"Well read it and find out." I snapped. I was annoyed that first of all, he based his characters directly on us. And that he made mine a floozy! I don't not trail after him, throwing my self at his feet!

When he began to read my essay, he had a smirk on his face probably from my obvious annoyance. A few seconds in, it dropped. His face turned to what looked like awe. I really wasn't sure; he's just so unreadable at times as to where I'm an open book to him! I was beginning to get nervous, he hadn't said anything. Was it bad? Did I do something wrong? He placed it down on the table and just stared at it.

"Well…?" I asked.

He looked up at me. "Whoa. Where did you say you got the inspiration from?"

"Besides the song, I guess you could say experience." His looked turned thoughtful.

"Really?"

"Yeah well, I guess I wouldn't fully understand the guy's point of view. Just what I think. And I mean it fits. She's afraid of getting her heartbroken. He's afraid he isn't good enough."

"Who are the characters based on?" Eli asked suddenly.

"U-uhh. No one in particular, w-why?" I asked biting my lip.

"I don't know. I was just thinking maybe then you could give them a name based on the characters."

"Well, I think it's better to leave them nameless, let the reader let their imagination wander."

"You're telling me…" He muttered.

"What?"

"Nothing. Here's your paper back. It was… for lack of a better word, amazing."

"Thanks." I said smiling. I lied. I knew exactly who the characters were based on. Elijah Goldsworthy and I. Did he really not know that? Ali and Adam would have been able to tell in a heart beat. Just then Peter came with our bill.

"Here's your bill, have a nice day. I'll catch you around, Clare Bear." He said winking at me. I smiled and waved then went to pull the money for my milkshake out of my purse when Eli stopped me.

"Eli, I can—"

"I kidnapped you, I pay. This one's on me." He said smirking. Does he realize what he does to me? He took out his wallet and headed towards the front counter. Just then, Fitz came in. Great. I tried to look out the window, maybe he wouldn't notice me. But my luck wasn't that great…

"Oh, Clare…" He croaked coming up close behind me. I turned around to see him standing only about ten inches away.

"Oh, hi Fitz."

"I thought you said you had plans."

"I did, and I do. So if you don't mind, I'll be going now." I said trying to collect mine and Eli's stuff so we could leave. Again, my luck isn't that great. He roughly grabbed my wrist holding me back.

"Who's so damn important that you can't have a little fun with me?" He asked suggestively, running his hand up and down my arm. Okay, seriously? Gross. I shuddered mentally and physically.

"I don't think that's any of your business so let me go." I said trying to pull my arm away but he tightened his grip.

"Not so fast. I think I should get some consolation for standing me up." He said leaning down towards me.

"The consolation is walking away without a broken nose if you let go of her like she asked." Eli seethed. Oh, thank God.

"Back off Emo Freak. I believe Clare owes me a date for standing me up for the likes of you." He snapped back.

"She owes you nothing, so walk away while you still have two legs Neanderthal."

"You know what, I don't think I will. Do you have some sort of claim on her?"

"Fitz, just leave me alone." I said pleading.

"Fine, I'll let you two get back to your little date. But I will be back." He said winking at me. Ew!

"Lets go." Eli said taking the stuff from my hands and putting his arm around my waist ushering me out of the Dot, glaring at Fitz as we passed.

"Ew…ew…ew…ew…ew…" I hadn't realized I'd been muttering it aloud until Eli actually laughed.

"It's not funny."

"The fact that you find that ape as repulsive as I do, yeah that is."

"He. Touched. Me. That's the third time to-freaking-day! Ew."

"Yeah, well if he comes near you again, I'll kill him."

"Eli, don't start."

"I'm not going to let him take advantage of you! If you think I'm going to let him sit there and make you uncomfortable, he's got another thing coming."

"What are you going to do?" I asked worried.

"Exactly what I said."

"How?"

"I'm not letting him near you."

"You can't be with me through out the whole school day, we only have a few classes and lunch together. You can't."

"Watch me."

"Eli, I don't think he's going to do—"

"Don't say that. Guys like Fitz, think they can treat girls like you however he wants. I'm not letting it happen." I didn't protest the rest of the ride. Instead I thought about my story. Wow, did I hit the nail on the head with the hammer…

There was still no one home at my house, so I invited him in for a little while. All Fitz involved problems aside, we hung out like we normally would. Teasing and laughing and flirting like crazy.

"What took so long to pay the bill?" I asked curiously. I mean, its not like the Dot was busy or anything.

"Oh, your friend uh, Peter wanted to talk to me." Oh crap.

"Really?" My voice shot up an octave. "What'd he want to talk about?" I asked.

He smirked at my uneasiness and chuckled lightly. "He asked where I know you from and what we were doing." I calmed down a little bit but apparently not enough.

"Should I be worried about something, Blue Eyes?" He teased.

"No, but I should…" I muttered. I looked at the clock and it was almost eight o'clock. Where were my parents? Dad, I'm used to being out late, but Mom, never, My eyes began to prick as I wondered where she could possibly be, who she was possibly with. I swiped at my eyes to prevent tears from falling and looked back at Eli.

"Clare, are you okay?" He asked.

"Huh, oh yeah. It's getting kind of late, I think you should go."

"Uh, yeah, okay. Where are your parents?"

I looked at the floor. "I, I don't know."

He walked over to me closing me in his embrace which I freely accepted. "Do you want me to stay?" He asked.

"I don't know…"

"Just until your parents come home. Then I'll climb out your window and go home." I laughed at the last part.

"Okay. Just do me a favor?"

"What?"

"Move Morty."

"Why?"

"Because my parents might have a heart attack if they see a hearse parked in our driveway." He laughed.

"I'll be right back." He walked out the door and I heard him start Morty. My stomach growled so I headed towards the kitchen. There was a note folded up tent style on the table that read Clare on it.

Me and your father aren't coming home tonight

Your father is on a business trip for the next

Few days and I'm at a girlfriend's house.

I left some lasagna in the fridge for you,

put it in the oven for ten minutes if you get hungry.

Don't forget to lock the doors!

~Mom.

I didn't realize Eli had come in until he asked me what was wrong. I was still staring at the note not paying any attention.

"Clare…" I gave him the note and went to the fridge to grab the lasagna.

"Clare are you alright?"

"No, no phone call, no warm message, not even waiting until I came home to leave so they can say goodbye in person. Hell, she didn't even write love Mom on the end of the card, or love Mom and Dad, no. Just Mom! How can they do this! It's like they're too caught up in their war, trying to get away from each other to notice me! To realize how this is affecting me! They don't give a damn about anybody but themselves! How can they do this to each other, to our family? It's wrong! I can't, I can't I, I, I…" I completely broke down. I probably would've fallen to the floor if Eli hadn't caught me. Eli somehow managed to carry me over to the couch. He laid me in his lap while I cried, trying to control myself.

"I-I-I'm s-sorry." I choked out in between sobs.

"For what Clare? What do you have to be sorry for?"

"Completely losing it."

He hugged me closer, "Clare, it's not your fault. You're a fifteen year old living through Hell. It's understandable."

We didn't say anything for a while. "Thank you." I hiccupped once I'd managed to control my water works.

"It's no problem Clare. Really." I sat up looking at him. My eyes were sore and probably red from crying, but he wiped away the last few tears as they trailed down my cheeks.

"Are you hungry? My Mom left some lasagna I could make."

"Sure." Just then my phone rang Ali's ringtone and I answered.

"Hello?"

Hey Clare, what's up, you haven't called all day?

"That's because I was with Eli all day. We were—"

Ahhhh! Spill!

"Ali! Stop it!"

What'd you guys do?

"We went to the Dot, worked on our projects, got harassed by Fitz, and came back to my place."

Is he still there? She whispered. Of course, now she whispers.

"Yes Ali,"

"Hi Ali!" Eli called loud enough for her to hear.

I'm gonna go…talk to you later…

"Okay—Oh! Wait!"

What?

"Declan invited me to a party Friday night at his condo and I can bring whoever I want…"

AHHHHH! Thank you thank you thank you I love you! She squealed.

"So I take that as a yes?"

Yes, yes, a million times yes! Ah, well I'll leave you to Mister tall, dark, and Clare-able, see you tomorrow!

"Bye." I chuckled and shut the phone.

"Wow, she's loud." Eli commented. I nodded my head in agreement. "So what's this I hear about a party?" He asks.

"I didn't figure you the partying type." I teased.

He frowned at me making me laugh.

"Yeah, my friend Declan Coyne invited me to a party on Friday and he said I could bring whoever I wanted. I just invited Ali, I'm inviting you now, and I'll invite Adam tomorrow. Simple."

"Does he go to school here?" Damn Eli for being intelligent and observant!

"No. He, he used to…"

"And now he goes to that snobby prep school, doesn't he?"

"Maybe…"

"AHA! I've figured out the mystery that is Clare's Mystery Lover!"

"I told you, he's a friend! and you still haven't figured out why I wouldn't tell you about Declan." I noted, sticking my tongue out at Eli.

"The pieces will all fall into place Friday. Should I come over after school so you can show me how to get there?" He asked.

"Uh, actually, I'm meeting Declan at the Dot after school. But after that me and Ali will probably be getting ready at my place, so you and Adam can come and pick us up around…say seven?" I asked. I noticed when I said I'd be with Declan that his face fell, but quickly returned with his next statement.

"That works. So what does one wear to such an event?" He asks.

"No need for any drastic wardrobe changes, though I'm sure Ali will just have a ball playing dress up with me. Just switch the blazer for a suit jacket and no Dead Hand t-shirts." I said getting up to finally put the lasagna in the oven.

"What time are you meeting your boyfriend?"

"Excuse me? Really Eli?"

"Well?"

"He's not my boyfriend. Besides, I'm interested in someone completely different. And probably around three o'clock, why?" His look turned thoughtful for a moment.

"Just wondering…" He muttered.

Beep!

I got up and walked to the kitchen to get the now re-cooked lasagna out of the oven.

"Self served!" I called cutting my own piece.

"You're really going to make me get up and walk all the way in there Blue Eyes?" He whined.

"It's either that or you starve!" I said dishing my helping.

I heard my couch squeal as he pulled himself off of it and got out a fork for him. Instead of getting his own, he took a bite of mine. Again.

"Do you really want to go there again?" I scolded

"If I recall, last time I won." He said smugly, taking another bite of my lasagna.

"No, no, no. You did not win."

"You forfeited. I won."

"You wish, Goldsworthy." I muttered grabbing myself another piece.

"Again, you forfeit! You know Blue Eyes; it's no fun playing with a quitter."

"Oh be quiet, you're afraid that I might just win." I stated confidently.

"In your dreams." He laughed. Eli, if you only knew…

"Wow! Your mom makes good lasagna!" Eli gushed making me laugh.

"I'll be sure to get you the recipe." I joked.

"Oh, you'd be my best friend!" I laughed at his otherwise, Ali-ness

"You sound like Ali! And I thought I already was your best friend." I teased.

Keeping up with our flirtatious banter, he said, "Yeah, but don't tell Adam; he might get jealous."

"Oh, I could never compare to Adam! He's the one you get caught with a stolen truck with and read mindless comic books with. You guys' bromance is more than mildly entertaining." I laughed.

"I'm sure he'd be honored. And I obviously can't get overly excited about something so meaningless the way Ali does."

"Oh, please Eli. I've seen you smile maybe five times, only when you're really happy."

He scoffed at this. "I smile."

"No. You smirk."

"Yes, but you love my smirk."

"When did I say that?"

"You didn't have to."

"Last time I recall, I said it was annoying."

"That's right; I still have to figure that one out." He chuckled.

"Oh shut up." I said.

"Eli: two, Clare Bear: One."

"So we're keeping score now?"

"Yes, and I'm winning." I groaned and ignored him, sitting down on the couch. I flipped on the TNT channel to see one of my favorite movies on.

"Ooh! the Titanic! I love this movie!" I almost dropped my food I was so excited. It was right at the part where Jack and Fibritzio were running to get on the ship.

"Typical. The Twilight of 1997."

"That may be true, but Jack and Rose don't have the option of immortality. They don't even have the option to share a piece of wood a drift in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean!" I said.

"Love at first sight…Not real." He finished.

"It wasn't really at first sight if you think about it. I mean yeah, it happened fast but they at least got to know each other."

"Yeah, he drew a picture of her naked, can't get any closer than that."

"Okay, that may be true but think about it; Jack shows Rose the real world, opens her shell. I've got to say, Edward and Bella have got nothing on them."

"I may know two people who might…" He muttered and I looked at him. "Never mind. So tell me that I'm not going to need a whole box of tissues for the snot and water works?" He jokes.

"No. Sure, it's a sad story, but not worth crying over." I said shrugging. "If she really didn't want him to die, she could've easily moved over. Or gotten on the lifeboat, one more piece of wood left for Jack."

"Good point." We continued to watch the movie in silence until it got to the point were Cal smacked Rose in her face.

"If I were Jack, I would've thrown that jerk off over board." He stated.

"For what?" I asked confused.

"For even thinking about putting a hand on the woman I love, if I were in Jack's position."

"I don't think Rose would've told him. I think she'd rather keep him safe than herself."

"Why?"

"Because, she doesn't want to be the cause of him getting harmed. She'd rather deal with it herself instead of add fuel to the fire that is the war between Calydon Hockley and Jack Dawson. She cares too much."

"I don't care, I wouldn't want her getting hurt for my protection. I'd rather kill myself first. Or him."

"I know…" I muttered. Perfect example of the on going war between Fitz and Eli. Ugh, couldn't they just end the meaningless feud, end the violence?

"Why do you continue to fight with Fitz? Couldn't your stupid war have ended with you getting him arrested?" I asked worry clear as day in my voice.

"No."

"Well why not!"

"Because he made this personal! It's not just about him having calling me a few names anymore. He stepped past that line."

"And what is that Eli?"

"You! You and Adam. I don't give a damn what he does to me, or my car for that matter but if he messes with either one of you he's gonna have to answer to me." He yelled.

"Why can't you two just settle this stupid war?" I said with just as much anger.

"Clare, it's not that simple."

"Why not? I'm not going to just sit around while my two best friends are being used as punching bags because you can't swallow your pride!"

"Clare, this has nothing to do with my pride! Look at Adam compared to Fitz, how does that outcome look? And I'm not going to let him look at you like you're a piece of meat, treat you like he treats every other girl!"

"Eli, why do you have to be the one who gets hurt? I've got three "older brothers" who can take care of that easily, Peter was ready to give you the third degree, and you've yet to meet Spinner and Declan! Why do you feel like it's your responsibility?"

"Because it's my fault!"

Now I was confused.

"What the hell does that mean, your fault? Because some creep thinks he can get off to me?"

"Because if it wasn't for me, you wouldn't be a target. If it weren't for our fighting, he wouldn't use you to get back at me in some sick way." He said quieter than before, I had to strain to hear him.

I looked down and grabbed Eli's hands. "Then stop. This. Feud. If you do, he'll leave me and Adam alone."

He looked down at my hands and intertwined our fingers together. He sat up and looked into my eyes before nodding his head slightly. De he just agree to peace? Did her say he'd stop fighting with Fitz?

I smiled brightly at him before thanking him lightly.

We turned back to the movie, Rose had just freed Jack from Master Amms's sinking cabin. I could feel my eyelids become heavy and I tried humming My Heart Will Go On by Celine Dion. I don't think it worked because after a few more minutes, everything went black.

Eli's POV

I chuckled to myself when Clare began to hum that sappy theme song for the movie. Yes, your heart will go on for the next eighty-three years while he froze and sunk to the bottom of the ocean. Clare would've smacked me for that.

…Clare…The one I was totally in love with, yes, I've finally admitted it(to myself at least). Why wouldn't I tell her this? Oh yeah; because I'm a wimp. What Clare wrote in that essay was exactly how I felt. Damn, had she talked to Adam? Nah, he wouldn't say anything. No, he'd just drop not so subtle hints. Not that I didn't love our flirting and teasing, but I wanted the right call her mine.

Her humming turned into light snores and her head fell to my chest. Call me cheesy, but she was absolutely beautiful when she slept. Her hair kind of disheveled, her lips parted slightly. I wonder what she was dreaming about because even in sleep, a light blush spread across her face.

Fine. I would leave Fitz alone, as long as it kept her and Adam out of the cross fire. But if Fitz makes a move again, I don't care how many "older brothers" she had; I would be first in line to pound his miserable head in.

I wrapped my arms around her sleeping for, positive I would have sweet dreams tonight.d

I just love the "Older Brothers" Declan, Spinner, and Peter don't you?

I had to add that!

Clare and Eli's relationship is most definitley growing,

but bare with me.

I don't want to rush into their relationship, I do want it to be some what similar to

the show.

So...

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But don't forget to review it!

Oh yes, reading your reveiws just makes my day!

~Pho:)