Summer came and went when Clare started Grade ten her and Eli hadn't spoken much at all. Eli had gone into a deep depression, all summer he just moped around. Loosing Julia had killed him more then he let on at first, and Jake and Katie were still fighting, so nothing had really changed in her life. So when she started grade ten it was like nothing had changed. Clare had cut her hair and changed up her style that was it. Eli was still the old mopey Eli and Jake was the same too. Clare and Adam shut their locker doors. ''Whens the last time you talked to Eli?'' he asked her. ''He hasn't called me in over a week''. Clare sighed.
''Same, its like he fell off the face of the earth, he just wants to be alone and you know Eli. There's no changing his mind once its already made.'' She shook her head. ''I've known the guy all my life and he won't even call me. When we do talk he's crying''. She shook her head. ''I wonder if he'll even show up to day.''
''You never know with Eli''. Imogen Shrugged.
''Hey Clare''. Clare and Alli shared a hug. ''Where's Eli?'' Clare shrugged.
''You tell me''. She sighed. ''Jake was really moody this morning, his moms wedding was yesterday it totally destroyed his good mood, he and Katie had a huge fight and now shes ignoring him.
"Hi sis".Clare smirked. "They were both rather sure that their mom and dad would me getting married soon.
"Is Katie still giving you the cold shoulder? She asked.
"yup, I think it would be much easier, dating my sister". She looked at him horrified. "Relax I'm kidding, all I'm saying is katie wanted commitment. But when I tell her I love her she goes batshit on me". Clare shrugged that was a little soon she had to admit. They'd only known one another for a year. But Katie was asking for a lot, then she goes crazy when she gets what she wants.
"Sorry bro can't help ya there". She replied. ''Sounds like your not the only one with Commitment issues''. He laughed and kissed her forehead and then walked her to class. Clare was still thinking about Eli. She hadn't seen him all summer and it was worrying her. He claimed that he was okay and he was doing a good job faking being okay. Yet to her it almost seemed like he was ok. Maybe a summer at home had really helped him to get over her death.
''Hi''. Eli sat down next to Clare on the steps after class. She looked back up at him.
''There you are!'' She said as he kissed her cheek she hadn't seen him all day. ''Are you OK?'' He stared at her.
''You got a haircut''. He replied. ''And contacts''. She sighed. He was avoiding the question, he wasn't OK. ''Your gorgeous''. She blushed and he brushed a hair out of her face he was going to kiss her, she pulled away making him narrow his eyes. He was starved for her lips and Embrace. He loved the smell of her hair her new hair and being able to see her eyes. But she brushed it off.
''I haven't seen you all summer Eli, none of us have, where were you?'' He shrugged he had been up in his room crying every day, he'd cried himself to death every night. He hadn't wanted to see people at all. But now he was Ok he wanted to be with the girl he loved. He loved how she was worried about him. Just like he worried about her.
''Around''. Was all he said. ''We did hang out.'' They had, they hadn't had their campout Clare had slept over at Alli's. Eli was fine with it. Because things change and he could accept it now he and Jake and Adam had had a game night but that was a week ago.
''Yeah once a week you never called me, or texted me all summer''. She accused. Its not that she was expecting them to have a summer romance but she'd hung out with Jake all summer while Eli wasn't around. She was Eli was mad at her but he didn't seem mad or possessive. Clare and Jakes parents were getting married and both of them were over the moon. They had one another now even if Darcy refused to come home.
''I'm sorry Clare I was busy''. She crossed her arms at him raising her eyebrows.
''Eli, are you OK?'' He sighed and took her hand he really was OK, now he wanted her to be his girlfriend. He wanted to be with her forever, for the rest or his life. But forever was a long shot for now. '' I mean it, you don't seem OK.''
''I'm fine thanks for worrying, but I'm fine''. She knew he was lying, but she didn't push the matter because he would get mad at her. She didn't want to fight so she just nodded and looked at the ground. God he loved her, he never got tired of looking at her.
''I'm glad Eli''. She looked at him, into his green eyes and knew he was telling the truth.
''Your so beautiful, you always were''. She blushed. ''I love you''. She stroked his cheek playing with his hair they way she played with his hair, her touch was perfect, she was perfect. Every single part of her. He loved her, he loved he loved her. ''I love you''. He said again.
''I love you too Eli so much''. They looked at one another and Eli leaned in and kissed her. The kiss was intense and full both of them kissed with passion and hunger all the feelings coming out at once. ''Eli_'' She looked at him. ''Eli''. She couldn't Julia was still dead and this wasn't right. This was a insult to her memory Julia hadn't been her friend, but Julia had loved Eli and Eli had loved her. ''Eli we can't do this''. She said. ''Julia was your girlfriend''. He shook his head.
''Julia would want me to be happy''. He said. ''She knew how I felt about you. She did before she died, she told me we belong together, you and me''. Clare smiled. ''She liked you more then you think, she felt threatened by you, thats why it seemed like she hated you''.
''Well I was hurt when you two started dating, but I knew you were hurt when me and Kc got together''. She said. Eli saw Kc walking towards them and Eli nodding in his direction.
''Speak of the devil''. She looked up to see Kc standing above him.
''What do you want?'' She snarled.
''I am so sorry, Clare sleeping with Jenna was the worst mistake of my life''. She stood up.
''Why did you do it?'' She asked.
''I had a crush on her''. He explained. ''We got carried away and well now she's pregnant.'' Her mouth dropped open, was he only telling her she was sorry so she would forgive him and they would get back together? So that he could get away from Jenna? Uh he was a ass. ''I broke up with Jenna''. He explained.
''Why?'' She cried. ''Kc your having a baby! Its going to be your kid, Jenna is going to need your help''. She couldn't believe him he was such a jerk. ''You need to be the good guy''. She knew Kc could be the good guy him and Jenna seemed really happy together. Maybe her and Kc were never meant to be together at all. In fact she knew she and Kc were not meant to be.
''Clare, I am terrified. That kid deserves a better father then me''. He said. ''If Jenna falls in love, then whoever she falls in love with could be a better dad then me''. She felt sorry for him now, he had so little faith in himself. But that didn't change the fact that he was planning to ditch her.
''You made this baby, its your job to help you and Jenna need to work together. You can be a good guy if you try.'' She said. ''Kc a side of you is genuinely kind and caring you need to let that side show. Be the guy you were when we first met. I think you were always that guy I think your just scared to commit.'' He sighed and looked at her for a long time. She knew him.
''Clare, hurting is the dumbest thing I ever did.'' She smiled he was being genuine. ''Sex at our age is stupid your smarter then me, much. '' I grew up over the summer because of you''. Eli was still glaring at him. ''I hope we can be friends''. Clare nodded. But she was still hurt by Kc. ''I don't even know where that good guy went.'' He smiled at her slightly.
''I'd like to be friends''. He smiled again at her, She watched him walk away. And turned around. Part of this drama was resolved she was forgiving him mainly because she didn't want to fight him. Eli shook his head beside her turning her to face him.
''Clare he's still a jackass''. He informed her. ''He still hurt you'' She nodded and held his hand. She knew he was still trying to protect her.
''I know Eli, but everyone deserves a second chance, even Kc''. She said taking his hand. ''Eli, I gave you second chances a lot of them''. He opened his mouth to speak but she stopped him. ''All that's behind us, Jenna thought he broke up with me, she told be that''. He narrowed his eyes. ''Yeah I know I think its a little bsy too''.
''That's bullshit''. Eli said. Clare sighed.
''I know but she says she's genuinely sorry so I have to accept''. She said. ''Its what God would do''. Eli rolled his eyes but he was smiling. He didn't believe in god but Clare was like that.
''There's my Clare''. He commented. ''Always doing good for Gods love''. She giggled and let him put his arm around her.
''You know it''. She joked.
''Oi you two'' Eli and Clare turned around, Adam was rushing towards them. ''First of All Eli, where have you been?'' He asked. ''Dude you've been MIA for a week, we were all worried.'' Eli shrugged.
''Around''. Was all he said. ''I was just taking sometime for myself''. He explained Adam just shook his head.
''And YOU did not tell me you were changing your look!'' He accused.
''It was last second.'' She defended herself.
''Well you look great''. Eli said. ''But you always did''. She smiled softly at him. This boy was her everything to her. She loved him she had come to terms with that. But he liked her too. ''You spent the summer with the whore who hooked up with Kc?''
''Don't call Jenna names she's a nice girl Just a little flaky''. Clare defended the girl. ''I was when it came to Kc too. In fact we all were, we were niners''.
''Oh and Your so much older now''. Imogen commented.
''Tenners are more respected the niners''. Clare defended. ''Now lets go we have class''.
''Nerd''. Eli said.
''Ass hole''. Clare retorted.
''Wow stepping up your game Edwards, impressive''. Jake walked up to her and put his arm around her. ''Nice eyeliner Eli''.
''Oh fuck off''. Eli replied.
''Eli!''
''And there's my Clare''. Eli said kissing her forehead.
''Eli its time to do homework''. Imogen said.
''Yes Eli we need to keep our grades up''. Clare nagged.
''Oh you two, live a little'' He put his arms around them. ''I can't have two girls nagging me now. Stop ganging up on me, I'm starting to think I have to many smart friends now. And Jake''.
''Hey!'' Jake tossed a pillow at Eli. ''Shut up fucker''.
''Jake no cursing!'' Clare scolded.
''You sound like Katie's kid sister''. Jake said. ''She's in middle school''. He said hitting her on the head. ''Oh did you hear Owen's little brother is gay?'' Jake said.
''You have no proof''. Clare replied. ''Stop spreading rumors''. She scolded.
''Its proven Clare, he told me himself''. He told her. ''He said he had to beat up a kid who called him a faggot because his brother was gay.'' Clare shook her head. Hitting was never the answer. Yet most boys did it. Even Eli if you got him mad enough. But he hadn't been in a fight in forever.
''Well in that case who cares?'' She giggled. ''Jake this isn't the 70s anymore.'' She informed him.
''You two are so cute''. Eli said rolling his eyes. ''Your so brother and sister its not even funny''. Jake and Clare smiled at one another soon they would be brother and sister and it would be awesome.
''You know it''. Jake told Eli. ''Shes annoying like one too.'' Clare smacked him in the arm.
''Ow you hit hard for a girl''. He said rubbing his shoulder. ''Thats going to leave a mark''.
''Hey you get what you deserve martin''. Eli told him. But he was smiling. ''And I love every second of it''. They began to wrestle and Clare and imogen began to yell for them to stop. Things were finally falling into place.
''Eli, Your going to get hurt!'' Clare was shouting. ''Jake stop!'' She said.
''Boys are so stupid''. Imogen shook her head. ''I hope your ready for a brother Clare'' She said in a singsong voice.
''Oh i'm ready, I'm tougher then I look''. She explained.
''Oh Clare''. Eli sighed. ''I love you so much''. He kissed her forehead again. Clare wished he would stop doing that because they hadn't talked about their relationship status. So she felt slightly used and led on.''You know I love you Eli''. She sighed. Later after everyone went home and Eli was in Clare's room. She sat down across from him. He leaned in to kiss her, but she stopped him.
''What are we?'' She asked him. ''I can't kiss you until you tell me what we are. Are you really ok Eli, or are you using me to get over Julia?'' Eli sat down and thought for a second.
''I do think about her a lot i'm not so much sad as I am, I don't think i'd want to be with her again''. he said. ''I love you, I've always loved you''. She let him hug her and then they had that kiss they'd both been waiting for, this kiss was so full of passion. Better then any of their others. He held her and he didn't want to let her go. This was so simple he wished that they could stay like this forever. ''Its you Clare its always been you we 've just been too pig headed to see it.''
''I was worse then you, I know now when I fell in love with you''. She told him. ''It was when you fell off the jungle gym that one time and finally broke your arm.'' He smiled.
''Our kiss when we were little is when I fell for you''. He explained. ''I love those lips''. He kissed her again. ''And I love you. Clare Edwards will you be My girlfriend?'' He asked her. Finally she could say yes. Finally they could be together because noting was standing in their way.
''Yes''. She giggled at jumped into his arms and he spun her around. ''Now I have tog et ready for the wedding in two days''. She said. ''Will you be my date?'' He just nodded before kissing her again.
''Hi sis''. She smiled at him. ''Whats up with you?'' She hugged him.
''Me and Eli are together''. She giggled again.
''Well, I told Katie I love her and she told me she loves me too''. He replied. She hugged him again and they sat down together.
''Jake! That's awesome!'' She cried. ''I'm so happy for you''. Thet were sitting at their parents wedding party the next night. The siblings, were talking and they never thought that ever, would they like one another, let alone become as close as they are now. Helen and her new husband were watching the kids joke around this had turned out ok.
''Whats awesome?'' Clare stood up as her sister walked towards her.
''Darcy!'' She hugged her sister. ''Your home!'' She said her voice shaking. Darcy held Clare for a long time. Then she turned to Jake.
''Hey Bro''. She said. ''I missed the wedding, but I made it home for the party, it meant a lot to me.'' She told the kids. Just then Eli walked up to the table not seeing Darcy he pulled Clare onto the Dance floor, They shared a kiss full of passion. Then she put her head on his shoulder and then danced soon Katie and Jake were next to them.
''I'm over the moon about this Clare''. He told her.
''What if it doesn't work out?'' She asked him.
''Then it doesn't work out.'' He replied. ''We can only try Clare.'' He pecked her on the lips.
''Your right, we at least have to try this and see how it works.'' She brushed a hair out of his face. ''I mean you and me have been together for fifteen years, longer then any other teenage couple. That in it self means you and I are made for one another.''
''Every one knew it''.
''Everyone but us.'' She told him. ''I'm glad we found it out''. She hugged him. Like he was the only one there. ''Because in the two days we've been together have been the best days of my life.''
''I feel the same way''. They could hear Jake and Katie talking to. After this they were silent just looking into one anothers eyes. ''Your my best friend Clare''. They made out again. ''I want to merry you someday''. He said. ''But we'll have to see how this goes.''
''I agree, for now i'm just fine like this''. She said dropping her arms and they kissed again.
Hi guys so this is the last Chapter I was going to do fifteen but I thought that this would be a nice place to end it. I will be starting another Eclare fanfiction. I am writing a girl meets world fanfiction called. 'Girl meets boy meets world.' So if you a gmw fan or a bmw fan check it out. An my one shot series I will be picking that up more often after the show comes on. But I thought of another one. Another depressing one and another story that picks on Eli. I will write that.
Also After august I don't know how often I'll be updating. I'll be in collage. I think however that I'm going to write another Eclare story. I'll have to see what I can come up with.
Thank you guys so much for supporting me. I love you all so much and I'll see you in my next Eclare fic.