(Adam's POV)
I was in the back seat with Clare as Drew was driving. She didn't want to sit in the front only simply because the front seat was occupied with a momentum from Eli's house. They were all his records and CD's he collected from time to time. I never expected to believe that I was part of the reason why Eli pulled his trigger. I knew Drew was guilty and it was barely any of his fault. Clare must've felt real shitty, too. We got Eli to do something we thought he'd never do.
"Clare, you look like you want a nap," I brought up because honestly, her eyes were struggling to be half-open.
"I couldn't sleep last night," she admitted.
"Me too. I still can't believe he's gone," I breathed out.
"We caused all this," she cried. Tears started rolling down off her face while I was too emotionless to cry.
I flashbacked to the moment that happened two weeks ago.
I came to Eli's house with Clare because we were worried about him. We knew we had to forgive Eli, I mean he was one of our best friends and we can't just cut him loose without an explanation. I honestly wasn't done yelling at him and letting him know how much he stabbed my back. Clare came to have "closure" or something.
Then we saw Eli with a gun pointed to his head.
I had no clue what to think. I honestly didn't think. I just wanted him anything but dead. I couldn't lose the guy that had my back even especially when he knew my secret. It's extremely hard to find understanding people, guys especially, that can accept me for who I am. And he was really good company. My body finally tried to jump him but gravity decided to attack me.
I heard the trigger pull and my heart stopped. But I heard no gunshot. Clare's scream practically took hold of the whole house and Eli's dad ran upstairs. Eli didn't die but the point is he willingly tried to. I'm glad he didn't check if that gun was loaded.
Now we're driving to his aunt's house where he is currently staying at. There's a really good teen psychologist and support group that can help him. Well, as good as support groups and therapy can get. Eli, venting his problems to a bunch of strangers? As if.
He had to result to this in the first place because we were too harsh on him. We shouldn't have said we wanted him out of our lives. But I didn't know he would take it to heart like that. Maybe it was a buildup of things he bottled up like Julia's death and the bullying situation and he exploded. Now that I'm thinking more about it, that's probably the reason he cracked.
His aunt's house is only ten minutes away but still, it's not the same when we don't see him at school. I do hope he will come back to Degrassi after he can go through his unresolved issues. I like Dave and all, but honestly, Eli and I get along better. Dave is a fan of rap which really bugs me. Plus I found out he hit on Fiona when he was a freshman which ticked me off, also. Not that he had any chance to begin with. But still, I get a little worried.
We got to his aunt's house and she let us in. Eli was sitting in his bed, looking out of his window. He had his iPod in his ears super loud but I couldn't catch what song it was. His head turned around and he had a big smile on his face. You wouldn't believe how different he looked. I mean he still had his usual attire, but he looked happier. More at peace with himself.
"You don't all need to talk at once," Eli sarcastically remarked.
We all let out a sigh of relief. I sat on the bed, Clare sat in the chair next to him, and Drew stood where he was. I understood Drew's reason. Eli and I gave each other a hug, not in that way. Of course I'd give my best friend a hug. But it was really good to see that he's alright.
(Clare's POV)
After two hours of reading comics, watching TV, and overall talking, we had to go. Eli's aunt had some company coming over in the next half an hour which meant the teenagers who practically ruined his emotional stability needed to go. She wasn't trying to be rude or anything. But I could feel that she disliked the fact that I caused him to almost commit suicide. I don't blame her, either.
Drew and Adam said their goodbyes and went to the car and I was just about to do the same. Until Eli told me to stay for a couple of minutes. I did as I was told. I saw him on the bed, struggling to say whatever he needed to say to me. I wanted to say what I needed to say first, so I could get it off my chest.
"Look, Eli. You don't need to say anything. I'm so sorry I caused all this. I had no right to put all my anger and pain on you. You didn't deserve it," I rapidly released. He looked right into my eyes until he started to shake his head.
"Clare, no. It's not your fault. I mean you are part of the reason why I pulled the trigger. But there has been a lot of things going on that you have no part in. So don't ever think you're responsible for this," he responded with his gaze steady again. I sat on the bed and was face to face with him. I felt absolutely no spark but only guilt.
"It doesn't matter. I shouldn't have said those things to you. I should've told you about me and Drew before everything got ugly. Then we wouldn't have ever been in this mess. I regret everything," I proclaimed. All of a sudden, he grabbed my hand.
"Clare, even if you told me, I still would've freaked out. It's not your fault and I reacted badly. But mark my words Edwards, don't ever regret anything. You know why?" he questioned. I shook my head because in all honesty, I didn't know what to think at this point.
"Because things happen for a reason. I never regretted ever meeting you or falling for you. I'm glad I ever had that pleasure. Same goes for Adam. You two made me realize after Julia, I could still enjoy life and move on. So thank you," he gleamed. This made me tear up a bit. No ex boyfriend has ever said something so sweet.
"Oh, God. Here comes the water works. You better go before you flood this house with your tears," he smiled. This made me laugh.
"Are you coming back to Degrassi?" I questioned. I really hope he did.
"Probably next year. I need to take a break and obviously need work some unresolved issues. Don't worry, you can't get rid of me just yet," he smirked and then started to embrace me. I didn't hold back and did the same. After we stopped, his arm was still slung around me.
"Good. I already miss your sarcastic humor and Morty," I admitted. I tilted my head and he did the strangest thing, he kissed the top of my head. I had a feeling it was the last one I'd ever get. Although we'd definitely see each other around, I had a feeling this would be our official "Goodbye" we needed to have a long time ago. Then again, better late than never.
I left the door and gave him one last good look. All he did was widen his eyes the way I remembered back when we first met.
"You have pretty eyes," he stated.
"Thanks, see you around?" I asked.
"Guess you will," he smirked.
I took off and went outside. Adam and Drew were having an intense conversation until Drew saw me. Eli was right, though. I'm not saying I don't feel bad for how the things played out, but I don't regret it.
