My day has been looking up after running into jake unexpectedly and showing him around he really lifted my mood with his light sense of humor and easy going nature we reminisced a bit and joked over old memories. Out Our focus was certainly not on the task of showing him his way around. I was let down when I found out that we have none of the same classes but we do have the same lunch period so I'm looking forward to that. Jake just might be the perfect distraction from my feelings for Eli.
Okay I'll admit it maybe it's wrong to look at Jake as a way to get over feelings for Eli but that's not all that the only reason I'm thinking about us being More than friends getting over Eli is just a bonus. Jake and i were really close when we were younger and he's always been such a nice guy, caring, considerate, fun, smart I could go on about his personality and he's become very attractive it's easy to develop a crush on a guy like him and unlike Eli he's single and there is a possibility that he could return feelings if any surface once we spend time together. If I'm being honest Jake was my first ever school girl crush after I stopped thinking boys were gross that is so it would be pretty cool to end up dating him all these years later.
Thoughts of Jake aside it's the time of day I've been dreading all day English with Eli. I usually look forward to this class the most because I love English and also because I get to spend time with Eli and Adam but seeing Eli after our encounter this morning is not something I'm looking forward to. I'm worried he may have noticed my hasty and semi-awkward exit; The way I hurried to get away from them was like I thought they had an infection disease the waa i acted was not like me at all especially when meeting someone new that is important in someone i care abouts life unless I'm uncomfortable with the situation; Eli knows that I'll honestly be shocked if he didn't notice.
"clare!" Eli's voice yells from down the hall. Great the moment I've been dreading might as well get it over with.
"Hey Eli." I say casually getting books Out of my locker as he runs over to me.
"what was with you this morning?" He asks catching his breath and leaning against my locker with one arm.
"what are you talking about?" I forge confusion trying to playing it cool like I don't know exactly what he's talking about.
"come one clare i know you too well for you to play naive and get away with it, the way you acted this morning people probably thought we were chasing you with pitchforks about to burn you at the stake" Eli answered sarcastically as usual while raising his eyebrow at me questionably like he always does when he wants me to elaborate.
"I really had somewhere to go Eli, you're just speculating things for some reason" i say acting nonchalant.
"where then?" he asks challenging me.
I feel myself getting flustered, think Clare think crap why am I such a terrible liar I've done so good so far. Just say the first thing that comes to mind if you take to long he'll know.
"I had to show Jake around" I say briskly.
"Jake?" He asks in confusion.
"yes, Jake he's an old friend he just started here today. He's having lunch with us by the way" I smile feeling relieved that he seems to believe my story. I mean it is half true.
"Okay" he says slowly looking at me oddly for a moment before continuing "well then let's get to class so we don't end up spending lunch with instead" He teased before putting his arm around my shoulder, tilting his head the direction of our classroom gesturing for me to start walking.
We talk about the books we are currently reading on the way to class, he picked one out for me to read and i picked one for him I'm pleasantly surprised by his selection then right as we were about to walk in I heard a voice chime in.
"Hey my love" Julia Cooed just before kissing Eli. "oh hey Clare almost didn't see you there, it's Clare right?" she said with a smile after removing her lips off my- I mean Eli. Who is she kidding anyway she knows my name.
"yupp that's me" I say with the fakest Cheshire cat smile.
"well what were you and my amazingly handsome boyfriend up to?" she asked wrapping her arms around Eli's neck and kissing his cheek. Gross.
Oh I know what she's doing she's flaunting him in my face, maybe she caught onto my little episode this morning or maybe she's still mad over mine and Eli's "kiss". Usually I'd play nice but she's not gonna come in here and push me out.
"well Julia I agree my best friend is pretty amazing and not to bad to look at but do we really need to blow his head up anymore than it is I'm afraid it may explode. If you must know we were on our way to english we're English partners" I add knowing she already knows that.
I think Eli actually believes my comment was friendly but the way Julia and I are looking at each other glaring says she knows better. We are silently fighting over what we feel is ours; Eli.
"ouch clare, my head isn't big i can't help the ladies love me" Eli breaks the silence with a sarcastic remark
"Yup not big at all, I'll see you in class. Bye julia" I say before walking off into class.
I cannot stand that girl already I'm not sure if it's just that I'm jealous that she has the person i want more than anything or if it's her resting bitch face how can a face be so beautiful and bitchy at the same time. I need to control myself though I don't want to ruin my friendship with Eli because I don't like her and the way i just acted isn't going get passed Eli forever if I keep it up. I should give her a chance as much as I hate to admit it even if her flaunting Eli in my face wasn't the best way to try and be friends. I'll talk to her later maybe we can talk it out. I just need to vent before that and I know just who's gonna have to hear it.
"Adam" I say letting the unhappiness come through in my voice as I take my seat beside him.
"hello to you to Clare, should I ask what's wrong or do I already know?" Adam asks with his usual casual humour.
"I hate this adam, how can I look at them everyday, it's one thing if he doesn't want me but to have to watch him with another girl is cruel" I say letting my head rest on the desk feeling completely defeated after the encounter we had in the hallway my day has gone back down hill.
"well maybe it's time to forget Eli, He's one of my best friends but so are you and I'm tired of watching you hurt, is there anyone else you could spend time with maybe a guy?"
Adam's question suddenly made me remember Jake. I had completely forgot about him during my moment with Julia in the hallway.
"There's Jake" i say biting my lip "he's an old friend he just transferred here. He's so sweet and cute-" I say beginning to gush over Jake when I was interrupted.
"who's sweet and cute? Are you fantasizing over me again Edwards?" Eli asks with a smirk playing on his lips.
"Eli's ego arriving right on time I wonder how it fit in the door. No dude she's talking about Jake" Adam says mimicking my voice and batting his eyes when he says Jake's name.
"Clare interested in someone? I'm shocked I know you're abstinent but I honestly thought after the whole Kc thing you had sworn off relationships and planned on becoming a nun and hey wait I thought you just told me Jake was just a friend?"
"No one said I was interested in Jake Eli we are just friends and I'm not becoming a nun that was rude" I reply smacking his arm.
I spent the rest of class working quietly while Eli and Adam talked about comics. I on the other hand couldn't get my thoughts off of everything; Julia, Jake, Eli it's all so exhausting curse teenage hormones. Finally the bell rang and it's time for lunch.
I agreed to meet Jake outside the cafe so he didn't have to wounded around like a lost puppy looking for us so I'm sitting here waiting for him. Eli and Adam already went in to get a seat. While I'm sitting minding my own business someone other than who I'm waiting for approaches me.
"Hey Clare, can I talk to you? Julia says in a friendly tone.
"yeah sure. I actually wanted to talk to you too. I'm sorry about earlier I just have a lot on my mind I didn't mean to come off so rude" I tell her trying with everything I have to be sincere.
"That's what i wanted to talk to you about too actually. I'm sorry too for acting so possessive and bitchy I just know you and Eli are close it intimidates me that you might take him. I really like him i don't want to lose him. I guess I let my insecurity get in the way."
"I know that feeling. I promise i would never do that" I assure her remembering how i felt when Jenna came between kc and I making me regret how I had acted during our Romeo and Juliet project but I'll never do that again.
Her apology seemed like she means it, she might not be that bad maybe we can be okay or dare I say friends?. I can't hate her because I'm jealous. Being friends would make things easier.
"let's start over?" I offer
"I'd love that, I'm gonna go find that boyfriend of mine" she smiles before going to find Eli. As hard as it's going to be to accept her and Eli I'm relieved there won't be drama.
"Finally a familiar face" Jake calls out.
"Finally you're here. I've been waiting for a century"
"well I'm sorry, I got lost guess my tour this morning didn't do much good but at least I got to spend time with a beautiful girl" jake says as he puts his arm around my shoulder causing me to blush.
After getting our food we go over to the table where Eli, Adam and Julia are sitting.
"Hey guys this is Jake. Jake this is Eli, Adam and Julia." I introduce them. They all say a friendly hello and Jake and I take our seats.
All five of us spend the lunch period talking and getting to know each other and much to my surprise everyone is getting along even Julia and I. I'm glad we made up after i let my jealousy get the best of me this morning because I could see us becoming friends we even exchanged phone numbers as long as she makes Eli happy I'll do my best to be happy for them.
I couldn't help but notice Jake's not so subtle flirting, I have to admit it makes me feel good and it's really keeping me from being upset over Julia and Eli. Who knows maybe we'll end up double dating.
"So guys, do you wanna come to my place Friday for a movie night? Eli and Clare always come" Adam asks.
Julia and Jake accept and we give them the details before the bell rings and we all go our separate ways.
Friday at Adams:
The past week flew by the five of us have had lunch together everyday and even hung out a couple of times after school. Julia and I click so much better then I imagine and I feel terrible for the way I behaved over Eli before I knew her I feel even more terrible that I still have unresolved feelings for her boyfriend.
"So Clare ready to be terrified" Adam asks walking over to the couch with a bowl of popcorn.
"I wonder how long it will take her to hide her face this time." Eli adds walking in behind him With drinks.
This is our movie night ritual; Eli and Adam pick the scariest movies they can find purposely knowing I scare easily. They don't feel accomplished until i have to turn every light on in the house and have one of them walk me to the bathroom. We've been doing this ever since we became friends tonight will be no different I'm sure besides the fact that Jake and Julia are here, but that won't change much. Right?
I roll my eyes as Adam and Eli continue with their friendly teasing when I suddenly feel arms around me from behind causing me to jump luckily those two didn't notice.
"don't worry I'll protect you, just like when we were kids" Jake whispers in my ear earning a flirtatious giggle from me which in turn causes everyone's attention to be drawn to us. Oh lovely.
"woah PDA" Eli says his voice sounding oddly serious.
"oh be quiet Eli. I'm sure you'll be attacking Julia as soon as she gets here" Adam says trying to take the attention off Jake and I but but all that follows is silence.
Suddenly the room feels a little tense I'm not sure why but the longer the silence fills the room the more awkward it gets but thankfully Julia walks in.
"Did I miss something are you guys having a competition or something?" Julia asks I suppose confused as to what she walked into.
"nope" Eli says walking over to her only to prove Adam right by instantly shoving his tongue so far down her throat I thought he was going to choke her.
After getting Eli and Julia apart which took way too long the sexual tension between those two is disturbing, we started our movie marathon and sure enough we're not even through the first one and I'm already scared senseless. I'm currently hugging my knees on the couch beside Jake with just my eyes peaking leaking from behind them.
"Hey you okay?" Jake whispers to me.
"Yeah I just get scared easily I'll be fine thanks for asking" I reply.
Just as I turn to continue watching the movie I feel Jake wrap his arm around me and pull me into his side.
"figured this might help" Jake says with a smile before turning back to the movie.
Good thing it's dark, I'm sure I'm as red as a tomato. I decide to be brave so i give into temptation and cuddle closer into his chest and I can't help but notice how nice he smells. I look over and see Eli and Julia going at it like they want to eat each others faces off usually this would kill me inside but tonight It's not I have a guy next to me any girl would be lucky to have. He may not be the guy I thought i wanted but I'm starting to think he may be better for me.
After watching a few movies we sat around and talked for a while Jake and I stayed cuddled together the whole time while Julia and Eli continued to try and swallow the other.
"Who wants to play a game?" Adam asks probably tired of being a fifth wheel.
"Sure" everyone answers.
We decided to be clique and play truth or dare the game as been hilarious so far we had Jake prank call the cereal company demanding to talk to Tony the trigger and we had Eli drink chocolate milk mixed with hot sauce. EW.
"okay Clare truth or dare" Julia asks me.
"dare" I answer trying to sound brave although I'm nervous girls are notorious for daring other girls to do less than appropriate things and Julia seems like one of those girls.
"I dare you to" she stops for minute with a devilish smile before continuing "kiss me"
I look around at everyone and see the guys staring at me waiting to see if i'll do it they know me well enough to know this is way out of my comfort zone but I can't keep living in a box.
"well?" Julia asks quirking her eyebrow. In that moment I decided.
I bit my lip before walking over to where Julia and Eli were sitting I leaned over Eli and crashed my lips to Julia's. It wasn't a peck we were flow on making out over Eli with Adam and Jake watching. I've never kissed a girl before it was different but it wasn't weird like I was expecting.
When we broke the kiss we noticed the guys staring at us in complete lust I slowly got up and went and sat next to Jake.
"Now that I didn't see coming Eli" says sounding shocked causing everyone to burst into laughter before we continued with our game.
We played for another hour before Julia left that was a while ago and I'm exhausted and ready to go home myself.
"so who wants to be my hero and drive me home?" I ask giving Eli a playful smile knowing he always gets stuck driving me.
"so by that you mean Eli drive me home now Because you're the best friend ever even though I inconvenience you? Eli answered sarcastically.
"haha funny" I say sticking my tongue out at him playfully.
"I can take you clare" Jake cuts in.
"really you wouldn't mind?" I ask happy he made the offer.
"not at all" Jake answered sweetly.
"Are you sure Clare? You don't actually inconvenience me? Eli cut back in giving me a odd look. Weird.
"I know Eli how could you be inconvenienced by spending time with your awesome best friend but I'm gonna let Jake take me home tonight. I'll see you guys tomorrow"
As we walk outside Jake grabs my hand and holds it on the way to his car. He even opened the door for me the only other person who does that is Eli. Once we were both in Jake started driving. The conversation on the way was flirty he kept mentioning how "hot" Julia and me kissing was. I swear from all the blushing my face is going to be permanently red. When we pull up in front of my house Jake looks over at me and I can't help but notice how his expression and body language changed. Nervous? He looks nervous. Why is he nervous all of a sudden?
"Clare I know we just recently started spending time together again but I'm really starting to like you"
I feel my heart start to beat faster hearing him say that. He likes Me! I like him too or I think I do but I'm just starting to get over Eli is it fair to Jake to drag him into something while I'm not completely over someone else?
"I like you too Jake but," I notice him smile but his smile fell when he heard me say but "I'm just getting over feelings for someone else"
"Do you want to be over this person?" Jake asks looking me dead in the eyes.
"more than you could imagine" I say hesitantly.
Right as I finish i feel Jake's lips against mine, they feel smooth and soft. The kiss is gentle and sweet, yet it keeps me wanting more it's nothing like the kiss I shared with Eli but it's definitely not bad by any means. When the kiss is over we stare at each other catching our breath and taking it in for a few moments.
"so did that help at all? Jake asks sounding devious.
"aren't you sly" I say realising his plan. Just then my phone started going off I look down and see its Eli.
"well?" Jake questions raising an eyebrow waiting for my answer.
I look at Eli's name on my phone thinking about him and Jake for a short moment before answering.
"yes" I say sure of my answer before hitting the ignore button on my phone and placing it in my pocket.
"so how about we go on a date tomorrow? Jake asks
I accept instantly and Jake pulls me in for another kiss this one slightly more heated than the last. After saying bye to Jake I walk straight up to my room and lay down on my bed exhaling heavily as I think about today's events. Just then my phone goes off; it's Eli calling again usually i'd answer without hesitation no matter but I decide to ignore it this time and send him a text.
Clare- I made it home but I'm tired i'll talk to you tomorrow.
A few seconds later I receive a text back from Eli.
Eli- okay just making sure you're okay you know I can be protective. Goodnight Clare.
I decide not to text back like I usually would. I'm interested in Jake now it's time to put my feelings for Eli in the past and really just be best friends our whole friendship has been me pining over him and him never seeing me that way. Well not anymore.