That finale was absolute perfection. Everything was tied up nicely and I felt after being through so much heartbreak and hurt through this summer, the finale kind of made it all worth it. But I did cry when Adam got shot. D: He's my baby! Ugh, but everything else was just awesome, from Ziley probably being endgame, to Bianca apologizing to Adam(BEST FUCKING MOMENT EVER)to the Eclare moment, to the whole Vince thing being resolved... Speaking of that Eclare moment. I just have one thing to say about them: ENDGAME.

Well, here's the next chapter! I don't know when I'll be able to update again, since school starts on Tuesday.:/ Thank you for the reviews though, you guys are amazing. :) Enjoy.

Disclaimer: I do not own Degrassi.

Acquaintance or More?

.

Waking up the next morning, I felt elated and relaxed. After the stress from listening to my mom's conversation and my run-in with KC and Jenna, everything for me seemed to be at bay. And I couldn't ignore the fact that it had to do with Eli.

He was different, that's for sure. And it was a little strange at first when he was being nice instead of annoying. But I didn't complain because the outlet he provided was something I definitely needed. And we were supposed to hang out again soon.

I pulled my sheets back, hopped out of bed and started to get dressed.

After getting ready, I skipped down the stairs and went in the kitchen to see my mom simmering my good mood by the cold glare she was directing towards me.

"Hey, mom," I said in a quiet voice, trying to come off as casual.

"Where were you last night?" she demanded, her harsh voice sliced through the tension filled air.

I was stupid for thinking mom wouldn't find out about my 'sneaking out' but I was too caught up in my little happiness to take note that she would notice.

I sighed. "Went out to a party."

My mom's eyes widened. "A party? Was it chaperoned?"

"I'm not too sure….I wasn't there long enough to take notice," I mumbled, walking to the fridge.

"Clare Diane Edwards! How could you? I thought you knew better then this," she sounded disappointed but I was getting angry.

I slammed the fridge door and faced my mother in fury. "How could you! Keeping dad away from me? You may not want to see him anymore but it isn't right for you to do the same for me."

She looked taken a back and a loss for words, but I didn't care.

"I…I you were listening to my phone call?" she asked more hesitantly then sternly.

"Yes, I did. How long has he been contacting us?"

Her eyes cast downwards as she placed a hand to her forehead. "A few weeks."

I scoffed in disbelief. "How could you? Are you that selfish you don't want your own daughter to see her father?"

"Clare it's not-"

I walked away before she could finish. She was calling my name but I was already leaving the house, slamming the door behind me. I stopped walking when I heard the front door open on the house beside mine.

Eli walked down the steps and lifted his head in my direction with a surprised smile on his face.

"Hey, I was just on my way to your house. You weren't on your balcony," he chuckled.

I wasn't really listening to what he was saying though. I had two options: I could go back inside and talk with my mom, or I could leave with Eli. I weighed out my options and noticed Eli giving me an odd look. But before he could say anything, I grabbed onto his hand and ran down the street, dragging him with me. After I was sure we were far away form either of our houses, I slowed to a walk and let go of his hand, blushing slightly.

"Okay, what was that for?" Eli asked, panting a little.

I shrugged. "Just felt like running….So, you wanted to hang out today?"

"Yeah, there's this place I wanted to show you. It's pretty cool," he smirked.

"Okay," I said.

We walked silently after that and I finally registered what I had just done. Usually I would be embarrassed but it felt too good to be ashamed of. Sure, it was weird for me to just run away while dragging Eli with me, but I was away from my house, away from my mom, and away from that conversation.

Pretty soon, the sidewalk that lead to many houses along the side, came to an empty road that lead us to a dead end with a chain link fence in front of us. Eli walked over to the fence and unlocked it before pushing it open and holding it aside as I took in the view.

A rocky path way, with trees and bushes on each sides, with rocks and broken pieces.

It was incredible.

"Where did you find this?" I asked in awe, taking a step forward.

"Stumbled upon it the night I moved here," he responded.

He flashed me a smirk and I smiled as I walked fully in, and down the rocky path. I took a seat on one of the rocks while Eli stood on another one.

"Well, this place is awesome. I can't believe I've never found it before," I said. "So tell me, what exactly are we going to do?"

"Anything. Talk I guess," he shrugged. "Actually, I've been meaning to ask you? What were you writing that day on the balcony?"

Oh no, I forgot about my story.

"Just a story I've been working on…" I mumbled. "Why do you care?"

"You're not the only one that likes to write, I just wanted to know what kind of stuff you did," he sat down on the rock.

I smiled slightly. "I'm entering this writing contest next month and I've been writing a story about nature from a human's point of view."

Eli looked at me before his face broke out in laughter and I sat there dumbfounded and a little annoyed.

"I'm sorry," he said, toning down the laughter. "But nature? I'm guessing if you did win this contest, teens would be reading your story?"

"I hadn't really thought about it….. I guess so," I said uncomfortably. "What am I supposed to write about then?"

"Something that…. pisses you off," he stated.

"Besides my neighbour?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Ouch," he feigned hurt, making me roll my eyes. "If you could change one thing in the world…what would it be?"

I was taken a back by the abrupt sincerity in his voice but considered the question. The only thing that I would really want to change are my mom and dad. Sometimes, I wish they never divorced.

"My parents. They're not exactly on good terms," I looked down at my shoes.

"So write about that. Think about it - you can right from a child's perspective on dealing with parental issues. It's something people could relate to, even teenagers," he encouraged.

"I can't, it's personal," I stressed.

This was not the type of subject I wanted to talk about! I wanted to escape my parents drama, not dig deeper in it.

Eli's scoff brought me back to reality. "You care too much about what people think."

I stood up from the rock in a huff. "That is not true!"

"Then prove it."

"How?"

"I'll figure something out. But for now, you need to consider what I said," he stood up, taking a step towards me.

I challengingly took another step towards him until I was up close in his green eyes. "And what if I don't?"

His head lifted a little as he stared me down and I found myself forgetting whatever it was we were talking about. Seeing him this up close, was absolutely breathtaking. And when Eli leaned down, I felt my breath hitch.

"Then I guess I'll never see your winning story," he smirked before walking past me.

My mouth hung open in shock but soon I had to realize, this was Eli Goldsworthy.

.

.

"Banana and nutella sandwich?" Eli asked disgustingly. "Man, its as if you have the cravings for a pregnant woman."

"Hey! Don't knock it until you try it!" I stuck my tongue out.

We were on our way home after hanging out at the abandoned place for hours. It was fun and relaxing and exactly what I needed.

"Okay, okay. I guess you'll have to make me one then," he chuckled.

"Oh sure, I'll be your cook and before you know it, I'll be your servant too," I said sarcastically.

"You can call me Mr. Goldsworthy. Has a nice ring to it, don't it?" he teased.

"No, it doesn't, but I guess you could come over one day and be blown away by my awesome cooking skills," I said proudly.

"Oh really?"

"Clare!"

I whipped my head in the direction of the voice and saw Alli standing in front of my door, waving in my direction. I didn't even realize we were already in front of Eli's house until now. Alli came prancing to us in her heels, and I hoped to God she wouldn't so anything embarrassing.

"Hey, Alli. What are you doing here?" I asked nervously.

Alli's eyes flickered between Eli and I. She was definitely sensing something, or at least trying to sense something.

"You know, I always come over, but your mom said you weren't home, so I was waiting outside," she said. "But I guess I now know where you've been."

She was looking at Eli but she would want details from me after.

"Alli, this is Eli. Eli this is my best friend, Alli," I introduced stupidly.

"Nice to meet you," Eli greeted.

"Likewise," Alli responded.

Eli turned to me. "I'll see you later, Clare."

"Bye," I said, before he left inside his house.

"Okay, now tell me exactly when this started?" Alli demanded as we walked to my door.

"Well, Eli and I kind of left the party together last night and we just decided to hang out today," I shrugged while opening the door.

Alli went in first and she flashed me a wide smile. "So that's why you left the party. Clare Edwards you little sneak!"

I shook my head at her enthusiasm. "You're overreacting for no reason. We're just friends…or becoming friends."

"You say that now," Alli said knowingly. "Just you watch."

"Yeah, yeah, whatever you say."