Chapter 18: Shopping

Clare's point of view:

I was so ecstatic that me and Eli are finally dating. I know, I know that I kind of quit playing hard to get, but…I think he really did change. He treats me well and with respect. Plus he's protective over me. Like when KC asked me out or when I was talking to Fitz about the retarted sub in math. Most importantly he makes me feel wanted. When I was with Lucas I felt like I was wanted and loved but for only one thing. With Eli it's like he wants all of me and likes all of me. Me and Eli can also get into intellectual conversations and debates. Surprisingly we have a lot in common. I know we look like a weird couple but we're not that different really. Only a few things like gender, style, and music. We also get each other. I feel like when he looks into my eyes he sees past my tortured soul to my core. Who I really am. I also feel like I can be who I am around him and don't have to worry about maintaining a certain image for the world to see. If the average person looked at me they would think my life was perfect. When really it's far from it. People think that just because I carry myself well and take care of myself that I'm perfect. That's not true. And a lot of people are like me. On the outside they look good and well but on the inside they are hurting and pleading for help. When I'm with Eli that feeling just melts away.

It was now lunch and me, Alli, Drew, KC, and Fitz were all laughing at something that Eli said. What was funny was that he was serious. He said something totally ridiculous and meant what he said.

"Dude! That doesn't make any sense" Drew said.

"It does too" Eli defended.

"Eli I applaud you. You just had your first blonde moment!" Alli laughed. We all laughed at her enthusiasm. Eli was pouting like 5 year old but then cracked a smile. Then there was the sound of someone clearing their throat. We all stopped laughing and looked up to see who cleared their throat. It was Jenna. Just great.

"Um…is it okay if I sit with you guys?" she asked and we all mumbled 'sure'. She took a seat at the end of the rectangular table. Ironically it was next to Eli. I looked at Alli and she was glaring at Jenna. I told Alli what happened with Jenna and Eli in 3rd period. She totally went off on Jenna behind her back saying that she was a skank for trying to steel and obviously taken man. An awkward silence fell upon our table so Eli broke it.

"Every awkward silence a gay baby is born" (1) Everybody just cracked up again. Why is he always so ridiculous? But that's one of the reasons why I love him. woah! Love? No not love. Like! What Jenna did just shocked me. She reached over and grabbed Eli's hand that was lying on top of the table and said something along the lines of 'oh Eli you're so funny'. When she did this gesture his face went stone cold and almost angry that she did this. He retreated his hand from her grip and moved it under the table. I griped Eli's other hand and gave it a tight squeeze. Then Drew broke the other awkward silence. I was still glaring at Jenna when Eli turned to me.

"Are you jealous?" he whispered

"No but she shouldn't hold your hand in front of my face. Plus WE are dating. Not you two." I whispered back emphasizing the 'we' part.

"It's okay if you're jealous in fact, I find it kind of hot when you are." He whispered down my neck. I think I shuddered. His hot breath felt good on my cold skin. I also believe I turned scarlet. I looked up at Alli and she was smirking at me knowingly. She then winked and turned back to the story that Drew was telling. The bell rang soon after and me and Eli headed to drama. We performed our scene and I went fairly well. But I had to break the kiss in it because Eli wouldn't. I then went to P.E. and had to run the mile. I'm an okay runner so I ran it in like 9 minutes.

After school I went back to my dorm to just relax.15 minutes later Alli came running into the room.

"Oh my god! Clare you'll never guess what happened?" I all ready knew what she was screaming about. Drew had asked her to the dance.

"Let me guess…Drew asked you to the dance?" I said smirking.

"Yes! And how did you know?"

"He asked me for advice about it this morning and I told him you would say yes."

"Why did he ask you for help?" she said sounding slightly jealous.

"Calm down killer! I would never do that to you. Drew asked me because I know you best more than anyone and because he sees me like a little sister." Her face relaxed and went back to her regular smile.

"Okay and who are you going with? Is it Mr. Goldsworthy hmmmm?" she said smiling. Just hearing his name made me blush 10 shades of red.

"Yes!" I said and both me and Alli squealed and jumped around.

"Okay now down to business. We have to go shopping to look extra good."

"But Alli-" she cut me off mid sentence.

"But nothing you need to look good for Eli. And how about I pay?" she knew I wouldn't say no if she paid.

"Fine just let me get my purse." I walked over to my bed and grabbed my purse. Me and Alli took the bus to the mall and arrived 10 minutes later. The first store we went into was some store that I don't know the name of where I got a phone call. I looked at the caller id and it was Eli.

"Hello?" I answered.

"Hey blue eyes I was just wondering if you could come over to my dorm?"

"Sorry I cant."

"Why not?" he asked.

"Alli dragged me to the mall to go shopping for the dance she wants me to look 'good' for you. By good she means hot." I said. I heard Eli chuckle on the other line.

"In that case take all the time you need."

"Okay E-" I was cut off by Alli yelling my name.

"CLARE GET YOUR ASS OVER HERE AND TRY THIS ON!"

"Sorry Eli but I have to go. Bye."
"Bye". I hung up and headed to where Alli was standing. She was holding light pink Soffe shorts, a yellow tank top, a pink tank top that had Jules on it, and white leggings that went to right above my knees.

"Try this on" she said before shoving me into a dressing room. Alli also went into one. She had chose pink skinny jeans, a purple tank top, and a zebra print v-neck. I came out of the dressing room the same time she did. I admit we looked really hot. We changed back into our clothes and headed to shoes. I chose a pair of white flats and she chose red pumps. When we were done shopping there we headed to the store Icing where we got our excessories. I got a black head band that had a black and pink bow on I while Alli got one with a purple bow on it. When we were done shopping we stopped in the food court and got some Chinese food. It was really good. During dinner Alli struck up conversation.

"So does Eli know about Lucas?" she asked.

"Yes. I told him on our first date." I answered.

"And he didn't judge?"

"Nope. In fact turns out he has a troubled past with his ex as well" I replied. we finished our dinner and headed to our dorm. Candy land dance here we come.

I have nothing against gay people. I just put that because my friend said that once during an awkward silence.

So what do you think? Review please. I would like 9 reviews before I update next.