(Clare's POV)

I was doodling all over my notebook with my black sharpie in English class. I do that when I'm not entertained or amused by what's around me. And listening to Ms. Dawes's lecturing and passing out our graded essays was not one of them.

"Ms. Dawes, there must have been some mistake. I've never gotten a C before," Eli said behind me. Oh God. Get over it, Goldsworthy. "How did this happen?" Oh I don't know, you wrote a C-worthy essay instead of an A-worthy one?

Ms. Dawes went on about some reason of him hiding his emotions behind science fiction and he tried to defend himself. Ms Dawes, please just give him an A so he can shut the hell up.

"Then prove it, to your new writing partner." Why do I get the feeling she's pointing at me? I looked up to get my answer, because she actually was. I nodded.

"You write well but you're a little wordy. You and Elijah will be editing each other's writing this semester." She really had planned for me to drop this class to go to accelerated sophomore English. I knew she hated my guts from the moment I saw her.

"Lovely," I answered along a "That'll be fun," from Eli.

"You can be the next Sylvia Plath and Ted Hughes!" she exclaimed. Never heard of them in my life until now.

"Sylvia Plath killed herself," Eli finished. Of course I'd be referred to the writer who kills herself. Are you trying to tell me something, Ms Dawes? I could see it now: Clare Edwards shoots herself because her English partner is too anal. Then again, if I really hated someone that much, I wouldn't be selfish and end my misery. I'd kill the person to end the rest of the world's misery. But I'd seriously doubt I could hate Eli. He looks too fun to mess with.

(Eli's POV)

I can't believe Clare Edwards was going to grade my English work for the next semester. She probably would suck the life out my words in order to meet the criteria of whatever she reads. Vampire fiction and gothic love stories I'm sure. I shouldn't judge her based on her cover, though. For I all know, she could be just as sappy and bubbly as Jenna.

I got to the door and was about to exit when Clare was about to do the same. I stopped to see who was going first and she right ahead went first. She lightly shoved me out of the doorway and smiled. A "Thank you" or a nod would've been nice. Still, it was sort of hot.

"She's just so… UGH!" I ranted to Drew as he rolled his eyes.

"I know you want to have Clare in your pants but can we go onto more important things? Like how I can get Ali to go out with me," his gaze went to Ali and all these guys surrounding her. She was no doubt one of the hottest girls who actually had a brain.

Wait a minute. He did not just say I wanted to have sex with her! I mean… I have thought about it ever since I laid eyes on her. BUT that didn't mean I thought about it each and every day especially when I sat behind her and smelled her intoxicating scent… Okay, Elijah, that's where you stop thinking about it.

"I knew she was meant to be my girl the moment she walked into my history class. I just got to find a way to talk to her!" Ali started walking our way which made Drew freeze. That's when I had an idea to get back at Drew for making that remark about Clare.

"Think fast!" I pushed him in the direction where Ali was walking which came into place perfectly. They bumped into each other and I started mentally laughing.

"Oh, sorry!" he nervously apologized.

"It's fine. Great game yesterday by the way!" she complimented. I could tell Drew was dying inside. He certainly had a way with the ladies.

"Thanks! You're Sav's little sister, right?" He knew already knew that! What a way to purposely start a conversation: asking someone something you already know. I will admit it does work like a charm.

"Yeah, that's me," she nodded. She didn't sound too happy about being referred to as Sav's little sister. He better think of something to save that "insult".

The bell rang.

"Catch you later," was all he could think of. She smiled and started clicking by in her five-inch heels. She must be an elf if she has to wear them that high.

Drew smiled like an idiot until he turned around. "That was mortifying," he uttered and socked me in the arm.

"That's a big word. Aww, her intelligence has already rubbed off on you!" I sarcastically cheered as he started walking away and rolled his eyes. I couldn't help myself but laugh. That certainly made my ticked off mood go away. If Drew could have a coversation with his girl, I could have a decent one with mine.