Clare's POV

When I got in my dad's car, you could almost cut the tension with a knife. I'd never felt this awkward around anyone in my family, ever.

The first minute or so of the ride was silent until dad finally said something.

"So how's school going?" Oh God. He's trying to make awkward, unnecessary conversation.

"Uh, school's fine… Same as it's always been." I replied with no effort of trying to talk.

I think he can tell that I wasn't really in the mood to talk to him let alone see his face.

"Look, Clare, I don't want what happened to have a permanent effect on our relationship. Your mother wanted me to come pick you up so we could sort things out."

Dad's taking the longer way home so we can talk… Fantastic.

My mind flashed back to the image of him hitting me. My blood began boiling with hurt and anger.

"What happened? You mean you stumbling in the house drunk, blaming mom for your mistakes, oh and let's not forget you hitting me, pushing me and THEN hitting me a second time."

This is the most I can ever remember myself being this heated.

"Mistake… Exactly Clare, I made a mistake and blamed everyone but myself. I'm sorry! You know I would never intentionally want to hurt you. I know I can't take it back and that's what's killing me the most. I want your forgiveness. I promise you that it won't happen again." He said this with tears in his eyes.

That's the first time I've seen him on the brink of crying.

"Do you know what mom went through? Do you know what I had to go through just to cover up your damage?" I nearly shouted.

By this time we'd already pulled up in the driveway.

Dad put a hand to his forehead, glancing down at the floorboard; probably because he can't even look me in the eyes and give his apology. What a man…

"Words can't explain the guilt I feel. I was so happy when your mother agreed to give me a second chance. I just want one with you too." He was looking at me this time with eyes that were pleading.

"Okay." Was the only word that came from my mouth.

"Thank you, Clare." He said silently and then patted me on the knee before getting out of the car.

When dad was inside, I stayed in the car thinking for a while.

I forgive, but I don't forget.

I got up, went inside, and headed straight for my room. I did this out of habit since I was so used to my parents fighting every time I would walk through the door.

I plopped down on my bed and then flipped on the TV.

Watching the TV, my eyelids got heavier and heavier as I drifted to sleep.

I found myself in Eli's room, lying in his bed.

I turned myself over, letting my hand hold my head up as I gazed into Eli's beautiful emerald green eyes.

His did the same.

"I love you, Clare." He simply said.

"I love you too, Eli. I always will."

Before I knew it, I threw myself on top of him, straddling his hips with my legs.

I leaned into him more and his lips claimed mine instantly.

As the kiss grew deeper, his tongue brushed across my bottom lip and I allowed him entrance.

I let him lead since I was new at this.

A low moan escaped my lips and then Eli rolled on top of me.

He moved his lips to my collar-bone and then slowly back up to mine.

I tugged at his shirt before he pulled it off.

His lips were demanding as they found mine again.

My head shot up.

I looked over at my clock and the time was 6:12

Was that whole thing only a dream?

Holy crap, what is happening to me?

Before I could take my thinking any further, mom called me down to dinner.

I slowly walked downstairs and couldn't help but feeling a little strange.

This is the first time that all 3 of us have had dinner together in weeks.

You'd think I would be a little happier but the only thing I feel right now is disbelief.

I've been waiting for us to be together again as a family for a while now, but I can't look at my dad the same anymore.

I sat down at the table and listened to my parents conversing like old times.

My dad soon focused his attention on me.

"So, who was that boy you walked out of Degrassi with?" He questioned.

Oh crap.

"His name's Eli. And he's my English partner."

Mom chimed in.

"Are you sure he's only your English partner? From what your father told me, you two are more than that."

This is embarrassing. No, scratch that. Try MORTIFYING. This isn't exactly the way I planned on telling my mom about Eli. And what tops that is my dad seeing me and Eli kiss when he came to pick me up.

Thank God it was only a little peck on the lips.

"Eli's my… Umm… Boyfriend." When the words finally came, I expected my mom to flip out.

"When do we get to meet this Eli?" mom questioned seriously.

I thought for a moment. Tomorrow Alli's staying the night and Sunday Alli and I are going shopping. Monday I don't think anything is happening after school.

"Monday after school?" I asked.

Dad spoke this time.

"Sounds like a plan. I can't wait to meet him." He smiled and then went back to his conversation with mom.

I'm sure Eli's dying to meet you too, I thought to myself.

I finished dinner and then went back up to my room.

I checked my phone and had a text from Alli.

It read: Call me!

Before I had the chance to call her, my phone started vibrating and Alli's picture came up.

"Hello?"

"What happened when you told Eli about your dad?"

Good to see Alli's as curious as ever.

"You would already know if you didn't run off this morning when I tried to tell you!" I laughed.

"Well, I thought I'd leave you alone with Eli." We were both laughing now because I knew the exact expression she probably had on her face; suggestive as usual.

I told her about how Eli noticed the mark on my arm and then my eye. And then I told her about his reaction and how he went all 'protective boyfriend'. The only thing I didn't tell her about was the secret Eli had told me.

I couldn't say anything about it. I'd never betray one of his secrets because I knew he'd never betray any of mine. He trusted me and I trusted him.

Alli and I stayed on the phone for about 3 hours just talking about our lives and joking around like we used to.

It's been forever since we've done that.

"Drew just texted me and asked me to come over to his place!" Alli squealed through the phone.

I rolled my eyes. "You kids have fun!" quoting what she said to me the night I went over to Eli's.

"Oh don't worry, we will! Can't wait for tomorrow, Clare! Bye!" She said and then hung up.

I chuckled to myself as I got up and put some PJs on.

Some things never change with that girl.

I found a cherry red cami that fit a little snug on me and some plain baby blue shorts.

Wow, these are shorter then I remember.

Being too lazy to take my makeup off, I got back in bed, and slid under the covers.

As I turned the television on, my mom came in.

She sat on the edge of my bed.

"Thank you for giving your father a second chance. This means a lot to me, sweetie." She smiled her first real smile in a week.

"You're welcome." I smiled back at her.

"We're heading to bed. Both of us have to leave early in the morning for work, so we won't be here when you wake up. Is Alli still staying the night tomorrow?"

I nodded.

"Get some good sleep mom; I'll see you when you get home tomorrow."

She kissed my forehead.

"Good night sweetie."

Mom turned the light off before she left my room.

I flipped through all of the movie channels and noticed that Twilight was on.

Of course I began watching it.

Before I put my phone on the charger, I saw that the time was 10:45.

I lay in bed watching Twilight and then I heard something tap on my window.

I shrugged it off thinking nothing of it.

Tap! There it goes again.

What the heck could it possibly be?

I got up to look out the window and saw no other than Eli.

I opened up the window.

"What are you doing here?" I asked loud enough to where he could hear me and quiet enough to where my parents couldn't.

Even in the dead of night I noticed his smirk. "We never got our alone time after school. Therefore, you owe me."

I giggled and then smiled down at him.

"Do I have to stand out here all night or are you gonna let me in?" There's that smirk again.

It looks good on Eli though…

I arched my eyebrow.

"You do realize this is the second story, don't you?"

He eyed the tree next to my window.

"I realize this, but I have my ways."

Eli made his way up the tree and then quietly entered my bedroom through the window.

"What if my parents hear you?" I questioned nervously.

Eli went over and collapsed on my bed.

"Well, I guess I'll just have to be really quiet." He said, while making his voice a whisper and giving me his crooked smile.

An idea rushed through my mind.

I climbed onto the bed and laid next to Eli.

"Hey, do you wanna stay the night? My parents have to leave early for work tomorrow morning."

Eli raised his eyebrows at me.

"Asking a boy to stay the night, what would Jesus say, Saint Clare?"

I smacked his shoulder and he chuckled.

"Of course I do. You still owe me, remember?"

All I could do is smile at that.

Clare, Clare, Clare. What has gotten into you?

Hey my amazing readers! So, this is the first time in like 2 or 3 days that I've updated. Sorry for the wait, but I hope this chapter is worth it!

Love you alllllll! (:

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