A/N: I gave up on disclaimers, you know it's not mine. Anyway. This is another take on Eli's past. I feel this could be written better, but I'm at a loss. I tried. Sorry if it disappoints anyone, LOL. Though, this one is longer than all the other ones I've written. So I guess in a way it's better...? ROFL.
SHINING STAR
Anticipation. It's what I live for. I know she's always anticipating my next move and I love it. Everything about this girl I can't help but love. Especially her observance. I've never known someone to notice everything, but she seems to do just that. Even if I wanted to I could never hide from her. Without realizing it, she'd obtained the key for the lock around my heart, and she was using it to her advantage.
For once, I didn't know what to say. How am I supposed to tell her that my change in music is because of her? I could never tell her that my heart sings when she looks at me, that disgustingly sappy words bleed from my brain when she speaks.
God, I don't feel like myself anymore. I didn't think that I was capable of being so drawn to one human being. But I guess that's different now.
I turned onto an unpopulated street and slowed the car down to accomodate to the speed limit, though I didn't really want to. Usually I wouldn't - what's life without any risks? - but I want to elongate my time with her.
"Where are we?" I didn't realize how much I missed that voice. "I've never been around here before."
I smirked. "We're almost there," I replied, then added, "Trust me." And she did. Trust me, I mean. If she didn't she would have asked me to turn around, or would have never gotten into the car with me in the first place. I had her trust, and I was so glad for it, because I trust her with my heart, trust her with every part of me. I would give her anything, after such little time of knowing her.
We came to a stop at an abandoned house, and I couldn't help the emotions that ran through my head. I shut off the ignition and stepped out of the car. Before Clare could even touch the handle, I had her door open and my hand stretched towards her. She gave me the most beautiful shy smile I've ever seen and took my hand. I've never seen such beauty or gentleness in anyone before.
I didn't let go of her hand; she didn't seem like she minded, either. Turning towards the house, I answered the question that was in her deep eyes. "My old house." I saw a flicker of shock on her face and continued, "No one moved here after we left. It's been like this awhile."
She turned towards me. "How long ago did you live here? I mean, you only started at Degrassi this year, and this place couldn't look this abandoned in such short time..."
I actually managed a smile. "Seven years ago," I said, looking fondly at the house. "We've, well, I've moved twice. I live with my grandparents now, but the first time I moved, I moved with my parents. That was when they were... happy. Happy for me at least. They didn't want to ruin my childhood." I almost laughed. "Like I didn't do that well enough for myself."
"What do you mean?" I could feel her eyes on me, burning into my soul like a wonderful fire on an ice cold day. But I didn't turn to look at her.
"I knew something was wrong, back when I was thirteen, and that was when I started wearing all my black clothes," I explained, eyeing the house up and down. It really was a nice house to live in, I loved it. "When I started listening to the music I listen to now. When I fell in love with the very idea of death."
"Kind of like me?" she laughed softly. "Minus the angry screaming and death, of course. I don't much like the thought of... death." I could see her cringe through the corner of my eye and smirked.
I nodded. "Exactly."
"So why did you bring me here?" I could tell she didn't mind, though. I was sharing my story with her, the story that I've never shared with anyone else. She's just curious, with wholesome, good-natured thoughts.
"I used to come here a lot. Once I found the way by myself, that is," I said quietly, finally turning towards her. "It's special to me. I haven't been here in a while." Seeing the recognition sparkle in her eyes, I couldn't help but bring back my smirk. Though it didn't dull her mood. Nothing could dull Clare Edwards. She was like a shining star on a moonless night. The exact star that always leads me right back home.
I tug lightly on her hand and pull her with me as I start walking. "Eli?" She sounds worried. But there's no reason to be.
We walk around the back of the house to my favorite spot. I hear a gasp from behind me and know that this will be hers, too.
"I don't know how this happens, or if someone takes care of it," I release her hand and reach down to run my fingers softly against the pink rose near our feet, "But this place has always been like this. Well-kept, beautiful." Much like you, Clare. I grasp her hand again and pull her down with me and watch as she does the same as I did with the delicate flower.
"This place is... wonderful," she breathes. I smile, just for her. "I'm glad you shared it with me, Eli."
I don't know what to say so I pull her onto the grass by my grip on her hand and lay down next to her. She gasps softly but doesn't protest. We watch the sunset together and I couldn't help but stare in awe at the one bright star in the moonless sky.
Reviews are lovely and keep me writing this story. :D