Hey hey! I got this chapter written yesterday but I decided to proofread it a ton lol...And this shall uncover the secret behind Landon Crane for the most part. ;O But there is also some Massie featured here as you can see, as well as Clairington, and Karris (Kristen and Harris XD). I hope you guys enjoy it!
P.S. You may see the PART II note...Meaning that we have moved to the second part of the story. I haven't figured out how many parts there shall be but I know Part III will be called May Flowers. But there will be more than one day featured in this part, unlike Part I. Part I only featured that one night in the park because that night sealed the fate of many of our characters. ;)
And don't take my knowledge of UPenn seriously...Being a little creative here. Or at least I'm trying lol.
DISCLAIMER: THE CLIQUE BELONGS TO THE FANTASTIC LISI HARRISON
SHOUTOUTS TO (for ch. 8): MusicIsWhatFeelingsSoundLike, shortyschur, and artistic-logic
I would like to dedicate this chapter to one of my fave Clique FanFic authors: al-tothe-ex. I seriously doubt she'll see this but she's amazing! Please show her as much support as possible because her stories are extraordinary. One of her fanfics "Come Out Of The Shade" was really amazing. I heard the song and fell in love, thus here is the name of the chap. XD.
Part II: April Showers
Chapter 8: Come Out Of The Shade
MB
The constant pitter-patter of the rain outside was driving Massie insane as she was working on the conclusion of her essay for her English class. She sat in the kitchen with a half-eaten toast slice on a plate beside her and empty glass of orange juice.
"Dear God, would you please for at least 15 minutes…stop the rain? At least over my house? I can't concentrate!" She groaned.
"Massie!" Kendra called from her room upstairs. "What's wrong?"
The brunette thought she couldn't get any more irritated. "Nothing, mom! I'm just praying that the rain stops so I can finish this stupid paper!"
"You complain too much!" Kendra mimicked Massie's sass.
"Well, you're no help at all." Massie muttered some unladylike words under her breath.
"Whatever it is you're whispering…Don't think that I haven't heard it come out of my own mouth when I was your age…"
A few minutes passed and Massie managed to finished that dreadful paper. After proofreading it twice, she called it a day.
And it still rained. "Well, it wouldn't be the first time you didn't answer my prayers…but no matter, I'm fu-"
"Massie Elizabeth Block, what did I say about the language?" Her mom shrieked.
"Your ears work miracles, mother…" Massie muttered.
"Well, I'm off!" Massie grabbed her raincoat from the coat rack beside the front door.
"Love you!" She heard her mom call out.
"Me, too!"
On her drive over to Alicia's house for a get-together she was throwing, Massie realized that she hadn't had a free Saturday for weeks now and she was psyched to get the rest of the day off.
At a stoplight, she admired her ring.
Less than two months…Then you'll be out of my reach, Cam.
"Quit being so dramatic, Mass or else everyone will mistake you for Layne…" She laughed to herself.
"Hey! Are you ready for Josh's…potential disaster…" Alicia muttered the last two words under her breath when she opened the front door of her house to let Massie in.
"I'm sorry…What was that?" Josh just popped out of nowhere from behind the raven-haired beauty.
"I said…'Are you psyched for Josh's spectacular burgers?'" Alicia said through her teeth.
The chemistry between these two is undeniable.
"Sure am and if anything, the hospital's only a two minute ride from here." Massie laughed.
"I heard my favorite sound!" She heard Cam's melodic voice. He ran over to greet her and hugged her tight.
"Hey there!" Massie hugged back. "I made it!"
"So you did. I take it the paper's finished?"
She nodded. "Pennington will be in tears once he's read it."
"Massacre!" Dylan laughed as she came in from the back sliding door. Her emerald green beanie was on her head as she danced her way over to the group.
"Hey, Dyl." Cam wrapped his arm around Massie's waist. "Where's Kristen and Claire?"
"Kris is on her way over and Claire said she would be running late." The redhead shrugged.
"That's funny…" Kemp followed Dylan from behind. "Derrick said he was coming late too…"
Massie and Cam looked at each other knowingly. They were the only two that knew about Derrick having it bad for Claire. It only made sense that the two blonds were on one of their escapades right now.
DH
"So what's your life like at home?" Derrick asked as he and Claire walked around the school's track. It was a cloudy afternoon as the rain drizzled upon them. The rain, Derrick admitted, was a comfort. It made him feel alive somewhat, like he had a purpose. It sounds totally lame when he thinks about it but it's the truth.
It's been three weeks since his little proclamation of love to Claire in the school parking lot. They've been hanging out at school whenever they had the chance and it seemed like Claire was finally letting him get to know her better. He never felt more confident. They hung out on weekends at the plaza where they played around at Barnes and Noble until they got kicked out and fell asleep at the movies when they went to watch the one-night viewing of "Bright Star". He wanted to give a romantic drama a shot but he failed to stay awake. Fortunately for him, so did Claire.
At the Regal Entertainment theater, Derrick and Claire were sitting at the back of the theater, dozing off. While other couples were wide awake for the film, the two of them fought to keep at least one eye open until they surrendered. Girls cried at the romance while guys managed to stay focused on the film to prove they could handle these kinds of movies.
Half an hour passed when Derrick heard Claire's voice.
"This is embarrassing…" She whispered.
Derrick opened his eyes as he found Claire leaning on his shoulder.
"What is?"
"We fell asleep…" She blushed.
He chuckled. "It's not so bad. I'm having a good time."
She never moved but nudged herself closer to him. "Me, too."
"Oh…Well, it's your typical married couple with two kids." Claire faked a yawn. "Can't get any better than that. What about yours?" Her blue eyes shifted slightly from his gaze when she spoke.
The past few weeks for Derrick consisted of cramming work and spending time with Claire as senior year was about to end. And the more time the two of them spent together, the more Derrick could pick up and sense the little hints Claire dropped when she was hiding something or asking for help without really trying to. He knew there was more to the story when it came to her home life but he wouldn't push it.
Stubborn Derrick wouldn't push it. Now there was a surprise.
"Mine? Well, it's pretty much like yours with the addition of one person. Mini's like a second mother to me. Technically, she's our housekeeper but she's pretty much the one who raised Sam and me." He wondered if he sounded like an idiot because he normally never talked like this with anyone.
"That sounds really nice." Claire met his gaze intensely. She smiled softly.
"Yeah, it is…" Derrick nodded.
"Still, from what you said, it sounds like your parents aren't around that much. Am I wrong?" She was careful to ask.
He wasn't sure if he wanted to get too much into the subject. His parents were like any typical rich kid's parents: traveling, never home, self-absorbed…
Just…not there.
"No, you're not…" He sighed. "They're always busy. It pisses me off to no end."
"I'm sorry…" She avoided his eyes again.
"Hey, it's not your fault. It's not like you're the one that made this all happen. I guess it's just life…Maybe my life will turn into one of those family comedies where the parents go through some insane shit and realize what really matters is at home…"
And that's when he got her looking at him again. She looked touched but she couldn't suppress her giggles.
"I'm sorry…It's just you have such an interesting take on life…" She grinned.
"Again with the apologizing…" Derrick chuckled.
They walked in silence for a few minutes, their hands touching within each span of 5 seconds.
"I have a confession to make."
Derrick waited for her. It looked like she was going to pour her heart out.
"My parents are separated…But they live under the same roof and in different rooms…It's complicated…Half the time my dad isn't even home and it's like my mom raised Todd and me all by herself…" Claire walked over to the bleachers and sat on the edge of one.
Derrick jumped on top of one of the bleachers and looked down at Claire. He knew that there was something off with her eyes earlier.
"I know I sound like this unappreciative little brat but…it hurts…It hurts that my parents don't even bother to support each other…My mom's tried…" Claire sighed. He thought she started crying but she hadn't. "I just wish he would sign the damn divorce papers already so this entire madness can blow all over."
"Claire." Derrick was so stunned at her unraveling emotions that he didn't know what to do. What to say.
"I know everything's going to be okay…They just have to." Claire confessed, although it felt more like she was saying that to herself than to him.
"Claire." He repeated as he jumped off the bleacher and got her to stand up.
The only thing he knew he could do was hold her.
Every time he saw this girl, there was this nagging feeling inside him that he couldn't quite figure out.
And that's when it hit him.
He wanted to be there for her. He wanted to protect her.
"I'm sorry for taking this-"
Derrick shushed her and held her tighter. "I'm here for you. That's all that matters."
Claire became quiet. After a few minutes of just standing there in each other's arms, she whispered into his ear. "Thank you."
The rain started falling harder and Claire laughed at how cold she felt. Derrick noted that she started shivering.
"We better get out of this rain." Derrick shouted over the rain.
"Yeah!" Claire agreed.
They both started running for the nearest shelter, which was by the locker rooms next to the soccer field.
"I can't believe it rains this much over here…" Claire gasped from running so quickly.
"What? Did you think it'd be snowing here all the time?" Derrick raised his eyebrows mischievously.
"No…" Claire laughed. "It's just…I love the rain."
"No kidding…When I was 8, I-"
Claire ran to expanse of the soccer field so she could dance in the rain. She laughed as all her clothes got soaked. Her straight blonde hair became wavy. She danced to no music and was truly herself. She was glorious.
She turned around to see Derrick still watching her. "Well? Aren't you going to join me?"
The dirty blond ran over to her and got wet in the process.
"It's your fault I won't get to play the next game because I got sick." He laughed as he kicked a puddle of water that lie on the grass.
"But isn't it worth it?" She asked as she spun slowly, a smile plastered on her face.
He admired her bravery and her crazed happiness. He nodded. "Guess it is."
LC
The University of Pennsylvania would determine Landon Crane's destiny. Its prestige is known across the country. It was like living in a whole new world. Located in Philadelphia, it was like living in a city within a city. Tall class buildings and residence halls stood as he made his way back to the freshman residence hall. Zoned out students walked past him, psyched that today was the last day of exams. All the students were leaving tomorrow to head home once the dean of the university had sent his summer blessing.
"Landon!" He heard an annoyingly flirty voice call out to him.
It was the girl he met the other day at the frat party that Henry invited him to. She was a beautiful girl with her head full of brown curls. Her baby blue eyes brightened at his noticing her. She was something don't get him wrong but he couldn't stop thinking about Dylan. He pretty much implied that his heart belonged to her before he came back to Philadelphia once break finished.
"Hey Annie!" He acted as naturally as he could.
Landon wasn't destined to become an actor, sadly but it didn't faze Annie.
She was giving him her naturally flirtatious smile. "Are you coming to movie night out on the terrace later?"
He didn't even remember that there was going to be one held tonight. "Sorry, I made other plans."
Her smile faltered but by the look of determination set on her face, she wasn't backing down without a fight. "Oh, well that's cool. Are you too busy to grab a coffee with me before the closing ceremony tomorrow?"
"Annie, I…Uh-" Landon faltered.
"Hey Crane! Clarkson!" His best friend Dune Baxter called out to them. His long, shaggy blond hair and bronze skin were a breath of fresh air at the Ivy League school.
Annie masked her disappointment as she bit her lip. Dune wasn't exactly her favorite person.
Truth was, Dune wasn't every girl's favorite person.
"Dune!" Landon was relieved to see him.
"Hey…" Annie managed.
"Hope I'm not interrupting anything…" The beach bum smiled knowingly at Annie.
The brunette rolled her eyes. "Of course not."
"So what brings you to this neck of the woods, Baxter?" Landon asked as he moved some hair away from his eyes. He didn't get why girls thought that the gesture was meant to hint that the guy was interested. He never understood.
"The main office told me to give you this message." Dune pulled a note out of the pocket of his baggy shorts and handed it over to him.
"Your grams wants you to call her." Dune blurted before Landon even began to read the note.
"Was it worth giving him the note, Dune?" Annie asked, annoyed.
Landon's eyes widened at having gotten the news. Panic began to override him. He almost forgot to breathe so to relax, he took a deep breath and let it out.
It didn't help so much.
"You all right, man?" Dune noticed how tense his best friend had gotten. Annie also look concerned, making Landon feel worse about not reciprocating her feelings.
"Yeah…" He nodded. "I better check to see if things are okay…"
The blond nodded as Annie spoke. "We'll see you later, Landon."
"Hello? Grandmom?" Landon said as he took out his cell phone once he got himself away from most of the students on campus. He sat on a bench on a deserted part of the school because the sun was starting to set. Movie night would be starting in an hour or so.
"Landon." His grandma laughed wholeheartedly. "It's so nice to hear from you."
He started feeling homesick again.
"It's great to hear from you, too…What's going on? Is everything okay?"
The other line was notably quiet for at least 3 seconds.
"Grandmom?" He choked it out.
"Everything's fine, boy." She sighed. "It's just…Your dad was released from prison a few nights ago."
Landon wasn't as prepared as he thought he would be for the news he'd just heard.
"What?" It was all he could say.
"Now don't panic, Landon. Your father won't be able to get near you unless you say so. So there's absolutely nothing to worry about." She reassured.
His hands started shaking that he almost lost grip on his phone. "I won't, Grams. I'll be home tomorrow night so I'll see you then. Say hi to gramps, Mom, and Bark for me."
"All right, sweetie. I love you." She didn't sound too convinced that he would be okay.
Thus proves the point that Landon isn't set on being an actor.
"I love you, too." He said low enough for it to be a whisper.
He hung up and shoved his phone back into his pocket.
He couldn't believe this happened. He just couldn't let it be processed through his nineteen-year-old head.
His dad was out of jail.
But why? After so long…Why?
And like she didn't know that his grandma just called to break the news to him, his mom called a few minutes after.
"Hey, Mom." He picked up the phone.
"Grandmom called me first with the news…" She began.
"Yeah…" He practically croaked.
"I know it's…hard to take in, Landon but he won't hurt you." His mom reassured him.
He sighed. "It's unfair. How could he be free? Does anyone realize what he's fucking capable of? What he can do to us?"
"Landon, please. Calm down…"
"I'm sorry, Mom but this just isn't right…He has to go back! He just has to go away."
"Now's not the time to discuss it. I was calling to make sure you were okay…."
"To make sure I didn't go off and get high, right?" He spat.
"Landon…" His mom's tone got harsh.
"Sorry…I wasn't actually serious…It's my way of dealing…" He scratched his head as he stared down at his Nikes.
"It's okay." His mom sighed. It almost sounded like she'd break into tears from all the frustration. This must have been twice as hard for her since she was married to the man.
"Are you okay, Mom?" He asked, feeling worse because he snapped at her.
"Yeah, I mean I could be worse…But I'll be waiting for you at the station with your grandparents tomorrow night."
"Okay." Landon nodded. "See you tomorrow, Mom. I love you."
"I love you, too, kiddo."
He hung up and got himself off the bench, unsure what to do next.
Landon stalked over to his dorm. The trees swayed to the light breeze. The twilit sky was bittersweet. He never felt more alone than at that moment.
Even if he wasn't high, he knew he was letting his imagination take him by storm when he pictured Dylan standing right there on the sidewalk, waiting for him.
She was dressed in a simple white dress, which easily took his breath away. She understood him. Her own old man ran out on her, too but it wasn't that about Dylan that captivated Landon.
It was her soul. She had been his best friend for such a long time but there was something within her…It made Landon's insides scream for the two of them to be something more.
He knew that if he ran into her imaginary arms that he would look like a complete idiot so he slowly just made his way over to her.
She smiled at him. Her face was kissed by the remnants of the sun. Her eyes beckoned for him to hold a strand of her hair or to hug her. Any source of contact between the two of them.
But when Landon blinked, the illusion of her was gone. He just had to hear her voice.
"Hello?" Dylan said on the other line.
"Hey, it's me." Landon lied on his bed in his room at the college house.
"Hey Landon." He could tell she was smiling. "How are you?"
"Not so great, actually…" He didn't even have to try to be open with her. It just came naturally.
"What's wrong?"
He knew he wanted to say it but it was like his body had a mind of its own for it didn't allow him to let the words come out.
"Landon? You still there?"
"Yeah, sorry…I just…I've just missed you, that's all."
It sounded like she wasn't buying it. "Oh. Well, I've missed you, too. I can't wait to see you when you come back tomorrow."
"Me neither."
"You think you can sneak away tomorrow night and meet me?"
"You don't waste time." He forced a laugh.
"Actually, I just want to know what's really bothering you and I figured maybe it would help if you'd tell me in person."
"Oh."
"Landon, I'm worried about you. I know you don't want to talk about it now by the fact that you almost choked on the line…"
"I thought it would be easy to talk to you, Dyl."
"It's probably because you're just not ready to talk to anyone about it…"
How is it that someone could know him so well? "Thanks, Dylan."
"I'm always here for you, Crane."
KG
"Harris, we are outside Alicia's house!" Kristen hissed between each kiss Harris gave her.
"But isn't the risk of getting caught what makes this more exciting?" Harris smirked as he released her from his grasp.
"Are you suggesting that this relationship's getting boring?" Kristen joked but she actually did want to know.
"Absolutely not." Harris squeezed her hand.
"I guess I worry too much." She sighed as she looked out the window. The rain would be stopping soon.
"That I won't deny." Harris chuckled as he parked his car. "I'm sure Cammy won't mind me crashing his party."
"Don't you think everyone will get suspicious when they see us coming in together?" The blonde raised an eyebrow.
Harris shrugged. "Maybe it's time for everyone to know."
"Not everyone!" She almost panicked. "If my dad knew, I would never be allowed to go to Princeton!"
He frowned. "Right…"
She realized what she brought up. "I'm sorry…"
He sighed. "It's okay. Can't delay the inevitable, now can we?"
She knew how much she sucked at that moment. She clenched her fists. "Harris, I'm going to tell my dad before anyone else about us. And I promise that'll happen before graduation. Just give me some time. Please."
She knew it was ridiculous. Her whole idea. But she thought she might as well give it a shot.
He turned to her as he got the keys out of the ignition. The Perishers were no longer blasting through his car stereo. The sound of her own rampant heartbeat was all she could hear.
"Okay." Harris flashed her his sweet smile.
She couldn't control herself. She got out of the passenger seat and ran over to his side. He opened his door and hugged her.
"Kris…" Harris whispered.
"Thank you for putting up with me…"
"Anytime. Any place." Harris nodded as he pressed his nose into her dirty blonde hair.
They walked to Alicia's front doorstep with Cam opening the door.
"Hey guys!" Cam chuckled and stopped suddenly. "Did you guys come here together?"
"Well…." Harris looked at Kristen.
She played with her fingers. "Actually, Harris offered to give me a ride over here."
"Oh." Cam said suspiciously. "I see."
Harris was surprised that Kristen didn't make up a full-blown lie on the spot. Kristen had to brace herself to face reality and tell everyone her secret soon. Cam would probably be the second person to know about her relationship with Harris, anyway. He was that smart.
"So can we come in?" Harris asked.
Thankfully, not many questions were asked since Josh was stealing Alicia's thunder at hosting their get-together.
Chapter Title based on: Come Out Of The Shade by The Perishers
Stay Tuned for the next chappie! :D
P.S. Annie Clarkson was inspired by the actress that plays Fiona Coyne on Degrassi: Annie Clark. She's awesome! :D Wasn't sure if anybody would catch it. XD Thought I'd point it out haha.
and...Landon Crane makes me think of actor Landon Liboiron (so damn hot XD). Lmaooooo ;) He plays Declan Coyne on Degrassi.
...I know I'm a twisted person.
Love always, Ariana :D