After my talk with Julia, my thoughts for the play fell almost perfectly on the screen of my laptop. The play was going to be a hit. Hopefully with Clare as well. Her opinion of it was the only one that really mattered anymore. I sighed and printed out the ending.

When I arrived in the drama room, everyone was already preparing for the play. Even Jake was finishing up painting the set props. I was slightly impressed. Maybe Jake wasn't so bad after all. I tried to imagine myself in Jake's shoes. Dating a girl who would soon be my step-sister. If my girlfriend was anyone but Clare, I could see Jake's side. It would be pretty weird, but that just shows how much more I care about her, because if it was Clare, I could see past it.

I handed out the script to everyone involved. Fiona took one and flipped to the end. She looked impressed.

"Wow, Eli. I think tomorrow night is gonna be amazing!" She smiled, gave me a quick hug, then started ordering some of the backstage crew to move the props.

For some reason I felt like I was in the way of everyone else, so I decided to leave. No one needed me anymore today anyway. They had their ending. As I walked into the hallway, Adam nearly ran into me.

"Whoa." He laughed awkwardly. "Sorry man." He glanced behind him, and into the hallway. "You might not want to go out there right now." He looked at me apologetically.

I frowned. "Why not?"

Hesitantly, he explained. "Jake's out there, and he's talking to Clare."

"But, I just saw him..." I turned around and looked where I saw Jake painting one of the props. He wasn't there. I frowned again and stuck my head past the doorway.

"What do you mean he's talking to Clare? I thought they broke up." I said more to myself than Adam.

He answered anyway. "I don't know, but it looked like he was apologizing."

I leaned on the door frame and continued watching them. Jake was looking down at Clare and talking with his hands a lot. Clare's face looked confused, but at least she wasn't crying again. Then, Jake grabbed both her hands. Clare nodded as he embraced her into a hug. I couldn't watch anymore. I turned around and walked back into the drama room.

Adam followed me cautiously. "Eli? Are you okay?" I sat down on one of the bleachers. Adam sat next to me. He knew I wasn't okay.

I shook my head facing the floor. "I'm never going to get her back." I whispered.

Adam looked at me with a worried expression. "Eli, come on. Don't say that." He patted my back.

I lifted my head up. "It's true, Adam. I talked to her yesterday after school. She pretty much told me she can't be with me again." I sighed as Adam watched me. "I can't say that I blame her. I caused her a lot of pain."

Adam spoke. "Yeah, but what about her parents when they got their divorce? You were there for her. You. I don't remember seeing any Jake Martins around to sweep her off her feet." He attempted a smile.

I shrugged pitifully.

Adam groaned. "Dude, if you can't get Clare back, how the hell am Igonna have another shot with Fiona?"

I looked at him. "Adam, I'm not the same guy anymore. I'm not the one who has all these sneaky plans. I'm not the one who has all the answers. I'm a mess."

Adam sighed. "I guess I just always thought you and Clare would get back together. It gave me hope." His eyes found Fiona and watched her across the room.

I sighed. "Don't base my sorry ass on what you could do for yourself." I glanced at Fiona then nudged Adam with my shoulder. "She was giving you some serious attention yesterday." I attempted to smile for Adam's sake. The last thing I want is for him to be stuck in the same rut I'm in.

Adam smiled a bit. "Yeah okay. I wont give up." He stood up, and turned around to face me. "But, you don't give up either, alright? I'm rooting for you, Eli." He patted my back one last time and walked over to help Fiona.

I would never wish my relationship problems on anyone, but it's nice to know someone that's going through a similar situation. It's even nicer to know that person is my best friend. I'm rooting for Adam too.