Chapter 2:

Before I knew it, the bell rang ending the class. Everyone started gathering their things, and I took this opportunity to finish a conversation.

"Hey, I didn't catch your name," I turned to the same boy who sat next to me.

"Oh, right, it's Jake," He stood up about half a foot taller than me, putting his backpack over his shoulder, and reached a hand out.

"I'm Clare," I took his warm hand in mine and shook it.

"So when do you have lunch? I want to hear this 'action packed' story," he said motioning air quotes as he said action packed.

"Now actually; how about you?"

"Same!" We walked to the door then through the hallways to my locker.

"Well long story short, he was my boyfriend who became strangely possessive and manipulative, so I broke up with him, and now he's rubbing it in," I really didn't feel like going into too much dept with it and I was lucky he didn't push it any more.

"Oh, well, I'm sorry," he sounded genuine and he was really nice. Sometimes I've been beginning to think all the nice guys have been dropping off the face of the Earth.

"Eh, I'll be alright, but thanks," I said as we approached the cafeteria where I saw Alli, Dave, Sadie, Connor, Wesley, and Jenna sitting at a table together. Alli was waving her hands at me initiating for me to come over and sit with them. I decided to, and led Jake to their table.

"Hi guys! This is Jake, he's new this year. Jake, that's Alli, Dave, Sadie, Connor, Wesley, and Jenna," I announced pointing to each of them, while the waved a friendly hello.

"He's cute," Alli squealed, whispering in my ear as I sat down next to her.

"I know," I replied.

Lunch went by pretty well. Everyone was getting along. It felt good to catch up with those who I haven't seen in a while. Connor and Wesley were just as funny as they've always been, Jenna filled us in on everything that's happened with her new baby, Alli told us about her family vacation in theBahamasshe took over the summer (apparently her parents wanted a last getaway together before Sav went to college) and Dave and Sadie seemed as happy as ever. Even Jake gladly chipped in and shared his own stories and opinions. He seemed excited to have made some great friends on his first day.

Soon the bell rang, signaling for the students to go to their next class.

Walking out of the cafeteria, I bumped into someone, and my books went flying to the floor. When I bent down to pick them up I heard a dulled 'sorry.' As I looked up, I saw it was Eli, who was holding out one of my books to me.

"Um, thanks," I said and I took the book from him. I started to walk away, when he grabbed my arm and spoke.

"Hey, I think we should talk sometime, so things won't be too weird between us; especially being in the same English class again."

"Right…" I was so confused. Why would he want to talk to me, after what happened between us? I shrugged it off; I guess it could only be for the best.

"Yeah, I want you to meet Imogen, my uhh…girlfriend," he trailed off. Why on Earth would I want to meet her, let alone her meet me?

"Um…sure." I answered, although it sounded more like a question. I didn't know what else to say; I didn't want to meet her at all. Gosh, he was so weird. He kept staring at me with some kind of satisfied smirk, before I broke his stare down.

"I got to go," I quickly told him and headed for my next period.

I found my way to my math class, just in time for the bell to ring. I looked around and saw Adam sitting in a close by desk. There was an empty desk next to him so I took that one.

"You're never going to guess who I just ran into," I turned to face Adam.

"Who?" he questioned.

"Eli."

"Wow, that's awkward," Adam said with a surprised face.

"That's not even the half of it; he told me we should talk soon and that he wants me to meet his new girlfriend," I watched Adam's jaw drop to the floor and his eyes bulge out of their sockets.

"Why the hell, would he say that?" geez he was more shocked about it then I was.

"Ok calm down Adam," I started to say but then I felt my phone vibrate in my pocket. Sneaking a look at the text message it read 'Hey how about we have that talk after school?-Eli.'

"Guess I'll find out later," I finished, showing him the message and putting my phone back in my pocket. Before he could reply the teacher took everyone's attention to start class.

Great, just three more classes until I'll have to face Eli…again. Could this day get any more exhausting.