A/N:: Thanks for Alerts/Favorites/Reviews, etc.! Sorry I haven't updated lately. School started back up and I've been going through some personal emotional problems. I haven't felt like writing, really and I've been fatigued. I'm feeling better and happier so here's another one-shot! It's SKILLET again! This song randomly played for me on Pandora and I knew I had to write it as soon as I finished my Geometry homework. –Clare is a bit OOC, but I want the song to have a big influence on my writing.

This is set before Chapter 2's one-shot "Those Nights" (also inspired by Skillet) It's also more on the T- rated side rather than K+. –You'll find out why. It's not cussing; just, it's a little depressing. I almost cried reading this.

Song: "The Last Night" by Skillet

Eli's POV:

I heard a loud continuous knock on the front door. I went downstairs and opened it to see Clare's blue eyes look into my eyes. She had been crying. Her eyes were red and puffy.

"Clare, come on in," I told her. She came in and I lead her to my room.

"Have a seat," I said to her, patting the spot next to me on my bed.

"What's wrong?" I asked her, hoping to she would tell me.

She sighed. "More issues with my parents. They're blaming everything on me. They say it's my fault."

"Why would they say that?" I questioned her, begging for answers.

"I really don't know, Eli. I really don't know."

"They should have a reason."

"Eli, I know. It's actually their fault for my depression. Their divorce has caused me to lose hope. They say the sadness is a phase and that I'm fine. They really don't get it," she admitted to me.

"Clare, I'm here for you," I reassured her.

"I actually came here to say goodbye. I don't want you to see me cry and go through with the depression and sadness. I couldn't put you through that," she said to me.

Her words hurt. "Clare, I don't care, I'm going to help you. You really need me."

"Eli. The depression is bad. Look at the scars on my wrist," she said pulling up her long sleeves to reveal her wrist. Her wrist was covered in read scratches. How did I not notice this before?

"Clare! Why did you hurt yourself this way?" I asked her. The images of her scars were now scarred in my mind.

"I-It just seemed to help, I g-guess," she said shyly. "It was easy to pick up the razor and run it along my wrists. When I bled, it felt like the pain was exiting my body," she added.

"No. It's not. Clare, you need my help. You're done spending the nights alone or with either of your parents. I can't let it happen. They are just hurting you. Your parents don't know you like I do," I explained, calming her.

"You know they wouldn't approve."

"I don't care. I can't let you say goodbye from me," I told her.

"But, Eli-" I cut her off.

"Look in my eyes and listen to me."

She looked up. I took a breath and began. "Clare, I'm going to help you, no matter what is necessary. The nights must be long when things are wrong," I said, taking her hand.

"Okay," she replied. "But, I promised my mom I'd be home tonight," she added.

"Sure. But, this is the last night you're spending alone with your mom. I'm serious, Clare. Wherever you need me, I'll be there. Any time, any day. I'm everything you need me to be. Don't be scared to ask," I mentioned to her, wrapping my arms around her.

She breathed in relief. "Okay. I understand. – And thanks, Eli. It's nice to have somebody to talk to."

"Of course. Just don't cut yourself when you're gone, okay? You're too beautiful."

"I won't. Thanks, Eli. I really have to go, though. My mom doesn't need anything else to blame me for," she said.

"Alright. Let me walk you out," I said as we stood up and went downstairs. I opened the front door for her and we stood on my front porch.

"Goodbye," she said before kissing my cheek.

"Clare, you can't say goodbye. Leaving you can't be good for anyone, especially you."

She gave me a smile. "Sure. Anyways, see you tomorrow."

"Of course," I said smiling.

She walked away. I felt upset- she was leaving. I have to remember that it's the last night she'll be away from me, then after this, things will be great again.

Sorry, it's short… and late. I had been suffering from writer's block and disinterest in writing, so I'm glad I could manage this, actually. It's not my best work, but it's something. Please REVIEW. I'd LOVE to know your thoughts. Love you all. :)