[A/N] This idea came to me in a dream...not. Basically it's about Clare and Eli going on a school trip together. There's no telling what will happen, especially when there's no teacher supervision.
Clare's POV
Tick.
Tock.
Tick.
Tock.
Chewing on the eraser of my pencil, I glared at the clock hanging from the wall above my head. The thing was mocking me.
Tick.
Tock.
Tick.
Freaking tock.
"Shut up." I groaned before returning my eyes to the computer screen in front of me. It wasn't like I'd planned to spend over two hours on my History essay. In fact, I thought I'd be done typing up the three page paper in forty five minutes. Bad judgment on my part I guess.
Reluctantly, I let my eyes wander over to my dresser where a framed photo of Eli sat. "It's all your fault." I told it, running my fingers through my hair.
The picture continued smirking, unfazed by my accusation.
Sighing, I leaned back in the chair and linked my hands behind my head. I was supposed to be thinking about how the Civil War impacted American history, not how cute Eli looked when his bangs fell into his eyes.
Continuing to sit quietly for a while, I contemplated on whether I should attempt to continue my essay or come back to it later.
"Screw it." I mumbled, knowing I'd regret my decision either way. Standing up, I stretched my arms above my head, feeling my stiff muscles twitch and shake as they remembered how to function.
Unsure of what else to do, I leisurely made my way downstairs and found my mom in the midst of paying bills at the dining room table. I'd learned from a not so pleasant experience long ago that this was a time when she was best left alone.
Tip toeing softly away in an effort to sneak out of the house, I was just turning the knob of the front door when she caught me.
"Clare where are you going?" she called, without even turning around.
I let my hand fall to my side and hung my head in defeat. "Just going for a walk." I told her, praying she'd let me escape.
"Before you go, there's a letter that came for you. I put it on the coffee table." Still not bothering to turn around, she raised her arm and pointed in the general direction of the living room
"Gee thanks." I mumbled, rolling my eyes before turning and walking away from the door.
She didn't bother to reply.
Dragging myself over to the couch, I took a seat and reached for the lone white envelope resting on the table. I perked up, noticing it was from the school.
Maybe it's a letter saying Degrassi's going back to normal. I thought hopefully before carefully ripping it open.
To my surprise, the envelope contained a stapled pile of papers, all of which had my name printed in large bold font in each upper left corner. Scanning it quickly for words like "uniforms" and "metal detectors", I soon realized the packet had absolutely nothing to do with the situation at school.
It was an invitation.
Dear Clare Diane Edwards,
We are pleased to inform you that you are of a select few that have been chosen by the County Education Board to be part of an upcoming trip to England.
This European excursion was specifically created for students taking advanced English courses throughout the area. You are one of the thirty students selected to be part of this once in a lifetime experience.
The duration of the two week journey will be spent visiting famous museums and historic locations, as well as other significant sights. For example: William Shakespeare's childhood home.
The cost of the trip is $850.00; however the majority of the money may be raised by sponsorships and/or donations.
More information will be provided to students and their parents on February 11, 2011 at Degrassi High school. Attendance is expected if you wish to be part of the trip.
Trip Date: June 19, 2011 - July 2, 2011.
Sincerely,
Carl M. Beale.
I stared at the letter for a few minutes, trying to remember how to breathe. Inhale…and exhale.
"Mom." I called out shakily, trying to contain my excitement, "I know you're busy, but it might be a good idea for you to take a look at this."
"Okay, bring it over honey." She answered, sounding annoyed.
Gliding dizzily back into the dining room, I placed the letter in front of her. Putting my hands on the back of the chair in front of me, I barely managed to keep from falling. This had to be a dream.
Or at least it was, until my mom opened her mouth. She set her lips in a thin line before looking up at me. "I know it says "parents" but would it be okay with you if your father didn't come."
Feeling my face grow warm, I snatched the papers out of her hand and snapped, "Really Mom? I just got invited to go to England for two weeks, and all you can think about is how you don't want to be around Dad? You're the greatest." Biting my lip to keep the hot tears away, I stomped away and grabbed my coat.
"Clare wait, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to upset you."
"Uh huh." I muttered, opening the door. "That's what you always say."
"Clare ju-" Slamming the door, I sighed and watched as a puff of cold air blew from my mouth. I started walking along the sidewalk, drawing my coat tighter around me. It probably wasn't the smartest thing to be walking around in the cold January air, but right now I'd rather freeze than go back home."
Making sure the papers were carefully tucked inside my jacket, I began the twenty five minute walk that would eventually lead me to the only person I wanted to see.
Eli.
"You know I would have come to pick you up. All you had to do was call." Eli scolded, coming over with a mug of hot chocolate while I sat curled up in a blanket on his couch.
I shook my head, taking the cup from him. "I needed to get out of my house right away. Besides I don't want to be a pain."
Eli rolled his eyes dramatically before lifting up the blanket and taking a seat next to me, "So you'd rather get frostbite than take the risk of annoying me. That it so sweet."
"I didn't come here to listen to your sarcasm." I said, snuggling into his side and smiling as he put his arm around my shoulders."
"Oh I see you're just here for the hot chocolate." He joked, stealing my cup and taking a sip.
"Do you ever stop talking?" I teased, giving him a small shove.
He pretended to button his lips and looked at me with raised eyebrows.
I practically shook with anticipation, "I got an invitation to go to-"
"England." Eli finished, setting the mug down on the table.
"How did you know that?" I asked and Eli just smirked.
Then it dawned on me. "No way!"I screamed, throwing my arms around his neck, "You're going too?"
He chuckled as he ran his hands up and down my sides, "Did you think I was stupid? Last time I checked, I was one of the top students in our English Class."
I barely heard what he said as I stared into his eyes, my heart pounding as I thought about spending two weeks with my boyfriend in Europe. "Think about how much we'll learn." I mumbled dreamily, my thoughts focused on all of the great English writers.
Eli's green eyes glinted mischievously, "I hope you like to learn." He moved his head to whisper in my ear, "Because there are a lot of things I can teach you."
My teeth started to chatter again, but this time it wasn't from the cold.
It was obvious Eli wasn't thinking about the "historically educational" factor of the trip.
This was definitely going to be one unforgettable adventure.
Good? Bad? Did I make your eyes bleed?
Should I continue? Or hit that menacing little delete button.
Please Review :)