Disclaimer: Don't own Degrassi. 'Nuff said.

Author's Note: Sorry about the delay. I've been meaning to update, but I've just been really busy.

X

Sand Castles
Lies

X

It was well past midnight when Jake got home.

Their parents had already gone to bed. Clare had stayed up waiting for him, hoping that he'd changed his mind — that he wasn't going to let her go through this alone. But he had just gone to his room instead, and by the time Clare got up the next morning, he was already gone.

She took her time getting ready, trying desperately to cover the dark circles under her eyes. She hadn't slept much but then, how could she? As she made her way downstairs, book bag slung over her shoulder, a sense of dread began to form in the pit of her stomach. Would her mother know? Would she know as soon as she laid eyes on her? Clare came to an abrupt halt just outside the kitchen entrance, swallowing hard and taking a deep breath to calm her nerves.

Once she had maintained her composure, she stepped inside. Helen Martin stood hovering over the stove, a small smile plastered across her face as she made breakfast. Glen was sitting at the kitchen table, finishing off a plate of scrambled eggs and reading the newspaper. He was the first to notice her presence and grinned as soon as he saw her.

"You're up! Good morning!"

Clare grimaced, knowing there was nothing good about that morning and especially about her situation. She forced a tight smile, however.

"Morning, Glen. Where's Jake?" She asked.

"He left early. Took the truck. Said something about meeting up with some people for a school project. He didn't want to wake you." Glen informed her.

That was a lie. Jake didn't have any assignments due and even if did, he wasn't one to get a head start on them. He just wanted to avoid her. Rather than say anything, however, Clare simply nodded before making her way over to the pantry and pulling out a granola bar.

"Clare, honey, I'm making eggs." Her mother said.

Clare's stomach lurched. The mere thought of eating eggs was making her nauseous, and she shook her head.

"I'm not really hungry," she lied. Before her mother could protest, she quickly added, "I'll see you after school, okay Mom?"

Without waiting for her answer, Clare grabbed her coat and made a beeline for the front door. She had just reached the end of the driveway when she heard Glen's voice call after her. "Hop in. I'll drive you."

Reluctantly, Clare climbed into the passenger seat of the van. She buckled in as Glen pulled out of the driveway and took off down the road. Once she was comfortable, Clare leaned against the window, resting her forehead on the glass and staring at the other cars that passed them by. The ride was mostly quiet; it wasn't until they reached a red light at a busy intersection that Glen spoke, shattering her reverie.

"Something bothering you?"

Clare lifted her head slightly to look at him.

"No," she lied. "Why would something be bothering me?"

Glen shrugged, his eyes never leaving the road. "You just seem a little… off today. Distant."

"I'm fine. Just tired." Clare muttered. "I couldn't sleep last night."

"Oh?"

"It's nothing to worry about. I just had a lot on my mind." Clare told him.

That was partly true. She had had a lot on her mind and it had prevented her from sleeping, but it had less to do with school like Glen probably thought, and more about her problem and how she was going to handle it. Jake had made it perfectly clear that he wanted nothing to do with the life growing inside her, and the fact that he was going out of his way to avoid her just confirmed that he wasn't going to change his mind anytime soon.

Glen nodded in understanding, and Clare sighed, leaning back. He stepped on the gas as soon as the light turned green and didn't say another word until they got to Degrassi. Just as she was opening the door and climbing out, he spoke once more.

"Listen, Clare… I know I'm not your dad, but if you ever want to talk… I'm here to listen."

Clare smiled weakly.

"Okay," she said, before closing the door and making her way into the school.

oOo

"You look like crap."

Clare glanced up to see Bianca DeSousa standing in front of her. The older girl smirked, cocking her head slightly and arching a perfect brow — as if daring Clare to retort — before seating herself across from her. Clare said nothing, instead peering around the crowded cafeteria while Bianca pulled out a small tupperware bowl containing Greek salad and began to eat.

Since Jake's cabin get together at the end of the summer, the two had developed a quasi-relationship of sorts. It wasn't exactly a friendship, but they were more than just mere acquaintances. They hung out from time to time, mostly at lunch, but it wasn't like hanging out with Alli or Jenna. She and Bianca didn't have sleepovers or paint each other's nails or gossip about boys. In fact, they didn't really talk much at all. They mostly just sat in silence. It was a matter of convenience, really.

Her mind drifted to her ex-best friend. She hadn't spoken to Alli in months, but how could she after she'd kissed Jake?

Not that that mattered anymore. She was pretty sure she and Jake were done. They hadn't formally broken up, but his reaction to her situation was enough.

"Hey," Bianca yanked her from her thoughts, snapping her fingers in front of Clare's face. "Stop zoning out. It's annoying."

"Sorry," Clare murmured, picking away at her own lunch.

She'd barely touched her pasta.

"Do I even want to know?" Bianca asked, rolling her eyes.

"Probably not." Clare answered grimly.

"Let me guess… boyfriend troubles?"

"Ex."

Bianca's interest piqued and she perked up.

"You broke up? This is news." She said, before furrowing her brow. "Wait… why? I thought you two were 'in love' or whatever. Did you catch him sticking his tongue down another girl's throat or something?"

"No…" Clare sighed, avoiding Bianca's gaze as she shook her head. "Nothing like that."

"Then why -" Bianca started, but trailed off when Clare stood up and began gathering her belongings. "Hey, wait. Where are you going? Lunch isn't over."

"I need some air." Clare said simply. "I'll talk to you later."

With that, she made her way out of the cafeteria, leaving a confused Bianca behind.

When Clare was gone, she scoffed, stabbing her salad before catching Adam Torres by the arm as he was walking by and bringing him to a halt.

"Sit." She ordered, pointing to the now empty seat across from her. "You're having lunch with me."

"Uh… okay…" The younger teen replied, knowing that it was best to just go along with what Bianca said and not ask any questions.

Bianca smirked triumphantly.

X

This was a short chapter, I know, but I'll try to make the next one longer.

So, I enjoyed the Glen/Clare scene. It popped into my head the other night, which inspired me to write this chapter. Originally, this chapter was going to be the next chapter. You'll see what I mean by that when I write chapter 3. Also, I couldn't help but throw in a little Badam near the end.

Anyway, I hope you guys enjoyed.

Please REVIEW and tell me what you think!