Clare and Eli were sitting at the picnic table where they had their very first kiss. Both of them were silent, and the awkwardness hung in the air between them. Clare wanted to say something, she had to say something, but she just didn't know what to say.
She knew that Eli was going through a difficult time. He was still heartbroken over Lena, and Clare understood that he wasn't yet ready for another relationship. He needed space; he needed time to think. Clare sighed, and tried not to tear up again.
"Eli…" she began. He stopped playing with his fingers to look up at her, his green eyes boring into hers. How did he expect her to talk while he was staring at her like that? She began again. "Eli, I know that you need some space," she said, "and I'm willing to give you that. Okay?" She smiled at him.
Eli smiled at her gratefully. "Thanks, Clare," he whispered. "Thank you for understanding. Its hard… you know? Lena… she was the closet person in my life, and because of me, she's gone." He stared at her deeply. "It's not fair… why should I get to be happy?"
"Everyone deserves to be happy," Clare told him. "You deserve to be happy, Eli, even if you think you shouldn't. After you heal, you'll understand." She offered him a weak smile.
He wrapped Clare in a bone-splitting hug, and rested his chin on her shoulder. He started sobbing and whispered into Clare's ear, "I'm so glad I have you as a friend, Clare."
As a friend. Those words crushed Clare's heart, but she returned the embrace. Eli still needed to heal; she needed to remind herself of that. "I'll be here for you, Eli, just like you were there for me."
"I don't deserve you, Clare. I'm not worthy of anything."
Clare and Eli walked hand in hand through the graveyard. They were in a town that Clare didn't know of, but was Eli's hometown. They stopped at one particular gravestone, and Eli kneeled down, releasing Clare's hand. The gravestone read:
In Loving Memory of
Lena Dieangola
Daughter, Sister, and Friend
1993 - 2009
Eli placed the red rose he had brought with him right in front of the gravestone. "Goodbye, Lena," he whispered. He kneeled there for a moment, still tearing silently. He turned to Clare, who was also silently crying.
"Clare," he said quietly. "It's about time I do this." He wrapped his arms around her waist, and kissed her passionately. Clare was right; he deserved happiness. He, Eli Goldsworthy, was worthy.
Awh, wasn't that sweet? I'm sorry its so short, but oh well. ;D This fic is now completed. Thank you all for reading it, and the lovely reviews. :) Please review, and please check out my other fic, "That Smirk" for me, please! Thank you. :D