Clare: First period had just ended. Second period was French. I walked into the classroom, and took a seat in the middle of the room. I sat there awkwardly for a few moments because I was one of the first people in the room. People slowly began to trickle in, but I paid no attention to them.
"Do you mind if I sit here?" I heard a familiar voice say to me. I straightened myself in my chair, and looked up to see Adam, motioning to the seat next to mine.
"Sure," I said, with a half smile. He sat down.
"How was your summer?" he asked.
"It started out okay. Then my mom got engaged."
"That sucks. Is the guy bringing you any fake siblings?" On the inside, I smiled; he knew how to make me feel better.
"Yeah, a step-sister. She's coming to Degrassi," I explained bitterly.
"I'm sorry. Is she really that awful?" he asked.
"No. That's what makes her so awful. She's all athletic and talented and pretty," I explained, my face filled with disgust.
"How old is 'Stinky-sister'?"
"Sixteen."
"I see," he said. I was grateful that he didn't want to go into too much detail about her.
"Enough about that. How was your summer?" I asked.
"It was good. I kinda wish we hung out more though. Sorry."
"It's fine. Eli needed you more than I did."
"No, it's not, Clare," he said, with a sigh, "You needed a friend when your mom got engaged, and I wasn't there."
"Seriously, Adam, it's fine." The bell rang again, signifying that class was beginning and the teacher began speaking in French about the year to come.
The day dragged on slowly. After fifth period, I saw Adam in the hallway; I casually waved to him, as he met up with Eli. But guess who was with Eli? Lilly. They were laughing about something. They both greeted Adam. I didn't want Adam to usher me over, so I walked away quickly to English before he got the chance.
I hurried into the familiar classroom. I had Ms. Dawes again this year. I was glad; she was one of my favorite teachers at Degrassi. I sat in the same seat that I usually took last year. I began to stare into blank space, as memories from last year's English class flooded my brain. I remembered the one time Adam sat behind me; he threw tiny wads of paper at me all class. I remembered how Eli would tickle my back in the middle of class. I also remembered all the times that we would pass stupid notes to each other that had smart-ass remarks written on them. My thoughts were interrupted when I heard, "Hey Clare," from behind me. I looked up to see Adam again. I smiled. Then I realized he was with Eli.
"Hey, guys!" I said. Adam took a seat in front of me, while Eli too the one next to me.
"It's a mistfit reunion!" Adam sang, jokingly. We all smiled. "Why do we always end up in the same English class?" he asked.
"It's fate," I joked. Then came an awkward silence.
"Hey, Clare," Eli spoke, "There is this girl in mine and Adam's Public Speaking class. She just moved here because her dad was getting remarried. Maybe you should hang out with her. It might be nice to have a friend who knows what you are going through." I knew he was talking about Lilly.
"I think I'm good, but thanks anyways," I said, with a fake smile. Ms. Dawes walked in to the room, and saw us.
"Ah… the Three Musketeers are reunited again," she said with a smile. "Good to have you three back." The late bell rang, and Ms. Dawes went up to the front of the classroom and introduced herself.
"Hello everyone! I'm Ms. Dawes, for those of you who don't know me. A few of you had me last year. Welcome to grade 12, advanced English. I'm excited to have you all this year." As she spoke, Eli and I exchanged a glance. It was a slight smile, nothing special. But it still made my chest ache again. I looked down at my desk, and bit the inside of my lip hard to try and avoid the pain.
Eli: Clare and I exchanged a glance while Ms. Dawes spoke. A pain radiated rapidly through my body. The way she looked. It broke my heart on so many levels. She looked like she was in so much pain. I've seen that look in her eyes before. Her home life was really taking a toll on her again. She gave me a soft smile, but I could tell how much pain it was hiding. Not only was the look in her eyes heard breaking. But the exchange in itself was heart breaking to me. Every time I saw her I just wanted to grab her and kiss her. But I know I could never be with Clare again.
She looked so beautiful. The way her messy curls fell in the perfect way. Her bangs flowed in such a way that they brought out her eyes. She didn't wear a lot of make-up, but she was still flawless. It was almost unbearable to look at her. She was too damn beautiful, and I knew I couldn't have her.
The pain spread from my chest, and straight to my head. The headache pounded, as my entire body began to feel pain. Then, started numbness, starting in my chest, and then going to the rest of my body. I couldn't move my arms and legs. I was frozen, but I wanted to run. I wanted to run out of the classroom, then run out of the school, then keep running until I reached the comfort of my home. I wanted to go back to summer vacation, when it was just me and Adam, and nothing to make me scared, or in pain. I told myself that I wanted to go back to summer vacation when nothing hurt. But I was lying to myself. I was happy this summer, but everything hurt. I wanted to turn back time, and go back to the time when Clare and I were still in love, when everything was okay. When we would I the back of Morty, laying, cuddled together, talking about nothing in particular, laughing and smiling. That is the time when nothing hurt, even though everything should have.