I forgot to thank Halawen for her continued support and help with all my stories, but for also being such a great friend. Certainly check out her stories everyone there's a little bit of everything there!
Things to know: Zig, Miles and Winston are at Degrassi but is just friends with Maya and Tris
Tori has already moved away
Nothing has happened between Miles and Maya
Ch. 2 Getting to Know You
(BIANCA)
"So why did you choose the Adventuredome Theme park?" Owen asks me, while we're standing in line to get into the park.
"Because I wanted to do something fun with my friends that would let me forget about everything," I tell him, and he gives me a weird look. "Just to forget for a little while," I finish, because even I know I can't shut out life for good.
Owen has his arms around my shoulders and Clare's as we wait in line. "Clare, are you okay?" Owen asks and I look over at my best girlfriend.
"Yes," she answers timidly.
"Oh, I'm sorry Clare, I forgot you're afraid of heights. Do you want to go somewhere else?" I ask her and I see Owen has a look of concern on his face, but humour in his eyes.
"No I'll be okay. I do like theme parks, but please stay with me, and don't be surprised if I scream on the big rollercoasters," she replies, and I see Owen's arm tighten around her.
"I'm not going anywhere Clare, and I know Bianca wouldn't leave you either," he tells her and I can see that he's fallen for her even if he can't yet admit it.
"Thank you both," she smiles up at him, and reaches her hand up interlacing their fingers by her shoulder. I'm almost positive she's fallen for him just as much if not more than he has for her, and I'm extremely excited for them both and the life they will hopefully have together from this point on. We move up in line to the gate and are let in quickly, but Owen gets a slightly envious look from the guy for having two girls in his arms.
We spend the whole day just having fun and being kids at the amusement park. Owen plays a few of the games and wins Clare and I each a stuffed animal. We mostly just watch Owen showing off at the games and when we go on any rides that are quite tall like the roller coasters we put Clare in the middle so she feels a little safer. She does still scream a few times but it's not too bad and she just holds our hands tighter too. We had lunch while we were at the park, but didn't stay to have dinner there.
As we don't have a car here we had decided to walk to and from the park. We were walking back when my phone alerts me to a text message. It's not Drew, but Adam who texts me.
ADAM: Thanx 4 letting me know Clare was alright this morning. Hope ur day out helped & I'm sorry my bro's a selfish ass. We're at the hotel but headed for dinner soon w/ mom. Let me know when ur back.
All I can do is laugh, and when Clare and Owen look at me I show them both the text. Then I text Adam back.
BIANCA: Welcome & she's in good hands, no worries. Ya I had a good day, it's ok, but I don't wanna see or talk to him this weekend. We're on our way back to the hotel but gonna grab dinner soon.
I send the text and put away my phone. "So what do you guys want to do for dinner tonight?" I question while we're walking.
"Well the hotel has a bunch of restaurants, plus there's the Cirque Du Soleil show tonight we could go to," Clare comments.
"That sounds good to me, what do you think Owen?" I comment.
"I'm starving so I'm good with dinner. Cirque Du Soleil isn't really my thing, but I'll go if that's what you both want to do tonight," he comments.
"Ok, I guess that's what we're doing then. We should probably get show tickets before we head to dinner though," I suggest and they both nod in agreement.
The walk isn't much longer and we arrive back at the hotel. We get tickets but as they're for tonight they are pretty far away from the stage, but we don't mind, and the price isn't too bad. This time we each pay for ourselves. We head upstairs to dress for dinner, as most of the restaurants here are on the fancy side.
"I've been thinking," Owen comments as we walk out of the elevator on our floor but stop walking when we're in the hall, "I know B wants to avoid Drew the rest of the weekend, so how would you both feel if Bianca took Clare's room for the next two nights?" he asks.
"But where would I go?" Clare asks, "my room only has one bed," and I think I'm seeing where Owen is going with this.
"You could bring your stuff and stay in my room," he states, but it comes out a little like a question. We both see Clare biting her lip and shifting nervously. "There's no pressure Clare, we'll just sleep, I just thought we could get to know each other. You know, talk a bit without other people overhearing. I know sex is new for you, and I'm sorry you don't remember your first time," he comments and she calms down a bit.
She still takes a moment before she answers and I see Owen is a little nervous now. "Ok, I'll share your room with you Owen. And it's alright, it was just as much my fault for getting as drunk as I did that I don't remember last night, and I would like to get to know you better too," she comments and I see Owen's smile reappear and then he bends down kissing her cheek.
"Ok, we should probably move our stuff and then get ready for dinner," I comment when I notice my watch.
We go to my room, grabbing my stuff and then leave it in what was Clare's room before taking her stuff and moving it to Owen's room. We stay in relative silence doing this, and then I head back to what is now my room to grab some clothes and change before dinner.
(OWEN)
"You can change in the bathroom, I'll change out here," I comment to Clare as I know she's nervous being in here alone with me. "And I promise you're ok, I won't hurt you or pressure you, you're safe with me Clare," I tell her as I try and calm her nerves.
"I know Owen, and thank you, I guess this whole thing is just going to take some getting used to, but I know you'd never hurt me intentionally, I trust you. You've become a great friend and man, since the guy who threw Adam through the door," she tells me, and I smile and then frown remembering myself back then.
"I hated myself as soon as I did that, and never want to be that guy again. Although if it was to protect someone I love or care about then I would still take drastic action if I needed to," I tell her, and realize that this now includes her too.
"Yep, that's the Owen I became friends with," she tells me and then picks up some of her clothes from her duffle bag on the bed and goes into the bathroom, I'm assuming to change. I grab a dress shirt out of the closet and my dress pants off the back of the chair where I left them this morning. I change quickly and then open the door letting Bianca in when she knocks. I comment on how nice Bianca looks, and she compliments me back. A few minutes later Clare comes out of the bathroom.
She's wearing a purple blouse with see through sleeves, a black skirt that goes to her knees and black heels. "You look beautiful Clare," I tell her then lean in to kiss her cheek when she gets close enough to me.
When I pull away I see her blushing a bit. "You look quite handsome Owen," she comments with a smile, and I see something in her eyes, but I'm not sure what it is.
"Everyone ready to go?" Bianca asks. I lock my door, and we head down to the lobby and through the glass tunnel to the restaurant. We have a nice dinner and pleasant conversation. We all seem to want to avoid the topics of Drew and what will happen when we get home, but I try getting to know Clare a little better.
"So how's senior year going Clare?" I ask, because although Tristan and Maya go to Degrassi too, I mostly just hear about the big scandalous type of stuff that goes on and about the sophomore class, not the details or the seniors much.
"School has been fine. With Katie gone to Stanford I became editor of the school paper along with being VP of student council. As you know first semester was rough dealing with chemo and radiation and then having chemo brain, but I've worked hard and gotten better. I hope I can hold my honour roll status one last time," she comments and I remember when we became friends while she spent so much time at Adam's dealing with her cancer and as he tried helping her with her school work when possible to keep up with classes. I was over there most weekends I was home this past year and Drew and I became even closer friends with Clare. Bianca and Clare grew closer last school year.
"I know you'll do great Clare. You're the smartest person I know, and given what you were dealing with I'm sure you've done extremely well this year. Don't give up now," I tell her and put my arm around her shoulder as we're sitting with both girls on either side of me in a round booth.
"Did you both enjoy your first year at TU?" Clare asks, and then realizes what she said. "Sorry Bianca, I didn't mean to bring up a bad subject."
"It's ok Clare. Besides that, I enjoyed my first year at TU and I can't believe it's already over."
"What about you Owen? Did you enjoy this year?" she asks.
"Ya, I liked most of my classes, and although I was second string again, I had fun playing on the hockey team at TU. And I'm looking forward to getting into more of the physical classes in my program next year," I tell her with a smile.
We finish up eating and I pay for the three of us, then we head over to the Cirque Du Soleil show here at the MGM Grand. I didn't think I'd be that into it, but I could see how happy the show made both girls sitting on either side of me, which made me happy and I was actually quite impressed by the acrobatics. When the show finished we headed back upstairs toward our floor. When we get off the elevator and turn the corner we come face to face with Audra, who was still here for the wedding.
"Bianca honey, I am so sorry you were hurt by my son, and I know I wasn't always very kind to you, but I love you sweetie and if there is anything I can do for you, please just ask," Audra tells her as she embraces Bianca in a hug.
"Thank you Audra, and I know you were just trying to be a protective mom," Bianca tells her. "I don't want to see or talk to him right now, but I want you to know that I'm alright, and I am staying in Clare's room now. But please don't tell Drew, I did it so he had less chance of finding me," she tells her almost mother-in-law and Audra seems sympathetic.
"I understand honey, you need time and that's perfectly reasonable, but just know that Omar and I will be there for you. So did you and Clare just switch rooms then?" she asks, probably just wanting to know that Clare is safe, as she is still Adam's best friend.
"Um," Bianca starts, and I see Clare get nervous next to me. I guess telling people we got married while we were drunk is going to take some getting used to. I take her hand in mine, interlacing our fingers and squeeze lightly.
"No, they didn't switch rooms actually. If they had and Drew had gone to the room and found Clare he probably would have known the two switched rooms and would have found Bianca," I start, and it sounds pretty good. Audra gives us a weird look. "Clare is actually staying in my room," I get out. I'm sure this is kind of worrying to Audra. She never really forgave me for throwing Adam through the door, but Adam had and she kind of accepted me after that, especially once Drew and I became friends and I spent more time at the house.
"Clare is this okay with you?" Audra questions in protective mode again. And I try not to take offense to it, as I know she's just worried.
"Yes, it's alright Audra. We moved our stuff around earlier. It turns out," Clare begins slowly, "that last night after the non-wedding Owen and I both got drunk and got married," Clare tells her and now we see pure shock on Audra's face.
It takes a moment before she speaks, and we're all afraid of the explosion that might come. "What do you mean you two were drunk and got married?" she questions slowly instead getting louder as she goes. She must still be trying to process this.
"We're not quite sure what happened, but we have proof we got married, and we've talked about it together and with Bianca and we're both happy. It'll take some getting used to of course, but please don't tell Adam or my parents Audra. I still need to figure out how to tell them about this," Clare tells Audra, attempting to stay quiet soothers don't hear, only loud enough for the four of us. I squeeze Clare's hand again gently to show her I'm still here.
"I'm not quite sure what to say," Audra comments, but is quiet and seems to have calmed down some. "I'd like to tell Omar, but I won't tell anyone else, but can you both promise that you'll come to me if you need to talk, or if when you do tell your parents they aren't supportive. I want all three of you to come to me if you ever need to talk," she tells us and looks between the three of us. Clare looks up at me and I smile down at her. We both nod at her and she and Clare hug, but Clare doesn't really let go of my hand, then Audra moves over hugging me also. And then she and Bianca embrace again. She tells us she's going to her room, and is going to tell Omar about what we talked about, but that she'll make sure he says nothing about it either, and for us to have a good night, then walks past us down the hall.
"So what now?" I ask.
"I think I'm gonna head to my room for a shower," Bianca tells us. We nod and say good night to her, and she tells us she'll be by in the morning to hang out again. She hugs us both whispering in my ear as she does "be patient and don't hurt her," and I nod slightly and then she heads to Clare's previous room. I look down at Clare once Bianca is gone, and point my head in the direction of my room. She nods and we walk to my room together. I open the door with the key card and open the door, following her in. She sits on the bed and looks around and appears a little uneasy again.
"It's okay Clare, you're safe I promise. I wouldn't do anything to hurt you, please know you can trust me," I tell her and sit down beside her. I still think she's nervous but surprisingly she takes my hand and interlaces our fingers.
"I know Owen and I do trust you, and I feel safe with you, it's just I'm not really sure what happens next. I mean, I'm 18 and unexpectedly married, to a friend, but we never dated to get to know each other, and this just happened really fast," she explains, and I know what she means, although in a way I also don't know how she feels.
"Ya, I never expected to be 19 and married, but if given the chance I wouldn't take it back," I confess to her and see a shy smile appear. "If you want we can get changed, separately of course," I add when I see nervousness on her face again, "and then we can sit together or lie on the bed and get to know each other better, talking I mean," I suggest hoping that's caring without putting pressure on her.
"That's sounds nice, thank you Owen," she replies, and then shocks me again by kissing my cheek, before she gets off the bed and grabs what I guess is her pajamas, as she didn't have them when we woke up this morning, and goes into the bathroom. While she's in there I put on clean boxers and my pajama bottoms. I also grab a t-shirt out of my bag, but I don't yet put it on. I wouldn't normally wear one to bed, but I'm trying to make Clare feel comfortable right now, and then hopefully with a little time she'll be comfortable enough for me not to wear one. I sit in the chair for a couple of minutes and then the bathroom door opens and she comes out in satiny light blue pajama bottoms and a light blue tank top with dark blue stripes. She's still wearing a bra but the tank top isn't doing much to cover it.
I see her bite her lip and blush slightly. "I grabbed a t-shirt I can put on if you're uncomfortable. I normally don't wear one to bed, but I did promise not to pressure you, and that you could trust me. I don't want to put pressure on you Clare," I tell her.
I see her face calm out of the nervousness. "No its okay Owen, if you don't normally wear one to bed I'm not gonna make you change that for me, I guess I'm just not really used to seeing you without your varsity jacket, or a suit jacket the few times you've been dressed up," she tells me, and I smile a bit. With all the sports teams I've been on it makes sense I'd normally be wearing a jacket of some sort. I toss the t-shirt back toward my bag.
"I just need to brush my teeth and I'll be ready for bed," I tell her with a smile before going into the bathroom. I come out a few minutes later to see she's lying on the bed, but on top of the covers. I walk over and sit next to her. "Are you ok if I sit here while we talk, and if we both sleep in the bed?" I ask adding, "or I can sleep on the floor if you'd rather."
"I'm not going to kick you out of your bed Owen, its ok, really. I may get nervous but this is all just really new," she admits biting her lip.
"It's ok Clare, if you feel uncomfortable or nervous, just tell me. This is really new for both of us, and it'll take some time for both of us to know what the other is comfortable with, but I'll do my best to help you be as comfortable as possible," I tell her and sit against the headboard beside her.
"So…" Clare starts but pauses, probably unsure of what to say or ask. "Well I guess we already talked about school and the future, a bit anyway, so tell me about your past," she suggests, and I guess that's a good place to start getting to know each other better.
"Well I've always been into sports, football, hockey, wrestling. There's just Tris and I, and my parents in my family. My parents are Danielle and Noah. They've been married 25 years, and are still married. My mom is a nurse, and my dad is a lawyer. I had a hard time when I was younger. I got mixed in with some older kids and got pulled into the ravine crowd, and due to being tough and having always stood up for Tris, mostly through intimidation, I became a bully," I'm saying but when I say this I see Clare's face change, and I think of Adam. "It was what I did to Adam though, that made me realize I didn't like who I had become, so I stopped going to the ravine and cut off ties with most of the people. I began focusing on football, hockey and school, apologized to Adam, and became good friends with Drew, although given his latest stunt, that could be in question, and I only use my intimidation if someone is hurting the people I love and care about. Tris, Bianca, my mom, Maya," I pause and look up at Clare slowly. "This includes you now too you know, so if anyone ever hurts you let me know and I'll take care of it."
"Owen," she says with a warning look.
"Just so they know not to hurt those I care about," I assert.
"I don't want you to get hurt or sent to prison on my account," she tells me and looks up biting her lip like she's worried about me being hurt.
"I promise Clare, just enough so they hurt a little," I remark.
"Good," she replies with a smile looking right in my eyes. "It would hurt me if something happened to you, and you did promise to never hurt me," she comments with a smile.
I smile back, and laugh that she is using my words against me. "You're right, I did. So," I continue changing the subject. "What about your past?" I ask.
"Well, you answer this and I can fill you in better on my past. I mean I'm guessing you mostly know me by my 'Saint Clare' reputation and the guys I dated," she comments and I nod, quite intrigued with what she's getting at. "Who were your friends when you hung out in the ravine?" she asks, and I'm thrown off by the question.
"Um, well Fitz, but we kinda lost touch after Vegas night. Reese, but he moved. Johnny DiMarco, but he left for TU and I've only seen him a couple of times on campus. Lucas Valieri, Jay Hogart, guys like that. I wouldn't think you'd know any except Fitz, but I'm curious because you asked," I tell her. I'm looking forward to her answer.
"Ya, I know Fitz. There was the blackmail date to Vegas Night, which I think would have been a nice date had Eli not poisoned him. I'm sure you heard about that after leaving the boiler room," she comments and I feel stupid.
"That was a stupid idea that I wish had never happened," I tell her.
"I know," she replies. "Then once he was out of juvie he cyber stalked me for a little while," and I'm surprised by this. "Reese was still at Degrassi when I was in grade 9 and he hit on me at the Dot and before he took his girlfriend into the van the one time I was in the ravine," she comments.
"What were you doing in the ravine?" I question.
"I was getting to that, but Alli had been trying to get Johnny DiMarco's attention, and being a good friend I went with her to the ravine one afternoon."
"Are you nuts? The ravine can be dangerous," I tell her, almost annoyed at myself I wasn't there.
"Hey, just because people think I'm little miss innocent doesn't mean I can't handle myself. Besides, Alli was there, and although they weren't yet dating and Johnny and I didn't always get along while they dated, and he was attempting to play it cool, he was always a good enough guy to not let anyone take advantage of girls. And yes he made mistakes with Alli, but so did she. Besides I've known Lucas, Jay, Spinner Mason and Peter Stone since I was about 11 and they taught me how to protect myself," she tells me and I'm shocked enough my eyes widen and jaw drops.
"Ok, I'm sorry, you're right, you're not the innocent girl many, including me always thought, but how do you know these guys? Jay and Lucas are delinquents like I used to be, and dropouts, and all of them are older than us," I explain.
"Exactly," she says with a smirk. I give her a questioning look like she's nuts. "You were a delinquent but you changed, and so did all of them. Lucas became a security guard. Jay cleaned up his act, works hard as a mechanic and got married last summer. Spinner married Mr. Simpson's step-daughter Emma a few years ago and they're expecting a son around thanksgiving, plus he'll be graduating from the police academy in June. And Peter got off ecstasy years ago, manages Above the Dot when he's home and went away to Business school," she comments, and I'm afraid to know how she knows all this.
"Ok…, I'm glad they're doing well. It proves the changes can be positive, but how in the world would 'Saint Clare' have met guys like that at 11 years old?"
"My older sister Darcy dated Spinner, and I met Jay through him. After they broke up, she started dating Peter and Spinner began dating Lucas's sister Jane so I met Lucas through them. From the moment we met I thought of Spinner like an older brother. When Darcy went through her difficulties they all looked out for me and treated me like another little sister. We became even closer when Darcy moved to Africa and my parents got divorced. We still talk quite often, although they aren't around as much anymore," she tells me.
"Ok wow," is all I can think to say. "Anything else?"
"Of course, but I think those are stories for another time. It's getting pretty late, and we still have another day here in Vegas and Bianca said she'd be by in the morning, so we should probably get to sleep," Clare comments and then yawns. I smile just slightly at this and nod.
"Alright, sounds good, I'm getting tired too. Good night Clare, sleep well," I tell her, and then lean over and kiss her forehead.
"Good night Owen, have a good sleep," she smiles back and then gets comfortable. I get comfortable too, and lay still. It only takes a few minutes before her breathing calms and I know she's asleep. She looks so peaceful, and I fall asleep with a smile on my face.
(Clare)
I wake up but don't quite open my eyes, and yet the room appears very bright. I attempt to get up but something heavy is holding me down. I slowly open my eyes turning my head and find that I have Owen's arms around my waist. I know we fell asleep in the same bed, but we weren't touching when I fell asleep. I like the feeling of his arms around me, and it's nice and warm, but I have to go to the bathroom, so I attempt to remove the arm above me, but this disturbs Owen who opens his eyes as he tightens his arms around me.
"Good morning," Owen smiles when he sees how close we are and that his arms are around me.
"Happy Easter! This was a nice way to wake up, although I know I didn't fall asleep with your arms around me," I comment and Owen begins to move his arms, but I grab his hands. "I don't mind waking up this way though, and I hope to continue waking up like this, but I have to go to the bathroom," I smile slightly and see Owen smile. He lets go and shifts so I can get out of bed. I see Owen watching me as I walk by the end of the bed. As I get to the bathroom door I hear a knock on the room door.
"Happy Easter to you too. I'll get it," Owen comments as I turn around and smile and then close the bathroom door. When I come back out I see Bianca sitting in the chair.
"Morning Clare," Bianca smiles when she sees me come back into the room.
"Good morning, happy Easter, any troubles from Drew once you got to your room last night?" I ask, although I'm guessing if there was she would have texted Owen.
"Happy Easter. Nope, no problems, I haven't heard from him since Friday night. So how was your night together?" she asks.
Owen and I look at each other before either of us answer. "It was fine, we got to know each other a little better," he replies, and Bianca leaves it at that.
"We should probably get dressed and get something to eat so we can hang out again today. I'm assuming you want to get away from the hotel again Bianca? Get away from Drew?" I ask her.
"How about you both get dressed and I'll order up breakfast, and yes I'd like to get away from the hotel again, but I was talking to Adam last night and he and I are going to hang out today, because the two of you already have plans," she tells us and Owen and I look at each other again. "What do you guys want?" she asks.
We each tell her before getting changed in the bathroom one at a time. Breakfast arrives and we eat mostly in silence. This time we're all sitting at the table by the window, and I'm enjoying the view we have of the city. It's a much nicer view from Owen's room then it was from mine. Just as we finish eating there's a knock on the door.
"I'll get it," Bianca announces jumping up. She checks through the peephole. I'm guessing to make sure it's not Drew, and then opens the door to Adam.
"Ok Bianca, so where are we going?" he asks walking in and then notices Owen and I. "Hi Clare, hi Owen," he says with hesitation. "What are you doing here?"
"This is Owen's room," Bianca mentions and then picks up her purse. "We all have somewhere to go first and then you and I are going to hang out in the city," she tells Adam, and then looks at us. "Come on we need to get going," she announces with excitement.