Chapter two: Concerns

After an intriguing English class where Clare and Eli had an endless debate in front of the class about Hamlet's sanity in Hamlet, and a grudgingly slow Algebra class, school was finally over for the day.

"And now we have one more day of higher education under our belts," Eli said joyfully, relieved that he didn't have to be cooped up in a stuffy classroom for the rest of the day.

"Ahhh, and I feel so much wiser!" Clare joked spreading her arms out and hanging her head back as if attempting to hug the sky. Eli chuckled, smiling as he looked down at the steps in front of the school. The couple was headed towards the school parking lot, when suddenly, Clare was pushed to the ground, her books spilling onto the pavement. Eli immediately leaned down to help her, glaring up at the culprit.

"Clare, I – I'm so sorry. I...I gotta go," KC Guthrie stammered picking up his bag and walking as fast as he could with his head hanging down like a sick puppy.

"What?" was all Clare could muster as her eyes curiously followed the seemingly upset KC.

"What a jerk," Eli jeered, eyes narrowed in KC's direction. He helped pick up Clare's books and gently placed them back into her bag.

Clare stayed silent, wondering what could be wrong with KC. Clearly something was off about him, not that he ever had it together. Clare furrowed her eyebrows in concentration as she studied the situation.

"Are you ok?" Eli asked, a concerned look spread across his face.

"Yeah, yeah, I'm fine," Clare answered quietly. "Let's just go," and they proceeded to head over to Eli's hearse.

Once inside the car all was silent.

"So...," Eli said, eyeing Clare cautiously, assuming she was just shaken from the fall. "What do you wanna do? Study at my place again? Or maybe your place? Or, we could grab a burger at The Dot," Eli offered, sticking the key into the ignition. The car whirred to life.

"Uh, actually I think I wanna go home. I have a lot of homework, and then I have this thing at my church tonight. I promised my mom I would go," Clare answered.

"This thing?" Eli asked suspiciously. "Clare, if you don't want to be with me right now you can just say it." Eli said, a stern look on his face.

"No, really it's the truth Eli. You can even ask my mom if you want," Clare argued, not wanting to start a fight. They hadn't had a fight before as a couple, and she didn't want to start a new trend now.

"Are you seriously still upset that that jerk knocked you down?" Eli asked. "It wasn't exactly a life changing event." Eli's hands were on the steering wheel, but he didn't put the car into drive.

"Of course not, Eli," Clare lied, plastering a reassuring smile on her face. "I'm not a drama queen."

Eli stared at Clare for a few seconds until he was convinced that he believed her, and let go of the subject.

"Alright, alright, didn't mean to pry," Eli assured, finally driving out of the parking lot.

Upon arriving at Clare's house, Eli stopped the car at the walkway.

"Thanks for the ride Eli," Clare said, putting her hand over his and running her thumb across his wrist.

"Anything for you, " he smiled, making her melt. Eli then tucked a lock of Clare's red hair behind her ear and leaned in to kiss her. His lips felt warm against hers, and they knew which way to move, causing her knees to weaken. Clare wondered if that effect was even possible sitting down. Clare's fingers touched the nape of his neck, not wanting this moment to end. This kiss felt like endless possibilities between Clare and Eli. They had a brand new slate, with absolutely no blemishes.

After about two minutes of kissing, Eli finally pulled away, knowing it was time for Clare to go. Clare's head was spinning and her cheeks were flushed, causing Eli to chuckle.

"Don't worry, you have that exact same affect on me," he teased, kissing her forehead.

"Bye Eli," Clare said, reluctant that she had to go inside. She got out of the car, strapped her bag on her shouldered, and waved goodbye.

"I'll call you, ok?" Eli yelled through the passenger window.

"I'll hold you to that," Clare joked, knowing Eli would keep his word.

Clare proceeded to walk into her house, setting her bag down on the kitchen table. She opened the fridge and grabbed a Gatorade. Sitting at the table, her mind went back to her encounter with KC. As she sipped her Gatorade, her concern for him was growing. What was wrong? Was he in trouble? Even though he hurt Clare, leaving her for Jenna, she couldn't help but worry about him. She didn't hate KC, and still cared for him, but not the way she used to.

I just wish there was a way I could help KC, with whatever he was going through. But that was Jenna's job now. Jenna stole him from her, so she was stuck with the drama as well. At least that's the way Alli had worded it. But did Clare really feel that way? Did she just want to let go of all concerns over KC?

With these thoughts flooding her head, Clare felt overwhelmed. She went up to her bedroom, and within a split second, all her worries deteriorated as her eyes fell upon the headphones that Eli had leant Clare a while back. Eli is whom I should be concerned with now, Clare thought. She put the headphones over her ears, turned on her ipod, and let all her troubles wash away.

(I hope you guys like it so far! Any comments? Do you think I'm taking this story in the right direction? =D )