So…. I've been so busy this past week with homework and a bit of writer's block. I know this isn't my best work, so if it's completely terrible, I'm sorry! Please review, so I can make this story 100x better. Thanks for reading!

READ ON… :)

Throughout the rest of the week, I spent most of my free time with Eli. Each day he would drive me home to my mother's apartment. Of course, she wouldn't be there. Lately, she had been making up excuses everyday for why she wasn't able to be at home with me. I wasn't exactly disappointed, but something was wrong. She usually didn't lie this much to me; I was afraid the find out the truth.

Eli and I had spent the afternoon with Adam, Fiona, and a bunch of other students decorating the gym for the dance. Although we only had limited resources since the school board decided to cut back on money for the dance, the gym actually looked somewhat romantic. There were red, pink, and white heart-shaped balloons everywhere around the gym, and I couldn't help but be excited for the night. I was still shocked that Eli had even wanted to go to the school dance. I figured it wouldn't be his scene, but I guess he gave in because I had been hinting that I wanted to go to this dance since the flyers were out.

Eli said, "Clare, c'mon! Just ask her. It can't be that bad; you've been through a lot lately. I hate seeing you like this." He was holding my hand as he walked me up to the door. I knew that he was only trying to make my life easier, but he didn't understand our relationship. My mother and I had a weird way of communicating with each other.

Before I kissed Eli good-bye I noticed that there was a man's voice booming from the apartment. I didn't recognize it. Eli started to lean in to kiss me, but I had turned around completely, fiddling with my keys, trying to unlock the door. I had to know who was in there.

He moaned, "Cuh-lareeeee… why do you always do this to-" I opened the door to see my mother in the kitchen with another man. She was laughing and having a good time with him. I was shocked. She was moving on, and I was happy for her.

"Mom?" She looked up, and her jaw dropped. She was speechless because I knew her secret.

"Clare, honey, what are you doing home already? I was, umm-"

I said, "Mom, it's okay. Anyways, it's almost five o'clock. This isn't very early." Directing my attention to the man in the kitchen, I said, "Hi! I'm Clare." I extended my hand out towards him, and I heard Eli chuckle in the background. He was going to tease me for this.

He said, "Hi, Clare," extending his hand towards me with a smile on his face, "I'm Mark; I've heard a lot about you." He looked at my mom, and she started to blush. Was it possible that my mom was falling for this Mark guy? I looked at the door, hearing it close and noticed that Eli had made his way to the couch.

"Eli, what are you doing?" My mom sounded upset. He jumped off the couch and straightened his clothes while turning a light pink. He was nervous, and he looked even cuter than before.

He was about to say something when my mom said, "Come introduce yourself, don't be shy, but shouldn't you be home getting ready for the dance? If you want, you can eat with us, but Clare probably wants to get ready, right, honey?" I nodded at her.

After Eli had introduced himself to Mark, he made his way out to Morty. I walked him outside. Suddenly I saw a smirk form on my boyfriend's face. He was up to something.

He smirked and said, "Well? I was right wasn't I? I think deserve an award or something for that. Oh, and Clare, I loved your introduction. 'Hi! I'm Clare!' Maybe if I shake your hand then it won't be as awkward." I smacked his shoulder. He could only get away with so much.

"Ouch!" I laughed.

"You deserved that. Don't be so cocky, mister. You're not that great." I tried to look away, so he wouldn't get away with his sarcasm. He kept trying to look into my eyes, but I wouldn't let him. Eventually he grabbed my shoulders and stared at me with those amazing green eyes. I found myself getting lost in them, but he shook my shoulder instead.

"Earth to Clare… And you think I'm not that great? I'm pretty sure that you just lost yourself in my-" I cut him off with a kiss. He was caught by surprise, and I could tell he liked it. He pushed me up against Morty, sliding his arms around my waist, pulling me close. I could feel his heart beating as things started to heat up.

I found myself running my fingers through his dark brown, luscious hair. Wait, running my fingers through his hair? Was this really me? I didn't even know what was happening anymore. I heard myself moan a little when Eli pulled away from the kiss.

"Should I repeat myself, Edwards?" He smirked, and once again, I slapped his shoulder.

"Eli? I wasn't lying when I said you weren't that great." He smirk faded away, and he pulled me away from Morty. He opened the door and started to get in when I grabbed his hand.

"You're not great; you're amazing." I smiled at him, and he kissed me lightly on the lips, then forehead. I blushed. He made me feel like I was on top of the world.

"Thanks, Clare. I love you." He smirked, but it eventually faded into a real smile. "I can't wait for tonight." He winked at me, and I nodded. What exactly was he planning for later? Something about that wink scared me. Those feelings I started to feel during the kiss made me want Eli even more. The next step was, well, sex? I wasn't ready for that. At least, I didn't think I was.

PLEASE REVIEW… SORRY IF IT WAS BAD… :(