"Well, what about Adam?" I questioned. "He expects you to be home."

I would do anything to get out of this awkward position. The idea of going to a party with Drew frightened me. 'Above the Dot' wasn't a bad place; it was just the fact of going with Drew scared me. I already felt uncomfortable around him, and dancing is just what I need to escalate that feeling.

I had spent most of the car ride finding excuses to not go. So many thoughts raced through my mind. There were endless possibilities to how this night could end. I knew one thing, though; this night would not end well.

"I'll tell him I went to KC's. No big deal." He said, with a shrug of the shoulders. I could tell he was….experienced in this type of situation.

I scattered through my brain, searching for an explanation to head home.

"I'm…" I paused, trying to arrange the words well, before I said them. "Not in the appropriate wear for a party." I gestured toward my clothing.

He shifted his eyes off the road, and on to me, looking me over up and down. A smile lifted onto his face, while setting his eyes back on the road.

"I think that will do." He said, pleased with himself.

I had to pick today to wear the outfit Alli had previously given me. I decided I should use it at least once, to show her I was grateful.

But she had to be home, and leave me with Drew when I wore it.

Now, I was very un-grateful.

What I had on was a short dress; a tank and skirt built in one. It was pretty revealing, but that was expected coming from Alli. I had on a cropped jacket on, though, which toned it down a bit.

"It's only 4:30, and 'Above the Dot' doesn't start until, like, 8:00." I smiled inwardly. My defense was strong at this point.

"I guess we could hang at my place for awhile. It's only a few houses down the road." He pointed toward a grey object, barely visible. My expression fell. I wasn't getting out of this one.

I hesitated, and then spoke, avoiding his invitation. "What would Alli think?"

He scoffed, "You actually planned on telling her?" I sighed. If I told him 'yes', we'd both know I was lying. This war was, again, lost by me.

"No…" I trailed off, in defeat.

He smirked, almost as if he knew what I was trying to pull-off, knowing that he'd won.

We had parked in his driveway now, assuming it was his. He opened his door and hopped out, turning to face me before shutting it.

"Are you coming?" and I just sat staring ahead, not moving. He could get me to go to his house, but I was not stepping into it. "Clare…."

I cut him off, "This isn't a good idea, what about All-"

He cocked his head to the side, glaring at me intently, and huffed. I couldn't say 'no' to him. That was one of the side-effects of being St. Clare.

"Fine." I said, feeling slightly black-mailed. I opened the door, and got out shutting the door loudly behind me, hinting at my frustration. I followed him up his stone walk-way, looking up at the house.

It was breath-taking. The house was made of light and dark grey bricks, with a huge, grand door. The door was wooden with mahogany handles, and had very elegant windows, lined with gold. He searched for his keys, and un-locked the door.

He opened it, and motioned me to head in. "Ladies first." He said, smug.

I walked in nervously, and stood by the door-way, awaiting my next command.
It was beautiful inside, too. But, you could tell two teenage boys and a single mom lived here. The room's colors, and all the furniture, were darker colored then expected.

I noticed 2 pair of shoes, lying aimlessly on the floor, and looked up at the living room.

I, first, saw the fireplace, the big flat screen, and then the two boys, reading their comic books. They sat on the huge couch, side by side.

I didn't know he was going to be here.

Drew walked by me, speaking to Adam, "Hey, can you tell mom I'm going to KC's tonight?" The volume of his was voice changing as he disappeared into the dining room, and plopped his bag down.

"Sure. Where are you going this time? Going to bring Alli some 'soup'?" Adam snickered, not looking up from his book.

They seemed so absorbed in their comics; they didn't realize I was here.

"Me and Clare are heading to 'Above the Dot'." He replied, going through his wallet making sure he had everything.

As soon as he said my name, Eli's eyes flashed up, and his facial expression changed. Adam peered over at Eli, and began to speak, "Oh, well, that's…cool."

Drew walked over to their big, crescent-shaped couch and plopped down at the end. He sat very…jock-like, his legs open with one hand resting on the arm of the couch, and the other hung around the back. He, then, asked Adam, "Do you guys mind if we watch TV?" And patted the seat next to him, silently asking me to come sit down.

Great.

I couldn't wait to sit between him and Eli.