Thanks everyone for reading and reviewing! I'm hoping to have this story finished by Halloween! Keep up the reviews they make me smile and I'm still taking ideas for Riley and Zane's costume!

Happy reading!

-oOo-

Ch. 4: days leading up to the party

Clare's POV

The next morning as I walked through the halls of Degrassi I noticed that everyone was talking about the same thing. They were all gushing about what they had planned to wear as a costume and who they were going with. People were even making prediction on the decorations and refreshments. We all knew that the Coyne's wouldn't plan a mediocre party, they always went over the top especially Fiona. She loved making grand statements. I was throwing my books into my locker about to head to my Media Mersion class when Eli popped up out of nowhere.

"Morning, Edwards!" he said accompanied by one of his signature smirks, startled I jumped.

I playfully swatted his arm "you shouldn't sneak up me, are you trying to scare me to death"

"'Tis the season to be scary" he replied

"Wow, Eli I believe out of all the corny things I've ever heard that tops the list" I stated.

Just as I said that Adam snuck up behind me. "Hey guys" he said loudly over my shoulder which made me jump again. They both let out a laugh.

"You two are incorrigible" I shouted as I stomped off to class.

"What did I do?" Adam shouted back at me

-oOo-

I took my "ball" in Media Mersion class and logged into my computer. Adam walked into class and sat on the ball next to me. I hadn't really paid him much attention except for noticing he was there from the corner of my eye. My attention was elsewhere, namely on Eli. I was watching him turn the corner out in the hallway when Adam said something.

"You two just need to get together already, this little dance you have going on is nauseating"

"Huh…what" I asked turning my attention from the empty hallway back to Adam.

"Never mind, so did you and Alli find you a costume yesterday?" he asked

"Actually we did" I said with a smile

"Well…" Adams tone had a hint of impatience.

"Well, what?" I asked

"What costume did you get? He was practically shouting at me by now.

"Oh yeah, I'm going as red riding hood" I said as I went into the detail of how it looked.

"Wow, Saint Clare dressing so scandalously, im kind of in shock!" he exclaimed

"It's not that scandalous of a costume" I replied "plus I figured its Halloween; why not walk a little on the wild side"

Adam smirked before he replied.

"So are you still going dateless to the social event of the year?"

"Yeah but it's not a big deal. Wesley and Connor don't have dates and they will be there so I wont be the only one without a date." I stated

"Um… yeah about that, both of them have dates" Adam paused for a moment before continuing "Some girl from Science Club asked Connor and Wesley said he has a date as well but he wants it to be a surprise!"

"What!" I exclaimed "this is just terrific I'm going to be the only one at this party without a date"

"Clare, I'm sure there will be others there without dates." He reassured me.

"Clare, Adam" Miss Oh said putting her finger to her mouth making a shushing noise "class has begun. No more talking"

Adam and I gave each other an eye roll before starting our assignments.

-oOo-

Eli's POV

Adam and I were sitting at our usual lunch table outside waiting for Clare to join us for lunch.

"Oh my God, there she is" Adam whispered to me.

"There who is?" I asked pivoting in my seat to see who Adam was talking about.

"Fiona" Adam said his voice sounding almost whimsical

"Dude, you like Fiona? You know she's in grade twelve right."

"I know she's also my badminton partner in remedial gym! Oh great she's heading our way… act cool" he said sitting up straight and clearing his throat.

"Hi Fiona" Adam said as his voice shaky with nerves

"Hey Adam" Fiona replied with a smile as she walked past our table. I made sure she was out of ear range before I said anything.

"Smooth" I said to Adam shaking my head

"What was that all about" Clare asked taking a seat next to me

"Public humiliation 101 with Adam Torrez as the keynote speaker" I said with a hint of sarcasm

Adam turned red.

"I think she likes me" he replied, the flush pink color of his cheeks fading as they returned to their normal color.

"Adam you're talking about Fiona Coyne, she's in grade twelve! Remember what happened with your last crush from remedial gym?" Clare stated tossing her head in the direction where Bianca was sitting.

"I remember, but this isn't anything like that! She likes me, I know it. I can feel it!" Adam stated matter of factually.

"Dude, we just don't want to see you get hurt again" I said.

"You guys, I'll be fine. You will see!" he announced looking over his shoulder with a huge smile plastered to his face.

With that we got up and headed to English.

-oOo-

Clare's POV

i was sitting in english class trying to pay attention to what Ms. Dawes was talking about when Eli turned around.

"you have plans for tonight" Eli whispered

"i'm not did you have something in mind?" i responded

"you'll just have to show up and find out" he said with a smirk

i was intrigued now, what did Eli have planned? Was this our first real date? i was so excited i could feel the butterflies fluttering around in my stomach.

"so what time will you be at my house to get me?" i asked

"ill be there at 7 and dress comfortably" he replied

as soon as he said that the bell rang

-oOo-

hope you are all enjoying the story so far! -kj