One Shot Month was fun and I knocked several one shots off my list, of course I plotted five new ones but that's besides the point. Next year though I think I'll have One Shot Month in September instead of a One Shot Week that month. That way there won't be a two month gap for long stories.

So I realized today that I left out a story in the poll. If you go back to the poll on my page on the DeGrassi Saviors site you'll notice that Go & Hide & Runaway has been added to the poll. There is already a 2nd chapter of Go & Hide & Runaway planned for March but if you want more than a single follow up chapter you should vote for it. The poll itself will come down on Sunday.

Enjoy the chapter tonight; it's a bit on the short side sorry guys. We're moving offices on Monday so we're having to pack up our current offices which we've been in for more than twenty years and there's a lot to pack. On top of that we have all our normal work to do so needless to say it's been a crazy week. The next few nights will probably be short chapters but the ones on the weekend should be long.

Ch. 12 Make Your Lungs Hold Breath Inside

(ADAM)

Mom parks at school and both Clare and I see Eli's hearse in the parking lot, she bites her lip worried about seeing him again. We get out of the van and walk up the steps to school, Drew was sitting in the very back with Bianca and I don't think he saw Eli's car. Clare and I depart from Drew and Bianca to go to our lockers. Eli is waiting for Clare at her locker and when she sees him her pace slows down but she doesn't stop walking completely.

"Are you okay?" Clare asks him cautiously.

"I had a minor concussion, my parents kept me home and I have to take it easy for a couple of days," Eli replies and looks down. "I'm sorry about the other night I didn't mean to scare you it's just that…"

"HEY," Drew yells cutting Eli off. Eli looks up and Drew storms over along with Owen and Bianca. "You stay away from them," Drew growls shoving Eli against the locker.

"Easy Drew he had a concussion," I warn my brother.

"Keep away from them or you'll have another one," Drew snarls.

"Get off of me," Eli hisses back shoving at Drew. Drew tenses up and the two look like they're about to fight so I step between them.

"Drew calm down don't fight you could give him another concussion."

"You kidnapped Clare you're lucky all you have is a concussion," Drew growls.

"I didn't kidnap her I j…"

"You tricked her into getting into your car and drove off with her that's kidnapping," Drew replies.

"The bells going to ring in a minute and the three of us have homeroom together," Clare speaks up.

"Fine we'll walk you," Drew replies keeping Clare at more than an arm's reach from Eli. I'm not sure what Drew actually thinks Eli can do to her at school with everyone but I guess he feels better keeping Clare at a distance from Eli. "Outside of class you keep away from them," Drew warns Eli.

"I'm not sure I'll be safe in vehicle maintenance with him next period," Eli comments when Drew, Owen and Bianca are gone.

"He won't start a fight with you in class. He's just worried and you can't really blame him," I comment.

"I just wanted to talk to Clare; I still need to talk to her. Have lunch with me Clare please," Eli begs.

"I can't Eli," she says softly.

"Clare I just…"

"Eli you need to let things settle down, give Clare some space and time and give Drew a few days to calm down," I advise him.

Eli doesn't say anything else as Miss Dawes starts class, we're paired off to read to each other and write about it. I get paired with Eli and Clare is paired with a girl in the front row so Clare gets up from her desk.

"Do you want to read first or write first?" I ask Eli.

"Adam you know I'd never hurt Clare don't you? You know I'd never hurt you."

"I'll read first," I reply avoiding his question.

"Adam I wouldn't ever hurt Clare," he states firmly.

"But you have Eli and you've scared her and me. You've gotten mad over the smallest things and when it comes to Clare you have a tendency to lose your head."

"It's just because I care about her so deeply," Eli tells me with a tone that's begging and desperate. I've never seen his temper the way Clare has but I've seen the aftermath, however when he's like this it's hard to imagine that he can be that monster.

"If you really care about her then you need to back off, give her space. Give both of us space for a while until Drew calms down. As long as all Drew can think about is you kidnapping our sister th…"

"She's not your sister," Eli interrupts.

"She lives with us and we consider her family and my parents have started looking into adoption she's our sister. That's not my point, my point is in the last couple of weeks you've been," I pause thinking of an appropriate word that won't offend him, "volatile and unpredictable. Drew is not going to let you near us again until he knows he can trust you."

"How long do I have to keep my distance?" He asks.

"Clare promised to save you a dance right? The dance is next week, back off for a week and talk to Clare at the dance. Maybe by then Drew will have calmed down and it will give you some time to sort out whatever gets you so hot-headed when it comes to Clare."

"Yeah okay I'll wait until the dance," Eli sighs and we get to work.

When class gets out Clare and I walk to chemistry. A few people saw or heard about Drew's confrontation with Eli in the hallway so there's a few whispers.

"Come you're eating with us," Drew informs us picking us up from class with Owen and Bianca.

"How long is he going to be like this?" Clare whispers to me as we follow them to the caf.

"Eli promised to back off for a bit just give Drew a couple days to cool down," I whisper back. We enter the caf and Clare suddenly relaxes and smiles.

"We should eat outside," she says.

"Why?" Bianca questions.

"Fitz is here, he's watching us. If we eat outside he can eat with us," Clare replies.

"We'll take our food outside and I'll get some extra food in case Fitz is hungry," Owen comments.

"And what if he's not?" Bianca questions.

"Then we'll eat it," Drew replies and Bianca laughs.

We all get food and begin walking toward the front but Clare stops us and we walk to the back. Under the bleachers at the soccer field s figure stands in a dark hooded sweatshirt and we all know it's Fitz.

"We got you some lunch," Owen tells him.

"Thanks," Fitz says. He sounds like he's smiling but he remains under his hood even here with us.

We sit and eat on the bleachers; Fitz always stays in the shadow of his hood. Clare sits right next to Fitz, even though he wears gloves on his hands and he hides under his hood Clare smiles the whole time we're with him. I know she cares about Eli but she loves Fitz, I see it now in her eyes and her smile and her relaxed demeanor just being around him like she hasn't a care in the world simply because he's nearby. It makes me smile to see her like that and while I can't see his face I'm sure he returns the affection. While I'm smiling over their shared, if unspoken, love I become aware that we're being watched. Fitz is sitting with us so it's not him, I look around and see Eli leaning against the school and watching us. He's keeping his distance but he's also watching Clare and Fitz very closely. He doesn't know that it's Fitz of course all Eli can see is Clare sitting very close to an unknown boy in a dark hoodie. He does not look happy but he's not about to come over here with all of us sitting here. Eli leaves after about ten minutes of watching and Fitz leaves us before the bell, disappearing into the shadows like he has the power to suddenly become shadow. I'm sure he'll watch Owen and Clare on their spare period or even hang out with them for their spare. I have drama next and it's a class I have with Eli and he's already there when I reach class.

"Who is he?" Eli questions as soon as we're in class.

"Who?" I ask back feigning ignorance on his question but I know exactly what he's asking.

"The fourth guy eating lunch with you guys and hiding out in the back of the school. Wait was that her secret admirer? The one that put all those flowers on her locker? Who is he Adam? I promised to back off but not to have her fall into the arms of another guy."

"We were having lunch with a friend of Owen's calm down Eli. You agreed to give her space so Drew wouldn't take your head off and you can't stop Clare from being with someone else if it happens," I tell him.

He gives me a look but doesn't say anything and we sit down. Eli doesn't say anything else but when we walk to media studies together he gives Clare a look. It's a bit of a scary look but she doesn't notice since she's talking to Owen. Drew does notice though, he sees Eli looking at Clare the way he is and Drew tenses up. At least they don't say anything or hit each other or anything and we all sit down in class.

When school is out Owen and Drew have football practice and Bianca drives Clare and I home. When we walk around to the basement Fitz steps out of the shadows, Clare smiles and he comes into the basement with us. His hood remains up but he sits with us while we do homework. He even stays when Drew and Owen get there after football practice. There's very little talking we're just six teenagers hanging out and it feels right. When we here Mom come home Fitz says he has to go and Owen decides to leave to so they leave together. Fitz hung out in the basement with us for almost four hours and I hope it's a step to him becoming comfortable with all of us and not just Clare.

(CLARE)

"Hey Space Case," Bianca says putting her hand on my shoulder and I jump. "You're the only girl I know that could have two boys be crazy over her and be so preoccupied and sad over it," Bianca comments.

"Crazy being the optimal word there," I comment as Bianca turns around so I can zip her dress.

"Well Eli's been keeping his distance right? Just longing desperate looks in the hallway," Bianca says turning around again now that I have her zipped up.

"And a few notes in my locker but don't tell Drew," I reply and she smiles.

It's been a week since Drew nearly punched out Eli in the hallway and told him to stay away. Eli has done so for the most part, except for class and a few very apologetic notes filled with pleading for me to be with him because he needs me, Eli has kept his distance. Fitz has become at least somewhat more comfortable with Owen, Bianca, Drew and Adam. He still won't take his hood down when they're around but he doesn't run from them anymore, he comes to see me when Bianca's sleeping over. She'll let him in and they sometimes talk a few moments then Fitz will come back and hold me all night then leave before we have to get up. He eats lunch with us often and when he's not waiting for Adam and I, and usually Bianca, when we arrive home he's watching Drew and Owen at football. Fitz often follows them home and has even slept at Owen's a couple of nights allowing the two to catch up. I hope that soon Fitz will feel he can be without his hoodie and gloves when he's with all of us. Even if he's not though I'm happy that Owen and Bianca know he's alive and that Fitz is talking with them and sharing at least a small part of his life with his oldest friends and his new ones.

"Are you worried about seeing Eli tonight or Fitz?" Bianca asks.

"Both," I sigh getting up from my desk where I was doing my makeup so I can get my dress on. "I promised Eli a dance and I will still dance with him but I'm afraid he'll want more than one. Or he'll want to talk or something and as much as I care about Eli I don't care about him the way I do Fitz. I also don't want Drew to lose it when he sees me dancing with Eli. And I'm hoping and anticipating that Fitz will somehow be there tonight. I know it probably isn't fair of me to hope that he becomes more and a more a part of my world but I can't help it."

"You're not the only one that wants it we all do and I don't think it's unfair of you but I'm also biased on that part. Just have fun tonight, Eli gets one dance with you and we'll make sure that's all he gets but I'll keep Drew from killing too. You know that Fitz will be there watching us even if he doesn't come into the dance," Bianca says zipping up my dress.

Drew, Adam and Owen come down the stairs and we all get in the minivan. Drew drives us to the school and we all go into the dance. The boys are all dressed pretty much the same in black slacks or jeans, Owen has a white dress shirt and leather jacket, Drew a pink dress shirt and Adam has a black t-shirt and a yellow vest. Bianca is wearing a short, black, sleeveless dress and I have a purple and green jewel tone dress with an empire waist and thick strap sleeves.

We walk into the dance it's already filled with kids and chaperones. We look around a little at everyone that's here. Owen leaves us to go talk to some of the guys on the team and Bianca drags Drew onto the dance floor. As soon as Bianca and Drew are dancing Eli appears.

"Shall we have that dance now?" Eli asks.

"Uh sure," I nod and look at Adam, "I'll catch up with you in a little bit."

"Yeah I'm going to go talk to the guys," Adam says.

Eli holds out his hand and we walk out to the dance floor but Eli leads us as far away from Drew and Bianca as possible. He takes us to the very corner of the dance floor and we're practically under the bleachers. Eli puts his hand at the small of my back and takes my hand while I put mine on his shoulder.

"I've missed you Clare, all I've thought about all week is you."

"That's sweet," I reply smiling a little. It is flattering but also a little frightening.

"I want you to be my girlfriend Clare. You're my muse, my everything, my reason for living you have to be with me I need you more than anyone."

"Eli I…that's…you're very sweet and I like you but I can't be your girlfriend. I care about you Eli but you need help and when we're together I set off something in you."

"The only thing you set off in me is how deeply I'm in love with you. I need you Clare; don't you understand how much I need you?"

"I'll still be your friend Eli but we can't be together. I think I should go find Adam now," I comment trying to step away from him but he holds me tightly. "Eli let me go," I assert but he just tightens his grip.

"Hey that was one dance now let go of her or we'll make you," Drew asserts coming over with Owen.

Eli looks at them and releases me, Drew puts his arm around my shoulders and we walk to the bleachers. Bianca is there with Adam and Owen goes to get me some water.

"Are you okay?" Drew asks.

"I'm fine; I'm more worried about Eli he needs help Drew. Something is not right with him," I comment as Owen hands me a water bottle.

"Which is precisely why I don't want you hanging out with him or anywhere near him that isn't class," Drew replies.

I don't entirely agree or disagree with Drew so I choose to not say anything. After drinking some water and sitting on the bleachers a few minutes Adam and I get up to dance. After dancing to a couple of songs I feel Fitz, I know he's close and I want to be with him. He won't come into the dance but the rest of the school is empty and I'm sure if I go out he'll meet me.

"I'll be back in a bit," I tell Adam and he nods.

I leave the auditorium and begin walking toward the boiler room, I stop when I see him coming toward me. This hallway in this part of the school at this hour is totally dark but I know he's there and I know it's Fitz.

"I'm glad you're here," I grin.

"You know I'm always watching," he replies stepping toward me a little more.

"Dance with me," I request taking his hand. "Without these," I say taking the gloves off his hands and I tuck them into the pocket on his hoodie. "And without this, we're in total darkness and it's only the two of us," I point out taking his hood down.

"If you keep going I'll be dancing with you naked soon," he laughs taking my hand and I bite my lip.

"We'll do naked dancing somewhere a little more private some other time," I comment putting my hand on his shoulder. He puts his arm around me and I lay my head on his chest as we begin swaying despite the fact that there's no music.

"You should go enjoy the rest of the dance," Fitz tells me after a few moments.

"I want to spend the time with you," I reply still holding him.

"I'll be there," Fitz whispers back.

"Not the way I want you to be," I respond letting go of him and Fitz steps away from me hanging his head. He puts his hoodie back up and I hear him putting his gloves back on. I bite my lip in shame and put my hand on his arm, "I'm sorry I didn't mean it I know you'll be there watching I just wish…"

"I promise you a dance, one just for us in a beautiful place on our next date," Fitz says cutting me off. He brushes a curl back from my face and lightly kisses my temple. "For now you need to get back to the dance before Drew starts to worry. I'm going home to grab some food and I'll be back to watch you all at the dance. Every time I see you smile I'll be smiling too."

I roll my lip between my teeth and smile; I hug him tightly before I walk back to the auditorium. Navigating the dark hallways with a smile on my face, when I get near the memorial garden I can hear the music from the dance.

"I won't let him take you away from me," Eli says suddenly stepping in front of me from the darkness and it startles me. I step back with a gasp and a hand to my racing heart.

"Eli what are you doing out here?"

"I won't let him take you from me Clare, you're my girlfriend! Mine!"

"Eli you need help and I need to get back to the dance."

"No you are my girlfriend and I won't let him take you," Eli hisses grabbing my arms.

"Eli let me go," I demand pushing him away from me and then my heel breaks at the same time as I manage to push him away a bit. The combination of forces sends me falling back, a breath is strangled in my throat and I hit the floor with a hard thud! There's a second of pain and I feel the breath knocked from my lungs and then it all goes dark.

I don't know how long I was out but when I begin to cling to consciousness once more I'm aware that I'm sitting up. Well sort of I seem to be slumped; I hear a noise a steady sort of humming and music but not from the dance. My eyes open and I sit up fully, it takes a second for my eyes to focus but I realize I'm in a car.

"No one will ever take you from me again," Eli says and I look over at him. He's gripping the steering wheel tightly, he looks maniacal and I know the instant I see his eyes sanity has left him. We're in his car and he suddenly begins pressing on the accelerator.

"ELI WHAT ARE YOU DOING LET ME OUT OF THIS CAR!" I scream trying to get out of the car.

"You're mine Clare, mine forever," Eli replies calmly as he pushes down on the gas and the car is now going at 80 kilometers.

He takes my hand and veers the steering wheel so that we're aimed at a building! My heart races pounding in my chest, I can't breathe, my eyes widen looking at the brick wall that's sure to be my headstone as we fly toward it. Time slows down and speeds up all at once.

"ELI STOP!" I scream desperately in one last dire attempt to drive some sanity back into him and keep him from killing us both.

It proves futile as he only floors the gas pedal and squeezes my hand; I shut my eyes tightly as the wall and the car are a millisecond from meeting each other. A tear crawls from my eye and I hold my breath anticipating impact.

Aren't I mean? Now aren't you glad a terrible cliffhanger like this comes in short story month when the next update is only a few days away? The next update will be Monday December 14th and will probably begin in Fitz's pov.