Sorry for such a late chapter, I got distracted watching way too much Queer as Folk tonight. I hope this is up to par.

This chapter kind of takes a break from our usual storyline and looks deeper into Eli's sister, Eva.

Almost

"I won't wait patiently, or wake up every day just hoping that you still care…" ~Kate Voegele, Forever and Almost Always

Eva Goldsworthy ran her finger across the blue wall, leaving a long red curve. She stepped away to admire her work. A grin played on her lips and she began drawing more shapes all over the newly painted wall.

She took handfuls of paint and threw them fiercely at the wal, her heart pounding and pulse racing. She could hear it vibrating in her ears as she chucked one last paint glob at the wall before leaning over, her breath coming out in pants.

Once she had recovered, she stared back at the wall. It looked like a murder had been committed only a few steps away. She smiled proudly and wiped her hands on the wash cloth that sat on the table a few paces away.

She walked out into the living room but was greeted by a familiar figure standing in front of her. She groaned and pushed past him.

"What do you want, Eli?" she asked, sitting on the back of the couch. The boy turned to his sister and shook his head.

"I'm sorry you're jealous, but I really care about Clare-"

She cut him off, "Why would I be jealous of you two? I'm your sister now, remember."

Eli sighed and leaned on the couch next to Eva. "You knew things would change when the papers were signed. Mom told you that. We couldn't be together anymore and I found someone else."

"I know that!" she put her head in her hands, but came up quickly, "But that doesn't mean you're allowed to forget about me!"

"I haven't!" he countered. The room was silent for a while. The only sound that could be heard was Eva sniffling. Eli looked over at her and wrapped his arm around her.

"Evi…I know it's a big change… but I love Clare now. I can't do this anymore with you. You have to be my sister…that's it. Us going round and round is over. Right now."

With that, he stepped off the couch and retreated back to his bedroom. Eva hung her head down again, tears streaming down her cheeks.

Eva picked her toast apart the next morning as she sat at the table. Her appetite was shot and she was still exhausted from lack of sleep. Her mother had asked if anything was wrong, but the brunette just gave a reassuring smile.

That exact moment, Eli and Clare walked into the kitchen. The two siblings eyed each other, thinking of the previous night's exchange. Eli sighed and looked over at Clare, who smiled at him. He returned the grin half-heartedly.

The morning was awkward as everyone ate their breakfast mindfully. It wasn't until Ms. Goldsworthy broke the tension.

"Eli," she said, her voice lively and happy, "Remember that Eva starts school at Degrassi today."

"How could I forget?" he grumbled. His mother rolled her eyes and ruffled his hair. He gritted his teeth and fixed it, slightly annoyed.

"So Clare dear…" the woman continued, "any inkling why your parents threw you out?"

"Mom!" Eli tried to interfere.

Clare shook her head, "It's okay. They kicked me out because I'm…um…pregnant."

At that, Eva looked up and glared at Eli. She stood and placed her plate in the sink before stomping off to her room.

Outside, Eva leaned against the hearse, smoking a cigarette. Eli came out and shook his head at her.

"You're 16…you're going to get cancer by age 20," he commented. She simply flipped him off.

"So that's what's up. You knocked her up," she concluded, flicking her cigarette.

"It's not that simple."

"Whatever," she tossed her cigarette on the ground and stomped on it. She started to walk off.

"What are you doing?" he called after her.

"Going to school. I'm not waiting for your little hussy girlfriend."

Eli sighed and walked back inside, but not before watching Eva turn the corner.

Intense chapter, I know. But on another note, if you'd like to know what Eva looks like, search actress Kaya Scodelario.