Okay, did anyone else scream at tonight's episode? For the majority of the episode, I was mad at Clare for not taking Eli's side, at the same time that I was mad at Eli for not letting things go. I screamed when I thought Eli was stabbed! And I don't think I can wait for autumn to arrive!

This episode takes place after tonight's episode. Enjoy!

Clare's POV

Even after Principal Simpson walked away, I found myself unable to move. Holly J. and Sav turned and walked away, hanging their heads shamefully. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Alli push through the glass doors of Degrassi and walk away. I could hear her sniffling. My mind was reeling. So much had happened tonight. I looked down at my hands. They were still trembling. I took deep breathes, trying to calm myself.

Everything is going to be okay. I chided myself, though I couldn't make myself believe it. My heart felt like it would burst from my chest.

I felt a hand pull at my elbow. Turning slightly, I saw it was Eli. He was wearing a tiresome and worried expression.

"It's getting late. I'm sure your parents are already starting to worry. I'll walk you home." His voice was low, deep. I nodded silently and, willing my feet to move, followed him.

It was silent. No passing cars, no loud television, no crying children. Just the deafening roar of silence. How had this happened? It was childish and naïve of me to think that everything would work out with a simple handshake. Fitz had a knife in his locker. He could've used it at anytime on Eli. On anyone for that matter. The thought only made me shutter.

I should've been mad. At myself. At Eli. At the school. But, I couldn't. I only wanted to crawl into bed and sleep for days.

My legs wobbled slightly, the night's events finally wearing me down. Eli saw this and reached out to wrap his arm around me. Instead of leaning in, I moved out of arm's reach. I didn't want him to hold me right now.

"I'm fine." I lied, my voice weak. My cheeks were sticky from the tears I had shed and my head had pounded.

"Clare…" He sighed. He stopped walking. I also stopped, but didn't turn around to face him. If I saw his face, surely I would break down.

"If you don't want to walk me home-" I started.

"Can you just listen to me?" He asked softly, interrupting me. Tears clouded my vision. I fought to keep them at bay. I turned slowly to face him. He walked up to me so that we were face to face. The streetlight allowed me to see half of his face.

I turned my face away from him, unable to look in his eyes any more. Tears streamed down my face as I hiccupped slightly. His arms came around me, pulling me close. I tried to push him away, but he held me close to his chest.

"I hate you." I mumbled pathetically through my sobs.

"I know." He responded. He rubbed my back in soothing motions. He pulled back to kiss my forehead.

"I hate you." I repeated a little louder, sniffling. The tears poured freely. My knees buckled, but Eli kept his arms around me. Slowly, he lowered us to the floor. On my knees, I pulled away to cover my face. He kept one hand on my neck and the other on my waist.

"Clare…" His voice broke slightly. I shook my head.

"You couldn't just leave it alone, could you?" I suddenly snapped. "You almost lost your life tonight, Eli! You could have died." He wrapped his arms around me, pulling me to his chest. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't stop my body from shaking uncontrollably.

"I was stupid. I know. I'm so sorry, Clare. I never should've put you in that kind of situation." I looked up at him through watery eyes and whimpered.

Leaning forward, I pressed my lips to his softly. I pulled away and wiped my tears.

"I thought he stabbed you." I murmured. I looked up to see him nodding. "I don't know what I would do if-" He silenced me with a kiss.

He poured all of his emotions into me. Fear mixed with relief. Love and hatred. His lips pushed against mine furiously.

I wanted to forget everything. So I kissed him just as passionately. His tongue glided gently over my lower lip and his hand ghosted over my leg.

I opened my mouth, letting his tongue slither in.

I don't know how long we stayed there, sitting on the cold, dirty concrete, kissing to forget what could've happened tonight.

Eventually, he pulled away and stood. Gripping my arms, he pulled me up. We walked in silence, though far from uncomfortable.

He walked me to my door and pressed his lips to mine.

"Have a good time at your grandma's." I nodded, suddenly tired.

"Don't get into any trouble." Though I added the smile, I wanted him to know I was wholly serious. He nodded.

"I promise." I waited until he walked away. Trudging through my front door and up to my room, I ignored my parents questioning gazes. I would explain when I had to.

Changing into my pajamas and crawling into bed, I prayed for the first time in a month. I thanked God for allowing things to work out. Eli was safe. He would be safe. At least, that's what I told myself as I fell asleep.

Love it? Hate it? Review to let me know.

~S.S.