Adam's POV
So Eli and Clare are fighting now? Oh joy, that means I'm stuck in the middle. Eli told me about what happened yesterday. I feel bad for both of them. I understand it's complicated, but they aren't just frustrating each other, they're frustrating me too.
"Why don't you just tell her," I ask looking at Eli. We are sitting on the floor in front of my locker.
"She doesn't need to know. Look, I know I'm mean to her, but it's only to keep her from getting hurt later," Eli says frustrated.
"I think you should tell her. If anyone can handle it, it's Clare. I think she'll understand," I say voicing my opinion.
"Just shut up and read your comic Adam," Eli sighs. I pick my comic up off my lap and continue reading.
Eli had told me the story of Julia a few weeks ago. He told me why he didn't deserve to be with Clare because of what he had done.
Eli is a good guy. He's had it hard. I understand why he needs Clare at a distance, but he can't want her close and far away at the same time. He needs to make up his mind. Maybe he just needs to heal.
Clare's POV
I'm upset. I need to know why Eli doesn't like me. I need to talk to him, but I think he ditched school early. I find Adam at his locker.
"I need to talk to Eli," I say.
"I'm great. Thanks for asking," Adam says sarcastically.
"Adam seriously. Where is he," I ask annoyed.
"I don't know. Probably home," He says.
"Which is where," I ask even more impatient.
"Look Clare maybe you should just give him some space," He says avoiding the question. I sigh and look at the comic in his locker. I quickly snatch it.
"Clare, come on, give that to me. Its limited edition," Adam whines trying to get the comic back.
"And it's about to become even more limited if you don't tell me," I smirk.
"He doesn't live far from here," He sighs defeated. I hand him back the comic smiling.
As I make my way up the steps to Eli's house I can't help but be nervous. I mean no one wants to hear why someone doesn't like them. I knock on the door and back away slightly. Eli appears in the doorway.
"Darn it Adam," He sighs frustrated. He steps outside and closes the door behind him. "Well you found me. Congratulations."
"Yeah, so you can stop avoiding me now. I can take a hint," I say coldly.
"Then why are you here," Eli asks.
"I need to know why you don't like me...if we're going to be friends," I sigh.
"Clare, come on," He sighs back looking away.
"If you can't tell me that, then I don't think I can be around you," I say a little upset.
"Maybe that's for the best," Eli shrugs.
"Then it looks like we've wasted each other's time," I say pushing past him. I get to my bike when he says,
"Wait leave your bike here."
"Why," I ask coldly.
"I think it's time we went for a drive," He says climbing into the car.
He parks at a random stop on the side of the road.
"Oh I get it. This is the part where you ditch me and I have to find my own way back home, because this is going to be the funniest joke ever. You're messed Eli," I spit angrily.
"You're right I am," He says looking at me. "Clare I can't just be friends with you, I like you too much. But I can't be with you. I don't deserve too. It's just that...," He trails off.
I don't know what to say. He told me he didn't like me and now he is saying that he does. I just stare at him, unable to speak. He won't look at me. He just stares out the front windshield, clutching the steering wheel tightly.
"This is where I killed my girlfriend," He finally says. He's word are drenched with emotion and I don't know if I should be more scared or confused.
"Excuse me," I chock. I can feel my voice crack as the words slip out.
"Last year. We got into a fight. It got messy, I said things I shouldn't. She was really upset. Took off on her bike in the night. Got hit by a car," He says, eyes filled with guilt.
"I am so sorry," I say a little above a whisper.
"Just like that. The most important person in my life gone, because of me," He says.
"I had no idea," are the only words I can get to come out of my mouth.
"It's not fair. Why do I get to be happy," Eli asks looking at me. There is so much pain in his eyes that it breaks my heart. It looks like it's time for me to re-evaluate Elijah Goldsworthy.