This will be one of the last updates for this story I will be busy over the last couple weeks of May and I'm devoting to June to a Fiona/Bianca story I will keep you guys posted via the Degrassi saviors website if anything changes thanks for sticking with me.
After toying with the idea a bit I have decided to give Maya a love interest Maya's relationship will help out Clare and lead to a twist that will come as shock to readers enjoy.
Chapter6 Going to Hell in a Handbasket
Clare's weekend had finally come to an end overall the weekend was a success she not only gained a new friend in Maya but gained a bit of information about Bianca that would prove useful as it pertained to her chase of the girl that had changed her life and captured her heart.
Clare awoke hoping today would be an Eli free day and she could go to school without having to worry about being bullied by Eli Clare rolled out of her sleeping bag rolled it up and headed for the washroom.
After taking a quick shower Clare dressed in a pair of faded blue jeans a dark blue long sleeve shirt and her black sneakers.
Once she made her way towards the kitchen she noticed Katie sitting at the table eating eggs and fruit cup while Margret read the paper.
"Morning Clare." Margret greeted as Clare grabbed a bagel from the bread basket and put butter on it after which she grabbed some apple juice.
"Morning Margret thanks for letting me spend the weekend here."
"Anytime Clare I'm glad Maya was able to make a new friend you're free to stop by anytime."
"Thanks."
"Where's Maya Clare?" Katie asked.
"She's getting ready which reminds me I should need to do something before I leave for school." Clare said finishing off her bagel and juice just as Maya came in to the kitchen.
"Hey chicken little if you want a ride with Drew hurry up he'll be here in ten."
"That's alright Katie I'll walk with Clare besides I want to make it to school without waiting fifteen minutes for Drew to move because the two of you want to play tonsil hockey in the car."
"Shut it Maya he's my fiancé of course we're going to make out you'd get that if you actually had a relationship."
"Katie Maya stop fighting this instant we have a gust." Margret said reprimanding her daughters.
"Whatever Drew should be here in a bit I'm out of here." Katie said grabbing her bags and heading out the door.
"Clare we should get going too if we're walking."
"Alright I just have to send a text and we can go."
"Mom I should be home after school if not a little after if I end up at Tristan's."
"Fine Maya just call if you do I have an appointment this afternoon I'll leave pizza money just in case."
"Thanks mom."
"Alright Maya we can go."
"Have fun at school girls."
"Thanks Margret we will."
Clare and Maya started the walk to Degrassi when Clare got a text from Emma.
E: Have fun at school Clare we have a surprise for you after school come straight home.
"What's up Clare?"
"Nothing just Emma telling me to come straight over after school they have a surprise for me".
"Sounds interesting, so have you decided what you're going to do about Bianca?"
"I think I'm going to play it by ear I don't want to chance coming on too strong not to mention Eli is still a big problem."
"Okay I get it I still say you should just go with Grace's approach and just tell her."
"Maya we've been through this already explained it to you at the center if I do that it'll scare her not to mention I'm not ready to make my crush on Bianca public yet besides I'm also trying to avoid giving Eli anymore things to use against me."
"You're right I'm sorry I just think it's the hopeless romantic side in me that wants to see you get your happy ending."
"No worries speaking of relationships I noticed you and Grace getting pretty friendly at the meeting anything you wanna tell me?"
"No nothing and before you even start barking up that tree Grace is not into me."
"I don't know Maya she had me convinced she's at least flirting."
"You think I wouldn't even know how to tell besides even if she was into me my dad would flip I'm not allowed to date dad thinks I should just focus on school."
"Maya you can do both it's about balance and if you're scared about dating a girl take it slow see if you guys click and if something happens go for it your parents seem pretty open I mean it's not like they'd put you out on the street if you dated a girl unlike my parents."
"I don't know Clare what if it goes bad and causes drama at home for me?"
"Maya don't stress your parents love you besides if they didn't flip at Katie being engaged they won't flip about you possibly dating."
"I hope you're right Clare I really do."
Once the girls finally made it to Degrassi Maya decided to walk Clare to her locker since they had about ten minutes before the bell rang Clare grabbed her books and decided to walk Maya to her class.
"Thanks for walking me Clare."
"No problem Maya, listen if you want you can eat lunch with me and my friends at the Dot my treat."
"Sure Clare Tris and Tori have their video blog thing anyway it'll be nice not to be a third wheel for once."
"Cool I'll meet you outside when the bell rings."
Just as Maya and Clare where about to part Eli came up behind Clare.
"So my ex leaves me for a fucking niner way to trade down slut couldn't handle a man so you go after a girl who probably hasn't even had her first orgasm yet."
"Eli leave her alone she has nothing to do with this."
"But she does Clare if you hung out with her all weekend she must mean something to you and before you ask I saw you guys paling around town this weekend so I'm here to tell you in front of your little girlfriend if you don't come back to me by the end of the day your little girlfriend here may look a lot different the next time you see her and that's not a threat that's a promise." Eli said in menacing tone which scared Maya as he walked off.
"Clare I'm scared."
"Don't be Maya Eli's not stupid enough to risk hurting you he's only saying that to get to me."
"I hope so Clare I really do."
"Go to class and don't worry about a thing."
"But what about you he'll no doubt try to get to you again."
"Don't worry about me I'll be fine as for you make sure you stay around crowded areas of the school just in case."
"Okay Clare I'll see you later."
Clare walked to class on high alert not only did she have to worry about herself but now she had to make sure Eli didn't harm Maya.
Clare walked into her first class which was English Lit hoping Adam or Alli wouldn't ask questions and she could make to lunch without having to answer any questions.
As Clare listened to Ms. Dawes teach she couldn't help but think of the thinly vailed threat Eli made towards Maya part of her thought of just giving up on being happy and going back to Eli if it meant keeping Maya safe but another part of her knew Maya wouldn't want that so ultimately she decided to try ignore Eli and protect Maya.
Once the bell rang Clare made her way to media studies but before she could go inside Adam caught up with her.
"Clare you bolted like your hair was on fire what's up?"
"Nothing Adam I'm fine." Clare replied trying to get Adam to drop the subject.
Once she went inside Adam made sure to grab a seat beside Clare to get the answers he wanted.
"Clare I know somethings on your mind and it's bothering you so tell me so I can help you."
Clare knew Adam wasn't going to drop the subject so she decided to tell Adam what was going on but she was going to leave out a few details.
"Fine I'll tell you Adam but you tell no one not even Jenna or Alli I mean it."
"Fine I won't tell."
"Okay here it goes I've been hanging out with Maya because she's helping me work through some stuff and Eli has been an ass because I broke with him and he's taking it out on me and started bothering Maya so now I have to keep her safe and get Eli to stop bothering me."
"I still don't get it why would Eli pick on Maya for hanging out with you if he's mad at your break up with him?"
"All I will tell you Adam is that the reason Eli is mad at me is something personal and Maya is only involved because she saw me break down in the hall the other day so she knows why Eli is pissed at me and that information is something I'm not ready to share yet but when I am ready I promise I'll tell you everything I just need time for now I need you to understand and just be there for me."
"Clare you're my best friend that's not even a request I'm here for you."
"Thanks Adam that means a lot."
Adam made a mental note to let Alli and Jenna in on what was going on with Clare but do it in a way that he wouldn't violate his best friend's confidence.
The rest of the day was uneventful for Clare once the lunch bell rang Clare met up with Alli and Jenna for lunch.
"Guys would you mind if I brought Maya with us to the Dot for lunch?"
"No Clare go ahead but why?" Jenna asked getting curious.
"It's just because she has no one to eat with since her friends are doing a vlog and she won't have anyone to eat with and she could use more friends."
"Fine go get her and met us outside we're taking Adam's car." Jenna stated.
"Thanks I'll be quick."
As Clare walked to the music room she saw Katie walking with Bianca towards the gym dressed in sweats no doubt headed for the gym as she tried to be casual she noticed Bianca walking by and bumped into her.
"Ouch."
"Clare, are you alright?" Bianca asked seeing that Clare had taken a semi hard spill.
"I'm fine the fall was my fault I should be asking you if you're okay."
"I'm fine don't worry about it."
"If you say so Bianca by the way good luck in tournament."
"Thanks I'll see you around."
With that Bianca and Katie continued to make their way towards the gym.
"Great job Clare your first conversation with Bianca and you make yourself look like a total ditz." Clare chastised herself as she made her way to the music room.
Once there she noticed Maya pulling out her headphones from the computer.
"Ready to go Maya?"
"Aw Clare you scared me where are we going?"
"The Dot for lunch I don't want you to risk running into Eli alone."
"Uh that may be a little difficult."
"Why Maya did something happen?"
"No nothing happened I'm fine."
"Maya if something happen you can tell me I'm here for you."
All of a sudden Maya just broke out in total hysterics
"Maya you're scaring me what happen?"
All of a sudden Clare felt Maya pull her outside of Degrassi.
"I was getting some water before art and Eli cornered me by the fountain and told me if I didn't let you go he was going to make me regret even knowing you he even choked me before he left to show he was serious."
Clare was shocked to hear that Eli had gotten physical with Maya she knew Eli would stop nothing to break Maya.
"Maya don't worry I'll walk you home if I have to I won't let Eli get to you."
"Thanks Clare but I can't let you do that I don't want to risk both of us getting hurt with Eli I know a short cut home I'll take it he shouldn't be able to get to me."
"Fine but be careful now let's get out of here."
The duo walked to Adam's car and headed for the Dot.
Meanwhile back at Degrassi the Red Dragon team was running wind sprints to help with cardio.
"Alright guys one more team sprint and we can relax." Bianca hollered as the team bolted from one end of the gym to the other hitting the padding on the wall and collapsing.
"Great job guys let's get some fluids in and head for the bikes." Katie said taking a swig of water.
"So sis I know big mouth over there told you about my little run in with Edwards and I know you've been digging up info to tell me so spill it."
"Well I did some digging on Clare's Face Range and talked to Eli who was oddly pissed when I mentioned Clare but it turns out Clare is at least crushing on you she follows our team page and Eli told me they broke up because Clare was into some girl."
"Okay I guess that explains why she went into ditz mode in the hallway before I came here."
"Great so you'll break the ice and ask her out?"
"Uh try not I may be confident but not enough to ask her out."
"Come on B it's just like asking out a guy."
"Fiona it's not besides I'm not even sure where we'd go on a date assuming she didn't drop dead on the spot."
"Fine if you're scared I'll do it I'll even do the note in the note in the locker gimmick."
"Whatever but if this fails and she goes all heart break hotel you have to fix it."
"Trust me that won't happen."
At the Dot Maya sat with Clare and her friends getting to know them surprisingly Maya Jenna and Adam all hit off while taking about music deciding to get together and hold a session in Adam's basement when they were all free Adam didn't broach Clare's issue with Jenna and Alli until Clare stepped outside and Maya went to the washroom.
"Guys there's something I have to tell you but you have to keep it quiet".
"What is it Adam?" Jenna asked intrigued.
"Well I found out from Clare that Eli has gone off the deep end since she broke up with and apparently he's not taking it well and I think he knows something about Clare that she doesn't want getting out yet and the only one that knows the whole story is Maya."
"Okay so what do we do about it Adam we all know Eli is a bit possessive when it comes to Clare."
"We watch her Jenna and make sure we keep Eli in check but you guys can't let on you know any of this."
"We won't Adam." Alli replied as both Maya and Clare rejoined the group.
"Well we should get back guys lunch is almost over."
"Alright Clare let's go." Adam said leading the group back to Degrassi.
The rest of the day went by quickly with both Maya and Clare keeping an eye out for Eli.
Once the last bell rang Clare met up with her friends in the parking lot just as she saw Bianca head into Fiona's car while Drew Katie and Owen took his car Clare wished she could get over her fear and talk to Bianca but after the events of today that seemed like a pipe dream.
"Clare are you coming over today my mom's making pasta."
"I can't Adam I have to get home sorry."
"It's alright Clare Maya you up for pasta?"
"I can't I need to get home too raincheck?"
"Sure well we'll catch you guys later." Adam said as he headed towards his car with Alli and Jenna.
"Well Maya I better get home Emma said there's something they want to show me."
"Alright Clare I'll see you tomorrow."
"Sure Maya be careful and call me when you get home."
"Okay Clare will do."
Clare left Maya and walked home wondering what Emma could possibly want to show her.
Clare opened the door to see that both Spinner and Emma were both waiting for her in the living room.
"Clare you're home good how was your day?"
"Good Emma thanks."
"Well I know you're wondering why we called you home right after school."
""Yeah actually I am."
"Well close your eyes and don't open them until we tell you."
"Okay Emma."
Emma and Spinner led Clare up to the bedrooms and opened one of the doors.
"Okay Clare you can open them." Emma said as Clare opened her eyes to see a room painted lite blue with posters of famous journalists and a few framed articles from her journalistic idol Katelyn Ryan along with a wooden shelf filled with all her favorite books and a brand new queen sized bed.
"Oh my gosh this amazing thanks a lot guys."
"Don't mention it Clare oh and before we forget there's one more piece to your room." Spinner said pulling a cloth from above Clare's bed.
It was a wooden name plate which said Clare Mason painted lite blue.
Clare hugged Emma and Spinner crying she was really starting to feel at home with the Mason's.
Meanwhile on the other side of town Maya was walking home when she was confronted by Eli.
"Well look who it is the slut who stole my girlfriend."
"Eli leave me alone Clare left you on her own."
"Yeah right I saw you talking with her just after school it looks like I'm going to teach you that you don't cross me."
Eli tackled Maya and punched her in the face several times before getting off her and stomping her with his sneaker busting her lip and bruising her face after which he stomped her arm until he heard a sick snap.
Eli don't hurt me." Maya pleaded.
"Too late you should've thought of before you stole my girlfriend." Eli said as he admired his handy work with a sick grin.
"That should teach you to mess with me, now give me your sisters number so I can tell her to come get you and if you even think about ratting on me I'll make this look like a walk in the park now give me your phone."
Maya told Eli where her phone was so he called Katie and told her Maya had been jumped and he was taking her to the hospital.
Eli put Maya in his car and drove off to the hospital after which he left her at the emergency door sped off with Maya crying feeling like she would never be same.
I will try to post one more chapter before this story goes on hiatus but no promises.
The next chapter will pick up with Maya and the Matlins at the hospital plus Bianca and Fiona having a sisterly chat.