I woke up sometime before Eli. I didn't know what time it was. I just knew that I liked watching Eli sleep. He looked peaceful. He didn't seem to mind that he was sleeping on the ground. I was pretty sure that he could sleep on broken glass, and still make it look peaceful. I watched him sleep for about an hour, until his alarm clock went off. It startled me a bit, but I watched as Eli scrambled to turn it off. He was out of it, and stumbled to get to the night stand. It was cute.
I giggled. "Morning." He said, as he leaned against the night stand.
"Morning." I repeated sitting up. He smiled at my comment.
"Give me a couple minutes to get ready, and I can drive you to your house." Eli said, wiping his hands over his face. "Are you going to school today?"
"Yeah. I think that I would probably go insane if I spent a whole day with my Mom. Especially since I didn't go home last night." He smirked at my comment, while I returned it with an awkward smile of my own.
"Alright. I'll be back." He replied walking towards the door. "But out of your own safety. Don't open the door for my parents. You thought your mom would drive you crazy—" He cut off, not needing to finish.
"Cece seems nice." I said. He smirked as if I said something amusing, before he left the room.
I stood up and stretched. I adjusted my clothing so it would hang properly on me. Looking around the room, I noticed a mirror on the wall above his desk. It had posters and papers, with writing all over them, all over the mirror. It didn't even look like a mirror anymore, it looked more like a bulletin board. I read some of the lines of work, and it was a story. I skimmed for the title and it was StalkerAngel. I smiled, realizing that it was his story he was currently working on. I didn't focus much on it, and turned back to the mirror. I pulled the edge of my shirt off my shoulder a little to look at the bruise on it. I knew that if this one wasn't so bad, the others would be. I knew now that I got them from the coffee table.
I pressed some fingers to it, and it was sore. I wanted to check the bruises on my face, but I didn't have any cover-up for afterwards. I didn't want Eli to see them. I didn't want him to worry. I adjusted my shirt back to the way it was and decided to check my other shoulder. I hadn't heard any noise, and figured Eli would be a little longer. So I decided to check it. It looked worse than the last one. From what I could remember, this was the shoulder that hit the table first.
"What happened?" Eli asked urgently. I saw him rush over behind me.
"Coffee table." I frowned, looking away.
He seemed to catch what I meant and pushed on. "How many do you have?"
"A few." I lied, looking away. I couldn't meet his gaze through the mirror.
"Clare? How many?" Eli turned me around to face him. Placing his hands on my shoulders gently, he looked into my eyes, waiting for an answer.
"I'm—" I exhaled before continuing. "I'm not sure." I said sadly, looking away. "They're all over."
"Just from the coffee table?" He asked. His voice sounded skeptic, like he already knew the answer.
"No." I said shaking my head.
"He hit you that hard?" Eli's voice started to have an edge to it, as he spoke. It made me nervous. I didn't reply, I just nodded my head. He didn't say anything for a few moments, and just stared at something behind me. When he moved his gaze again, it was directed at me. His gaze softened. "Come on. We need to get you home, or we'll be late."
He grabbed his keys off the nightstand by the bed, and we walked out of the room. He led me downstairs into the kitchen and grabbed his bag. Cece smiled at me, while eying us down. Eli avoided his mother's gaze, and he nudged my arm to turn and walk back through the living room. I smiled back at Cece before we headed out the door. I wondered why she looked at me like that.
As we drove over to my house, I didn't speak. Eli seemed fine after what he found out this morning, but that didn't surprise me. He seemed to snap back pretty quickly. Especially after all the stuff I have told him in the past twenty-four hours. I was nervous of what my parents would do when they saw me showing up in a hearse. I was worried about how my parents were going to react to the fact of me not coming home last night. I was worried about Fitz showing up while I was here. I really didn't want to deal with any of this. When we pulled up to my house, Eli rested his arm on the back of the seat, glancing at me.
"Here we are. Are you okay to go in there?" He asked.
"Yeah." I replied hesitantly. "I'll be right back."
I noticed all three cars were in the driveway. It was a little too early for Jake to leave for school. I walked swiftly up the walkway, and into the house. I didn't hesitate to climb the stairs, and enter my room. I didn't think that I would leave the house without running into my parents, but I was hoping that I could delay the meeting for a while. Shutting the door behind me, I walked over to the closet. My arms didn't sting anymore, and I knew they were healing. I knew I probably shouldn't have done it, but it wasn't deep. I would bet anything, that Eli would truly be mad if I did it again. I didn't want him, of all people, mad at me. I knew that none of my friends were mad at me. I just couldn't talk to them about this stuff. My parents were useless, and I rarely talked to Jake. I was scared of Fitz, but I realized that I didn't need him. I didn't need to worry about him either. I had Eli. I at least had Eli. Eli was good. I wouldn't cut again.
I changed quickly making sure that my cuts and my bruises were almost completely covered. I grabbed my backpack, and headed into the bathroom. I touched up the cover up on my face and neck, then headed downstairs.
"Clare Diane Edwards!" My mother yelled as I hit the bottom step.
"And the yelling begins." I muttered.
"Where have you been?" She demanded.
I looked into the living room, and saw Glen, my dad, my mom, and Jake all sitting around. Glen and my dad had the same clothes on since yesterday. However, my mom and Jake are wearing different clothes. I figure they probably sent Jake to bed. Although I doubted he would be that concerned about my whereabouts. My mother, on the other hand, probably used sleeping and changing as excuses to leave the room. It didn't surprise me in the least.
"I stayed with a friend." I replied. "And you know, that friend is waiting for me, to get to school. So if you don't mind—"
I walked out of the room, and out the door. I heard my mother call after me but I didn't exactly feel like responding. I walked to Eli's hearse, and he had a worried expression on his face.
"Are you okay?" He asked.
"Yeah. Fine." I said.
"Were they mad?" He asked.
"My mom was." I replied. "She was putting on an act. She probably wouldn't have noticed I was gone if Glen or my dad hadn't been there. Let's just go to school okay?"
"Okay." He replied, with a smirk. I was glad he was smirking. It's not like I needed him to worry about me any longer. I was fine. I was safe. I was good.
Eli started the hearse, and we drove to school. When we got there, I looked around for Fitz. I wasn't going to talk to him, but I was still paranoid. We got out of the car, and headed towards the school. I really didn't think I would bump into him, and my instincts were correct. We made it to English without a confrontation, and I sat down in my seat behind Eli. We didn't talk, and I was working on my writing. Regardless of the quality of my work, I still liked to write. Other kids started shuffling in, and I noticed Adam wasn't here yet. I was surprised, but then again, I didn't know what he did before school.
The warning bell rang, and Ms. Dawes came swiftly into class. She glanced at us, as she passed us. She walked to her desk and placed her coffee down.
"Mr. Goldsworthy. Ms. Edwards. Glad you two could join us today. I hope you two have a good excuse for skipping my class yesterday?" She asked.
"We were working on our assignments." I stated.
"That's a fair defense." Ms. Dawes looked like she was contemplation something. "I will not deduct any points but you will be joining Eli in detention."
Great. Like I needed to spend any more time at school than needed. I sat back in my chair, and remained silent. I didn't feel like writing anymore, and Ms. Dawes had moved on to something else. I started staring out the window, because I had nothing better to do. This meant when Adam came in I saw him first. His clothes were ruffled and he looked tired. I didn't know why he was late but I don't think it was for a good reason.
"Mr. Torres. Do you have a note for your absence?" Ms. Dawes called.
"No." He replied looking down at his backpack.
"Detention for you as well." She replied before turning back to the board.
When he got his notebook out, he wrote something on a piece of paper and folded it up. He turned to me, when Ms. Dawes was facing the board and handed me the slip of paper. I saw Eli glance at him, but didn't say anything. I unfolded the piece of paper, and looked at the words. It nearly killed me to read them.
Fitzislookingforyou.
I nodded to Adam, who was waiting for me to read the note. He turned around and continued listening to the teacher. I didn't really think much of what the teacher was saying was relevant, until I heard the next line.
"Okay, gentle people. For our next part of the group assignments, you will be filming modernized scenes from the essays on Shakespeare. Discuss your thoughts with your group of three and start preparing the skits." She said smiling to the class. She walked by and picked up Eli's paper, and then mine; before turning back to the class. "I will be returning your essays by the end of the period."
Great now I will be acting? I wasn't going to be looking forward to this. The teacher went to her desk, with our assignments and started grading them. Eli and Adam turned around in their seats so we could all talk.
"Where were you?" Eli asked turning to Adam.
"Fitz. I guess he didn't get the memo on my gender status." Adam said. He was definitely annoyed.
"What did he do?" Eli asked. He was getting agitated too.
"Threw me into a door. Spent the past hour in the Nurse's office. Trying to convince my mom to not get involved. No one wants her coming to the school." Adam said.
"He threw you into a door?" I asked. I didn't think he was that cruel.
"Him, and Owen. I thought they had both gotten over me. Apparently I was an easy target." Adam replied nodding.
"So how do you know he is looking for me?" I asked confused.
"Told me to pass on that message, or there would be a round two. I have a feeling round two is coming up anyways." He stated shrugging his shoulders.
"Dude's a menace." Eli muttered. Last time he mentioned that, I didn't believe him. Now I am starting to think it's too dull of an understatement for him.
"Which is why, I am staying away from him." I stated.
"Good." Eli said. It was all he said because Ms. Dawes had started passing around all of our work.
"Good work, gentle people. Lots of lovely essays." Ms. Dawes said as she walked around the room. She made it to us, and I glanced at the paper she put on my desk.
"A minus? Really?" I asked.
"You should have taken my notes." Eli smirked, turning around in his seat.
"And risk my work sounding like rejected Alexisonfire lyrics? No thank you." I said smiling.
"Ouch, lady. You are hitting me where I live." Eli replied. I didn't know how to reply, so I just smiled at him. Thankfully Adam cut in.
"Let's all calm down, shall we?" Adam asked. I could tell he was annoyed about Fitz, and we weren't helping.
I sat back in my seat. Eli and Adam started talking about revenge. I didn't want to be involved. I decided to reread my story. I only looked up when they asked me a question. Of course, I didn't hear.
"What?" I asked stupidly.
"Do you want to film the skit after school?" Adam asked.
"Sure. Don't we all have detention after school?" I stated.
"I'm sure Ms. Dawes will allow a free pass for one day." Eli said smirking. He was smiling and smirking a lot, it was making my stomach do backflips.
The bell rang and we all started packing up. Adam had said something about going to the bathroom. We followed him, because we had to walk that way anyway. Adam walked in, leaving Eli and I alone. We were still walking down the hallway.
"You don't have to walk me to class." I said.
"You don't want Fitz bothering you. Just consider me, Fitz repellant." Eli smirked.
"Thanks." I said.
"It's no—" Eli cut off.
We heard a commotion down the hallway. Glancing down it, it was Fitz and Adam. Fitz had pushed him against the lockers. Eli handed me his bag, and walked towards them. I kept back. I didn't want to get in the way, or be noticed.
"Figure out what you are looking at yet?" Fitz asked Adam.
"I'm still trying to process the smell." Adam retorted.
"Hard to do with a broken nose." Fitz said. He started to throw a punch but Eli caught it. He had a scary expression across his face as he turned to Fitz.
"Huh. Whoa. Tell me something. What were you thinking when you got that haircut? No, no. Seriously. Was there an audition for the Planet of the Apes remake that I didn't hear about?" Eli taunted. Fitz grabbed Eli by his collar but he didn't seem worried. He looked intimidating, instead.
"He's got the odor part down." Adam pitched in. Adam looked down the hallway away from us. "Guys? Teachers." Fitz released Eli, and stepped back.
"This isn't over." Fitz said before leaving. He walked towards my side of the hallway. Luckily, I was standing with a bunch of other kids, that he didn't see me. It was really just pure luck that he didn't notice me. I was grateful.
"Are you okay?" Eli asked turning to Adam. Adam nodded, and I headed over to them. I handed Eli his bag.
We started walking down the hallway again. The warning bell rang, and we needed to get to class.
"I don't think menace covers him anymore." I said.
"I have to agree." Adam said nodding.
"This needs to end." Eli stated.
We passed a hallway, and Adam turned away from us. Heading to a classroom, right by us.
"Moving out." Adam said, about to walk into classroom. "See you guys at lunch?"
Eli and I both nodded, and Adam disappeared into the classroom. We continued down the hallway to my classroom.
"Let me know if Fitz gives you any trouble." Eli stated awkwardly. There was something he wasn't mentioning. I just couldn't tell if it was good or bad.
"Okay." I said. We had stopped in front of my class. "I'll see you at lunch?"
He nodded, smirking, before disappearing down the hallway. I walked over to my chair, as the final bell rang. I knew that I should probably start paying attention in my classes because they were finally dealing with new material, but I knew that one more day wouldn't kill me. I started writing. I didn't care. I needed to calm down.
My heart was racing, for a mixture of reasons. Possibility of running into Fitz. The dance tomorrow. Eli. The last one confused me the most. I don't know why I felt this way around him. It was weird. Especially since I just ended a relationship of a year yesterday. I guess, ending a relationship with someone you hate doesn't really affect you. This made me grateful. The quicker I forgot about Fitz, the easier my life would be.
The rest of my morning classes passed without complications. I didn't see Fitz. I didn't have to talk to anyone. I was glad. My thoughts were going a mile a minute, but I tried to calm them down. Nothing worked, unfortunately. Lunch came, and Adam found me. I was surprised, but apparently we had classes right next to each other. He was the last one out of his class, and I had to talk to the teacher. He saved me from getting dragged along with Jenna and Alli. They passed by me without a word.
One of the major reasons they probably left me alone, was the fact they had Jake and Dave on their arms. I'll take what I can get. Adam and I walked to lunch.
"Do you want to go get lunch?" Adam asked me.
"No. My mom makes me bring lunch." I sighed.
"Same here. My mom said that she has no way of 'limiting the unhealthy choices'." Adam said.
"Sounds like my mom." I laughed.
"Want to sit with us?" Adam asked. "Unless you are planning to sit with them?" He pointed to Alli and Jenna's table. Alli and Dave were talking, while Jake and Jenna were making out. KC and Connor were working on homework again. I made a disgusted face towards Jake and Jenna. I really didn't want to see that. Adam laughed.
"Sure." I agreed.
We continued on towards the table I've seen them sitting at before. The girl with the crazy buns was already sitting there.
"Hey, Imo." Adam greeted her, as we sat down.
"Hi Adam Torres." She replied. She glanced at me. "What is Clare Edwards doing with you?"
"She's eating lunch here." Adam said.
"Imogen Moreno. Please to meet you." She greeted me.
"How do you know my name?" I asked curiously.
"You're Clare Edwards. You're new here. Stepsister of Jake Martin." She stated.
"She knows who everyone is." The older girl, I saw before, replied sitting down. "Fiona Coyne."
"You can call Imo, Psycho. I do." Adam replied.
"I thought we discussed this. Imogen's nickname is Immy." Fiona asked.
"I'm still calling her Psycho." Adam said.
"And I'm calling her Imo." Eli said sitting down.
"Whatever. As her girlfriend, I'll be calling her Immy." Fiona stated.
"Okay, Princess Fiona." Adam teased.
"Yeah, Fifi." Imogen smiled.
I was already starting to like this table. I mean, they included me in the conversations. Imogen and Fiona were dating, just like Alli and Dave or Jenna and Jake, but they actually talked to me unlike the latter. They had me laughing throughout the whole lunch period. I was glad I didn't see Fitz. I was starting to suspect that, besides what Adam told me this morning, he was leaving me alone. Whether or not, that's what the reason is, I was glad to have some Fitz free time. When lunch ended, I walked with Alli and Jenna. They pulled me away, and I knew they had questions. I could at least answer these ones.
"Where were you at lunch?" Jenna asked me, while walking down the hallway.
"I sat with the Drama Club." I stated. I had found out at lunch that they were all members.
"Why?" She asked.
"They invited me." I said shrugging my shoulders.
"It's because she likes Eli." Alli giggled. I remained silent. Did I like Eli? Did I truly? Or was what I am feeling just a crush because of my problems with Fitz?
"Look! She's blushing!" Jenna teased. I wanted to defend myself, but I knew I was. I could tell, and it was probably extremely obvious.
"Stop it." I said.
"Now she's defensive!" Jenna pushed further.
"I am not." I replied.
"Let's leave Clare alone. Are you still coming with us to the dance if you just broke up with Fitz?" Alli asked.
"I don't know." I sighed. I knew I didn't have a date, and Alli and Jenna would be off with Dave and Jake. I don't think I would have fun.
"Let us know by tomorrow! You are still welcome to come over beforehand. It's going to be fun. There isn't a lot of dancing at Degrassi theme dances. This one is more like a fundraiser. There's gambling, prizes, food, music. You should come either way." Alli said. I knew I had more in common with her, and I liked her better than Jenna. It wasn't saying that I wasn't friends with Jenna. It's just that our personalities crashed more.
"Okay." I replied.
I went to my other classes without a problem. If I dare jinx today, I would say it was normal. That was my problem. I jinxed it. When I got into Science, Alli was practically shaking with anxiety. She needed to tell me something. Something that couldn't wait until after class, or at the very least couldn't wait until I put my bag down.
"Did you hear?" Alli asked running over to me, as I entered the doorway.
"No. What happened?" I asked curiously.
"It's what's happening right now!" She stated. She looked like she would burst. "Fitz is going to fight Adam and Eli. In the front of the school! Like now!"
"Are you serious?" I demanded. This couldn't be happening. It just couldn't be.
"Yeah! That's why it couldn't wait! It's supposedly like now!" She said.
"Tell the teacher I'll be right back." I demanded.
"Where are you going?" She asked, as I walked out of the room.
I didn't respond. Because I didn't know. Eli and Adam were pretty obsessed with fighting him. Fitz wouldn't back down. It didn't matter. If I got in the middle, it would only be worse. I would be in the same room as Fitz, and I would have to deal with the fact that I would be standing up for Eli and Adam. Fitz wouldn't like that too much. It might even make things worse. Walking down the hallway, I scanned them for anyone that could help. As soon as I spotted him, I knew my plan.
"Connor!" I called down the hallway. He was standing with KC and a curly haired kid that I thought was in my Science class. He looked a lot like the teacher.
"Clare?" He asked confused.
"I need to borrow the stink bomb from your Science project. I'll give it back by tomorrow." I urged.
"I can't. I need it." Connor replied.
"Just give it to her. I have another one." KC stated.
"Okay?" He questioned, as he pulled it out of his backpack. It looked like a golf ball.
"Thanks." I said taking it from him.
"What do you need it for?" KC asked. I was already making my way back down the hallway.
"Thanks again." I called back.
I walked back into science walked over to Alli. We were working with the burners again today, and I waited until we started using them. I lit the end in the burner, and tossed it out in the hallway. It was pure luck that our station was by the door today.
"Where did you go?" Alli asked. She was completely oblivious to what I had just done.
The smell and smoke started to waft in through the hallway.
"I tried to find Eli or Adam. I didn't find them though." I sighed nonchalantly.
The smell was getting worse.
"Can you smell that?" Alli asked.
"Yeah. It smells horrible." I agreed.
"Mr. Betenkamp? There is an odd smell and smoke coming from the hallway." Alli said, talking to the teacher.
Just as she said that, the fire alarm went off. We all hurried out of the room, and down the hallway. As we walked outside, I scanned the grounds. I saw Eli and Adam running off, while Fitz was kneeling on the ground. Our teacher went over to check on him, but he took off as well. We sat around for about twenty minutes before we were allowed to go back inside. The period was almost over and we continued our lab.
When the bell rang, Alli and I parted ways. I was glad that the fight was stopped, although it seemed like they would've been fine. I just didn't want to risk anything. I had to stay after, either for detention or for the skit. I didn't know which, or maybe both. I walked to Ms. Dawes' room to be safe. Adam and Eli were already in there. They probably didn't go to last period. Adam was discussing film equipment with Ms. Dawes, while Eli was sitting on a desk with his feet on the seat. He was looking over some papers.
"You're late, Edwards." Eli joked. He smirked up at me, as I entered the room.
"No. You're just early." I retorted.
I smiled, walking over to him, and sitting down on the desk next to him. I wanted to ask him about the fight, I just didn't know how. I didn't know if he wanted to keep it a secret or if he just didn't want to talk about it. So I would let it go for now.
"Are you ready?" Adam asked walking over to us. He was carrying a lot of film equipment.
"Definitely." I agreed.
"Let's go." Eli said standing up.
Adam put all the film equipment into a duffel bag and slung it over his shoulder. Eli took the video camera, since it didn't fit in the bag. This left me with the blanket that we would be sitting on. Heading out of the classroom, we didn't even glance back at Ms. Dawes. We walked out of the school and I figured we were filming out there. Instead, we started walking towards the parking lot.
"Where are we going?" I asked confused.
"The park. It's a great backdrop for the story. It has some nice scenery too." Adam stated.
"I agree." I said nodding my head.
When we got to the car, we loaded the stuff into the back. That was also when I realized I would be sitting in the middle. The back didn't have any seats, and I was the smallest. So I was stuck awkwardly pressed up against Eli and Adam. My confused feelings towards Eli didn't help the awkward situation.
Climbing into the car, there was absolutely no room. I was the first one into the car, and Adam followed soon after. I scooted over towards the steering wheel a little to give Adam more room, only that meant I was nearly pressed up against Eli when he came and took his spot behind the steering wheel. I was just hoping that this ride would be over soon, and hopefully the awkwardness that came with it.
The only problem would be I could smell Eli's scent. I didn't know if he wore cologne but his scent was just like his bed, and it made me feel oddly safe. I guess my mind was now putting Eli with the term safety now. To help my mind keep away from the awkwardness, I focused on the script in my lap, while Adam and Eli were talking about Dead Hand. Apparently that was something they were both obsessed with. I have heard a few of the songs from the band but I wasn't obsessed like they seemed to be.
Skimming the script, I noticed everything was already written out. This made me nervous. I knew what was in the ending. We had come up with it on Saturday. Great. We hadn't known at the time, but we had decided to put a kiss into the ending. The ending was a little too harsh for the story, and we wanted to make it better.
Only as of right now, I was going to be kissing Adam or Eli. It would be awkward either way, but I hoped it would be Eli. Only because I wanted to see if I felt anything towards him. This would be a good test without ruining our friendship. When we got to the park, we all got out and picked up the same things we carried into the car. I was glad that we were out of the awkwardness of the car ride.
We started walking towards a picnic bench, that wasn't too far away. It was actually, near the bench that I was sitting at when Eli found me, yesterday. I figured now was as good time as any to ask them who was playing Romeo.
"Obviously, I'll be playing Juliet. Which one of you wants to be Romeo?" I asked slowly.
"I will." Eli jumps in. I didn't even get to breathe before he responded. I smile. While he tries to cover his words. "On a count, that I am pretty familiar with the material and all."
"Yeah. What are you not the expert on?" Adam teased. I don't think it was supposed to be that obvious of his intentions to me, but it was. I smiled more as I saw Eli glaring at him.
We arrived at the picnic table and we set everything down. Helping Adam set up, I caught glances between Eli and Adam. Adam looked happy at the recent comment, while Eli was still glaring at him. Eli and I waited around, knowing exactly what to say, for Adam to set up the camera. When he was ready, we go into positions. Eli walked away from the table while I laid dead on it. We waited for Adam's signal to start.
"Action." Adam called.
Eli walked over and sat on the table with me, and rested his hand on my waist.
"Juliet! I will join you in the afterlife. Death come quickly! So I can be with her ASAP!" Eli yelled.
He opened the Cola bottle he brought with him, and took a sip after his lines. That was my cue to start. I shot up and began my lines.
"Romeo! You drank the high fructose, Cola beverage! No!" I cried. Eli leaned into me, and our lips met. He wrapped his arms around my waist, holding me to him. I put my hands to the back of his neck, for emphasis. I knew this was a skit, but it felt completely real. When we ended the kiss, a little later than originally decided, I was left breathless. Eli fell backwards, and I continued my lines. "Star-crossed? Not for long! I will see you in the afterlife Romeo!"
Picking up the toy gun Adam had brought, I aimed at my chest and pulled the trigger. Falling backwards, I pretended to be dead again. We waited for Adam to turn off the camera before we could sit up.
"Clear." Adam stated.
We both sat up, and locked gazes, I couldn't stare into his eyes too long at one time though, so I played with my hair as well.
"Should we do another take?" I asked. I wanted to kiss him again. I don't know why these feelings came on all of a sudden. I didn't usually fall for guys that quickly. There was just something about him that made my heart stop in its tracks.
"I think we got it." Eli replied, after looking between me and Adam.
I could tell Adam felt awkward, and I didn't blame him. I still didn't understand what was happening. How could he? Eli got up from the table and gave me his hand. He helped me down and we started picking up. It was a small gesture between us, most likely an innocent one on his part, but it made my stomach do complete backflips, that seemed to be doing a lot lately.
"Should we go?" Adam asked. I nodded, and we all started heading back to the car. When we got there, we put the stuff in the back. Adam climbed into the car, while I grabbed my backpack and slung it over my shoulder.
"My house is just right over there. I'll walk home." I stated to Eli.
"Are you sure?" He asked reassuringly.
"Yes. I'll be okay. I just needed to calm down after yesterday. I'll just ignore them now." I said with a small smile.
"Call me if anything happens. I'll call you to check in later if need be. I don't want you doing that again." He said putting his hands awkwardly in his back pockets.
"I will. Thanks." I said nodding slightly. "Don't worry about me cutting. I won't ever do that again." I wasn't going too. As long as I had Eli, I won't. I turned to leave. "I'll see you tomorrow."
I started walking, and glanced back. Eli was heading to his car, but he was glancing over his shoulder at me. I continued walking with a smile on my face. I made it home, in a matter of minutes. My house was really close and I honestly didn't mind walking. I walked through the door, and knew that there were no cars in the driveway. Meaning I was home alone.
I walked upstairs, and went straight to my computer. I didn't want to waste any time to myself. I opened it up, and saw that I had a few emails. They were all exactly the same and from the same person. Jenna. It didn't surprise me she sent more than one of the same one. I hadn't been answering the phone and the only time I saw Alli was during Science. I didn't even see Jenna today, besides lunch. Opening the email I read it.
You are coming to Vegas Night. End of story. Alli told me that you didn't know if you were going. You are. I'm dragging you there by your hair if you need to. But you are going! Love you! 3
-Jenna
Honestly? She meant well. She was extremely nice, but she was definitely pushy. Although, going wouldn't be such a bad idea now. I would possibly get to see Eli. Extra time to spend with him? Doesn't sound so bad anymore. Funny how I only met him a week ago. I ditched Newspaper today because of the Romeo and Juliet skit, so I couldn't go. I figured I would send Katie an email so she wouldn't hate me.
Sorry I couldn't make it to the Newspaper meeting today. I had to work on an important assignment for English and it's a group. I know this was a great opportunity but I had to pass today. I hope there will be a spot for me next week. If not I understand completely.
-Clare
I sent the email, and started writing again. I tended to write whenever inspiration came. These past few weeks, had tons of inspiration. I worked on it, for about two hours before the doorbell rang. I was annoyed that someone would come and distract me. The only person I could think it would be would be Jenna. It was Thursday, and they usually had plans. Only he was out with Marisol right now. I didn't want to have to explain.
Shutting my laptop, I walked downstairs. I didn't look through the peephole although I probably should have. Without thinking, I opened the door wide, expecting to see Jenna there. Instead, I saw Fitz.
"So you are home." He stated flatly. "Why didn't you answer your phone?"
"Did you not get me running away and ignoring you as a hint? I broke up with you Fitz. I'm done talking." I replied coldly.
"What have we talked about?" Fitz asked harshly.
"For me not to do this." I stated.
I slammed the door in his face. Locking it. I heard him beating on it with his fist. I didn't care. I was actually surprised that I caught him off guard enough that he didn't stick his foot in front of it. Score one for me. I wasn't going to let him bother me. My parents hated him. Jake hated him. My friends hated him. And now, I realized, I truly hated him.
"Clare! Let me in!" Fitz called.
"Go away! I hate you!" I called back. I was done with him.
I was finally not going to let him get to me. Eli was right. I definitely wasn't alone and people did care. I was in a bad position in my family and life right now. But things would get better. There's nowhere to go but up. That's what Darcy always said, before—. I broke off that thought. That would only lead to no good.
I leaned against the door, and sighed. Listening to Fitz wear himself out, as he continued to bang on the door. My phone started buzzing, and I took it out of my pocket. Glancing at the caller ID, I saw it was Eli. I flipped it open, and walked upstairs.
"Hey." I said, as I shut my bedroom door behind me. "Are you checking up on me?"
"I told you I would." He replied smugly. I could almost hear the smirk that had definitely crossed his face.
"Well, I'm glad you did." I smiled into the phone.
"Well of course you are. Everyone is charmed by my presence." He retorted sarcastically.
"Yeah, well I don't fall for that." I replied. Right as I spoke into the phone, the doorbell started ringing nonstop. It was loud in our house. It rang through the walls.
"Someone at the door?" Eli asked.
"No one important." I stated.
"Sounds like someone is trying to get your attention." He said.
"Well, they are wasting their time, because I'm not answering." I retorted.
"If you don't mind me asking, who is it?" Eli asked curiously.
"You wouldn't like it. If I did tell you." I replied, biting my lip.
"Can I guess? That way you don't tell me." Eli questioned.
"Okay?" I said confused. Where was this conversation going?
"Hmm. Adam?"
"No."
"Jenna?"
"Uh-uh." I teased.
"Alli?" He was running out of people. I was surprised he hadn't guessed Fitz. He probably knew but wanted to prolong the conversation. I was okay with that.
"Nope."
"Eli?" He asked. He sounded frustrated at this point.
"Sure. Why not." I smiled.
"Okay. You get to pick the next topic." He said happily.
We talked for hours. I knew this was the day that my parents tried to get Jake and me around for a family night. I just didn't care. My parents didn't bother me. They probably didn't even think I was home. I didn't even use the bathroom. We just talked all night. We probably talked until at least three, before we said good night. I loved every second of it. I couldn't even tell you what we talked about half the time, but he had me laughing for most of it.