When I awoke, in the morning, I still had a smile on my face. This was the happiest I've been, since starting at Degrassi. This was the happiest I've been, for the past year. I got dressed quickly and went downstairs. I waited for the bus, and for once, it didn't bother me at all to see my old friends. I knew they weren't my true friends, if they left me like that. Right when I needed them most. I got off the bus and headed into school quickly. I was heading to English, and my day was looking up.
I walked past the senior class co-presidents, and Principal Simpson. I didn't know who the girl was, I had heard her name was Holly J, but I wasn't sure. The guy I knew all too well. It was Alli's brother, Sav. I had heard her mention he was one. I continued to walk, but my heart leaped when I heard the mention of a stink bomb. If they didn't know it was me, they would know eventually. I was caught! It was only just a matter of time.
I walked swiftly into the media immersion lab, English was long forgotten, and went straight to the book shelves there. Pretending to look for a book, while I was actually watching the three, continue chatting casually. I was so nervous about getting caught that I nearly jumped ten feet in the air, when someone came up behind me.
"Hiding from the popo?" Eli teased.
"I was just looking for a book." I replied nervously. Picking up a book and gesturing to it. I walked away a little and continued looking out the window.
"Saving the world, one stink bomb at a time." He stated smirking at me. Dang it. I was caught. I turned to him with a nervous smile. "I knew it was you!"
"Someone had to stop Fitz from fighting you two. One more second and he could've kicked Adam's butt." I defended.
"I was the one he was going to kill." Eli retorted jokingly. I smiled, and glanced over at Mr. Simpson and the co-presidents. Simpson was no longer talking with them, and was headed this way.
"Simpson is coming over here. He's knows I did it. I'm going to get expelled." I panicked.
"Three days suspension max. And only if you get caught." He reassured.
"Maybe I should just confess. Throw myself at his mercy." I rambled nervously.
"Or let me handle it." Eli stated. What was he going to do? He stepped away from me and walked towards Mr. Simpson. "Sir? I'd hate to be a rat, but I think you should question Mark Fitzgerald about the stink bomb. I heard him bragging about it."
Mr. Simpson looked down at him. Then over to me. "Is this true?"
"Possibly." I replied nervously. I glanced between Eli's gaze and Mr. Simpson's as I answered.
"Okay. I'll look into it." He replied before walking away.
"Justice has been served." Eli stated with a smirk.
"If Fitz finds out—" I argued.
"I'll handle it." He defended. I half smiled at him. I was glad that I was off the hook. He stepped towards me and continued talking. "Now. Let's talk about something more important. Like how you are going to thank me, for throwing Simpson off your scent." He smirked. We were only inches apart.
"What did you have in mind?" I teased. I tried to keep the blush off my face, and my heart from racing. Both were futile attempts. Instead, I crossed my arms over my chest.
"Well, I don't know—" He teased leaning in. My heart was racing, as his lips met mine. I was completely caught off guard, but when his tongue brushed my bottom lip, I didn't hesitate to open for him. He wrapped his hands around my waist, pulling me closer. I rested my hands on his shoulders. The kiss only took a few moments, but I was cut off guard and speechless, by the time he pulled away. He looked down at me and smirked. "I won't be in English. I have a French exam."
"I think you just passed it." I stuttered.
I didn't look him in the eye. It wasn't intentional. I was just stunned. I saw him smirk and walk away, while I looked after him. I didn't know how to describe the moment. My mind was like Jell-O. I just couldn't think straight. All I could think about was the kiss. And how I wanted to kiss him more. I grabbed my bag that I had set on the floor when I came in, and headed to English. Adam and I worked on the editing of the skit. It was due at the end of the period, so we had too. When the bell rang, we were satisfied, and turned it in to Ms. Dawes.
Adam and I parted ways, and I headed to my locker. I didn't mention to anyone about the kiss, mainly because I didn't know what it meant. Next time I saw him I had to find out. I opened my locker and started switching out my stuff for the next class, when Eli walked up to me.
"How was your French exam?" I asked.
"Way too long." He replied. He leaned in for another kiss but I hesitated. He noticed it, and he gave me a confused look.
"Does this mean I have a date to Vegas Night?" I asked. I was so nervous I thought I could drop dead right there.
"Depends. Do I get a corsage?" He teased smirking.
I smiled, and he leaned in again. Someone hit the locker next to us, and it startled us. The person spun Eli around, and I looked at who it was. It was Fitz. My heart stopped dead in its tracks. I was terrified. Who knew what he was going to do?
"Just spent an hour in Simpson's office. Someone told him I set off the stink bomb." Fitz stated angrily.
"Me and my loose lips." Eli joked, shrugging.
By the time he finished the words, Fitz threw him into a headlock. I stood there frozen. I didn't know what to do.
"Not so lippy now, are you? What a dude gotta do to get you out of his grill?" Fitz demanded. A teacher walked by and Fitz released Eli. Eli shrugged it off, like it was no big deal. Fitz stepped into Eli's face again. "This isn't over."
Fitz walked away without giving me a second glance. I was glad, but I was also nervous about what he was planning. I knew Fitz didn't like to prolong these types of problems but I knew that he would continue this one. They were in a war.
"That dude's a menace." Eli stated, turning to me. He was angry, but it wasn't towards me. "Someone needs to teach him a lesson."
"Because that worked so well last time!" I argued. "Can't you two just kiss and make up?" I had reasons to be angry with Fitz, but their war could easily be broken. It would probably make him less angry all the time too.
"He's not really my type." Eli teased and smirked at me. I felt like I could melt and forget about all my problems if I could just watch him smirk all day long.
"I'm serious, Eli! Someone is going to get hurt." I stated as he turned started closing my locker for me.
"The only way to avoid a bully is to keep him scared." Eli stated while locking my locker.
"Or—" I hesitated. I was really nervous to ask him what I did next. "You could lay low with your girlfriend?" I met his eyes nervously. He remained silent for a few moments studying my eyes.
"Twist my rubber arm, girlfriend." He replied smirking.
He took my hand and wrapped his arm around my shoulder. So I was still holding his hand as he walked me to class. The rest of the morning was a blur and I was really starting to wonder if I was failing any of my classes because I didn't even know half the subjects I was taking. When the lunch bell rang, I walked out of the classroom, while meeting up with Adam.
"Ready to go to lunch?" He asked.
"I'll meet you there. I have to go to my locker. Test next period." I stated.
"Want us to walk with you?" Adam asked.
"Sure. Thanks. I'll be really quick." I said to Adam. I liked that I was making true friends here. Adam and I got along really well. We walked the other direction, away from the café and towards my locker. I opened it and started switching out my stuff really quickly. We wanted to get to lunch soon so we wouldn't lose too much time. We talked the whole time. He was telling about how Fiona and Imogen. I had found out that Fiona and Adam dated for a little while, but she realized she liked girls. Imogen hasn't decided what she likes yet, but she knows she likes Fiona. They only recently started dating. Fiona was a diplomat and she has a twin brother who is going to a prestigious high school in New York. Fiona stayed here because she wanted to be with her friends. She was in the same grade as Eli and Imogen.
When I shut my locker, we started heading towards the café. We passed by some booths for tickets to Vegas Night. I needed to buy a ticket because I hadn't yet. Otherwise, Alli and Jenna would kill me. Plus I was going with Eli now.
"Adam hold on." I said stopping in front of one of the booths. "I need to buy a ticket."
"Okay." He agreed.
"Two tickets?" I asked the lady behind the booth. She handed them to me and I gave her some money in return. "Thanks."
"Two tickets. Quite a gamble. Too bad that boy of yours may not make it to Vegas Night." The voice behind stated coldly. I turned to face the person, and I froze. Fitz.
"Hurting Eli won't solve anything." I argued. Adam beside me shifted uncomfortably. I knew he wanted to walk away but wouldn't as long as I was confronting Fitz.
"Dude set me up." Fitz replied angrily.
"Because he was trying to protect me." I pleaded walking after him. Adam kept close behind. "I set off that diversion to stop you from fighting them."
"Good to know." He grinned coldly. It gave me chills to know that he had this information up his sleeve. I needed to say something to keep this knowledge down. He started to walk away again.
"So, you'll leave Eli alone?" I asked hopefully. "I'll come clean to Simpson. I'll tell him you weren't responsible. Anything."
"Anything?" Fitz's grin widened.
"That doesn't involve breaking a commandment." I retorted smugly.
"Got plans for tonight?" He questioned.
"Kinda. Yeah." I replied confused. He obviously knew that.
"Break 'em. Fitzy needs a date to Vegas Night." He replied happily. I appalled at the fact he would even think of such a statement. After all that has happened this past week. He continued speaking when I didn't. "Or I'll put your pretty little boyfriend in the hospital."
I looked down at the tickets. I couldn't think straight. I thought tonight I was going to finally have fun. I wish I never went to my locker. I could've been with Adam and Eli at their table. Instead I was conversing in dangerous waters with Fitz. I was apparently dragging Adam down with me as well.
"If I go with you—" I started.
"Clare!" Adam cut in. "You're actually considering this?"
"If I go with you;" I continued. "You'll leave Eli, and Adam, alone?"
"As long as they stay out of my face." Fitz replied shrugging. "Take it or leave it."
"'Kay." I whispered. Fitz nodded before walking away. I turned to face Adam and he looked horrified. The lunch bell was going to ring in a few minutes, and I had lost all appetite. "I'm not so hungry anymore. I'm going to go to the media immersion lab. I told Alli I would meet up with her after lunch, and I have to talk to a teacher first." I lied.
"Okay." Adam nodded. "You need to tell Eli. You need to explain your reasoning to me too."
"I will. After school?" I asked. He nodded and walked away.
I knew I had time to kill before lunch ended. I also knew that I had time to kill before I had to confront Eli or Adam about tonight. I thought this was going to be a fun night. I no longer think that. I was meeting Alli at four, so that meant I have an hour after school to explain to Adam and Eli my motives. I really hoped that they both wouldn't hate me. I couldn't talk to Adam now, even though I had a good opportunity to explain. I needed to clear my head and get my thoughts straight.
My afternoon classes were a blur and I only remembered Science. Alli came in early before the bell, and walked over to me. She was beaming with curiosity. She was probably wondering if I was going tonight.
"So?" She questioned. She was really anxious and excited.
"I'm going." I replied awkwardly.
"Great! Are you going with anyone?" She beamed with excitement.
"Fitz." I mumbled under my breath. I didn't really want her to hear but I needed to tell her.
"Excuse me?" She said louder than meaning to. The kids walking into class glanced over at us. "Did you just say who I thought you said?"
"Yeah. Long story." I sighed.
"Well. I'm listening." She demanded crossing her arms over her chest. She wasn't angry but she was confused.
"I don't have time. It's truly a long story." I said sadly. She thought for a moment tapping her foot.
"Okay. Come with me." She replied slinging her bag over her shoulder.
"Where are we going?" I asked confused.
"Skipping. I need details now." She stated.
"Don't we have a lab we need to complete?" I asked.
"We won't be gone the whole block. I'll get a note from Ms. Oh." She replied dragging with her before the teacher came into the classroom.
"Okay." I sighed.
We walked into the Zen garden that I have passed by once or twice before, when Fitz was yelling at me in the corridor by here. It was really peaceful, we sat on the memorial. I had heard from a few people around school that JT Yorke was killed a while ago. He was supposed to graduate in the grade before Darcy. I was surprised. I didn't even hear about him from her, but she was apparently friends with a lot of his friends.
"Spill." She stated.
"Okay." I said.
I told her everything about the past week. And I mean everything. I told her about Eli and what has happened between us the past few days. I told her about my old school with Fitz. I told her about Fitz's abuse. About my old friends leaving me. I told her about my break-up with Fitz. Both times. I told her about how I have been avoiding him ever since. I was extremely nervous telling her about all of this, but she remained quiet and concerned.
She begged me to continue, every time I stopped speaking. She needed to know everything. I was glad that I had vented and I was really happy that she was there for me. I told her about sleeping with Fitz and spending the night over at Eli's. I even mentioned the cutting and my parents' fighting. I was self-conscious to tell her about my personal life but if I told her about Fitz, I might as well tell her about this. I told her all that happened today, and finished off with Fitz's threat.
"Oh my god! I can't believe all of this happened to you! I have been teasing you about Eli and Fitz all week! Trying to get you to go to Vegas Night! I feel horrible! I'm so sorry, Clare!" She sobbed.
"It's fine. I'm fine. I just didn't want to tell anyone. Eli kind of found out. That was the only reason. Otherwise I wouldn't have talked about it. I just thought I would tell you because it's all in the past." I sighed.
"Is it really?" She asked.
"What?" I stared at her confused.
"Is it really in the past?" She repeated. "I mean aren't you going on a date with Fitz tonight?"
"I guess. But nothing will happen. It's just something I have to do to keep Adam and Eli safe." I replied.
"Just make sure to keep yourself safe." She stated wrapping me in a hug. The bell rang, and she wiped her tears. "Oops. Didn't mean to skip the whole period." She giggled. "So do you want to come over now?"
"I promised I would meet up with Adam and give him an explanation. I also didn't mention this date with Fitz to Eli. I need to tell him too." I said nervously.
"Okay. See you in an hour?" She asked standing up.
"Definitely." I replied.
We walked our separate ways, and I looked around for Adam. I saw him by his locker; he was sitting in front of it, reading a comic book.
"Where's Eli?" I asked.
"He needed extra time for a History exam." He stated curtly.
"Do you hate me?" I asked. I sat down beside him nervously, and looked at him. I didn't know why he would, but I just really wanted to be friends with him. I didn't want anyone here to hate me. Besides Fitz. He could hate me all he wanted.
"No." He replied setting his comic book down and turning towards me. "How could you date that bastard?"
"It's one date. To a school sanctioned event. It was for you and Eli. To help you two." I stated sadly. "I just don't want you two to get hurt." He leaned back and relaxed a little.
"I'm sure Eli snapped a gasket." He said looking at me. He noticed my hesitation. "Wait! You haven't told him yet?"
"I will. As soon as he is out of his History exam." I replied quickly. "I'm doing this for him. For us. He'll understand." I didn't know who I was trying to convince him or me.
"And ignore that the girl he likes is going to Vegas Night with his nemesis?" Adam asked. Definitely not sounding convinced. "Yeah. Sounds just like him."
"Okay. Please tell me an ostrich started World War One." Eli joked. We both looked up to see him standing there. He didn't seem to hear our conversation, but he noticed my nervousness. I couldn't look at him in the face. "Spit it out, Edwards."
"Well, you know. It—It—It's funny you should—you should mention World War One." I stuttered standing up. Adam stood up next to me as well. "Because, well, many say that the—the—the revenge, and uh, in acted by the League of Nations, on Germany, post war. Was actually responsible for the outbreak of World War Two." I babbled. I was extremely nervous, and I needed to say something to cover my nervousness.
"What is she talking about?" Eli asked Adam. He was obviously confused.
"Clare is going to Vegas Night with Fitz." Adam stated. Eli's face dropped from a confused smirk to a scowl.
"Adam!" I urged.
"It's better to rip the ban-aid off!" He said happily.
"Yeah." I replied flabbergasted. I didn't know what to do. Adam left hastily, and I turned to Eli. He looked hurt and defeated.
"I'm waiting for the punch line." He joked. His voice showed all the hurt he was trying to keep off of his face.
"Fitz promised to leave you and Adam alone, if I went to Vegas Night with him." I defended weakly.
"And you said yes?" He demanded sadly.
"I want this stupid feud to be over!" I pleaded. "I want him out of my life! And if I go with Fitz tonight, I think I can make that happen." Eli grinned at me. I took this as a good sign.
"I suppose crazier things have happened." He sighed, smirking.
"So you're not mad?" I asked happily.
"Just a little bit." He replied still smirking.
"Good." I sighed. "I have an hour before I meet Alli. Coffee?" I wanted him to cool down, and I wanted to prove to him that tonight meant nothing to me.
"Rain check?" He asked.
I nodded. "Sure."
He smirked and I watched him walk away. I was really nervous that he was ticked. I didn't want him to do something stupid. I really cared about him and I didn't want him making things worse. He walked down the hallway, to where I could not see him. I grabbed my bag, and smiled. I knew that I would get to see him tonight either way. So I decided to head over to Alli's early. I had grabbed my clothes and went over. Knocking on the door she was giddy with joy. I was relieved that I could forget about all the stuff that has happened the past week for a few hours. Then hopefully put Fitz behind me after tonight.
I walked into the bathroom to change, while Alli changed in her room, and Jenna changed into her outfit in the upstairs bathroom. When we were done we were going back into the dining room. Alli had set up mirrors everywhere, and had make-up splayed on the table. When I finished putting on my outfit, I walked into the dining room. Alli and Jenna were already there.
"The convent called. They want their outfit back." Alli teased.
"Perfect. I don't want Fitz getting the wrong idea about tonight." I stated sitting down in front of a mirror. I adjusted my hair and turned around to meet Jenna's confused gaze.
"Okay. Uh, help me out?" Jenna asked confused. "I thought you liked Eli?"
"I do." I agreed.
"But you're going to Vegas Night with Fitz?" Jenna asked. She was still trying to figure out the situation. So I decided to help her out with the explanation.
"Fitz damaged Eli's car. So Eli tricked Fitz into getting arrested. Then Fitz was going to fight Eli and Adam, so I set off the stink bomb that Fitz got blamed for. So to stop Fitz from fighting Eli, I agreed to go to the dance with him." I stated. I watched as Jenna's expression went to even more confused. "Clear?" I asked.
"Crystal." She replied, with a confused smile.
"Just one question." Alli began. "When did your life become like West Side Story?" They both giggled while Jenna went back to observing her hair.
"I just need to get through tonight, and then maybe Eli and I can go on a real date." I said happily. The doorbell rang, and Jenna went to go answer it.
"Ah." Jenna said gesturing to the door. "Speak of the devil."
Eli stepped through the door, and looked at me. "Hey."
"Hey." I repeated. I wasn't sure why he was here.
"Can I talk to you outside?" He asked.
"Yeah. Sure." I agreed confused.
I walked out the front door, and Eli closed it behind me. We walked down the steps and I leaned sideways against Morty's passenger door. While Eli put his hand in his pocket and leaned against the hood. He held a vile of something in front of me. He gestured to it when he spoke.
"It's ipecac. Makes people barf." Eli said smirking at me.
"Most guys just by flowers." I teased smiling at him.
"I want you to slip it into Fitz drink." Eli replied. I guess this feud wasn't going to end easily. Couldn't he just let this go?
"What happened to being the bigger man?" I asked, annoyed.
"Can't. Not anymore." He replied.
"Because?" I asked. I was confused and ticked off. I was going with Fitz tonight to end this feud that Eli wanted to keep pushing.
"Don't be naïve. He's a bad guy." He ordered. "He wants to have sex with you again." I could tell that he was angry, but I was too ticked that I didn't care.
"Oh, then you are right! The appropriate response is to poison him." I argued.
"I told you! This is how you control bullies! Keep them scared!" He yelled. "Doesn't he scare you? Why not return the favor?"
"You know who also uses those tactics?" I asked. He looked confused, so I continued. "Terrorists." He chuckled at that. It was making me more aggravated.
"I don't understand. Whose side are you on?" He demanded.
"I'm not sure." I stated coldly, crossing my arms over my chest. "But I know it's not the side that poisons people. I thought you were different from him."
With that, I walked back into the house, shutting the door behind me. Leaving him aggravated and confused on the sidewalk. I finished getting ready with Alli and Jenna, and Sav drove us to the dance. When we got there, we all went in different directions. Alli and Jenna went to find Dave and Jake, while I went to find Fitz. I needed to talk to Eli but I figured it could wait for now. Now, I needed to play along for this dance. Regardless of how much I disliked him right now, Fitz had all the power against us. Finding him at his locker, I walked up to him and noticed something in his hands. It was a corsage.
"Is that corsage for me?" I asked nervously, walking up to him. I was dumbfounded that he would even know where to get one.
"My mom made me bring it." He replied smirking. His seemed empty compared to Eli's. Almost faked. I smiled to his comment and continued to play along.
"I like it." I sighed. "But, I'm not going to have sex with you again."
"Whoa! Where did that come from?" Fitz demanded. I wasn't going to back down. I was done with Fitz's lies and antics.
"I know what you told Eli." I argued, taking the corsage.
"Clare. In theory, all guys want to hook up with a cute girl like you. It's like physics." Fitz stated shoving his hands in his pockets.
"Biology." I smiled looking down.
"Whatever. I wouldn't try anything on you. Unless you want me to?" He asked curiously.
"In theory, not a chance." I stated.
"I bet you Eli overreacted." Fitz joked.
"Kinda." I smiled and nodded. "Wouldn't it be easier if you two just got along?"
"One would think. Last time I tried to end this feud; your little boyfriend got me arrested." He stated coldly. I hated the way he said boyfriend. It was like he was taunting me with the term.
"Would an apology still work to end this feud?" I asked. I was hoping that maybe they could get along rather than just ignoring each other. I didn't want Fitz in my life. But having an enemy, even a dormant one, is still dangerous. Especially if that dormant enemy is Fitz.
"Sure. But good luck getting it." Fitz retorted, frustration filling his voice.
He shut his locker and we walked into the gym. It was filled with balloons and streamers everywhere. I thought that Vegas Night was just a theme, but as I looked around, I saw gambling tables and stands. There were TVs surrounding every column beam and wall. TVs were placed all around the school for the Student Council and the Senior Representatives, to notify us about stuff. I hadn't seen many TVs around school when I went looking for Fitz, so I assumed they were probably taken to be used in the gym. Fitz and I passed by some of the tables and walked around the room.
"I'm going to go get some punch. I'll be right back." I said nonchalantly.
"Hurry back." Fitz replied, and walked off. I started heading back the way we came. I spotted Eli while I was walking with Fitz, and I need to talk to him about the apology. As I walked up to him, I noticed he was gambling at a table.
"Come on. Lucky seven." He muttered to himself as he rolled the dice, at a crabs table. "Having fun on your date, Judas? I bet Fitzy is a real dreamy kisser." He didn't meet my eyes as he walked the game in front of him.
"You can't be mad at me, because I wouldn't slip ipecac into Fitz's drink." I stated coldly.
"Can I be mad you're with him?" He asked looking at me.
"He threatened to hurt you. What was I supposed to do?" I asked confused, and I was starting to feel hurt by his lack of trust in me.
"Let me handle it." He retorted.
"Yeah. Because that was working so well." I argued. "You and Fitz need to end this. This isn't your fight anymore. He's willing to bury the hatchet. He just wants one thing."
"You're going to sleep with him?" He demanded sadly, looking into my eyes.
"No!" I whined. "You're going to apologize."
"For what?" He scoffed.
"Anything he wants. Please, Eli?" I pleaded.
He gave it some thought. "Fine." He said smirking at me.
"Really? You'll apologize?" I asked stunned. I didn't think he would give in this easy.
"But I won't mean it." He stated.
"As long as you sell it." I sighed. I was glad this was going to end. I wanted Fitz out of my life, but I didn't want Eli to always be in danger of him. I needed this war to be over. Once and for all. He nodded and I rested my hand on his forearm. "I'm going to go get him." I said, before walking away.
I ran to go get Fitz. When I got to him, I pulled him away from his friends. I knew that he was pissed, but I wasn't worried. We were in a school, and I wasn't going to be alone as long as I stayed in the gym. I pulled him off to the side of the gym and turned to him. I saw the anger in his eyes.
"Eli is ready to apologize." I stated to him.
"This better be good." He muttered. I started pulling towards where Eli was last seen. He wasn't there.
"Hold on." I said, pulling Fitz along.
I walked towards the center of the room, and saw that Eli was standing at the punch bowl. I walked over to him, and made Fitz stand in front of him. I didn't know if Fitz wanted to get an apology from him, but I didn't care. He said he would, so I took that as a white flag for a truce.
"Okay. We're here. All set for the apology." I said turning to Eli, eagerly.
"You know. In some places, this would be considered black mail." Eli smirked, meeting my gaze.
"Eli. Stop procrastinating." I was starting to get annoyed that this wouldn't end soon enough.
"Yeah. Eli. Do what the lady says." Fitz joked stepping closer to me.
I took a step away from both of them. Eli was glaring at Fitz, until he glanced to me. I tried to show him with my eyes, that I wanted him to apologize. I wanted this feud to be over so bad, that I was hoping that he would understand. I told him he didn't have to mean it.
"I'm sorry." Eli said. "For everything." I smiled at him. I was proud he would try to end this feud.
"That's not gonna do. You said the words but I didn't feel them." Fitz argued. Are you kidding me? First Eli? Now Fitz? I doubted this feud would ever end!
"Okay. Enough!" I snapped at Fitz. "Okay. Fitz? You got your apology. Now shake hands."
"Or we could toast. To a cease fire." Eli proposed, taking two drinks from the table.
He handed one to Fitz, and kept one for himself. I was curious why no teachers were around to guard the punch bowl. Someone could easily spike it. That's when it hit me. Eli could've spiked Fitz drink with ipecac. They clinked cups and brought them to their mouths. I needed to stop this.
"Stop. Trade cups." I said nervously. They both looked at me weirdly, so I continued. "It's an Ancient Roman custom."
"She's the boss." Eli replied shrugging his shoulders. They traded cups, and were about to drink. Now Eli would get what he deserved. "Lejáim!" He said as he brought his to his mouth.
I looked between them, and smiled. I kept my eye on Eli, and he kept his gaze on me. I noticed that nothing was happening to him, but Fitz was starting to shake. When I glanced at him, I saw him turn around and throw up. Eli chuckled and I couldn't believe he spiked it. He must've known that I would switch the drinks. Great! Fitz took off running out of the room, and I turned to Eli. Anger building.
"What did you do?" I yelled.
"You're the one who made us switch." Eli said shrugging.
"Oh! Don't you dare put this on me!" I argued. His face looked hurt but I was too mad to care. "Whatever Fitz does to you, you deserve it!"
"Clare!" Eli called after me.
I stormed off out of the gym. I needed to find Fitz. I couldn't let him think that I had anything to do with this. I couldn't let him leave angry. I knew Fitz. He would plan something and come back hard. I was done being caught in the middle.
"There you are." I sighed, walking up to Fitz. He was standing at his locker. "Are you okay?"
"Yep." Fitz replied. He was being curt and I understood why. Trying to make him feel better, I continued to speak.
"I should've known that Eli would try to pull something like this. He's always trying to come off as this badass. Worst of all, I fell for him. I guess that makes me—" I could see the anger building in his eyes. I knew this wasn't helping. He cut me off before I could change topics.
"A regular ass?" He questioned.
"I was going to say naïve." I said sighing.
I knew he was pissed but I didn't want to be the cause. I also didn't want to get hit tonight. I didn't bring makeup to cover it up. He glared into my eyes, as his hand moved from the locker to behind him. I noticed something glimmer off the lighting and saw it was a pocket knife. Crap! He was going to use it! I knew it! I just didn't know if it was for me or for Eli. I hoped it wasn't for both. I knew I needed to find Eli either way.
"Who—well I should probably get back there." I stuttered. I was trying to cover for leaving him abruptly. "See you around?" He nodded and I replied "Okay."
I didn't want to turn my back, so I walked backwards towards the gym. When I got to the entrance I turned around and ran into it. I had to find Eli. I didn't see him anywhere, and I didn't know if he left. If he did that would be great! He would be gone and out of the way for now. I maneuvered through people until I found a familiar face. Adam. I pulled him away from the people he was talking to.
"What's up Brutus?" Adam teased.
"Where's Eli?" I demanded. I was shaking and I needed to know where he was. I didn't know how much time I had to find him if he was still here.
"If you're going to lecture him again—" He trailed off. I grabbed his shirt, trying to get him to listen to me.
"Fitz has a knife." I stated. Realization passed through his expression.
"Do you think he is going to use it?" He demanded.
"I—I do—don't know. Where's Eli?" I stuttered. I felt my heart pounding in my chest.
"Looking for you." He choked out. I bit my lip. All my hope of Eli's safety was gone.
"Okay. Tell Simpson." I demanded leaving Adam behind.
"Okay." Adam called back.
I ran out of the gym, looking for Eli. I didn't know where Eli was. I didn't know where Fitz was. They could be together or on opposite ends of the school. I was just praying I would get to Eli in time, and I wouldn't run into Fitz. I don't know how it took me, but I ran all over the school. I didn't know where to look anymore. I decided to go to his locker. I wasn't sure if he would be there, but I figured that I would give it a try. I heard Mr. Simpson call a lock down and knew that I didn't have much time left, before Fitz was aware he needed to go.
Getting to the hallway with Eli's locker, I noticed someone leaning against the opposite set of lockers. It was Eli. I sighed in relief and ran up to him. No matter how mad I was at him, I didn't want him to die because of his stupid prank. I pulled the ear buds out of his ears and made him look at me. He looked stunned and confused to see me. I didn't give a chance to speak though.
"Come with me. Fitz has a knife!" I ordered. When he didn't move, I tried pulling him, but he didn't budge. "This is where we run. Let's go!"
"I'm going to let that jerk scare me." He stated. I could tell he was terrified but he wasn't back down. I would never understand the dedication he has towards standing up to Fitz.
"Eli! He has a knife!" I yelled. I gripped his forearms and he held mine. He looked as if he was going to say something else, but another voice cut him off.
"Aww. Don't you two look cute." Fitz joked coldly. He walked down the hallway into view, and I saw the knife open and in his hand. I turned towards him, and met his gaze. I was terrified, and Eli stepped next to me. Keeping really close. I really didn't want him hurt. I wished there was something I could do to help him but I was too weak compared to them.
"You—You should go." I stuttered.
"And let Pretty Boy make time with my date?" He joked.
"Please Fitz. Don't do this." I pleaded.
My hands were shaking violently, and I can bet anything that my face was pale white. I didn't even want to look at Eli. I couldn't. I need to keep my eyes on the guy with the knife. He walked towards us, and I started walking back. Eli was standing slightly behind me, and he held my elbow lightly, so I didn't completely knock him over, as we moved away from Fitz.
"Shut up Bitch! You're next!" Fitz sneered. Tears welled up in my eyes. I was terrified for both of us now. I didn't want to die. I didn't want Eli to die.
"Look. I'm sorry about before. About everything. You win." Eli stepped in front of me, and towards Fitz. I grabbed the back of his coat and made him still walk backwards with me.
"I've heard that before." Fitz said pushing him backwards into me.
"Clare. Go." Eli muttered under his breath to me.
"No." I argued. I was staying I couldn't watch this. I knew I was going to be next but I wouldn't leave him. I couldn't leave him.
"This time I'm serious." Eli urged to Fitz. I could tell he was scared.
"So am I. You both have had this coming for a while. It could just be Clare, but you wouldn't stop." He stated coldly.
"Leave her out of this. You aren't touching her!" Eli sneered.
"How can you control my actions when you're dead?" Fitz grinned. It was a twisted, creepy grin that I didn't want to look up at him anymore. I tried pulling Eli back again but he wasn't moving anymore. He was standing his ground, as Fitz stepped towards us again. "What Emo Boy? You all out of smart ass comments?"
"Clare. Get away from me." Eli ordered.
He took my grip off the back of his coat and held my hand, pushing me away. He had pushed me towards the other side of the hallway, the only reason I moved was because I stumbled when he pushed me. I kept backing up until I hit the lockers across from them. His facial expression and eyes told me to run, but I was frozen.
I stood there in horror as Fitz continued to push Eli into the corner of the hallway by the doors. The knife glimmered in the light of the windows above them, since the hallway lights were turned off. My heart was racing. I felt like I was going to faint, but I wouldn't let myself. I would be letting Eli down, and possibly getting myself killed in the process.
"Come on Emo Boy. Nothing to say?" Fitz said pushing against him again.
"Please. Don't do this." I urged. I didn't even mean to speak but it just came out of me.
"Do I need to make you keep quiet?" Fitz demanded spinning around. I knew my face showed fear. I was petrified. I just hoped it was enough of an opening to make Fitz realize how stupid he was being. Apparently not, because he started walking towards me.
"Stay away from her." Eli growled pulling Fitz back.
Fitz was shocked by the sudden grip on his arm that he didn't fight back. Eli punched him in the face, and Fitz fell backwards. I was shocked. I thought we were both going to die. I was terrified but I guess my outburst was enough to distract him from Eli. The knife fell out of Fitz's hand and skidded across the floor. I saw where it landed but I didn't move. Eli kneeled over Fitz, and continued to punch him.
Something about Eli's expression on his face, knocked me out of the shock. I saw hatred and anger filling his features as he continued to punch him. I ran over to Eli, and tried prying him off of Fitz. Fitz's nose was definitely broken, and blood was everywhere.
"Eli stop! Please!" I screamed wrapping my arms around his waist, trying to pull him up.
I didn't want him to kill Fitz. I hated Fitz and I wished he was dead, but I didn't want Eli getting into trouble. I don't know why my mind was always so rational, but it came in handy in situations like this. Eli noticed my grip on his waist and tried to pull me off of him. He put his full attention on my arms that he didn't notice Fitz's punch. He punch Eli, and he fell back onto me. We both collapsed onto the floor, and Fitz stood up. Looking for the knife. Eli was up moments after, going after Fitz.
They were really close to where the knife was, but I didn't think either of them knew its location. I needed to get to it before they did. I ran over to it, and used my sleeve to pick it up. I didn't want my finger prints on it. I needed to get it away from here, until we could get help. I closed the knife and put it in my pocket, then I glanced down the hallway. I didn't see anyone, and that didn't look like a good sign. I was really hoping the cops would be here already.
"Bitch! That ain't yours! Give it back!" Fitz growled fighting Eli.
"Don't listen to him Clare!" Eli told me calmly. I don't know what he thought I was going to do, but I think he was just taking precautions, since I was in shock. Eli was still punch Fitz, but Fitz was truly fighting back now. They kept tackling one another. Fitz was trying to get to me, to get the knife, but Eli was keeping him away. "Clare. Go get help!" He pleaded.
"Eli—" I was cut off. I knew I should go. I had the knife. The worst they could do to each other was beat each other up. I needed to get help. I just didn't want to leave, and not know what was happening.
"Go." Eli ordered.
I walked swiftly towards them, trying to go down the hallway that lead to the gym. Unfortunately, it was not my day, and Fitz grabbed my leg pulling it towards him. I slipped and fell on my back. It hurt like hell, and my head slammed against the ground. My vision blurred and stars were dancing across it.
"She's not going anywhere." Fitz stated coldly. I wasn't really paying attention but I knew that we needed help for sure now. I pressed my hand to the back of head, and when I pulled it away I noticed blood.
"Clare!" Eli gasped, I know he noticed the blood. He punched Fitz harder this time, and it was in the jaw. Fitz yelped at this and I took it as a good sign.
"I'm—I'm okay." I stuttered, still shocked at the blood. I didn't think I hit my head that hard. I stood up shakily and walked quickly down the hall.
"Get back here you whore!" Fitz demanded. I knew Eli had him so I ignored him and continued down the hallway.
I checked to make sure the knife was still in my pocket and ran. I pressed my sleeve up to the back of my head, and continued to run. I needed help. Anyone. I ran to the gym. The lights were off and the door was locked. I figured they would be because of a lock down. I slammed my fist against the door repeatedly. Screaming for someone to answer it.
"Please! Someone answer the door! I know someone's in there! Please! We need help!" I screamed.
No one answered. Tears started falling from my eyes. I needed someone to hear me.
"Don't Move!" A harsh voice growled behind me. I froze. "Turn around!" I spun slowly on my heels to face the person.