Just This Once

Chapter Six

Clare felt Eli guide her through the crowded hallways full of curses, laughter, and mindless chatter. It smelled like Axe and Princess by Vera Wang. The only reason Clare could tell was because she had the same perfume at home. She picked out the hints of vanilla in the air and inhaled it. The scent was comforting and helped to fill the gap in her stomach. Eli had made it look like they'd been in the school the whole time, flowing effortlessly into the crowd. She spotted Sav from a bit away, watching her carefully, not even bothering to hide it. She squirmed uncomfortably, and weaved in between the students that flooded the halls, dragging Eli along with her by default, as they were linked by their hands. When they had landed on the other side of the hallway, Eli must've caught someone's eye and began to walk over.

"Where are we going?" She asked, hoping to keep nervousness out.

"I have to go talk to Sav. He texted me before." He explained.

Clare stopped dead. She didn't want to be there when Sav figured out she lied to him. "Umm, I think I'll go find Adam."

Eli didn't miss her hesitation. "Everything okay, Blue-Eyes?"

"Aside from the obvious? Yeah. Everything is good." She let his hand go. Eli reached down and took her face in his hands, kissing her on the lips for a good few moments. When they finally broke apart, he gave her hand a final parting squeeze and left to find Sav.

Clare hurried away from the scene that was about to unfold. They were bound to figure out that she hadn't told the truth and she hoped to be in British Colombia when they did. She was making good progress when a hand shot out from the side and grabbed her arm, tugging her off to the side. She let out a squeak but sighed when she saw it was just Adam.

"Hey, come with me." Adam demanded softly. He didn't wait for her answer before taking her wrist gently and led her to the memorial garden for JT York. He sat her down on the bench and took the seat next to her. "There's something you need to see."

"Whatever it is you're going to show me, Adam, I'm really not in the mood to find out." She muttered, standing up and going to the door. Adam was faster and was leaning against the door way before she could get there.

"No, you're going to stay and you're going to listen." He stated firmly.

Clare tried to push past him and open the door. "You can't tell me what to do."

"It involves me and burning." He blurted, still trying to fend off Clare, who stopped moving at his words.

"You….burning…what?" She screeched.

Adam grabbed her upper arms. "Sit first." He ordered, steering her towards the bench. After a few moments hesitation, Clare perched herself lightly on the bench and looked up at Adam expectantly. "Okay, when I was….Gracie, I would burn myself to find an…..escape." He murmured, rolling up his sleeves to reveal his hairpin burns. Clare gasped and ran a hand over the scars unthinkingly.

"Adam, that's so stupid! You shouldn't burn yourself just because you were in the wrong body. It's just such a bad idea, I mean it's harmful, it's dangerous, and overall only dense people do that."

"Clare, I don't think you get it, I-" Adam let Clare cut him off. He had her right where he wanted her.

"No, I don't care; it's reckless, idiotic-" Clare was on her feet now, pacing.

"And exactly what you're doing?" He cocked an eyebrow.

"That is entirely different." She stopped her motion and looked at him.

"No, Clare, it really isn't. You're burning yourself because you're looking for an escape."

"I'll see you later." Her voice cracked as she spoke. As she hurried from the garden, she swore she could hear Adam whisper 'The truth hurts.'

XxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXx

Author's Note: I'm back! Did you miss me? Anyway, sorry this chapter was so short but I rather like it. I promise I'll start updating more often. Anyway, can we make it to eighty reviews? If we can? BAMF (Bad-ass motherfucker.) If not, I'll still update.

Oh and did anyone else see the new commercial for next week. Jenna and Sav? No way, nu-uh. I nearly flipped a shit. I am Sanya. I put up with Solly J. purely because it was just supposed to be till graduation. But I will not stand for Jav. Senna? Ewww, it sounds gross. If you ship this then get the fuck out. Oh, relax, I'm kidding. But seriously, I won't read it. I'll only tolerate it if they break up two episodes later.

Peace out,

Julie