Okay, this is the last chapter. I know when I posted last I said there would probably be 3-4 more, but I decided instead to just post a super long chapter that concludes the story.

I'm really going to miss this story. I have officially fallen in love with Clare and Sav as a couple, and perhaps I'll end up doing an epilogue or sequel of some sort. I really don't want to give them up, but this particular story is definitely reached its ending.

Anyway, after reading, let me know how you feel about the ending, and also whether or not you're feeling an epilogue/sequel.

Thank you to all of you who have read the story; you're all really kind and I love you. =)

Okay, no more delays. Chapter 8- commence:

After showering and lying in bed for a few hours I was still unable to wrap my head around what had happened exactly. I mean, technically I was very much aware of everything that had occurred: twenty questions with Sav, talking about love, that kiss, and…Anya. But after that I couldn't figure out how I felt, where that left Sav and me, or what in the world Sav was thinking.

After realizing that I was not going to be getting any sleep whatsoever I grabbed my laptop off the ground and powered it up. I sat staring at the blank screen for a few minutes, willing my brain to relent just long enough for me to sleep, but it didn't happen. Instead, I logged on to FaceRange.

I didn't really use social networking sites all that often; if people wanted to talk to me they probably had my phone number. But in cases like tonight, when sleeping was an impossibility, I was happy to have a tawdry distraction.

As I was scrolling through the news feed, though, I came across a post from Anya: Thank you Sav Bhandari. I know our relationship didn't end on great terms, but it's nice to know I can always count on you to be here for me.

My heart plummeted into my stomach, and I immediately snapped the computer off. So much for a distraction; I was only feeling worse now.

I collapsed against my pillows, considering another visit to my friend Mr. Cough Syrup, when my phone started buzzing on my bedside table- Sav.

"What," I snapped quietly, deciding to answer.

"I thought I might find you awake. Are you mad?"

"I know you're smarter than that, Sav."

"Okay, look Clare, you have every right to be upset, but I have a good reason for leaving."

"I get it, Sav. Anya was your first love, and you still want to be with her. It's fine. I'll get over it, or whatever."

"What? Clare, no; you're not being fair. I…"

"I'm not being fair?" I screeched, forgetting for a moment that it was three in the morning, and I needed to stay quiet. I lowered my voice and continued. "I'm not the one that walked out on our first date to see my ex. The one that you just got done telling me you would never stop loving."

"Do you remember what I said after that? I'm falling in love with you, Clare. And Anya's mom has cancer. She didn't know who to call, and I was the first person who came to mind. Don't tell me that if K.C. called you in tears that you wouldn't go find him right away to help."

"I wouldn't," I said stubbornly, although I probably would have. Sav leaving had hurt my feelings, and I wasn't exactly in the mood to be understanding or tolerant. "And I'm sorry to hear about Anya's mom, I really am, but I don't think I can just look past this, Sav. We rushed into this before we were ready. We need to cool off, Sav; I need to take a break."

"Clare, no, we can work…"

"Sav, please. I just need some time to think, okay?"

A long silence stretched out between us. Finally, in a small, defeated voice, Sav responded. "Fine. But this isn't permanent, Clare. I refuse to give up on you this easy."

I deflated. Suddenly I was more tired than I ever had been in my entire life. I needed to sleep; my brain was shutting down slowly. "Goodnight, Sav."

I hung up, and a few traitor tears slid down my cheeks. I closed my eyes, took a deep breath, and snuggled down into my sheets. I fell asleep almost instantly.

XXX

"Clare, honey, wake up. I know you love Panera Bread so I thought we could go there to talk, but if you sleep any longer it won't be a lunch date."

I groaned, but sat up slowly in bed. 'Don't think about it,' I commanded myself, trying to focus on anything but what had happened the night before. 'You can get through anything as long as you don't think about you know who.' All I had dreamed about the night before was those warm chocolate brown eyes. That beautiful smile…this was not going to be easy, but I really just needed some space. In the long run it would be the best for the both of us

My mom was already dressed and she had a cheery smile plastered on her face. "That's my girl. Hurry up; I'll meet you downstairs in twenty minutes."

"Someone took their happy pills this morning," I grumbled under my breath, walking toward the bathroom.

I quickly got ready, not wanting to keep my mom waiting. When I looked in the mirror, though, I was distracted. The girl on the other side of the glass looked foreign, broken. Not that I had any reason to be so upset Sav and I were taking a break; this was not permanent. Besides, I was the one who requested this; forced it upon Sav, really.

I cringed. I wasn't supposed to be thinking about him or the situation. Today was all about my mom and me, and later I would call my dad. There was so much that needed to be worked out, but thanks to the game of twenty questions I was determined to not be Saint Clare in this scenario. It wasn't going to be my job to pick up the pieces, make sure they could be put back together. I wasn't perfect and it was about time my parents stopped expecting me to be.

I grabbed my purse and trudged down the stairs. Whatever happens…happens. I couldn't control it all, and it shouldn't be my responsibility to. The thought was liberating.

"Ready to go?" my mom asked cheerfully.

"As ready as I'll ever be."

My mom nodded as if she understood completely, and held the front door open for me. As I passed her, I grabbed her free hand and gave it a quick squeeze. She squeezed back with equal pressure, and we got into the car.

My mom was nervous. I doubt even a stranger would be able to miss the way she fidgeted the entire ride to Panera, or the way she jumped whenever I made the tiniest of side comments. I knew she wasn't looking forward to talking about this, but we really needed to face it together. I didn't even know where to start, but I knew that once we did both of us would feel better.

Once we had finally ordered and sat down at a table I let my mom enjoy her meal before I spoke up. "Why did you lie to me?"

My mom choked just the slightest bit on her soup. "Because I didn't want to believe what was happening myself…"

I nodded; that was fair enough I supposed. "Okay, I get that, but why would you try to convince me that nothing was wrong even when I heard you and dad fighting all the time?"

"Clare, sweetie, if I had told you right away about your father's and my problems you would have tried to fix something that was broken beyond repair. That's just your nature; you want to control everything."

"I really don't, though."

"Don't what?"

"I don't want to control everything! Mom, I take control because no one else does, but that really shouldn't be my job. You just expect it from me, though, and I can't give you anything less. It's not fair. I'm fifteen years old, and you wouldn't tell me that you and dad were having marital problems because you expected me to try and swoop in to fix everything. Does that not sound crazy to you; messed up in the least?"

Mom paused for a moment, tears suddenly filling her eyes. "Oh, Clare. I never realized we were putting so much pressure on you. I'm so sorry."

"Mommy…don't cry. We can work through this together- you just have to start talking to me. And you can't expect me to fix your problems. That's all up to you and dad."

"I don't know if our problems can be fixed."

"So…are you getting a divorce now; it's official?"

"I think that might be for the best. Your dad and I…we're just not in love anymore. We can't keep pretending; it hurts too much."

It hurt a little to hear this, but less than I had expected. We were a strong family, but I no longer felt like keeping us together was going to be my job alone. We could work together. Divorce didn't automatically mean none of us could be happy anymore, and it didn't make my parents any less my family. Dysfunctional as they were…they were still mine.

"So…do you need me to get a job…or…"

"Clare your only job is to go to school and try to be happy. I've already applied to several receptionist jobs in the area, and your father and I will work out all the technicalities. You're right, you're only fifteen, and I want you to stop trying to act like you're not. Your father and I are adults; we'll handle everything."

Even though it was everything I had just told her, it felt so much better to hear my mom reinforce the fact that this wasn't my job. I was allowed to just be a kid. I sighed, letting all my stress and worry leave my body.

I smiled at my mom and she returned it without hesitation. I could see the stress on her face- she was tired and emotionally drained, but she was strong and she would get through this. We would get through this. I reached across the table, and my mom's hand met mine in the middle, latching onto each other as we finished our lunches in reassured silence.

XXX

When we got home I gave my mom a firm hug. "Thanks for going with me today, mom. I know you really didn't want to talk about all of that."

"You're my daughter and all you wanted from me was to talk about something I should have told you about from the beginning- I hardly think a thanks is in order."

"I love you."

"I love you, too, Clare-bear. You're the best daughter a mother could ask for."

I laughed, heading for the stairs. "I don't know about that," I called down to her as I walked up to my room.

I threw my purse on the ground next to my bed after extracting my phone. Now it was time to call my dad. When I flipped the phone open, though, I had a single text message waiting for me…from Sav.

It read: "I hope lunch with your mom was productive. Call me later?"

Tears sprung to my eyes; he remembered the lunch. I was flattered, and I wanted nothing more than to call him that instant, but I couldn't. I needed my time to think; to figure out if I could really handle a relationship with him. I needed space, but he was making it so damn hard. Why did he have to be so genuinely sweet?

I exited out of the text, deciding to ignore it for the time being, and dialed my dad's cell number.

I didn't have to wait long for him to answer. "Clare-bear! How are things without your old man at home?"

He sounded more relaxed than I had heard him for months. Obviously moving out had been beneficial for him.

"Hey, Dad; I've missed you. I was actually wondering if I could come visit you…I think we should talk."

Without a moment's hesitation he gave me the address. I promptly entered it into my computer, directions popping up. I promised my dad I would see him soon, and then printed out the directions. It wasn't far- 5 minutes by car meant approximately 15 minutes on my bike.

I found my mom in the living room folding a load of laundry and watching the news.

"Hey, mom, I'm going to go visit Dad. I figured since our talk went so well this morning I should probably talk to him, too."

"Oh, okay. Do you need a ride over there?"

"I think I'll just ride my bike; thanks though."

She nodded, smiling fondly at me. "I'm proud of you sweetie…for speaking up. But don't wear yourself out, oaky.

I laughed, shaking off her concern. I was beyond wearing myself out between my mom and Sav, but I had to talk to my dad. There would be no sense putting it off.

"I'll try my best," I assured her before I took off.

The ride to my dad's new apartment, as I had expected, took me about fifteen minutes. That gave me enough time to gather and prepare myself; there was a lot that needed to be said, and I wanted to have it all in order before I got there. I wanted to know why he hadn't called me, why he hadn't told me about Mom's and his relationship issues, and what his take was on what would happen now.

I chained my bike to the rack outside my dad's building, and just as I was finishing up my Dad burst out the door.

"Hi, Dad," I greeted him. I was extremely happy to see him, and my elation caught me off guard for a moment. I hadn't realized how much I missed having my dad at home.

Instead of answering me, my dad walked right up to me to engulf me in a big bear hug. I immediately latched onto him, returning the pressure. I could not remember the last time he gave me one of these hugs.

"Let's go upstairs, Clare-bear. We can talk up there."

I nodded, smiling at him. He just seemed so happy.

His apartment was small, but it seemed to have everything he needed, so it gave off a cozy feeling rather than a claustrophobic one. I made my way to the tiny, tattered couch and settled in.

"Nice place you got here."

"Isn't it though?" my dad beamed, setting himself down in the easy-chair across from me.

"Why haven't you called me, Dad?"

I could tell he was caught off guard, the smile slipped off his face, but I couldn't hold off my questions anymore.

"You're going to hate me when I tell you."

"I think I can handle it; please just talk to me."

"I was selfish, Clare-bear. I didn't want to call you because I was afraid you would be angry at me, yell at me for leaving, and accuse me of letting you down. I couldn't hear you say those things, though. You're mother had already said them all, but I wouldn't be able to handle it if it came from the most important girl in my life. So I waited for you to come to me, hoping that by the time you called you wouldn't be mad anymore."

"How did it feel…the waiting, I mean?"

"I felt like a coward, but I couldn't bring myself to pick up the phone."

"Why not?"

He didn't answer my question right away. "You know, I went to see a therapist. It was just one session so far, but I already feel like I know myself so much better. When your mom and I were together I was unhappy, so I compensated by yelling all the time- making the other people in my life unhappy with me. I love your mom, Clare, but we have grown apart. We want different things for our lives, and it's just so much better when we're not together. It's going to be hard for all of us, but I think this split is for the best."

I nodded, taking it all in. I could already see that my dad was right- being apart really had done both him and my mother good. However, I couldn't help being a little angry at him for not calling me; wanting to talk sooner.

"So what is it going to take to make you less cowardly?" I finally asked him.

He frowned, "I'm working on it, Clare. And I promise to call you every day from now until forever. Your mom and I have discussed some things, and we're thinking she'll get full custody. That way you can stay at Degrassi, and you won't be moving back and forth, but I'll still get visitation rights. Which means you can spend weekends with me, and my door will always be open for you."

I hadn't even thought about custody until my dad brought it up, but I was happy to hear that they weren't going to make me go between the two of them every week. This was starting to sound like it would actually work out for the best for everyone involved. A small smile spread across my lips.

"Thanks, Dad. I love you, you know."

"I know, Clare. And believe me, the feeling is mutual. You're such a strong girl; I'm so proud of the woman you have become. Thank you for understanding your mother's and my decision."

And with that everything seemed to fall into place. My parents were getting a divorce, but I was completely okay with it because that didn't mean we had to stop being a family. Not to mention, they no longer expected perfection from me because I had finally stood up to them; I was taking control of my own life and happiness.

As I thought that, a need to call Sav welled up in my chest- intense and insistent. If it wasn't for him I wouldn't have had the nerve to talk to my mom or my dad.

Sav…he was the only piece of the puzzle that no longer seemed to have a place to fit. What in the world was I going to do about him?

My dad stood up and stretched as I continued to run mental circles around myself. "You want to stay; hang out for a little while, Clare-bear?"

"Sounds delightful," I replied, still a little distracted.

My dad and I ended up playing cards, then watching a movie until my mom called to see when I was coming home. I kissed my dad goodbye and started to head out the door, but he insisted on driving me home because it was dark. It reminded me of when Sav and I had met at the Dot just a few days ago, and he had walked me home because it was dark.

'You're not supposed to be thinking about it, remember?' I mentally scolded myself. So far, though, that was proving to be easier said than done. You would think that I would just give in and call Sav, tell him this break wasn't working for me, but I had came up with this plan, and I would be damned if I didn't stick to it.

My dad dropped me off in front of the house, but didn't linger. I told my mom I was home, but made my way up to my room almost as soon as I was through the door. I had used up all my emotional stamina and I really needed some sleep. I had a feeling it would be coming easier than the night before.

I quickly hopped in the shower, and then slipped into my comfiest pajamas. Right as I was about to crawl into bed, I noticed the pile of clean, folded laundry on my desk. My mom had obviously taken the liberty of doing my laundry along with her own. I started to put it all away until I came to the last items in the pile- Sav's shirt and shorts.

I paused for a moment, wondering what I was supposed to do with them. I had completely forgotten I still had them; I thought I gave them back to Sav.

Almost without thinking, my fingers closed around the fabric and brought it to my face. I inhaled deeply, hoping our detergent had not washed out Sav's scent completely. It hadn't. I could still smell the mixture of coffee and vanilla; it had a strange calming effect. I slipped off the shirt I was wearing and replaced it with Sav's. I threw the shorts in my purse, vowing that I would give both articles of clothing back on Monday. But there was no reason I couldn't get one last use out of it before Monday came around.

XXX

My Sunday was extremely uneventful. I finished up some homework that I had been putting off, and then my mom and I had watched some TV after going for a walk in the park. I also talked to my dad for a few minutes. He thought it might be a good idea if I joined him at his therapy session next week. My mom agreed.

Sav called a few times, but I ignored each one. Every time I set the phone aside I became more confident that I was doing the best thing for both of us. Wearing Sav's shirt to bed was the last slip up; I was committing to this new found independent happiness.

The ironic thing was Sav had been the one to convince me that I needed to commit to myself; that my happiness should come first. And it wasn't that Sav didn't make me happy, we just weren't ready for each other. He wasn't done with Anya, and I needed to focus on my family. We weren't over; we just had to wait until we were both emotionally ready. I wasn't scared or anything that he would end up breaking my heart; yeah, that wasn't it at all.

I did try to call Alli a few times before remembering that she was grounded. I couldn't help but wonder what would happen Monday. She did say she wasn't going to be happy if she ended up caught in the middle of Sav and me…I would just have to wait to see how the day progressed.

When it finally became an acceptable time for me to go to bed I packed my bag for school, including Sav's clothes, showered, and crawled into bed. Sleep didn't come to me immediately, but it did come.

In the morning my alarm pierced through my dreamless sleep, and I didn't even hit the snooze button. I was feeling rested, relaxed, and ready to take on the day. All in all…I was feeling happy.

Mom wasn't awake yet, so I took my bike to school. When I got there Alli was waiting for me at the bottom of the front steps. I slung my arm around her should as soon as she was within my reach. "Good morning, my dear friend. Your grounding needs to stop soon; I wanted to call you this weekend, but I remembered that you're on lockdown."

"That I am; but let's not talk about me. You seem to be in a delightful mood this morning."

"What was your first clue?"

"Maybe it's the fact that you're smiling so big I'm afraid you're going to break your face in half. Normally, I would assume that your good mood had something to do with Sav and your date," Alli cringed, saying the word date like someone else would say 'feces', "but Sav was mopey all weekend. What gives?"

"We're on a little bit of a break; it's not a big deal. I'm sure you really don't want to talk about it…"

"Is it safe to assume, based on Sav's mood versus your mood, that you decided this break was necessary?"

"Seriously Alli, let's not talk about this. You don't want to be caught in the middle, remember? Sav and I will work things out eventually, but right now I have to deal with my parent's divorce and my family, and Sav still has some Anya drama to attend to."

Alli stepped in front of me, cutting me off. "Hold the phone! You're parents are getting divorced? I thought your dad's move-out was temporary…"

"It was…until it became better for everyone that it be permanent."

Alli pulled me into a hug, crushing her tiny frame against mine with as much force as she could possibly muster. "Are you…how are you taking things?"

"Alli, would I be in this great of a mood if I wasn't one hundred percent okay?"

I felt she scrutinize me as I walked up to my locker, and then all the way to class. When we were seated Alli finally said something, obviously confused with what she had found during her intense study of me.

"Why are you so happy Clare? I mean, between your break with Sav and your parents making their divorce official you should be an emotional wreck right now. Did you…snap or something?"

"Wow, Alli, thanks. Your faith in me is heartwarming."

"I'm serious, Clare! You have me worried now."

"Okay, look," class started, so I had to talk in a whisper, "I realized this weekend that everyone really is better off with this break. My parents weren't happy together, but just because they aren't together anymore doesn't make them any less my parents. We're going to get through this, and we'll all be stronger because of it. Besides, I finally stood up to them, Alli. I told them that I wasn't perfect, and I couldn't handle everything for them anymore. As for me and Sav…well this isn't a permanent thing; as I have said several times already."

Alli stuck her tongue out at me, and was about to answer when the teacher cut us off. "Ladies, do you have something you'd like to share with the class?"

"No thanks," Alli and I replied in unison, earning a wave of giggles from the rest of the class.

I sighed, opening up my notebook so I could copy the notes.

A few minutes later a piece of notebook paper landed on my desk. I glared at Alli who was facing straight ahead smiling innocently. I rolled my eyes and unfolded the paper. "So you really told off your folks?" was written neatly on top in Alli's flowery handwriting.

"I really did," I quickly wrote back before passing back the paper when the teacher turned his back.

Alli let out an impressed, low whistle. Should I be insulted that she was so surprised?

The note never returned, so I paid attention for the rest of the period. As soon as the bell rang, though, Alli was talking again.

"How did they take the news?"

"Fine; can we drop this yet?"

Alli let out an exasperated sigh. "Sure, sure. It's just my life is boring right now; I need to live vicariously through you."

"Good luck with that," I said sarcastically. "I wouldn't exactly call my life exciting enough for you."

"You're right; it's not."

Just then I spotted Drew staring at Alli, and I nudged her with my elbow. "Excitement at twelve 'o' clock," I joked, discreetly pointing him out.

Alli took one look at him, and then back at me. "I'll see you at lunch, okay?"

"Have fun."

"I always do."

And with that Alli took off down the hallway. I was happy to see that Drew and she weren't suffering because of the whole getting busted debacle. If anything they seemed to be crazier about each other. It must have been one hell of a date up until getting caught.

I turned down the hallway with my next class and immediately spotted Sav casually leaning against the classroom door. My heart dropped right into my stomach, and I felt the blush rise to my cheeks. I had known I was going to have to talk to him anyway, I had his clothes in my bag still, but I was hoping that I would have until the end of the day to prepare.

Too late now; I soldiered on, walking right up to him.

"How was your weekend?" Sav asked as soon as I stopped in front of him, I could feel his eyes as they searched my face.

"Productive. Thanks for your text, by the way. Lunch with my mom went really well."

"I'm happy to hear that…" A long, awkward silence stretched between us. I finally looked up to meet Sav's gaze, and what I saw broke my heart. He looked miserable. And I was the cause of that look.

"How about your weekend?" I squeaked, cringing.

"It really doesn't matter; why didn't you pick up the phone when I called, Clare?"

I flinched at the hurt and anger just barely subdued in his voice. I sucked for putting him through this.

"I told you I needed space. Talking on the phone every night isn't really going to allow for that, is it?"

My sarcasm was weak, ineffective.

"No, I guess it's not. But is completely ignoring me going to do us any good?"

I ignored the validity of his question. Instead, I reached into my bag to pull out his shirt and shorts.

"I forgot to give these back to you."

"Is this really just a break, Clare, or are you going to disappear on me?"

"Just, please, take the clothes, Sav."

After staring at me for an immeasurable amount of time he snatched the clothes from my outstretched hand, and started to walk away from me down the hall.

Well, I handled that well…not.

XXX

The rest of the week I made a careful effort to avoid Sav completely, and to keep Alli's and my time together to a minimum. I was just so shook up from the encounter with Sav on Monday that I didn't think I could handle another run-in with him. And whenever Alli brought him up, which was, mysteriously, an ever increasing amount, I cringed. I could hardly think about him without crying, I didn't need to hear about him all the time, too.

I was sure that I had officially pushed Sav too far away, and I could never repair the damage I had done.

I really had started off just wanting a break, but now it was too late to put together the broken relationship. Sav was just a puzzle piece I was better off forgetting; there would never be a place for him to fit in my life again. I had done a great job of making sure of that.

He deserved better than me, anyway. Maybe now he and Anya could have another shot.

However, as unbearable as life was becoming at school, life at home just kept getting better. Mom, Dad, and I all went to a therapy session together, and my parents didn't yell at each other once. We all got a chance to talk about how the divorce was affecting us, and it was an eye-opening experience.

Mom let me spend the night at Dad's apartment on Wednesday, but aside from that Mom and I were having dinner together every night.

I was really starting to love this new dynamic if only because my parents were both unbelievably happy. Sure, they were both scared about having to adjust to the new life just like I was, but they were getting a chance to explore the lives they had always wanted.

By the time Friday rolled around my mom had a new job, and I was starting to settle into the new routine.

"I'll be here to pick you up around three, okay?" my mom asked as I slipped out of her car.

"Sounds like a plan," I smiled at her before closing the door.

Alli wasn't waiting for me on the stairs; she had caught on to the fact that I was distancing myself, and only talked to me when I came to her first. It was sad, but I knew it had to be done.

My first class went by in a blur of equations, formulas, and notes. By the time it was over I already wanted to go home. I took solace in the fact that I had English next, and we were reading one of my favorite books: Catcher in the Rye.

As I was walking down the hall toward Dawes' classroom I hear someone call my name loudly and excitedly.

"Clare; Clare, wait up!"

I turned to find Sav stumbling toward me, towering over the other students. My fight or flight instinct kicked in, freezing me in place. Why did he look so happy?

"Clare, I did it," Sav exclaimed, finally reaching me. He placed both of his hands on my shoulders and continued to smile hugely at me.

"Did…what?"

"I told my parents that I didn't want to be an engineer; that I was never going to be an engineer. I told them I wanted to be a musician. I told them about you, too. There will be no arranged marriage for me!"

"Wait; hold on a second…back up. What?"

"Alli and I talked last night. She told me everything you said to her; that you finally stood up to your parents. She said you had never meant for the break to be permanent, you were just caught up with your family drama. And that you thought I wasn't over Anya. But, Clare, I have never been more over Anya in my life. When I heard that you finally told your parents that you didn't want to be the responsible Saint Clare anymore I thought about everything we had said to each other last Friday night. You wanted us to be able to work out our problems together. I was skeptical at first, but when I heard that you went through with your end I wanted the picture you had painted so badly. So I did it…for you, Clare. For me, too, but it was because you gave me the courage. I've never felt like this about anyone before."

I let everything he was saying sink in around me, willing it to make sense. Several emotions swirled around my head: confusion, bafflement, disbelief, fear…then, finally, elation.

"You did it; you really told them?"

"I really did!"

"And how did they take it?"

"Well, as of right now they're not talking to me…and you probably won't be allowed to come over for a while. But none of that matters because we can be together now. That is…if you still want to."

For the first time the smile slipped off Sav's face and he looked unsure.

But he had told his parents everything that he had been hiding for years…because of me. He had never been able to do that for Anya, but he did it for me. Obviously he was over Anya, and I was an idiot.

"I should be the one asking you if you still want to be with me. I screwed up big-time Sav, and I'm sorry; really, truly sorry. I would understand if…"

Sav cut me off by picking me up, swirling me around, and planting the biggest kiss on my lips…in front of everyone in the hallway. But I couldn't bring myself to care about the public display of affection- not with Sav's lips moving against mine in a way that was making my heart race right out of my chest.

After a few perfect moments he placed me back on the ground. "I have to get to class. I'll see you at lunch."

With an elated smile and a quick kiss to my forehead Sav ran off in the direction of his class. I turned to watch him go, unable to make my feet move just yet.

This was just…too good to be true. But it was true.

Just then, someone bumped into me from behind, causing my books to go flying, sprawling across the almost empty hallway. Great, I was going to be late for class. But I couldn't bring myself to be too upset about that, though, given my previous holdup.

I bent down gather my things, and the person who had hit me immediately reached out to help. "You know, hallways are generally made for walking."

His tone was sarcastic, and I quickly came up with a witty retort as I picked up my notebook. "You know, hallways generally work best when you watch where you're going."

I stood up to accept my other books from the boy. I realized I had never seen him around before, I would have remembered the deep forest green of his eyes- eyes that seemed to be swallowed up by pain. It was like those eyes were sucking me in, and there was quite obviously something broken from the inside out. It was almost unbearable to look at.

He spoke again, pulling my attention from his eyes to the rest of him.

"Touché," he said, giving off a cocky demeanor; a smirk was set on his full lips. He was obviously going through a lot of trouble to mask the hurt that was so painfully evident in his eyes. He was also dressed in black from head to toe, but it suited him well.

"Are you new here?" I asked stupidly as the bell rang, declaring me officially late.

"Why; do I look out of place to you? But, as long as you're asking, yes, I just transferred."

I nodded, a smile breaking out on my face again because he did look out of place. If I had to bet, though, there were very few places this kid didn't look out of place.

"Clare Edwards," I said, officially introducing myself. I offered my hand, but he just stared at it like it was a foreign object, so I quickly retracted.

"Elijah Goldsworthy…but you can call me Eli."

"Well, Eli, I hope you find Degrassi pleasurable. It was nice meeting you."

"Is 'formalities' offered as a class here? Because I bet you're passing with flying colors."

"So, you think you're funny, huh?"

"Nah, I prefer to think of myself as witty." I rolled my eyes at him, but the truth was he was amusing. I think I liked this guy. He was refreshingly poised and had a decent sense of humor. It was clear he came with a back story, though…if his eyes were any indication. "Well, I guess I'll see you around, Clare Edwards."

I nodded, watching him walk away. The funny thing was he walked right up to Mrs. Dawes' room…he was in my English class? That was interesting.

I took a final sweep of the hallway to make sure I had gotten all my books. Just as I was about to make my way to class myself, my phone buzzed in my pocket. I pulled it out to find a text from Sav: "P.S. - In case it wasn't clear before, I love you, Clare."

I smiled, pocketing my phone. I couldn't wait to tell him that I loved him, too.

And wasn't it such a funny thing-love? It behaves differently every time. Every person will experience several different kinds of love over the course of their life. Sometimes it will speak volumes like the pounding of a drum, or it could be soft and sweet like a violin. Other times it will be the support for everything else in your life, offering a constant stream of reassurance like a bass.

And then, if you're really lucky, you'll find a love that will cover all the different instruments; you'll find someone who has a rhythm of love that matches yours perfectly.

And you won't be able to stop yourself from singing along.