I'm so excited to write this, so I won't even bother with much of an author's note. Enjoy! You guys are seriously the best. =D

Sitting in detention was literally torturous. I sat in the back so I could slip in my earphones, and try to block all my anxieties about tonight from driving me insane. Too bad it wasn't working. I was still dumbfounded by Clare's attitude, and I hoped that she would return to sensible Clare very soon. It was exhausting trying to keep up with her.

Add that to the fact that sitting in detention was just reinforcing the fact that Clare's parents had every right to hate me, and I was a wreck. All I could think about was my room back at home; the Edward's probably wanted so much for Clare, and I was going to ruin it because I was literally messed up.

'Deep breaths,' I reminded myself, repeating this mantra until detention was over.

When I arrived at home I avoided my room at all costs. Going in there would surely drive me up the wall, and, right now, that was the last thing I needed. I paced into the kitchen to grab a glass of water simply for something to do. Clare was expecting me at 5 and it was, I looked down at my watch, 4:10 now.

My mom, who was sitting in the kitchen, spoke up when I slammed the cabinet door closed making the glasses inside clink together. "Want to talk about it?" She asked simply.

"I'm just stressed," I tried to make my voice nonchalant, but it only sounded strangled in my ears.

"Sweetie," my mom sighed, "I had gathered that much. Do you want to talk about what's stressing you out?"

"I'm going over Clare's for dinner tonight to meet her parents," I informed my mom after a moment. "I'm just…putting a lot of unneeded pressure on myself. It'll be fine," I said unconvincingly.

"That's so cute!" My mom exclaimed. "You shouldn't worry; they'll love you. What's not to love, really?"

I rolled my eyes. That was such a typical mom response. "Thanks, mom," I replied, letting a little sarcasm leak into my tone. "I'm going for a walk," I notified her as I stuck my glass in the dishwasher. "I'll see you later tonight."

"Bye, baby," my mom called after me as I stalked out of the room and slammed the front door behind me. I needed to release some of this nervous energy, so I hopped in Morty and drove to the park.

Walking always helped me to clam my nerves, and this trip to the park was no different. I started using this method just after Julia had died; I simply couldn't sit in the house any longer, so I got up and went. I've been doing it ever since. I wasn't exactly the outdoors type, but there was something relaxing in the way the breeze slipped lightly through my hair, the smell of freshly cut grass, the sun covering my surroundings in a warm glow. Before I knew it I was totally in control of myself and my emotions once again, and just in time to head to Clare's.

I pulled up to her house at five on the dot, parked Morty on the curb, and rang the doorbell. Clare pulled the door open, a welcoming smile on her face. "Hey," I greeted her, a matching smile blooming on my face. Clare's eyes, although still containing the devilish gleam, had dimmed down a bit. I sighed in relief. "You're still wearing your uniform?" I questioned her. I couldn't even stand to put it on for school hours, and here she was prancing around her house in it.

"It's more convenient than dirtying another outfit," Clare shrugged. My smile widened- that was such a Sensible Clare thing to say. I hoped she was back for good.

"Mhmm," I murmured my understanding. "So, do I get to come in, or are we going to stand in your doorway all night?" I asked her sarcastically, raising my eyebrows.

"Oh sorry," Clare flushed, embarrassed, "Please, come in." She gestured widely to her living room. "Welcome to our humble abode."

"Clare, I've been here before, remember."

"Never formally," she reminded me, grabbing my hand and pulling me into the kitchen. Her mom was standing at the stove stirring a pot of something that smelled like beef. Her dad was nowhere to be found. "Mom," Clare cleared her throat, causing her mom to jump into the air, "Sorry. This is Eli," Clare announced proudly, squeezing my hand before dropping it. "Eli, this is my mom."

I held out my hand to give hers' a firm shake. "It really is a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Edwards," I told her honestly. "Is there anything I can do to help?" I asked, gesturing vaguely to the cooking supplies.

"No, dear, but that's very sweet of you," her mom smiled tiredly at me. "I'm almost done, anyway. I hope you like tacos." They weren't my favorite, but there was no way I was going to complain, so I nodded eagerly. "Good," she complied, "and it's very nice to meet you as well. I'll let you know when the food's ready."

"Thank you, ma'am," I smiled at her, and Clare led me out to the front room again. She took a seat on the couch, and patted the spot next to her, so I walked over to join her, lightly draping my arm over her shoulders.

"That was impressive," Clare noted. I may have been paranoid, but it almost sounded as if she was a little disappointed that I had done so well with her mother. Strange. "My dad's working, but he should be home any minute," Clare disclosed, laying her head down on my shoulder and sighing.

"How are they, anyway," I asked, hoping Clare would know what I was talking about.

"Let's talk about it later," Clare said, shifting uncomfortably. I had the feeling that meant things had gotten worse. I frowned.

"Sure thing," I reassured her, bending down to plant a kiss on the top of her head. "Thanks for inviting me over," I whispered into her hair, and she shivered.

Just then the door slammed shut, and Clare's dad walked in. Both Clare and I shot upright, but I kept my arm around her shoulders.

"Hi, dad," Clare greeted him, a nervous quiver in her voice. "I want you to meet Eli," she said, gesturing to me. Her dad had set down his briefcase, and was standing in the doorway, eyeing me.

I got up and crossed the room, extending my arm. "Hello, sir," I shook his hand. He gripped mine a little harder than necessary. "Thank you for having me over to dinner. It's so nice to finally meet you." I smiled at him, and he gave me a thin-lipped smile back, nodding his head tightly.

"No one told me we were having guests," he raised his eyebrows at Clare.

"I cleared it with Mom," Clare said defiantly. I cringed, seeing traces of new, rebellious Clare in her eyes.

As I was thinking this, Clare's mom called from the kitchen, "Dinner's ready! Clare would you please set the table?"

"Of course," Clare yelled back, and then turned to me, "Want to help?"

"Indeed," I smiled at her, and followed as she led the way to the kitchen.

Clare and I placed all the taco garnishes on the table, and her mom brought in the meat. Mr. Edwards got everyone something to drink, and then we all sat down at the table. An awkward silence settled over us; Mr. and Mrs. Edwards exchanged loaded glances, and Clare looked very pleased and excited for some reason. She wasn't looking me in the eye, so I had no clue which Clare I was dealing with at the moment. I took a sip of my water to occupy the awkwardness.

After several long, painful moments Clare spoke up. "Mom, thanks so much for letting Eli stay for dinner," she said, grabbing my hand. Her mom smiled, and I could tell Clare was throwing her dad's earlier comment back up in his face. I raised my eyebrow at her. So, I was dealing with new Clare- this worried me immensely.

"So, Eli," her dad began after Mrs. Edwards had oh-so-subtly nodded her head in my direction, her eyes locked with his. "How do you and Clare know each other?" he asked, minimal interest in his voice.

I smiled, remembering our first encounter. But we really knew each other thanks to Ms. Dawes. "We're in English class together," I informed him happily. Mr. Edwards smiled and nodded, obviously approving of this answer, so I continued, "She's one of the smartest, even though she's younger." I looked at Clare, unable to keep the proud smile off my lips. After all, Clare was a beautiful girl, but nothing contributed more to her appeal than her beautiful brain and big heart.

"And I have a wonderful editor," Clare said smiling back at me. I nodded, but she continued, "WHEN we're not skipping class."

My eyes widened, and I almost had a heart attack…did she just say what I think she said? I looked at Clare only to see the evil gleam in her eye brighter than ever. Oh, shit, this was not happening…

Clare smiled tightly at her parents who quickly composed their shocked faces. I turned bright red, but Clare's mom jumped in, choosing to ignore Clare's bout of insanity. "So, what do your parents do, Eli?" she asked me politely.

I opened my mouth to answer, but I was cut off by Clare. The color drained from my face. Judging by the look in her eye this was not going to be pretty. "Oh, his dad is a shock jock," Clare announced scathingly, "Bullfrog on the Solid Rock 98. That station you hate." She annunciated every word of the last sentence delivering it for maximum impact.

I felt about the size of an ant. Why was Clare doing this? I winced, and looked at her dad's expression, but I couldn't read his face so I had no clue what he was thinking about all this. "Bet your home life must be colorful," he commented, staring me down. That wasn't fair. 'I thought Jesus lovers weren't supposed to be judgmental,' I thought to myself sarcastically, knowing that was the opposite of true.

Clare continued, further embarrassing me. "Less colorful, more black," she announced insolently. I shifted uncomfortably feeling like a black sheep. "Eli even drives that hearse outside." Never had I ever been ashamed of Morty. In fact, he had always been a source of pride in my life. I loved my car, and even though he broke down a lot, I always found him endearing. But when Clare told her Dad that he was mine, I wished for once that it was a normal vehicle. I wanted to melt into the carpet and pretend that this evening never happened.

"Why don't we get started" Clare's mom suggested, clearly stressed and disappointed at the turn this conversation had taken. 'Yeah, join the club,' I thought darkly. I couldn't imagine this evening getting any worse. But then…it did, "Eli, as our guest, would you like to thank the Lord for this beautiful meal for us?"

Shit. Clare's parent's folded their hands and looked at me expectantly. A lightning bolt headed straight for me would have been very much welcome, but it didn't come. I was going to have to explain myself delicately. Not that it really mattered, they probably already hated me. "Well…I, uh," I hesitated, not knowing how to break the news to them exactly.

But I never got the chance because Clare jumped in again, 'saving' me the trouble. "Oh, did I forget to mention," Clare said daringly, "Eli's an atheist." She said it so candidly; like she knew the more casual about it she was the more her parents would be upset.

That was the last straw, though. "Clare," I reprimanded her, dangerously close to losing it. But Clare just sat there, a smug little smile on her face. I really wanted to slap it off, and ask her what the hell her problem was, but I was too far in shock to even say anything else.

"Never mind, Eli," Her dad's voice was gruff as he tried to repress his disappointment. I hung my head in shame, not wanting to meet Mr. and Mrs. Edwards' eyes. "Helen?"

"Hmm," she muttered, and started their prayer. "Lord, thank you for bringing us all together this evening to share in this beautiful feast. Amen." As her mother spoke Clare plucked an olive out of one of the bowls and popped it in her mouth provocatively. I gave her the best glare I could muster, hoping the heat of my anger would burn her; prevent her from doing any more damage than she already had.

All I had wanted was for Clare's parents to like me; to rest assured knowing that their daughter was being cared for by someone who loved her and would never do anything to harm her. What I got, though, was Clare playing up all the aspects of my life that make adults cringe even though it's not even half of what makes me who I really am. I was hurt, shocked, and more than a little angry. The worst part was I had no clue what I had done to deserve this. Why was Clare going out of her way to make her parents not like me?

Clare's parents started to eat, but they continued to scrutinize me all the while. Clare was having no trouble eating either, but I couldn't. I felt sick to my stomach. "Excuse me," I said hurriedly, and ran into the bathroom. I turned on the faucet and splashed some cold water on my face. "What the hell?" I asked my reflection, but it gave me no helpful response.

I took a deep breath and walked back to the table. "Are you alright?" Mrs. Edwards asked concerned.

"I will be," I smiled at her, and turned to glare at Clare.

"So, Mom…Dad" Clare started again, smiling at me, "what do you think of Eli?" Clare raised her eyebrows challengingly at them, knowing the answer.

I didn't want them to confirm my worst nightmares, so before they could open their mouth I cut in. "You really don't have to answer that," I begged them; "I just want you to know I'm not the bad guy it may seem like I am. I really care about your daughter, and I'd like you to give me the chance to prove so. But right now, I think it would just be best for everyone if I leave. I'm really sorry Mr. and Mrs. Edwards. I appreciate all you went through to prepare this dinner, but I don't want to impose anymore tonight." I paused to let them digest that much. They both looked surprised, but not necessarily upset that I suggested my leaving. "I'll let myself out," I reassured them. "Thanks again." I got up and walked for the door, shaking my head. Hopefully I was able to repair a little bit of the damage Clare had done. My heart sank as I reached the door; this could not have panned out any more horridly. Even in my crazed musings earlier that day I had not imagined this dinner going so awry.

Just as I had unlocked Morty and was about to climb in Clare run up to me- "Why are you leaving?" she asked confused.

"You're smart. You should be able to figure that out," I spat at her, "I don't know what was up with you tonight, but I hope you come to your senses soon, Clare. I don't know how much longer I can take this." And with that I jumped into Morty, and spend off toward my house leaving Clare confused on her sidewalk, watching me go. I didn't like the way that made me feel- not one bit.

XXX

The next morning I sat up in bed as my alarm pierced through the darkness. I immediately felt around for my phone hoping that Clare had called or texted to apologize about last night. I found it, and flipped it open…nothing. I sighed and hurled myself out of bed. As I got ready I decided it was finally time to embrace the new, structured Degrassi, so I slid on my uniform and glanced in my mirror.

It was so weird to see myself in such bright colors. There was no black to be found except for the mop of hair on the top of my head. It made me feel like I was sticking out like a sore thumb; I already missed my black on black attire. I did take solace in the fact that my shirt was red. I owned a few red articles of clothing, so it wasn't completely out of the ordinary for me to be seen in, but it was still unusual.

I didn't have a whole lot of time to complain though; I was running a little late. I skipped breakfast and headed straight for school.

I was walking up to my locker when Adam came from behind me. "Well, look who decided to conform today!" he mocked.

"Adam," I snapped, "I am really not in the mood today."

He quickly assessed my mood. "Is it safe to assume that dinner didn't go too well?" he asked cautiously. I growled in response, not wanting to talk about it. "Okay, man, I can take a hint. I'll see you in English, okay." He patted my back, and I nodded in response.

As I was digging around in my locker I heard boots clomping over in my direction, but I didn't look up. "You were so cute last night," I heard Clare purr as she approached me.

I frowned. That wasn't exactly the reaction I had expected this morning after what I had said to her last night. Not to mention not a single thing about last night would be something I described as 'cute.' "Was I?" I asked her sarcastically, "I felt more like a pariah." I couldn't bring myself to look at her yet; I was afraid of seeing another smug grin plastered on her face, and I wouldn't be able to take it.

Clare scoffed. "Oh, my parents just have to deal with that fact that I have a big, scary boyfriend," she mocked.

How in the world was she being so casual and lighthearted about this? Didn't she realize the damage she had done? "How can I even show my face in your house aga…," I turned to face her, trailing off when I noticed what she was wearing; my mouth dropping open in surprise.

At first I thought my eyes were playing a trick on me, but when I blinked Clare was still dressed the same. I noticed that she had overdone her makeup, and it was making a mockery out of how beautiful Clare was without any on at all. She had on bright, red lipstick, and her eye liner was on so thick that it made her eyes look out of place on her fair skin. She was wearing her hair straight, and had dyed a large strip in the front black. I loved her natural color, and couldn't believe that she had messed with it. I hoped it was a temporary dye. This wasn't Clare at all.

I let my eyes drop from her face to take in the rest of her new look. When I looked down though, all I could see were her boobs. Clare was beautifully curvy, but she was wearing a corset and a low-cut tank top, so her boobs were hanging out. I resisted the urge to grab a sweater and cover her up so no one else would see. If I wasn't so flabbergasted I would have admired the view myself.

She was also wearing boots, fishnets, and a short plaid skirt. What the hell had happened to the Clare I fell in love with? The girl standing before me was not her. In fact, this girl disgusted me. She was a horrible representation of the sweet, loving, innocent Clare Edwards who happened to be my best friend. "Who are you?" I asked the person in front of me, my disappointment coloring my voice.

"What?" Clare asked, stepping forward to wrap her arms around my neck. "I thought you'd like it," she smiled at me, going for a kiss.

But this wasn't Clare, and I didn't want to have anything to do with this thing she had become. "Clare," I restrained her with my hands, pushing her away, "We'll get a detention." I hated denying her, but I reminded myself that this wasn't really Clare. I had no idea where my Clare was.

"So?" She asked, following me as I walked down the hall. She caught up to me and wrapped her arms around my waist. "Come on; live dangerously," she whispered seductively in my ear.

I ripped her arms off of me. "No, I don't understand why you're doing all this!" I yelled at her, hurt and confused.

Then, finally, the old, sensible Clare broke though. "Because," she yelled back at me, grabbing my arm and forcing me to stop. She twirled me around to face her. "I'm scared," she said, her eyes brimming with tears. "Eli," she pleaded with me, the gleam in her eye completely gone.

But that didn't change the fact that she had hurt me last night, and didn't even have the decency to acknowledge it. "Of what," I challenged her, "sanity?"

"I'm scared that my parents are going to sit me down, look me in the eye, and say 'We're getting a divorce, and there's nothing you can do about it.'" Clare's terror was breaking through, and I could tell that she hadn't admitted this even to herself yet.

Still…"How exactly does using me as a pawn in your parental showdown stop their divorce?" My voice was cutting, I let all my hurt flow though it, making Clare flinch.

"When they're both mad at me they have something in common," she explained. It was a weak justification, but at least I understood where she was coming from at last.

"Clare, they've already decided" I told her gently, my voice growing tender.

"Then maybe they'll see how it's screwing up their daughter," she yelled at me desperately.

I felt like I had been slapped in the face. I had no idea that Clare thought I was 'screwing her up.' Fine. If that's they she wanted it, so be it, but I wanted nothing to do with it.

"Well, I'm not playing that game," I informed her angrily, "You tried to hurt them, but I'm the one that got burned."

A lump formed in my throat as I turned to leave Clare behind for the second time in the last twelve hours.

Want to see how they resolve this? I should have the first half of Umbrella- Part 1 up soon. That's one thing that always bothered me; they fight at the end of Love Lockdown- Part 2, but then it's like nothing's ever happened the next morning. So, I shall show you what transpires!

But, first, please let me know what you think of this! Did I do this rockin' segment justice? And who is excited for Umbrella? =D

Once again, thank you all for reading. I love you guys to death!

P.S.- I'm sorry if the last part is filled with typos, but I have to get to class, and I wanted to finish. =O