Chapter 1: Dramatic Collision

(Clare's POV)

I was finally a junior. I even had the red polo to prove it. It was surprising how much older and more mature you could feel after only two months of summer. It was already September and it was as if the moment school came into session the weather decided to become crisp and cool. My summer had actually been quite boring, hanging around at home, reading, and not really knowing what to do with myself. Jake only made it ten times more awful. The thought that the guy I was once in love with was soon going to become my brother was horrifying. I was strangely relieved when school made its way around the corner. At least it would make my attempt of avoiding my brother-to-be a lot easier, as I would be able to hide in one of the many rooms in the large school.

I slowly walked up to the front of Degrassi admiring it greatly as I took in a deep breath of air trying to mentally hold on to this historic moment. For a moment I felt serene and tranquil until I felt a boney finger continuously poke at my back. I spun around annoyed and ready to pounce at whoever ruined my peaceful moment. But my expression softened as I looked into the brown eyes of my best friend.

"We're juniors!" Alli shouted wrapping her thin arms around me. I could feel the excitement radiate off of her as she strangled me in a tight embrace.

"Best friend unable to breathe," I choked, jokingly. She quickly let go of me and took a step back admiring everyone and thing around her. Then she brought her attention back to me.

"I am so excited! We get to start fresh! We are almost the leaders of the school!" she let out breathlessly. She was now holding her side and gasping for air. Talk about getting overexcited. I was just about to answer my breathless friend when I caught eyes with a certain gothic boy wearing a thick coat of black eyeliner. Eli gave me one of his famous side smirks and then looked away. The last time I spoke to him we both had accompanied Adam to the hospital after the shooting. Speaking of Adam.

"Clare!" He shouted as he ran to us, a giant smile spread across his face.

"Adam! Good to see you! How are you?"

"Better. A lot better. Excited to finally be a junior!" He gushed, shaking slightly.

"Hey Adam," Alli interjected, obviously feeling ignored.

"Oh, hey! So what are we talking about over here?" He questioned, a smile still plastered to his face. And at that moment the school bell rang deafeningly and Alli, Adam, and I started our way into the building. Unfortunately, I was so absorbed in the conversation about us being so old, and the fact our red polo could match with almost any accessory (Alli was rambling on about that) that I wasn't paying attention to where I was walking. Just as I was telling the two about how I had this great black hoodie that would go great with my uniform, I walked right into the older Torres brother. Drew.

(Drew's POV)

This summer was horrible, absolutely horrible. Had I lost my lover? Did I lose my group of friends? Had I lost myself? All of the above. In mid-August Katie dumped my sorry butt because she had fallen in love with some Casanova who worked with her as a camp counsellor or something. She was the one girl I had given everything to, the one girl I actually loved, and I still wasn't over her. Now I have to see her at school every day, so I'm pretty much screwed. Then as for the group of friends, Owen and them are all pissed because the night of the breakup I tried to bury my sorrows in alcohol at some party. I guess I drank too much because I unintentionally got into some big rumble with Owen. What happened is still all a blur to me, all I know is that ever since all my friends haven't spoken a word to me. How did I lose myself you ask? Well, really if you lose your girlfriend and your friends how don't you lose yourself?

Summer had gone way to fast and now I have to stop moping and head back to school. Just great. And who was the first person I eyed when I got to Degrassi? The one and only Katie Matlin. I quickly swered away from her and her gal pals and walked right into Owen and the guys.

"Look who it is. Drew Torres. The little smartass who threatened me." Owen mocked loudly his deep voice echoing through the crowds. A few people shot us looks but I ignored them and tried to apologize in my sweetest voice.

"Owen I'm so sorry. I was heartbroken and drunk and I wasn't in control of myself. I don't even know what I did, it's all a blur. You know what happens when you overdose on booze," I chuckled grinning elfishly at him.

"Aw, isn't that sweet? Well, it ain't goin' to cut it. You not only threatened and bad talked me but you also started throwing punches. Uh-uh. You need to do something for me," He demanded.

"Owen this isn't really like you. Did I hurt you that bad?" I asked trying to think back to that night. Owen let out a little laugh.

"Hell no, man. There are no hard feelings at all. I could care less about what happened. I just want you to do something ridiculous for me. For fun."

"Naw, I think I'll pass on the ridiculous deed," I chuckled.

"Oh, maybe you didn't understand me. No ridiculous deed, no being buddy-buddy with me and the guys." I looked at Nick, John, and a few other guys surrounding Owen nod in agreement. Was I really that desperate that I would do something stupid just to befriend a few average guys. I mean I was friends with K.C, Dave and all but it was about time I stopped hanging out with my brothers friends. I mean how bad could this funny little task be?

"Alright I'm in. So what do I have to do?" The group huddled for a second, I could only catch a few key words like ketchup, umbrella, and pink. They were obviously trying to think up of some elaborate thing that I could do that would embarrass the shit out of me. Then out of know where I felt someone knock into me and lost my balance for a few seconds, almost falling flat on my face. As I regained my stability I looked up to see little Saint Clare with a shocked look on her face. That shock was soon replaced by embarrassment, her cheeks now a bright shade of red.

"I'm so sorry," she quickly spoke, averting her eyes from mine.

"Uh, that's alright. No biggie." And with that she left without a moment to spare.

I returned my gaze to the guys who were all standing there, wide eyed, each looking like an idea had popped into their mind.

"That's it! You have to get into the pants of Saint Clare." Nick yelled happily, all the guys chuckling and nodding in agreement once again. Everyone seemed thrilled about the idea except for Owen. For some reason he looked troubled. Then he spoke.

"No, I don't like it. Torres came on to me, I should decide his punishment."

"Come on dude that's the perfect thing for him to do. It's Saint Clare. It will be as hard as hell for him to pull that off," one of the boys in the crowd voiced, disagreeing with Owen. I agree hooking up with Clare was going to be one heck of a job, but even I couldn't understand why Owen didn't want me to go ahead with it. I mean it's like that guy said it's the perfect punishment.

"Fine, but good luck getting Clare to fall for you," he agreed, sounding upset. But see I didn't need good luck, I had the Drew Torres charm.

(Owen's POV)

Just my luck! Oh course Clare had to bump into Drew the very second me and the guys had decided on what Drew would do to pay me back. We had gone through tons of ideas and had finally come up with a perfect scheme. Its common knowledge that he and Katie called it quits sometime during summer and he's still heartbroken about it. So we decided that he would have to go up to his ex (in public) dressed in clothes covered with her name and pictures of her. Next, he would start having a tantrum on how much he loved her and all that bull. Then he'd finish it off with a nice scream cry and a little rolling around on the ground. It was the perfect plan. Not only would it embarrass him to no end but it would also mess with his fragile heart. Embarrassment and emotional pain, now that's a two for one deal! But instead my buds pressured me into the whole Clare bit. I mean I know it will be amazingly hard to get it with Clare, heck it's probably impossible but the other plan was just so perfect!

Okay fine, I admit that's not the only reason why I'm pissed about the change in plans. I mean I've kind of always had a little thing for Edwards. She's just so cute and bubbly. I mean she's adorable. Except for Anya I've never really dated someone so preppy. It's probably because I'm scared to get into a serious relationship or maybe because those kinds of girls never take a second look at me. Either way there is something about Clare that turns me on. And I will do as much as I can to keep Torres' grimy little fingers off of her.

(Clare's POV)

I am a total loser! It's the first day back at Degrassi and I've already embarrassed myself in front of a bunch of senior boys! Soon after I bumped into Drew I could hear the group loudly laughing and hollering and I swear I hear my name! I hope I didn't draw any attention to myself!