What's So Good About Picking Up the Pieces?
Name: Eli School: Degrassi CS Grade: 11
Those are really the key points. Not too big on talking but I do have a way with words. Confused? Join the club. If you care to know more journey to the ask box or catch me on AIM: solidgoldeli416 Audience Member(s)To each his own. But to answer your question, I sincerely doubt I would.
“This gift meant more to me than you know. I learnt that you’d be by my side through thick and thin that day.” said Fiona through squished cheeks due to Eli’s spur of the moment hug. “I look like a chipmunk.” she joked as she looked at her reflection from the back of the cabinet mirror. Fiona felt warm and fuzzy inside. She was quite pleased with herself, they had become the perfect pair together; nothing could separate them. Flashing Eli and somber grin, her eyes found his and exchanged her gratefulness for him as well. He may have been a hardened soul, but Fiona was beginning to learn how to pry open his soft spots. Over the week he thawed out like ice, exposing himself in new ways to her. And she loved every quirk he presented. Why? Because she saw so many similarities between them, and yet, so many differences. Those differences made Fiona feel secure, knowing that he could fix her so easily; because Eli was the stable part of herself she was missing. She knew deep down, that she was the same to him.
Almost as soon as Eli finished his sarcastic remark about the Kodak moment, she whipped out her camera in front of them! “CHEESE!” Fiona exclaimed with a bright, and goofy smile. CLICK! Off her device went with a flash, leaving behind an en captured stage of their friendship. She had caught Eli in a stunned state, while Fiona was looking as silly as possible. Showing him the picture she asked for his comments. “Well, is this not Facerange worthy? Golds- worthy?” Fiona had to admit her pun was poor, but it was a sure fire way of making Eli smile like an one-thoushand watt light bulb. Fiona admired the picture adoringly, trying to picture where in her bedroom would be the perfect spot to show case the ‘Kodak moment’.
Looking at the clock above them, she hastily pulled out her cell phone dialling the number for a cab. “If we’re going to this thing, we better leave now!”she said while running to her purse.Their taxi was to arrive in less than 5 minutes and they needed to be outside pronto! Beckoning the boy in grey and neon colour choices she unlocked her door. A night of glamour was calling their names, and it had only just begun!
Being around Fiona was always sure to be a great time. Eli valued their friendship more than anything and he was grateful to her for coming into his life and accepting him, flaws and all. Most times Eli didn’t feel as if he had a lot to offer anyone but Fiona was always in his corner rooting for him. She’d tell him all the time just what their friendship meant to her. Even now as they went down memory lane a bit and touched on the award he had given her, Eli couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride wash over him. He was honoured to count her among his closest friends. He wouldn’t have traded their bond for the world. “No worries, Coyne. You’re pretty much stuck with me so I’m glad you’re willing choosing to be my friend. Even if you didn’t want to be, I’m sure my charm would have won you over,” he winked. Fiona was a special person to have in his life. Of all the people he encountered in his life, only a select few were able to see this side of him. Eli was content with that though. Only opening up to a small amount of people lessened the chance of getting hurt. So far he had been doing well. Fiona was able to make him laugh and smile more than most people. He wasn’t sure what it was about her exactly but he was more than thankful for it.
He needed to surround himself with good people and Fiona more than fit the bill. With her carefree nature and positive attitude about most things, Eli couldn’t help but fall into that way of thinking. She never ceased to amaze him. Even now with the plan of heading out to the roller rink, Eli was beside himself with the possibilities of what the night held. Just as the thought crossed his mind, the sudden flash of he camera caught him off guard. He blinked as a burst of vibrant colours filled his eyes. Shaking his head slightly as if the simple act would somehow help him get his vision back. After a moment, he looked over at her and the camera. “Ha, definitely not worthy! I look like a deer caught in headlights,” he laughed as he continued to look at the image. “But if you like it, feel free to keep it,” he winked. Fiona was so much like the sister he never had and he enjoyed how much they could share laughter as well as tears with one another. He admired the bond they had and hoped for many more adventures in the near future.
Eli hung about as Fiona took out her phone to call the cab company. His eyes glanced up at the clock as well and tried to guestimate what time they would get to the roller rink. No sooner did he start crunching numbers in his head did Fiona drag him alongside her. Before he knew it, they were in the elevator making their way outside. Eli could feel a buzz of excitement in the air. He knew he would be having a lot of fun tonight. Moments passed and Eli could see a cab pulling up to where the stood outside her building. Eli got the door for her. “After you, m’lady,” he mused as she slid in. Following suit, Eli hopped in as well before the driver pulled off down the city streets, leading them to their night of fun
“232 52nd street please. It should take less than 10 minutes, so no funny business.” Fiona ordered their driver. She was used to the hustle and bustle of New York, so it was no surprise that she took the same attitude in Toronto. Typically cab drivers would see two young adults and assume that they’re too naive to realize the “short cuts” taken were actually the long way around. But, obviously, Fiona was too smart for that. The stunned expression on the drivers face, which almost resembled Eli’s in the photo she took, was just proof to the fact that her street credit was wise beyond her years.
Once all the directions and prices were sorted out, Fiona turned to her friend and grabbed his arm gently. She lifted it up and jingled the colourful bangles placed on his skinny limb. “I think you’re skinnier than I am!” she joked with him, her girlish giggle resounding through the car. Her excitement was hard to contain. Every particle in her body was vibrating with jolts of energy. She pivoted her ankle on the floor of the car, causing her glittery rollerblades to paint the walls with shiny reflection. Fiona’s mouth was going a mile a minute, amusing her adopted brother with scenarios she imagined for the night.
As they pulled up to a stop, her blue orbs glazed over from the disco lights protruding through the window into their car. She slapped $23 on the cab drivers hand and bolted out the door almost forgetting Eli was with her.
They hadn’t even gone anywhere of real importance yet and Eli was already having a great time. He was completely out of his comfort zone but rather than have that trouble him, Eli accepted it and took it all in stride. It was clear he’d have to get used to such things when hanging out with Fiona. What he liked most was knowing that she did this with the best intentions. She never sought to change him rather just bring out qualities in him that had been dormant until now. She had a natural way about her that made Eli feel comfortable. She was in many ways like a sister to him and Eli was grateful for the chance to befriend her. It never ceased to amaze him just how close they were. He could let her inside his head, something he didn’t let just anybody do. She looked out for him as he did for her. It.wasn’t something they ever had to discuss or map out. They just instinctively fell into this pattern. It was like second nature to Eli and he was proud to be able to call Fiona is friend. He cherished what they had and wouldn’t have changed a single thing about the way in which they worked with one another. She didn’t see the world like most people and it was a trait he admired most about her. While most people, himself included, saw the world in black and white, Fiona had the ability to see all the colours in between.
As she took care of the directions and the driver, Eli couldn’t help but smile at her take no prisoners attitude. He attributed it to the fact she lived all over the world. He could only imagine what encounters she had faced during that time. She lived a pretty interesting life. There wasn’t anyone else he knew like her. Yet, she still remained grounded. He let her play around with his.arm and laughed at her comment. “For as much food as I eat you’d think I’d be fatter than this,” he mused looking down at the she’d put on him. He made a mocked face of disgust as the brightly coloured bangles moved about. Rolling his eyes playfully he said, “You owe me for this. I think you should wear some Goth clothing one day. It’s only fair.” He raised an eyebrow in challenge and laughed. He settled into the leather seat of the backseat as they continued to joke amongst themselves.
Eli glanced out the window as the taxi stopped. He peered at the building, the numbers matching the ones Fiona had told the driver as soon as he’d arrived. The distinct sound of the door slamming snapped him out of his reverie. He followed after Fiona, trailing behind. “You just can’t wait, huh?” he asked rhetorically. With an amused smile, he opened to door for her and stepped inside as well. Instantly his ears were treated to classic beats of the 80’s and memorabilia. Eli shook his head. “We’re not in Kansas anymore.” Taking a hold of her hand, he pulled her along with him, ready to kick off the night.”
Eli was glad to have Liam as a friend. His laidback personality often times toned down his own intensity. They worked well together and Eli felt comfortable enough to disclose information to him that he wouldn’t be able to with other people he’d known. It wasn’t that he didn’t trust his other friends. Eli was just rather particular about such things. So far, Liam had fit the bill easily and had become one of his closest friends in what seemed like no time at all. As they two teens sat across from each other, Eli’s attention focused not only on their conversation but things happening away from their table. He could hear the sound of someone breaking and Eli turned to see the start of a pool game between some nameless jocks from school. As Liam spoke, Eli turned his head to face him once more. “It’s been forever and a day,” he joked. He smiled softly at the mention of Fiona’s name. Last Liam knew, she had been going through a bit of a rough patch. But Eli had gone home to be by her side and was happy to say with confidence that she was in a much better place. “She’s great now. That week I stayed with her was jam packed with randomness,” he laughed. “There’s never a dull moment in the life of Fiona Coyne.” He could see the expression on Liam’s face when he spoke of Sadie. He could tell he had fallen for her and Eli was glad to see that she and Liam were both happy. “Sounds like you got shot in the ass by Cupid,” Eli joked. “I get it though, without a doubt. It’s like finding that one person with the power to break you but you know they never will.” Eli smiled softly for a moment before looking down at his hands which were clasped on the table.
He rolled his eyes at Liam’s next set of words and sighed. He knew he had to make a direct move but Eli liked how things were even of he did want more. “I can assure you I am not a drama queen, I just don’t want to rush things.” Eli furrowed his eyebrows for a moment. “Clare and I are finally back on solid ground after going months without even speaking to each other. But I will talk to her soon.” Eli laughed. “Have truer words ever been spoken?” Shaking his head as Liam called over a waiter, Eli waited for Eli to finish up before he placed his order. “I’ll have wings and a Sprite, thanks,” he said to the young waiter. Eli ran a quick hand through his hair as they resumed their conversation. “Clare is seriously the most amazing person I have ever met in my entire life. I think I’ve had this impending conversation upwards of a hundred times in my head,” he laughed. “It’s like I know she likes me back but I’m being stupid by thinking she just wants to stay friends.”
‘‘Haha yeah. I teased her about how you and I are going to take her vintage shopping one day. We should do it. Let’s take her and make her go through dusty bins and stuff to look for things. Although I think she wouldn’t mind it.’’ he said, laughing. That’s one of the things Liam liked about Eli’s personality. Yeah he could be somewhat intense sometimes but Liam doesn’t care about that. He likes how Elis willing to drop everything and help a friend in need. Not that many people do that. To him it felt like they became really good friends in such a short amount of time. Liam laughed at Eli’s cupid comment and said ‘‘Yes, I did. That bastard. This is what happens when you ignore him for a long time: he bites you in the ass. But so far so good.’’ Liam rolled his eyes at him. ‘‘Ok maybe you’re not a drama queen but you can’t avoid the subject but knowing Clare she may want to speak with you also but like you, she wants to take things slow. God you two are like two peas in a pod.’’ He laughed.
After the waiter arrived with their food, both boys eat in a comfortable silence. Liam managed to steal a wing from Eli and in return he offered Eli some of his nachos. ‘‘All right so I have to run something by you, since I need some of your ‘emo boy swag’.’’ Liam told Eli with a chuckle. ‘‘Sadie’s and I two month anniversary is coming up and I have an idea but I think I’m either A) completely crazy, B) completely whipped or C) Both. She reblogged something on her Tumblr the other day and it gave me an idea.’’ He said as he took out a piece of paper containing some information. ‘‘She has this love of stars, like she just loves them and everything about them. We were watching A Walk To Remember the other day, she has me on chick flicks mode, this is some serious shit dude.’’ Liam said with a not so amused face. He didn’t mind watching chick flicks but they aren’t his cup of tea. He watches them for Sadie. ‘‘Anyways in the movie, the dude gives the girl a gift and it’s this: a star named after her. This is where you come in. How crazy would it be for me to give her this as an anniversary gift? I mean this is like big for two months. I don’t know. I guess I’m kind of freaking out a little at the thought of it.’’ he said. He wanted to give her this but it’s only been two months, his thought of Sadie’s reaction to this is what scared him the most.
Eli sat back comfortably in his seat as their conversation progressed. Eli didn’t have many close guy friends and as of late he had been spending all his free time with Clare or Fiona. He didn’t mind in the least bit though. Both girls were important to them and he truly enjoyed their company. But now that he could have a more chilled day, hanging back in this type of atmosphere, Eli was appreciative of it. Hanging out with Liam was certified to be a good time free of drama and carefree conversation. He liked that about Liam. Despite whatever chaos might have been breaking out, he somehow managed to stay indifferent to it all. That was a characteristic Eli himself wished to acquire some time soon. It would undoubtedly come in handy during tinder when things got out of hand. Eli had the habit of jumping feet first, reacting before putting much thought into his movements. He let out a laugh at the thought of Fiona bin diving. “It’s shopping, she’d be perfectly at home amongst it all.” He shook his head lightly. “That girl can burn a whole right through a pocket. I feel bad for her credit card,” he joked. As the conversation moved onto Clare, he sighed to himself. “I know you’re right. I’ll have that all sooner rather than later. I hate having this question mark loom overhead.
Eli looked up in time to see their waiter return with two plates filled to their maximum with food. His stomach growled quietly and Eli realized then just how hungry he had been all day. Once their food was set down, he thanked the waiter and wasted no time digging in. It aww apparently his sentiments on food was shared by Liam. They mutually ignored each other for a moment as they ate. Eli snagged a few nachos in exchange for wings. He was just finishing up as Liam broke the momentary silence. His ears perked up as he wondered what was on Liam’s mind and he smirked as he branched out. Eli stayed quiet as Liam gave the backstory to his master plan. He reached for his soda, taking a long sip before he spoke. “I think that’s an awesome idea. Maybe you are all of the above crazy and whipped but it’d mean a lot to Sadie.” He set his glass back down on the table top and licked his lips. “You’re talking to the guy that wrote a play in honour of his ex-girlfriend. My ‘emo boy swag’ is pretty high, if I do say so myself,” he laughed. “I don’t go based off of time. Two months for you guys could equate to a year. It all depends on the pace of your relationship. You and Sadie are pretty close so I say go for it. Girls like that romantic stuff._
(Source: theolddoctordoom, via berishliam-deactivated20111217)
I was enjoying summer. Why’d you have to remind me about school? Kidding. It’s senior year, I’m stoked. But it is bittersweet though.
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Shaking in his head in slight disbelief Eli laughed. “Has it really been that long? That trip was ages ago.” Eli couldn’t believe so much time had passed since he last saw his friend. Even then, his time on the weekend getaway was cut short. Fiona needed Eli to be at her side and he couldn’t leave her alone, not when she was about to break and drink again. Eli was glad she was doing better these days. He was proud of the progress she had been making. It couldn’t have been easy but each day she worked at it. Smiling softly, Eli snapped out of his reverie and looked over at Liam. He smirked at the slight hysteria in his voice as he warned Eli against speaking of such things. “Hey, I simply call ‘em like I see ‘em,” he said raising his hands in mock defense. Letting out a laugh, Eli glanced around for a moment before Liam spoke once more. “Hey, if opportunity knocks, you’d better answer the door. His lose was clearly your gain.” As the conversation switched over to him and Clare, Eli groaned slightly and dropped his head in his hands. “How did I know? I set that up far too easily.” Sitting upright in his seat, Eli chewed on his lower lip for a moment as he mulled it over. “It’s like she’s my girlfriend, minus the label. Dude, we hang out twenty four-seven. We trade “I love you’s” talk constantly and yet..we’re somewhere in between. I’ve gotta talk to her about this soon. All this uncertainty is going to kill me,” he laughed.
”Yes it has been. Feels like it huh?’’ he laughed. Even if he hadn’t spent much time with Eli on that trip, they still hung out a little. Then he had left early to help Fiona so Liam never really got to say goodbye to him. ‘’How’s Fiona doing these days anyways? I know you left that trip early to help her with something personally.’’ Liam asked him. Even if he didn’t know Fiona that well, he did know about her problems. That’s the downside of a school like Degrassi, everyone knows everyone’s business. Liam laughed at Eli’s statement. ‘’Not going to lie, I wouldn’t mind settling down with her. It’s like I’ve never felt this way with any other girl. I mean I’ve had girlfriends but nothing serious you know? And well I’ve crushed but this connection with Sadie is just like perfect but not perfect, since well nothing is perfect in life. It’s kind of scary sometimes, though but I’m sure you know what I mean.’’ He said, knowing very well that Eli felt the same way about Clare. Liam couldn’t help but laugh at Eli’s behavior.
He wondered how Eli didn’t see that coming, seeing as though all Liam has been telling him lately was what was up with Clare. ‘’Stop being such a drama queen and talk dude. Like you said: calling it like I see it.’’ As Eli sat back up in his seat, Liam heard him speak. ‘’Girls man, can’t live with them, can’t live without them.’’ Liam said as he heard Eli go on about his details with Clare. ‘’Before we go into detail here, let’s order something or I will pass out.’’ Liam saw a waiter near them and called him over. After ordering some nachos and a coke for him he waited for Eli to order. When Eli was done, he turned his attention back to him and said ‘’So basically all’s that missing is the ‘’dating’’ label? You and Clare, dude. You guys are something special.’’ He laughed. ‘’So this talk you want to have with her, how many times have you had it in your head?’’ he asked him.
Eli was glad to have Liam as a friend. His laidback personality often times toned down his own intensity. They worked well together and Eli felt comfortable enough to disclose information to him that he wouldn’t be able to with other people he’d known. It wasn’t that he didn’t trust his other friends. Eli was just rather particular about such things. So far, Liam had fit the bill easily and had become one of his closest friends in what seemed like no time at all. As they two teens sat across from each other, Eli’s attention focused not only on their conversation but things happening away from their table. He could hear the sound of someone breaking and Eli turned to see the start of a pool game between some nameless jocks from school. As Liam spoke, Eli turned his head to face him once more. “It’s been forever and a day,” he joked. He smiled softly at the mention of Fiona’s name. Last Liam knew, she had been going through a bit of a rough patch. But Eli had gone home to be by her side and was happy to say with confidence that she was in a much better place. “She’s great now. That week I stayed with her was jam packed with randomness,” he laughed. “There’s never a dull moment in the life of Fiona Coyne.” He could see the expression on Liam’s face when he spoke of Sadie. He could tell he had fallen for her and Eli was glad to see that she and Liam were both happy. “Sounds like you got shot in the ass by Cupid,” Eli joked. “I get it though, without a doubt. It’s like finding that one person with the power to break you but you know they never will.” Eli smiled softly for a moment before looking down at his hands which were clasped on the table.
He rolled his eyes at Liam’s next set of words and sighed. He knew he had to make a direct move but Eli liked how things were even of he did want more. “I can assure you I am not a drama queen, I just don’t want to rush things.” Eli furrowed his eyebrows for a moment. “Clare and I are finally back on solid ground after going months without even speaking to each other. But I will talk to her soon.” Eli laughed. “Have truer words ever been spoken?” Shaking his head as Liam called over a waiter, Eli waited for Eli to finish up before he placed his order. “I’ll have wings and a Sprite, thanks,” he said to the young waiter. Eli ran a quick hand through his hair as they resumed their conversation. “Clare is seriously the most amazing person I have ever met in my entire life. I think I’ve had this impending conversation upwards of a hundred times in my head,” he laughed. “It’s like I know she likes me back but I’m being stupid by thinking she just wants to stay friends.”
(Source: theolddoctordoom, via berishliam-deactivated20111217)
Eli was glad for a night out. It seemed he had either been keeping to himself or hanging out with Clare, not that he minded the latter in the least bit. All summer since the two rekindled their friendship, they had been almost inseperable. This suited Eli just fine. He was always ready to see her and touch base. He was glad to have her back in his life to some degree. The more time they were around each other, the more Eli wished there could be a change in their dynamics. He was greedy for attention, he could admit to that. But it seemed as if she was just as expectant. They had spent days on end talking back and forth and even managed to steal a few kisses in. Those had been his favourite parts of all. He felt like they were headed somewhere positive. It left Eli feeling hopeful that they would be back together again.
His biggest fear was that it was all wishful thinking, that Clare would decide that they should just remain friends. Given how close they had gotten in the last few weeks, Eli wasn’t sure if that was something he could be completely okay with. Granted it was best to have her in his life as a friend than as nothing else but he was falling for her all over again. It would have been a severe blow to his mindset but he figured he’d bounce back from it somehow. She was special to him and more than worth the effort it took to maintain their friendship. For tonight though, Eli didn’t want to dwell too much on it. He had the night before him to just hang back and have a guy day in which he could eat and game for a few hours. He and Liam had a solid bond and Eli was grateful for it. It was nice having someone there he could just talk to about anything and get an unbiased opinion from on certain matters.
As Liam took a seat and greeted him, Eli rolled his eyes jokingly. “Fair enough, Berish. I give you that one for sure. This summer has been all over the place. Even when there is a dull moment, it never lasts too long,” he commented. Eli looked around himself. Several groups of teens hung about, a couple a few seats over seeemed to be on a date. Eli could hear a pop song playing overhead, the sound nothing too special as he deemed it all generic. Going back to Liam’s earlier statement he smiled. “You and Sadie are one step away from the alter,” he teased. “But that’s cool though. You guys work really well together. As for me? I’m living life in the single lane,” he laughed. “I’m single but attached.” Shaking his head Eli smiled once more. “I suppose that’s to be expected. Some things can’t be helped.”
‘’Haha true. The last time we saw each other was when we we’re at Hannah’s cabin. Damn that was a long time ago.’’ He chuckled. Liam looked around the place. A lot of teens were there; mainly Degrassi students and he put his attention back to Eli. ‘’Don’t even joke about that dude. She’s planning the double wedding with Clare and Imogen as we speak.’’ Liam thought about that for a second. Granted they were still in high school the thought of being with Sadie didn’t shake him at all. He never felt the same way about any other girl like he did with her. ‘’Yeah we do. Kind of weird though. I never thought it would happen. Thank god for movie night. Dave just made it even easier for me.’’ He noticed Eli’s tone when he started talking about Clare. ‘’Let me guess: frisky, blue eyed curly girl?’’ he teased. ‘’What is going on between you two anyways?’’ he asked. He knew something was up but with Eli and Clare, things were always unpredictable.
Shaking in his head in slight disbelief Eli laughed. “Has it really been that long? That trip was ages ago.” Eli couldn’t believe so much time had passed since he last saw his friend. Even then, his time on the weekend getaway was cut short. Fiona needed Eli to be at her side and he couldn’t leave her alone, not when she was about to break and drink again. Eli was glad she was doing better these days. He was proud of the progress she had been making. It couldn’t have been easy but each day she worked at it. Smiling softly, Eli snapped out of his reverie and looked over at Liam. He smirked at the slight hysteria in his voice as he warned Eli against speaking of such things. “Hey, I simply call ‘em like I see ‘em,” he said raising his hands in mock defense. Letting out a laugh, Eli glanced around for a moment before Liam spoke once more. “Hey, if opportunity knocks, you’d better answer the door. His lose was clearly your gain.” As the conversation switched over to him and Clare, Eli groaned slightly and dropped his head in his hands. “How did I know? I set that up far too easily.” Sitting upright in his seat, Eli chewed on his lower lip for a moment as he mulled it over. “It’s like she’s my girlfriend, minus the label. Dude, we hang out twenty four-seven. We trade “I love you’s” talk constantly and yet..we’re somewhere in between. I’ve gotta talk to her about this soon. All this uncertainty is going to kill me,” he laughed.
(Source: theolddoctordoom, via berishliam-deactivated20111217)
