One year later

Chapter Eleven

The next morning I open my eyes and, with a small sigh, get out from under my comforter. Taking a quick look outside I see the sky is tinged pink, and the streets seem to glow in the early dawn light.

After pulling on a sweatshirt over my pyjamas I head downstairs to get a glass of water, my mind hazy. I didn't get a lot of sleep last night, and the only thought that's playing on my mind is going to see Daniel. I don't know whether I'm nervous or happy at the prospect of seeing him again. It's a mixture of both, I guess.

As I groggily walk through to the kitchen I see a note on the countertop and pick it up, squinting to read the scrawly handwriting.

Clem,

Just wanted to say thanks for letting me stay the night, even if you did kind of force me against my will. I'm gonna be out of town for a couple days, got some things to clear up, but I'll be back soon so don't get too excited. And go see your boyfriend already, you have no idea how annoying your lovesick sighs are getting.

Keir.

With a small smile I put the note in the kitchen drawer before getting my water and heading back upstairs. To my surprise Lilly's gone too, another breif note referring to the hardware store she wanted to check out is scrawled onto a scrap of paper, so after checking on AJ I take a quick shower, brush my hair and get changed. With a brief look in the mirror to confirm that I don't look a total mess, I take a deep breath and step out the front door, heading towards Daniel's house.

Summing up all my courage, I gingerly knock on the door, "Hey, Daniel? It's uh . . . It's Clementine."

The door opens and I'm met with Daniel. He loos much the same apart from that his eyes look a duller green than usual, and when he speaks his voice is flat, "Hey."

"Hi . . . uh, maybe we should talk?" I ask, cursing myself for being so awkward. With a silent breath I meet his eyes and try to look friendly. Something tells me I fail miserably, and as I pull a face I see a brief smile form on his lips.

"Sure, come in," he pushes open the door and steps back to let me inside. I somehow manage to trip up on the front steps, nearly smashing my head on the stone porch way. Great start, Clem. Daniel manages to catch hold of my shoulders and gently pulls me back up.

"Are you okay?" He asks, a look of concern on his face as he lets go of me. I nod gratefully, trying to contain my embarrasment as I follow him through the hallway.

Looking around, I admire the house. It's fairly modern, and- much to my surprise- there isn't a trace of dust anywhere. In fact, the place is actually pretty clean.

Giving Daniel a questioning look, I walk into the kitchen, wondering how he even kept this house clean for half a day. "How is this place still tidy?"

He merely shrugs in response, getting a glass of water and offering me one.

"I'm fine thank you," I say politely, causing Daniel to roll his eyes.

"I'm not gonna poison you, Clementine. And you don't have to be so nice. Seriously, you're freaking me out."

"Oh gee, thanks," I mutter, sending him a playful glare.

He grins, "There she is. So . . . You wanna go outside? I wanna show you something."

I nod, wondering what it could be. As if reading my mind, he hastily replies, "It's nothing amazing- don't get your hopes up- but I think it's pretty cool."