Her first hug in a decade with her father. Whatever was happening, Claire did not want it to stop. First whatever fairy that had heard her prayers and was granting her wishes had her share an unexpected kiss with her boss. Not just any boss but her very own celebrity crush and now, it was a hug with her father. Claire realized that hug had been what she probably wanted all along and not a long boring speech on why he was not there all those years. The hug was certainly a start off to something really grand.
The night eventually had nearly seemed perfect or dare we say morning as it was well past midnight at the time when Claire carrying the snuggly cat in her arms was walking back to her room. As she moved slowly and from time to time placing a kiss on his head, a door to the other side opened and dear old step mother walked out of it. Obviously the room which she shared with Claire’s father. Claire saw the look on her face as her eyes found Miller outside. The woman seemed irritated.
“What are you doing out here at this odd hour and with that damned creature?,” she asked with so much disgust as well as hate.
Surely a cat must have turned her in for a crime in her past world obviously for her to be filled with so much hate and distaste for cats. Claire had been caught in the act and for the little while she had accustomed the woman, she knew there was no talking her way out of this one. One little mistake and Miller would be tossed out of the house. She took a deep breath and opted for the easiest option which big purple dinosaur taught everyone.
“I’m sorry mother. I would go in right away.” she said and waited for her reaction.
The woman’s face did not break into any smile nor did it change. Perhaps Barney’s teaching does not work on everyone after all. She swallowed and awaited her sentence.
“Lucille?,” her father called at the entrance to the study.
He had become her saving grace that moment simply by showing up as the distasteful woman with arms stretched out in front of her approached him obviously forgetting or pretending to forget Claire and that cat. Claire could tell from his eyes that he had come once he heard his wife’s voice. Papa to the rescue I presume. The woman played the worried wife as she explained how she had woken up to an empty bed and had been looking for him. He smiled engaging her in a conversation that he had a bit of a conference to prepare for which happened to explain why he was still awake. Claire took cue and tried sneaking away on her tip toes when the woman stopped her midway with her voice. She demanded to know why Claire was still awake and her father sighed as if just remembering. He had sent for Claire to help him arrange things he would be needing. The woman smiled mischievously.
According to her, he should have let the young ones sleep and sent for her especially now Claire had a job. Her father chuckled nervously and said she was right about it. It must have skipped his mind. However whenever such need arises next time, he most definitely would send for her and leave them young ones to their sleep. She smiled and asked Claire to get in and find a little sleep before she begins to get set for work which was more important than anything. Claire could tell she was pretending and decided to play along as she would not be tackling her for bringing Miller out. Her father had defended her this time and for a number of reasons, it made Claire happy to know that he was actually standing up for her. She began walking to her room as she did a mental math in her head. She could not seem to understand why her father would be so scared of her stepmother that he should act nervous when speaking to her. Was there something she was obviously missing? She got to her room and got into bed. She had to sleep and this time, she was ready.
Waking up much later than she should that morning was not what Claire planned for but you know what they say about going to bed early. Claire noticed she had missed her first alarm. Too bad for she used to be a rather light sleeper except on rare occasions like this one. It took her only a moment to realize how late she was as the sun itself had come out to play the role of a reminder to her. Hastily, Claire got off the bed and began getting ready. She knew she would not be going to the bus stop and would have to rely on Jake hopefully he had not left. Something had woken her up and it was not her alarm. Claire realized it was her phone and picked it up. It was from Danielle and obviously the girl must have eventually gone off to work. This was all Tristan’s fault. If he had not been so kind enough to grant her a kiss on the lips that much, then she would not have been up thinking about things they could be doing. What in heavens name was her crazy mind yapping about. She had to go to work and here she was thinking every nonsense she could.
Claire finished up and settled the cat before securely closing her door. A quick sandwich was what she took that morning before stepping out of the house. It happened she had not been the only one going out late that morning as her stepmother was around too and set for work. Unless of course she had intentionally stayed back. Claire’s mind skipped a beat when she saw her standing there like she was waiting for her to come out.
“Good morning mother.” Claire said slowly as she took her in
“Morning Claire. How’s it going? You’re late I presume,” she said
“Yes ma.” Claire said
“And your little filth, is he locked away properly this time?,” she asked.
Claire knew she was referring to her cat and felt insulted if not provoked. What was there that she could not let slide away with the cat stuff. She had observed her and obviously she had no allergies to fur animals so what was her deal with the cat. However, she was still staying in her house even if her father owned the place, it was still hers. She was not sure how much she would be getting from salary that month let alone find a way to get a place if eventually she gets herself thrown out of the house. Claire smiled at her nevertheless. This was something she would find a way of sorting out. However, she was still going to establish the fact that her pet has a name.
“Yes mother. Miller is locked in my room securely and he would not be coming out.,” she said
“Humph.” was the reply she got as the woman walked away grabbing her handbag and nose held up in the air.
A car had pulled up in front of theirs. Probably a uber or something but Claire cared yes.
“Trouble with Miller last night?,” Dear old maid came to ask her.
Claire smiled.
“No. We only came out to have a midnight snack.” Claire said adjusting her jacket
“We? Now that explains what happened with the milk. You should watch out though, dear old Mrs Willows is not all nice. Do not try her patience.” the old lady warned.
Like she actually cared a hoot for her feelings whatsoever. She however smiled and said thanks to her before going out of the house. The fresh morning air blew across her cheeks and Claire smiled. Although it might pass as being selfish but it was time to go find Jake and get to work. Taking her casual yet brief stroll to his place, Claire smiled as his car was still parked there. She was really lucky. She walked up the porch and discovered the door was open. Claire knocked a little before opening the door slowly. Where was everyone, she wondered as she said hello. She said it three times before a distressed looking Jake frantically looking through some papers walked out of his mother’s room.
“Oh. Hi. Jake,” the words were coming out one at a time
“Claire.” he said barely seeing her.
She wondered if he was actually angry with her. But it was not her fault really. She looked around and found his mother was not there.
“Where’s mom?,” she asked still looking around.
He now looked at her solemnly with tear filled eyes.
“Mom had crisis last night Claire. I’m sorry I didn’t reach out,” he said
“Oh no no. I should have called when you didn’t. I’m really sorry. How is she?,” Claire asked
“Much better. Doc says she’ll be home in four days. I came to pick up some paperwork.” he said raising the papers for her to see
“Yeah. I understand. Um, I need to get to work but I’ll call so I come see mom.” Claire said
“I’d love that.” Jake said.
Claire nodded before finally finding the nerve to walk away. She was such an excuse for a friend. She stalked out of the house slowly and unto the walkway as her head was wrapped around the clouds. She had walked only for a moment when a car horned right next to her making her jumpy. It was Jake with the smile.
“Found what I was searching for. Hop in, your restaurant is on my way to the hospital.” he said to her
“Thanks Jake.” Claire said and went to the other side of the car.