Her phone was ringing loudly that morning but she was so exhausted. Man, it was a Sunday and people should understand that she needed to rest. Claire thought as she managed to roll over. Funny as we all know there was no people in Claire’s life, just a handful few which apparently were close friends and family. It was feeling like they were a crowd to her that morning until suddenly her mind went to the thought that perhaps it was Tristan calling her. Quickly, she got off her bed as she opened one heavy eyebrow and then the other. It was a quick save as she grabbed her phone and Miller whom had eventually been brought back to the room mewed as he stretched out. She eyed him as she recalled what a traitor he had been the previous night. Claire grabbed her phone but was disappointed on seeing it was not Tristan but Danielle that early morning. She was so disappointed that she refused to pick up instantly. However Claire did take her call.
“Tell me all about it.” came the excited voice from the other end.
Claire was forced to move the phone away from her ear a little as she stared at it. What on earth did Danielle want to hear. She certainly was not expecting she would start talking freely about the night at Tristan’s when she obviously denied her already.
“About what?” Claire asked as a lazy yawn set in
“You and Tristan obviously.” Danielle said.
Claire started getting off her bed.
“There’s nothing to tell Danny.” she said
“Oh yeah, you think I would believe that?” Danielle asked her
“What do you mean?” Claire asked
“It was all over the news this morning although someone who we both know was quick enough to pull it down.” Danielle said
“Wait what? What was all over the news?” Claire asked
“You and Tristan. Never told me you went to a beach. What happened Claire?” Danielle asked her.
Claire could not respond at the time. She suddenly sat down on her chair as quickly as she had stood up. That was not happening as she most certainly could not have her face out there to the world. It was a really bad start for her. Danielle was calling her over the phone and it took a while for it to register in her brain that she was being called for. She was rattled.
“Is it that bad?” Claire asked Danielle
“Come on, bad? Why would it be bad? Girl you got everyone’s dream man.” Danielle said
“Not that. How bad?” she asked
“If you’re asking bad as what the paparazzi are saying, then you should not worry. A lot of the pictures were already taken care of especially on twitter and social media platforms. As for the news, they pretty much base on speculations. If there’s a picture of you out there, it would be a few.” Danielle said.
A few she said. Claire could recall what happens to women when they get dragged online let alone someone like her. Her former schoolmates definitely would see and then they would tell the world who she really is and that was definitely something outrageous. She could not believe her ears and recalled all the bullying she had been through her life. The previous night she had been confident about she and Tristan but right now, she was seriously contemplating on bailing out of the yet blossoming relationship between the both of them. She dropped the call with Danielle as her heart felt heavy. She got a text message that instant from Tristan. Claire opened it and guess what, her dyslexic set in instantly as she could not make anything of the long message she saw from him. She felt teary. The universe definitely hated her so much to give her such a condition. What would become of her when Tristan finds out after all that his supposed girlfriend was a big time dummy. He most certainly would not want to have anything to do with her. If she recall, all his past relationships had been with super stars and on that aspect also, she amounted to absolute zero. Claire got up and ran into her bathroom where she let the tears flow out.
She must have been in there for a really long while after dropping the phone on her bed and was lost in her world. There was so much pain which she felt and heartache as well. She could her phone ringing in the room but very much would rather keep away from it at this point. It was not until she regained her composure and brushed her teeth that she left the bathroom with reddened eyes. Miller was looking at her awkwardly and she patted him. It was going to be alright and she would come out clean on her condition to Tristan definitely. She could have taken the phone to Jake much later in the day to help her out but somehow she felt it would be awkward for them both and there already was enough awkwardness as it were between them. Jake was a friend she could not loose and right now as she was feeling down, she just might walk over to him. He was comfort and the only person she could actually cling to at this point.
There was a knock on her door suddenly and Claire went to answer the door. She was shocked at who she saw at the door.
“Deanna?” she called softly
“Heard you crying. You okay?” the girl asked.
That was totally unexpected. If there was anyone to care about her feelings, it was Andrew. At least it used to be until he got upset at her over not being able to get her hooked up with his friend. Seeing Deanna there that morning felt like the most unexpected thing to ever happen to her and yet it felt really good.
“I’m fine.” Claire said
“Better.” the girl said quickly and turned away.
Slowly, Claire closed her door as she battled with her mind on what had just happened. Something was amiss really. She eventually went out of her room to get things tidied up and assist with chores. Basically, Claire did everything and the duo of Andrew and Deanna saw to their rooms. Andrew was giving her the attitude creeps this time and barely maintained a straight conversation with her. As for Deanna, she was basically as she always had been. The cold hearted Deanna she was. No one would actually think that she had knocked on her door that morning to enquire about how she was doing. Well, Claire maintained her distance with her as always and when she was done, she went to her room to call Jake. He was home and had been calling her earlier to check on her. Claire explained that she was fine and had merely been caught up with house chores. She asked how his mom was holding up and Jake laughed.
“Perhaps if you visit, you would see for yourself.” he said
“I would be over in a short time.” Claire said
“Gee. Are you serious?” Jake asked elated
“Has there been a time I never was?” Claire asked smiling now.
That was something about Jake. He had this strong effect on her that was a way of bringing back her smile. The young man was just so unique in his ways. Soon as they finished with the call, Claire went to her closet to pick out what she would wear. She had taken care of Miller and all his needs and he was currently playing with the new yarn of wool her father had given him. Claire got ready to go and promised him she would be back in no time. With that, she left the house after informing Lucille that she was taking a walk. She had no option but to acknowledge as Claire had fixed them breakfast and lunch was already set in the refrigerator. They just needed to microwave and do a little extra tasks.
It felt refreshing now going out and she realized she had missed Jake so much. She had just happened in front of his lawn when she caught sight of a scenario that just might never clear off her memory. It was a sexy shirtless Jake washing his car. Man she never knew he could be this lovely and her heart flipped a little before judging her with the thought of Tristan. Jake was on his shorts and she walked over smiling at him now. He seemed really excited to see her as he waved her over.
“Nearly gave up on you coming.” he said to her
“Come on Jake. Where’s mom?” Claire asked
“Inside.” he said nodding towards the door
“I’ll be right back.” Claire said and made for inside the house.
Jake’s mom was inside and was already on both her feet preparing stuff. She was really excited to see Claire and commented on how she had been seeing less of her all along to which Claire said she had been occupied with work.
“Okay. I had a feeling I made you uncomfortable the last time.” the woman said
“Of course not.” Claire said
“Good them. Perhaps I was was worried about nothing.” she said smiling
“Let me help you.” Claire said.