That day Claire had not been herself at all for reasons she could not fathom. She had already commenced her lessons at Jake’s during his free time in the evenings and spent a lot of time at his place with his mother during the day when he would be at work. She would leave her home under the guise of going to work. Her lie had been that she had little issues at work being the reason she had not been going and sulking but it was all sorted out. She would get off for her usual daily activity and then go straight to Jake’s where she spent time with his mother. The woman had actually grown quite fond of Claire and of course even more excited that she and her son were actually bonding just fine. She had actually developed a new hobby with Claire and it was all in bid to get Claire happy. Noticing how she was excited about cooking, the woman had her pick out stuff they should try making from cooking catalogues and most times Claire had to pick those things up from the store and they would spend their day making them.
In the evenings of the time when Jake returns from work, they had to start learning and if she was being honest, Claire was getting no where with everything. Jake had tried severally to relieve her mind of whatever it was that was bugging her as anyone could see that Claire was no longer herself. She tried to disguise her feelings but it was rather seemingly impossible for her as it was written out there boldly how she could not get over Tristan. Jake still had no idea that all her sadness was attached to Tristan. At least not in the way it actually had happened. He believed she had been fired by him even though she continued saying she had quit her job. Claire was trying hard to convince him that she was a lost cause but Jake had a lot of faith in her that she felt she was breaking. There was no way in the world that she would understand what things he wanted her to learn as she was close shot a dummy. They had been stuck on pronunciations and sounds for quite sometime now yet Claire could make nothing out of the symbols he expected her to learn. Nothing seemed to make any sense to her.
Rome was not built in a day, he would keep telling her each time she makes to give up but at least Rome had started getting built the moment the instruments were ready for its establishment. In her own case, having all instruments at her beck and call was in no way going to build up her own Rome as it was a lost cause. She had been destined to fail and although she did not want to believe it was self pity that motivated Jake to tutor her, she however knew it was either that or the fact that he likes her. There seemed to be this attachment which he had towards her and the way he did look at her several times said it all that he wanted more than just friends. Well, Claire was not prepared for that either as all her little time at Norman had been spent on loving the wrong person. Sometimes even the news carried on about he and his lover celebrity that she resented looking at the television. They were of the same caliber after all and did in fact deserve each other. She had never been in the picture from the onset and that was a truth she would now accept.
That day, she had been at Jake’s all through the day and the older woman had insisted on doing something about her hair that she barely took care of. Claire had wanted to stop her but she however went to her bedroom and returned with an hair making kit that she insisted on using. It looked pretty much expensive that Claire had protested but the woman insisted.
“It would be a waste if I do not try it on someone at least. It was a gift from the hair salon I used to visit some months ago. There had been a customers raffle draw and eventually my name had been drawn up. You should try it.” she said to Claire.
Claire stood there and said nothing. Her own mother never really cared and the only thing she thought about hair was washing, combing and sometimes a pony tail. Thag was just about it.
“So are we going to the salon then?” Claire asked.
The woman looked at her and laughed.
“I used to visit there my darling but as a young girl, I worked with an hair salon and trust me I was excellent.” she said and the both of them started laughing.
Claire eventually agreed and the went to back of the house overlooking the garden as she began her stuff. Claire could never imagine there would be anything more to a blonde lady as her. Jake’s mom did know her stuff it would seem as she started her full time hair treatment. By the time she was finished and styled the hair, Claire could not believe how much she had changed. The woman had handed her the mirror to look at herself and she did let off a gasp when she looked in there and saw how she now looked. She had totally changed. Claire had to get up and hug her warmly. She had felt the love of a true mother more in the arms of this woman than she had in anyone else. The woman had made her put on a little lipstick just to give her the finishing touches and did a little bit adjustments on her eyebrow. Claire did feel beautiful at least about herself for once. She made mock poses as a celebrity and then they went about other stuff they had lined up.
It was much later that evening that Jake had returned and the older woman had insisted that the shy young woman answers the door. When Claire had opened, Jake let off a gasp. He was staring and had not come inside that caused her to feel a lot anxious.
“Too much?” Claire had asked
“No… I mean you look absolutely stunning.” he had said
“I do?” Claire asked
“What happened?” he asked.
Claire looked at his mother and then Jake did enter. He asked his mother what she had done with Claire and the woman smiled fulfilled.
“Great. Now I think it would be a great night to go out both of you.” she said
“Oh Mrs Blake I can’t…” Claire had begun saying
“I know, you can’t say no. Now dinner is almost ready and you guys should go out for a little while. Take a walk or something. Claire you haven’t left this place since your job. Jake, I think I’m craving McDonald’s.” his mother said just to make sure.
It was decided then. The older woman had won over eventually and Claire found herself a couple of minutes later in Jake’s truck as they headed out. There was not much on ideas of where to go but eventually they settled for a drink just in the outskirts of the town together. McDonald’s was not far from where they were and they just took in the view. If she was being honest, she did feel a lot more better about herself than she had in a really long time. Claire sat down and for once rid herself of thoughts about Tristan and his skinny lover.
“Are you comfortable Claire?” Jake had asked when he noticed she seemed lost in time
“Oh no. I’m just looking around. It’s been a while since I last stepped out.” she said
“That great then. You know you should start working again. It would bring back your smile and in the evenings we learn.” He said
“About the learning Jake, I don’t think I’m getting any better. Don’t you feel like I’m wasting your time?” she asked him
“Nonsense. Nonsense Claire. You make me a better person. I always wished to be a tutor.” he said
“Really?” she asked
“Absolutely. Now do not take my dream away and be my first excellent student.” he said
“I’ll try.” Claire said.
He was right though. Too long she had been lost in the world of sadness where Tristan Jenkins had plunged her into with his cruelty. He could have been better to her but he chose not to. It was not her fault that she had been that way but she was now tired of having to check her phone each time and not see his call. Danielle had been trying to reach her for a meet but she had carefully blocked anything that would make her step out and the girl was worried. Claire had asked her for space to get her act together but with a promise to tell her everything that had happened. It seemed fair to the girl and she let her be for the time being.
Across the street, she saw those similar words that she could recognize each time. She looked at Jake.
“That vacancy right?” she asked.
He turned around carefully and saw that it actually was. He asked if she was interested in getting a job there and she asked if it would be something for a person like her. Well, he said there was only one way to find out and went across while she waited with her heart in her mouth. Claire could not explain why but she was actually worried of what the outcome would be. It would be great if it was something better and she finished her drink in her worried frenzy. Jake took a little while as he must have been stuff with making his enquiry. From afar she had seen him leaving the place looking sad but coming close he switched his expression. She already knew what it was that had happened but Jake being the nice person he originally was would try his best not to get her hurt. He scratched his head nervously as he did approach her like a school boy.
“Well, they said they have… um…” he could not find the right way to put it
“I understand Jake. Can we go home now?” she asked
“Just a moment let me get mom her stuff. You need another drink?” he asked
“No. I’m good.” Claire had said and he left with a smile and promise that he would be back soon.
Claire did not wait for long as he did come back soon. He offset their bill and she got into the truck. It was now back home to his mother and it was a rather silent drive back home as neither of them was saying anything. Claire had a lot of things going on in her mind. She was a grown adult and if she could not get another job soon enough, then she would have to consider herself the failure she actually was. She could not believe that the only job she had gotten herself was a dish washer. The other part during which she had worked at Tristan’s home definitely had to do with his ulterior motives towards her. Claire had to start thinking about herself. One way or another she would have to learn. She had to and henceforth she was going to put her all into it.
They had gotten home to Jake’s mother with Claire forcing a smile onto her face. The woman had asked how her evening had gone and of course Claire said it was great. It actually was a great one as she had gotten to see what would become of someone like her if she did not get her act together. Dinner was already ready and like one family they had sat down to it. Claire found she was saying little and eating little too. Jake’s mother had noticed and asked if everything was alright to which Claire said yes. She lied she had drank which was what was keeping her stomach filled. She would eat but she just needed to take her time. The loving woman did understand and of course let her bid her time. It was much later that they had finished and Claire realized how much time had passed. She had to get home and Jake insisted on walking her. She agreed only if he would not let her father see as the man had his reservations towards him. Jake understood and smiled as he told his mom he needed to see her off.
Claire approached Mrs Blake who was already resting as she might have exceeded her limit and energy capacity for the day.
“Thanks so much for today.” Claire said as she hugged her
“Why now Claire. You are always welcome.” the woman said and bid her goodnight.
Claire turned away and soon was walking that lonely street with Jake. They had been walking closely that soon Jake held her hand in his own. Claire felt a little awkward and took in a long breath but then cautioned herself. She did not belong to Tristan or anyone else and it was high time she moved on with her life. Not like she was trying to use Jake for her personal gain but she just could not make herself anymore miserable. It was just about time already so she left her hand in his. When Jake had looked at her to make sure she was not uncomfortable, Claire flashed him a smile to encourage him and they both continued on their way hand in hand.
Eventually they got to the stop really close to Claire’s and stood there. She noticed they still held hands and looked up at him. He had locked gazes with her and if she was being honest that had to be the hottest feeling she ever had for anyone other than Tristan. Jake smiled.
“We’re still holding hands.” he said
“I know.” Claire said
“Claire I… I…” he began seeking the words but voice find none.
“What is it Jake?” Claire asked.
If there was anything about Jake, it was the fact that if he truly loved a woman, he intended to get pretty shy around her. He wanted to say it but decided on something else that he hoped would not cause a strain but send his message. He let go of her hand suddenly and held both sides of her face as he kissed her deeply. She did not stop him as she was really shocked. He became shy instantly when she said or did nothing.
“Goodnight Claire.” Jake said and turned away quickly
“Goodnight.” Claire said softly.
He looked back a couple of times but she could not move as she stood there reminiscing about the kiss. It felt really strange and even more different. Eventually she could see him no more and forced herself back to reality as she turned to go inside when someone suddenly started clapping emerging from the opposite side. It was Tristan and he had been there watching everything all along. He started over to where she was, crossing over with a frown on his face. He had seen everything that happened between she and Jake couple of minutes ago.
“So we are now into kissing other men, are we Claire?” he asked.