Title: The Art of Salvation
Author: Hermione Eveningfall
Fandom: Heroes
Pairing: Claire/West, Peter/Caitlin
Rating: PG (mild language, but not too bad)
Summary: "Today is the beginning of your life." Funny how those simple words could hold such an outstanding meaning?
Chapter 1
Costa Verde, California
Two years later
On my eighteenth birthday, I graduated from high school.
Mom, Dad, Peter and Caitlin made a huge deal when I met them after the ceremony, bearing my folder which would soon hold my diploma.
"We made it," West exclaimed, catching up with me as we left the familiar building, mobbed with students and multiple family members. "Can you believe we're finally escaping this hole?"
I could, though out of all the schools I attended in my life, Costa Verde High proved to be the most challenging.
"Let me see that again," Mom begged, swiping the diploma folder from my hands, and I stared at her, feeling Peter wrap an arm around my shoulders.
"Mom, there's nothing in it yet," I laughed, rolling my eyes, and she made a face.
"It's the idea behind the folder that counts most," she explained. "so, West, are you and your family doing anything for graduation?"
Westley shrugged, his hands in his pockets. "We're going out to dinner...oh crap, they're calling me over, speaking of which. I love you--congratulations," he whispered into my ear, and I waved, watching as he disappeared a few moments later.
"All right...we're going out," Mom insisted. "Claire, you have the decision on the restaraunt."
"Mom, do we have to?" I asked. "I'd rather just collapse at home."
"So we'll order a Pizza, then" Peter suggested. "Claire, this is a huge accomplishment. I'm so proud of you."
"Pizza sounds good," I chuckled, and Mom gave Peter a grateful look. She and Dad were getting used to having him around on a regular basis, and treated him and Caitlin as part of the family.
"And on top of graduation, little miss Claire turned 18 today," Mom cooed, and I gave a heavy sigh. "How could we not enjoy this moment?"
"Honey, I think Claire's old enough to decide what she wants," Dad insisted. "If she wants a nice quiet evening at home with her family, than that's what we'll give her."
I shot him a smile, and the group of us piled into the Bennett family van. Peter sat with Caitlin beside me in the middle seat, and Lyle was behind us.
"I can't believe you're graduating on your birthday," Lyle muttered. "I only have a stupid March birthday. What's so cool about that?"
"Nothing is ever stupid," Mom promised, and I felt my cell phone vibrating in my jacket pocket. Thinking West was calling, I immediately slid it out, and checked the caller ID. What met my eyes was startling, and I didn't know what to do.
"What's wrong?" Peter asked, noticing the expression on my face, and I chewed on my lower lip. I couldn't answer the phone with my biological father on the other end--not with Mom, Dad, and Lyle in earshot.
"Nothing," I promised, though he raised an eyebrow with disbelief. "West just sent me a Happy Birthday text...no big deal."
I put the phone back into my pocket, my heart racing. I didn't expect Nathan to contact me at all, considering the last time we talked was during the holidays, and only for a couple of minutes.
When we arrived home safe and sound, Peter volunteered to order the pizzas, and I rushed straight up to my bedroom to drop off my stuff. As I sat alone on my bed, I fiddled with my cell phone, wondering if I should return Nathan's call.
Finally I did, deciding it would bother me otherwise.
"Hello?"
Nathan's voice was so familiar, with a soothing, yet stern sort of ring.
"It's Claire," I announced, and there was an awkward pause. I should be used to the breaks in conversation by now, I thought, hugging my knees to my chest, and listened as my family talked and laughed together downstairs.
"Oh, hey," he replied. "Yeah--I tried calling to wish you a happy birthday. You're eighteen this year, right?"
I nodded, chewing on my lower lip. "Yes," I said. "and I just came home from my high school graduation ceremony. That's why I couldn't answer the phone," I explained, and Peter came into the room a few moments later, concern written all over his face. When he saw I was on the phone, he gave a knowing smile, and leaned against the wall waiting for me to finish.
"Really! Congratulations. You must be excited."
"Pretty much," I agreed. "Only now I have to worry about college."
I was accepted to UCLA a few months before--I hated filling out applications, and thought it a complete waste of time given the situation with my abilities. How could I bog down to something like this, when I would probably have to drop out when things got tough? College wasn't cheap, and more than likely I would be helping out with payments, considering they had Lyle to worry about in the future. Dad insisted I try anyway, because having a college degree under your belt never hurt.
"I'd rather you not become a paper salesman," He told me, and that was definitely true.
"Were you accepted anywhere, yet?"
I gave Peter an apologetic glance, and he made a motion that he would be downstairs, and dinner would be arriving soon.
"UCLA," I replied.
"Good for you." Nathan cleared his throat. "well, I should go."
"Thanks for calling," I added, and after saying goodbye, the two of us hung up. I sat staring at my phone for quite a while, still stunned that he even thought to contact me. It was clear Nathan was trying to keep me in his life, especially following our last true meeting with each other during Peter's illness over two years ago.
When my nerves finally subsided, I hurried downstairs, and found Caitlin helping my Mom set the table with paper plates and cups.
"There you are," Mom announced. "is everything all right?"
I nodded, trying to look as though I meant it. "Yep...just had to regroup a little," I promised.
Peter encouraged me to follow him into the separate dining room, and the two of us faced each other. "Did Nathan just call you?" he asked, and I nodded.
"How did you guess?" I asked, and Peter smirked.
"Well, you don't usually look like hell froze over when West sends you a message. Normally you look more like this." He made a love-sick face, and I punched him on the arm. "Ow!" he laughed, and I stuck out my tongue.
"Oh come on, that didn't hurt," I said, and he rubbed the spot for a second. "By the way--how did Nathan know it was my birthday? Did you tell him the date?" I asked, and Peter held his hands up.
"I swear I didn't," he promised. "I take this as a good sign, though--it means he cares enough about you to do some research."
"You think he may have found out on his own?" I asked, a little surprised, and Peter chuckled.
"Under all that tough exterior, Nathan's a big softy," he explained. "trust me...he's an easy guy to break. I knew exactly what buttons to push when we were kids, if I wanted him to do something for me. He just doesn't like to admit any of that, because it might hurt his public image."
I laughed. "Oh really?" I asked, and Peter shrugged, still smirking.
When pizza arrived, our focus shifted to dinner, and more of Mom and Dad's gushing over my accomplishments. They were exceptionally proud of having a daughter who graduated with honors, and one about to go to one of the most prestigious colleges in the area.
"Do you know what you're going to study yet?" Claire asked, and I shook my head. The thought hadn't even crossed my mind, to be perfectly honest.
"I might just go for a general liberal arts degree at first," I explained. "I would love to get a degree in biology, though."
Lyle pretended to gag, and I made a face at him.
"Why doesn't that surprise me?" Dad asked, and I flashed him an innocent look.
"I think that would be marvelous," Mom told me. "There are so many fields you could get into with a science degree. But you know, honey, I think a liberal arts major would be fine your first couple of years--that way it gives you a chance to explore multiple options."
I took a bite from my current slice of pizza, eyeing Peter over my plate.
After dinner, my Uncle asked if I wanted some kind of party for my birthday. "No," I groaned. "please, no parties."
"Not even for your eighteenth?" he asked, sounding horrified that I would even consider laying low for such an occasion.
"I've never been much of a partier," I admitted, and considering the last true party I'd attended, I was quite nearly raped and killed. Not exactly something I wanted to experience ever again, though I was sure Peter would only invite A-list people.
"We have to do something other than just pizza at your parent's," he argued, and Caitlin gave him a warning look, sensing my irritation. "Even if you don't celebrate any of your other birthdays, at least make the eighteenth and the twenty-first memorable."
"Let her be, will ya?" she teased, and he made a face. "don't listen to him. If you don't want a party, you don't have to have one, Claire."
"Thank you!" I exclaimed, giving Caitlin a hug. "See? At least someone listens to my opinions!"
"Is it wrong that I want to spoil my favorite niece?" Peter asked, and I felt my cheeks growing warm with embarassment.
"I'm your only niece," I replied, and he stuck out his tongue.
"Yeah, yeah," he chuckled, giving me a hug. "listen, we should hit the road...it's getting late."
"Awwww," I pouted. "Well, thanks for coming along...it really did mean a lot," I said, and he gave a nod.
When my Uncle left, I had a sneaking suspicion that I wouldn't be left entirely alone.