Chapter 1 – The Confession
Chapter 1 – The Confession
Claire happily walked through snow-covered streets. Her curls bounced on her white coat as she carried bags full of winter food cravings. When she looked up at the apartment building, she smiled to herself, knowing that she had created a perfect plan to spend some much-needed time with Peter.
As Claire opened the door she felt the gentle warmth that always greeted her. She took off her coat and happily shouted: "Peter, I'm home." There was no response. Usually Peter would hear her or even be there waiting with a smile. But no, he hadn't come.
Claire had a feeling she knew where he was, but she hoped that she was wrong.
Feeling just a little disappointed and a tad anxious, Claire put the bags of groceries on the kitchen bench and began to unpack and store everything. She was putting some margarine in the fridge when she heard someone giggling from a nearby room. Claire immediately stopped what she was doing and quickly turned her head towards the voice, a female voice.
Claire slammed the fridge door. "No!" she breathed as she looked up at the ceiling with a sigh.
"No, this can't be happening."
Claire paced for a few seconds before deciding that she couldn't take it any longer, quickly marching into the living room.
"Hey Peter!" she exclaimed as she saw him sitting next to a gorgeous brunette.
"Oh hey Natalie."
Her greeting was pleasant, concealing her true feelings.
"Hey cheerleader," the brunette replied.
Claire tried to continue the conversation. "I'm gonna make some hot chocolate, you guys want one?"
"Nah I better be off I think."
Natalie leaned over a little to grab a small bag, giving Peter a good look down her top, and then she got off the couch, walking sexily a few steps away then turning back to Peter.
"Nice seeing you again Pete," she said in a voice, which could have made Claire puke.
She briefly smiled at Claire before walking towards the front door. Peter got up and followed her. Claire rolled her eyes.
"I'll come with you."
Natalie laughed and shook her head. "Pete, you know I am just down the corridor…"
Claire decided not to listen to the rest of Natalie's farewell. About to explode with jealously she dived on Peter's bed sinking into his pillow and tightly hugging it. She wanted to be with him so desperately, but clutching his pillow was as close as she could get.
Claire lay there for only a few moments before she saw Peter's shadow cast on the floor.
"Hey thanks for the… Claire are you OK?"
Claire didn't answer him or even move. Peter sat down on the edge of the bed beside her, looking concerned.
"Claire what's wrong?" he asked her softly.
She looked up at Peter, and then sat up on the bed opposite him.
"Peter, I've barely talked to you or even seen you this week! I don't want you to be with Natalie so much."
Peter looked puzzled. "Claire I don't under--"
"God Peter are you blind?!"
Claire had finally lost it; she stood up and shook her hands, yelling in frustration.
"Natalie doesn't love you, she never will!"
There was an awkward silence. Peter didn't respond. Claire spoke softy, tears welling in her eyes.
"The girl that does, she--" Claire looked down briefly and sighed. "She's standing right in front of you."
Claire stood with both arms out from her sides. Peter just looked at her like a stunned mullet. It was obvious that he was in a state of shock. Claire shook her head and quickly darted past Peter towards the door, trying to hide her pain.
"I-I'm going to go for a walk," she told him. "I'll be back soon."
Peter stood up and walked out of the room calling out to Claire as he saw her coat sweep around the door. She didn't respond.