The Final Love Story
1
Claire had never felt more nervous in her life. She entered the ballroom, taken aback by how beautiful the place looked. It was fully crowded which would make things difficult for Claire seeing as she was here for only one reason. Which was to find Brandon. As she walked further into the crowd, she suddenly wished Shane was with her. For some reason she felt safe by his side. Hope fading fast at the fact that Brandon was nowhere to be seen, she quickly scoured the ballroom. And just like a bad curse, someone-she couldn't make out who for everyone was wearing an eye mask-approached Claire taking her softly by the hand. No! she screamed to herself as she immediately recognised the dark figure's eyes. They were a silvery blue. Which could only mean Brandon was the one who was leading her into the centre of the ballroom. She tried with all her will to pull herself away from his grasp. But it was too late, she had stared for too long into his eyes, mesmerised. She felt hypnotyised by him. She was falling towards him unable to stop herself. She could hear someone jealously shouting in the background- Monica, for sure- but she didn't care. Her mind was clouded with a silver mist. All she cared about was this moment. Everything she was meant to remember had disappeared from her mind, all she knew was that she belonged here with Brandon. He brought her closer to him and they swayed in time to the music making Claire feel light and content. But one name kept appearing in the back of her mind that she couldn't get rid of...Shane. At that moment as if he could read her mind, Brandon winced. He whispered in a silky voice as wrapped his arm more tighter around her waist, 'Forget about him, you're better than him. You deserve so much more.' His face was so close to hers that she felt breathless. She nodded unable to think and wrapped her arms around his neck. Her gaze never left his. She wanted to stay in this moment forever.
Yet a voice deep within in her screamed. No! The plan...this is all wrong...
"And what exactly is the plan then?"Shane asked Claire the day before. They were sat together on the sofa in the Glass House. Claire was writing something in a notepad whilst Shane watched her curiously. She stopped for a moment and turned to look at him.
"Come on, like I'm going to tell you Shane. You'll just lose your temper."
"Of course I'll lose my temper, your plans always involve you getting yourself into danger."
Claire look offended. "No they don't!"
Shane frowned at her.
"Okay they do but they work out at the end."
"Claire..." Shane whispered. Claire met his eyes and noticed the pain and grief in them. She instinctively reached for his hand and intwined her fingers with his. Shane looked down at their hands together then met her gaze again. "Claire, will you tell me now please?"
Claire sighed defeated. She'd have to tell him sooner or later because the plan involved him being a back up in case something went wrong. "Okay, well I did some research. The Ball that is being held in the University to celebrate Morganville's 100 years anniversary...well Brandon is going to be there. So the plan is... I'll attend it disguised- which will be easy as it is a masked ball- find Brandon and take the book. He keeps it close to him. He trusts no-one."
Shane froze for a few good seconds which made Claire nervous. "Well come on, say something Shane."
Claire studied his face and noticed how furious he looked. "That is the most...dumb-ass plan I've ever heard of. Do you have a death wish or summat? Jesus! There's no way I'm letting you do that. Full stop."
Claire stood up, she felt...so angry at him. She clenched her fists and shouted at him. "At least I'm doing something about it! Do you not understand, Shane? He's got the book. He could kill everyone human with the knowledge in that book. No I'm going and you are not stopping me. If you care about me, you'll let me do this.' Shane winced. 'The reason that I'm not letting you do this is because I care...come on Claire..."
"No." She folded her arms. Shane stared at her and realised how stubborn she was and that she wasn't going to change her mind. He sighed before placing his head into his hands.
At that moment Eve came thumping down the stairs, yelling excitedly, "Are you ready to see your dress Claire and your mask? You're going to love it! It's so gorgeous!"
She walked into the living room and held up a black laced gown. Claire's anger suddenly evaporated as she gasped in disbelief, "Oh my god..."
"I know!" Eve squealed. Yeah okay it is gothic, Claire thought, but it's so beautiful. Eve handed the sequined black eye mask to Claire. 'Are you sure you're ready to do this tomorrow evening?' Eve asked.
"I'm sure."
Suddenly Shane stood up infuriated. "Wait, Eve, you're just going to let her do this?"
Eve looked defensive. "Come on Shane...you should know by now when Claire sets her mind to something no-one can change her mind. Me and Michael already tried to but failed miserably."
Claire felt insulted; they were talking like she weren't even in the room. "Erm, hello guys. Claire's still here."
Shane shot her a nasty look which made Claire want to cry. She suddenly felt the urge to hurt to him like he'd just hurt her inside. "Do you know what Shane? I don't need you. So mind your own business." She then stormed upstairs leaving Shane and Eve.
She fell onto her bed, tears streaming down her cheek. She couldn't get the image of Shane looking nastily at her out of her mind. There was a soft knock on the door. Claire ignored it. She didn't feel in the mood to talk.
"Claire, come on...please. I'll stay out here all night if I have to your'll know I will." It was Shane. God he could be so immature at times, Claire thought.
She sat up and defeatedly went to open her door to see Shane standing there nervously. He ran his hand through his hair, feeling evidently awkward as Claire stood there silently just sending him a piercing angry look.
"Can I come in?"
"Maybe."
She turned and walked into her room leaving the door open. Shane came in and shut the door behind him. He walked up to Claire and gently grabbed her arm turning her around to face him. He came close to her face. Claire shocked, noticed that he'd too been crying. Shane was never the sort to cry.
"Claire, I'm sorry for acting such an idiot but you've got to understand that I can't bear the thought of you putting yourself at risk and me just standing there and letting you do it. You know Brandon wants you as his puppet. I care about you so much it hurts. I've lost too much already and I don't want to lose you too. I...I love you Claire."
Claire froze in shock. Suddenly pure happiness radiated through her. She felt like she was flying, no-one would be able to put her down now. She couldn't believe what she had heard. Did he just say he...loves me? she thought.
"You love me?" Her eyes widened.
Shane laughed, "Of course I love you silly. How could you have not known that? I've never felt like this for any other girl, Claire. That's why you've got to understand why I argue with you on plans like these."
Claire said nothing instead she threw her arms around Shane and cried. He lifted her up into the air then put her down placing both hands on her face. "Hey, are you crying? What's wrong?"
"N..nothing, I've just never been so happy in all my life. Shane?"
"Yes?"
"I love you too."
All night they debated about the plan, Claire evidently for it and Shane against it. But Claire being a pro at debating, won it successfully. Shane took her hand, sadness filling him, and said commanding, "But I'm going to be waiting right outside for you." Claire smiled a knowing smile.
"What?" Shane asked.
"I was hoping you'd say that."
The next day, Eve got Claire ready in her bedroom. She jumped up and down excited, doing her hair and make-up. But Claire felt the totally opposite of excited. She felt sick to the stomach. Just the thought of coming face to face with Brandon repulsed her.
"Right done!" Eve said. "What a masterpiece you are! Wait till Shane sees you!"
Suddenly Claire felt worried but for a different reason entirely. "Erm...Please tell me you haven't gone OTT with the goth make-up."
"Nope pinky swear I haven't, look". She handed Claire a mirror. Claire held it up to her face...but felt speechless at the transformation.
"Do you like it? Told it's not too goth." Eve smiled proudly.
"No it's not. Wow, Eve you've done an amazing job. I can hardly recognise myself. Which is a good thing."
Claire stood up, she smoothed her gown before putting on her silk black gloves and grabbing her purse.
"Are you ready?"
Claire inhaled. "Yes I'm ready."
Please review on whether I should carry on with the story. :) thankyou!