Go to sleep, Claire, just close your eyes and go to sleep! It's not so hard! – Third night in a row Claire couldn't sleep. She hasn't slept alone for quite some time now and it felt weird. She opened her eyes and focused on the clock…
"3.26"…
Oh, for God's sake! – Claire stood up and rested her head against the bed frame- This is ridiculous! Now I can't sleep, great! Get it together and just…
She exhaled, trying to relax her beating heart. The mother of all fights happened three nights ago, but it never felt like an actual fight. Owen and Claire just parted their ways. When Claire got home the next day most of Owen stuff were gone, he did as he promised and now the apartment felt and looked empty. She didn't call to check on him and now three days later she started to regret that. It was obvious to her that she overreacted, but the doctor said that she might feel a little off balance and more sensitive now that she is pregnant. Raging hormones said the doc, there was nothing that Claire could do, but just wait till her body adjusts to the little life that is growing inside of her.
Claire Dearing, get it together and just call him, right! - Claire reached for her phone, but she decided that three o'clock in the morning was not the best time to have serious conversation. She'll do that tomorrow, before she goes to work. Owen's flight wasn't for another two days, so she would have enough time to talk to him and explain her erratic behavior. She hugged one of Owen's pillows and finally fell asleep.
"3.26"…
Owen was also pretty much awake. Every single thing about the hotel room was off. It was for couple of days, but he hated it. What he hated the most was the absence of Claire. The bed was empty without her; his life was empty without her. But Owen knew that something bothered Claire and she need little time to figure it out, whatever It was. He was reading some papers and reports, regarding the trip to the Island. Where they would find the remaining dinos, their number, their species, all sort of data that Owen found unnecessary. He and Barry knew the Island better that this corporate people. What a waste of time! The best part of it was the fact that Owen didn't need to read all of this, because he wouldn't be able to, he was so unfocused and distracted lately. His thoughts were going and focusing only on Claire. He hadn't seen her in days, much worse, they didn't even talk after that night.
Stop it, man! She is fine, probably sleeping right now, something that you should do to! Owen looked at the clock. It was almost quarter to four. Of course she is sleeping; you're the only idiot that is awake at this time. Big day tomorrow!
Owen lied on the bed, staring at the ceiling. He closed his eyes and thought about the first post-island date he had with Claire. Only the thought of that brought a smile to his face and Owen started to fall asleep. There was nothing sweeter that the memory of his love. He needed the rest. The trip was rescheduled; he and Barry were leaving in just 8 hours.
Shit, am I late, again! – Claire was driving to work. Late again, but she was feeling particularly happy with her spirit uplifted. In couple of hours she'll get the chance to talk with Owen and sort out everything. She was going to tell him about the baby. They were having a baby, together. She knew Owen was very fond of children, he thought of Zach and Grady like his own, there was no doubt that little Dearing-Grady would have two loving parents. Her phone ringing pulled her away from her daydreaming;
Claire Dearing! Oh, hello Mr. Crest, yes I know I am a little bit late, bit I am on my way! Yes, sir, I know that you have to fly today! No, sir, I am coming in ten minutes, tops! Yes, sir, I will be ready in time! She left her phone on the passengers sit and push the gas pedal little harder. She hated when she was late or caught off guard. She enjoyed her job very much and hated to be anything but professional.
Both Owen and Claire now worked for Norman Crest, the owner and CEO of "Crest Technology". Crest took over the park affairs after Masrani's untimely death. Claire and Owen were hired to take care of the remaining animals. Most of the small herbivorous dinosaurs were transferred to some of the world biggest zoos. Lots of money was poured into the park, so Crest thought that the legacy of both John Hammond and Simon Masrani should remain intact. But the larger animals were left behind; because Ingen decided that there was no point on moving them too. Unfortunately neither Crest, neither Owen knew that Ingen had something else in mind when they started to make arrangements- the crew and the trip had to insure that the plan remained the same.
"Crest Tech" main office was in midtown Miami. In mid July, the weather was too hot. Claire pulled her car to her parking spot. The AC was kicking strong, but when she stepped out of the car the heat overpowered her and she felt little lightheaded. 8.30 in the morning and it was already unbearable. She was balancing her coffee, her phone, purse, some papers and her laptop bag, but when she saw him, standing not more than 60 feet in front of her, Claire almost dropped everything. Owen and Barry were standing in front of the main door, their bags by their side. It looked like they were waiting for someone. Barry noticed Claire first:
Trouble, 3 o'clock!
Hmm? – Owen looked and saw Claire, just standing there. This is going to be interesting!
Barry laughed – You think?
Claire gather all of her straight and went on complete Claire Dearing mode, which meant head held high, clear and focused look, confident and professional walk. Maybe on the outside Claire appeared like she was in control, but there were butterflies in her stomach. She felt overwhelmed with filings and all sort of emotions, but she wasn't going to show them. Never!
Hey, what are you doing here so early? – Claire stood before Owen, but she wasn't ready to face him, so she addressed her questions to Barry.
We are waiting for mister Crest. We have a meeting, before our flight.
What flight, are you going somewhere? – Claire voice started to sound panicky. She found enough in herself to turn to Owen. - Owen, what flight? I thought you are not leaving for another couple of days? Why didn't you tell me?
I didn't know I had to? I am pretty sure that we already established that! – Owen was so calm it was infuriating Claire by the minute.
Can we talk for a moment, over there?
Why? We are talking here, aren't we? Just say what you have to say, we have work to do!
Please, it's important! I have to …
Claire speech was interrupted by Crest's arrival.
Ah, Claire, you managed! Mr. Grady, Mr. Dubois, I am happy that you accepted the job! Claire, dear, I have to leave today, I will accompany the gentlemen to the Island. I will be very pleased if you take care of the rest of the work, while I am gone.
You're going with them, Mr. Crest, are you sure you're well enough to travel to Costa Rica?
Yes, and let not waste more time with unnecessary chit-chat. The adventure cannot wait to start!
Crest walked away, with Barry following him. He felt like Owen and Claire should spend some time alone to talk.
You should have told me you were leaving so soon! Owen, we need to talk about something! It's urgent.
Nope, I am not doing that again.
Excuse me, not doing what exactly?
Fighting! Claire, lately we don't talk, we fight! I am not going through that again. It will have to wait until I come back from the Island, ok?
Not ok!
Ok! – Owen just smiled at Claire. He got his bags from the ground and started walking toward the parked nearby company car.
Seriously, you're just gonna leave me here standing? Owen! Hey, I am not one of your damn animals! Owen Grady, if you don't come back here, so help me God…
Owen kept on walking, smiling from ear to ear. He loved how cute Claire was when she was angry with him. Without even turning around Owen said:
If you want to talk, you know where to find me! Just this time don't wear those ridiculous shoes!
Mister Grady, we are not finished yet! – Claire was now yelling from 10 feet behind him.
Mister Grady! – Owen chuckled as he entered the car.
You are in serious trouble, my friend! – Barry smiled at Owen.
Nah, she just appears scary, but she doesn't bite! Much!
Gentlemen, if you're ready! Both Owen and Barry nodded.
Ok then! Let's go save some dinosaurs!
The company Lincoln drove away. Claire was standing in front of the main entrance. Every emotion on the spectrum was raging through her body. She was so angry with Owen, but at the same time felt really happy. He was still her Owen, the one she met 5 years ago. Unapologetic, always smiling and so honest. Even though she could kill him right now, she knew in her heart that they were going to be fine. For Claire there only one thing to do, she got her phone and dialed…
This is Julia, what can I do for you?
Hey, Julia, is Claire.
Yes, miss Dearing.
Can you please print all the information about the Crest-Ingen schedule?
Yes, of course. For when do you need it?
By the end of the day?
Certainly! Anything else?
Yes, I need to know about all of Mr. Crest meetings.
He canceled most of them, to make room for the trip. There's only one for this Friday. He said that it was your concern now and you'll be the one to meet with that CEO.
Yes, yes, Takawa's meeting! I know. But after that everything is cleared, right?
Yes!
Ok, so please make sure to book a ticket for Costa Rica first thing on Friday or Saturday and please notify the field team on my arrival.
No problem, Miss Dearing!
Claire never felt more determent in her. In four days all of this mess would resolved. And there was nothing on the face of this earth that could stop her to talk to Owen.
She hung up with Julia.
The things I do for you Mister Grady! Damn, the things I do for us! Just four more days!
Just four more days!