6:05
Tuesday
The Block Guest House (Claire's House)
She turned her mobile over again and stared at the lit screen. He wants me back. Back. Together. Cam and me. C plus C. C squared. But…he broke my heart??
"Claire, you in there?" she heard a voice call.
"Yeah," she replied and the door opened slowly. She looked up to meet Kristen's gaze. "Hey, Kris, what's up?" she asked.
"I don't know. None of us do…not me, Massie, Dylan, Alicia or even Layne…we don't know what's wrong," Kristen sighed, sitting on the edge of Claire's bed.
"I don't get it," Claire replied. Kristen ignored her and took the mobile out of Claire's hand. She read the text message.
"Cam? It's him, isn't it? Claire! Stop this! Do you love him or not? Do you?" Kristen demanded, shouting.
"I-I don't know!" Claire stammered, her eyes suddenly brimming with tears.
"Oh, Kuh-laire! It's ok. You just need time…and you have exactly that," Kristen moaned, hugging her.
"I missed him so much. And after all I said, he still wouldn't take me back! I mean, couldn't he have just told me about Nikki right away? Then, just because he saw me with Dempsey, he wants me back! But…do I really want him back? Kris, I don't know!!" Claire sobbed.
"I think you and Cam should talk it out, but right now, just take a break. I can't believe I'm saying this, but I think you should see Layne. She's worried. I have a ton of History and Science homework. Ugh, sorry, Claire. Bye," Kristen ruffled her friend's hair and walked out of her room, leaving Claire alone again.
Claire walked over to her computer and switched it on. Her Instant Messenger flashed up, showing 5 people online: Alicia, Josh, Derrington, Layne and Strawberry. She double-clicked on Derrington.
CuddlyClaire: Hey, DerrickShorts4Life: Sup, C?
Cuddly Claire: NM. Can u meet me at the park?
Shorts4Life: Now? Y?
CuddlyClaire: Itz kindda an emergency. Like, seriously. And yeah, now.
Shorts4Life: K. Cya. BTW: call Cam back. He's pissing me off wid his whining.
Shorts4Life has signed out.
Claire rubbed her eyes, signed out and changed into a pink skirt and black lace top with pink and black polka-dot shoes and an alice headband. She called out a 'goodbye' to her parents and skipped out to the park.
Derrick Harrington's sneakers brushed the grass as he swung back and forth on the swings lightly. He watched a pink dot become clearer as Claire approached him. He frowned, confused. Why would Claire want to see him? She was Cam's girl…well, not now, but she would be soon enough.
"Hey, thanks for coming," she greeted and sat on the swing next to him, sitting idly still. He noticed the red rings around her eyes.
"Sure. Whatever. Is there anything you wanted?" he replied.
"Kindda – what's the deal with Cam?" she asked.
"I don't know what you're talking about," Derrington said.
"Of course you do – he says he loves me, but he won't tell me about Nikki. He dumps me and won't even hear my apology, dates Olivia and now he wants me back just because he saw me with Dempsey?" Claire retorted, her voice shrilly.
"He was just confused," he said, rubbing his neck uncomfortable.
"I need answers, Derrington! And if I don't get them, me and Cam…it's never gonna happen," Claire threatened, standing up. Derrington quickly ran over his options – keep his mouth shut and ruin his best friend's love life or give Claire what she wanted.
"Hey, wait! Claire, look, Cam's a good guy but right now he's clueless and the idiot's just realized he loves you…that's all I can give," Derrington yelled and she carefully walked back to him.
"He left me as quickly as he let Olivia…it scares me," she shuddered and Derrick felt sympathy stab his heart.
"I'm sorry. Really, I am…good luck with the Cam situation. Try not to break his heart. And say hi to Massie," it was Derrington's turn to walk away.
"Massie?" Claire asked.
"Uh, yeah. Haven't seen her in a while, so, you know, just say hello for me, ok? Adios, Claire," Derrington waved to her, jogging away.
"Adios, Derrick!" she yelled back and sat on the swing again, deep in thought.