A Change in the Air; A change in Claire

Chapter 2 – Goodbye Claire

Claire's POV:

I opened my eyes to see the bright light of the sun in front of me. I felt different this morning, up until all the memories came flooding back from last night. I hate Michael! I can't believe he won't let me stay; my birthday is in a few days! I just don't understand! I padded softly downstairs in my long t-shirt.

'Hey' I smiled.

'So you're leaving today?' Shane asked.

'Yep. I really don't understand why though. My birthday is in a few days!' I exclaimed.

'That's Michael for you. Coffee?' He offered.

'No thanks, but I do need help.' I smiled evilly.

'NO!' He shouted.

'It's only something very small. I just need my duffle bag from my car' I explained.

'Fine. Keys?' He responded.

'Here,' I chucked my car keys at him. 'Range Rover can't miss it!' I added.

'Sure thing' Shane called. I listened to the door shut. I then got out some orange juice and a glass, whilst I was pouring myself some, I heard a thud upstairs. It's probably Michael, but I thought he slept days?

I took my first step on the stairs and they groaned in response. I tiptoed up the rest quickly, before running towards Michael's room. There was only a smashed glass vase on the floor. She looked up only to see Michael's locked door, just as it was before. I felt a cold chill come towards me, I shivered in response, and I felt as if someone was following me as I walked down the stairs rapidly.

Shane was inside, by the time I got into the kitchen.

'Here's your bag.' He handed me a blue duffle bag.

'Thanks' I responded. With each step I took, the stairs groaned and moaned in response, until I reached the bathroom. It was nice and steamy.

After The Shower

I put on my black skater dress, with the same flip-flops from yesterday. I picked up the remains of my belongings, then took one last look at the room and left. I made my way downstairs quickly whilst holding my duffle bag.

'Bye' I called to Shane.

'Going already huh?' He nodded at my bag.

'Yeah. Sorry for the disturbance' I smiled.

'You didn't disturb. See you' He smiled, opening his arms to give me a hug.

Shane was really strong. The hug lasted for more than three seconds which was a good sign. I felt the cool breeze come again, this time it was stronger, it felt somewhat urgent. I shuddered, before opening the front door and leaving.

'Goodbye house' I waved on the front porch. I felt it saying bye too, it was bizarre, a house having feelings. I unlocked my car door. I went inside and cried.

When, I'd finally stopped I drove all the way down to Common Grounds to find Eve.

Eve's POV:

Amelie is here at Common Grounds for the first time! EEEK! I wonder why though. DING DONG! The bell rang as someone walked inside. It was Claire.

'Hey!' I squealed. Claire looked upset, maybe it was the fact that Michael wouldn't let her stay. I tried everything. I begged him until he turned into a ghost.

'I'll have a white mocha please' She asked as if she hadn't even met me.

'Coming right up' I replied still being cheerful.

Claire walked up to Amelie and asked if anyone was sitting there. I was shocked, even more so when Amelie nodded for her to sit down. I was too far away to hear their conversation, but it was something about Myrin. I quickly made Claire's mocha. As I approached, their conversation slowly ended. Amelie looked up and signalled for me to leave, as I placed Claire's mocha in front of her. I walked off with whatever amount of dignity that I had left.

Amelie's POV:

'So Claire,' I paused. 'Are you up for the challenge?' I asked.

'Err... well... actually' Claire stuttered.

'I will have you stay at the Glass House with Shane Collins, Eve Rosser and of course Michael Glass whom I have not seen for awhile now come to think of it' I ordered.

'The thing is... Michael is forbidding me to say at the Glass House until I am 17' Claire explained.

'I am the Founder and I will authorise your stay at the Glass House without further notice. So are you up for the extra work with Myrin?' I asked politely.

'Of course. Thank you so much... Founder' Claire smiled, as she sipped her mocha.

'Please, call me Amelie' I smiled slightly and slipped Claire an envelope. After a few seconds, I got up and left Common Grounds with my entourage behind me.

Claire's POV:

Amelie had given me and cream coloured envelope with swirly handwriting at the front. The paper felt very thick and strong, I almost didn't want to open it. However, I didn't have time to because at the front it was for Michael, not me. I had no classes left for the day, so I drove a few blocks until I reached the Glass House. I opened the door to find Shane sitting on the couch.

'Hi' I smiled. He looked up in shock.

'I knew you would come back; they always come back' Shane said.

'As false as that sounds, I really need to see Michael' I said looking around.

I saw some type of emotion sweep across Shane's face it resembled, fear.

'Err... actually Michael is sleeping right now.' Shane said nervously.

'Well go and wake him up because it is important' I said whilst shaking the envelope.

'Why don't you sit, chill wait here for a few hours, uh until he wakes up.' Shane suggested.

'That does sound good.' I replied flopping into the couch.

'Why don't you watch some tv whilst I grab you some food.' He offered.

'Yeah food does sound good right now...' I paused, drifting off into serene, peaceful sleep.