Chapter 3- Call Me Claire

Hope finally reached my house after that long drive. I was really happy to spend the day with him. I loved seeing him so happy and so at ease; he deserves it after all he's been through. Losing his mother and having to maintain a 4.0 GPA to ensure financial aid completely covers his school expenses due to his father being unable to work due to his sickness. I was surprised Bartholomew was able to get Hope the car he now drives.

"Thanks for the awesome birthday,"

"Anytime,"

He smiled at me and my heart jumped again. There was just something about him that let me able to let down my guard. If it were any other guy, I'd be a completely different person. I know I wouldn't be smiling as much as I do with him, I know I wouldn't let anyone touch me like him and I know I wouldn't allow them to get close enough for me to want to protect them.

"Hope? Do you want to stay over? Its a really far drive from here to home,"

"Uhh...are you sure it's alright?"

"It's fine,"

Out of nowhere, Serah appeared with an innocent smile on her face.

"We have a guest room and you're always welcome here,"

"Thanks Serah..."

She winked at him and walked away. He went to his car and picked up a bag.

"Guess I'm staying here for a few days then,"

"You can stay as long as you want to,"

He smiled at me.

"Thanks Light,"

He walked inside before I showed him to his room. He put his bag and joined us for dinner. As usual, he and Snow were the comedians of the table, making me and Serah laugh to our hearts content. It was soon time for our usual serious talk, where we would tell each other what's bothering us. As usual, nothing bothered Serah and Snow almost always had an annoyance with one of the NORA members. Hope however, revealed that his dad was sick. He was sure that it wasn't anything serious so he paid no attention to it apart from checking in every few days. He was nice enough to wash everything after dinner before he returned the room. I followed him in.

"Everything ok?"

"Yeah...thanks for everything Light,"

I smiled at him.

"Call me Claire,"

His eyes widened.

"A-A-Alright...C-Claire,"

He must've known I don't let just anyone call me by my real name. If I allowed you to call me by my real name, it meant that you were either family or even closer than that. I left the room, leaving him to ponder at what just happened in his own words.