[A/N]: Happy New Years! haha better late than never, eh? Here is Chapter three, I had writers block and then one day I decided to make brownies and as they were baking, I started writing and next thing I know I finished chapter three. I can't wait to hear what you guys think, I'm so excited for you guys to read it!
I would like to thank: malloryxoxome | bjq | Yoko Takara | Chocolatechipcookielover | lalahawaii | guest | for reviewing, I really appreciate it. :)
&* Welcome to the story: LovelyPeaxhBlush | Belinda Valentine Bite | Hope you guys enjoy and keep on reading!
Without further ado, here is chapter three!
Disclaimer: I do not own The Covenant, anything you do not recognize from the movie is mine.
Chris remembered when Claire was six and she had fallen from her pink bike. He had rushed over to her side and immediately checked to see if she was okay but Claire surprised him. She didn't cry or pout like he expected her to. Instead Claire inspected her scraped, bloody knee and thought for a moment before shrugging and getting on her bike once again.
"Claire! What are you doing, come back here and let's tell mommy that you fell." Chris scolded Claire, who still kept on ridding her bike and didn't seem to care that blood was now dripping onto her light up sketchers.
"You're bleeding Claire Bear, please stop and come. I don't want you to be hurt." Chris pleaded with Claire, who once hearing her brothers plea, did she finally stop and went inside. When their mother asked why Claire hadn't come inside to inform her of her injury, Claire simply shrugged.
"I know I was supposed to but I was fine. It hurt but I didn't want to stop riding my bike, I like riding my bike and I ain't going to let a cut stop me!" Claire huffed and crossed her arms around her chest. It was at this moment that Chris and their mother realized that Claire was going to be someone who fought for what they loved and believed in. Of course Chris at that age didn't think much of it but when later pulled aside by their mother, did he put some thought into it.
"Chris, I need you to watch over your sister when she is making decisions. It is good that she fights for what she believes in, but as you saw today, if she's fighting for something that she really cares for, she won't care if she gets hurt in the process. That's where I need you to step in and help her slow down. You're her safety net Christopher. Can you do that for me please?"
Chris had taken his mothers words and stored them in his brain. He reminded himself everyday, especially after their mother had passed, that he would be her safety net. There were multiple times where Claire would get too involved in things that she shouldn't be getting involved. Not caring if she got hurt in the process and not caring that she left her loved ones worried. Sure Chris had been the prankster and Claire would know where to draw the line when it came to pranking, but when it came to serious stuff, it would be the opposite. Chris would be the cautious one and he would know when to draw the line, whereas Claire wouldn't know when to stop. Something that her loved ones worried about.
Now, it was the opposite.
Chris was the one following Caleb and Pogue down the dirt road in the middle of the night, while Claire was safely tucked at home. Chris was the one who couldn't stop wondering what Caleb had been talking about, while all Claire worried about was what other locations she could take pictures of.
After eavesdropping immediately, Chris had rushed to the bathroom washed his hands and returned to the table, acting as if he had gone to the bathroom. Which he originally first planned on going but had heard Claire's name in their conversation. Once midnight rolled around Chris had called it a night early, claiming he was going to be on Skype with his ex Jennifer, which everybody knew to leave him alone because those Skype sessions usually ended in arguments.
Staying behind them a good half a mile with his lights off, something he knew he shouldn't be doing, but he had to find out what was going on. He wondered how long it would take to get to this colony house and he wondered if they were playing a trick on him. He was about to go back when he saw them make a turn and head straight for an old house. Keeping distance between them, he parked down the street, on the opposite side, and walked in between the trees so they wouldn't see him. He heard voices and saw two other males waiting next to a black hummer. The four talked for a while before heading to the side of the house and disappeared underground.
Chris waited for a good ten minutes before following after and realizing the path they took was a cellar. He slowly lifted one of the doors which took another five minutes without rattling the chains that were attached to them, so they won't notify them that someone was trying to get in. Chris slowly squeezed in and followed the lighted candles on each step. The wall curved and he stopped a few steps before landing on the main floor. He heard someone speaking and did not recognize the voice so assumed it was either Reid or Tyler.
"What do you mean you felt the need to protect her? That shit doesn't make sense."
Another voice spoke "Caleb, I know you always wanted a little sister so I know where the need to protect her comes from but I think you took it a little too far when you decided to use. You should have just let her fall, so what if she got scraped arms?" Chris glared at the wall, not liking the fact that someone didn't care about Claire's wellbeing.
"Because Tyler! I can't explain it! Do you think I wanted to use? Especially on something small? I'm telling you that I did not call on it willingly, it came forward on its own." Caleb spoke and Chris couldn't have been more confused. Used what exactly?
"Caleb, calm down. We're just as confused as you are." Pogues spoke and Chris heard some shuffling and a chair scrape.
"I don't think theres anything in the book but I'll check anyways." Caleb responded. Next thing Chris heard was a swoosh of air and a chilling breeze, some of the candles went out. He heard pages flipping and flipping and finally after what seemed like years there was an irritated sigh.
"There's nothing there that could even explain anything about it." Caleb finally answered.
"That damn book is nothing but a waste of paper." Reid spoke, Chris who had heard the voice of Tyler only now assumed that the last unrecognizable voice would be Reid's. For a few moments the boys proceeded on talking about how the book was not useful and how they should go on amazon and look for a new book; mostly it was Reid doing the jokes. Chris was about to leave, not hearing anything useful or anything that made sense when he heard his name.
"Also Chris saw." Caleb spoke quietly.
"Well what a fucking good night!" Reid yelled cheerfully. "Finally Caleb Danvers has fucked up and after years of always riding down my ass about someone seeing me they saw you instead. Isn't karma a wonderful bitch?"
Chris heard silence before someone getting up and flesh hitting flesh followed by a loud groan and a series of curses.
"Caleb!" Tyler yelled out before he heard Pogue shout "Reid don't!" A series of flesh hitting flesh and cursing sounded throughout the room. Chris had to step up a few steps because Tyler had been shoved to close to the stairwell and if he looked right, he would have seen Chris.
"Enough!" Caleb shouted, Chris assumed he had shoved off Reid because he could see shadows to close to the stairwell.
"I don't want us to fight Reid, I am just as confused as you guys are. I know I have been a little… strict in the past, but I act like that because I care. You think I want you or any of us to end up like my father? Trust me when I say this: I don't know what is going on, I don't know why this is happening but we will get to the bottom of this, because as much as my brotherly love has grown towards Claire, I will not allow my life to be at risk, for her."
[*******\(^.^)Z*******]
"As the twins got closer to the dark and gloomy castle that was soon to be their school, both of their hearts pounding like a hummingbirds wings, they only had one thought in mind, which was…"
"suck this di-"
"Tyler!" both the twins and Caleb had called out his name, not expecting that response from him.
"You weren't supposed to answer Ty, Chris was." Claire finished, sending a glare to her amused brother. Tyler laughed in response and threw his arm around Claire's shoulder, causing her to pout. Caleb was in charge of helping his new step-siblings go to school and register for classes while their parents settled house paper work and what not. Upon arriving to Spencer Academy, they had caught up with Tyler who was eagerly waiting for them. Tyler and the twins had gotten along almost immediately. After Tyler had tried to hit on Claire and received a punch from her saying 'that's not how you do it'. Afterwards Tyler and Claire had gotten into a battle of which one had better pick up lines.
Tyler won.
They had been out in the parking lot for a good 15 minutes, Claire making corny jokes with Tyler; Tyler thought she just wanted to spend time with him. She wasn't going to lie, Ty was a fun person to be around but the whole reason why she was stalling was because she was scared to go into the school. She was scared that her old principle could have sent their soon to be new principle a letter about her old behavior. She was scared that somehow her chance at a new beginning could have already been ruined.
"Claire Bear, it's time to go inside." Chris spoke, breaking her out of her negative thoughts. He reached forward and grabbed her hand. Knowing very well what his twin sister was thinking, he gently tugged her forward until she was walking willingly on her own.
"Oh, Claire Bear, make sure to take photography with Professor Anderson; he's the best." Tyler said, pointing his gaze towards Claire's camera that hung around her neck. She flashed him a smile in thanks before turning around and heading towards the double doors that led inside, her heart beating like a humming birds wings.
"As you can see, as soon as you enter the school, the office will be on your right and to the left will be the staircases to the boys and girls dorms. The girls have a lock outside their door, so you can't enter the girls dorms without having a room key or being escorted in with someone, but the girls can enter the boys' floor." Caleb pointed out as they passed the stairs that was surrounded by a dim light, as the whole hallway was mainly dark.
"Very eerie" Claire muttered under her breath.
Entering the office both the twins took in their surroundings and immediately their eyes went over to the whole trophy case that took up one side of the office wall.
"Yeah, Spencer Academy takes pride in our sports and achievements. They have the best swim team in the state and the swim team have won nationals three times in a row." Caleb answered, coming over and admiring the trophies, Claire could detect a hint of pride in his tone. Looking closer Claire saw that the three swim teams' trophies had the swim teams pictures on the bottom and in each one of them contained Caleb, Pogue and Tyler. There was another boy that caught Claire's eyes, who was in-between Pogue and Tyler. He had blonde hair, his body was slim built with a peak of a six pack and even though the picture was taken from a distance you can still see his blue eyes and a smirk on his pink lips.
"So you and your friends are on the swim team? That's pretty cool Caleb, and the fact that you guys won nationals all of your three years since freshman year? Pretty epic." Claire praised Caleb and her smiled widened more when she saw the tips of his ears turn red.
"Yes, freshman aren't usually allowed on the varsity team, but there were…a few exceptions." Claire smiled and looked back at the recent picture reading the names below, trying to find out who the smirking blonde was. Her eyes widened when it said 'Captain: Caleb Danvers'
"Woah Caleb! You were the captain? Chris, look, he's the captain of the swim team!" Claire grinned enthusiastically pointing at all three pictures. Chris looked closer and grinned upon seeing Caleb's name under captain.
"Damn, that's a hell of an achievement bro, good job." Chris and Caleb then did one of those guy handshakes that had Claire rolling her eyes. Shaking her head she looked back at the smirking blonde, it was then that she noticed his speedo. It wasn't a simple solid color, it was yellow, with the emoji heart eyes face. She busted out laughing upon seeing that and pointed.
"Who's speedo heart eyes?" She asked Caleb. Caleb immediately chuckled before answering.
"That would be, our other closest friend. His name is Reid Garwin; he had been playing too many pranks on us in the locker rooms so when picture day came around, we forgot to mention that we were supposed to wear our uniform." He shrugged before looking over at Claire, then at Chris. "He is a bit… of a ladies man and most of the time is really…wild." Caleb finished as a frown set over his features. He didn't want Claire to fall under Reid's charm and have there be problems between his loved ones.
Claire seemed to catch the warning under his tone and she quickly responded.
"Oh no, not that I am in any way interested in him, he looks too…"
"Arrogant?" Chris finished for her and Claire smiled. Wanting to change the topic, Claire pulled her camera to her eye level and without hesitating snapped a picture of her brothers. Chris didn't flinch while Caleb looked up so fast, Claire thought he got whiplash.
"Don't worry, you'll get used to it; she's always taking pictures of anything and anyone randomly." Chris answered before heading over to the lady at the front desk. Claire could hear him introduce himself and her. Before she could walk over to him, Caleb had grabbed her arm.
"Claire Bear, I know you said you aren't interested but, Reid can be very… persuasive. He isn't a good person to even be interested in." He spoke gently and Claire felt a wave of gratitude towards her stepbrother.
"Aw, Caleb, it's sweet that you are worried, but honestly. I was just asking who he was, I'm not interested. I'm not, currently, interested in boys right now, I'm going to focus in school." She smiled sweetly at him before heading over to her brothers side.
Caleb could only hope she was right.
"So Claire, your professors have sent me letters of praise of how a marvelous student you were. Although, there were a few that mentioned your little… harmless troublemaking with your twin brother. That might have gotten you a few detentions and what not but here at Spencer Academy, you will get more than detentions. Nonetheless, your transcripts show you are a very bright student, all honor classes, a spot on the varsity girls volleyball and swim team, and a few awards for your photography. Very impressive, if your step-brother Caleb hasn't told you already about our sports here, allow me. Spencer Academy takes pride in our extracurricular activities, such as sports. Our swim team is the best in the state, our track comes second and our volleyball team comes in third. Tryouts are in the upcoming week and if you're interested I will attach the information along with your class schedule." Principle- or as Claire and Chris soon found out, the correct term for principle was Provost Higgins.
Upon entering the office, Provost Higgins had introduced himself and both Claire and Chris had sat down in the plush leather chairs. He asked to shortly introduce themselves, what they were into, what their dreams and goals are and what college they planned on going to. Chris had answered for Claire when it came to the college part, something that Provost Higgins noticed.
"I appreciate that sir, however I think this year I will just focus on my photography; I've spent my whole three years in high school on sports, and I want my final year to be focused on my photography work being shown." Claire responded politely before looking at her brother.
"I, however, will gladly take the tryout information sheets. Unlike Claire, I do not have an artistic side unfortunately." Chris joked as he leaned forward and grabbed the papers looking them over.
"Alright, well Claire, if you ever change your mind, even after the tryouts are finished, there will always be a spot for you on either team you wish to join." Provost Higgins smiled kindly at her before handing them both their files and thanking them.
"Well sir, thank you for accepting us into your school, my brother and I are very excited to be here. We've heard nothing but great things and we are grateful that we will be spending our last year here." Claire stood up and stretched her arm out, waiting for the Provost to shake. He did not stand up, nor made a move to shake her hand. Very awkwardly Claire let her arm fall and she looked over at her brother for help.
"There is…one more thing." He spoke in a much serious tone. Immediately Claire sat down and felt her heart stop. She knew what was coming and was hoping it wouldn't have been brought up.
"Your previous Provost, sent me a letter about you two. It contained of great praise and all good things. There was however one little part where I grew…. concerned." He stood up and made his way over to the window.
"After reading the letter, I did a little research of my own and what I found did not please me and I became hesitant to accept you two into my school. You see, we take great pride in our school, including our education, our extracurricular actives, and our students. We do not just allow anyone, if we did we would be a public school and not a private school. I contacted your previous Provost to talk more about you two, I understand you two are young, it's inevitable to stay away from trouble. However what you two had gotten yourselves into at your previous school, let's just say if it weren't for your outstanding grades and impressive letters of recommendations from your previous teachers, you two wouldn't be attending Spencer Academy." Provost Higgins finished and faced the two pale twins, one who kept her eyes on the floor and the other who gripped the armrest with so much force, his knuckles were white.
"Provost Higgins, you must understand that although you have done your research and have spoken with our previous principle and teachers, you do not, in any way have the right to belittle us." Chris spoke in a tone that gave Claire goosebumps on her arm. She noticed Provost Higgins stepped forward and his mouth open to speak but Chris didn't let him.
"What happened that unforgettable night is something that we carry on our shoulders and consciences every single day. We never meant for any of that to happen and we have paid the price already, we seem to still be paying the price, even when we try to better ourselves. That will always be on our records, it's something that we can't do now to fix, it's something that we couldn't have prevented and it's something that will stay with us for the rest of our lives. We all make mistakes, we wouldn't be human if we weren't, I'm sure you, in your younger days, made plenty mistakes that you regret even thinking about. We understand where you are coming from, if you should let someone with a past like ours into your private school. But you also must understand that we cannot stay stuck in the past forever, we are trying to move on and if you, in any way have any hesitation towards us attending your school, we'd rather not even attend it in the first place. We will not be at a place where we are not fully welcomed, no matter how great of a place it is." Chris finished looking at Provost Higgins, not daring to look away from his piercing eyes.
Claire felt woozy and her palms were sweaty, she didn't want to be in the room, she didn't want her brother to speak to their possible future provost that way, because she knew that he will not gain the respect her brother deserves from the Provost. She was hoping that he didn't bring anything up, but it was inevitable. An event that happened in their lives and is on their records will always be brought up anywhere. She looked over at Provost Higgins after hearing him move towards his desk again. He stayed silent and Claire could see her brother in any moment would get up and leave, taking the Provosts' silence as an answer, however, before Chris could get up, Provost Higgins finally answered.
"That, young man, in any under different circumstances would've gotten any student a suspension. I am… impressed with your response and while I will not judge you or your sisters actions, I do apologize if I came as discourteous to both of you, it was not my intention. My intentions are simply for the well being of my school and my students, as I'm sure you understand. However, I will not close any doors on you two. Your transcripts and records impress me very much so, that I am willing to put aside your mistakes. I want you two to understand that I am very glad you are both here but I do not do this at all, so I hope you both have learned from your past that when you leave Spencer Academy it will be under a better persona. Welcome to Spencer Academy Christopher and Claire Hawkins." Provost finished and finally stood up, Claire and Chris soon followed and after polite goodbyes both the twins left the office.
Claire let out a breath of relief and looked over at her brother who still looked peeved. She put their files under her arm and with the other reached over and wrapped it around his waist.
"Chris, just let it go. We are starting new and I know that you will say how can we start new when we try to the past always gets brought up? Well, it's inevitable but what we have to do is be prepared for it. We are in and he's giving us basically a blind eye to it, something that we wouldn't have gotten in any other place. Thank you for standing up for us, but please, lighten up. They wouldn't want us to be living in the past miserable as hell."
Chris sighed and slung his arm over his sister shoulder.
"You're right, I'm just tired of it."
"I know, but it will get better. My senses are tingling." Claire joked and that made Chris laugh. They reached the parking lot and saw Caleb with his girlfriend Sarah.
"Hey! Let me see what classes you got Claire." Sarah ran over to Claire and both the girls started talking amongst each other.
"How was Provost Higgins?" Caleb asked as he unlocked the doors to his mustang.
"He was okay, like any other principle." Chris shrugged before continuing "I am also going to try out for the swim team, so since you are the captain, I already know I made the spot." He joked before looking over at his sister who was still talking to Sarah.
"Haha! Yes, that's exactly how it's going to play out." Caleb responded and hooked his arm around his girlfriend.
"Alright Claire, well talk later about school, I can see both boys are getting impatient." Sarah rolled her eyes before giving Caleb a peck on the lips.
"Boys will be impatient no matter what's going on. It's just in their nature." Claire grinned and started getting into the backseat of the car.
"Oh! Almost forgot, tonight we are going to Nicky's for some drinks and then tomorrow we will be going to the bonfire. So Claire Bear, dress to impress because half of the school is going to be at Nicky's tonight. You have tonight and tomorrow to make friends and mingle for cute singles." Sarah wiggled her eyebrows at Claire and she only laughed.
"You're so cute Sarah, but I will definitely, dress to impress." Claire struck a pose at the last of her sentence making Caleb and Sarah laugh.
"And you'll meet the last member of our squad, Reid Garwin." Sarah pouted before continuing "Fair warning though, he's a womanizer and will do anything to get into a girls pants but I'm sure your brothers will scare him off."
"Yes, Caleb has already told me. I prefer brunettes honestly." Claire flashed a smirk before climbing into the back seat after the boys bid farewell to Sarah.
Arriving home, Claire went straight to her room, shut the blinds, set her alarm and decided a nap was well deserved. She fell asleep and dreamed about a certain guy who's hair color changed from brunette to blonde but still kept the same baby blue eyes and smirk.
[A/N]: Was that last line cheesy? I feel like it was but I just couldn't help it...sorry. What did you guys think? Was it good, eh, alright, awesome, can't wait for more, brownies?
Please let me know by reviewing, I really want to know what you guys think, feel, how should Claire and Reid meet? Should Chris find a love interest? Should Caleb know what the twins have in their past? Should Claire stop dreaming about blonde guys with blue eyes? I'm planning on writing this upcoming Monday, since I will be focused on work and school so bear with me!
Side note: Have any of you read The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare?! Have you guys seen the new t.v show? Oh lawdddd, what do you guys think of it?! I literally don't know how to feel about it and I need to fangirl with someone. Let me know!
-Ells x