AN: I made a whoopsie in the last paragraph of the last chapter where is says next few years it should say next few months, but I can't be bothered to go back and edit at the mo. Also Claire's birthday is January 4th
I was thirteen, almost fourteen years old. It was December and Christmas was fast approaching. Quil had just voluntarily carted me from store to store whilst I did my last minute shopping, though I'd gotten him the perfect gift weeks ago everyone else I had still needed to finish.
After we'd finished we went back to my house. My parents were out doing shopping of their own and Julie, my sister was out at a party. So since all three were out late Mom had asked Quil to hang around so I wouldn't be alone. So after I went upstairs to change into my comfy black and blue sweats the two of us snuggled up on the couch with a few blankets and like a trillion pillows like we had so many nights before.
Quil is so perfect. What other guy goes shopping all day with a girl fifteen years younger than him? And he is so warm, like my own personal ray of sunshine…no no no! Stop this now Claire he is like you brother…sure a brother who gives you butterflies and is completely gorgeous and you, ya know, love. No shush! I tried to stop the thoughts that had recently set up camp in my head but they refused to be silenced despite the constant war raging up in the ol' attic. Really I knew the truth I was in love with Quil but still I fought the silent war throughout the movie.
"So Claire, any guys at school catch you eye yet?" Quil asked me the same question about a million times before always waggling his eyes in the same suggestive kind of way. Now he swiveled toward me muting the television looking like he really wanted to know.
"So Quil any gals catch yours?" I dodged the same way every time. He grinned at me; looking adorable I might add, shaking his head sighing, as if to say, yeah-right Claire.
"What? It isn't so impossible the girls of La Push aren't exactly unappealing, nor are you, you know for a guy who is like 6'11" and rather eerie…" I teased.
He lightly shoved my shoulder and the scowled. "Now Claire you must answer my question and in return I will answer any questions you have about the birds and the bees…" mock seriousness unsuccessfully covering the blatant laughter in his voice.
"Ewe Quil!" I squealed just like he knew I would. "No okay? Jeez!" I started giggling wildly.
"I don't see what is so funny." He commented. "I am beginning to think that there is something wrong with you…. Anyway it is… seven now and you need to start to read the book you were assigned for English, once Christmas hits time will fly."
"Fried Green Tomatoes? Come on Quil I have read that book like a zillion times. Not to mention seen the movie a number of times to match." I said rolling my eyes.
"Prove it."
"Fine then I will!" I said accepting the challenge. " My favorite part of the story is the duck fable. 'There used to be a lake here you know? Then one day in November a big flock of ducks landed on the lake but there was a sudden drop in temperature and the lake just froze. And all the ducks just took off taking the lake with them, and it's still out there probably over Alabama by now' See?" I said smugly.
His eyebrows had risen into his hairline. "You Claire are the only girl I know who reads school books out of enjoyment."
"Um…is that a compliment or what?" I asked with genuine confusion.
"A…complimentary observation" He gave me a squeeze around the waist and kissed the top of my head. I sighed and relaxed into his form.
The next thing I knew I was waking up on the couch with the blankets from last night layered on top of me light shining through the window, dull and gray as usual. I looked down and lying on my chest was a folded piece of paper that turned out to be from Quil, Quil who was so much older than me but so completely perfect for me.
I unfolded the note it read:
Claire,
Hey dollface finally woke up eh? I tried to wake you but you nearly bruised
my poor jaw!
I rolled my eyes Quil was pretty sturdy and I doubted a sleepy slug from me would hurt him. The note went on to say:
I had to go to work real early so I left as soon as your parents got back.
Unless you object I am still up to see that new movie I picked up at
blockbuster the other day. Now go eat and I will see you this evening.
Love from,
Quil
As I read the final three words in Quill's sketchy writing my hand reached up to the spot on my head where Quil kissed me the night before without any kind of consent from me. Oh man, I was in trouble.
