Chapter Four

That one bit of information was what pushed Claire over the edge. She couldn't wrap her head around the fact that she and Shane on had around 36 hours to spend together before he left for God knows how long. All she could think about was Shane was leaving her in only 36 hours. She couldn't stop crying. She didn't know how long she laid there in Shane's arms bawling her eyes out, but Shane never tried to stop her and never left her side. Finally after what felt like a year of crying, but in reality was probably only an hour, it dawned on her that she was waiting limited time with Shane crying. Her eyes dried immediately. She sat up, wiped her face, and looked at him.

"Sorry, that was childish of me. I shouldn't have sat her for so long crying."

"Why are you apologizing? You have every right to cry and be upset about this. I know I am. If there was any other way to get this job done I would do it. Are you sure you are okay?" He reached up and used his thumb to wipe away a tear she had missed.

"Yes, I am fine. I know I will cry again, but not now when we have so little time together. I want to spend as much time with you are possible."

"Claire, I love you and I miss you so much. I promise the rest of the time we have alone I won't bring it up again."

They sat there holding each other for awhile. Neither one of them wanted to leave the other's side. They didn't do anything special, just stayed on the couch watching T.V. and talking quietly. Often they would pull each other in and kiss like they would never see each other again, because they both new in the back of their minds that is little problem was a big possibility if something went wrong. Finally the both got hungry since they skipped lunch that to Mrynin calling. They decided to have taco for supper and cook chili tomorrow night for everyone so they needed to go to the store. Eve took her keys with her and probably wouldn't like it if they hotwired her car so they walked to the store. They weren't in a hurry so they took their time, walking slowly and holding hands. They made it to the store and got what they needed with no problems. It was on the way home that they ran into trouble. Right before they passed Common Grounds Monica walked out and headed their way. When she saw them you would have thought she had seen a long lost friend, but Claire knew better. Jennifer and Gina wasn't with her for a change.

"Oh, Claire, I haven't talked to you in ages. How are those new "special" classes working for you, freak?" She made it sound like Claire needed special ed just to walk. "I see you have learned to watch your step so you don't fall down anymore stairs. Shane, just so you know if you ever get tired of babysitting and want a real woman I am always up for the job. You know where to find me. I am willing to show you a real good time."

Shane was about to say something but Claire beat him to it. She was pissed.

"Monica, there is something I have been wanting to say to you. Back the hell off! I am so sick and tired of you thinking you own the world. Just because you have more money than me and you are under contract with Oliver does not mean that I have to lay down and let you walk over me. Yeah, I corrected you a few times on things you should know, but you know what? If you would have taken the time to learn something in school instead of buying your grades with money and sex then maybe I wouldn't have to correct you. I don't give a damn who you are. I will NOT bow down to you. Also, do you know

what you sound like when you keep telling a guy you will sleep with him and in front of his girlfriend for that matter? You may think you sound seductive and hot but you just come off as desperate and sluty. Sure you get guys all the time but those guys could care less who they screw and won't remember your name when they are done with you. Just get over yourself. I don't care what you say or do. I am finished running from you. I just don't care anymore."

Monica just stood there with her mouth hanging open. She didn't say a word. After about a minute Claire reached up, closed Monica's mouth, and walked away. Shane caught up to her and on the way home kept throwing glances her way like he was trying to figure out who she was. Finally she had enough. Before she opened the front door she turned around and looked at him. He had that look again.

"Shane why do you keep looking at me like that?"

"I just am in awe. I have never heard anyone talk to Monica like that. I know plenty of people who want to but don't have the guts. Plus the look on her face was priceless. Eve is going to be pissed that she missed that and we didn't get a picture."

"What? I just wasn't in the mood to deal with a bitch today. I will probably regret it later."

Shane didn't say anything else. He just opened the door, pushed Claire inside, set the bags down, and pulled Claire into a kiss that showed her how proud he was of her. They ate supper and spent the rest of the night in each other's arms not thinking about what was coming on Monday.

A/N- I just wanted to say sorry this chapter was so short. I wanted the main focus to be how Claire finally told Monica off. That is the way I always picture her when she is getting put in her place. I hate people who think they own you and everything. That was just a little side note J