Chapter 7

The Painting

Claire was shaking when she got on her car. She was fortunate enough to be able to reach her car without falling or crying. Leaving was not her plan but the scene was just so unbearable for her. Seeing her best friend with the guy she really likes pinned on the wall definitely shook her world. She can't even imagine herself going to work; she won't be able to focus. She was battling her mind between going to work or taking a rest when her phone suddenly ring. Claire froze. She was relieved when she saw the caller in her screen.

"H-Hello?" Claire greeted. "Mr. Ashford?"

"You sound shaky, my dear. Are you okay?"

"Yes sir. I'm actually on my way—"

"No, stay there. That was why I called. And I think I'm on the perfect timing, I think you should rest, Claire. I have to go to Umbrella, so I'm afraid we have to set the meeting tomorrow."

"Oh, I think that's important. That will be alright, sir. And I think you're right, I need rest."

"So, I'll see you tomorrow?"

"Yes sir."

Claire leaned on her back and closed her eyes. There goes the answer but it seems to make her stressed more. She definitely doesn't want to go back inside the hotel and hang out with her best friend cuddling up with the guy she likes. That will be extreme torture for her.

The redhead started her engine and began driving. She didn't realize where she was going until the sound of the echoed in her ears. She was in front of the church; soon she was tracing and remembering the only memory she had there. The moment that set her heart back in motion… and now killing her inside. It was definitely something unforgettable but she can't help but wish it never happened. The picture of Alice and Matt flashed in her mind again, it send pain inside her. She wants to cry, to be mad… but she knows better. No one is to be blamed; they were all victims of coincidences. She's not ready to end love not yet started but she's definitely not going to end her friendship with Alice, never.

Claire went outside and started to head to her car. She decided to just let things happen on their own ways, go with the flow. She drove back to the hotel but didn't head straight to their room. She still needs to compose and prepare herself before facing them. The redhead began to explore the whole mansion. Everything was extremely fascinating, the garden, the balcony, the grand hall. She was finally losing her mind to the beauty of the mansion and was about to go and face Alice when she noticed a room. Something was dragging her to go inside, she was fighting the feeling but eventually, she gave in.

"Just a peek…" Claire thought.

Claire slowly opened the door, darkness flooded her sight. It wasn't long before her eyes finally adjusted; she found the switch for the lights and turned them on. Large bookshelves full of books in all sorts of kinds and thickness were revealed. It's a library, something she really needed. Claire is fond of reading; it takes her mind away from the stuffs she doesn't want to think of. She suddenly felt enlightened.

"Well, there's no sign saying that this place is restricted to visitors…" she smiled then took her phone out and turned it off. She's never gonna let anyone disturb her.

She began to scan the books and was soon sitting down the floor, reading. The library offers a lot of literary works she doesn't even think are available on other libraries. Eventually, she forgot all the things she was worrying a while ago. She wasn't even aware of the time anymore. She was able to finish a thick book about premonitions and was ready to start on the second book when she heard a noise at the back of one of the bookshelves.

Claire jumped from the floor and immediately stood. She wasn't the brave type of girl, even at her age she's still afraid of her own bedroom, sometimes. So she's not going to stay there and find out what caused the noise. She hurriedly put all the books she took back to shelves and was ready to run for the door when she heard another noise, then another, then another. But this time it didn't scare her off, those were sound of something falling. She immediately thought of the books she borrowed, maybe she wasn't able to put it back properly. She thought of leaving, at first, but decided not to. If the hotel management finds out that someone used the library but left it unorganized will surely make them close the library, and she doesn't want that.

The redhead went back to the shelf where she put the books back and was surprised to see that the books were in their proper places. Her heart suddenly beat faster, sweats trickled on her forehead.

"Oh shit." Claire exclaimed, waiting for a lady in white to appear in front of her.

She closed her eyes and waited. It only took a matter of seconds until she realized how stupid she's acting. She opened her eyes and scanned the place, nothing happened. It was only then, when she saw a couple of rectangle shaped pieces covered with red cloths stumbled on the far end of the library. Those were the ones who caused the noise and what caused them to stumble, she doesn't want to know. She gathered the pieces and laid it back to the wall. She was about to put the last piece with the others when the red cloth covering it fall on the floor.

Claire's jaw dropped when a painting was revealed, not because it was beautiful but because two pairs of familiar eyes were staring at her.