Chapter 9

Peter and Caitlin slept late the next morning, and Mom treated us to a big breakfast. "What are your plans for today, Claire?" Mom asked as we sat around the kitchen table. I smiled at Peter, who ate as though he hadn't had a proper meal in months. Caitlin watched him as well, a smirk on her face, and the two of us winked at each other.

"I wanted to take Peter and Caitlin around the city, since this is their first time here," I announced, and Mom nodded, offering seconds to anyone who wanted more food.

"That would be a great idea! There are a ton of things to do in LA, between shopping and sight seeing." When she finished, Mom put a little extra bacon into Mr. Muggles' dish, and carried it into the mudroom.

Peter raised an eyebrow, and turned to me. "Did she just..." he asked, and Dad sighed.

"I've tried telling her dogs shouldn't be spoiled with table scraps, but after a while it's not worth the effort." he cleared his throat. "well, I'm going to read the paper on the patio. Have a good day, Clairebear," Dad added, and kissed the top of my head. He brough his dirty dishes to the sink, and I ate the last of my toast, encouraging Peter, Caitlin and Wes to get themselves ready.

"Sounds good," Peter replied, and encouraged Caitlin to hop in the shower first.

"There's shampoo, soap and everything in the bathtub already," I explained. "and hairdryer is under the sink."

"Thank you, dear," Caitlin told me, and after I provided her with a couple of towels, she disappeared into the bathroom door. While she showered, Peter and I hung out with Wes in my bedroom. It felt strange having my Uncle by my side again, but was wonderful all the same.

"How's school going?" Peter asked, after I explained how West and I met, and that we've only been going steady for a few days. "are you keeping up with your grades?"

"Oh yeah," I answered.

"She's a model student," West complimented, and I blushed.

"Have you gotten in contact with Nathan at all since you've been back?" I asked, and Peter shook his head.

"No," he admitted. "I was more concerned about getting in touch with you."

I gave him a hug, and sighed with relief. "Well, I'm definitely glad you felt that way," I insisted. "though I would like to see my bio Dad again one of these days."

"I don't know if that's a good idea," Peter muttered. "Claire, he pretty much pushed you away last time. It was like pulling teeth just to get him to talk to you. He's too focused on the election right now. I'd let him alone until he's ready to contact you himself."

I fiddled with my watch, and felt West move closer, wrapping an arm comfortingly around my waist.

"At least I have you," I said, and he smiled.

"You'll always have me, munchkin," he promised.

When Caitlin came in wearing jeans and a cute t-shirt, Peter went to take a shower himself.

"You have a lovely home, Claire," Caitlin told me, and I nodded with approval.

"Thanks," I replied. "I like it here. At least it's not snowing or anything."

West laughed.

Everyone finished getting ready by lunchtime, and we headed out in my Dad's jeep. I had a car of my own at one point, but someone stole it from school grounds after I forgot to lock the doors.

"Someone stole your car?" Peter exclaimed, and I nodded, keeping my eyes on the road. "did you contact the police I hope?"

"Oh yeah," I told him, "but so far we haven't had any luck finding it. I don't think I'll be getting another one for a while, so I have to make due with my parent's cars or get rides with West."

"Which I don't mind being her cheufur in the least," he promised, and Peter nodded his approval. My Uncle's opinion meant a lot, considering how close both of us were.

When we arrived in downtown Los Angeles, I felt so proud to bring my Uncle and his girlfriend on a tour. They walked hand-in-hand, not even thinking about it, and I laced my fingers through West's. He smiled at me, and we arrived at Grauman's Chinese Theater. This was my favorite spot in the city, and I watched as Caitlin inspected all of the hand/foot prints of celebrities from recent and past years.

"I've always dreamt of coming to this place," she admitted, beaming at Peter. "Never thought I'd actually be here!"

He put his hands in his pockets, and she began the famous process of fitting her feet into the imprints. I did the same, and fit Marilyn Monroe's, which had West laughing.

"You're sexier than she ever was," he whispered into my ear, and I felt my cheeks growing warm.

"Ahem!" Peter cleared his throat loudly shortly after West started to kiss my neck, and the two of us parted, our eyes wide.

"Oh, let them be," Caitlin groaned. "Peter, Claire's a big girl now."

I grinned, grateful to have her around for support. My Uncle could be as overprotective as my Dad, though not nearly as bad.

After taking pictures of the four of us at Grauman's, we went shopping. Caitlin and I pawed through some cute outfits, while Peter and West got to have some bonding time.

"So how did you and my Uncle meet?" I asked, and she looked at me. "you two seem really perfect for each other."

"As I said, my brother and his friends found Peter in a shed not far from the pub we work in. He looked to be in bad shape, blood all over 'im. He had a fever and a bad cough for a couple of days after helpin' me through a bad spot...my brother's kind of involved with criminal acts, you see."

"Peter was sick?" I asked, watching as my Uncle and West remained outside, enjoying the sunshine and warm weather.

"A little, yes," Caitlin replied. "he just had a bit of a cold, I think. Laying on a cold floor without a shirt on could do that to you."

I smirked at her comment; that was so old fashioned, and she continued her conversation. "But once he felt better and he was able to help my brother, who unfortunately is not around anymore to repay him, we tried to figure out who he was."

"And you know about his powers," I said, and Caitlin wet her lips.

"He did put on a couple of interesting displays, yes," she replied. "he never really went into detail about what he can do."

"Did he say anything about me?" I asked, and Caitlin put another dress back on the rack, after we decided the color was not at all her style.

"What do you mean? He was worried sick about ya, that's all I know," she admitted. "but other than that, no."

I chewed on my lower lip, wishing I could display my abilities right here in the store. However, the thought of someone possibily being an uninvited witness.

"Um..." I frowned. "this isn't really the place to have this discussion, but I promise I'll show you later."

Caitlin gave a nod, confusion still etched on her face.

When we left the store, I nudged Peter in the side, and he looked at me. "What's up?" he asked, and I folded my arms.

"So...Caitlin tells me you were sick again, huh?" I asked, and he frowned, raising an eyebrow at his girlfriend.

"It was nothing, Claire," he promised. "I had a cold...that's all." he noticed the worry on my face, and gave me a quick hug. "I'm fine," he promised, and I shook my head.

"You're unbelievable," I muttered, and he raised an eyebrow as I stepped back so I could be with West.

"Everything okay?" West asked, and I nodded.

"Oh yeah," I promised, though he cocked his head to one side, not really trusting my answer. However, he knew I didn't want to be pushed, and I appreciated that.

We went out to lunch at the Hardrock Cafe, and talked about the upcoming holidays. I was glad Peter and Caitlin decided to stay with us for Thanksgiving and Christmas; and Peter brought up the idea that the California climate was definitely agreeing with him.

"Are you thinking about moving here?" I asked, and Peter smiled.

"I'm not making any promises," he said, "but it's definitely a possibility."

"I'd love you forever if you decided to stay," I said, and Peter made a face that was part horrified/part amused.

"That's hitting below the belt," he laughed.

"Peter, that would be wonderful," Caitlin agreed. "I planned on following you wherever you wanted to go...and I do love it here," she admitted, and he planted a kiss on her forehead.

"We'll talk about it," he promised, and she seemed satisfied with his response.

When we got home later that evening, Dad surprised us with a Christmas tree in the living room.

"I thought we could start decorating this weekend," he announced, and I grinned.

"It's gorgeous," I breathed, and grinned at West. "I can't believe it's almost Thanksgiving."

"Me either," He agreed. "listen, Claire...I should head home. My parents are probably thinking I died or something."

I pouted, not wanting my boyfriend to leave, but knew he had his own family to spend time with. He hugged and kissed me, thanking my Dad for his hospitality.

"Nice to meet you, Peter," he added to my Uncle, who stood off to the side, and Peter gave a wave.

"Likewise," he agreed, and after West said goodbye, he left the house.

When he was gone, I helped Mom uncover all of our famous Christmas ornaments, lights, and garland. Peter had gone upstairs to lay down for a little while, and Caitlin remained with us in the parlor.

"Did you have a good time in the city?" Mom asked, smiling with rememberence at the homemade ornaments done by Lyle and I in our elementary school days.

"Yes we did," I replied. "wow...I forgot all about that!" I took the paper angel with glitter surrounding it's frame into my hand, and fingered the photograph of my face in the head.

"You were quite the artist," Mom admitted. "you should have seen all the little drawings Claire brought home with her. I think we managed to salvage a bunch of them."

"Mom, don't you dare bring those out," I begged, and Caitlin laughed at my embarassment.

"Oh, don't be so modest, honey," Mom teased. "you definitely have talent. Why you don't persue is beyond me."

I rolled my eyes at Caitlin, who fought laughter.

That night, Peter and I sat on the patio while Caitlin helped my Mom with the leftover dinner dishes. California felt so great at night, being able to enjoy the winter weather and not bundling in multiple layers.

"Are you happy here?" Peter asked, after we remained silent for a couple of minutes, and I looked at him, hugging my knees to my chest. "Be honest."

"Yeah," I replied. "I have to admit, I spent the first three months worrying about you, but despite that fact, I really do like it here. I think I'm more of the warm weather type...I couldn't stand the New York winter, no offense."

"None taken," he laughed. "That's good, though, munchkin. I told you it wouldn't be so bad once you got here. And I really am sorry for everything I put you through. If I had any control over what happened to me, I wouldn't have even thought of doing something like that to you."

"I thought you were angry with me for leaving," I whispered, the truth finally coming out.

"Claire..." Peter started to argue, and I held up my hand.

"I saw the expression you gave me when my Dad and I left the terminal, and it stuck with me ever since."

Peter pulled me into his arms, and held me tightly, and I felt tears trickling down my cheeks. "I didn't mean for you to see that," Peter whispered. "I was sad seeing you leave, but I was not angry. I knew I couldn't come between you and your Dad, and I didn't want to try. I'm your Uncle, and I want what's best for you."

"And my best friend," I squeaked, and he chuckled.

"Yes ma'am," He agreed. "Can I tell you something in confidence? I don't want Caitlin to know just yet," he added, and I leaned forward, holding my breath.

"I found a two bedroom apartment I'm interested in. When I went to take a nap earlier, I called the number of this building I really liked while we were in town this afternoon. I'm taking her to see it tomorrow."

My mouth fell open. "You're moving here?" I gasped. "Oh my God..."

"As I said," he continued, "California agrees with me...it must be something about the air here. I've been feeling a lot better in general."

I embraced my Uncle, just as the door opened, and my Mom stuck her head out.

"Who wants dessert?" she called, and I immediately grabbed Peter's hand, dragging him back inside.